SWITCHING EDGE WITH SEVERAL FUSE COVERS MOUNTED TOGETHER IN THE SWITCHING EDGE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a switch strip, in particular a load-break switch strip, preferably a fuse-type switch strip. The switch strip is preferably a low-voltage, high-performance (NH) load-break switch strip.

[0002] A switch strip of the type mentioned at the beginning typically has contact elements connected to power supplies and power outputs, wherein an electrical fuse or a isolating blade can be inserted into the contact elements in order to form an electrical connection between the contact elements. As a rule, such switch strips have a lower part with connections for busbars and / or cables, an upper part that can be connected to the lower part, and fuse covers mounted in the upper part, wherein the fuse covers serve to mount an electrical fuse or a isolating blade. With regard to the movement of the fuse cover for the purpose of switching the switch strip by transferring the fuse cover from an open position in which the fuses or isolating blades are not in contact with the contact elements, into a closed position in which the fuses orSeparating knives are in contact with the contact elements, and vice versa, two different designs are basically known, namely on the one hand a parallel displacement of the fuse covers and on the other hand a pivoting movement or tilting movement of the fuse covers.

[0003] In the three-phase switch strip known from DE 38 12 504 A1, three fuse covers for accommodating three electrical fuses, also known as fuse links, are assigned to the three phases of the switch strip, whereby the three fuse covers are connected to one another via a connecting rod for joint pivoting so that the phases can be switched in three poles.

[0004] EP 2 913 835 B1 also discloses a three-pole switchable switch strip.

[0005] In the switch edges known from the prior art, a switch handle is provided for switching the switch edge. This switch handle is connected to one of the fuse covers, typically the middle fuse cover. When the switch handle is pivoted and the fuse covers interact via the switch rods, the fuse covers are pivoted together. Due to this design, the switch handle protrudes relatively far from the fuse covers on a front side of the switch edge when the switch edge is in the closed position, so that the switch edge has a relatively large installation depth. In particular, the solutions known from the prior art for three-pole switchable switch edges cannot be used in switch cabinets with a relatively shallow installation depth, since the installation depth of the three-pole switchable switch edges exceeds the installation depth of the switch cabinets.

[0006] DE 38 12 504 A1 discloses a switch strip having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. Specifically, DE 38 12 504 A1 discloses an NH fuse switch strip with multiple fuse covers for accommodating fuse links. The fuse covers are arranged in the fuse switch strip so that they can pivot in the same direction. At least one connecting rod is hinged to the fuse covers at a distance from the pivot points, and an actuating lever is connected to one of the fuse covers. Accordingly, when the actuating lever is pivoted, the fuse covers pivot together with the actuating lever.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a switching strip which has a particularly small installation depth and yet enables multi-pole, in particular three-pole, switching of the switching strip.

[0008] This problem is solved by a switching strip having the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] The switch strip has a plurality of fuse covers mounted in the switch strip, wherein each fuse cover has a receptacle for mounting an electrical fuse and / or a disconnecting blade. The fuse covers are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the switch strip and are mounted in the switch strip so as to be pivotable in the same direction about a first pivot axis, for moving the fuse covers from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The closed position corresponds to an on state of the switch strip and the open position to a off state of the switch strip. The fuse covers are connected to one another at a distance from the first pivot axis via a connecting structure for jointly pivoting the fuse covers when the connecting structure is moved, such that the switch strip can be switched in a multi-pole, preferably three-pole manner.The safety edge has a handle that is not necessarily directly connected to the connecting structure. The handle can be pivoted relative to the connecting structure independently of the safety covers to move the handle from a retracted position to a retracted position and vice versa. By moving the handle from the retracted to the retracted position, the handle can be brought into a position in which the user can utilize the handle particularly well and force can be applied to the connecting structure when using the handle to pivot the safety covers.Since the handle protrudes less, preferably not at all, from the connecting structure on the side facing the user when pivoted in, the safety edge has a particularly shallow installation depth when the handle is pivoted in, allowing it to be used in control cabinets with shallow installation depths. Nevertheless, convenient switching of the safety edge is ensured by pivoting or extending the handle.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the handle is also displaceable relative to the connecting structure for transferring the handle from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa. By transferring the handle from the retracted to the extended position, the handle can be brought into a position in which the user can utilize the handle particularly well and in which force can be applied to the connecting structure when using the handle for pivoting the safety cover.

[0011] It is considered particularly advantageous if the safety covers are designed and arranged such that, in the closed position, a free space is formed between two safety covers of the safety covers, wherein a partial area of ​​the handle is arranged in this free space at least in the pivoted-in position. Preferably, the partial area of ​​the handle is arranged in this free space in the pivoted-in position, and in the pivoted-out and / or extended position, this partial area is arranged at least partially outside the free space.

[0012] The free space is preferably a free space that allows the fuse covers to pivot together, particularly when fuses or contact blades are arranged in the fuse covers. The free space must therefore offer sufficient space so that the fuse covers do not block each other when pivoting. As long as pivoting of the fuse covers is not necessary, the free space allowing pivoting can be occupied by the partial area of ​​the handle. The safety edge is therefore preferably designed in such a way that it is necessary to move the handle into the pivoted or extended position in order to release the free space sufficiently to allow the fuse covers to pivot together from the closed position to the open position.The particular advantage is that this design reduces the installation space required for the safety edge and the manufacturing effort, as no additional free space needs to be created for the handle; instead, an existing free space or one that is to be provided anyway is also used to accommodate part of the handle. Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous to use this free space for the handle when both the handle and the free space are not required, in order to achieve a particularly low installation depth while still maintaining a short longitudinal extension. It is considered particularly advantageous if, when the safety covers are in the closed position and the handle is in the pivoted-in position, the part located in the free space prevents the safety covers from pivoting, thus locking the safety covers in the closed position.

[0013] Preferably, a free space is formed between all adjacent safety covers.

[0014] Preferably, the safety covers partially overlap in the closed position. Preferably, an end of a safety cover facing away from the first pivot axis of this safety cover overlaps with the first pivot axis of the longitudinally adjacent safety cover.

[0015] Preferably, at least one of the safety covers, preferably the respective safety cover, has a recess, in particular in the form of a bevel, to form the clearance. It is considered particularly advantageous if the end of this safety cover facing away from the first pivot axis of a safety cover is arranged in the recess of the adjacent safety cover in the closed position, preferably forming the clearance. This allows the installation space of the safety strip to be kept particularly small in the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0016] It is considered particularly advantageous if the handle has a first bearing structure, wherein the first bearing structure is mounted in the connecting structure so as to be displaceable between an end position and an intermediate position, and wherein the handle is mounted in the connecting structure so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis formed by the first bearing structure, for transferring the handle from the pivoted-in position into the pivoted-out position and vice versa, wherein the handle has a second bearing structure spaced from the second pivot axis, wherein the connecting structure has a counterstructure, wherein when the handle is in the pivoted-out position and the first bearing structure is in the end position, the second bearing structure and the counterstructure are in engagement and prevent pivoting of the handle from the pivoted-out position into the pivoted-in position.When the handle is in the pivoted-out position and the first bearing structure is in the intermediate position, however, the second bearing structure and the counterstructure are disengaged, and pivoting of the handle from the pivoted-out position to the pivoted-in position is accordingly possible. This design of the safety edge, in particular of the handle, has the advantage that the handle can be arranged independently of the safety covers in the connecting structure, so that the handle can be positioned in particular in an area of ​​the connecting structure in which the handle, in the closed position of the safety edge and in the pivoted-in position of the handle, does not increase the installation depth of the safety edge or only increases it to a slight extent.For example, the handle can be positioned such that, when the safety covers are in the closed position and the handle is pivoted in, the handle is located in the free space between the two safety covers. In particular, with the design according to the invention, it is not necessary for the handle to interact with one of the safety covers for pivoting the safety covers. Preferably, the handle interacts exclusively with the connecting structure.By providing the counterstructure and the interaction of the second bearing structure with the counterstructure in the pivoted-out position, a safe pivoting of the safety cover from the open position to the closed position using the handle is possible, without the risk that during such pivoting using the handle the handle will be transferred from the pivoted-out position to the pivoted-in position, which could lead to injuries, in particular crushing, to the hand of a user of the device or to contact of the hand with a live component. The pivoting of the handle from the pivoted-out position is prevented when the first bearing structure is in the end position.However, the user of the device can move the handle in such a way that the first bearing structure is moved from the end position to the intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the second bearing structure and the counter-structure are not engaged, thus enabling the handle to be pivoted from the extended position to the retracted position. This allows the handle to be pivoted in again when the safety covers are in the closed position.

[0017] This design allows the handle to be positioned relatively freely, in particular in areas between the fuse covers, so that the safety edge can be optimized with regard to the space required by the safety edge, in particular with regard to the installation depth, while still ensuring particularly safe handling of the handle.

[0018] Preferably, the first bearing structure and / or the second bearing structure are designed as bearing journals.

[0019] Preferably, the first bearing structure and / or the second bearing structure are fixed to the handle.

[0020] Preferably, the first bearing structure and / or the second bearing structure are formed in the free space between the two securing covers.

[0021] It is considered particularly advantageous if the first bearing structure is mounted displaceably in the connecting structure counter to a restoring force of a restoring means, wherein a displacement from the end position into the intermediate position takes place counter to the restoring force of the restoring means.

[0022] Preferably, the return means interacts directly with the first bearing structure. However, it is also entirely conceivable for the return means to interact with the second bearing structure.

[0023] The displaceability of the first bearing structure in the connecting structure preferably occurs in the longitudinal direction of the switching strip.

[0024] It is considered particularly advantageous if the return means is an integral part of the connecting structure. For example, the return means can be formed by a web provided in the connecting structure.

[0025] It is considered particularly advantageous if the counter structure is part of a guide structure in which the second bearing structure is slidably guided, wherein the guide structure has an intermediate region, wherein the second bearing structure passes through the intermediate region when the handle is pivoted from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position and vice versa.

[0026] It is considered particularly advantageous if the intermediate region is designed such that, when the handle is pivoted from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position, the second bearing structure in the intermediate region interacts with the guide structure such that the first bearing structure is displaced counter to the restoring force of the restoring means. In particular, it is provided that the transfer of the second bearing structure from the intermediate region to the counterstructure takes place by moving the first bearing structure from the intermediate position to the end position. Accordingly, it is provided in particular that any restoring means assists the transfer of the second bearing structure from the intermediate region to the counterstructure.

[0027] It is considered particularly advantageous if the first bearing structure is in the end position when the handle is in the swivelled-in position.

[0028] To prevent an unintentional transfer of the first bearing structure from the end position to the intermediate position when the handle is pivoted out, it is considered advantageous if the connecting structure, in particular the guide structure, has a further counterstructure. When the second bearing structure is engaged with the one counterstructure, the further counterstructure engages with the second bearing structure and prevents a displacement of the first bearing structure from the end position to the intermediate position. This prevents an unintentional transfer of the first bearing structure from the end position to the intermediate position and thus prevents the handle from being inadvertently pivoted in during operation.

[0029] Preferably, when the second bearing structure is engaged with the counterstructure, the handle can be pivoted into a displacement position in a pivoting direction opposite to the pivoted-in position. In the displacement position, the second bearing structure and the further counterstructure are disengaged, thus enabling the first bearing structure to be moved from the end position to the intermediate position. Accordingly, in the displacement position, the handle is pivoted outward, preferably by 1° to 5°, further relative to the connecting structure than is the case in the pivoted-out position of the handle.

[0030] It is considered particularly advantageous if the connecting structure, in particular the guide structure, has a contact structure, wherein this contact structure forms a stop for the second bearing structure, against which the second bearing structure rests in the pivoted-in position. In this way, further pivoting beyond the pivoted-in position is prevented.

[0031] It is considered particularly advantageous if the connecting structure has two connecting rods, with the connecting rods being hinged to opposite sides of the fuse covers. The connecting rods are preferably designed as identical parts. This reduces the number of different components and also reduces the costs of manufacturing the connecting rods.

[0032] It is considered particularly advantageous if the fuse covers are stored in an upper part of the switch strip.

[0033] Furthermore, it is considered particularly advantageous if the switch strip has a lower part for mounting on busbars, wherein the contact elements for the fuses and / or the isolating blades are mounted in the lower part. Preferably, the upper part and the lower part are detachably connected to one another.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the safety covers are mounted in the connecting structure so as to be pivotable about a respective pivot axis, wherein the first bearing structure is formed in the longitudinal direction of the switching strip between the aforementioned pivot axes of two safety covers.

[0035] It is considered particularly advantageous if, with the fuse covers in the closed position and the handle in the pivoted-in position, a side wall of the switch strip, in particular a side wall of the upper part, and / or the connecting structure on a front side of the switch strip facing away from a busbar protrudes relative to the handle or is flush with it.

[0036] Furthermore, it is considered particularly advantageous if, with the fuse covers in the closed position and the handle in the pivoted-in position, a side wall of the switching strip, in particular a side wall of the upper part, protrudes from the connecting structure and / or the handle (8) on a front side of the switching strip facing away from a busbar or is flush with the connecting structure (6) and / or the handle (8).

[0037] Preferably, side walls of the switching strip have recesses for receiving the connecting structure in the closed position of the safety cover.

[0038] It is considered particularly advantageous if the handle has a grip, wherein, with the safety covers in the closed position and the handle in the pivoted-in position, the grip is arranged on the front side of one of the safety covers, preferably resting against the front side, wherein the handle and / or the safety cover has a recessed grip for gripping the grip. This allows the safety edge to be realized with a particularly shallow installation depth.

[0039] Preferably, the handle is pivoted from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position in the pivoting direction of the safety cover from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0040] Preferably, the handle is formed in a region of the switching strip that faces away from a power outgoing device.

[0041] It is considered particularly advantageous if the switching strip has a locking device for locking the safety cover in the closed position, wherein the locking device has a locking structure formed on the handle and the switching strip has a preferably stationary locking structure, wherein when the safety cover is in the closed position and the handle is in the pivoted-in position, the locking structure and the locking counter-structure are engaged, wherein when the safety cover is in the closed position and the handle is in the pivoted-out and / or extended position, the locking structure and the locking counter-structure are disengaged.

[0042] Preferably, the locking counterstructure is formed in the upper and / or lower part of the safety strip. However, it is also conceivable for the locking counterstructure to be formed on one of the safety covers.

[0043] Furthermore, it is considered advantageous if the handle and the connecting structure interact in a locking manner in the pivoted-in position. This prevents unintentional pivoting or extension of the handle. It is entirely conceivable that the locking connection is realized by the locking structure and the locking counter-structure.

[0044] Furthermore, it is considered particularly advantageous if the safety edge has a locking device for locking the safety edge in the open position, wherein a locking means of the locking device is mounted in the connecting structure so as to be displaceable between a locked position and a released position, wherein the locking means forms a stop for one of the fuse covers in the locked position when the fuse cover is pivoted towards the closed position. This prevents the fuse cover from being inadvertently moved from the open position to the closed position. This is particularly advantageous when maintenance is carried out on live components that are protected by the safety edge. In the open position, the corresponding components are de-energized and work can be carried out on them safely.To prevent a third party, who is unaware of the work in progress, from inadvertently closing the safety edge, the locking device can be moved into the locked position. In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if the locking device can be secured in the locked position with a securing device, such as a padlock. For this purpose, through openings can be provided on the locking device, for example, which overlap with corresponding through openings in the locked position, so that in the locked position a padlock can be passed through the overlapping through openings and locked. In this state, the locking device cannot be moved into the released position.

[0045] Preferably, the angle enclosed between the connecting structure and the handle in the pivoted-out position of the handle is 45° to 60°, preferably 50° to 58°, in particular 56°. These angle ranges have proven particularly advantageous with regard to ergonomic handling and the application of force to the handle.

[0046] To prevent the user from coming into contact with live components when using the handle, finger protection is preferably provided on the handle. The finger protection can, for example, be formed by the portion of the handle that can be arranged in the free space.

[0047] The switch strip according to the invention is in particular a switch strip for use on a busbar system.

[0048] The switching strip according to the invention is used in particular as a built-in strip.

[0049] The following figures illustrate the invention in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, without being limited thereto. They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the switching strip according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 shows the switching strip according to Fig. 1 in an exploded view, Fig. 3 a part of the safety edge with the handle pivoted in according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 4 the part of the switching edge according to Fig. 3 in a side view according to arrow IV in Fig. 3 , Fig. 5the sub-area according to Fig. 3 in a side view according to arrow V in Fig. 3 , Fig. 6the handle of the safety edge according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 7 the part of the switching edge according to Fig. 3 with the handle swung out in a perspective view, Fig. 8 the section according to Fig. 3 in an open position in a side view as in Fig. 4 , Fig. 9the sub-area according to Fig. 3 in an open position with fuse links arranged in fuse covers in a side view as in Fig. 8 , Fig. 10 a part of the safety edge according to Fig. 1 in a closed position with the handle pivoted in, in a side view, Fig. 11 the handle according to Fig. 1 in the open position with the handle swung out in a side view, Fig. 12 the switching edge according to Fig. 1 in a closed position with the handle swung in, viewed diagonally from above.

[0050] The Fig. 1 bis 12 show an embodiment of the switch strip 1, wherein this embodiment is a switch strip 1 that can be connected to a busbar system with three busbars and serves to accommodate NH fuse links 27. The switch strip 1 has an upper part 2 that is connected to a lower part 3, wherein the lower part 3 is in turn connectable to the busbars and wherein the lower part 3 has three outgoing contacts 15 and three pairs of contact elements 14, wherein the respective pair of contact elements 14 is assigned a fuse cover 4, wherein the respective fuse cover 4 serves to accommodate one of the NH fuse links 27, as shown in the Fig. 9 is shown.

[0051] The safety covers 4 are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction X of the switch strip 1 and are mounted in the upper part 2 of the switch strip 1 so as to be pivotable in the same direction about a first pivot axis 5, in order to transfer the safety covers 4 from a closed position, as shown in the Fig. 3 shown, in an open position as shown in the Fig. 1 is shown. In this state, the fuse inserts 27 accommodated in the fuse covers 4 are retracted into the contact elements 14. The fuse covers 4 are connected to one another at a distance from the first pivot axes 5 via a connecting structure 6, which in this case is formed by two connecting rods 7, for the joint pivoting of the fuse covers 4 when the connecting structure 6 is moved. Accordingly, the respective fuse cover 4 is mounted in the connecting structure 6 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0052] The fuse covers 4 are designed and arranged such that, in the closed position, a free space 28 is formed between the fuse covers 4 to enable a joint pivoting of the fuse covers 4. Such a free space 28 is also formed between the fuse cover 14 adjacent to the outgoing contacts 15 and the upper part 2. For the purpose of forming the free spaces 28, the respective fuse cover 4 has a recess 30 adjacent to the respective first pivot axis 5. An end of this fuse cover 4 facing away from the first pivot axis 5 of a fuse cover 4 is arranged in the recess 30 of the fuse cover 4 adjacent in the longitudinal direction X in the closed position. Accordingly, the end of this fuse cover 4 facing away from the first pivot axis 5 of the fuse cover 4 overlaps with the first pivot axis 5 of the fuse cover 4 adjacent in the longitudinal direction X in the vertical direction Z, as in particular the Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0053] The switch strip 1 has a handle 8 connected to the connecting structure 6, wherein the handle 8 is arranged between the two connecting rods 7. This handle 8 serves for the manual actuation of the switch strip 1 for the purpose of pivoting the safety cover 4 and thus for switching the switch strip 1. To facilitate operation, the handle 8 has a handle 21.

[0054] The handle 8 is mounted in the connecting structure 6 so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 11 independently of the safety covers 4 in order to transfer the handle from a pivoted-in position, as shown in the Fig. 3 shown, into a swung-out position as shown in the Fig. 7 is shown. Specifically, the handle 8 has a first bearing structure 10, which forms the second pivot axis 11. The first bearing structure 10 is displaceable between an end position and an intermediate position, in this case displaceable in the longitudinal direction X of the switching strip 1, in which the connecting structure 6 is mounted.

[0055] As in particular the Fig. 3 As can be seen, when the fuse covers 4 are in the closed position, in the pivoted-in position of the handle 8, a partial area 29 of the handle 8 is arranged in the free space 28 between the middle fuse cover 4 and the fuse cover 4 facing away from the outgoing contacts 15. In the pivoted-out position, which is shown in the Fig. 7 As shown, this partial area 29 is arranged at least partially outside the free space 28. As a result, the free space 28 required for the joint pivoting of the safety covers 4 is advantageously used to accommodate the handle 8 in the pivoted-in position, so that the switching strip 1 has a particularly shallow installation depth in the closed position with the handle 8 pivoted in. In the pivoted-in position, complete pivoting of the safety covers 4 is prevented by the partial area 29 arranged in the free space 28, whereas in the pivoted-out position the free space 28 is not occupied, so that complete pivoting of the safety covers 4 is possible.

[0056] The partial area 29 is essentially plate-shaped in the present case and also serves as finger protection to prevent contact of the fingers with the fuse link 27.

[0057] At a distance from the second pivot axis 11, the handle 8 has a second bearing structure 12, wherein this bearing structure 12 is in turn formed by two bearing pins formed on opposite sides of the handle 8. The connecting structure 6 has a counter structure 13, wherein when the handle 8 is in the pivoted-out position and the first bearing structure 10 is in the end position, the second bearing structure 12 and the counter structure 13 are engaged and prevent pivoting of the handle 8 from the pivoted-out position into the pivoted-in position. This state is, for example, in the Fig. 11 shown. When the handle 8 is in the pivoted-out position and the first bearing structure 10 is in the intermediate position, the second bearing structure 12 and the counterstructure 13 are not engaged, and pivoting of the handle 8 from the pivoted-out position to the pivoted-in position is possible.

[0058] In the present case, the first bearing structure 10 is mounted displaceably in the connecting structure 6 against a restoring force of a restoring means 17, wherein displacement from the end position to the intermediate position occurs counter to the restoring force of the restoring means 17. In the present case, the restoring means 17 is an integral component of the connecting structure 6, namely formed by two freely angled webs of the connecting structure 6, wherein the two connecting rods 7 each have one of the two freely angled webs.

[0059] The counter structure 13 is presently part of a guide structure 18, which is designed as a guide slot. The second bearing structure 12 is displaceably guided in this guide structure 18, wherein the guide structure 18 has an intermediate region 19, wherein the second bearing structure 12 passes through the intermediate region 19 when pivoting the handle 8 from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position and vice versa. As can be seen in particular from a comparison of the Fig. 10 und 11 As can be seen, the intermediate region 19 is designed such that when the handle 8 is pivoted from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position, the second bearing structure 12 in the intermediate region 19 interacts with the guide structure 18 such that the first bearing structure 10 is displaced against the restoring force of the restoring means 17. Accordingly, the guide structure 18 is designed such that transferring the second bearing structure 12 into the intermediate region 19 is only possible by displacing the first bearing structure 10 from the end position to the intermediate position, thus against the restoring force of the restoring means 17. This cannot be achieved solely by a pivoting movement of the handle 8, as can be seen directly from the Fig. 10 und 11 can be seen. In addition, the guide structure 18 has a further counter-structure 20, wherein when the second bearing structure 12 is in engagement with the one counter-structure 13, the further counter-structure 20 is in engagement with the second bearing structure 12 and prevents a displacement of the first bearing structure 10 from the end position into the intermediate position. Both the counter-structure 20 and the second bearing structure 12 are designed like a hook in order to prevent an unintentional transfer of the first bearing structure 10 from the end position into the intermediate position. In this respect, the handle 8 is in the Fig. 11 shown state, in which the second bearing structure 12 is engaged with the counter structure 13, in a locked state. In order to remove the handle 8 from the Fig. 11 shown swung-out state in the Fig. 10 To transfer the switch strip 1 to the pivoted-in state shown, the handle 8 must first be pivoted into a sliding position in a pivoting direction opposite to the pivoted-in position, wherein in this sliding position the second bearing structure 12 and the further counter-structure 20 are disengaged and accordingly a displacement of the first bearing structure 12 from the end position into the intermediate position and thereby a displacement of the second bearing structure 12 into the intermediate region 19 is possible. Specifically, in the sliding position the second bearing structure 12 is located above the further counter-structure 20 in a vertical direction Z of the switching strip 1.In this state, the entire handle 8 can be moved counter to the longitudinal direction X of the switching strip 1 against the restoring force of the restoring means 17, so that the second bearing structure 12 reaches the intermediate region 19 and then the handle 8 is pivoted towards the pivoted-in position. Accordingly, the user must perform a relatively complex movement to transfer the handle from the pivoted-out position to the pivoted-in position, namely a pivoting movement followed by a sliding movement. In contrast, to transfer the handle 8 from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position, the user of the handle 8 does not have to perform such a complex movement, since the restoring means 17 is preloaded when passing through the intermediate region 19 and then the restoring means 17 supports the transfer of the second bearing structure 12 into the counterstructure 13.In addition, the bearing structure 12 is designed such that the side of the bearing structure 12 that interacts with the further counterstructure 20 in the area of ​​the intermediate region 19 is beveled, thus facilitating the transfer of the second bearing structure 12 into the counterstructure 13. Consequently, the user only needs to perform a pivoting movement to transfer the handle from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position.

[0060] As in particular the Fig. 4 und 5 As can be seen, in the pivoted-in position of the handle 8, the handle 8 is arranged completely between the two connecting rods 7 and covered by them, so that the handle 8, in the pivoted-in state, does not protrude relative to the connecting structure 6 in the vertical direction Z of the switch strip 1. In the closed position of the safety covers 4, the connecting rods 7 on the front of the switch strip 1 protrude only slightly relative to the side walls 16 of the switch strip 1. In the present case, the side walls 16 are provided with recesses 26 which serve to accommodate the connecting rods 7. This further reduces the installation height of the switch strip 1.

[0061] When the safety covers 4 are in the closed position and the handle 8 is in the pivoted-in position, the handle 21 is arranged on a front side of one of the safety covers 4, wherein the handle 21 has a recessed grip to facilitate gripping the handle 21 and pivoting out the handle 8.

[0062] As a rule, it is necessary to provide locking devices on switch strips 1 for locking the safety covers 4 in the closed position. In the present case, this locking device is implemented by the handle 8 and is therefore particularly simple and cost-effective. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately unlock a locking device in order to enable the safety covers 4 to be moved into the open position; instead, it is only necessary to pivot the handle 8 out, which is necessary anyway to pivot the safety covers 4, wherein pivoting the handle 8 also releases the locking device. In the present case, the handle 8 has a locking structure 22 and the switch strip 1 has a stationary locking counterstructure 23, wherein the locking counterstructure 23 is formed on the upper part 2.In the present case, the locking structure 22 is formed by two pins directed inwards and in the transverse direction Y, and the locking counter-structure 23 is formed by two corresponding hook-shaped structures open in the longitudinal direction X. When the safety covers 4 are in the closed position and the handle 8 is moved from the pivoted-out position into the pivoted-in position, the locking structure 22 and the locking counter-structure 23 engage, with the locking counter-structure 23 engaging behind the locking structure 22 on a side facing the front and thus preventing the safety covers 4 from pivoting from the closed position into the open position. This state is in the . Fig. 12 shown. In the pivoted-out position of the handle 8, however, the locking structure 22 and the locking counter-structure 23 are disengaged, and pivoting of the safety cover 4 is possible in the pivoted-out position of the handle 8.

[0063] In order to prevent the handle 8 from pivoting out unintentionally, the handle 8 has a locking lug 24 which interacts with the connecting structure 6 in the pivoted-in position of the handle 8.

[0064] The switching strip 1 further comprises a locking device for locking the switching strip 1 in the open position, wherein the locking device is formed in the present case by a locking means 25 being mounted in the connecting structure 6 so as to be displaceable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the locking means 25 forms a stop for one of the locking covers 4 in the locking position when the safety cover 4 is pivoted in the direction of the closed position. Fig. 1 shows the switching strip 1 in the open position, wherein the locking means 25 is in the locking position and in this case engages behind a partial area of ​​the safety cover 4 on a side facing away from the front.

[0065] The connecting rods 7 are designed as identical parts, as can be seen in particular from a comparison of the Fig. 4 und 5Since the two connecting rods 7 are arranged rotated by 180° to each other, each connecting rod 7 has two guide structures 18 that are mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0066] An angle β enclosed between the safety covers 4 and the connecting structure 6 is, in the open position, approximately identical to an angle α enclosed between the handle 8 and the connecting structure 6 in the pivoted-out position of the handle 8. List of reference symbols

[0067] 1Switching edge 2Upper part 3Lower part 4Fuse cover 5First pivot axis 6Connecting structure 7Connecting rod 8Handle 9Handgrip 10First bearing structure 11Second pivot axis 12Second bearing structure 13Counter structure 14Contact element 15Outgoing contact 16Side wall 17Reset means 18Guide structure 19Intermediate area 20Counter structure 21Handle 22Locking structure 23Locking counter structure 24Locking lug 25Locking means 26Recess 27Fuse link 28Free space 29Partial area 30Recess

Claims

1. Switching strip (1) having multiple fuse covers (4) which are mounted in the switching strip (1), wherein the respective fuse cover (4) has a receptacle for mounting an electrical fuse and / or an isolating blade, wherein the fuse covers (4) are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction (X) of the switching strip (1) and are mounted in the switching strip (1) so as to be pivotable in the same direction about a respective first pivot axis (5) for transfer of the fuse covers (4) from a closed position into an open position and vice versa, wherein the fuse covers (4) are, at a distance from the first pivot axes (5), connected to one another via a connecting structure (6) for joint pivoting of the fuse covers (4) during a movement of the connecting structure (6), wherein the switching strip (1) has a handle (8) which is connected to the connecting structure (6), characterized in that the handle (8) is, independently of the fuse covers (4), pivotable in relation to the connecting structure (6) for transfer of the handle (8) from a pivoted-in position into a pivoted-out position and vice versa.

2. Switching strip according to Claim 1, wherein the fuse covers (4) are designed and arranged in such a way that, in the closed position, a clearance (28) is formed between two fuse covers (4) of the fuse covers (4), in particular to allow joint pivoting of the fuse covers (4), wherein a sub-region (29) of the handle (8) is arranged in said clearance (28) at least in the pivoted-in position.

3. Switching strip according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle (8) has a first bearing structure (10), wherein the first bearing structure (10) is mounted in the connecting structure (6) so as to be displaceable between an end position and an intermediate position, and wherein the handle (8) is mounted in the connecting structure (6) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (11), formed by the first bearing structure (10), for transfer of the handle (8) from the pivoted-in position into the pivoted-out position and vice versa, wherein the handle (8) has a second bearing structure (12) at a distance from the second pivot axis (11), wherein the connecting structure (6) has a counterpart structure (13), wherein, when the handle (8) is in the pivoted-out position and the first bearing structure (10) is in the end position, the second bearing structure (12) and the counterpart structure (13) are in engagement and prevent the handle (8) from being pivoted from the pivoted-out position into the pivoted-in position, wherein, when the first bearing structure (10) is in the intermediate position, the second bearing structure (10) and the counterpart structure (13) are out of engagement and pivoting of the handle (8) from the pivoted-out position into the pivoted-in position is made possible.

4. Switching strip according to Claim 3, wherein the first bearing structure (10) is mounted in the connecting structure (6) so as to be displaceable counter to a restoring force of a restoring means (17), wherein a displacement from the end position into the intermediate position takes place counter to the restoring force of the restoring means (17).

5. Switching strip according to Claim 4, wherein the restoring means (17) is an integral constituent part of the connecting structure (6).

6. Switching strip according to one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the counterpart structure (13) is a constituent part of a guide structure (18) in which the second bearing structure (12) is guided displaceably, wherein the guide structure (18) has an intermediate region (19), wherein the second bearing structure (12) passes through the intermediate region (19) when the handle (8) is pivoted from the pivoted-in position into the pivoted-out position and vice versa.

7. Switching strip according to Claim 6, wherein the intermediate region (19) is formed in such a way that, when the handle (8) is pivoted from the pivoted-in position into the pivoted-out position, the second bearing structure (12) interacts with the guide structure (18) in such a way that the first bearing structure (10) is displaced counter to the restoring force of the restoring means (17).

8. Switching strip according to one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the connecting structure (6), in particular the guide structure (18), has a further counterpart structure (20), wherein, when the second bearing structure (12) is in engagement with the one counterpart structure (13), the further counterpart structure (20) is in engagement with the second bearing structure (12) and prevents the first bearing structure (10) from being displaced from the end position into the intermediate position.

9. Switching strip according to Claim 8, wherein, when the second bearing structure (12) is in engagement with the one counterpart structure (13), the handle is pivotable into a displacement position in a pivoting direction opposite to the pivoted-in position, wherein, in the displacement position, the second bearing structure (12) and the further counterpart structure (20) are out of engagement and a displacement of the first bearing structure (12) from the end position into the intermediate position is made possible.

10. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting structure (6) has two connecting bars (7), wherein the connecting bars (7) are articulated on opposite sides of the fuse covers (4), wherein the connecting bars (7) are formed as identical parts.

11. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein, when the fuse covers (4) are in the closed position and the handle (8) is in the pivoted-in position, a side wall (16) of the switching strip (1), on a front side, to be directed away from a busbar, of the switching strip (1), protrudes in relation to the handle (8) or terminates flush with the latter.

12. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein, when the fuse covers (4) are in the closed position and the handle (8) is in the pivoted-in position, a side wall (16) of the switching strip (1) protrudes in relation to the connecting structure (6) or terminates flush with the connecting structure (6).

13. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the handle (8) has a handgrip (21), wherein, when the fuse covers (4) are in the closed position and the handle (8) is in the pivoted-in position, the handgrip (21) is arranged on a front side of one of the fuse covers (4), wherein the fuse cover (4) has a grip depression for gripping of the handgrip (21).

14. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the switching strip (1) has a locking device for locking the fuse covers (4) in the closed position, wherein the locking device has a locking structure (22) formed on the handle (8) and the switching strip (1) has a counterpart locking structure (23), wherein, when the fuse covers (4) are in the closed position and the handle (8) is in the pivoted-in position, the locking structure (22) and the counterpart locking structure (23) are in engagement, wherein, when the fuse covers (4) are in the closed position and the handle (8) is in the pivoted-out position, the locking structure (22) and the counterpart locking structure (23) are out of engagement.

15. Switching strip according to one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the switching strip (1) has a blocking device for blocking the switching strip (1) in the open position, wherein a blocking means (25) of the blocking device is mounted in the connecting structure (6) so as to be displaceable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein, in the blocking position, when the fuse covers (4) are pivoted in the direction of the closed position, the blocking means (25) forms a stop for one of the fuse covers (4).