Circuit breaker, removable display and electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of a circuit breaker according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a display for a circuit breaker.

[0002] Circuit breakers are protective devices that function similarly to a fuse. Circuit breakers monitor the current flowing through them via a conductor and interrupt the electrical current or energy flow to an energy sink or load. This is referred to as tripping when protection parameters, such as current limits or current-time limits, i.e. when a current value is present for a certain period of time, are exceeded. The interruption occurs, for example, when the circuit breaker contacts are opened. Unlike a fuse, these protection parameters or response values ​​are adjustable in a circuit breaker, for example, using a control unit such as an electronic trip unit.

[0003] Especially for low-voltage circuits or networks, there are various types of circuit breakers depending on the magnitude of the intended electrical current in the electrical circuit. Circuit breakers in the sense of the invention refer, in particular, to switches such as those used in low-voltage systems for currents from 25 or 63 to 6300 amperes. Enclosed circuit breakers are used more specifically for currents from 25 or 63 to 1600 amperes, in particular from 125 to 630 or 1200 amperes. Open circuit breakers are used in particular for currents from 630 to 6300 amperes, more specifically from 1200 to 6300 amperes.

[0004] Open circuit breakers are also called air circuit breakers (ACBs) and enclosed circuit breakers are called molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs).

[0005] Low voltage refers to voltages up to 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC. Low voltage also refers to voltages higher than extra-low voltage, with values ​​of 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC.

[0006] For the purposes of the invention, circuit breakers are circuit breakers with an electronic trip unit, also known as an Electronic Trip Unit (ETU), serving as the control unit. The control unit monitors the level of the electrical current measured by sensors such as a Rogowski transformer (Rogowski coil), or, in an analogous manner, the voltage and / or other parameters of the electrical circuit, and causes the electrical circuit to be interrupted if threshold values ​​are exceeded.

[0007] Circuit breakers typically have a display or indicator unit. This can show protection parameters, setting values, and / or measured values, etc. The screen content of these displays is fixed.

[0008] State-of-the-art circuit breakers are known, for example, from the following patent applications: °DE°10°2014°217°292°A1; DE°10°2014°217°332°A1; DE°10°2015°217°108°A1; DE°10°2014°218°831°A1; DE°10°2014°218°910°A1; DE°10°2016°201°651°A1; DE°10°2015°226°475°A1; DE°10°2015°216°981°A1; DE°10°2016°202°827°A1; DE°10°2016°201°659°A1; DE°10°2015°210°479°A1; DE°10°2014°224°173°A1; DE°10°2015°216°023°A1; DE°10°2016°217°425°A1; DE°10°2016°205°196°A1; DE°10°2016°221°093°A1; DE°10°2017°211°900°A1; DE°10°2017°201°239°A1; DE°10°2017°205°003°A1; DE°10°2017°205°004°A1; DE°10°2017°212°477°A1; DE°10°2017°214°903°A1; DE°10°2017°214°907°A1; DE°10°2017°215°820°A1.

[0009] WO 2010 / 026013 A1 discloses a user interface for an electronic switch intended for low-voltage applications. A display of the user interface is removable.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 10 2015 225 243 A1 discloses an electrical switch for switching an electrical current. This switch has a trigger unit, a part of which is mountable and removable.

[0011] EP2321836 A1 discloses a circuit breaker according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to improve a circuit breaker with a display of the type mentioned above, in particular to make the use of a display or representation on the display more variable.

[0013] This object is achieved by a circuit breaker having the features of patent claim 1 or a display according to patent claim 14.

[0014] A circuit breaker for a low-voltage circuit, with input and output connections for conductors of the low-voltage circuit, wherein the low-voltage circuit can be interrupted or closed internally in the circuit breaker, with a current sensor which determines the level of the electrical current in the low-voltage circuit and is connected to an electronic trip unit (ETU) which has a display for displaying information and interrupts the low-voltage circuit when current limit values ​​or current-time limit values ​​are exceeded, is designed according to the invention in such a way that the display is designed to be removable.

[0015] This has the advantage of providing a removable display that is not needed during continuous operation of the circuit breaker, as a display is often not required in this case. Faults, maintenance, and commissioning are the main applications where a user or customer requires a (front) display. For this reason, a removable display is provided that the user or customer can remove or install.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display is designed to snap or latch onto the electronic trip unit (ETU).

[0018] This has the particular advantage of providing an easy way to remove or install the display.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display has not only a display functionality but also an input functionality.

[0020] This has the particular advantage that, on the one hand, inputs are possible via the display, so that a compact implementation of an output and input interface is possible, and, on the other hand, no changes to the setting parameters of the circuit breaker are possible when the display is removed.

[0021] According to the invention, the removable display has a sensor for detecting an inclination or angle of a horizontal or perpendicular, or horizontal or vertical, position of the display. The display is further configured such that the content of the displayed information is adapted depending on the horizontal or vertical mounting of the display, so that the displayed information is user-friendly and readable.

[0022] This has the particular advantage that the display can be mounted anywhere, and the orientation of the information displayed on the display is automatically adjusted according to the position of the display, ensuring user-friendly readability, usually horizontally. This enables universal positioning of the display.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor is an inclination sensor, angle sensor, or position sensor. This has the particular advantage of enabling a simple method of determining the position, i.e., the inclination or angle, in particular the horizontal or perpendicular or horizontal or vertical position of the display.

[0024] According to the invention, the display has a display microcontroller connected to the sensor for controlling the display of the displayed information.

[0025] This has the particular advantage of enabling the user-friendly display of information.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic trip unit (ETU) comprises a first microcontroller, which in particular monitors the exceedance of current limits or current-time limits, and a second microcontroller, which in particular provides the information to be displayed on the display. This has the particular advantage of separating the protective functions and display information in the electronic trip unit, so that the protective functionality is always present and the display functionality is processed separately.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic trip unit (ETU) and the display are designed such that, when the display is connected to the electronic trip unit, the information to be displayed is transmitted from the second microcontroller to the display and is displayed there in the correct position.

[0028] This has the particular advantage that the control of the display settings is implemented separately from the protection functionality of the circuit breaker, thus ensuring reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a USB interface is provided for the electrical connection between the electronic trip unit (ETU) and the display.

[0030] This has the particular advantage of providing a simple, standardized and cost-effective means of communication between the electronic trigger unit and the display.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display has an LCD display.

[0032] This has the particular advantage of providing a simple display option.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display has a power supply.

[0034] This has the particular advantage of providing the display with its own power supply, simplifying the external power supply. Only one operating voltage needs to be supplied; all other voltages are generated internally by the power supply itself.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display has a keypad or touch control for input functionality.

[0036] This has the particular advantage of providing a simple input option for the display.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circuit breaker is designed such that different orientations can be selected with which the information can be displayed.

[0038] This has the particular advantage that the display can also show the information in a fixed orientation, which may differ from the usual orientations.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic trip unit (ETU) is designed such that various menu structures can be programmed, which are stored in the second microcontroller and displayed there when the display is connected.

[0040] This has the particular advantage that the display information is configurable. This allows the display information to be individually adapted to the user or customer, or by them.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic trip unit (ETU) is designed such that application tasks assigned to the second microcontroller can be set or changed.

[0042] This has the particular advantage that the application tasks are configurable. This allows them to be individually adapted to the user or customer, or by them.

[0043] According to the invention, a removable display for a circuit breaker according to one of the preceding embodiments is claimed in parallel, with the same or further advantages.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removable display is designed for different types (or several types) of electronic trip units or circuit breakers.

[0045] This has the particular advantage that only one display for different circuit breakers, e.g., in a system, needs to be carried by a service technician, for example, to configure the circuit breaker in the event of a fault, maintenance, or commissioning. Furthermore, the detached display makes tampering with the circuit breaker more difficult.

[0046] All embodiments, both in dependent form referring back to patent claim 1 or 14, and referring back only to individual features or combinations of features of patent claims, result in an improvement of a (low-voltage) circuit breaker with display.

[0047] The described properties, features and advantages of this invention and the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings. The drawing shows:

[0048] Figure 1 a schematic representation with circuit breakers to explain the invention, Figure 2 a schematic representation of a display to explain the invention.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a first circuit breaker LS1, a second circuit breaker LS2, and a single display DISP in the upper area. The first and second circuit breakers LS1, LS2 in the upper area do not have a display. The first and second circuit breakers LS1, LS2 are, for example, low-voltage circuit breakers, as in the example according to Figure 1Molded case circuit breaker (MCCB). The first circuit breaker LS1 is a circuit breaker of a first type or design. The second circuit breaker LS2 is a circuit breaker of a second type or design that differs from the first circuit breaker LS1. For example, the second circuit breaker LS2 has setting elements ES on its front panel with which parameters such as threshold values ​​or tripping characteristics of the second circuit breaker LS2 can be set. The first circuit breaker LS1 does not have these setting elements.

[0050] The lower section shows a circuit breaker LSDISP, such as a circuit breaker of the first or second type LS1, LS2, which has a mounted display DISP.

[0051] If the LSDISP circuit breaker is a second type LS2 circuit breaker, the ES setting elements are hidden by the mounted DISP display. Setting is then possible, for example, via the DISP display, which in this case has an input function.

[0052] If the circuit breaker LSDISP is a circuit breaker of the first type LS1, then the mounted display DISP with an input functionality enables this for the circuit breaker.

[0053] Figure 2shows a schematic diagram of an example display DISP. The display has a display microcontroller MC. This is connected to a power supply NT to supply power to the display microcontroller MC or the display DISP. The power supply NT, in turn, has a connection PS for an (external) supply voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply NT can be connected to an external or internal battery BAT, which enables or supports mobile and circuit-breaker-independent operation.

[0054] The power supply can, for example, be provided via an interface on the front of the electronic trip unit ETU.

[0055] Furthermore, a memory SP can be provided, such as an EEPROM, which is connected to the display microcontroller MC.

[0056] The display DISP also includes an LCD, such as an LCD or a dot matrix display. Light-emitting diodes may also be provided. This LCD, in turn, can be connected to the display microcontroller MC.

[0057] The display DISP can also have input functionality, such as a keypad (KP), touchpad / touch operation, or similar. This, in turn, can be connected to the display microcontroller (MC).

[0058] The removable display DISP has a sensor SEN for determining an inclination or an angle, in particular a horizontal or perpendicular or horizontal or vertical position of the display DISP.

[0059] This, in turn, can be connected to the display microcontroller MC. The sensor SEN can be an inclination sensor, angle sensor, or position sensor.

[0060] The display or the display microcontroller MC can be designed in such a way that, in cooperation with the sensor SEN, the content of the displayed information is adapted depending on a horizontal or vertical mounting of the display, so that the displayed information can be read in a user-friendly manner.

[0061] The display DISP further comprises an electrical connection VB, such as a wired or wireless interface, such as a USB interface, Bluetooth or Zigbee interface, which can establish (or establishes) a connection between the display DISP and circuit breakers, LS1, LS2, LSDISP or their electronic trip unit ETU.

[0062] In the example according to Figure 2 Two electronic trip units ETU, 3xx, 9xx are indicated.

[0063] The 9xx electronic trip unit can, for example, be installed or assigned to the first circuit breaker LS1. The 3xx electronic trip unit can, for example, be installed or assigned to the second circuit breaker LS2.

[0064] According to the invention, a (secure) user interface BS can also be provided, via which customers can upload display presets. This user interface BS can in turn be connected to the display microcontroller MC, as shown in Figure 2 shown.

[0065] The DISP display can be designed to snap on or snap into place. This creates a snap-on display that the user or customer can remove or install.

[0066] If the customer is to use the same DISP display for several circuit breakers / devices, the display should be reconfigured according to the invention.

[0067] In state-of-the-art devices, the display content does not adapt to the orientation of the circuit breaker. This means that if the device is mounted horizontally (vertically), the text on the display is always shown in landscape format.

[0068] Furthermore, if a customer wants to see measured values ​​from the circuit breaker in a different format, e.g. a diagram instead of numbers, the display cannot usually be changed.

[0069] According to the invention, in addition to the (first) microcontroller responsible for the protective functions, a dedicated application controller / (further) second microcontroller can be provided in each electronic tripping unit ETU.

[0070] The electronic trip unit (ETU) features a protection controller. Protection settings and algorithms are controlled via this controller. The set protection parameters should generally not be changed during operation.

[0071] According to the invention, in addition to the first microcontroller for the protection parameters / which in particular monitors the exceeding of current limit values ​​or current-time limit values, a second microcontroller is provided which in particular provides the information to be displayed on the display.

[0072] The functions of this second microcontroller (application microcontroller) can be changed during operation by the user or customer.

[0073] If a display DISP (display module) is connected to a circuit breaker / electronic trip unit ETU, in one embodiment the display DISP (display module) can take over the settings from the second microcontroller, which are stored there, for example.

[0074] If the DISP display is connected to another circuit breaker / electronic trip unit ETU, the display or display presets will change.

[0075] In one embodiment, the customer can download various presets to the second microcontroller / application controller. For example, the customer can download templates for display representations. These templates can be modified, enabling customer-specific representations.

[0076] For example, the customer can also select the orientation of the information displayed on the DISP display.

[0077] The physical form factor of the display does not change; the formatting and content of the display are modified to match the form factor and display preferences of the customer. This means that the display dimensions (e.g., 80mm x 35mm) remain the same, regardless of whether the circuit breaker is rotated 90 degrees. Logically, the form factor also does not change if a different device (circuit breaker) is connected.

[0078] However, the way the information is displayed changes. When the switch is turned, the display changes so that it is still legible, but the ratio is now, for example, 35mm x 80mm. This requires the information to be rearranged on the display, which, according to the invention, can be done automatically.

[0079] The idea is also to have a basic set of display images (e.g., 20 displays with predefined content). Users / customers can deactivate some of these as desired and add their own newly created display images.

[0080] For example, the customer can customize the menu structure of the information displayed on the DISP display according to their preferences. They can, for example, download a "menu mask" that allows them to set or reduce the number of parameters of interest. This allows them to view only the parameters of interest, rather than having to go through all the parameters. They can reset this mask at any time, for example, using external software.

[0081] According to the invention, a further / second microcontroller is used in the electronic trip unit, which can be loaded with presets for displaying information on a display DISP and communicates with the display DSIP (display module) without modifying the first (protection) microcontroller. This allows for easy expansion of existing electronic trip units.

[0082] The protection microcontroller is secured. The customer has the option of customizing the product / display. The DISP (display module) can automatically change its settings depending on which electronic trip unit (ETU) it is connected to. The information on the display is shown in the correct orientation for easy reading.

[0083] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) for a low-voltage circuit, comprising input and output connections for conductors of the low-voltage circuit, wherein the low-voltage circuit can be interrupted or closed inside the circuit breaker, comprising a current sensor that determines the level of the electric current in the low-voltage circuit and is connected to an electronic trip unit (ETU) that has a display (DISP) for displaying information and interrupts the low-voltage circuit if current limit values or current / time limit values are exceeded, wherein the display (DISP) is designed to be removable, characterized in that the removable display (DISP) has a sensor (SEN) for determining an inclination or an angle of a horizontal or vertical position of the display (DISP), and is designed in such a way that the content of the displayed information is adjusted depending on a horizontal or vertical mounting of the display (DISP), such that the displayed information can be read in a user-friendly manner, and the display (DISP) has a display microcontroller (MC), which is connected to the sensor (SEN), for controlling the display of the displayed information.

2. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the display (DISP) is designed to snap or latch on to the electronic trip unit (ETU).

3. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display (DISP) also has an input functionality in addition to a display functionality.

4. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (SEN) is an inclination sensor, an angle sensor or a position sensor.

5. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic trip unit (ETU) has a first microcontroller that in particular monitors the exceedance of current limit values or current / time limit values and a second microcontroller that in particular provides the information to be displayed on the display (DISP).

6. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the electronic trip unit (ETU) and the display (DISP) are designed in such a way that, if the display (DISP) is connected to the electronic trip unit (ETU), the information to be displayed is transmitted from the second microcontroller to the display (DISP) and is displayed thereon in the correct position.

7. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a USB interface is provided for the electrical connection (VB) between the electronic trip unit (ETU) and the display (DISP).

8. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display (DISP) has an LCD display (LCD).

9. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display (DISP) has a power supply unit (NT).

10. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display (DISP) has a keypad (KP) or a touchpad or touch control for an input functionality.

11. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) is designed in such a way that different orientations with which the information can be displayed can be selected.

12. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic trip unit (ETU) is designed in such a way that different menu structures can be programmed, which are stored in the second microcontroller and, in the case of a connected display (DISP), are displayed thereon.

13. Circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic trip unit (ETU) is designed in such a way that application tasks assigned to the second microcontroller can be adjusted or changed.

14. Removable display (DISP) of an electronic trip unit of a circuit breaker (LS1, LS2, LSDISP), characterized in that the removable display (DISP) has a sensor (SEN) for determining an inclination or an angle of a horizontal or vertical position of the display (DISP), and is designed in such a way that the content of the displayed information is adjusted depending on a horizontal or vertical mounting of the display (DISP), such that the displayed information can be read in a user-friendly manner, and the display (DISP) has a display microcontroller (MC), which is connected to the sensor (SEN), for controlling the display of the displayed information.

15. Removable display (DISP) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the display (DISP) is designed to snap or latch on to the electronic trip unit (ETU).

16. Removable display (DISP) according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the display (DISP) is designed for different types of electronic trip units (ETU) or circuit breakers (LS1, LS2, LSDISP).