Switching contact drive device and switching device

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching contact drive device (1) comprising a transmission with an energy store (7, 8). The energy store (7, 8) is enclosed in a housing (9, 10). The housing (9, 10) guides a relative movement, particularly a deformation of the energy store (7, 8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a switching contact drive device comprising a gearbox with an energy storage device for an electrical switching device, wherein the energy storage device is surrounded by a storage housing and the storage housing has a joining point transverse to a relative movement of the energy storage device.

[0002] A switching contact drive device is known, for example, from German patent application DE 10 2011 078 365 A1. This application describes a gearbox with an energy storage device. The energy stored in the energy storage device is used to move switching contact elements relative to each other. To achieve a specific movement profile, the gearbox can control the movement. Necessary changes to the movement profile generally lead to complex mechanical modifications. In particular, changes in the capacity of the energy storage device often result in subsequent modifications.

[0003] Document US 2012 / 0199456 A1 describes a spring-loaded actuator for a circuit breaker. A spring is arranged within a spring housing, the spring housing being equipped with a support plate. Document US 2,778,450 A describes an energy storage device. The energy storage device has a compression spring arranged within a cylindrical housing, which is closed at both ends. Document EP 3 093 862 A1 describes a spring assembly used to operate a circuit breaker. The spring assembly comprises a spring guided by a wall of a main frame. Document US 6,437,276 B1 describes an enclosed high-voltage circuit breaker. The document describes an actuator housing containing a two-armed reversing lever. Document DE 10 2011 078365 A1 describes an actuator assembly.The drive assembly there features a chassis in which moving parts of a gearbox are mounted. The gearbox incorporates an energy storage device in the form of a coil spring. This energy storage device is connected to a crank via a connecting rod. Document CN 101 471 189 A shows an arrangement with two coil springs.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a switching contact drive device whose energy storage capacity can be changed in a simplified manner.

[0005] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] Electrical switching devices can have switching contacts that are movable relative to each other to switch a current path. The necessary drive energy is provided by a switching contact actuator. To reliably execute a relative movement of the switching contacts regardless of external conditions, the switching contact actuator incorporates an energy storage device. After the energy storage device has been charged, energy can be drawn from it to drive a relative movement between the switching contacts. Various designs can be used as energy storage devices (e.g., chemical, thermal, mechanical energy storage devices). However, mechanical energy storage devices have proven to be particularly reliable. Mechanical energy storage devices can be charged by deformation, and energy can be drawn, for example, by reshaping the energy storage device.

[0007] A storage housing protects the energy storage device from external forces. This is particularly important when reshaping a mechanical energy storage device. e.g.The energy storage housing, in addition to a spring, prevents the energy storage device from breaking free and discharging uncontrollably. The housing can enclose the energy storage device like a cage. This provides mechanical protection and can guide movement, for example, during processing. A predetermined movement path can be imposed on the energy storage device, protecting it from incorrect charging or movement. Thus, the housing provides protection from external forces while simultaneously guiding the movement of the energy storage device. Furthermore, the housing protects the surrounding environment in the event of a malfunction.

[0008] It can also be advantageous to provide that the storage housing guides a relative movement, in particular a transformation of the energy storage.

[0009] During charging or discharging, an energy storage device can undergo movement, particularly a transformation. Energy storage devices that are charged or discharged by relative movement include, for example, mechanical energy storage devices such as springs in various designs (e.g., coil springs, torsion springs, gas springs, etc.). Depending on the amount of energy to be stored and the design of the energy storage device, the energies acting on the device during charging can be comparatively high. Particularly during short charging intervals, the energy storage device can experience high stress. To reduce the stress on the energy storage device and ensure a long-term stable switching contact drive, a consistently uniform movement of the energy storage device must be maintained. Relative movement of the energy storage device can be guided through the storage housing.Particularly during charging and discharging, the charging and discharging speeds can be increased because the relative movement of the energy storage device is guided by the storage housing. This counteracts the risk of the energy storage device breaking free or malfunctioning during charging or discharging. Especially with a cage-like storage housing design, this can also prevent the energy storage device from breaking free. For example, in the event of a malfunction, such as a bursting of the energy storage device, the housing provides mechanical protection for the surrounding area. Depending on the shape of the storage housing, various charging and discharging movements of the energy storage device can be supported or promoted, so that by selecting the shape, such as the circumference or length of the storage housing, variations in the energy storage device's performance can also be achieved.This allows for the use of shorter or longer springs, different energy storage designs, and so on, with various storage housings available depending on the design. Accordingly, a modular storage housing design can be implemented, where the housing, as part of the transmission, can be flanged to a transmission housing, for example, allowing for easy modification of the energy storage device or the housing. The transmission housing can also form a section (module) of the storage housing.

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that the storage housing has a joint perpendicular to any relative movement of the energy storage device.

[0011] By arranging a joint perpendicular to the relative movement of the energy storage device, it is possible to vary the dimensions or storage capacity of the storage housing. For example, the storage housing can be assembled from modules, with a joint located between the modules. Accordingly, it is possible to enclose larger or smaller energy storage devices with a similar storage housing, which, however, is composed of different modules. Due to the modular design of the storage housing, identical components can be used to create various switching contact drive devices with different switching capacities. The joint can, for example, be designed as a butt joint between different sections (modules) of the storage housing. However, it can also be designed so that the joint is closed, e.g.,through material-bonding joining processes, or bridged to further increase the stability of the storage housing.

[0012] Furthermore, it is planned that a cam track for guiding the movement of the energy storage unit will cross the joint.

[0013] A cam track allows for the forced control of movement along its path. For example, the relative movement of an energy storage device can be defined in a specific way via a cam track. This allows the storage housing to be used by a control system to direct the relative movement of the energy storage device. By crossing a joint, the relative movement can be varied depending on the number and / or shape of the modules used for the storage housing. Furthermore, by varying different sections of the cam track across a joint in different modules, various movement patterns can be enforced. This enables the simple mechanical programming of a storage charging or discharging process.

[0014] It can also be advantageous to provide that the storage housing is mounted on a counter surface of a gearbox housing.

[0015] A gearbox housing, for example, incorporates gear elements that convert energy supplied by the energy storage device or couple the movement necessary for charging the energy storage device into it. By using a counter surface of the gearbox housing as a support for the storage device housing, a defined position of the energy storage device relative to the gearbox housing is ensured. Furthermore, a joint can be arranged between the storage device housing and the gearbox housing, which is crossed by a cam track. The gearbox housing can thus function as a module of the storage device housing.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment can provide that the cam track is centered in a counter surface by means of positive locking elements.

[0017] By using positive locking elements, it is possible to allow the cam track to run across a joint and ensure sufficient guidance even in the joint area. Accordingly, for example, a defined relative position of the energy storage unit and the gearbox housing can be ensured by fixing the individual modules of the storage housing to each other or the storage housing to the gearbox housing. The positive locking elements ensure a form-complementary interlocking of one part (module) of the storage housing with another part (e.g., another module or gearbox housing) in the joint area.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to specify a suitable application for a switching contact drive device. According to the invention, in an electrical switching device with a first and a second switching contact element which are movable relative to each other, a switching contact drive device according to one of the embodiments described above is provided for the use of a switching contact drive device to generate a relative movement between the switching contact elements of the switching device.

[0019] A switching device serves to switch an electrical circuit. For this purpose, the switching device can have a first and a second switching contact in the electrical circuit, wherein the two switching contacts are movable relative to each other. By contacting the two switching contacts, an on state can be established in the electrical circuit of the switching device. By separating the switching contacts from each other, an interruption point can be created in the electrical circuit. Relative movement of the switching contacts relative to each other is enabled by coupling a movement. To generate relative movement between the switching contacts, a switching contact drive device according to the invention is associated with the switching device. The switching contact drive device has an energy storage device, which is part of a gearbox. The energy storage device is, for example, a mechanical energy storage device in the form of a spring. By charging the energy storage device (e.g.,Energy can be temporarily stored in the energy storage device (by compressing or expanding the spring). This has the advantage that even in the event of a failure of the external power supply, an independent energy storage device is available, which provides energy for a limited number of switching operations, e.g., safety switching operations such as shutdowns, etc. During a switching operation, energy is drawn from the energy storage device and converted into kinetic energy in the form of a relative movement of the contact pieces. The energy storage device is part of the gearbox. Depending on the gearbox design, several energy storage devices can also be provided, which may operate in parallel for safety reasons or may even perform different switching operations (e.g., one energy storage device for a switching operation, one energy storage device for a switching operation).

[0020] Depending on the switching task of the electrical switching device, e.g., circuit breaker, load switch, disconnect switch, earthing switch, or control earthing switch, the required movement profiles can vary. Furthermore, depending on the voltage level or current-carrying capacity of the switching contacts, different requirements may be placed on the energy stored in the energy storage device to perform a switching movement. By using a storage housing, an energy storage device can be fixed in place, and with a modular design, the dimensions of the housing can be varied. For example, when using helical springs with different numbers of turns and correspondingly different energy storage capacities, the storage housing can be easily modified.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in a drawing below and described in more detail below.

[0022] This shows Figure 1: a switching contact drive device including switching unit; Figure 2: a module of a storage housing as in the switching contact drive device according to Figure 1 installed with a view of a joining surface and Figure 3: an alternative perspective view, where the joining surface is now from the Figure 2 is turned away from the viewer.

[0023] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a switching contact drive device 1, which is coupled to an electrical switching device 2 via a shaft 3. The electrical switching device 2 is, for example, a high-voltage circuit breaker, which has a switching chamber in which a first switching contact 4 is arranged to move relative to a second switching contact 5. The two switching contacts 4 and 5 are part of a current path that can be switched on and off by means of the electrical switching device 2. For this purpose, the first switching contact 4 is movably mounted and connected to the shaft 3 via a kinematic chain. In this example, the second switching contact 5 is fixed in position. Electrical switching devices 2 can also be used in which both the first and the second switching contacts 4 and 5 are driven. The designs of the switching contacts 4 and 5 can vary depending on the type of switching chamber chosen.For example, the switching chamber can be a vacuum switching tube within which the switching contacts 4, 5 are movable relative to each other, with the switching contacts 4, 5, for example, butting against each other as axial magnetic field contacts. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the two switching contacts 4, 5 have a rated current section and an arc section and are themselves arranged within an electrically insulating fluid. In this case, the rated current sections of the switching contacts 4, 5 are protected from severe wear, for example from switching arcs, by the arc sections.

[0024] The switching contact drive unit comprises a gearbox housing 6. In this case, the gearbox housing 6 is formed, for example, as a single block or from several shells to position gearbox components relative to one another. The gearbox housing 6 includes force-transforming elements such as multiple shafts, on which, for example, gears and couplings are mounted. These gears and couplings are operatively connected to one another to effect force transformation within the gearbox. The force-transforming elements are ultimately connected to the shaft 3, via which a drive movement is transmitted to at least one of the switching contact pieces 4, 5, which are movable relative to one another.

[0025] To generate relative movement between the switching contact pieces 4, 5, the switching contact drive unit 1 has a first energy storage device 7 and a second energy storage device 8. The two energy storage devices 7, 8 are each arranged in a first storage housing 9 and a second storage housing 10, respectively. In this case, the two energy storage devices 7, 8 are designed as helical springs, which are compressed for energy storage purposes and expand for releasing the stored energy. The first storage housing 9 surrounds the first energy storage device 7. The second storage housing 10 surrounds the second energy storage device 8. The energy storage devices 7, 8 are enclosed on their respective housings 9, 10 with respect to their helical axes. The second storage housing 10 is connected to the gearbox housing 6 and is formed in one piece.For example, the second storage housing 10 can be cast in one piece as part of a casting process.

[0026] For safety reasons, the second energy storage device 8 is charged directly, with the energy temporarily stored in the second energy storage device 8 being used to indirectly charge the first energy storage device 7. This allows the first energy storage device 7 to be "recharged" from the second energy storage device 8. This increases the reliability of the switching contact drive unit by enabling, in addition to initiating an ON / OFF switching operation powered by the first energy storage device 7, the first energy storage device 7 to be recharged from the energy stored temporarily in the second energy storage device 8. This allows for a further increase in the number of independently executable switching operations of the switching contacts 4 and 5 of the electrical switching device 2.

[0027] Compression of the first energy storage device 7 or the second energy storage device 8 is achieved by moving a free end of the respective energy storage device 7, 8 against an abutment formed by a counter-surface of the gearbox housing 6. To execute this movement, a connecting rod 11a, 11b is connected to a free end of each energy storage device 7, 8. The connecting rods 11a, 11b run through the screw threads of the first and second energy storage devices 7, 8 in the direction of the abutment, i.e., .in the direction of the gearbox housing 6. There, the connecting rods are connected to the other force-transforming elements of the gearbox, so that, as required, tensioning or relaxation occurs via the respective connecting rod 11a, 11b, and thus also a coupling of movement to tension the energy storage devices 7, 8 or a withdrawal of energy via the connecting rods 11a, 11b. In the second storage housing 10, a cam track 12 is arranged diametrically opposite each other on the outer surface. The cam tracks 12 are each aligned linearly, with each cam track 12 being engaged by a T-nut 13 which projects into the respective cam track 12.The T-nuts 13 are arranged on a shaft which is connected to the connecting rod 11b, so that movement of the connecting rod 11b, and consequently a relative movement of the second energy storage device 8, is controlled by scanning the T-nut 13 in the cam track 12. This allows compression or expansion of the second energy storage device 13 in a linear direction, i.e., in the direction of the screw threads of the second energy storage device 8. The position of the T-nuts 13 in the cam track 12 represents the charge state of the second energy storage device 8. Accordingly, a charge symbol 14a or a discharge symbol 14b are arranged in the corresponding area of ​​the cam track 12.

[0028] For the construction of the first storage housing 9 of the first energy storage device 7, an alternative design variant was chosen. Here, a modular structure for the first storage housing 9 is provided, using a first module 15. The first module 15 is shown in perspective views in the Figures 2 and 3The first storage housing 9 is described in more detail below. In this case, the first storage housing 9 has a single first module 15. The first module 15 is connected to the gearbox housing 6, which forms a section (module) of the first storage housing 9. The first storage housing 9 is formed by the interaction of the section of the first storage housing 9 provided by the gearbox housing 6 and the first module 15. The first module 15 is rigidly connected to the gearbox housing 6 by means of bolts 16, which project through mounting lugs 17. The first storage housing 9 has further cam tracks 18. The further cam tracks 18 have a linear extension and are essentially parallel to the cam tracks 12 of the second storage housing 10. The further cam tracks 18 are formed by both the first module 15 and the section of the gearbox housing 6 to which the first module 15 is attached.The further cam tracks 18 thus cross a joint 19, which is arranged between a joint surface 21 of the first module 15 and the joint surface of the gearbox housing 6, which forms a section of the first storage housing 9.

[0029] Alternatively, instead of a sprue of a section of the first storage housing 9 onto the gearbox housing 6, this section can also be designed as a separate module, which is bolted to the gearbox housing 6 accordingly. Thus, depending on the axial extent or the number of modules to be connected, shorter or longer storage housings 9 for the first energy storage unit 7 can be designed as required. Similarly, shorter or longer storage springs can be used to form the first energy storage unit 7. To ensure the mechanical stability of the first storage housing 9, the respective section of the subsequent cam tracks 18 in the area of ​​the first module 15 is bridged by brackets 20, so that a further T-nut 13a can project into the respective cam track 18 and guidance through the subsequent cam tracks 18 is enabled.Regarding the function of the other T-nuts 13a and the charge / discharge symbols 14a, 14b, the following applies mutatis mutandis to the second storage housing 10.

[0030] Based on the Figures 2 and 3 The construction of the first module 15 for the first storage housing 9 will now be described in more detail. In the Figure 2A joining surface 21 faces the viewer, and the joining point 19 extends along this surface. Recesses 22 rise from or within the joining surface 21, forming a form-complementary fit. The recesses 22 can project into a mating surface (e.g., a joining surface) that is identical to the joining surface 21, for example, that of another module or the gearbox housing 6, thus creating a stable transition in the area of ​​the joining point 19 for the cam track 18. The first module 15 can be bolted to the gearbox housing 6, for example, via the mounting tabs 17. Furthermore, additional sprues 23 are provided on the circumference of the first module 15 of the first storage housing 9, which, for example, allow for the mounting of signal switches or the guidance of drive elements for the signal switch.To guide a drive element, for example a push rod, a groove-like recess can be arranged in one of the further sprues 23, in which a longitudinal guidance of a push rod for a signal switch takes place.

[0031] In the Figure 3 is a top view of the free end (cf. Figure 1 ) of the first module 15 of the first storage housing 9 shown. The in the Figure 2 The joining surface 21 facing the viewer is in the Figure 3 Away from the viewer. In addition to the recesses in the fastening tabs 17, the wall of the first module 15 may preferably have recesses running in the direction of the cam tracks 18, in which, for example, further fastening means can be positioned.

Claims

1. A switching contact drive unit (1) having a transmission with an energy storage (7, 8) for an electrical switching device (2), wherein the energy storage (7, 8) is surrounded by a storage housing (9, 10), and the storage housing (9, 10) has a joint (19) transverse to a relative movement of the energy storage (7, 8), characterised in that diametrically opposite, linearly extending guide passages (12, 18) for guiding a movement of the energy storage (7, 8), which are arranged in the storage housing (9, 10) having modules, cross the joint (19) arranged between modules, and groove blocks (13) are arranged on a shaft connected to a connecting rod (11a, 11b) so as to project into the guide passages (12, 18), wherein the storage housing (9, 10) is supported on a mating surface of a transmission housing (6) or the transmission housing (6) forms a module of the storage housing (9, 10), wherein, when a module is formed by the transmission housing (6), the joint (19) of the storage housing (9, 10) crossed by the guide passages (12, 18) is arranged between the transmission housing (6) forming a module of the storage housing (9, 10) and a further module of the storage housing (9, 10).

2. The switching contact drive unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the storage housing (9, 10) guides a relative movement, in particular a deformation, of the energy storage (7, 8).

3. The switching contact drive unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide passage (13, 18) is centred in a mating surface by means of form-fitting elements (22).

4. An electrical switching device (2) comprising first and second switching contact pieces (4, 5) movable relative to one another, characterised in that there is a switching contact drive unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for generating a relative movement between the switching contact pieces (4, 5) of the switching device.

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