Compact, operator-independent snap-action switching mechanism and electromechanical protective switchgear

Abstract

An operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism (10) for an electromechanical protective switchgear (1) according to the present invention comprises a switching contact having a fixed contact (81) and a movable contact (71) mounted on a movable contact carrier (70) and movable relative to the fixed contact. Furthermore, the compact snap-action switching mechanism (10) comprises a manual operating element (41) for manually operating the compact snap-action switching mechanism (10), the manual operating element being mechanically coupled to the movable contact carrier (70) for manually closing or opening the switching contact. The compact snap-action switching mechanism (10) has a locking lever (200) that can be mechanically coupled to a manual operating element (41) and can be moved in a first direction (x) pointing toward the switching contact in a first phase of the closing movement of the moving contact (71) to lock the movement of the moving contact carrier (70), wherein the locking lever (200) suddenly releases the locking of the moving contact carrier (70) by moving in a second direction (y) in a second phase of the closing movement. The operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism (10) can also be used for a compact protective switchgear (1) due to its space-saving design and is characterized by significantly better switching characteristics and a longer service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a compact, operator-independent, snap-action switching mechanism for an electromechanical protective switching device, in particular a line circuit breaker or a residual current circuit breaker. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electromechanical protective switching device, in particular a line circuit breaker or a residual current circuit breaker, having a corresponding compact, operator-independent, snap-action switching mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Electromechanical protective switching devices, such as power switches, line circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers, and arc extinguishing or fire protection switches, are used to monitor and protect current circuits and are used in particular as switching elements and safety elements in power supply networks and distribution networks. In order to monitor current circuits and provide safety for them, the protective switching device is conductively connected to the electrical lines of the circuit to be monitored via two or more connecting terminals in order to disconnect the current in the corresponding detected circuit when necessary. For this purpose, the protective switching device has at least one switching contact, which can be disconnected when a predefined state occurs, for example when a short circuit or a fault current is detected, in order to separate the monitored current circuit from the power grid. Such protective switching devices are also used in the field of low-voltage technology as series-mounted devices. Known.

[0003] Power switches are designed specifically for high currents. Circuit breakers (LS switches), also known as "miniature circuit breakers" (MCBs), form so-called overcurrent protection devices in electrical installations and are used in particular in low-voltage power networks. Power switches and circuit breakers ensure safe shutdown in the event of a short circuit and protect loads and equipment from overloads, such as overheating caused by excessive current, which could damage the circuit. Power switches and circuit breakers are designed to automatically shut down the current circuit to be monitored in the event of a short circuit or overload, thereby isolating it from the rest of the power grid. Power switches and circuit breakers are therefore used, in particular, as switching and safety elements to monitor and protect current circuits in power supply networks. Line circuit breakers are generally known from patent documents DE 10 2015 217 704 A1, EP 2 980 822 A1, DE 10 2015 213 375 U1 and DE 10 2013 211 539 A1 or EP 2 685 482 B1.

[0004] To disconnect a single-phase line, a single-pole circuit breaker is typically used, typically with a width of one scale unit (one scale unit equals approximately 18 mm). For a three-phase connection, a three-pole circuit breaker is used (as an alternative to three single-pole switchgear). These circuit breakers each have a width of three scale units (approximately 54 mm). Each of the three phase conductors is assigned a pole, or switching position. If, in addition to the three phase conductors, the neutral conductor is to be disconnected, a four-pole device is used, with four switching positions: three for the three phase conductors and one for the common neutral conductor. Furthermore, there are compact circuit breakers, which, with a housing width of only one scale unit, provide two switching contacts, each for a respective connection line, meaning either two phase lines (a 1+1 type compact circuit breaker or two poles per scale unit) or one phase line and a neutral conductor (a 1+N type compact circuit breaker).

[0005] A residual current circuit breaker is a protective device that ensures protection against the generation of dangerous residual currents in electrical installations. This residual current, also known as a differential current, occurs when a voltage-carrying line component comes into electrical contact with the earth. This can occur, for example, if a person touches a voltage-carrying component of an electrical installation: in this case, current flows as a residual current through the person's body to the earth. To prevent this body current, the residual current circuit breaker must quickly and safely disconnect the electrical installation from the power grid at all poles when such a residual current occurs. In general language usage, the terms "Fl circuit breaker" (Fl switch for short), "differential current circuit breaker" (Di switch for short) or RCD (standing for "Residual Current Protective Device") are also used instead of the term "residual current circuit breaker".

[0006] Arc extinguishing switches or fire protection switches are used to detect arc faults, which may occur at defective locations in electrical lines, such as where a cable clamp is loose, or due to a cable break. If the arc fault occurs in series with the load, it will generally not exceed the normal operating current because the operating current is limited by the load. For this reason, traditional overcurrent protection devices (such as fuses or line protection switches) cannot detect arc faults. To determine whether an arc fault exists, the fire protection switch measures the voltage and current changes over time and analyzes and evaluates these voltage and current changes with respect to the change curve that characterizes the arc fault. In (English) professional literature, such protective devices for detecting arc faults are referred to as "arc fault detection devices" (abbreviation: AFDD). In North America, the term "Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter" (abbreviation: AFCI) is common.

[0007] There are also combined device configurations in which the functionality of a residual current circuit breaker is supplemented by that of a line circuit breaker. These combined circuit breakers are known as Fl / LS in German or RCBO in English-speaking regions (standing for Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection). Compared to separate residual current circuit breakers and line circuit breakers, these combined devices have the advantage that each current path has its own residual current circuit breaker: typically, a single residual current circuit breaker is used for multiple current paths. Therefore, if a fault current occurs, all protected circuits are disconnected. By using an RCBO, only the affected current path is disconnected.

[0008] There is a growing trend towards integrating functions into devices, i.e. developing combined circuit breaker devices that cover the functional scope of several individual devices: In addition to the Fl / LS circuit breaker devices described above, which combine the functional scope of a conventional residual current circuit breaker (FI) with that of a line circuit breaker (LS), there are other constructional forms in which, for example, the functionality of a fire protection circuit breaker is integrated into existing devices such as MCBs, RCDs or RCBOs / FlLS.

[0009] Building electrical systems often require numerous protective switchgear devices, which are arranged side by side and integrated in a so-called electrical distribution box, also known as a distribution box or simply a distribution box. The retaining devices that form the internal structure of the distribution box and the current-conducting systems for connecting electrical and / or electronic components are typically located within the distribution box.

[0010] When switching on a protective switchgear, it may occur that due to too slow actuation of the manually operable operating element of the protective switchgear, a "creeping" switching process occurs, during which the switching contacts of the protective switchgear close relatively slowly. Typically, the switching contacts consist of a fixed contact arranged in a fixed position in the housing of the protective switchgear and a movable contact movable relative to the fixed contact. When a voltage is switched on, for example, due to a short circuit, arcing or flashover may occur immediately before actual contact contact occurs if the contact closing speed is relatively slow. The arc generated in this manner heats the contact zone unnecessarily, which can lead to further disadvantages, such as contact welding, a reduction in the switching capacity, or unnecessarily high thermal loads on adjacent components or elements.

[0011] To avoid these disadvantages, circuit breakers designed in particular for higher rated currents have so-called snap-action switching mechanisms that enable a sudden closing of the switching contacts. Due to the additional mechanical components required for the sudden closing, such snap-action switching mechanisms have a significantly more complex mechanical design and are therefore particularly unsuitable for compact switchgear in which two switching contacts are arranged in one indexing unit. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and is characterized by a compact design, as well as an electromechanical switching device having such an operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism.

[0013] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an operator-independent, compact, snap-action switching mechanism and an electromechanical switching device having such an operator-independent, compact, snap-action switching mechanism according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, an operator-independent, compact, snap-action switching mechanism for an electromechanical protective switchgear, in particular a line circuit breaker or residual current circuit breaker, comprises a switching contact having a fixed contact and a movable contact mounted on a movable contact carrier and movable relative to the fixed contact. For manual operation of the compact snap-action switching mechanism, the movable contact carrier can be mechanically coupled to a manual operating element of the protective switchgear via a drive support to manually close or open the switching contacts. Furthermore, the compact snap-action switching mechanism comprises a locking lever that can be mechanically coupled to the manual operating element and can be moved in a first direction toward the switching contact during a first phase of the closing movement of the movable contact to block the movement of the movable contact carrier. The locking lever suddenly releases the locking of the movable contact carrier by moving in a second direction during a second phase of the closing movement.

[0015] The locking lever is coupled to the manual operating element indirectly or directly via another mechanical coupling element, so that it can be actuated when manually closing the protective switchgear. To lock the moving contact carrier, the locking lever is moved in a first direction toward the switch contact during a first phase of the closing movement. In a second phase, which temporally follows the first phase of the closing movement, the locking lever is moved in a second direction, oriented transversely to the first direction, thereby releasing the locking of the moving contact carrier abruptly and, therefore, independently of the speed of the movement of the manual operating element, i.e., independently of the operator.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the compact snap-action switching mechanism that is independent of the operator, the locking lever is designed in two parts with a first part and a second part.

[0017] Due to the two-component design, the function of the locking lever can be adapted more flexibly to the limited space in the housing of the electromechanical circuit breaker device.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism, the abrupt movement in the second direction is effected by the first part of the locking lever, while the locking of the movable contact carrier is effected by the second part of the locking lever. By distributing the functions provided by the locking lever to the two separate components or parts that comprise it, easier adjustment or calibration is possible. This further simplifies the installation of the compact snap-action switching device or protective switchgear.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the compact snap-action switching device, the first part can be moved relative to the second part in a positively guided manner. This positive guidance can be achieved, for example, by means of a sliding guide. This allows a maximum range of motion to be defined, thereby effectively preventing undesirable kinematic states.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism has a maximum width of half a scale unit. The advantage of this operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism is that, due to its space-saving design, it can be installed in a housing section of an electromechanical circuit breaker device that is only half a scale unit wide (one scale unit (TE) equals approximately 18 millimeters). This allows the compact switching mechanism to be used in compact circuit breaker devices that have two current paths, each with a switching contact, while having a width of only one scale unit, such as 1+N or 1+1 compact circuit breakers. This also improves the switching characteristics of such compact circuit breaker devices, resulting in a higher stability or service life.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism includes an additional switching contact having an additional fixed contact and an additional movable contact that is movable relative to the additional fixed contact and mounted on an additional movable contact carrier, wherein the additional movable contact carrier is also mechanically coupled to the manual operating element. Furthermore, the compact snap-action switching mechanism includes an additional locking lever that is mechanically coupled to the manual operating element and serves to lock the additional movable contact carrier. This creates an operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism that can be used for compact circuit breakers having two switching contacts per indexing unit. The additional locking lever for locking the additional movable contact carrier does not necessarily have to move parallel to the first locking lever in the first direction (during the first phase of the closing movement) or in the second direction (during the second phase of the closing movement). While this is possible, it is not absolutely necessary and depends essentially on the design of the electromechanical circuit breaker.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment of the operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism, the movable contact carrier and the further movable contact carrier can move in opposite directions. This allows for an extremely compact design of the compact snap-action switching mechanism, and thus of the electromechanical protective switchgear. However, this also means that the further locking lever can be moved in another first direction during the first phase of its closing movement in order to block the movement of the further movable contact carrier, wherein the other first direction does not necessarily have to be the first direction. Similarly, due to the opposite arrangement of the two movable contact carriers, the other second direction of the further locking lever, which occurs during the second phase of the closing movement, may not be the second direction of the first locking lever.

[0023] The electromechanical protective switchgear according to the invention, in particular designed as a line circuit breaker or residual current circuit breaker, comprises a housing having a front side, a fixed side opposite the front side, and a narrow side and a wide side connecting the front side and the fixed side. Furthermore, the protective switchgear comprises an operator-independent, compact snap-action switching mechanism of the aforementioned type, which is accommodated and held in the housing.

[0024] The advantages of electromechanical circuit breaker devices with a compact, operator-independent snap-action switching mechanism can be compared to the advantages listed above for compact, operator-independent snap-action switching mechanisms. If the circuit breaker device has only one switching position, i.e., a switching contact, the advantage of using the compact snap-action switching mechanism according to the present invention is that the space not required due to the compact design can be used for other functions, such as a module for arc fault detection. This also enables the implementation of a combined device design that combines the functions of multiple separate circuit breaker devices in a single device with a width of only one scale unit.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the electromechanical circuit breaker, the manual operating element is arranged eccentrically between the two narrow sides. In particular, in situations where space is limited, such as occurs in compact circuit breakers, the eccentric arrangement of the manual operating element between the two narrow sides proves to be space-saving and therefore advantageous.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the electromechanical circuit breaker is designed as a two-pole compact circuit breaker with a housing width of only one scale unit. With regard to the advantages of this two-pole compact circuit breaker, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the advantages of the operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism according to the invention and the electromechanical circuit breaker according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of a compact, operator-independent snap-action switching mechanism and an electromechanical switching device are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the basic structure of a compact protective switching device in different viewing angles;

[0029] Figures 3 to 6 A schematic diagram showing different switching-on phases of a switching mechanism without a snap-action function known from the prior art;

[0030] Figures 7 and 8 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a compact snap-action switching mechanism according to the present invention in the off position;

[0031] Figures 9 to 12 A schematic diagram showing a locking lever of a first embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism according to the present invention;

[0032] Figures 13 to 19 A schematic diagram showing a switching process of a first embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism according to the present invention;

[0033] Figures 20 to 22 A schematic diagram showing a shut-off process of a first embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism according to the present invention;

[0034] Figures 23 to 27 A schematic diagram showing a locking lever of a second embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism according to the present invention;

[0035] Figures 28 to 35 A schematic diagram showing a switching process of a second embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 36 and Figure 37 A schematic diagram showing an intermediate position of a shutoff process of a second embodiment of a compact snap-action switching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0037] In the different views of the drawings, identical parts are always provided with the same reference numerals. The description applies to all figures in which corresponding parts can be seen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The basic structure of the compactly designed protection switching device 1 is explained in more detail. Figure 1 The protective switchgear is shown in a side view; Figure 2 A corresponding top view is shown. The circuit breaker device 1 has a housing 2, which is preferably made of an insulating material and has a front side 3, a mounting side 4 opposite the front side 3, and narrow and wide sides 5 and 6 connecting the front side 3 to the mounting side 4. The circuit breaker device 1 can be fastened to a support rail or cap rail (not shown) by means of a slide 7 movably supported on the housing 2 in the region of the mounting side 4. A manual operating element 41 is arranged in the region of the front side 3, by means of which the circuit breaker device 1 can be manually operated, i.e., switched on and off.

[0039] The housing 2 is designed in a narrow configuration and has a width B of only one graduation unit TE, i.e., approximately 18 mm. An imaginary dividing line 8 (shown as a dashed line) extends in the middle of the housing 2 and divides the housing 2 into two sub-areas of approximately equal size, namely a first current path area 21 and a second current path area 22. Figure 1In the view of FIG, the dividing line 8 is shown exactly centered and oriented parallel to the broad side 6. However, this is only due to the Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration and is not absolutely necessary. However, it is naturally possible for individual sections of the two current path regions 21, 22 to have a higher or lower space requirement in the width direction, so that the dividing line 8 in this section does not extend centrally and / or parallel to the broadside 6. The dividing line 8 can also be designed in sections as a dividing wall between the first current path region 21 and the second current path region 22, for example, to electrically insulate the two regions from one another.

[0040] Both the first current path region 21 and the second current path region 22 are provided for connecting an external connecting conductor L1 or L2, respectively. For this purpose, the two current path regions 21, 22 each have two connecting terminals 23, one of which is arranged in the region of one narrow side 5 and the other in the region of the other narrow side 5. For electrical contacting, the external phase conductors L1 and L2 are passed through openings formed in the narrow sides 5 and are electrically conductively connected to the connecting terminals 23 located downstream of the openings.

[0041] Inside the housing 2, the connection terminals 23 of each of the two current path regions 21 and 22 are electrically conductively connected to one another via a current path extending from one narrow side 5 to the opposite narrow side 5. To interrupt the current path, a first switching contact 24 is arranged in the first current path region 21. This first switching contact can be opened by a first magnetic trigger 26 in the event of an electrical short circuit. Correspondingly, a second switching contact 25 is arranged in the second current path region 22. This second switching contact can be opened by a second magnetic trigger 27 in the event of an electrical short circuit. For this purpose, the magnetic triggers 26 and 27 each have a magnetic coil, by means of which a movably mounted plunger can be actuated. When a short-circuit current flows through the magnetic coil, the plunger moves from the magnetic coil toward the corresponding switching contact 24 or 25, thereby opening the switching contact.

[0042] In terms of the structural design of the protective switching device 1, the two magnetic trippers 26 and 27 are not arranged side by side in the width direction, but are arranged in the housing 2 for space reasons, that is, accommodated and held in the region of the two narrow sides 5. The two oppositely actuatable switching contacts 24 and 25 are arranged essentially centrally between the two magnetic trippers 26 and 27 in the housing 2. This makes it possible to achieve an extremely compact arrangement.

[0043] In addition to the disconnection of the switch contacts 24 and 25 due to a short circuit by means of a magnetic trigger 26 or 27 respectively corresponding to the switch contacts, the two switch contacts 24 and 25 can also be operated by manually operating a manual operating element 41 arranged on the front side 3 with the help of a switching mechanism suitable for this purpose, which establishes a mechanical connection with the switch contacts 24 and 25.

[0044] Below the first or second magnetic trigger 26 or 27, i.e. in the direction of the fixed side 4, the housing 2 accommodates and holds the first or second arc extinguishing chamber 28 or 29 corresponding to the corresponding trigger 26 or 27. The two arc extinguishing chambers 28 and 29 are used to divide the arc that occurs when the respectively assigned switching contact 24 or 25 is disconnected into a plurality of partial arcs, cool them and thereby extinguish the arc. The protective switch device usually also has at least one thermal trigger for triggering the protective switch device in the event of a thermal overload. The thermal trigger also acts directly and / or indirectly on the respectively assigned switching contact in order to disconnect the current path corresponding to the switching contact in the event of a thermal overload. However, since this is not important for the present invention, the thermal trigger is not shown for the sake of clarity of the diagram.

[0045] Figures 3 to 6 The different switching-on phases of a conventional, operation-dependent switching-on process of a switching mechanism 10' known from the prior art and without a snap-action function are schematically shown. The switching mechanism 10' comprises a stationary contact 81 which is arranged in a fixed position in the housing 2 of the protective switchgear 1 and which forms a switching contact together with a moving contact 71 which is movable relative to the stationary contact 81. The moving contact 71 is mounted for movement on a moving contact carrier 70 which is movably coupled to a pawl 52 of the switching mechanism 10' (shown in dashed lines to more clearly illustrate the components arranged behind it) via a coupling bracket 54. The pawl 52 is in turn connected to the switching mechanism 10' via a drive bracket 51 (see, for example, Figure 6 ) is movably coupled to the manual operating element 41. By means of this mechanical action chain, the moving contact carrier 70 can be operated by manually operating the manual operating element 41.

[0046] Figure 3 The OFF position of the switching mechanism 10 ′ is shown, wherein a first current path region of the compact circuit breaker device is shown here, which has a Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram in FIG corresponds to a principle configuration with two switching positions. The switching contacts are open, and the moving contact 71 is clearly spaced apart from the fixed contact.

[0047] Figure 4An intermediate position of the switching process is shown. The end of the drive bracket 51 guides the pawl 52 in the elongated hole 55 formed in the partition wall. In this position, the pawl 52 is slightly moved downward and supported by an engagement projection 62 formed on the partition wall on an engagement edge 61 formed on a trigger lever 60 mounted pivotably in the housing 2, thereby producing an engagement of the switching mechanism 10'.

[0048] As the pawl 52 moves along the long hole 55, the upper end of the moving contact carrier 70 is pressed to the lower right due to the mechanical coupling of the coupling bracket 54. The switch spring 91 supported in the housing 2 simultaneously presses the middle section of the moving contact carrier 70, thereby causing the lower end of the moving contact carrier (on which the moving contact 71 is arranged) to move toward the static contact 81. A stop portion 13 is also constructed on the partition wall, and the moving contact carrier 70 is Figure 4 In the intermediate position, the movable contact 71 rests against the stop, with the movable contact 71 just touching the fixed contact 81. In this state, there is no contact force between the fixed contact 81 and the movable contact 71, so that when voltage is present, dynamic contact separation and / or flashover with arc generation may occur.

[0049] exist Figure 5 Finally, the switching mechanism 10' is shown in its ON position. The manual operating element 41 has fully reached its ON position, causing the pawl 52 to press against the lower end of the elongated hole 55. Due to the mechanical coupling via the coupling bracket 54, the upper end of the movable contact carrier 70 is pressed further downward and to the right. The spring force exerted on the movable contact carrier 70 by the switching spring 91 presses the movable contact 71, arranged at the lower end of the movable contact carrier 70, against the fixed contact 81 with the required contact force. This fully closes the switch contacts.

[0050] Figure 6 The second current path area of the compact protective switchgear is shown. Figure 3 Corresponding view, the compact protective switchgear and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram is constructed similarly and has two switch positions, differing in that the manual operating element 41 is arranged on the left. In this illustration, the drive bracket 51, which mechanically couples the pawl 52 to the manual operating element 41, is particularly clearly visible. To distinguish between the two current path areas, the reference numerals of the individual components of the second current path area are indicated by an "'" added to the original reference numerals, but otherwise correspond to the components of the first current path area.

[0051] Figures 7 and 8A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention is shown in the off position. The compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention is similar in its mechanical construction to the first embodiment of a compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention. Figures 3 to 6 The conventional switching mechanism 10′ shown without a snap-action function is similar. For this reason, identical components used in both switching mechanism variants are given the same reference numerals. In the illustrated off position of the compact snap-action mechanism 10, the manual operating element 41 is also in its off position, which corresponds to the maximum possible rotation position in the clockwise direction. The switching contacts are accordingly open, with the moving contact 71 clearly spaced apart from the fixed contact 81. The engaging projection 62 of the pawl 52 has not yet engaged the engaging edge 61 of the trigger lever 60. The moving contact carrier 70 is mounted on a stop 13 that is fixedly configured in the housing 2.

[0052] and Figures 3 to 6 Unlike the illustrated switching mechanism 10' without snap action, the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated here additionally has a locking lever 200 constructed in one piece. Figures 9 to 12 Detailed illustrations are shown in various views. The locking lever 200 has an elongated hole 213 at its upper end with an abutment contour 214, which engages with the end of the drive carriage 51. This mechanical coupling of the locking lever 200 and the pawl 52 is achieved: if the pawl 52 is pressed downward by the drive carriage 51, the end of the drive carriage 51 also moves downward in the elongated hole 55 formed in the partition wall. In this case, as soon as the drive carriage 51 strikes the abutment contour 214 formed at the lower end of the elongated hole 213, the locking lever 200 also moves downward in the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81.

[0053] The locking lever 200 has a guide pin 211 at its lower end. This pin is supported on a guide contour 11 formed on the housing 2 of the protective switchgear 1 and slides along this guide contour when the locking lever 200 moves downward. The guide contour extends downward toward the switching contacts 71, 81 to an inclined edge 12, also formed on the housing 2. From there, the guide pin 211 is no longer supported on the guide contour 11 and, under appropriate force loading, moves to the left in a second direction y, oriented transversely to the first direction x. To reset the locking lever 200, the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 has a return spring 31, for example, designed as a torsion spring or a helical torsion spring. This return spring is supported on the housing 2 and is pressed against the lower end of the locking lever 200 counter to the second direction y.

[0054] Furthermore, the locking lever 200 has a nose-like locking contour 212 at its lower end, which is Figure 7 and Figure 8In the shown off position, it is not functional, but when the locking rod 200 is moved downwards in the x-direction, the function of the contact contour for the moving contact carrier 70 is taken over from the stop 13 arranged in a fixed position in the housing 2. With the help of this movable contact contour formed by the locking contour 212, the moving contact 71 can maintain a distance from the fixed contact 81 for a longer time, regardless of the speed of the movement of the manual operating element 41. The switching contact can thus remain open for a longer time and only close suddenly when the guide pin 211 moves beyond the inclined edge 12 and can no longer be supported on the guide contour 11. Figures 13 to 19 This effect is described in more detail independently of the operator's switch-on process.

[0055] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A view showing the compact snap-action mechanism 10 in the off position, Figure 13 and 14 Shows the following Figure 7 and Figure 8 After the first intermediate position, where Figure 14 It also shows Figure 13 Detailed view of the view of FIG. In this first intermediate position, the manual operating element 41 is moved somewhat toward its on position, that is, counterclockwise. Accordingly, the pawl 52, driven by the mechanical coupling to the manual operating element 41 via the drive bracket 51, moves somewhat downward in the elongated hole 55 formed in the partition wall. The pawl 52 is then supported on the engagement edge 61 of the trigger lever 60 via the engagement projection 62 formed thereon, thereby achieving engagement of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in this first intermediate position, the end of the drive support 51 guided in the elongated hole 55 reaches the abutment contour 214, i.e., the lower end of the locking lever elongated hole 213, so that the locking lever 200 moves in the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81 when the manual operating element 41 is further moved toward its switched position, also driven by the drive support 51. Although the moving contact carrier 70 still abuts against the stop 13 arranged in a fixed position in the housing 2, it now also contacts the nose-shaped locking contour 212 formed on the lower end of the locking lever 200.

[0057] Figure 15 and 16 A second intermediate position is shown, wherein Figure 16 It also shows Figure 15Detailed view of the view. The manual operating element 41 is again adjusted slightly counterclockwise toward its on position. The moving contact 71 moves toward the fixed contact 81. After all bearing play and elasticity have been overcome, the locking contour 212 formed on the lower end of the locking lever 200 takes over the function of the moving contact carrier stop from the stop 13, which is fixed in position in the housing 2. The function of the moving contact carrier stop is therefore no longer fixed, but is instead designed to be movable in the form of the locking contour 212 formed on the locking lever 200. By further actuating the manual operating element 41 toward the on position, the locking contour 212 moves in the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81 as the locking lever 200 moves. Furthermore, a guide pin 211, also formed on the lower end of the locking lever 200 and supported on the control contour 11, which is fixed in position in the housing 2, prevents contact between the moving contact 71 and the fixed contact 81. The switch contacts 71 , 81 are forced to remain in a slightly open position, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of flashover or arcing.

[0058] Figure 17 and 18 The third or fourth intermediate position of the compact snap-action switch mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 16 Compared to the second intermediate position shown, Figure 17 The manual operating element 41 in the third intermediate position shown is adjusted a little further in the counterclockwise direction toward its on position. The upper end of the movable contact carrier 70 is further moved to the right and lower by the coupling bracket 54 and is driven by the switch spring 91 (see Figure 13 ) is pressed onto the locking contour 212 of the locking lever 200 , which in turn is supported via a guide pin 211 on the guide contour 11 formed on the housing 2 .

[0059] In contrast, the guide pin 211 of the locking lever 200 is Figure 18 In the fourth intermediate position shown, the movement exceeds the inclined edge 12, so that the guide pin no longer rests on the guide contour 11. Consequently, the lower end of the movable contact carrier 70, together with the movable contact 71 arranged thereon, is abruptly moved in the second direction y toward the fixed contact 81, driven by the spring force exerted on the movable contact carrier 70 by the switching spring 91. Consequently, the closing of the switching contacts 71, 81 in this manner is independent of the actuation speed of the manual operating element 41 in the direction of its switched position. Furthermore, in the fourth intermediate position shown here, the contact force between the fixed contact 81 and the movable contact 71 is already significantly greater than zero, so that the aforementioned negative effects, such as arc formation or dynamic contact separation, can be effectively avoided when closing the energized switching contacts.

[0060] Figure 19Finally, the final ON position of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 is shown. The manual operating element 41 is in its final ON position, defined by the housing stop. The upper end of the movable contact carrier 70 is pressed to the right as far as possible by the coupling bracket 54. The lower end of the movable contact carrier 70, together with the movable contact 71 arranged thereon, is pressed to the left with maximum force against the fixed contact 81 by the switching spring 91. This allows for a low-resistance and safe flow of current through the switching contacts 71, 81.

[0061] During the switching process, i.e., before the actual closing of the switching contacts 71, 81, the predefined contact distance can be influenced primarily by the geometry of the guide profile 11 and the structural shape of the nose-shaped locking profile 212. The geometry of the guide profile 11 or the structural shape of the nose-shaped locking profile 212 shown in this exemplary embodiment is to be understood merely as an example; other structural designs that produce the same effect are also possible within the scope of the present invention. According to the present invention, the operator-dependent closing of the switching contacts known from the prior art for compact switchgear (which is achieved by continuously approaching the moving contact 71 to the fixed contact 81) is replaced by a forced, operator-independent, abrupt closing of the switching contacts 71, 81 at a predefined switching position of the manual operating element 41 and a predefined contact force greater than zero, by the positively controlled movement of the movable contact carrier stop in the form of the locking profile 212.

[0062] and Figures 13 to 19 Correspondingly, in Figures 20 to 22 The diagram schematically shows three intermediate positions of the switch-off process of the first embodiment of the compact snap-action switch mechanism 10 according to the present invention. The starting point of the study is the compact snap-action switch mechanism 10 that has already been Figure 19 The end point is the switched-on position shown in Figure 7 and 8 The above-mentioned off position shown. In order to turn off the protective switch device 1, the manual operating element 41 moves clockwise to the right. The pawl 52 is pulled upward in the long hole 55 constructed in the partition wall by the drive bracket 51 coupled to the manual operating element 41. In addition, the moving contact carrier 70 is operated by the coupling bracket 54 coupled to the pawl 52. The locking rod 200 has not been operated here, because the long hole 213 of the locking rod 200 first forms an idle stroke for the end of the drive bracket 51. Only when the drive bracket 51 reaches the upper end of the long hole 213, the locking rod 200 is reset to its initial position, i.e., the end of the drive bracket 51 in the opposite direction x. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shown in the off position.

[0063] Furthermore, at the start of the shutdown process, the movement of the locking lever 200 is still blocked by the interaction of the moving contact carrier 70 and the inclined edge 12 until sufficient space is available for the locking lever 200 to return due to the movement of the moving contact carrier 70. The locking lever 200 is continuously loaded with a spring force by the return spring 31, which pushes the locking lever 200 against the second direction y. The return spring 31 is dimensioned so that the spring force acting on the locking lever 200 is just sufficient to overcome the inertial forces of the locking lever 200 and the friction forces occurring during the return movement. If the locking lever 200 is blocked, a suitable compensating geometry, in this case, the slot 213, must be present to prevent the movement of the manual operating element 41 from being blocked.

[0064] As an alternative to the return spring 31 used here, a dedicated control contour can also be used to counteract the transition contour formed by the inclined edge 12 for resetting the locking lever 200. However, for reasons of space, reliability and stability, the use of a return spring seems more reasonable.

[0065] Figures 23 to 27 A second embodiment of a compact snap-action switch mechanism 10 according to the present invention is schematically shown in various views. The locking lever 200 is designed in two parts and consists of a first part 201 and a second part 202 that are movably coupled to each other. To illustrate the installation position of the two-part locking lever 200, Figures 28 to 37 Different switching states of a compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 with a two-component locking lever 200 are schematically shown.

[0066] A pivot 227 is formed on the first part 201 of the two-part locking lever 200 and, in the installed state, is guided in an elongated slot 229 formed on the second part 202. In addition, a contact surface 228 is formed on each of the two parts 201, 202, which serves as a guide during the relative movement between the first part 201 and the second part 202.

[0067] The coupling of the locking lever 200 to the manual operating element 41 via the drive carrier 51 is again achieved via an elongated hole 223 with a corresponding contact contour 224, which is formed at the upper end of the second part 202. The contact contour 224 engages with the end of the drive carrier 51 when the locking lever 200 moves in the first direction x, thereby mechanically coupling the locking lever 200 to the pawl 52. If the pawl 52 is pressed downward by the drive carrier 51, the end of the drive carrier 51 also moves downward in the elongated hole 55 formed in the partition wall. Once the drive carrier 51 strikes the contact contour 214 formed at the lower end of the elongated hole 223, the second part 202 of the locking lever 200 also moves downward in the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81.

[0068] Follower contours 225 and 226 are respectively formed on the two parts 201 and 202 of the two-part locking lever 200. The first part 201 of the two-part locking lever 200 is also moved synchronously with the second part 202 along the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81 via the follower contour 226 formed on the second part 202 and the corresponding follower contour 227 formed on the first part 201.

[0069] A guide pin 221 is integrally formed on the lower end of the first part 201 of the locking lever 200. This guide pin is supported on a guide contour 11 formed on the housing 2 of the protective switchgear 1 and slides along this guide contour during the downward movement of the locking lever 200. The guide contour 11 extends downward toward the switching contacts 71, 81 to an inclined edge 12 also formed on the housing 2. From there, the guide pin 221 is no longer supported on the guide contour 11 and, under appropriate force loading, moves to the left in a second direction y, which is oriented transversely to the first direction x.

[0070] To reset the locking lever 200 , the second embodiment of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 also has a return spring 31 , for example designed as a torsion spring or a helical torsion spring, which is supported on the housing 2 and pressed against the lower end of the locking lever 200 counter to the second direction y.

[0071] The locking lever 200 according to the second embodiment also has a nose-shaped locking contour 222 at its lower end, which is formed by the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10. Figure 28 It is not functional in the shown off position, but when the locking rod 200 is moved in the x direction, it takes over the function of the contact contour for the moving contact carrier 70 from the stop 13 arranged in a fixed position in the housing 2. With the help of this movable contact contour formed by the locking contour 222, the moving contact 71 can maintain a distance from the fixed contact 81 for a longer time, regardless of the speed of the movement of the manual operating element 41. The switching contact can thus remain open for a longer time and only suddenly close when the guide pin 221 moves beyond the inclined edge 12 and can no longer be supported on the guide contour 11. Figures 28 to 35 This effect is described in more detail independently of the operator's switch-on process.

[0072] The following is based on Figures 28 to 35 The switching process of the second exemplary embodiment of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention will be explained in more detail. Figure 28 Compared with the first exemplary embodiment Figure 7 and Figure 8Similarly, a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention is shown in the OFF position. Figures 29 to 34 Compared with the first embodiment Figures 9 to 18 Similarly, the intermediate positions of the switching-on process of the second exemplary embodiment are schematically shown in chronological order. Figure 35 Compared with the first embodiment Figure 19 Similarly, the final switched-on position of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 is schematically shown when using a two-component locking lever 200 .

[0073] Figure 29 A first intermediate position is shown, in which the manual operating element 41 is in contact with the Figure 28 The pawl 52 is moved downwards a little in the long hole 55 formed in the partition wall by the mechanical coupling of the drive bracket 51 and the manual operating element 41, and is supported on the engagement edge 61 of the trigger lever 60 by the engagement protrusion 62 formed on the pawl 52 (see FIG. Figure 30 ), thereby forming the engagement of the compact snap-action switch mechanism 10.

[0074] Furthermore, the end of the drive support 51 guided in the elongated hole 55 reaches the contact contour 224 in this first intermediate position (see in detail Figure 23 ), i.e. the lower end of the locking lever slot 223, so that the second part 201 of the locking lever 200 moves along the first direction x toward the switch contacts 71, 81 when the manual operating element 41 is also driven by the drive bracket 51 to move further toward its on position. Figure 28 In the shown off position, the movable contact carrier 70 is already positioned on the upper end of the guide slot 229, so that the follower contours 225, 226 of the first and second parts 201, 202 are in contact with each other, so that the first part 201 also follows the second part 202 in this early switching-on phase and moves along the first direction x in the direction of the switching contacts 71, 81. Figure 29 In the first intermediate position shown, the stop 13 arranged stationary in the housing 2 is still in contact, but now also the nose-like locking contour 222 formed on the lower end of the first part 201 of the locking lever 200 has been contacted.

[0075] Figure 30 A second intermediate position is shown, in which the manual operating element 41 is in contact with the Figure 28Compared to being adjusted somewhat further toward its on position, i.e., counterclockwise, the moving contact 71 moves toward the fixed contact 81. After all bearing play and elasticity have been overcome, the locking contour 222 formed on the lower end of the locking lever 200 takes over the function of the moving contact carrier stop from the stop 13, which is fixedly arranged in the housing 2. The moving contact carrier stop is therefore no longer fixed in position, but is instead designed to be movable in the form of the locking contour 222 formed on the first part 201 of the locking lever 200. By further actuating the manual operating element 41 toward the on position, the locking contour 222 moves along the first direction x toward the switching contacts 71, 81 as the locking lever 200 moves. Furthermore, a guide pin 221, also formed on the lower end of the first part 201 of the locking lever 200 and supported on the control contour 11, which is fixedly arranged in the housing 2, prevents contact between the moving contact 71 and the fixed contact 81. The switch contacts 71 , 81 are forced to remain in a slightly open position, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of flashover or arcing.

[0076] Figure 31 and Figure 32 and Figure 17 Similarly, the third intermediate position of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 is now shown with a two-component locking lever 200, wherein Figure 32 Shows Figure 31 Detailed view of the view. Figure 30 Compared to the second intermediate position shown, the manual operating element 41 in the third intermediate position is adjusted a little further in the counterclockwise direction toward its on position. The upper end of the movable contact carrier 70 is further moved to the right and lower by the coupling bracket 54 and is driven by the switch spring 91 (see, for example, Figure 13 ) is pressed onto the locking contour 222 of the second part of the locking lever 200, which in turn is supported on the guide contour 11 constructed on the housing 2 via a guide pin 221 formed on the first part 201 of the locking lever 200.

[0077] Figure 33 and 34 and Figure 18 Similarly, the third intermediate position of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 is now shown with a two-component locking lever 200, wherein Figure 32 Shows Figure 31 Detailed view of the view of the manual operating element 41 has been adjusted somewhat towards its switched-on position, whereby the guide pin 221 formed on the first part 201 of the locking lever 200 has moved beyond the inclined edge 12 and is therefore no longer supported on the guide contour 11 formed in the housing 2. As a result, the lower end of the movable contact carrier 70 is in contact with the movable contact 71 arranged thereon via a switching spring (see, for example, Figure 13 ) The spring force applied to the movable contact carrier 70 suddenly moves along the second direction y toward the fixed contact 81. Therefore, the closing of the switching contacts 71, 81 in this manner is independent of the operating speed of the manual operating element 41 in the direction of its ON position. Furthermore, in the fourth intermediate position shown here, the contact force between the fixed contact 81 and the movable contact 71 is already significantly greater than zero, so that when closing the energized switching contacts, the aforementioned negative effects, such as arc formation or dynamic contact separation, can be effectively avoided.

[0078] Figure 35 Finally, the final on position of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 with the two-part locking lever 200 is schematically shown. The manual operating element 41 is in its final on position, defined by the housing stop. The upper end of the moving contact carrier 70 is pushed to the right as far as possible by the coupling bracket 54; the switching spring 91 (see, for example, Figure 13 ) The lower end of the moving contact carrier 70 and the moving contact 71 arranged on the lower end are pressed to the left with the maximum force against the fixed contact 81. Therefore, a low-resistance and safe current flow can be achieved through the switching contacts 71, 81.

[0079] During the closing movement, the moving contact 71 and the fixed contact 81 are forcibly guided away from each other until they reach the third intermediate position. The predetermined contact distance that occurs here can be influenced primarily by, on the one hand, the geometry of the guide contour 11 formed on the housing 2 and the structural shape of the nose-shaped locking contour 222, and, on the other hand, by the contact surface 228 formed on the first and second components 201, 202. The geometric shapes of the guide contour 11, the locking contour 222, and the contact surface 228 shown in this embodiment are intended to be understood merely as examples; other structural designs that produce the same effect are also possible within the scope of the present invention. According to the present invention, the forcibly controlled movement of the moving contact carrier stop in the form of the locking contour 222 enables a forcibly controlled, operator-independent, abrupt closing of the switching contacts 71, 81 at a predefined switching position of the manual operating element 41 and a predefined contact force greater than zero, replacing the operator-dependent closing of the switching contacts known from the prior art by continuously bringing the moving contact 71 close to the fixed contact 81.

[0080] Figure 36 and Figure 37 The intermediate position of the switching-off process of the first embodiment of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the present invention is schematically shown, wherein: Figure 37 Shows Figure 36 The starting point for the investigation of the shutdown process is the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 in the Figure 35The end point of the study is Figure 28 The above-mentioned off position is shown. To shut down the protective switchgear 1, the manual operating element 41 is moved clockwise to the right. The pawl 52 is pulled upward in the elongated hole 55 formed in the partition wall by the drive bracket 51 coupled to the manual operating element 41. Furthermore, the moving contact carrier 70 is actuated by the coupling bracket 54 coupled to the pawl 52. At the beginning of the shut-off process, the second part 202 of the locking lever 200 has not yet been actuated, because the elongated hole 223 formed in the second part 202 initially forms a free play for the end of the drive bracket 51 until it reaches the upper end of the elongated hole 223. As the shut-off process continues, the drive bracket 51 reaches the upper end of the elongated hole 223, causing the second part of the locking lever 200 to be moved back to its initial position by the drive bracket 51 counter to the first direction x.

[0081] At the beginning of the shutdown process, the first part 201 of the locking lever 200 is locked by the second part 202, the inclined edge 12, and the moving contact carrier 70. Finally, due to the movement of the moving contact carrier 70, sufficient space exists for the two-part locking lever 200 to be moved back. For this purpose, the first part 201 of the locking lever 200 is continuously loaded with a spring force by a return spring 31, which pushes the first part 201 against the second direction y. The return spring 31 is dimensioned so that the spring force acting on the first part of the locking lever 200 is just sufficient to overcome the inertial forces of the two-part locking lever 200 and the friction forces occurring during the return movement. If the first part of the locking lever 200 is locked, a suitable compensating geometry, in this case, the elongated hole 223 formed in the second part 202, must be present to prevent the movement of the manual operating element 41 from being blocked.

[0082] The compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the present invention achieves that, even when a compact circuit breaker device 1 is provided with two current path regions each having a switching contact 71, 81 or 71′, 81′ arranged in a housing 2 having a housing width B of only one scale unit, the negative consequences of a "creeping" switching process of the manual operating element 41 from its OFF position to the ON position at a slow actuation speed can be avoided, particularly when switching in the presence of a short circuit. Because the switching contacts are initially held open in a positively guided manner, i.e., the moving contact 71 and the fixed contact 81 are forced to separate, flashover of the switching contacts and, therefore, the generation of arcs, can be effectively avoided even in the presence of a short circuit. This prevents unnecessary heating of the contact region to the point of melting the contact elements, significantly reducing the risk of contact welding and significantly improving the reliability of the circuit breaker device.

[0083] Components adjacent to the switching contacts are also not subjected to unnecessary thermal loads, which significantly increases the service life of the assembly and thus the stability of the circuit breaker. This is particularly advantageous for compact circuit breakers, where heat dissipation issues arise due to the compact arrangement of components.

[0084] Furthermore, due to its structural design, the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 according to the invention is particularly suitable for a two-pole compact circuit breaker device 1 having two switchable current paths and oppositely oriented closing directions of two moving contacts 71, 71' within one switching unit. This also applies to device designs with an eccentrically arranged manual operating element 41, since the actuation of the locking lever 200 only acts indirectly on the snap-action mechanism in this case.

[0085] Although the abrupt moment in time at which the switching contacts are closed due to the sudden impact of the moving contact 71 on the fixed contact 81 depends on the actuation angle of the manual operating element 41, the multi-component arrangement allows for easy adaptation, i.e., adjustment to a predefined actuation angle. The structural design of the compact snap-action switching mechanism 10 is relatively insensitive to tolerances due to its multi-component construction, which has a significant beneficial effect on the manufacture and assembly of the individual components and, therefore, on manufacturing costs.

[0086] Reference Signs List

[0087] 1 Protective switchgear

[0088] 2 Shell

[0089] 3 front side

[0090] 4 Fixed side

[0091] 5 Narrow side

[0092] 6 wide side

[0093] 7 Sliders

[0094] 8 Divider

[0095] 10 Compact snap-action switch mechanism

[0096] 10′ switch mechanism

[0097] 11 Guide profile

[0098] 12 Beveled edges

[0099] 13 Stopper

[0100] 21 First current path area

[0101] 22 Second current path area

[0102] 23 connection terminals

[0103] 24 First switch contact

[0104] 25 Second switch contact

[0105] 26 First magnetic trigger

[0106] 27 Second magnetic trigger

[0107] 28 First arc extinguishing chamber

[0108] 29 Second arc extinguishing chamber

[0109] 31 Return spring

[0110] 41 Manual operating elements

[0111] 51 Driver bracket

[0112] 52 Pawl

[0113] 54 coupling bracket

[0114] 55 Long hole

[0115] 60 Trigger lever

[0116] 61 Engaging edge

[0117] 62 Engaging protrusion

[0118] 70 moving contact carrier

[0119] 70′ other moving contact carriers

[0120] 71 moving contact

[0121] 71′ Other moving contacts

[0122] 81 static contact

[0123] 81′ Other static contacts

[0124] 91 switch spring

[0125] 200 Locking lever

[0126] 201 First Part

[0127] 202 Second Part

[0128] 211 guide pin

[0129] 212 Lock Contour

[0130] 213 Long hole

[0131] 214 Snap to Contour

[0132] 221 guide pin

[0133] 222 Lock Contour

[0134] 223 Long hole

[0135] 224 Snap to Contour

[0136] 225 Follow-up contour

[0137] 226 Follow-up Contour

[0138] 227 Pivot

[0139] 228 contact surface

[0140] 229 Chute

[0141] B Width

[0142] L1 First connecting conductor

[0143] L2 Second connecting conductor

[0144] TE graduation unit

[0145] x first direction

[0146] y Second direction

Claims

1. A compact, operator-independent snap-action switching mechanism (10) for an electromechanical protective switchgear (1), The compact snap-action switch mechanism comprises a switch contact, wherein the switch contact comprises a fixed contact (81) and a movable contact (71) mounted on a movable contact carrier (70) and movable relative to the fixed contact, wherein: In order to manually operate the compact snap-action switching mechanism (10), the moving contact carrier (70) can be mechanically coupled to a manual operating element (41) of the protective switchgear (1) via a drive bracket (51) so as to manually close or open the switching contacts, and - the compact snap-action switching mechanism comprises a locking lever (200) which can be mechanically coupled to the manual operating element (41) and which can be moved in a first direction x pointing in the direction of the switching contact in a first phase of the closing movement of the moving contact (71) in order to lock the movement of the moving contact carrier (70), - wherein the locking lever (200) suddenly releases the locking of the moving contact carrier (70) by moving in the second direction y during the second phase of the closing movement, - wherein the locking lever (200) is designed in a two-component manner and comprises a first component (201) and a second component (202), and - wherein the sudden movement along the second direction y is achieved by the first part (201) of the locking lever (200), while the locking of the moving contact carrier is achieved by the second part (202) of the locking lever (200).

2. The operator-independent compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The operator-independent compact fast-acting switching mechanism (10) is used for a line protection switch or a fault current protection switch.

3. The operator-independent compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first component (201) is movable relative to the second component (202) in a positively guided manner.

4. The operator-independent compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) has a maximum width of half a graduation unit.

5. The operator-independent compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the compact snap-action switching mechanism has a further switching contact, the further switching contact having a further fixed contact (81′) and a further moving contact (71′) which is movable relative to the further fixed contact and is mounted on a further moving contact carrier (70′), wherein the further moving contact carrier (70′) is also mechanically coupled to the manual operating element (41), and The compact snap-action switching mechanism has a further locking lever mechanically coupled to the manual operating element (41), the further locking lever being used to lock a further moving contact carrier (70').

6. The operator-independent compact snap-action switch mechanism (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The movable contact carrier (70) and the other movable contact carrier (70') are capable of moving in opposite directions.

7. An electromechanical protective switchgear (1), The protective switchgear has a housing (2) having a front side (3), a fixing side (4) opposite the front side (3), and a narrow side (5) and a broad side (6) connecting the front side (3) and the fixing side (4), The protective switching device comprises an operator-independent compact snap-action switching mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is accommodated and held in the housing (2).

8. Electromechanical protective switchgear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The electromechanical protective switch device (1) is a line circuit breaker or a residual current circuit breaker.

9. The electromechanical protective switchgear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The manual operating element (41) is arranged eccentrically between the two narrow sides (5).

10. The electromechanical protective switchgear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The electromechanical switching device is designed as a two-pole compact switching device having a housing width (B) of only one scale unit.

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