ROTARY SWITCH BODY AND RESIDUAL LOAD DISCONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a residual load disconnection technology for disconnecting an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor under a residual current or a residual load at a feed-in point, in particular to a rotary switch body for a residual load disconnection switch and a correspondingly equipped residual load disconnection switch. The disclosure further relates to a safety technology for the safe actuation and monitoring of a residual load disconnection switch.

[0002] To understand the present disclosure and the relevant technical field, some definitions and notes on the use of circuit breakers should be considered, which are summarized below.

[0003] A circuit breaker (also called a disconnector) is different from a normal switch or load switch. (Pure) circuit breakers are used to disconnect or connect electrical circuits in a de-energized state. When a circuit breaker is closed, high currents of 1,000 amperes or more are conducted through the circuit breaker. In terms of the currents it can conduct when closed, it is therefore a high-load component, but in terms of the load it can disconnect, it is a low-load component.

[0004] Opening a circuit breaker while the main load is applied is not intended and usually leads to damage or destruction of the circuit breaker or other adverse effects that should be avoided, such as the formation of an excessively strong arc that could cause fires or injuries. A circuit breaker therefore has a different function and design than, for example, a contactor or a fuse.

[0005] CN 104 036 977 A discloses a rotatable switch body comprising a one-piece, cylindrical housing manufactured by an injection molding process. The housing of the switch body has a cylindrical outer contour and a cuboid-shaped recess oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The recess opens into two opposite partial regions of the cylinder circumference into external openings in the outer surface of the housing. From one of these external openings, a contact assembly can be inserted transversely to the rotational axis of the switch body. The contact assembly comprises two contact blades, a cage surrounding the contact blades, and a connecting pin. The switch body can be inserted between two halves of a stationary switch housing. The switch housing supports two stationary electrical contacts, between which the rotatable switch body can be arranged.

[0006] From DE 10 2006 011 930 B3 an electrical switch with a pivoting contact rocker is known.

[0007] US 4 510 360 A discloses a circuit breaker, i.e. an automatically switching device which automatically disconnects the electrical connection in the event of an overload load or when a maximum permissible load is reached or exceeded.

[0008] A high-voltage rotary switch that disconnects under load is known from CH 514 226 A. This switch comprises an electrically conductive rotary part that is keyed directly onto a switch drive shaft. The document does not specify the current rating for which the switch is intended. Another load switch is known from DE 3428519 A1. This switch comprises an electrically conductive rotor with separate contact pieces made of different materials at its ends. The rotor is mounted directly onto a switch shaft.

[0009] EP 2718949 A1 discloses a load switch with a switching body that is rotated back and forth between an open position and a closed position. The switching body comprises straight contacts that are inserted through a roller formed from insulating material. Another load switch with a corresponding structure and a reciprocating movement between a closed and open position is known from US 2016 / 099120 A1. EP 2 050 111 B1 discloses a drive for a switch.

[0010] A residual load disconnector is a special type of disconnector. It can be opened or closed in a de-energized state (like a pure disconnector). Additionally, the residual load disconnector can be opened (and possibly closed) when a defined residual load is present, although the residual load is much lower than the main load, which is carried by the residual load disconnector when closed.

[0011] The residual load isolator according to the present disclosure serves to isolate a traction current supply conductor for an electrically operated means of transport from a residual load - which may be present after a main load has been switched off - in such a way that a residual current can no longer flow from the supply line to the traction current supply conductor. The residual load isolator is therefore provided and designed to disconnect an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor of a means of transport, specifically in the de-energized state or when a maximum of a predefined residual load is present. In the closed state, the residual load isolator conducts the main load, i.e. the traction current for the means of transport, to the traction current supply conductor. In the open state, the residual load isolator prevents a current, and in particular the main load, from being transferred to the traction current supply conductor.The residual load circuit breaker according to the present disclosure can thus also be referred to as a transport residual load circuit breaker.

[0012] The supply line is typically connected to a voltage source via another main load disconnect switch. During driving operation, main load currents can occur, for example, up to 4000 amperes, 6000 amperes, or more. In the closed position, the residual load disconnect switch transfers this main load current from the supply line to the traction current supply conductor. The main load disconnect switch, which is not the subject of the present disclosure, is designed to disconnect the electrical connection between the voltage source and the supply line even when the maximum main load is applied.

[0013] When the main load disconnector is open, the main load is no longer connected to the residual load disconnector or the traction current supply conductor. However, residual capacitance in the supply line can result in a significant residual current still flowing through the feeder point into the traction current supply conductor despite the main load disconnector being open, which can pose a life-threatening risk to a worker who comes into contact with the traction current supply conductor. In order to perform maintenance work on the traction current supply conductor, it must also be safely disconnected from the residual load.

[0014] The residual load or residual current can occur within a specified range, in particular within a range up to 50 amperes and at voltages up to 900 V or higher. The residual load is preferably a maximum of 5 percent of the main load, in particular less than 3 percent of the main load. The residual load disconnector is designed to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed-in point to the busbar when the maximum permissible residual current or the maximum permissible residual load is present.

[0015] In other words, the residual load isolator is designed to transmit a main load current in the closed position and, after the main load has been switched off and a residual load is present, to be moved into an open position in order to completely separate the electrical connection at the feed-in point to a traction current supply conductor.

[0016] The residual load disconnector does not have to be designed to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed-in point to a traction current supply conductor when the main load is present. Rather, the present disclosure proposes measures that effectively prevent the residual load disconnector from opening when the main load is present.

[0017] Previously known isolating switches are used to supply power to conductor rails for track vehicles and are not optimally designed. They usually consist of a single-sided, electrically conductive hand lever that can be moved between a closed and an open position by manual intervention. In the closed position, the hand lever connects a feed-in contact with a track supply contact. The hand lever is usually approximately one meter long or larger and located in a protective box on a track section. Due to the large space requirements of the previous isolating switches, they are alternatively housed in a control cabinet that is installed near the track section and connected to a conductor rail via separate connecting cables. Operating the hand lever on the current isolating switches requires considerable force and poses a risk of electric shock to the worker.Serious accidents can also occur if, in a control cabinet containing several disconnectors for different busbars or track sections, the wrong disconnector is accidentally opened and a worker touches a busbar whose associated disconnector is still under residual load.

[0018] DE 1 203 343 A discloses a disconnector designed to disconnect an electrical connection to a busbar of an electrical track. This disconnector has two rotary heads, each of which has separate contact blades that project outwards on one side. To open or close the electrical connection, both rotary knobs are rotated in a synchronized manner. Rotation is possible in both directions, i.e., clockwise rotation to open the electrical connection and counterclockwise rotation to close the electrical connection. The achievable rotary positions of the rotary heads are predetermined by a gear mechanism.

[0019] WO 2013 / 186433 A1 discloses a load switch having a pivoting contact body which is permanently connected at one end to a first stationary contact. The pivot axis is formed at the connection point between the pivoting contact body and the first stationary contact. The free end of the pivoting contact body can be brought into contact with a second stationary contact by a clockwise pivoting movement. A pivoting movement in the opposite direction, i.e. counterclockwise, separates the contact between the pivoting contact body and the second stationary contact. A back and forth movement of the pivoting contact body is therefore provided for opening and closing an electrical contact. The maximum achievable pivot positions are defined by stop surfaces on a housing of the pivoting contact body.

[0020] WO 2013 / 153279 A1, EP 2 936 525 B1, and US 2013 / 0153538 A1 disclose various load switches and fuses, each comprising a switching body that can be pivoted about a central axis. The disclosed switching bodies can each be rotated in both directions, but the maximum pivoting range is limited by stops on both sides. The pivotable switching bodies can thus each be pivoted in a first direction to close an electrical connection and in an opposite direction to release the electrical connection. A back-and-forth movement of the pivotable switching body is therefore provided for opening and closing an electrical contact.

[0021] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved rotary switch body and a residual load disconnector constructed therewith. The invention achieves this object by the characterizing features of the independent claim.

[0022] The rotary switch body according to the invention ensures that a current flowing through the contact blades (main load current or residual current) cannot overflow onto a shaft located in the center of the rotary switch body. The housing of the rotary switch body preferably encloses all contact blades of the rotary switch body in an insulating manner, with the exception of the contact surfaces that protrude in the radial direction. The aforementioned features of the housing design create particularly long creepage distances that are thus protected against breakdown. The housing design ensures reliable insulation of the contact blades from the shaft and any adjacent rotary switch body.

[0023] The residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure features a particularly compact design, reliable switching behavior, optionally a remote control and / or remote monitoring option, and improved installation ease. It can be mounted as a complete, pre-assembled assembly including a protective housing directly on a traction current supply conductor, thus eliminating the need for a separate control cabinet or foundation.

[0024] The residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure is explained below. It is designed and provided to disconnect an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor. It has at least one supply line connection, at least one discharge line connection, and at least one switching device. The supply line connection and discharge line connection can be components of a switching device.

[0025] The supply connection is preferably connected via a supply line to a (remote) main load isolating switch and a (remote) voltage source. The discharge connection is preferably connected via a (nearby) rail connection or a (nearby) overhead line connection to a power rail or an overhead line for an electrically operated means of transport, such as a train, a commuter train, or a trolleybus. Generally speaking, the discharge connection is preferably connectable or connected to a connection to a traction current supply conductor. The traction current supply conductor is provided and designed to transmit the traction current for a means of transport, in particular a commuter train, a train, a tram, or a trolleybus. Accordingly, the residual load isolating switch is designed to transmit this traction current as the main load between the supply connection and the discharge connection when closed.

[0026] The switching device has at least one rotary switch body with at least one contact blade. The at least one contact blade is arranged to rotate about an axis that extends between the supply connection and the discharge connection. The at least one contact blade has contact surfaces projecting radially at its ends. Preferably, two contact blades are combined to form a prestressed pair. The contact surfaces on the contact blades can be brought into contact with both a contact blade on a supply connection and a contact blade on a discharge connection by a rotational movement, and can be brought out of contact by a further rotational movement.

[0027] In the closed position of the rotary switch body, the contact surfaces are in contact with the supply terminal on the one hand and the discharge terminal on the other. In the open position of the rotary switch body, the contact surfaces are spaced apart from the supply terminal and the discharge terminal.

[0028] The residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure has a unidirectionally restricted rotation direction for performing the switching movements. It is always moved iteratively in the same rotation direction from a closed rotation position to an open rotation position and back to a closed rotation position, etc. The residual load disconnector is thus unidirectionally and cyclically operable. It is not necessary to perform the otherwise conventional reciprocating movement or to drive the rotary switch body with a reversing movement in order to transition from an open rotation position to a closed rotation position and back to an open rotation position.

[0029] The rotary switch body can therefore always or exclusively be moved in a first direction of rotation—for example, clockwise—to transition between two switching positions. Movement in the opposite direction—in the example, counterclockwise—is blocked.

[0030] In other words, (all) transitions between two switching positions on the residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure are executed, driven, or triggered in the same direction of rotation. However, the rotational positions assumed at the beginning and end of a switching movement can be fixed, in particular to those positions at which the contact surfaces of a contact blade are positioned in a preferred position at the supply terminal and / or the discharge terminal.

[0031] By restricting the direction of rotation to one side or by means of unidirectional rotary actuation, it is possible to operate the residual load disconnector with a particularly simple drive, in particular a rotary snap-action drive. The drive can have unidirectional mobility. The back-and-forth movement of the switching body, which is otherwise common with disconnectors, and the correspondingly necessary reversibility of the drive can be dispensed with. Instead, it is possible to iteratively execute both switching movements, i.e. from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position, with just one drive, in particular with a snap-action drive.

[0032] The rotary switch body can preferably be rotationally symmetrical to the rotation axis, and the rotation axis is preferably arranged centrally between the supply connection and the discharge connection. A closed rotation position is preferably aligned orthogonally to an open rotation position. Alternatively, other alignments between a closed rotation position and an open rotation position are possible. The open rotation position(s) and the closed rotation position(s) are preferably arranged at uniform offset angles around the central axis, in particular offset by 90 degrees or 45 degrees.

[0033] The rotary switch body can be caused to transition from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position by any technical means, in particular by a so-called snap-action drive, which can have any design. The snap-action drive is preferably designed as a rotary drive, which in particular executes an iterative drive movement in the same direction of rotation every time, namely in exactly the same direction of rotation in which the rotary switch body of the residual load disconnector can move.

[0034] The residual load disconnector with the aforementioned rotary switch body is particularly well suited for quickly and safely disconnecting the electrical connection between the supply line connection and the discharge line connection, whereby activation can be carried out manually as well as in a controlled or motor-driven manner.

[0035] During the transition from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position, on the one hand an electrical connection between the supply connection and at least one first contact surface on the at least one contact blade and, on the other hand, an electrical connection between the discharge connection and at least one further contact surface on the at least one contact blade are simultaneously severed. In this way, a load to be switched is distributed essentially equally between a first separation point on the supply connection and a second separation point on the discharge connection. These first and second separation points are connected in series above the contact blade. The switching capacity is reduced for both the supply connection and the discharge connection, so that the contact partners are exposed to a lower load.Accordingly, smaller dimensions can be selected for the aforementioned components than for previously known residual load disconnectors of a corresponding power class. The residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure is therefore particularly compact and comparatively lightweight.

[0036] Furthermore, a rotary switch body can have multiple contact blades, and in particular multiple pairs of contact blades, which are driven jointly and simultaneously and are electrically connected in parallel. Thus, the switching capacity is also distributed across multiple contact zones at the at least one supply connection, which together form the first disconnection point, as well as multiple contact zones at the discharge connection, which form the second disconnection point. This parallel connection of multiple contact zones also reduces the proportional switching capacity, which leads to a further reduction in stress and / or smaller possible dimensions of the switching device or residual load disconnector.

[0037] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the residual load disconnector has arcing chambers arranged in a ring. The arcing chambers can, in particular, be arranged on the substantially circular path of movement traversed by the contact surfaces on the at least one contact blade when the residual load disconnector is moved from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position. Particularly preferably, one arcing chamber is arranged behind the supply line connection and one behind the discharge line connection in the direction of rotation.

[0038] The arcing chambers can have any design. They preferably serve to extinguish an arc that may occur when the electrical connection is broken. An arcing chamber can preferably span a plurality of contact blades, in particular two or more pairs of contact blades, in the axial direction or a radial plane relative to the rotational axis of the rotary switch body. This achieves a particularly effective yet compact arcing chamber design.

[0039] An operating method according to the present disclosure is provided for operating a residual load disconnector having a rotary snap-action drive (40) that can cause the rotary switch body (23) of the residual load disconnector (1) to perform a sudden switching rotation. The residual load disconnector further comprises a load detection device that monitors a current flow and / or a voltage between the supply line terminal and the discharge line terminal of the residual load disconnector. The operating method can be used in particular in conjunction with the claimed residual load disconnector. It comprises at least the following steps.

[0040] A request to disconnect the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector is received. The load applied to the residual load disconnector between the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21) is checked, particularly after receipt of the request. A sudden rotational movement of the rotary switch body is triggered if it is determined that the load applied to the residual load disconnector between the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21) is less than (or equal to) the permissible residual load.

[0041] This operating method improves remote controllability in several respects. Firstly, load detection and the resulting triggering of the rotary movement ensure that the disconnector is only actuated when the residual load criterion is met. Accidental actuation of the residual load disconnector when the main load is present or when the permissible residual load is exceeded can be prevented. This ensures safe operation of the residual load disconnector.

[0042] By using a rotary spring-loaded actuator, both the opening and closing of the electrical connection can be accomplished with a single actuator, particularly via remote control. This enables fully remote-controlled operation. Manual access to the residual load disconnector is possible, but not required.

[0043] The residual load disconnector preferably comprises a position detection means configured to detect the rotational position of the rotary switch body and / or the current switching position of the residual load disconnector, in particular the presence of a closed rotary position or an open rotary position. The detected rotational position or switching position can be sent as a status notification via a communication interface of the residual load disconnector. This enables not only remote control but also remote monitoring of the residual load disconnector.

[0044] Further preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0045] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the figures. They show: Figure 1: an oblique view of a residual load isolating switch in a first embodiment; Figure 2: a schematic representation of the power supply for an electric vehicle with a traction current supply conductor; Figures 3 to 5: sectional views of the residual load isolating switch from Figure 1 ; Figure 6: a detailed view of a switching device with a rotary switch body; Figure 7: a side view of a rotary switch body; Figures 8 and 9: sectional views of the rotary switch body according to section line VIII-VIII of Figure 7 in an overall view and an enlarged view; Figures 10 and 11: a residual load disconnector according to a second preferred embodiment in an external view and a partially sectioned view; Figure 12: a horizontal half-section through the residual load disconnector from Figures 10 and 11; Figures 13 and 14: Another embodiment of a residual load disconnector with a modified housing and a weight compensation bracket.

[0046] The residual load circuit breaker (1) according to the present disclosure is in Figures 1 , 10 , 11 and 13 shown in two preferred embodiments. It comprises at least one switching device (22) and preferably a spring drive (40) and possibly a drive motor (45). The switching device (22) can preferably be present in multiples, in particular as a first module switching block (19) and a second module switching block (13). Alternatively, three or more module switching blocks of the same or a different design can be present.

[0047] The switching device (22) has an insulator chamber (14) in which a rotary switching body (23) as well as at least one supply connection (20) and at least one discharge connection (21) are arranged. The insulator chamber (14) can have any desired configuration. In the examples shown, the insulator chamber (14) is formed by a first and a second side wall (15, 16) (cf. Figures 5 and 12 ) and one or more covers (17). The isolator chamber is essentially sealed against the ingress of dust and moisture. It has, for example, a labyrinth seal (not shown) on the bottom and a vent (86) on the top.

[0048] The at least one supply connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21) preferably penetrate a wall of the insulator chamber (14), so that, on the one hand, a feed-in busbar (18) and, on the other hand, a discharge collector (19) can be electrically connected to the at least one supply connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21). The feed-in busbar (18) and / or the discharge collector (19) can be components of the residual load disconnector (1). Alternatively, they can be provided separately.

[0049] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the transition of the rotary switch body (23) from a closed rotary position (S1) to an open rotary position (S2) in a sectional view. They also illustrate a preferred design and arrangement of arcing chambers (32, 33).

[0050] The arcing chambers (32, 33) may preferably have a similar design. Alternatively, they may each have a different design.

[0051] According to the presentation in Figures 3 and 4 a quenching chamber (32, 33) can have the outer shape of a circular ring segment. Each of the circular ring segments is arranged along the path of movement of the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) on the at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27), which is traversed during the transition from the closed rotary position (S1) to the open rotary position (S2). In the example of Figure 3 Each of the circular segments covers a rotation angle of approximately 50°. Alternatively, a different segment angle can be covered, in particular an angle in the range of 30° to 90°.

[0052] The open rotary position (S2) is preferably provided and fixed at a 90° angle to the closed rotary position (S1). In this way, maximum clear distances between the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) on the at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) and the at least one supply line connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21) are achieved. The dimensioning of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) and contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) can be carried out such that the clear width is greater than the minimum distance required for breakdown safety.

[0053] Figure 11contains a perspective view of a quenching chamber (32) with a preferred embodiment. The quenching chamber (32) is formed by a quenching cage, the position of which can be positioned, in particular, relative to the rotary switching body (23). The positioning can be achieved, in particular, by adjusting the position and fastening it relative to the side walls (15, 16) of an insulator chamber (14) or the switching device (22). An quenching chamber (32, 33), in particular a quenching cage, preferably has a plurality of quenching plates (34) aligned substantially radially to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary switching body (23). The quenching plates (34) can preferably have a corresponding shape. In particular, they each preferably have a passage opening (35) pointing towards the axis of rotation (A). The passage opening (35) preferably engages over a plurality of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) on the rotary switching body (23).Thus, an arc quenching cage is preferably provided, which is designed to quench one or more arcs that may occur between a plurality of contact surfaces on the at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) and, on the one hand, the supply terminal (20) or, on the other hand, the discharge terminal (21) when the electrical connection is severed. Alternatively, two or more through-openings (35) can be provided. In particular, one through-opening (35) can be provided for each pair of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27).

[0054] The quenching plates (34) of a quenching chamber (32, 33) are preferably arranged on a beetle carrier (36). This has, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 11 preferably has two boundary surfaces (37) or boundary walls oriented transversely to the axis of rotation (A). Via these boundary surfaces, the extinguishing cage is preferably in insulating contact with one of the side walls (15, 16).

[0055] The rotary switch body (23) is preferably moved in a rapid and sudden movement from the closed rotary position (S1) to the open rotary position (S2). This sudden movement can be generated in any desired manner, in particular by the snap drive (40) shown as an example in the figures. The snap drive (40) is designed to cause the rotary switch body (23) to perform a sudden switching rotation, wherein in particular the complete rotational movement between a closed rotary position (S1) and an open rotary position (S2) occurs within a predetermined switching duration. The predetermined switching duration is preferably a maximum of 200 ms. Alternatively, other switching durations can be provided, in particular in a range from 100 ms to 300 ms.

[0056] The jump drive (40) can have any desired design. It preferably has an output flange (41) connected to the rotary switch body (23) in a torque-conducting manner, as well as a force accumulator (42) for the jump-like movement of the output flange (41), and a drive flange (43) for charging the force accumulator (42). The jump drive is preferably designed as a rotary jump drive. The movement of the output flange (41) is preferably a rotary movement, in particular an iterative and unidirectional rotary movement.

[0057] The drive flange (43) is moved, for example, by the (electric) drive motor (45) and / or a manual drive (46). The movement can be essentially continuous, while the output flange (41) is held either in the closed rotary position (S1) or in the open rotary position (S2). The movement of the drive flange (43) can, in particular, continue until a sufficient amount of energy is contained in the energy accumulator (42). The sudden switching rotation can then be triggered. The triggering can occur immediately upon reaching the necessary charge in the energy accumulator (42). Alternatively, the triggering can occur with a time delay.

[0058] Particularly preferably, the residual load disconnector (1) and in particular the snap-action drive (40) have a triggering means (44) designed to trigger or prevent the sudden switching rotation depending on one or more criteria. The triggering means (44) can in particular be designed to prevent the sudden switching rotation if the energy accumulator (42) has an insufficient charge or preload.

[0059] According to a preferred variant, the residual load disconnector has a load detector that monitors an electrical load, in particular a current flow and / or a voltage, between the supply connection (20) and the discharge connection (21). The load detector can be used for various purposes, in particular for a status assessment regarding the safety of manual access, for locking or unlocking a rotary position of the at least one rotary switch body (23), for triggering a switch rotation and / or for restricting manual access. The load detector can compare a monitored electrical load on the residual load disconnector with one or more permissible limit values ​​for the various purposes.

[0060] For example, load detection can be used to determine whether a safety requirement for manual access to the residual load disconnector is met. The safety requirement can, for example, stipulate that manual access is only classified as safe if the current load falls below a first permissible limit, for example, an extra-low voltage limit of 50V. Alternatively, a different value can be specified for an extra-low voltage limit.

[0061] The load detection can alternatively or additionally be designed to determine whether a residual load or a residual current or a main load or a main current is present. A residual current or a residual load is preferably detected when the electrical load, in particular the voltage and / or the current flow between the supply connection (20) and the discharge connection (21), is below a (second) permissible limit value. The second permissible limit value can, for example, be the limit value that is also used as the permissible limit value for enabling or triggering a switching rotation. The second permissible limit value can, in particular, be the residual load limit value and, for example, be 50 A / 900 V. Alternatively, other values ​​are possible, in particular maximum voltages of up to 1,500 V and / or maximum currents of up to 100 A.Alternatively, the second permissible limit value can be a switching load limit value that characterizes a maximum permissible electrical load that may be present during a separation of the electrical connection between the at least one supply connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21). The switching load limit value can differ from the residual load limit value.

[0062] A particularly simple and cost-effective variant of load detection provides that a voltage monitor (92) evaluates a voltage present across the residual load disconnector (1), in particular between the at least one supply line connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21). If this voltage is above the first permissible limit value, which is, for example, 50 V (low voltage limit value), it is determined that an unsafe condition exists, which causes manual access to the residual load disconnector (1) to be restricted. The access restriction can be brought about by any means. A first access restriction means can be a display device that conveys a warning about the unsafe condition. The warning can be conveyed in any way, e.g., by a text display and / or suitable symbol representations.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, an electrical supply connection to the drive motor (45) can be interrupted during an unsafe condition, for example by a relay contained in the voltage monitor (92) or another suitable switching means.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, a rotation lock can be activated, which prevents switching of the at least one rotary switching body (23). A rotation lock can be achieved by any means, in particular by a mechanical blocking means. A preferred embodiment of a mechanical blocking means provides that a locking bar, a locking pin, or similar fixes the at least one rotary switching body (23) and / or the output flange (41) of the snap drive (40) in the direction of rotation relative to a housing part of the residual load disconnector (1). The locking bar or locking pin can be actuated, for example, by an electrical switching means such as a solenoid. It can be actuated, in particular, in an unlocking direction by an elastic prestressing force and displaced in the locking direction by the electrical switching means when or as long as the unsafe state is detected.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, a protective housing (81) of the rotary disconnector (1) can be locked in a controlled manner if or as long as the unsafe condition exists. For this purpose, a similar or the same blocking means can be used as previously explained for blocking the rotation of the rotary switch body (23). Alternatively, a controllable lock (98) can be used (see FIG. Figure 14 ). The protective enclosure (81) and other safety aspects are explained below.

[0066] The presence of a main load or a main current is preferably detected when at least one of the aforementioned limit values ​​is exceeded, in particular when a residual load limit value or a switching load limit value is exceeded.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that, in addition to exceeding a low-voltage limit value or in addition to exceeding a residual load limit value, the exceeding or falling below of an associated preparation limit value is checked, in particular by the load detection of the residual load disconnector (1). The preparation limit value can have a value different from the low-voltage limit value or the residual load limit value. In particular, it can be greater than the low-voltage limit value or residual load limit value by a hysteresis threshold value. The preparation limit value can be, for example, 55 volts, while the low-voltage limit value is 45 volts. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned limit values ​​can be defined via a current value or a power value or another suitable parameter for determining a load.

[0068] By using two related limit values, separated by a hysteresis threshold, the value range of an instantaneous load on the residual load disconnector (1) can be determined even more precisely. In particular, a case differentiation can be carried out to determine an instantaneous load case, whereby the necessary measures for preparing, implementing, and verifying a switchover are carried out in a staggered manner depending on the determined load case. If, for example, a momentary load of 100 volts is present, it would be determined that the applied load is above the extra-low voltage limit and above the preparation limit. This load case can be evaluated as an exclusion load case, in which any manual access to the residual load disconnector is denied.

[0069] When a load of 50 volts is applied, i.e.Generally speaking, if a momentary load is lower than the preparatory limit but (still) higher than the extra-low voltage limit, then a transient load case would be determined to exist. In a transient load case, disconnection of the electrical connection can be denied, at least temporarily. However, preparatory measures such as charging the electric motor (45) and / or unlocking the controllable lock (98) can be enabled.

[0070] If, according to the example above, a momentary load of 40 volts is determined, i.e., in general terms, a momentary load that is below the extra-low voltage limit and below the preparation limit, it is determined that a release load case exists in which a received request for the disconnection of the electrical connection can be implemented directly and manual access to the residual load disconnector can be granted directly.

[0071] A differentiation of load cases by using two limit values ​​separated by a hysteresis threshold can be provided for single or multiple use for the disconnection and the establishment of the electrical connection. Furthermore, switching from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position and / or from the open rotary position to the closed rotary position can be performed in at least two phases, which is explained below using an example.

[0072] A received request to disconnect the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector (1) can lead to a response in two phases, in particular a preparation phase and a tripping phase. In the preparation phase, measures can be taken to prepare a switching movement, wherein the preparation phase preferably has a maximum predetermined duration. In the tripping phase, the actual switching can take place, i.e. the disconnection or establishment of the electrical connection. In addition, the subsequently achieved switching state and / or the subsequent instantaneous load can be monitored in the tripping phase.A transition from the preparation phase to the tripping phase can occur if and to the extent that it is determined within the predetermined period of the preparation phase that the preparatory measures have been completed and the current load (still or in the meantime) falls below a permissible limit value, in particular the residual load limit value or the extra-low voltage limit value.

[0073] The execution of the separation or establishment of an electrical connection may alternatively or additionally be made dependent on an additional external input, in particular on the receipt of an additional separation confirmation or switch-on confirmation.

[0074] If one of the necessary conditions (completion of preparatory measures, undershoot of the permissible threshold, receipt of confirmation) is not met or is no longer met during the preparation phase, the transfer can be denied. If a new request to disconnect or establish the electrical connection is received, the above-mentioned process can be executed again.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the initiation of the preparation phase and / or the completion of the preparatory measures and / or the additional undershoot of the permissible limit and / or the (successful) completion of the tripping phase and / or any fault conditions that may occur can be indicated by one or more status messages on the residual load disconnector (1) and / or communicated by sending the status message(s). This significantly improves the traceability of the status on the residual load disconnector (1) for an operator.

[0076] The division of the execution of a changeover operation into a preparation phase and a triggering phase can also be provided when checking only one permissible limit value, in particular the residual load limit value. In this case, a switch from the preparation phase to the triggering phase can occur if and when the preparatory measures are completed within the specified time period and the current load (continues or continuously) remains below the residual load limit value and / or if or when a disconnection confirmation is additionally received. A changeover operation can include both a disconnection of the electrical connection and a closing of the electrical connection.

[0077] At the end of the tripping phase, a check can be made to determine whether the instantaneous load at the residual load disconnector (1) falls or has fallen below a disconnection threshold. The disconnection threshold can be a voltage threshold according to the previous examples and / or a current threshold or a power threshold, in particular the above-mentioned extra-low voltage threshold. If the instantaneous load falls below the disconnection threshold after the rotary switch body has been switched to the open position, it is determined that the electrical connection between the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21) is actually broken, thus achieving a safe state.Successful completion of the tripping phase can be determined and displayed or communicated if, on the one hand, it is determined that the rotary switch element(s) (23) have reached the open rotary position and, on the other hand, the instantaneous load has fallen below the disconnection threshold. If one of these conditions is not met or not met within a specified time interval, an error condition can be detected and displayed or sent as a status message.

[0078] The establishment of an electrical connection can be prevented if the rotary switch body (23) is in the open rotary position and it is determined that the instantaneous load exceeds the disconnection state limit value, or if it is determined that the instantaneous load exceeds the residual load limit value.

[0079] Alternatively or in addition to the above, the presence of a main load can be detected by querying the switching state of a (remote) main load disconnector (3), which is explained below. The query of the switching state of the main load disconnector (3) is preferably carried out by exchanging data messages, in particular with a (remote) monitoring station (US).

[0080] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a power supply for an electrically operated means of transport (7). The electrical means of transport (7) is, in this case, a train or a commuter train traveling on a track or track section (6). The electrical means of transport (7) draws its traction current via a current tap (10) from a traction current supply conductor (8), which is, in this case, designed as a conductor rail.

[0081] The traction current supply conductor (8) is connected to a supply line (4) at a feed-in point (9) via the residual load disconnector (1) according to the present disclosure. The feed-in point (9) is thus the supply conductor feed-in point.

[0082] The supply line (4) can be very long, for example several kilometers long. It leads to a voltage source (2) which provides the main load power supply or the traction operation power supply. The main load isolating switch (3) is usually arranged at the voltage source (2) or near the voltage source (2). The electrical cable connection between the main load isolating switch and the traction current supply conductor (8) can have a considerable residual capacitance (5), which is illustrated here as a capacitor. A large part of this residual capacitance (5) is often located in the area of ​​the supply line. Due to the residual capacitance (5), a load, in particular the permissible residual load, can still be applied to the feed-in point (9) or the traction current supply line for some time even after a main load isolating switch (3) has been opened.the traction current supply conductor (8), which is to be electrically separated from the traction current supply conductor (8) by the residual load isolating switch (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0083] Optionally, a monitoring station (US) is present which is data-technically connected to the voltage source (2) and / or the main load disconnector (3) and / or the residual load disconnector (1) according to the present disclosure. The monitoring station can query the switching state of the main load disconnector or otherwise determine whether the main load is present at the feed-in point (9). The triggering means (44) can obtain information from the monitoring station (US) regarding whether the main load is present or not and prevent a switching movement of the rotary switch body (23) when the main load is present. Alternatively, there can be direct communication between the triggering means (44) and the main load disconnector (2) in order to obtain the switching state of the main load disconnector (2).

[0084] The embodiments of the residual load disconnector (1) shown in the figures are designed to be actuated either by the motor drive (45) or by a manual drive (46). Actuation by the motor (45) can, for example, take place as follows: A request to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed-in point (9) is received from an external signal generator. The request can, for example, be generated by the monitoring station (US) or by an actuating device on the track section (6). According to an optional step, the residual load disconnector (1), and in particular the triggering means (44), checks whether a main load is present.

[0085] The motor (45) is operated to load the spring drive (40) or the energy accumulator (42) contained therein, in particular under the condition that it has been determined that there is no main load but at most a residual load.

[0086] A sudden rotary movement is triggered, so that the rotary switch body (23) is moved from the closed rotary position (S2) to the open rotary position (S1). The sudden rotary movement is triggered when and in particular as soon as the energy accumulator (42) has reached the prescribed load. Alternatively, the sudden rotary movement is triggered under the condition that a load detection device has determined that only the permissible residual load is present between the at least one supply connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21), but not the main load.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the spring drive (40) can be loaded by actuating the manual drive (46), in particular by iteratively moving a ratchet lever (84). In this case, too, the spring movement can be triggered as soon as the specified load in the energy accumulator (42) is reached. Additionally, it can be verified that at the time of triggering, no main load is applied, but rather the maximum permissible residual load.

[0088] In other words, the triggering means (44) is preferably designed to permit manual and / or motor-induced actuation of the switching device (22) only when the maximum permissible residual load is present.

[0089] According to an aspect described further below, the load detection can also be used to make access to the residual load disconnector (1) and in particular to the manual drive (46) or the ratchet lever (84) dependent on only a permissible residual load being present, but not the main load.

[0090] The manual drive (46) can be designed as desired. In a preferred embodiment, it acts on the drive flange (43) of the spring-loaded drive, in particular in mechanical superposition with the drive motor (45). Particularly preferably, the residual load disconnector (1), and in particular the drive motor (45) or the spring-loaded drive (40), has a reduction gear. The manual drive (46) can act on the drive flange (43) of the spring-loaded drive (40) via this reduction gear, so that only minimal manual force is required to load the spring-loaded drive (40). Any manually graspable instrument can be provided to actuate the manual drive. This is preferably a ratchet lever (84) that can be moved back and forth. Alternatively, a hand crank can be provided, which can also (optionally) have a ratchet mechanism.A ratchet mechanism has the advantage that the actuating instrument is not moved when the spring drive is actuated by a motor.

[0091] According to the presentation in Figures 1 and 10 According to the present disclosure, the residual load disconnector (1) preferably has a position detection means (47) designed to detect the rotational position of the at least one rotary switch body (23), or the presence of a closed rotational position (S1) or an open rotational position (S2). The position detection means (47) can be designed in any desired manner. In the illustration according to Figures 1 and 10the position detection means (47) is formed by a cam disc detection. A cam disc is arranged on the rotation axis (A) and is torque-fixedly connected to the at least one rotary switch body (23). The cam disc has at least one and preferably two cams, which actuate one or more contact switches arranged on the circumference of the cam disc. In the example of Figure 1A first contact switch is pressed in by a cam, while a second contact switch is not pressed in. The second contact switch is arranged orthogonally to the first contact switch with respect to the rotation axis (A). The presence of a closed rotation position (S1) or an open rotation position (S2) is detected here if, according to a known coding, one of the two contact switches is activated and the other contact switch is not activated. If, however, both contact switches are not activated, the rotary switch body (23) is in an intermediate position.

[0092] Based on such an intermediate position, the position detection means (47) can additionally detect whether the rotary switch body (23) has been outside the closed rotary position (S1) and outside the open rotary position (S2) for an inadmissibly long period of time. In such a state, an alarm condition can be triggered, which can be communicated, for example, to the monitoring station (US). Furthermore, in such a case, manual access to the residual load disconnector can be restricted.

[0093] The residual load disconnector or the at least one rotary switch body (23) preferably has a unilaterally restricted direction of rotation for carrying out the switching movement(s). Thus, in the example of Figures 3 and 4For example, a clockwise rotation may always and exclusively be provided in order to move the rotary switch body (23) iteratively from a closed rotary position (S1) to an open rotary position (S2) and back to a closed rotary position (S1), etc. In this case, it is sufficient to arrange an arcing chamber only on the downstream side of a supply connection (20) and a discharge connection (21), i.e. in the tangentially adjoining area which is traversed by the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) according to the predetermined (unidirectional) direction of rotation when switching from a closed rotary position (S1) to an open rotary position (S2). On the upstream side, however, an arcing chamber can be dispensed with because - according to the predetermined direction of rotation - an arc is not to be expected there.

[0094] The preferred unidirectional and cyclical actuation of the rotary switch body (23) makes the residual load disconnector (1) particularly easy to control and monitor. In particular, no direction-changing gear or rotation direction reversal control is required. Rather, a single rotary motor (45) driven in a single direction of rotation can be used to initiate both the breaking of the electrically conductive connection on the residual load disconnector (1) or the switching device (22) and its reestablishment. The spring-loaded drive (40) is accordingly preferably designed to initiate iterative, step-like rotary movements in the same direction of rotation at constant angular intervals. The angular intervals can, in particular, each amount to 90 angular degrees.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment, the rotary switch body (23) can be provided with bilateral rotational mobility. In this case, the electrical connection can be separated, i.e., the switching between a closed rotary position (S1) and an open rotary position (S2), in a first predetermined direction of movement and the electrical connection can be closed in the opposite direction, which likewise means that arcing chambers only need to be provided on the trailing side of the direction of movement predetermined for the separation. Alternatively, a free direction of movement of the rotary switch body (23) can be provided. In this case, arcing chambers can be provided in both tangentially adjoining areas next to a supply line connection (20) and a discharge line connection (21).

[0096] Figures 6 to 9illustrate a preferred embodiment of the switching device (22) or a rotary switching body (23). The rotary switching body (23) has at least one pair and preferably two pairs of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27). Accordingly, two contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) are arranged parallel and coaxially to the axis of rotation (A). A pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) is designed for jointly contacting a supply connection (20) on the one hand and a discharge connection (21) on the other. Preferably, a contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) is provided on each of the supply connection (20) and the discharge connection (21), which contact tongue is received in a closed rotational position (S1) between the pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) (cf. Fig. 6 ).

[0097] A contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) - in particular each of the contact blades - preferably has a first

[0098] A multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (28, 29) for contacting a contact blade (51) on the supply terminal (20) and a further multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (30, 31) for contacting a contact blade (53) on the discharge terminal (21). The formation of pairs of contact blades on the one hand and the multiple arrangement of contact surfaces on the other hand promotes the formation of redundant electrical contact zones. According to the representation of Fig. 6 Each contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) can be in contact with a total of four contact surfaces on the pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27). The contacting surfaces are preferably provided with a highly electrically conductive coating, in particular with a silver coating or silver plating.

[0099] According to the illustration in Fig. 7the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) in a multiple arrangement are preferably separated, in particular physically separated, by an intermediate material recess (55, 56). In the preferred embodiment according to Figure 7 Each multiple arrangement comprises precisely two contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31), which are arranged, in particular, symmetrically to a material recess (55, 56). This arrangement has proven optimal for standardizing mechanical surface pressure between the multiple contact zones and thus promoting homogeneous contact resistances in the contact zones. If more than two contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) are provided in a multiple arrangement, additional material recesses can be provided accordingly.

[0100] The rotating body (23) preferably has an (insulating) housing (60), which can be formed in one or more parts. One or more pairs of contact blades are preferably fixed radially on or in the housing (60) and mounted with play in the axial direction. The tolerance for (local) mobility of a contact blade in the axial direction can be limited by suitable means.

[0101] Due to the radial fixation, a rotational position of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) is clearly determined by the rotational position of the housing (60), while in the axial direction (parallel to the rotational axis A), the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) are movable at least within a predetermined tolerance range in order to be able to move into an optimal contact position with the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54). Adopting the optimal contact position during the transition to the closed rotational position (S2) is preferably achieved by mechanical prestressing of the contact blades and by run-on bevels on the contact surfaces and / or the contact tongues, which is explained in additional detail below.

[0102] According to the representation in the Figures 7 to 9At least one axial bearing element (61) and at least one radial bearing element (62) independent of it can be provided on the rotary switch body (23). The axial bearing element (61) is designed to accommodate the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) of a pair and to position them relative to one another with axial play and, in particular, to preload them. The preload is directed, in particular, towards the inside of the pair, i.e., towards a center plane between the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) of a pair. The pair as a whole can move in the axial direction (parallel to the axis of rotation A), in particular on its own or together with another pair. This means that internal mobility of the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) in a pair and global mobility of the pair or several pairs are preferably provided, each of which can be subject to different tolerances.

[0103] The at least one radial bearing element (62) is designed to fix one or more contact blades, and in particular all contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) of a rotary switch body (23) in the radial direction, ie, to connect them to the housing (60) in a torque-resistant manner. The radial bearing element (62) preferably has no bearing effect in the axial direction, ie, parallel to the axis of rotation (A).

[0104] In the sectional view of Figure 8 Preferred embodiments of an axial bearing element (61) and a radial bearing element (62) are shown in a sectional view. The sectional view refers to a section line VIII-VIII in Figure 7 . Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the upper right area of Figure 8 .

[0105] An axial bearing element (61) is formed here by a support bolt (63), at least one spring element (64, 66), and a spacer (65). Furthermore, the axial bearing element (61) can comprise one or more fastening means (67, 68). Mechanical springs, in particular disc springs and disc spring assemblies, are preferably considered as spring elements (64, 66). According to the illustration in Figure 8 Two tensioned bearing arrangements (69, 70) are formed, each supporting and preloading a pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27). Alternatively, only one or any other number of bearing arrangements (69, 70) can be provided on a support bolt (63).

[0106] The illustrated bearing arrangement (69, 70) comprises, in the axial direction (A), a layered arrangement of a first spring element (64), a first contact blade (24), a spacer (65), a second contact blade (25), and optionally a second or further spring element (66). A sleeve, which is placed on the support bolt, serves as the spacer (65). The bearing arrangement (69, 70) is in the example of Figures (8, 9 ) is secured to the inside by a projection of the support bolt, which forms a first fastening means, and to the outside by a screw, which forms a second fastening means (67). Alternatively, any other fastening means may be provided, such as snap rings, locking pins, shaft nuts, welded projections, etc.

[0107] The contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) in a tensioned bearing arrangement (69, 70) are preloaded against the spacer (65) located between them by one or more spring elements (64, 66) in the open rotational position. The spacer thus defines a minimum clearance between the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) of a pair. Upon transition to the closed rotational position (S2), the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) come into contact with an associated contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54), particularly via run-on bevels. The minimum clear width between the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) is preferably smaller than the width of the associated contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54), so that the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) are moved or spread apart when sliding on a contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) against the pretension of the spring elements (64, 66).In this case, the one or more spring elements (64, 66) are elastically compressed so that they continue to maintain the preload force on the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) or the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31). Each contact between a contact blade (51, 52, 53, 54) and a contact surface (28, 29, 30, 31) forms a contact zone in which the contacting contact is preferably held with mechanical preload.

[0108] According to the lower half of Figure 8A radial bearing element (61) can preferably be formed by a guide pin which is fixed to the rotary switch body (23), in particular the housing (60), in the direction of rotation and which fixes at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) in the radial direction relative to the rotary body (23). The at least one contact blade is preferably mounted axially movably on the guide pin (71). The guide pin (71) itself can be fixed to the housing (60) in the axial direction. The radial bearing element (61) thus preferably allows both an internal movement of the contact blades in the axial direction relative to one another and a global movement of the contact blades as a whole relative to the housing (60).

[0109] The axial bearing elements (61) and radial bearing elements (62) can be provided in any number and arrangement on the rotary switch body (23). Figure 7shows a particularly preferred arrangement. Here, two axial bearing elements (61) are provided. These are arranged on a common line of symmetry on both sides of the axis of rotation (A) and in spatial proximity to the multiple arrangements of contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31). In particular, exactly one axial bearing element (61) is provided in the vicinity of exactly one multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) and in particular approximately on a center line of the respective multiple arrangement. The preload force applied by the axial bearing element (61) and in particular the spring elements (64, 66) is thus distributed essentially evenly across the multiple contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) of the respective multiple arrangement.

[0110] In the example shown, four radial bearing elements (62) are also provided, which are distributed substantially evenly around the rotational axis (A) and, in the present example, penetrate all contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27). Alternatively, a different number and arrangement of radial bearing elements can be provided. In principle, one radial bearing element would be sufficient, whereby central support of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) can be provided on the housing (60).

[0111] The previously described and in Figures 6 to 9The mounting and arrangement of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) with the multiple contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) shown has various advantages. Each lateral projection of the contact blades, which carries a contact surface (28, 29, 30, 31), has its own elastic mobility within a certain range, and furthermore, each multiple arrangement of contact surfaces has a common mobility. The preload, which is generated essentially via the spring elements (64, 66), can be distributed essentially uniformly over the contact surfaces of the associated multiple arrangement. The rotary body (23) and in particular the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) preferably have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation (A), wherein furthermore the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54) are preferably shaped essentially identically and arranged rotationally symmetrically to the axis of rotation (A).During a switching rotation, contact is essentially made simultaneously in the area of ​​a supply connection (20) and a discharge connection (21).

[0112] On each of the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) and / or the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54), run-on bevels can be arranged which, in conjunction with the axial mobility of the pairs of contact blades on the one hand and the preload acting in the axial direction on the other hand, promote a precise sliding and a secure and vibration-free contact.

[0113] In the example shown, a total of four mutually redundant electrical contacts to the contact surfaces on a pair of contact blades are formed on each contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54), with a defined preload acting over each surface pairing. This minimizes the electrical contact resistance for each of these contact zones, so that heating of the contact zones is low even when the full main load is applied. If necessary, a contact grease can be applied to the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54) and the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31), which promotes relative mobility and electrical contact even over long periods of time. Furthermore, the contact surfaces and contact tongues are preferably provided with a soldered or otherwise suitably attached plating made of a highly conductive material, in particular with a soldered silver plating.

[0114] The housing (60) of the rotating body (23) is in the Figures 6 to 9 shown in a preferred embodiment. It is designed as a multi-part insulating housing and comprises a first half-shell (73), a second half-shell (74), and an inner sleeve (72). The at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) has a central ring section, from which the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) projecting in the radial direction extend to two opposite sides. In the ring section there is a central recess, through which the insulating housing (60) preferably extends. The contact blades are preferably made of a highly conductive metal, in particular copper, and are formed as a single piece.

[0115] The contact blades can be spaced apart from the housing (60) and in particular from the inner sleeve. This ensures that a current flowing via the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) (main load current or residual current) cannot overflow onto a shaft (11) arranged in the center of the rotary switch body (23). In particular, inwardly directed cylindrical sections can be provided on the half-shells (73, 74), which extend inwardly through the central recesses in the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27). Furthermore, an additional, essentially cylindrical-ring-shaped sleeve (72) can be placed on these cylindrical sections and covers a gap between the half-shells (73, 74). The mounting and shape of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) can be selected such that an air gap remains between the central recess and the cylindrical sleeve or the inwardly directed cylindrical sections of the half-shells (73, 74).

[0116] The half-shells (73, 74) can further cover the axial outer sides and, in some areas, the radial outer sides of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27), particularly in those areas where there are no outwardly projecting contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31). In other words, the housing (60) preferably encloses all contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) of the rotary switch body (23) in an insulating manner, with the exception of the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) that project radially.

[0117] Also on the radial outer side of the housing (60) a gap between the half-shells (73, 74) can be covered by a further insulating element (not shown).

[0118] The aforementioned features of the housing design create particularly long creepage distances, thus protecting them from breakdown. The housing design thus ensures reliable insulation of the contact blades from the shaft and any adjacent rotary switch body.

[0119] The housing (60) of the rotary switch body (23) preferably comprises a (centrally symmetrically arranged) shaft receptacle. Via this shaft receptacle, the housing (60) can be rotationally connected to a shaft (11) of the residual load disconnector (1). Displaceability can optionally be provided in the axial direction. To execute a switching rotation, torque is preferably transmitted from an external actuating element, in particular generated by the spring drive (40), via the shaft (11) to the housing (60) of the rotary switch body (23) and further via the at least one radial bearing element (62) to the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27). The one or more axial bearing elements (61) are preferably not involved in the torque transmission.

[0120] The residual load disconnector according to the present disclosure may preferably comprise two or more rotary switch bodies (23), which are arranged next to one another, in particular in the axial direction (A). For example, in the residual load disconnector (1) in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 Two or more rotary switch bodies (23) are arranged side by side in the insulator chamber (14). Each of the rotary switch bodies can have two pairs of contact blades or any other number of contact blades, in particular one pair or three pairs, as explained above.

[0121] A further and particularly preferred embodiment for a multiple arrangement is shown in Figures 10 to 12shown. Here, the residual load disconnector (1) comprises two (or more) module switching blocks (12, 13). These, in turn, each comprise its own insulator chamber (14) with at least one supply connection (20), a rotary switch body (23), and at least one discharge connection (21). In other words, each of the module switching blocks (12, 13) is a switching device (22) according to the present disclosure. The plurality of module switching blocks (12, 13) is connected to a common central shaft (11) (cf. Figure 12 ) or a plurality of coupled shafts (not shown).

[0122] The plurality of modular switching blocks (12, 13) are preferably connected to a common spring drive (40), which is connected in particular to a first end of the central shaft (11) or to a first of the coupled shafts. The position detection means (47) is preferably arranged at the other end of the central shaft (11) or the last of the coupled shafts, which can thus detect the common rotational position of all switching bodies (23) via the rotational position of the central shaft (11) or via the common rotational position of the coupled shafts.

[0123] Alternatively, a separate jump drive (40) and / or a separate position detection means (47) can be provided for one, two or more module switching blocks (12, 13).

[0124] The residual load disconnector (1) preferably has a feed-out collector (19) connected to all the discharge connections (21) of the one or more modular switching blocks (12, 13) or one or more switching devices (22). This feed-out collector (19), as a one-piece component, can thus collect the main load current or the residual load current and transmit it to a connection (80) to a traction current supply conductor (8). The feed-out collector (19) can further act as a heat sink with respect to the one or more discharge connections (21). Likewise, all the supply connection (20) of the one or more modular switching blocks (12, 13) are preferably connected to a common feed-in rail (18), which can also produce a cooling effect.

[0125] The feed-out collector (19) can further serve as a mechanical fastening for securing the residual current disconnector (1) to an external structure and for supporting it with force. In particular, it can act as a common mechanical fastening for a plurality of modular switch blocks (12, 13).

[0126] In other words, the residual load disconnector (1) is preferably attached or can be attached to an external support structure (8) via the feed-out collector (19). It can be arranged in particular as shown in Figure 1 be attached directly to a conductor rail (8) or directly to an overhead line (not shown) by means of the connection (80) and be mechanically supported relative to it.

[0127] Thus, according to the present disclosure, the residual load disconnector (1) can be arranged in direct proximity to the traction current supply conductor (8) to be supplied, which on the one hand makes it easier to locate and on the other hand makes its function obvious. Due to the redundant contact zones described above and the highly compact design enabled thereby, the residual load disconnector (1) can be arranged directly on a track section (6) essentially without any spatial hindrance to the operation of the means of transport (7). It is not necessary to provide a separate switch cabinet at the feed-in point (9) or to arrange the residual load disconnector physically distant from the traction current supply conductor (8). The aforementioned aspects facilitate the fact that even workers unfamiliar with the area can easily locate and correctly operate the residual load disconnector in an emergency situation.In particular, when several residual load isolating switches (1) are arranged for different traction current supply conductors (8) (for example in a station), the assignment is simplified so that the accidental disconnection of the electrical connection to a wrong section of track is effectively avoided.

[0128] The residual load disconnector (1) can be housed in a separate protective housing (81) which is Figures 4 and 12 is sketched in outline. Figures 13 and 14 show another preferred design of the protective housing.

[0129] The protective housing (81) can be a removable component of the residual load disconnector (1) and can preferably be provided in addition to the isolator chamber (14), for example, to encapsulate the residual load disconnector (1) against the ingress of dust or moisture. The protective housing (81) can in particular be formed by a protective container (see FIG. Fig. 13). The protective housing (81) preferably achieves protection class IP65.

[0130] A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the protective housing (81) is mechanically supported directly or indirectly via the feed-out collector (19), namely via the same external support structure to which the residual load disconnector (1) can be fixed.

[0131] In the example of Figure 4 The protective housing (81) is mechanically connected at its underside to a lower cover (17) of the residual load disconnector (1), which in turn is mechanically connected to the feed-out collector (19) via the insulator chamber (14). A force acting externally on the protective housing (81) is thus transmitted via the insulator chamber (14) to the feed-out collector (19) and from there to the connection (80).

[0132] According to a Figures 13 and 14In the embodiment shown, the residual load disconnector (1) can have a weight compensation holder (94). This can be designed, in particular, in the form of a piece base or a support bracket. The weight of the residual load disconnector (1) can possibly result in an inadmissible deformation of the traction current supply conductor (8) to which the residual load disconnector (1) is attached. On the other hand, further deformation of the supply conductor (8) is possible due to temperature changes and any mechanical influences from the operation of the means of transport. The weight compensation holder (94) is preferably designed to permit an elastic deformation of the traction current supply conductor (8) and to permit limited mobility or limited movement of the residual current disconnector (1) and / or the protective housing or the protective container (81). The weight compensation holder (94) preferably comprises an elastic support means, for example in the form of a spring.The support means is prestressable. It can be prestressed to such an extent that the weight of the residual load disconnector (1) and / or the protective container (81) is largely or completely compensated by the restoring force of the support means. The support means can also be elastically resilient to allow the residual load disconnector (1) and / or the protective container (81) to be raised or lowered as a result of external forces. On the other hand, the support means preferably has at least uniaxial, preferably biaxial, transverse mobility, thus also enabling a horizontal deflection movement of the residual load disconnector (1) and / or the protective container (81).

[0133] The feed-out collector (19) penetrates the protective housing or the protective container (81), preferably forming a sealing point which seals in particular against the ingress of dust and jet water (cf. Figure 4). Particularly preferably, the feed-out collector (19) has a substantially annular sealing seat (82) and is connected to the protective housing (81) via a circumferential sealing means (83). In this way, the penetration of dust and water or moisture can be effectively prevented. In particular, when using a one-piece feed-out collector (19), no seams are created in the region of the sealing seat (82), which is advantageous for permanent sealing.

[0134] The protective housing (81) can preferably be hinged, for example according to the Figure 4shown dividing plane (88), which runs essentially obliquely to the horizontal plane. An upper part of the protective housing (81) can be folded away via a hinge (89) shown as an example, in order to allow manual access to the manual drive (46) and to handles (85) arranged at the top of the residual load disconnector (1). In the folded-open state, the residual load disconnector (1) can thus be grasped directly in order to position and secure it, for example, with a pre-assembled connection (80) on a traction current supply conductor (8).

[0135] The residual load disconnector (1) can thus be installed together with the protective housing (81), whereby only the fixing points on the connection (80) to the traction current supply conductor (8) and, if applicable, on the feed rail (18) to a feed line (4) need to be secured. Installation and / or replacement can therefore be carried out particularly quickly and easily. The fixed combination of residual load disconnector (1) and protective housing (81) also ensures that the liquid- and dust-tight connection in accordance with the prescribed protection class is met after installation. The sealing point between the sealing means (83) and the sealing seat (82) does not need to be touched for installation or removal of the residual load disconnector (1).

[0136] The feed-out collector (19) is preferably made of a light metal, in particular aluminum. It preferably has a highly electrically conductive coating, in particular a silver coating or silver plating. The coating can be applied on all sides.

[0137] The aforementioned choice of material offers several advantages. Firstly, the overall weight of the residual load disconnector (1) is reduced, allowing it to be handled and installed by a single operator. Secondly, aluminum dissipates any heat generated at the contact points inside the residual load disconnector (1) particularly well to the outside, allowing the heat to be dissipated, particularly via the terminal (80) into the traction current supply conductor (8). The silver plating achieves particularly high conductivity, which is maintained even under adverse environmental conditions.

[0138] The residual load disconnector (1) can preferably have an access restriction means which only allows manual access to the residual load disconnector (1) if a detected electrical load, in particular the detected load between the supply line connection (20) and the discharge line connection (21), falls below a permissible limit value and / or if it is detected that an upstream main load disconnector (3) is open. The access restriction means can, for example, be a lock or locking mechanism, in particular a controllable lock (98). It can interact with the load detection means described above and / or the triggering means (44) described above. The access restriction means preferably ensures that manual access to the residual load disconnector (1) is only possible if there is no main load at the feed-in point (9) oracross the residual load disconnector (1), but at most the defined residual load, preferably only a momentary load that is lower than a low voltage limit value.

[0139] The residual load disconnector may have a remote control interface, which preferably enables remote activation of the drive motor (45) and / or the triggering means (44). The remote control interface may be configured as desired.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the residual load disconnector (1) preferably has a remote monitoring interface which is designed in particular to transmit a switching state or a rotational position of the residual load disconnector (1) or of the rotary switching contact (23).

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment, the load detection means, and / or the triggering means (44), and / or the access restriction means, and / or the remote control interface, and / or the remote monitoring interface can be integrated into a common control means, in particular in a data processing device (97). The control means preferably has a separate power supply, in particular an accumulator or a battery. It can additionally be operated via the supply line (4) or main load power supply. The control means and / or one of the included devices can have a communication interface (92, 97) for wired or wireless communication, for example a network connection or a data modem.

[0142] Figures 13 and 14show a further preferred embodiment of a residual load disconnector (1), which here has a protective housing in the form of a protective container (81). The residual load disconnector comprises, in the form shown, (precisely) a module switching block (12), on or in which an isolator chamber (14) and two rotary switching bodies (23) are arranged. The rotary switching bodies are arranged next to one another on a common shaft, which is further connected to the spring drive (40). Otherwise, the design corresponds to that explained above and in Figures 10 to 12 shown variant. The module switching block (12) is compared to Figures 10 to 12 tilted around the longitudinal axis (A) so that the supply connections (21) are arranged horizontally below and the discharge connections (22) are arranged horizontally above the rotary switch body (23). Alternatively, an arrangement rotated around the horizontal axis is possible.

[0143] The residual load disconnector (1) according to Figures 13 and 14 comprises a substantially two-part protective container (81). The lower part of the protective container (81) is tub-shaped. Figure 13 Its front wall is concealed. The lower part houses the module switching block (12), the spring drive (40), and other control and locking devices. The control and locking devices comprise at least one, and preferably several, of the following components: A position detection means (47) a load detection, here comprising a voltage monitor (92); an electric motor (45); a transformer or other suitable power supply for the electric motor (45); a data processing device (97); a wireless communication interface.

[0144] At the lower part, in particular in the area of ​​the front wall, one or more viewing windows (95) can be provided to allow a view of the switching device (22) and in particular the rotary switching body(s) (23). A current switching position of the rotary switching body can be visually read through the viewing window (95). Preferably, the switching position can additionally be detected by the position detection means (47), which is shown in the figure. Figure 13 located behind the switching device (22).

[0145] The data processing device (97) can have any desired configuration. In particular, it can be configured as a universal computer or as a programmable control unit. Particularly preferably, the data processing device (97) comprises a wireless communication interface that exchanges messages with external communication participants, for example, via WLAN, UMTS, GPS, LTE, or another wireless communication standard. Such an external communication participant can, in particular,

[0146] The upper part of the protective container (81) is designed as a lid (90). It can be hinged open as described above. The lid can be locked in the closed state, in particular by a controllable lock (98) as described above.

[0147] An overhang can be formed on at least one side of the cover (90), which projects beyond the lower part of the protective container (81) and forms a connection cover (91) for the feed rail (18) and the connectors of a supply line (4) attached thereto. The feed rail (18) is in the example of Figures 13 and 14 Leading out laterally from the lower part of the protective container (81). The lead-through is preferably provided with a seal to prevent the penetration of moisture or water into the protective container (81).

[0148] A wired communication interface (92) can be provided on the protective container (81), in particular on its side wall. The wired communication interface can be provided alternatively or in addition to a wireless communication interface. In the example of Figures 13 and 14The wireless communication interface is combined with an interface for supplying a general power supply. The general power supply can be supplied to operate the electric motor (45) and, if appropriate, one or more of the above-mentioned control and detection means. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the above-mentioned control and detection means can be operated by a current conducted via the supply line (4).

[0149] The residual load isolator (1) can comprise an energy storage device (battery) that supplies one or more of the aforementioned control and detection devices for a bridging period in the event of a failure of the general power supply and / or the traction power supply. The residual load isolator (1) can accordingly have one or more chargers or other suitable charging devices for charging the energy storage device from the traction power or the general power supply.

[0150] The storage capacity of the energy storage device is preferably designed such that the energy storage device, when fully charged, supports at least two, preferably at least six or 10 switching operations of the residual load disconnector as well as remote monitoring and / or remote control operation for at least 24 hours, preferably at least 72 hours or at least 5 days.

[0151] A software product comprising instructions for performing an operating method according to the present disclosure may be installed or executed on the data processing device (97). The software product may be present on a physical data storage device. The software product may also be present or stored outside the data processing device, in particular on an external server, from which it can be temporarily or permanently transferred to the data processing device.

[0152] A preferred embodiment of the residual current disconnector (1) provides that access to the residual current disconnector (1) and in particular its control or detection means is only possible after successful authentication. For this purpose, the residual load disconnector can have any desired authentication verification means, which can be designed in particular in the form of a software component and / or in the form of a hardware component. To access the residual current disconnector (1), for example, an authentication request can be received via one of the communication interfaces (92, 97). This request can be sent from a remote control center or from a mobile device carried by a worker. If the authentication request is confirmed by the authentication verification means, remote monitoring access and / or remote control access and / or manual access can be enabled.

[0153] In the case of remote monitoring release, one or more status messages can be transmitted via the residual load disconnector (1) and / or its control and detection means, including in particular a determined switching position of the at least one rotary switching element (23), a currently applied load, and / or a charge state of the spring-loaded drive and / or the energy storage device. Furthermore, one or more alarm states can be transmitted, in particular whether it has been determined that a rotary switching element (23) is in an intermediate position.

[0154] In case of a remote control release, a request to disconnect (or establish) the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector (1) can be processed according to the explained operating procedure.

[0155] When manual access is enabled, the controllable lock (98) can be actuated to allow opening of the protective container (81). The controllable lock (98) may additionally require the supply or insertion of a physical unlocking means, in particular a key, to open the lid (90).

[0156] If the authentication test means partially or completely rejects an authentication request, one or more of the aforementioned releases can be refused accordingly, so that a request to disconnect (or establish) the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector (1) is disregarded, and / or no status messages are transmitted via the residual load disconnector (1), and / or manual access to the residual load disconnector (1) and in particular opening of the protective container (81) is prevented.

[0157] The residual load disconnector (1) can also generate and send a warning message if, despite a rejected authentication request, it is detected that the protective housing (81) is opened and / or that the switching state of the residual load disconnector (1) changes.

[0158] The residual load disconnector (1) can have an overvoltage protection device (99), which is arranged, in particular, in single or multiple layers within the protective housing (81). The overvoltage protection device (99) is preferably arranged in an electrical connection between the supply line (4) and the supply line connection (20) of the residual load disconnector (1).

[0159] The reception and transmission of data messages can be performed in any manner using a wired and / or wireless communication interface (92, 97). The data messages can, in particular, include a request to disconnect or establish the electrical connection, a disconnection confirmation or a power-on confirmation, one or more status messages, as well as authentication requests and authentication confirmations.

[0160] According to a preferred embodiment, signals for sending or receiving data messages can be modulated onto a load current line connected to the residual load disconnector. The load current line can, in particular, be the supply line (4) for the traction current or a line for the general current. By modulating a signal for exchanging data messages, it is possible, in particular, to avoid the need to lay additional communication lines.

[0161] If the residual load disconnector is used for the operation of an overhead line, it may be particularly advantageous to use a wireless communication interface.

[0162] Modifications of the disclosed invention are possible in various ways. In particular, the features shown or described for the various embodiments can be combined or interchanged in any way.

[0163] The residual load disconnector (1) according to the design in Figures 1 to 4 can be designed to conduct a main load of up to 4,000 amperes and / or to disconnect a residual load of up to 900 amperes. The residual load disconnector (1) according to the design in Figures 10 to 12can be designed to conduct a main load of up to 8,000 amperes and / or to disconnect a residual load of up to 1,800 amperes. By adding additional rotary switch bodies (23) and / or modular switch blocks (12, 13), the maximum permissible limits for the main load and the residual load can be changed accordingly.

[0164] The rotary switch body (23) with the housing structure (60) according to Figures 6 to 9 may also be equipped with a smaller number of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27), in particular with only one pair of contact blades.

[0165] The interaction and the bearing concept for the contact tongues and the contact blades can be inverted, so that a first and a second contact tongue are provided on each contact blade, while a pair of prestressed contact bodies supporting the contact surfaces, in particular a multiple arrangement of contact surfaces, is provided on a supply connection (20) and / or a discharge connection (21). In this case, the contact bodies can have internal mobility in the axial direction, while the axial position of the contact blades can be fixed. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0166] 1Residual load disconnector 2Voltage source 3Main load switch 4Feed line 5Residual capacity 6Track section 7Electrically operated means of transport / Train / Trolleybus 8Traction current supply conductor / Conductor rail / Overhead line 9Feed point 10Current tap / Sliding contact 11Shaft / Central shaft 12First module switch block 13Second module switch block 14Insulator chamber 15First side wall 16Second side wall 17Cover 18Infeed rail 19Outfeed collector 20Infeed connection 21Outfeed connection 22Switching device 23Rotary switch body 24Contact blade 25Contact blade 26Contact blade 27Contact blade 28Contact surface 29Contact surface 30Contact surface 31Contact surface 32Extinguishing chamber 33Extinguishing chamber 34Extinguishing plates 35 Passage opening 36 Cage support 37 Interface 40 Spring drive 41 Output flange 42 Energy storage 43 Drive flange 44 Release device 45 Drive motor 46 Manual drive 47 Position locking device 51 Contact tongue 52 Contact tongue 53 Contact tongue 54 Contact tongue 55 Material recess / Notch 56Material recess / Notch 60Housing 61Axial bearing element 62Radial bearing element 63Support bolt 64Spring element / Disc spring / Disc spring package 65Spacer / Distance sleeve 66Spring element / Disc spring / Disc spring package 67Fasteners / Screw 68Fasteners / Projection 69First tensioned bearing arrangement 70Second tensioned bearing arrangement 71Guide pin 72Inner sleeve 73First half-shell 74Second half-shell 75Shaft holder 80Connection for traction current supply conductor / Rail connection 81Protective housing / Protective container 82Seal seat 83Sealant 84Actuating instrument for manual operation / Ratchet lever / Lever / Crank / 85Handle 86Venting 88Parting plane 89Hinge 90Cover 91Overhang / Terminal cover 92Wired communication interface 93Voltage monitor 94Weight counterbalance bracket 95Viewing window 96Transformer / Motor power supply 97Data processing device / Control means / Wireless communication interface 98 Controllable lock 99 Overvoltage protection A Axis / Center axis US Monitoring station IRResidual current ILMain load current S1 Closed rotary position S2 Open rotary position X1 First movement path X2 Second movement path

Claims

1. Rotary switching body for a residual load disconnector (1), wherein the residual load disconnector (1) is designed for disconnecting an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor (8) for a means of transport (7), and wherein the residual load disconnector (1) comprises a feed line connection (20), a discharge line connection (21) and at least one switching device (22), characterized in that the rotary switch body has a multi-part insulating housing (60) which comprises a first half-shell (73), a second half-shell (74) and an inner sleeve (72), and wherein the rotary switch body (23) has at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) and the at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) has a central recess through which the housing (60) extends.

2. Rotary switching body according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner sleeve is of cylindrical ringshaped design and is mounted on cylinder portions which are provided on the half-shells (73, 74) and are directed inwards, wherein the cylinder portions pass through the central recesses in the at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) and the inner sleeve covers a gap between the half-shells (73, 74).

3. Rotary switching body according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary switching body (23) has at least one pair of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) and preferably two pairs of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27).

4. Rotary switching body according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one axial bearing element (61) and at least one radial bearing element (62) which is independent thereof are provided on the rotary switching body (23), wherein in particular - the axial bearing element (61) is designed to receive the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) of a pair and to position the contact blades of a pair relative to each other with axial play; AND / OR - the radial bearing element (62) is designed to connect one or more contact blades to the housing (60) fixedly in terms of torque in the radial direction.

5. Rotary switching body according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) has a first multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (28, 29) for contacting a contact tongue (51) on a feed line connection (20) and a further multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (30, 31) for contacting a contact tongue (53) on a discharge line connection (21), wherein, in particular, the contact surfaces (28, 29) in a multiple arrangement are separated by an intermediate material recess.

6. Rotary switching body according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (60) of the rotary switching body (23) has a shaft receptacle, via which it can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft (11) of the residual load disconnector.

7. Rotary switching body according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary switching body (23) - has a direction of rotation, which is limited to one side, for executing a switching movement and in particular can be unidirectionally and cyclically operated in order to move the rotary switching body (23) in particular iteratively from a closed rotational position (S1) to an open rotational position (S2) and back to a closed rotational position (S1) etc.; OR - the rotary switching body (23) is able to rotate to both sides.

8. Rotary switching body according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotary switching body (23) is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis.

9. Module switching block for a residual load disconnector (1), characterized in that the module switching block (12, 13) comprises an insulator chamber (14) with at least one feed line connection (20), at least or exactly one rotary switching body (23) and at least one discharge line connection (21), wherein the rotary switching body (23) is designed according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Residual load disconnector for disconnecting an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor (8) for a means of transport (7), wherein the residual load disconnector (1) comprises a feed line connection (20), a discharge line connection (21) and at least one switching device (22), characterized in that the residual load disconnector (1) comprises at least one rotary switching body and / or a module switching block according to any of the preceding claims.

11. Residual load disconnector according to the preceding claim, wherein the residual load disconnector (1) - transmits a traction current for the means of transport (7) as the main load in the closed state, AND - prevents a current and in particular the main load from being transmitted in the open state, AND - is provided and designed to disconnect an electrical connection to the traction current supply conductor (8), specifically in the de-energized state OR when at most a predefined residual load which is present after the main load has been disconnected is applied.

12. Residual load disconnector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector (1) has a direction of rotation, which is limited to one side, for executing the switching movements and can be unidirectionally and cyclically operated in order to move the rotary switching body (23) in particular iteratively from a closed rotational position (S1) to an open rotational position (S2) and back to a closed rotation position (S1) etc.

13. Residual load disconnector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector has a snap-action drive (40), which is designed to cause the rotary switching body (23) to perform an abrupt switching rotation, wherein in particular the complete rotational movement between a closed rotational position (S1) and an open rotational position (S2) takes place in less than 200 milliseconds.

14. Residual load disconnector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector (1) and in particular the snap-action drive (40) have a tripping means (44) for tripping an abrupt switching rotation, and wherein in particular - the tripping means (44) is designed to prevent the abrupt switching rotation when a force accumulator (42) of the snap-action drive (40) has an insufficient charge or preload; AND / OR wherein - the residual load disconnector has a load identification means which monitors a current flow and / or a voltage between the feed line connection (20) and the discharge line connection (21) and the residual load disconnector (1) and in particular the tripping means (44) are designed to prevent a switching movement of the rotary switching body (23) when an identified electrical load between the feed line connection (20) and the discharge line connection (21) exceeds a permissible limit value, AND / OR wherein - the residual load disconnector (1) has a position-locking means (47), which detects a rotational position of the rotary switching body (23) or the presence of a closed rotational position (S1) or an open rotational position (S2).

15. Residual load disconnector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector (1) - has a plurality of rotary switching bodies (23) which are arranged next to each other, in particular in the axial direction (A), AND / OR - comprises two or more module switching blocks (12, 13), which in particular each comprise an insulator chamber (14) with at least one feed line connection (20), at least or exactly one rotary switching body (23) and at least one discharge line connection (21).