Manually resettable switch device

Abstract

The invention relates to a manually resettable switching device (10), which can be controlled into a first or a second operating state. It has the following features: a current path (110) with an input terminal (20) and an output terminal (21), on which an input voltage can be applied, a manually insertable relay (40) with a coil (42) and a switching element (41), which in the inserted state of the relay (40) is connected into the current path (110), a control and evaluation device (100), which is configured to detect a faulty operation of the switching device (10) and to place the switching device (10) into the second operating state in response thereto, a detection device (70), which is electrically connected to the control and evaluation device (100) and is configured to signal to the control and evaluation device (100) whether the relay (40) is inserted or removed, wherein the control and evaluation device (100) is further configured to i) identify whether the relay (40) is removed after the detected faulty operation and is inserted again after a predetermined time has elapsed, and if so, ii) place the switching device (10) into the first operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manually resettable switching device, which can be applied, for example, in process control systems in the field of automation technology. Background Technology

[0002] For example, electronic devices used in process control systems must be able to be reset to their normal operating state via a response after being shut down due to an identified fault. The response or reset of electronic devices after a fault can be performed, for example, by a switch or button implemented on the device, via a separate reset input, or via software commands when the electronic device is connected to a bus system, generated, for example, by a higher-level control device (e.g., SPS). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a manually resettable switching device that can be quickly and easily reset to normal operation after a shutdown caused by a fault, even if the switching device does not have a separate reset input or reset switch. This is particularly useful in electronic devices installed in very narrow housings, such as narrow junction box housings, where space is typically limited for a reset switch that can serve as a reset input or a free clamping portion.

[0004] The core concept of this invention is to equip a switching device with a manual reset mechanism, which can be implemented, for example, by means of a removable and re-insertable relay and circuitry. This circuitry is particularly used to monitor the removal and reinsertion of the relay, and to simply reset the switching device to its normal operating state after a shutdown caused by a fault by removing and reinserting the relay. The relay performs a dual function: on the one hand, it acts as a switching device for opening and closing at least one current path of the switching device; on the other hand, it forms part of the reset mechanism.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problems are solved by the features of this invention. Advantageous improvements and implementation methods are the subject of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 An exemplary manually resettable switching device is shown, and

[0008] Figure 2 A housing, specifically a support rail housing, is shown, in which the switching device is at least partially arranged. Detailed Implementation

[0009] exist Figure 1 An exemplary manually resettable switching device 10 is shown, which can be configured as single-phase or multi-phase to connect or disconnect an electrical load (not shown) that can be connected to the output side from a power supply that can be applied to the input side. The switching device 10 shown only as an example and described below is configured as a single-phase switching device, which can, for example, be controlled to a first or second operating state. The first operating state can represent normal, fault-free operation, while the second operating state can, for example, represent a shutdown mode triggered by a fault condition.

[0010] The switching device 10, for example, has a ground terminal 22 and an input terminal 20, on which an input voltage can be applied. According to this embodiment, the power supply device 5 can be connected to the input terminal 20 and the ground terminal 22. For example, the power supply device 5 can provide a 24V DC voltage at the input terminal 20. The input terminal 20 can be connected to an output terminal 21 via a current path 110, which can be used as a protected output terminal. If the switching device 10 is configured in a multiphase manner, multiple input terminals, multiple current paths, and multiple output terminals will be implemented.

[0011] Furthermore, a manually insertable relay 40 can be part of the switching device 10, having a coil 42 and a switching element 41. The switching element 41 is preferably implemented as a normally open contact (Schließer). However, it can also be implemented as a reversing switch. Figure 2 As shown, the exemplary relay 40 includes two coil terminals 43 and 44 and two switching element terminals 45 and 46. In the inserted state of the relay 40, the switching element 41 is switched into the current path 110. For this purpose, two connection contacts 62 and 63 are provided in the current path 110, which are electrically connected to the switching element terminals 45 and 46 of the relay 40 in the inserted state. Furthermore, the switching device 10 has two additional connection contacts 60 and 61, which are electrically connected to the two coil terminals 43 and 44 of the relay coil 42 in the inserted state of the relay 40. Connection contact 60 is electrically connected to the input terminal 20. Therefore, in the inserted state of the relay 40, an exemplary 24V DC voltage is also applied to the coil terminal 43. Connection contacts 60 to 63 are also... Figure 2An exemplary housing 130 of the combined switching device 10 is shown. The coil terminal 44 of the coil 42 is grounded via the connection contact 61, for example, via a first semiconductor switch 80 controllable by the control and analysis device 100, when the relay 40 is inserted. The grounding terminal is shown as ground terminal 22. The semiconductor switch 80 can be configured as a field-effect transistor or a bipolar transistor, for example. In this example, the semiconductor switch 80 is an npn transistor having a base terminal 82, a collector terminal 81 electrically connected to the connection contact 61, and an emitter terminal 83 connected to the ground terminal 22. The base terminal 82 can be connected to the output terminal 101 of the control and analysis device 100 via a voltage divider, for example, having two resistors 90 and 91 connected in series. For this purpose, the base terminal 82 can be electrically connected to a contact that connects the two resistors 90 and 91.

[0012] The control and analysis device 100 is configured, for example, to detect faulty operation of the switching device 10 and, in response, to place the switching device 10 into a second operating state. To detect faults, a measuring device 50 can be connected to the current path 110, specifically configured to measure the current flowing through the current path 110. The control and analysis device 100 can be configured to identify faulty operation of the switching device 30 based on measurements received by the measuring device 50. Faulty operation can be identified, for example, by the control and analysis device 100 when the current flowing through the current path 110 exceeds a predetermined threshold current value known to the control and analysis device 100. Furthermore, the manually resettable switching device 10 can have a detection device 70, preferably electrically connected to the input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100. The detection device 70 is configured to signal to the control and analysis device 100 whether the relay 40 is inserted or removed. The control and analysis device 100 is further configured to…

[0013] i) Identify whether relay 40 was removed after a fault was detected and then reinserted after a predetermined time; if so, then...

[0014] ii) Place, in particular reset, the switching device 10 to the first operating state.

[0015] The control and analysis device 100 can monitor the elapsed time using a timer 105, which can be an integrated component of the control and analysis device 100 or can be configured as a separate component that can be electrically connected to the control and analysis device 100, as exemplarily in... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0016] It should be noted that the control and analysis device 100 may be a microcontroller. Furthermore, it should be noted that the detection device 70 may include a voltage divider having, for example, two resistors 71 and 72 connected in series. Here, one terminal of resistor 71 may be electrically connected to contact point 61, while one terminal of resistor 72 may be connected to ground terminal 22. The contact point connecting the two resistors 71 and 72 is electrically connected, for example, to input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100. In the exemplary switching device 10, in this case, the voltage divider 70 is connected in parallel with the semiconductor switch 80 or in parallel with the emitter-collector line of an npn transistor. The power supply to the control and analysis device 100 may be achieved by an internal voltage converter 120, which can reduce the DC voltage applied to input terminal 20, for example, 24V, to a lower DC voltage, such as 3.3V, and supply it to the control and analysis device 100. Furthermore, it should be noted that an AC voltage may also be applied to input terminal 20. In this case, the AC voltage is converted by the voltage converter 120 into, for example, a DC voltage of 3.3V.

[0017] The control and analysis device 100 is specifically configured to shut down the switching device 10 or place it into a second operating state in response to a detected faulty operation. For this purpose, the control and analysis device 10 can turn off the relay 40 by means of the semiconductor switch 80 or switch the coil 42 to a state without current. This disconnects the switching element 41, interrupts the current path 110, and thus isolates the output terminal 21 from the input terminal 20, on which a supply voltage can be applied. To achieve this, the control and analysis device 100 can set the output terminal 101 to 0V, thereby controlling the transistor 80 to the off state.

[0018] To enable safe disconnection of output terminal 21 from input terminal 20 in case of a fault, another semiconductor switch 30, controllable by the control and analysis device 100, can be connected in series with the switching element 41 of relay 40 in the current path 110. The control and analysis device 100 can be configured to also disconnect the second semiconductor switch 30 in response to a detected faulty operation of the switching device 10. Preferably, the control and analysis device 100 is configured to, in response to a detected faulty operation of the switching device 10, first switch or disconnect the second semiconductor switch 30 by means of a resistance disconnection, and then, for example, after a predetermined time, turn off relay 40 or disconnect the switching element 41 of relay 40. The second semiconductor switch 30 can, for example, be implemented as a field-effect transistor or a bipolar transistor.

[0019] In normal operation, i.e., in the first operating state of the switching device 10, the semiconductor switch 80 is closed, thereby closing the coil 42, which is in the inserted state of the relay 40, and thus the switching element 41, which exemplarily serves as a normally open contact. This can be achieved by the control and analysis device 100 providing, for example, a voltage of 3.3V at input 101, which is responsible for applying a sufficiently high control voltage to the base terminal of the semiconductor switch 80, for example, configured as an npn transistor, via voltage dividers 90, 91.

[0020] The switching device 10 is preferably arranged at least partially in the housing 130. Figure 2 A side view of the housing 130 in its open state is shown. The current path 110, control and analysis device 100, and detection device 70 within the housing 130 are schematically shown. The housing 130 can be constructed, for example, as a support rail housing or a junction box housing, which can be mounted on a support rail. For this purpose, a corresponding locking element 134 can be provided on the underside of the housing 130. The structural width of the housing 130 is preferably very narrow, for example, less than or equal to 6 mm. The housing 130 can be a plastic housing.

[0021] The connection contacts 60-63 of the switching device 10 can be located on the side of the support rail housing 130 opposite to the side with the locking element. The connection contacts 60 to 63 can be designed as socket contacts, and the coil terminals 43, 44 and the switching element terminals 45, 46 of the relay 40 are electrically connected to these socket contacts in the inserted state. In this case, the coil terminals and the switching element terminals are constructed as contact pins. The housing 130 can have a receiving area 135 on the housing side having the connection contacts 60 to 63, into which the relay 40 can be inserted. Furthermore, Figure 2 The support rail housing 130 shown in the example may have a terminal clamp 131, which is electrically connected to or forms an input terminal 20 of the switching device 10. Another terminal clamp 132 may be electrically connected to or forms an output terminal 21 of the switching device 10. Another terminal clamp 133 may constitute a grounding terminal 22 of the switching device 10. Another terminal clamp 136 may also be used as a grounding terminal. Figure 1 The energy supply device 5 shown can be connected to terminal clamps 131 and 133, while electrical or electronic loads can be connected to terminal clamps 132 and 136.

[0022] The following is a detailed explanation of... Figure 1 The operation mode of the manually resettable switch device 10 is illustrated in the example.

[0023] First, assume that the switching device 10 is operating in a fault-free manner. This means that the control and analysis device 100 provides corresponding control signals for semiconductor switches 30 and 80, which respectively cause semiconductor switches 30 and 80 to close or open. The open semiconductor switch 80, in turn, causes current to flow through the coil 41 of the relay 40, and thus the switching element 41 of the relay 40 is also closed. In this way, the current path 110 between the input terminal 20 and the output terminal 21 is connected. This corresponds to the first operating state of the switching device 10.

[0024] Now, as an example, assume that measuring device 50 has measured a current greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold in current path 110. The measured current value is sent to control and analysis device 100, which identifies a faulty operation of switching device 10 based on the measured current. In response to the identified faulty operation, control and analysis device 100 provides corresponding control signals for semiconductor switches 30 and 80 at its outputs 103 and 101, for example, at staggered times. These control signals cause semiconductor switch 30 to first open or switch to the off state, and subsequently control semiconductor switch 80 to the off or open state. For this purpose, for example, a control voltage of 0V can be applied to the two outputs 101 and 103 respectively. If semiconductor switch 80 is switched to the off state, this causes an input voltage of, for example, 24V applied to connection contact 60 or coil terminal 43 to also appear at connection contact 61 or coil terminal 44, immediately followed by no current in coil 42, i.e., it is turned off. In other words, relay 40 de-energizes and switching element 41 also opens current path 110. Switching device 10 is thus de-energized or enters its second operating state. Therefore, the second operating state is characterized in particular by the electrical disconnection of output terminal 21 from input terminal 20.

[0025] The switching device 10 now needs to be manually reset, i.e., restarted and thus the switching device 10 is reset or reset to the first operating state. This can be achieved, for example, by having the relay 40 pulled out of the switching device 10 or housing 130 by the customer and reinserted after a predetermined duration. This behavior can be monitored and detected by the control and analysis device 100 in conjunction with the detection device 70 and the timer 105. This is further illustrated below by example.

[0026] As described above, the control and analysis device 100 is configured to be responsible for responding to an identified fault condition: if present, it disconnects or controls the semiconductor switch 30 to a cut-off state, and then disconnects or controls the semiconductor switch 80 to a cut-off state, such that an input voltage is also applied to the coil terminal 44. This state is detected by a detection device 70, for example, composed of voltage dividers 71 and 72, and is applied as a high level to the input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100. In order to be able to reset the switching device 10 again, the control and analysis device 100 now waits for the relay 40 to be pulled out and then reinserted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0027] If the relay 40 is now pulled out by the user, the potential at the connection contact 61 drops to 0V, which is detected by the voltage divider or detection device 70 and signaled as a low level on the input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100. In response to this level change on the input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100, a timer 105 is started. This timer can also be an integrated component of the control and analysis device 100, and a predetermined time has elapsed. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control and analysis device 100 waits to apply a high level again on the input terminal 102, which signals that the relay has been reinserted. Now, suppose that after the predetermined time, the user has reinserted the relay 40 into the switching device 10 or housing 130. Therefore, a voltage is applied again to the input terminal 20 at the connection contact 61. The low-to-high level change at the connection contact 61 is detected by the detection device 70 and applied as a high level to the input terminal 102 of the control and analysis device 100. In response to a low-to-high level change at input 102, the control and analysis device 100 provides corresponding control signals at its outputs 103 and 101 for semiconductor switches 30 and 80, which cause semiconductor switches 30 and 80 to close again or be controlled to their on state. The on semiconductor 80 causes current to flow through coil 42 again, thereby closing the current path 110 again via switching element 41. In other words, after resetting the switching device 10 to the first operating state, the current path 110 is closed again by means of semiconductor switch 30 and the switching element 41 of relay 40, and thus input terminal 20 is electrically connected to output terminal 21. It should be noted that semiconductor switch 30 is not required for normal operation of the switching device 10.

[0028] At least some of the exemplary aspects described above are outlined below.

[0029] According to one exemplary aspect, a manually resettable switching device 10 controllable to either a first operating state or a second operating state is provided. The switching device 10 may include: a current path 110 having an input terminal 20 and an output terminal 21, to which an input voltage can be applied; a manually insertable relay 40 having a coil 42 and a switching element 41 connected to the current path 110 when the relay 40 is inserted; a control and analysis device 100 configured to detect faulty operation of the switching device 10 and, in response, place the switching device 10 into a second operating state; and a detection device 70 electrically connected to the control and analysis device 100, configured to signal to the control and analysis device 100 whether the relay 40 is inserted or removed, wherein the control and analysis device 100 is further configured to: i) identify whether the relay 40 is removed after a faulty operation is detected and reinserted after a predetermined time, and if so, ii) place the switching device 10 into the first operating state.

[0030] Advantageously, the switching device may have a first semiconductor switch 80 controllable by a control and analysis device 100, wherein the control and analysis device 100 is configured to switch the coil 42 of the relay 40 to a no-current state by means of the semiconductor switch 80 in response to a detected faulty operation.

[0031] Advantageously, the first semiconductor switch 80 is connected in parallel with the detection device 70, wherein the first semiconductor switch 80 and the detection device 70 can be connected in series with the coil 42 when the relay 40 is inserted.

[0032] Advantageously, the detection device 70 may have a voltage divider, which may include, for example, two resistors 71 and 72 connected in series.

[0033] Advantageously, the switching device may have a second semiconductor switch 30 that can be controlled by the control and analysis device 100, which is connected in series with the switching element 41 of the relay 40 in the current path 110, wherein the control and analysis device 100 can be configured to disconnect the second semiconductor switch 30 or control it to a blocking state in response to a detected faulty operation.

[0034] In order to detect fault operation of the switching device 10, a fault detection device, such as a measuring device 50, can be implemented in the switching device 10. The measuring device 50 is configured to measure the current through the current path 10, and the control and analysis device 100 is configured to detect fault operation in response to the measurement result of the measuring device 50.

[0035] Advantageously, the switching device 10 may include a housing 130, particularly a support rail housing, in which current path 110, control and analysis device 100 and detection device 70 may also be arranged, wherein the housing 130 and relay 40 may be respectively configured for mechanical and electrical coupling with each other.

[0036] When the relay 40 is inserted, the first coil terminal 43 can be electrically connected to the input terminal 20, and the second coil terminal 44 can be electrically connected to the detection device 70.

[0037] Preferably, the switching device 10 may have a timer 105 corresponding to the control and analysis device 100, the timer being designed to begin the elapsed time in response to the removal of the relay 40, wherein the control and analysis device 100 may be configured such that...

[0038] i) Identify when the scheduled time has elapsed, and

[0039] ii) In response to a predetermined elapsed time, the switching device 10 is placed in a first operating state, wherein, in the first operating state, the output terminal 21 is electrically connected to the input terminal 20.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

Claims

1. A manually resettable switching device (10) that can be controlled to a first or second operating state, said switching device having: A current path (110) having an input terminal (20) and an output terminal (21) to which an input voltage can be applied, a manually insertable relay (40) having a coil (42) and a switching element (41) connected to the current path (110) when the relay (40) is inserted. A control and analysis device (100) is configured to detect faulty operation of the switching device (10) and, in response, place the switching device (10) into a second operating state. A detection device (70) electrically connected to the control and analysis device (100) is configured to signal to the control and analysis device (100) whether the relay (40) is inserted or removed. in, The control and analysis device (100) is further configured to, i) Identify whether the relay (40) was pulled out after a detected faulty operation, and whether it was reinserted after a predetermined time, and if so, ii) Place the switching device (10) in the first operating state.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features are, The first semiconductor switch (80) is controllable by the control and analysis device (100). The control and analysis device is configured to switch the coil (42) of the relay (40) to a non-current state by means of the semiconductor switch (80) in response to a detected faulty operation.

3. The switching device according to claim 2, Its features are, The first semiconductor switch (80) is connected in parallel with the detection device (70), and the first semiconductor switch (80) and the detection device (70) are connected in series with the coil (42) when the relay (40) is inserted.

4. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features are, The detection device (70) has voltage dividers (71, 72).

5. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features A second semiconductor switch (30), controllable by the control and analysis device (100), is connected in series with the switching element (41) of the relay (40) into the current path (110). The control and analysis device (100) is configured to disconnect the second semiconductor switch (30) in response to a detected faulty operation.

6. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features are, Measuring device (50), configured to measure the current through the current path (110), The control and analysis device (100) is configured to detect faulty operation in response to the measurement results of the measuring device (50).

7. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features are, The switching device (10) has a housing (130), particularly a support rail housing, in which the current path (110), the control and analysis device (100) and the detection device (70) are arranged, and the housing (130) and the relay (40) are respectively configured for mechanical and electrical coupling with each other.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, Its features are, When the relay (40) is inserted, the first coil terminal (43) is electrically connected to the input terminal (20), and the second coil terminal (44) is electrically connected to the detection device (70).

9. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, A timer (105) corresponding to the control and analysis device (100) is configured to begin the elapsed time in response to the removal of the relay (40), wherein the control and analysis device (100) is configured to, i) Identify when the predetermined time has elapsed, and ii) In response to a predetermined elapsed time, the switching device (10) is placed in the first operating state, wherein in the first operating state, the output terminal (21) is electrically connected to the input terminal (20).

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