OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR A RESIDUAL LOAD DISCONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a residual load disconnection technology for disconnecting an electrical connection under a residual current or residual load at a feed-in point to a traction current supply conductor, in particular an operating method for a residual load disconnect switch. The disclosure further relates to a data processing device and a software product for executing the operating method.

[0002] JPH1146436A discloses an operating method for a residual load disconnect switch in which a load detection is performed and it is checked whether the load is less than a permissible residual load in order to trigger the residual load disconnect switch.

[0003] In JP 2007153255 A, a train is described that draws its power supply from an overhead line via a pantograph. A DC detection device is provided at a distance from the overhead line. It comprises two spaced-apart measuring points arranged on one of the train's running rails, through which the flow of DC current in this running rail can be detected when the train has an electrical connection to the overhead line via the pantograph. The DC detection device serves to determine the presence or absence of the load current in the running rail. A remotely located blocking device is provided, which is signal-connected to the DC detection device and prevents the activation of a disconnect switch connected to the overhead line when the flow of load current is detected in the running rail.

[0004] DE 12 03 343 A discloses a disconnect switch with two simultaneously rotatable rotary heads, each carrying contact blades that can be brought into contact centrally between the rotary axes of the heads. A linear spring accumulator is charged by a motor and triggered by direct manual input or input via a remote control to simultaneously move the contact blades of both rotary heads and thereby disconnect the electrical connection. Since this disconnect switch is expected to be opened accidentally under load, resulting from a DC voltage of 700 to 1500 volts, the disconnect switch is equipped with a spark suppression device.

[0005] From EP 1 536 444 B1, a disconnect switch for disconnecting the power supply of a railway under full load is known. The disconnect switch has a pivoting lever mounted on one side. A separate device is provided to ensure high-speed movement of the pivoting lever in the opening direction.

[0006] CN 106887796 A describes a safety enclosure for a high-voltage circuit breaker. The enclosure includes a main door and an emergency exit, which are accessed by a person and secured by access control mechanisms.

[0007] To understand the present disclosure and the relevant technical field, some definitions and notes on the use of disconnect switches must be taken into account, which are summarized below.

[0008] A disconnect switch (also called a isolator) is distinct from a standard switch or load switch. Disconnect switches are used to separate or connect electrical circuits when they are de-energized. When a disconnect switch is closed, it carries high currents of 1,000 amperes or more. Therefore, it is a high-current component in terms of the current it can carry when closed, but a low-current component in terms of the load it can disconnect.

[0009] Opening a disconnect switch while the main load is applied is not intended and generally leads to damage or destruction of the disconnect switch, or to other adverse effects that should be avoided, such as the formation of an excessively strong arc that can cause fires or injuries. A disconnect switch therefore has a different function and design than, for example, a contactor or a fuse.

[0010] A high-voltage rotary switch that disconnects under load is known from CH 514 226 A. This switch comprises an electrically conductive rotating part that is keyed directly onto a switch drive shaft. The document does not specify the current rating for which the switch is designed. Another load switch is known from DE 3428519 A1. This switch comprises an electrically conductive rotor that has separate contact pieces made of different materials at its ends. The rotor is mounted directly onto a switching shaft.

[0011] EP 2718949 A1 discloses a load switch with a switching element that rotates back and forth between an open position and a closed position. The switching element comprises straight contacts that are inserted through a roller formed from insulating material. Another load switch with a corresponding design and a back-and-forth movement between a closed and open position is known from US 2016 / 099120 A1. EP 2 050 111 B1 discloses an actuator for a switch.

[0012] A residual load disconnect switch is a special type of disconnect switch. Like a standard disconnect switch, it can be opened or closed when de-energized. In addition, a residual load disconnect switch can be opened (and potentially closed) when a defined residual load is applied. This residual load is significantly lower than the main load that passes through the residual load disconnect switch when it is closed.

[0013] The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure serves to disconnect a traction current supply conductor for an electrically operated vehicle from a residual load—which may exist after the disconnection of a main load—in such a way that no residual current can flow from the supply line to the traction current supply conductor. The residual load disconnect switch is therefore designed and configured to disconnect an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor of a vehicle, either when de-energized or when a maximum predefined residual load is present. In the closed state, the residual load disconnect switch allows the main load, i.e., the traction current for the vehicle, to pass through to the traction current supply conductor. In the open state, the residual load disconnect switch prevents any current, and in particular the main load, from being transmitted to the traction current supply conductor.The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure can therefore also be referred to as a transport vehicle residual load disconnect switch.

[0014] The supply line is typically connected to a voltage source via a main load disconnect switch. During operation, main load currents can occur, reaching, for example, 4000 amperes, 6000 amperes, or higher. In its closed position, the residual load disconnect switch transfers this main load current from the supply line to the traction power supply conductor. The main load disconnect switch, which is not the subject of this disclosure, is designed to disconnect the electrical connection between the voltage source and the supply line even when the maximum main load is applied.

[0015] When the main load disconnect switch is open, the main load is no longer connected to the residual load disconnect switch or the traction power supply conductor. However, residual capacitance in the supply line can cause a significant residual current to flow into the traction power supply conductor via the feed point, even after the main load disconnect switch has opened. This can pose a life-threatening risk to a worker who touches the traction power supply conductor. Therefore, to carry out maintenance work on the traction power supply conductor, it must also be safely disconnected from the residual load.

[0016] The residual load or residual current can occur within a defined range, particularly up to 50 amperes and at voltages up to 900 V or above. The residual load is preferably a maximum of 5 percent of the main load, and particularly less than 3 percent. The residual load disconnect switch is designed to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed point to the busbar when the maximum permissible residual current or maximum permissible residual load is present.

[0017] In other words, the residual load disconnect switch is designed to transmit a main load current in the closed position and, after the main load has been switched off, to be moved to an open position with a residual load applied in order to completely disconnect the electrical connection at the feed point to a traction current supply conductor.

[0018] The residual load disconnect switch does not need to be designed to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed-in point to a traction current supply conductor while the main load is applied. Rather, according to the present disclosure, measures are proposed that effectively prevent the residual load disconnect switch from opening while the main load is applied.

[0019] Existing disconnect switches are used to supply power to rail vehicles and are not optimally designed. They typically consist of a single-sided, electrically conductive hand lever that can be moved manually between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the hand lever connects a power supply contact to a track power supply contact. The hand lever is usually about one meter long or even longer and is located in a protective box along the track. Due to the large space requirements of existing disconnect switches, an alternative is to house them in a control cabinet located near the track and connected to a power rail via separate cables. Operating the hand lever on these existing disconnect switches requires considerable force and poses a risk of electric shock to the operator.Furthermore, serious accidents can occur if, in a control cabinet containing several disconnect switches for different busbars or track sections, the wrong disconnect switch is accidentally opened and a worker touches a busbar whose assigned disconnect switch is still under residual load.

[0020] From DE 1 203 343 A, a disconnect switch is known that is designed to disconnect an electrical connection to a conductor rail of an electric railway. This disconnect switch has two rotary heads, each with separate contact blades projecting outwards on one side. To open or close the electrical connection, both rotary heads are set into a synchronous rotation. Rotation in both directions is possible, i.e., clockwise rotation to open the electrical connection and counterclockwise rotation to close it. The achievable rotational positions of the rotary heads are determined by a gear mechanism.

[0021] From WO 2013 / 186433 A1, a load switch (English: switch) with a pivoting contact body is known, the latter being 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 counterclockwise pivoting movement breaks the contact between the pivoting contact body and the second stationary contact. Thus, a back-and-forth movement of the pivoting contact body is provided for opening and closing an electrical contact. The maximum achievable pivoting positions are defined by stop surfaces on a housing of the pivoting contact body.

[0022] WO 2013 / 153279 A1, EP 2 936 525 B1 and US 2013 / 0153538 A1 disclose various load switches and fuses, each having a switching element that is pivotable about a central axis. The disclosed switching elements are rotatable in both directions, but the maximum pivoting range is limited by stops on both sides. The pivotable switching elements can thus be pivoted in a first direction to close an electrical connection and in a opposite direction to open the electrical connection. Therefore, opening and closing an electrical contact requires a back-and-forth movement of the pivotable switching element.

[0023] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating method for operating a residual load disconnect switch. The invention achieves this object through the characterizing features of the independent claim.

[0024] An operating method according to the present disclosure is provided for operating a residual load disconnect switch, which has a rotary snap-action drive capable of causing a rotary switching element of the residual load disconnect switch to perform a snap rotation. The residual load disconnect switch further comprises a load detection system that monitors current flow and / or voltage between the supply terminal and the discharge terminal of the residual load disconnect switch. The operating method can be used, in particular, in conjunction with the residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure. It comprises at least the following steps.

[0025] A request to disconnect the electrical connection at the residual load disconnect switch is received. The load applied to the residual load disconnect switch between the supply terminal and the outgoing terminal is checked, particularly after receiving the request. A sudden rotation of the rotary switching element is triggered if it is determined that the load applied to the residual load disconnect switch between the supply terminal and the outgoing terminal (21) is less than (or equal to) the permissible residual load.

[0026] The operating procedure achieves improved remote controllability in several respects. Firstly, load detection and the resulting triggering of the rotary motion ensure that the disconnect switch is only activated when the residual load criterion is met. Accidental activation of the residual load disconnect switch while the main load is applied or when the permissible residual load is exceeded can be prevented. This guarantees the safe operation of the residual load disconnect switch.

[0027] By using a rotary actuator, both opening and closing the electrical connection can be performed with a single actuator, and in particular, remotely. This enables fully remote operation. Manual access to the residual load disconnect switch is possible, but not required.

[0028] The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure features a particularly compact design, reliable switching behavior, optional remote control and / or remote monitoring capability, and improved ease of installation. It can be mounted as a complete, pre-assembled unit, including a protective enclosure, directly onto a traction current supply conductor, thus eliminating the need for a separate control cabinet and foundation.

[0029] The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure is explained below. It is designed and intended to disconnect an electrical connection to a traction current supply conductor. It has at least one inlet connection, at least one outlet connection, and at least one switching device. The inlet connection and outlet connection can be components of a switching device.

[0030] The supply connection is preferably connected via a supply line to a (remote) main load disconnect switch and a (remote) voltage source. The return connection is preferably connected via a (nearby) rail connection or a (nearby) overhead line connection to a conductor rail or overhead line for an electrically powered vehicle such as a train, a suburban train, or a trolleybus. More generally, the return connection is preferably connectable to, or connected to, a connection to a traction current supply conductor. The traction current supply conductor is designed and configured to transmit the traction current for a vehicle, in particular a suburban train, a train, a tram, or a trolleybus. Accordingly, the residual load disconnect switch is designed to transmit this traction current as the main load between the supply connection and the return connection when closed.

[0031] The switching device comprises at least one rotating switching element with at least one contact blade. The at least one contact blade is rotatably arranged about an axis extending between the supply terminal and the discharge terminal. The at least one contact blade has radially projecting contact surfaces at its ends. Preferably, two contact blades are combined to form a pre-tensioned pair. The contact surfaces on the contact blades can be brought into contact by a rotational movement with both a contact tongue at a supply terminal and a contact tongue at a discharge terminal, and can be brought out of contact by a further rotational movement.

[0032] In a closed rotary position of the rotating element, the contact surfaces are in direct contact with both the supply and discharge terminals. In an open rotary position, the contact surfaces are spaced apart from both the supply and discharge terminals.

[0033] The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure has a unidirectional limited direction of rotation for performing the switching movements. It is always moved iteratively in the same direction of rotation from a closed rotary position to an open rotary position and back to a closed rotary position, etc. The residual load disconnect switch is thus unidirectional and cyclically actuable. It is not necessary to perform a conventional back-and-forth movement or to drive the rotating switching element with a reversing motion to transition from an open rotary position to a closed rotary position and back to an open rotary position.

[0034] The rotary switching element can therefore always be moved in one direction only – e.g., clockwise – to perform a transition between two switching positions. A counter-clockwise movement – ​​as in the example – is blocked.

[0035] In other words, all transitions between two switching positions on the residual load disconnect switch 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, particularly those positions where the contact surfaces of a contact blade are positioned in a preferred location at the supply terminal and / or the discharge terminal.

[0036] By limiting the direction of rotation to one side, or by using unidirectional rotary actuation, it becomes possible to operate the residual load disconnect switch with a particularly simple drive, especially a rotary snap-action drive. The drive can have unidirectional movement. The back-and-forth movement of the switching element, otherwise typical for disconnect switches, and the corresponding need for reversibility of the drive, can be dispensed with. Instead, it is possible to perform both switching movements—i.e., from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position—iteratively with just one drive, especially a snap-action drive.

[0037] The rotary switching element is preferably rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation, and the axis of rotation is preferably located centrally between the inlet and outlet connections. A closed rotary position is preferably oriented orthogonally to an open rotary position. Alternatively, other orientations between a closed rotary position and an open rotary position are possible. The open rotary position(s) and the closed rotary position(s) are preferably arranged at uniform offset angles around the central axis, in particular offset by 90 degrees or offset by 45 degrees.

[0038] The rotary switching element 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 actuator, which can have any design. The snap-action actuator is preferably designed as a rotary actuator, which in particular performs an iterative drive movement in always the same direction of rotation, namely in precisely the direction of rotation in which the rotary switching element of the residual load disconnect switch can move.

[0039] The residual load disconnect switch with the aforementioned rotary switching element is particularly well suited for a quick and safe disconnection of the electrical connection between the supply line connection and the discharge line connection, whereby activation can be carried out manually as well as controlled or motor-driven.

[0040] During the transition from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position, an electrical connection between the supply terminal and at least one first contact surface on the at least one contact blade, and an electrical connection between the discharge terminal and at least one further contact surface on the at least one contact blade, are simultaneously broken. In this way, the load to be switched is distributed essentially equally between a first break point at the supply terminal and a second break point at the discharge terminal. These first and second break points are connected in series above the contact blade. The switching capacity is reduced for both the supply terminal and the discharge terminal, thus subjecting the contact partners to a lower load.Accordingly, smaller dimensions can be selected for the aforementioned components than for previously known residual load disconnect switches of a comparable power class. The residual load disconnect switch according to the present disclosure is therefore particularly compact and has a comparatively low weight.

[0041] Furthermore, a rotary switching element can incorporate multiple contact blades, and in particular multiple pairs of contact blades, which are driven together and simultaneously and are electrically connected in parallel. Thus, the switching power is distributed across multiple contact zones at the at least one supply terminal, which together form the first disconnect point, as well as multiple contact zones at the discharge terminal, which form the second disconnect point. This parallel connection of multiple contact zones also reduces the proportional switching power, leading to a further reduction in stress and / or smaller possible dimensions of the switching device or the residual load disconnect switch.

[0042] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the residual load disconnect switch has ring-shaped extinguishing chambers. The extinguishing chambers can, in particular, be arranged along the substantially circular path of movement traversed by the contact surfaces on the at least one contact blade when the residual load disconnect switch is moved from the closed rotary position to the open rotary position. It is particularly preferred that one extinguishing chamber is arranged in the direction of rotation behind the inlet connection and another behind the outlet connection.

[0043] The quenching chambers can have any configuration. They preferably serve to extinguish an electric arc that may occur when the electrical connection is broken. A quenching chamber can preferably encompass a plurality of contact blades, in particular two or more pairs of switching blades, in the axial direction or a radial plane to the axis of rotation of the rotating switching element. This results in a particularly effective and compact design of the quenching chamber.

[0044] The residual load disconnect switch preferably includes a position detection device designed to detect the rotational position of the rotary switching element and / or the current switching position of the residual load disconnect switch, in particular whether it is in a closed or open position. The detected rotational position or switching position can be transmitted as a status message via a communication interface of the residual load disconnect switch. This enables not only remote control but also remote monitoring of the residual load disconnect switch.

[0045] Further preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0046] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the figures. They show: Figure 1: An oblique view of a residual load disconnect 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 disconnect switch made of Figure 1 Figure 6: a detailed view of a switching device with a rotary switching element; Figure 7: a side view of a rotary switching element; Figures 8 and 9: sectional views of the rotary switching element along section line VIII-VIII from Figure 7 in an overall view and a magnified view; Figures 10 and 11: a residual load disconnect switch according to a second preferred embodiment in an external view and a partially cutaway view; Figure 12: a horizontal half-section through the residual load disconnect switch made of Figures 10 and 11Figures 13 and 14: Another embodiment of a residual load disconnect switch with a modified housing and a weight compensation bracket.

[0047] The residual load disconnect switch (1) according to the present disclosure is in Figure 1 , 10 , 11 and 13 The device is shown in two preferred embodiments. It comprises at least one switching device (22) and preferably a step drive (40) and optionally a drive motor (45). The switching device (22) can preferably be present multiple times, 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.

[0048] The switching device (22) has an insulator chamber (14) in which a rotary switching element (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 configuration. In the examples shown, the insulator chamber (14) is formed by a first and a second side wall (15, 16) (see Figure 1). Figures 5 and 12 ) and by one or more covers (17). The insulator chamber is essentially sealed against the ingress of dust and moisture. For example, it has a labyrinth seal (not shown) on the underside and a vent (86) on the top.

[0049] 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 disconnect switch (1). Alternatively, they can be separate.

[0050] Figures 3 and 4 The transition of the rotary switching element (23) from a closed rotary position (S1) to an open rotary position (S2) is illustrated in a sectional view. It also clarifies a preferred design and arrangement of extinguishing chambers (32, 33).

[0051] The extinguishing chambers (32, 33) may preferably have the same design. Alternatively, they may each have a different design.

[0052] According to the representation in Figures 3 and 4 A fire-extinguishing 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°.

[0053] The open rotary position (S2) is preferably provided and fixed at a 90° angle to the closed rotary position (S1). This ensures 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 connection (20) and the at least one discharge connection (21). The dimensions of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) and contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) can be such that the clear width is greater than the minimum distance required for dielectric strength.

[0054] Figure 11Figure 32 contains a perspective view of an extinguishing chamber (32) with a preferred embodiment. The extinguishing chamber (32) is formed by an extinguishing cage, the position of which is adjustable, particularly relative to the rotating switching element (23). Positioning can be achieved, in particular, by adjusting and securing the cage to the side walls (15, 16) of an insulator chamber (14) or the switching device (22). An extinguishing chamber (32, 33), in particular an extinguishing cage, preferably has a plurality of extinguishing plates (34) oriented substantially radially to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating switching element (23). The extinguishing plates (34) preferably have a uniform shape. They each preferably have a through-opening (35) pointing towards the axis of rotation (A). The through-opening (35) preferably engages a plurality of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) on the rotating switching element (23).A quenching cage is therefore preferably provided, which is designed to extinguish 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 connection (20) or, on the other hand, the discharge connection (21) when the electrical connection is broken. Alternatively, two or more passage openings (35) may be provided. In particular, one passage opening (35) may be provided for each pair of contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27).

[0055] The extinguishing plates (34) of an extinguishing chamber (32, 33) are preferably arranged on a beetle carrier (36). According to the illustration in Figures 3, 4 and 11 preferably two interface surfaces (37) or boundary walls oriented transversely to the axis of rotation (A). The extinguishing cage preferably stands in insulating contact with one of the side walls (15, 16) via these interface surfaces.

[0056] The rotary switching element (23) is preferably moved from the closed rotary position (S1) to the open rotary position (S2) in a rapid and abrupt movement. This abrupt movement can be generated in any desired manner, in particular by the jump drive (40) shown by way of example in the figures. The jump drive (40) is configured to cause the rotary switching element (23) to perform an abrupt switching rotation, wherein, in particular, the complete rotational movement between a closed rotary position (S1) and an open rotary position (S2) takes place 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 the range of 100 ms to 300 ms.

[0057] The jump drive (40) can have any configuration. It preferably has an output flange (41) connected to the rotating switching element (23) in a torque-conducting manner, as well as a power storage device (42) for the jump movement of the output flange (41) and a drive flange (43) for charging the power storage device (42). The jump drive is preferably configured 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.

[0058] 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 continue, in particular, until a sufficient amount of energy is stored in the energy storage device (42). Subsequently, the abrupt switching rotation can be triggered. The triggering can occur immediately upon reaching the required charge in the energy storage device (42). Alternatively, the triggering can be delayed.

[0059] Particularly preferably, the residual load disconnect switch (1) and especially the snap-action actuator (40) comprises a release means (44) configured to trigger or prevent the snap-action switching rotation depending on one or more criteria. The release means (44) can, in particular, be configured to prevent the snap-action switching rotation if the energy storage device (42) has an insufficient charge or preload.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the residual load disconnect switch has a load detection feature that monitors an electrical load, in particular a current flow and / or a voltage, between the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21). The load detection can be used for various purposes, in particular for assessing the safety of manual access, for locking or unlocking a rotary position of the at least one rotary switch body (23), for triggering a switching operation, and / or for restricting manual access. For these various purposes, the load detection feature can compare a monitored electrical load at the residual load disconnect switch with one or more permissible limit values.

[0061] For example, load detection can determine whether a safety requirement for manual access to the residual load disconnect switch is met. This safety requirement might stipulate, for instance, that manual access is only considered safe if the current load falls below a first permissible limit, such as a low-voltage limit of 50V. Alternatively, a different low-voltage limit could be specified.

[0062] The load detection can alternatively or additionally be configured to determine whether a residual load or current, or a main load or current, is present. A residual current or load is preferably detected when the electrical load, in particular the voltage and / or current flow between the supply terminal (20) and the return terminal (21), is below a (second) permissible limit. The second permissible limit can, for example, be the limit that is also used as the permissible limit for enabling or triggering a switching operation. The second permissible limit can, in particular, be the residual load limit 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 can be a switching load limit, which defines a maximum permissible electrical load that may be present during a disconnection of the electrical connection between the at least one supply terminal (20) and the at least one outgoing terminal (21). The switching load limit may differ from the residual load limit.

[0063] A particularly simple and cost-effective load detection method involves a voltage monitor (92) that evaluates the voltage present across the residual load disconnect switch (1), specifically between the at least one incoming connection (20) and the at least one outgoing connection (21). If this voltage exceeds the first permissible limit, which is, for example, 50 V (low-voltage limit), it is determined that an unsafe condition exists, thus restricting manual access to the residual load disconnect switch (1). This access restriction can be implemented by any means. A primary means of access restriction can be an indicator device that provides a warning about the unsafe condition. The warning can be conveyed in any way, for example, by a text display and / or suitable symbolic representations.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, during an unsafe condition, an electrical supply connection to the drive motor (45) can be interrupted, e.g. by a relay contained in the voltage monitor (92) or another suitable switching device.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, a rotation lock can be activated, preventing the switching of the at least one rotary switching element (23). A rotation lock can be achieved by any means, in particular by a mechanical blocking device. A preferred embodiment for a mechanical blocking device provides that a locking bolt, locking pin, or similar device secures the at least one rotary switching element (23) and / or the output flange (41) of the snap-action actuator (40) in the direction of rotation relative to a housing part of the residual load disconnect switch (1). The locking bolt or locking pin can, for example, be actuated by an electrical switching device such as a solenoid. It can, in particular, be subjected to an elastic preload force in an unlocking direction and be displaced in the locking direction by the electrical switching device when, or as long as, the unsafe state is detected.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, a protective housing (81) of the rotary disconnect switch (1) can be locked in a controlled manner if and as long as the unsafe condition exists. A similar or the same blocking device can be used for this purpose as previously described for blocking the rotation of the rotary switch body (23). Alternatively, a controllable lock (98) can be used (see Figure 1). Figure 14 ). The protective enclosure (81) and other safety aspects are explained below.

[0067] The presence of a main load or main current is preferably detected if at least one of the aforementioned limits is exceeded, in particular if a residual load limit or a switching load limit is exceeded.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, in addition to exceeding a low-voltage limit or exceeding a residual load limit, the system may also check whether an associated preparation limit has been exceeded or fallen below, in particular by the load detection of the residual load disconnect switch (1). The preparation limit may have a different value than the low-voltage limit or the residual load limit. In particular, it may be higher than the low-voltage limit or residual load limit by a hysteresis threshold. For example, the preparation limit may be 55 volts, while the low-voltage limit is 45 volts. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned limits may be defined by a current value, a power value, or another suitable parameter for determining a load.

[0069] By using two related limit values ​​separated by a hysteresis threshold, the range of values ​​within which an instantaneous load is applied to the residual load disconnect switch (1) can be determined even more precisely. In particular, a case distinction can be made to determine an instantaneous load case, whereby the necessary measures for preparing, executing, and verifying a switching operation are carried out in a staggered manner depending on the determined load case. For example, if an instantaneous load of 100 volts is present, it would be determined that the applied load is above the low-voltage limit and above the preparation limit. This load case can be considered an exclusion load case, in which any manual access to the residual load disconnect switch is prevented.

[0070] If a load of 50 volts is applied, i.e., generally speaking, an instantaneous load that is lower than the preparation limit but (still) higher than the low-voltage limit, then a transitional load case would be determined. In a transitional 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.

[0071] If, according to the example above, an instantaneous load of 40 volts is detected, i.e., generally speaking, an instantaneous load that is below the low-voltage limit as well as below the preparation limit, it is determined that a release load case exists, in which a received request to disconnect the electrical connection can be implemented directly and manual access to the residual load disconnect switch can be granted directly.

[0072] A distinction between load cases using two limit values ​​separated by a hysteresis threshold can be implemented once or multiple times for disconnecting and establishing the electrical connection. Furthermore, the 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 carried out in at least two phases, as explained below using an example.

[0073] A received request to disconnect the electrical connection at the residual load disconnect switch (1) can trigger a two-phase response, specifically a preparation phase and a tripping phase. During the preparation phase, measures can be taken to prepare for a switching operation, preferably with a maximum predetermined duration. During the tripping phase, the actual switching can take place, i.e., the disconnection or establishment of the electrical connection. Additionally, during the tripping phase, the subsequent switching state and / or the subsequent instantaneous load can be monitored.A transition from the preparation phase to the triggering phase can occur if and provided that, within the predetermined time period of the preparation phase, it is determined that the preparatory measures have been completed and the current load (still or meanwhile) falls below an allowable limit, in particular the residual load limit or the low voltage limit.

[0074] The execution of the disconnection or the 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 disconnection confirmation or switch-on confirmation.

[0075] If, during the preparation phase, one of the necessary conditions (completion of preparatory measures, falling below the permissible limit, receipt of confirmation) is not met or ceases to exist, the switching operation may be refused. If a new request to disconnect or establish the electrical connection is received, the aforementioned process can be repeated.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the initiation of the preparation phase and / or the completion of the preparatory measures and / or the additional falling below the permissible limit value and / or the (successful) completion of the tripping phase and / or any error states that may occur can be indicated by one or more status messages at the residual load disconnect switch (1) and / or communicated by sending the status message(s). This significantly improves the traceability of the status at the residual load disconnect switch (1) for an operator.

[0077] The execution of a switching operation can be divided into a preparation phase and a tripping phase even when only one permissible limit value, in particular the residual load limit, is being checked. In this case, switching from the preparation phase to the tripping phase can occur if and provided that the preparation measures are completed within the specified time period and the current load (continued or uninterrupted) is below the residual load limit, and / or if and provided that a disconnection confirmation is also received. A switching operation can include both disconnecting and closing the electrical connection.

[0078] At the end of the tripping phase, it can be checked whether the instantaneous load at the residual load disconnect switch (1) falls below, or has fallen below, a disconnection limit value. The disconnection limit value can be a voltage limit value according to the previous examples and / or a current limit value or a power limit value, in particular the low-voltage limit value mentioned above. If the instantaneous load falls below the disconnection limit value after the rotary switch element has switched to the open position, it is determined that the electrical connection between the supply terminal (20) and the outgoing terminal (21) is indeed disconnected and thus a safe state has been reached.Successful completion of the tripping phase can be determined and displayed or communicated if, firstly, it is established that the rotary switching element(s) (23) have reached the open position and, secondly, the current load has fallen below the separation state limit value. If either of these conditions is not met or not met within a specified time interval, a fault condition can be detected and displayed or sent as a status message.

[0079] The establishment of an electrical connection can be prevented if the rotary switching element (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.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally to the above, the presence of a main load can be detected by querying the switching state of a (remote) main load disconnect switch (3), as explained below. The querying of the switching state of the main load disconnect switch (3) is preferably carried out by exchanging data messages, in particular with a (remote) monitoring station (MS).

[0081] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a power supply for an electrically powered vehicle (7). The electric vehicle (7) is, in this case, a train or a suburban train running on a track or section of track (6). The electric vehicle (7) draws its traction current via a current tap (10) from a traction current supply conductor (8), which in this case is designed as a third rail.

[0082] The traction current supply conductor (8) is connected to a feed line (4) at a feed point (9) via the residual load disconnect switch (1) according to the present disclosure. The feed point (9) is thus the supply conductor feed point.

[0083] The supply line (4) can be very long, for example, several kilometers. It leads to a voltage source (2) which provides the main load power supply or the traction power supply. The main load disconnect switch (3) is usually located at or near the voltage source (2). The electrical conductor connection between the main load disconnect switch and the traction power 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 supply line. Due to the residual capacitance (5), a load, in particular the permissible residual load at the feed-in point (9), can still be present for some time even after a main load disconnect switch (3) has been opened.the traction current supply conductor (8), which is to be electrically disconnected from the traction current supply conductor (8) by the residual load disconnect switch (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0084] Optionally, a monitoring station (US) is provided, which is connected electronically to the voltage source (2) and / or the main load disconnect switch (3) and / or the residual load disconnect switch (1) according to this disclosure. The monitoring station can query the switching state of the main load disconnect switch or otherwise determine whether the main load is present at the feed point (9). The tripping device (44) can obtain information from the monitoring station (US) as to whether the main load is present or not and prevent the switching movement of the rotary switch element (23) if the main load is present. Alternatively, direct communication between the tripping device (44) and the main load disconnect switch (2) can be established to obtain the switching state of the main load disconnect switch (2).

[0085] The embodiments of the residual load disconnect switch (1) shown in the figures are designed to be actuated by either a motor drive (45) or a manual drive (46). Actuation by the motor (45) can occur, for example, as follows: An external signal transmitter receives a request to disconnect the electrical connection at the feed point (9). This request can be generated, for example, by the monitoring station (US) or by an actuating device on the track section (6). As an optional step, the residual load disconnect switch (1), and in particular the tripping device (44), checks whether a main load is present.

[0086] The motor (45) is operated to charge the jump drive (40) or the energy storage device (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.

[0087] A sudden rotational movement is triggered, causing the rotary switching element (23) to move from the closed rotary position (S2) to the open rotary position (S1). The sudden rotational movement is triggered when, and in particular as soon as, the energy storage device (42) has reached the prescribed charge. Alternatively, the sudden rotational movement is triggered if a load sensor 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.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, the jump drive (40) can be charged by actuating the manual drive (46), in particular by iteratively moving a ratchet lever (84). In this case as well, the jump movement can be triggered as soon as the prescribed charge is reached in the energy storage device (42). Additionally, it can be verified that at the time of triggering, no main load but at most the permissible residual load is applied.

[0089] In other words, the triggering means (44) is preferably designed to allow manual and / or motor-driven actuation of the switching device (22) only when the maximum permissible residual load is present.

[0090] According to an aspect described below, the load detection can also be used to make access to the residual load disconnect switch (1) and in particular to the manual drive (46) or the ratchet lever (84) dependent on the fact that only a permissible residual load is present, but not the main load.

[0091] The manual drive (46) can be of any design. In a preferred embodiment, it acts on the drive flange (43) of the spring drive, particularly in mechanical superposition with the drive motor (45). The residual load disconnect switch (1) and, in particular, the drive motor (45) or the spring drive (40) preferably have a reduction gear. The manual drive (46) can act on the drive flange (43) of the spring drive (40) via this reduction gear, so that only minimal manual force is required to charge the spring drive (40). Any manually accessible instrument can be provided for actuating the manual drive. Preferably, this is 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.

[0092] According to the representation in Figure 1 and 10 According to the present disclosure, the residual load disconnect switch (1) preferably has a position detection means (47) configured to detect the rotational position of the at least one rotary switching element (23), or the presence of a closed rotational position (S1) or an open rotational position (S2). The position detection means (47) can be configured as desired. In the illustration according to Figure 1 and 10The position detection means (47) is formed by a cam disc detection mechanism. A cam disc is arranged on the axis of rotation (A) and is connected to the at least one rotating switching element (23) in a torque-resistant manner. The cam disc has at least one and preferably two cams that 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 axis of rotation (A). The presence of a closed rotary position (S1) or an open rotary position (S2) is detected when, 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 switching element (23) is in an intermediate position.

[0093] Based on such an intermediate position, the position detection device (47) can additionally detect whether the rotary switching element (23) is outside the closed rotary position (S1) and outside the open rotary position (S2) for an impermissibly long period of time. In such a condition, an alarm 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 disconnect switch can be restricted.

[0094] The residual load disconnect switch or the at least one rotary switching element (23) preferably has a unidirectional restricted direction of rotation for executing the switching movement(s). Thus, in the example of Figures 3 and 4For example, a clockwise rotation may always and exclusively be provided to move the rotary switching element (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 arc-quenching chamber only on the trailing side of a supply connection (20) and a discharge connection (21), i.e., in the tangentially adjoining area that is traversed by the contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) when switching from a closed rotary position (S1) to an open rotary position (S2), according to the specified (unidirectional) direction of rotation. An arc-quenching chamber can be omitted on the leading side, however, because—according to the specified direction of rotation—an arc is not expected to occur there.

[0095] The preferred unidirectional and cyclic actuation of the rotary switching element (23) results in particularly simple controllability and monitoring of the residual load disconnect switch (1). In particular, no direction-reversing gear or rotation direction reversal control is required. Instead, a single rotary motor (45), driven in a single direction of rotation, can trigger both the disconnection and reconnection of the electrically conductive connection at the residual load disconnect switch (1) or the switching device (22). Accordingly, the step drive (40) is preferably designed to trigger iterative, step-like rotary movements in the same direction of rotation at constant angular intervals. These angular intervals can, in particular, each be 90 degrees.

[0096] According to an alternative embodiment, the rotary switching element (23) can be provided with rotational mobility in both directions. In this case, the disconnection of the electrical connection, i.e., the switching between a closed rotary position (S1) and an open rotary position (S2), can occur in a first predetermined direction of movement, and the closing of the electrical connection can occur in the opposite direction. This also means that extinguishing chambers only need to be provided on the trailing side of the direction of movement specified for disconnection. Alternatively, the rotary switching element (23) can be provided with free movement in a given direction. In this case, extinguishing chambers can be provided in both tangentially adjacent areas next to a supply connection (20) and a discharge connection (21).

[0097] Figures 6 to 9Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the switching device (22) or a rotary switching element (23). The rotary switching element (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). One pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) is designed for the common contact of, on the one hand, a supply terminal (20) and, on the other hand, a discharge terminal (21). A contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) is preferably provided at each of the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21), which is received in a contacting position (S1) between the pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) (see Figure 2). Fig. 6 ).

[0098] A contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) – in particular each of the contact blades – preferably has a first multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (28, 29) for contacting a contact tongue (51) at the supply terminal (20) and a further multiple arrangement of contact surfaces (30, 31) for contacting a contact tongue (53) at 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 illustration of Fig. 6 Each contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) can be in contact with the pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) via a total of four contact surfaces. 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 representation in Fig. 7The contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) are arranged in multiple configurations, preferably separated by an intermediate material recess (55, 56), in particular physically separated. In the preferred embodiment according to Figure 7 Each multiple arrangement comprises exactly two contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31), which are arranged symmetrically to a material recess (55, 56). This arrangement has proven optimal for unifying the mechanical surface pressure between the multiple contact zones and thus promoting homogeneous penetration resistances in the contact zones. If more than two contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) are provided in a multiple arrangement, correspondingly additional material recesses can be provided.

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

[0101] The radial fixing uniquely defines the rotational position of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) by the rotational position of the housing (60), while in the axial direction (parallel to the axis of rotation A) the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) are movable at least within a predetermined tolerance range in order to move into an optimal contact position with the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54). The attainment of the optimal contact position during the transition to the closed rotational position (S2) is preferably achieved by a mechanical preload of the contact blades and by chamfers on the contact surfaces and / or the contact tongues, which will be explained in further detail below.

[0102] According to the presentation in the Figures 7 to 9The rotating switching element (23) can be provided with at least one axial bearing element (61) and at least one independent radial bearing element (62). The axial bearing element (61) is designed to receive the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) of a pair and to position them relative to each other 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 median 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. That is to say, internal movement of the contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) within a pair as well as global movement of the pair or several pairs are preferably provided, each of which may 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 rotating switching element (23) in the radial direction, i.e., 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, i.e., 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 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). Preferably, mechanical springs are considered as spring elements (64, 66), in particular disc springs and disc spring assemblies. According to the illustration in Figure 8 Two tensioned bearing arrangements (69, 70) are formed, each supporting and tensioning a pair of contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27). Alternatively, one or any other number of bearing arrangements (69, 70) can be provided on a support bolt (63).

[0106] The bearing arrangement shown (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). The spacer (65) is, by way of example, a sleeve mounted on the support bolt. The bearing arrangement (69, 70) is shown in the example of Figures (8, 9 ) on the inside against a projection of the support bolt, which forms a first fastening element, and on the outside by a screw, which forms a second fastening element (67). Alternatively, any other fastening elements can be provided, such as snap rings, locking pins, shaft nuts, welded-on projections, etc.

[0107] The contact blades (24, 25 / 26, 27) in a tensioned bearing arrangement (69, 70) are pre-tensioned against the spacer (65) in the open rotary position by one or more spring elements (64, 66). Thus, the spacer defines the minimum clear distance between the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) of a pair. Upon transition to the closed rotary position (S2), the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) come into contact with an associated contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54), particularly via chamfers. The minimum clear width between the contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) is preferably less than the width of the associated contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54), so that the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) are moved apart or spread apart when sliding on a contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) against the preload of the spring elements (64, 66).Here, 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 tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) and a contact surface (28, 29, 30, 31) forms a contact zone in which the 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 that is fixed to the rotating switching body (23), in particular the housing (60), in the direction of rotation and fixes at least one contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27) relative to the rotating body (23) in the radial direction. The at least one contact blade is preferably mounted axially movable on the guide pin (71). The guide pin (71) itself can be fixed axially to the housing (60). The radial bearing element (61) thus preferably allows both internal movement of the contact blades relative to each other in the axial direction, and 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 on the rotating switching body (23) in any number and arrangement. Figure 7Figure 1 shows 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 close proximity to the multiple arrangements of contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31). In particular, exactly one axial bearing element (61) is located near 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 applied by the axial bearing element (61) and, in particular, the spring elements (64, 66), is thus distributed essentially uniformly over the multiple contact surfaces (28, 29 / 30, 31) of the respective multiple arrangement.

[0110] In the example shown, four radial bearing elements (62) are provided, which are distributed essentially uniformly around the axis of rotation (A) and, in this 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 suffice, whereby the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) can be supported centrally by the housing (60).

[0111] The previously described and in Figures 6 to 9The illustrated mounting and arrangement of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) with the multiple contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) offers several advantages. Each lateral projection of the contact blades, which carries a contact surface (28, 29, 30, 31), exhibits its own elastic mobility within a certain range, and furthermore, each multiple arrangement of contact surfaces exhibits 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 rotating body (23) and, in particular, the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) preferably have a shape rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation (A), wherein, furthermore, the contact tongues (51, 52, 53, 54) are preferably shaped essentially identically and arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation (A).During a switching rotation, essentially simultaneous contact occurs in the area of ​​a supply connection (20) and a discharge connection (21).

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

[0113] In the example shown, a total of four mutually redundant electrical contacts are formed on each contact tongue (51, 52, 53, 54) with the contact surfaces on a pair of contact blades, with a defined preload force acting across each surface pairing. This minimizes the electrical resistance for each of these contact zones, so that heating of the contact zones is low even when the full main load is applied. Optionally, 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. Furthermore, the contact surfaces and contact tongues are preferably provided with a soldered or otherwise suitable cladding made of a highly conductive material, in particular a soldered silver cladding.

[0114] The housing (60) of the body of revolution (23) is in the Figures 6 to 9 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 annular section from which radially projecting contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) extend to two opposite sides. A central recess is located in the annular section, 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 in one piece.

[0115] The contact blades can be spaced apart from the housing (60) and, in particular, the inner sleeve. This ensures that a current flowing over the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) (main load current or residual current) cannot flow onto a shaft (11) located in the center of the rotating switching element (23). In particular, inwardly directed cylindrical sections can be provided on the half-shells (73, 74) that extend inwards through the central recesses in the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27). Furthermore, an additional, essentially cylindrical-ring-shaped sleeve (72) can be mounted on these cylindrical sections, covering a gap between the half-shells (73, 74). The mounting and shaping of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27) can be chosen 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 surfaces and, in some areas, the radial outer surfaces of the contact blades (24, 25, 26, 27), particularly in 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 radially projecting contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31).

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

[0118] The aforementioned features of the housing design create particularly long creepage distances, thus providing protection against breakdown. The housing design therefore ensures reliable insulation of the contact blades from the shaft and any adjacent rotating switching element.

[0119] The housing (60) of the rotary switching element (23) preferably includes a shaft receptacle (arranged symmetrically around its center). The housing (60) can be connected to a shaft (11) of the residual load disconnect switch (1) via this shaft receptacle in a rotationally fixed manner. Axial displacement may optionally be provided. For the execution of a switching rotation, a torque is preferably transmitted from an external actuating element, in particular generated by the spring-loaded actuator (40), via the shaft (11) to the housing (60) of the rotary switching element (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 disconnect switch according to the present disclosure can preferably have two or more rotary switching elements (23), which are arranged side by side, particularly in the axial direction (A). For example, in the residual load disconnect switch (1) in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 Two or more rotary switching elements (23) are arranged side by side in the insulator chamber (14). Each of the rotary switching elements 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] Another and particularly preferred embodiment for a multiple arrangement is in Figures 10 to 12shown. Here, the residual load disconnect switch (1) comprises two (or more) module switching blocks (12, 13). These in turn each comprise their own insulator chamber (14) with at least one supply connection (20), a rotary switching element (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) are connected by a common central shaft (11) (compare Figure 12 ) or a plurality of coupled waves (not shown) connected or connectable.

[0122] The majority of module switching blocks (12, 13) are preferably connected to a common step drive (40), which is preferably connected 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, and can thus detect the common rotational position of all switching elements (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 device (47) can be provided for each of one, two or more module switching blocks (12, 13).

[0124] The residual load disconnect switch (1) preferably has a discharge collector (19) which is connected to all feed-in terminals (21) of the one or more module switching blocks (12, 13) or one or more switching devices (22). This discharge collector (19) can thus collect the main load current or the residual load current as a single component and transfer it to a terminal (80) of a traction current supply conductor (8). The discharge collector (19) can also act as a heat sink with respect to the one or more feed-in terminals (21). Likewise, all feed-in terminals (20) of the one or more module switching blocks (12, 13) are preferably connected to a common feed-in rail (18), which can also provide cooling.

[0125] The feed-out collector (19) can also serve as a mechanical fastening to fix and force-support the residual current disconnect switch (1) to an external structure. In particular, it can act as a common mechanical fastening for a plurality of module switching blocks (12, 13).

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

[0127] Thus, according to the present disclosure, the residual load disconnect switch (1) can be arranged in close proximity to the traction current supply conductor (8), which on the one hand facilitates its location and on the other hand makes its function obvious. Due to the redundant contact zones described above and the resulting very compact design, the residual load disconnect switch (1) can be arranged directly on a track section (6) with virtually no spatial obstruction to the operation of the vehicle (7). It is not necessary to provide a separate control cabinet at the power supply point (9) or to arrange the residual load disconnect switch physically remote from the traction current supply conductor (8). The aforementioned aspects facilitate the fact that even workers unfamiliar with the location can easily locate and correctly operate the residual load disconnect switch in an emergency situation.In particular, when several residual load disconnect 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 the wrong track section is effectively avoided.

[0128] The residual load disconnect switch (1) can be enclosed in its own protective housing (81), which is in Figures 4 and 12 is sketched in outline. Figures 13 and 14 show another preferred design of the protective enclosure.

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

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

[0131] In the example of Figure 4 The protective housing (81) is mechanically supported on its underside by a lower cover (17) of the residual load disconnect switch (1), which in turn is mechanically connected to the feed-out collector (19) via the insulator chamber (14). A force acting on the protective housing (81) from the outside 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 disconnect switch (1) can have a counterweight support (94). This can be in the form of a foot or a support arm. The weight of the residual load disconnect switch (1) may cause an impermissible deformation of the traction current supply conductor (8) to which the residual load disconnect switch (1) is attached. Furthermore, temperature changes and any mechanical influences from the operation of the vehicle may cause further deformation of the supply conductor (8).

[0133] The counterweight mounting bracket (94) is preferably designed to allow elastic deformation of the traction current supply conductor (8) and to permit limited mobility or limited movement of the residual current disconnect switch (1) and / or the protective housing or container (81). The counterweight mounting bracket (94) preferably comprises an elastic support element, e.g., in the form of a spring. The support element is pre-tensionable. It can be pre-tensioned to such an extent that the restoring force of the support element predominantly or completely compensates for the weight of the residual current disconnect switch (1) and / or the protective container (81). The support element can also be elastically flexible to allow the residual current disconnect switch (1) and / or the protective container (81) to rise or fall as a result of external forces.On the other hand, the support means preferably has at least one-axis, preferably two-axis, transverse mobility, so that a horizontal evasive movement of the residual load disconnect switch (1) and / or the protective container (81) is also possible.

[0134] The feed-in collector (19) preferably penetrates the protective enclosure or container (81) by forming a sealing point which seals in particular against the ingress of dust and jet water (cf. Figure 4Preferably, the feed-in collector (19) has a substantially annular sealing seat (82) and is connected to the protective housing (81) via a circumferential sealing element (83). This effectively prevents the ingress of dust, water, or moisture. In particular, when using a one-piece feed-in collector (19), no seams are created in the area of ​​the sealing seat (82), which is advantageous for a durable seal.

[0135] The protective enclosure (81) can preferably be hinged, for example according to the one shown in Figure 4The depicted partition plane (88) runs essentially at an angle to the horizontal plane. An upper part of the protective housing (81) can be folded away via an exemplary hinge (89) to allow manual access to the hand drive (46) and to the handles (85) located at the top of the residual load disconnect switch (1). In the unfolded state, the residual load disconnect switch (1) can thus be directly grasped, for example, to position and secure it to a traction current supply conductor (8) using a pre-assembled connection (80).

[0136] The residual load disconnect switch (1) can thus be mounted together with the protective housing (81), requiring only the fixing points at the connection (80) to the traction current supply conductor (8) and, if applicable, at the feed-in rail (18) to a supply line (4). Installation and / or replacement can therefore be carried out particularly quickly and easily. Furthermore, the fixed combination of the residual load disconnect switch (1) and the protective housing (81) ensures that the liquid- and dust-tight seal meets the required protection class after installation. The sealing surface between the sealing compound (83) and the sealing seat (82) does not need to be disturbed for the installation or removal of the residual load disconnect switch (1).

[0137] The feed-in 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 to all sides.

[0138] The aforementioned choice of material offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the overall weight of the residual load disconnect switch (1), allowing it to be handled and installed by a single operator. Secondly, aluminum dissipates any heat generated at the internal contact points of the residual load disconnect switch (1) particularly effectively, enabling the heat to be dissipated, especially via connection (80), into the traction current supply conductor (8). The silver plating ensures exceptionally high conductivity, which is maintained even under adverse environmental conditions.

[0139] The residual load disconnect switch (1) may preferably include an access restriction device that allows manual access to the residual load disconnect switch (1) only if a detected electrical load, in particular the detected load between the supply terminal (20) and the discharge terminal (21), falls below a permissible limit value and / or if it is detected that an upstream main load disconnect switch (3) is open. The access restriction device may, for example, be a lock or locking mechanism, in particular a controllable lock (98). It may interact with the load detection device and / or the tripping device (44) described above. The access restriction device preferably ensures that manual access to the residual load disconnect switch (1) is only possible if there is no main load at the supply point (9) or the discharge terminal (21).above the residual load disconnect switch (1), but at most the defined residual load, preferably only a momentary load which is lower than a low voltage limit.

[0140] The residual load disconnect switch can have a remote control interface, preferably enabling remote activation of the drive motor (45) and / or the release device (44). The remote control interface can be configured as desired.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the residual load disconnect switch (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 disconnect switch (1) or the rotary switching contact (23).

[0142] 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 in a common control means, in particular in a data processing unit (97). The control means preferably has a separate power supply, in particular a rechargeable battery or a battery. It can additionally be powered via the supply line (4) or main load power supply. The control means and / or one of the included units can have a communication interface (92, 97) for wired or wireless communication, for example, a network connection or a data modem.

[0143] Figures 13 and 14Figure 1 shows another preferred embodiment of a residual load disconnect switch (1), which here has a protective enclosure in the form of a protective container (81). In the embodiment shown, the residual load disconnect switch comprises (exactly) a modular switching block (12) on or in which an insulator chamber (14) and two rotary switching elements (23) are arranged. The rotary switching elements are arranged side by side on a common shaft, which is also connected to the snap-action drive (40). Otherwise, the design corresponds to that described above and in Figure 1. Figures 10 to 12 shown variant. The module switching block (12) is, in comparison to Figures 10 to 12 The rotary switching elements (23) are tilted about the longitudinal axis (A) so that the supply connections (21) are arranged horizontally below and the discharge connections (22) horizontally above the rotary switching elements (23). Alternatively, an arrangement rotated about the horizontal axis is possible.

[0144] The residual load disconnect switch (1) according to Figures 13 and 14 comprises a protective container (81) that is essentially in two parts. The lower part of the protective container (81) is shaped like a trough. In Figure 13 Its front wall is concealed. The lower part houses the module switching block (12), the jump drive (40), and other control and locking means. The control and locking means comprise at least one and preferably several of the following components: A position detection device (47), a load detection device, 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.

[0145] At the lower part, particularly 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 element(s) (23). The momentary switching position of the rotary switching element(s) can be visually read through the viewing window (95). Preferably, the switching position can also be detected by the position detection means (47), which is shown in the illustration of Figure 13 is located behind the switching device (22).

[0146] The data processing device (97) can have any configuration. In particular, it can be configured as a general-purpose computer or as a programmable logic controller (PLC). Most preferably, the data processing device (97) includes 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,

[0147] The upper part of the protective container (81) is designed as a lid (90). It can be hinged as described above. The lid can be locked in the closed position, in particular by a controllable lock (98) as described above.

[0148] An overhang can be formed on at least one side of the cover (90) that extends beyond the lower part of the protective container (81) and forms a connection cover (91) for the feed rail (18) and connectors of a supply line (4) attached thereto. The feed rail (18) is in the example of Figures 13 and 14 The opening is led laterally out of the lower part of the protective container (81). The opening is preferably provided with a seal to prevent the ingress of moisture or water into the protective container (81).

[0149] 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 as an alternative to 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. This general power supply can be used to operate the electric motor (45) and, if applicable, one or more of the aforementioned control and locking devices. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the aforementioned control and locking devices can be operated by a current supplied via the supply line (4).

[0150] The residual load disconnect switch (1) can include an energy storage device (battery) which supplies one or more of the aforementioned control and locking 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 disconnect switch (1) can accordingly have one or more chargers or other suitable charging devices to recharge the energy storage device from the traction power or the general power supply.

[0151] The storage capacity of the energy storage device is preferably designed such that, when fully charged, the energy storage device supports at least two, preferably at least six or 10 switching operations of the residual load disconnect switch 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.

[0152] The data processing equipment (97) may have a software product installed or running that includes instructions for carrying out an operating procedure in accordance with this disclosure. The software product may reside on a physical data storage device. The software product may also reside or be stored outside the data processing equipment, in particular on an external server, from which it can be transferred to the data processing equipment temporarily or permanently.

[0153] A preferred embodiment of the residual current disconnect switch (1) provides that access to the residual current disconnect switch (1), and in particular its control or detection means, is only permitted after successful authentication. The residual current disconnect switch can incorporate any authentication verification means for this purpose, which may be implemented as a software component and / or a hardware component. For example, an authentication request can be received via one of the communication interfaces (92, 97) to access the residual current disconnect switch (1). This request can be sent from a remote control center or from a mobile device carried by an operator. If the authentication request is confirmed by the authentication verification means, remote monitoring access, remote control access, and / or manual access can be granted.

[0154] In the event of remote monitoring activation, one or more status messages can be transmitted via the residual load disconnect switch (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 level of the step drive and / or the energy storage device. Furthermore, one or more alarm states can be transmitted, in particular whether it has been detected that a rotary switching element (23) is in an intermediate position.

[0155] In the event of remote control release, a request to disconnect (or establish) the electrical connection at the residual load disconnect switch (1) can be processed according to the operating procedure described.

[0156] When manual access is authorized, the controllable lock (98) can be actuated to allow the protective container (81) to be opened. The controllable lock (98) may additionally require the introduction or insertion of a physical unlocking device, in particular a key, to open the lid (90).

[0157] If the authentication test device partially or completely rejects an authentication request, one or more of the aforementioned releases may be refused accordingly, so that a request to disconnect (or establish) the electrical connection at the residual load disconnect switch (1) is disregarded, and / or no status messages are transmitted via the residual load disconnect switch (1), and / or manual access to the residual load disconnect switch (1) and in particular opening of the protective container (81) is prevented.

[0158] The residual load disconnect switch (1) can still generate and send a warning message if, despite a rejected authentication request, it is detected that the protective enclosure (81) is opened and / or that the switching state of the residual load disconnect switch (1) changes.

[0159] The residual load disconnect switch (1) can have a surge protection device (99), which is arranged, in particular, singly or multiple times, within the protective enclosure (81). The surge protection device (99) is preferably arranged in an electrical connection between the supply line (4) and the supply line terminal (20) of the residual load disconnect switch (1).

[0160] The reception and transmission of data messages can be carried out in any manner using a wired and / or a wireless communication interface (92, 97). The data messages can include, in particular, a request to disconnect or establish the electrical connection, a disconnect or power-on confirmation, one or more status messages, as well as authentication requests and authentication confirmations.

[0161] 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 disconnect switch. The load current line can, in particular, be the supply line (4) for the traction current or a line for general power. Modulating a signal for exchanging data messages onto the line eliminates the need for additional communication lines.

[0162] When the residual load disconnect switch is used for the operation of an overhead line, it can be particularly advantageous to use a wireless communication interface.

[0163] Variations of the disclosed invention are possible in various ways. In particular, the features shown or described for the different embodiments can be combined or exchanged in any way.

[0164] The residual load disconnect switch (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 disconnect switch (1) according to the design in Figures 10 to 12It can 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. The maximum permissible limits for the main load and the residual load can be adjusted accordingly by adding further rotary switching elements (23) and / or modular switching blocks (12, 13).

[0165] The rotary switching element (23) with the housing structure (60) according to Figures 6 to 9 It may also be equipped with a smaller number of contact swords (24, 25, 26, 27), in particular with only one pair of contact swords.

[0166] The interaction and bearing concept for the contact tongues and contact blades can be inverted, such that a first and a second contact tongue are provided on each contact blade, while a pair of pre-stressed contact bodies supporting the contact surfaces, in particular a multiple arrangement of contact surfaces, is provided at a supply connection (20) and / or at a discharge connection (21). In this case, the contact bodies can have internal axial movement, while the axial position of the contact blades can be fixed. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0167] 1 Residual load disconnect switch 2 Voltage source 3 Main load switch 4 Supply line 5 Residual capacity 6 Track section 7 Electrically operated vehicle / Train / Trolleybus 8 Traction current supply conductor / Conductor rail / Overhead line 9 Feed-in point 10 Current tap / Sliding contact 11 Shaft / Central shaft 12 First module switching block 13 Second module switching block 14 Insulator chamber 15 First side wall 16 Second side wall 17 Cover 18 Feed-in rail 19 Feed-out collector 20 Supply line connection 21 Output connection 22 Switching device 23 Rotary switch body 24 Contact blade 25 Contact blade 26 Contact blade 27 Contact blade 28 Contact surface 29 Contact surface 30 Contact surface 31 Contact surface 32 Extinguishing chamber 33 Extinguishing chamber 34 Extinguishing plates 35 Passage opening 36 Cage support 37 Interface 40 Jump 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 / Cutout 56 Material recess / Cutout 60 Housing 61 Axial bearing element 62 Radial bearing element 63 Support bolt 64 Spring element / Disc spring / Disc spring assembly 65 Spacer / Spacer sleeve 66 Spring element / Disc spring / Disc spring assembly 67 Fastener / Screw 68 Fastener / Projection 69 First tensioned bearing assembly 70 Second tensioned bearing assembly 71 Guide pin 72 Inner sleeve 73 First half shell 74 Second half shell 75 Shaft receptacle 80 Connection for traction current supply conductor / Rail connection 81 Protective enclosure / Protective container 82 Sealing seat 83 Sealing element 84 Actuating instrument for manual operation / Ratchet lever / Lever / Crank / 85 Handle 86 Vent 88 Dividing plane 89 Hinge 90 Cover 91 Overhang / Connection cover 92 Wired communication interface 93 Voltage monitor 94 Weight compensation bracket 95 Viewing window 96 Transformer / Motor power supply 97 Data processing unit / Control device / Wireless communication interface 98 Controllable lock 99 Surge protection A-axis / center axis US Monitoring station IRR Residual current IL Main load current S1 Closed rotary position S2 Open rotary position X1 First movement path X2 Second movement path

Claims

1. Operating method for a residual load disconnector switch (1) wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) is designed to disconnect an electrical connection to a propulsion current supply conductor (8) for a transportation means (7) and comprises a feed line terminal (20), a discharge line terminal (21), and at least one switching device (22), and wherein the residual load disconnector switch has a rotary jump drive (40) which is designed to cause a rotary switch body (23) of the residual load disconnector switch (1) to perform a jump-like switching rotation, characterized in that the residual load disconnector switch (1) has a load detection device that monitors a current flow and / or a voltage between the feed line terminal (20) and the discharge line terminal (21) of the residual load disconnector switch (1), and wherein the operating method comprises the following steps: - Receiving a request to disconnect the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector switch (1); - Checking a load applied to the residual load disconnector switch between the feed line terminal (20) and the discharge line terminal (21); - If it is determined that the load applied to the residual load disconnector switch between the feed line terminal (20) and the discharge line terminal (21) is less than a permissible residual load: Trigger the jump-like rotation movement of the rotary switch body.

2. Operating method according to claim 1, wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) has a position detection device (47) which is designed to detect the rotary position of the at least one rotary switch body (23), in particular the presence of a closed rotary position (S1) or an open rotary position (S2).

3. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a request to disconnect the electrical connection is received from an external signal generator.

4. Operating method according to the preceding claim, wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) has a communication interface for wireless or wired communication.

5. Operating method according to the preceding claim, wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) has an authentication verification means and: - an authentication request for access to the residual load disconnector switch (1) is received via a communication interface (92, 97); and - if the authentication request is confirmed by the authentication verification means, remote monitoring access and / or remote control access and / or manual access is enabled.

6. Operating method according to the preceding claim 5, wherein - in the case of manual access becoming enabled, a controllable lock (98) of the residual load disconnector switch (1) is actuated to enable the opening of a protective container (81) of the residual load disconnector switch (1); AND / OR - in the case of remote monitoring becoming enabled, one or more status messages are transmitted via the residual load disconnector switch (1) and / or its control and detection means, including in particular ▪ a determined switching position of the at least one rotary switch body (23) of the residual load disconnector switch (1); and / or ▪ a currently applied load; and / or ▪ a state of charge of the jump drive and / or an energy storage device; and / or ▪ an alarm state, whether it has been determined that a rotary switch body (23) is in an intermediate position; AND / OR wherein - in the case that the authentication verification means partially or completely rejects an authentication request, one or more approvals are denied, so that ▪ a request to disconnect or establish the electrical connection at the residual load disconnector switch (1) is ignored; and / or ▪ no status messages are transmitted via the residual load disconnector switch (1); and / or ▪ manual access to the residual load disconnector switch (1) and, in particular, opening of a protective container (81) of the residual load disconnector switch is prevented.

7. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary position of the rotary switch body (23) and / or the presence of a closed rotary position (S1) or an open rotary position (S2) is sent as a status notification via a communication interface.

8. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) has a motor (45) for charging the jump drive (40) or an energy storage device (42) contained therein, and wherein the motor (45) is operated only under the condition that it has been determined that the load applied to the residual load disconnector switch between the feed line terminal (20) and the discharge line terminal (21) is less than the permissible residual load.

9. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a jump-like rotational movement is triggered so that the rotary switch body (23) is moved from the closed rotary position (S2) to the open rotary position (S1).

10. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the triggering of a sudden rotational movement only occurs when and, in particular, as soon as an energy storage device (42) of the jump drive or the residual load disconnector switch (1) has reached the required charge.

11. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) - in the closed state, conducts a propulsion current for the transportation means (7) as the main load, AND - in the open state, prevents current and, in particular, the main load from being transmitted, AND - is intended and designed to disconnect an electrical connection to the propulsion current supply conductor (8) in a de-energized state OR when a maximum predefined residual load is present after the main load has been switched off;12. Data processing device for a residual load disconnector switch (1) wherein the residual load disconnector switch (1) is designed to disconnect an electrical connection to a propulsion current supply conductor (8) for a transportation means (7) and comprises a feed line terminal (20), a discharge line terminal (21), and at least one switching device (22), and wherein the data processing device (97) comprises a load detection means which monitors a current flow and / or a voltage between the feed line terminal (20) and the discharge line terminal (21) of the residual load disconnector switch (1), and wherein the data processing device (97) has a remote control interface that enables remote-controlled activation of a drive motor (45) and / or a triggering device (44) of the residual load disconnector switch (1), characterized in that the data processing device (97) is designed to execute an operating method according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Software product, in particular stored on a physical data carrier, characterized in that the software product comprises instructions for executing, when executed on a data processing device (97) according to the preceding claim, an operating method for a residual load disconnector switch (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Software product according to the preceding claim, wherein the software product comprises a software component that is designed such that access to the residual load disconnector switch (1) and, in particular, its control or detection means is only possible after successful authentication, wherein the control and detection means comprise, in particular: - A position detection device (47); and / or - a load detection device, in particular comprising a voltage relay (92); and / or - an electric motor (45); and / or - a converter or power supply for the electric motor (45); and / or - a data processing device (97); and / or - a wireless communication interface.