Protective switch device with transmission of a triggering impulse

Abstract

The invention seeks to increase safety in the operation of protective switch devices. For this purpose, a protective switch device having two switching means (1, 2) and a driver (3) is provided. In a switched-on state of the protective switch device, the driver (3) is situated in a free position. By contrast, in a switched-off state, the driver (3) blocks the triggering levers (11, 21) of the switching means (1, 2) such that the contacts of respective poles cannot be closed.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Protective switching device with forwarding of a trigger pulse

[0003] The present invention relates to a protective switching device with a first switching device for switching contacts of a first pole (phase or neutral conductor) and with a second switching device for switching contacts of a second pole (phase or neutral conductor). The first switching device has a first tripping lever which can be moved into a first tripping position and a first operating position, and also a first pawl which can be moved into a first latching or locking position and into a first neutral position. In the same way, the second switching device has a second tripping lever which can be moved into a second tripping position and a second operating position, and also a second pawl which can be moved into a second locking position and a second neutral position.

[0004] In a protective switching device, i.e. a protective switching device, several poles can be switched in one modular unit. For example, a protective switching device in a modular unit is provided for one phase and one neutral conductor (two poles) or for three phases and one neutral conductor (four poles). With such a protective switching device (1p + N or 3p + N) in a modular unit, in the event of a trip the signal is passed on, for example, from L (first pole) to N (second pole) in order to ensure that L and N are separated. Reactivation by a user must be prevented with certain protective switching devices.

[0005] Common practice with this type of protective switching device is to pass on the tripping / latching signal from phase to phase by means of a lever in the event of a trip, in conjunction with a radially movable driving arm. To date, the main focus has been on transmitting a tripping signal, which is essential for the safety of a protective switching device. However, more recent developments now show application cases in which the basic motivation of the switching mechanism is to keep the contacts open after a fault. A so-called "continuous slip". This "continuous slip" is only intended to latch and the associated closing of the contact paths once an internal device test has been successfully completed. In current switching mechanisms, this is possible in principle, but can lead to a problem. This problem case would be that only one side (e.g.N-pole) is kept open and closing of the contact path is prevented, but the signal is not transmitted to the other side (e.g., L-pole). The result would be an unwanted, brief closure of the L-contact path.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a protective switching device with which several poles can be switched and in which it can be reliably ensured that the contacts remain open after a fault occurs.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a protective switching device according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0008] The protective switching device according to the invention is equipped with a first switching device for switching contacts of a first pole and with a second switching device for switching contacts of a second pole. The protective switching device thus has at least two switching devices for switching contacts of any poles. Poles are understood here to mean, for example, the N pole (neutral conductor) and / or L pole (phases).

[0009] The first switching device has a trip lever which can be moved into a first trip position and a first operating position, and a first pawl which can be moved into a first detent position and a first neutral position. For example, the first trip lever is pressed into the first trip position by a trip magnet. The pressing can take place against a spring which holds the first trip lever in the first operating position during normal operation (non-trip case) (when the protective switching device is switched on). The first pawl can be moved from the first detent position into the first neutral position. In the detent position, the first pawl can be operatively connected to the first trip lever or held by it. In this detent position it is possible, if necessary, to close the contacts of the first pole when the protective switching device is switched on.

[0010] The second switching device essentially functions in the same way as the first switching device. The second switching device has a second release lever which can be moved into a second release position and a second operating position, and a second pawl which can be moved into a second detent position and a second neutral position. Here too, the second release lever can be pressed into the second release position, for example by an electromagnet. This pressing can in turn be against a spring which holds the second release lever in the second operating position during normal operation. The second pawl, which can be moved into a second detent position and a second neutral position, can engage with the second release lever in the detent position. In this detent position, the contacts of the second pole can be connected when the second switching device is switched on.In the second neutral position, however, these contacts of the second pole cannot be connected to each other.

[0011] Furthermore, the protective switching device has a driver that can be moved into a blocking position and a release position. In the blocking position, the driver can hold the first release lever and / or the second release lever in the respective release position, so that both switching devices remain triggered. In the driver's release position, however, the two release levers of the switching device can also assume their respective operating positions.

[0012] When the protective switch device is switched on, the first trip lever in the first operating position is latched to the first pawl in the first on position. The word "latch" means that the respective components are in engagement with one another. For example, the first trip lever can hold the first pawl in the first on position. The same applies to the second trip lever when the protective switch device is switched on. In the second operating position, it is latched to the second pawl in the second on position. This means that the two components are in engagement with one another and, in particular, the second trip lever can hold the second pawl in the second on position. Furthermore, when the circuit is switched on, the driver is in the free position. This means that the driver does not block either of the two trip levers in the respective trip position.

[0013] However, when the protective switch device is switched off, the first tripping lever in the first tripping position holds the driver in the blocking position by means of a positive fit. This means that the first tripping lever in the first tripping position does not allow the driver to move back into the free position. The positive fit therefore prevents the driver from moving from the blocking position to the free position. Furthermore, when the protective switch device is switched off, the driver holds the second tripping lever in the second tripping position by means of a positive fit. This in turn means that the driver prevents the second tripping lever from returning to the second operating position. Consequently, the first tripping position of the first tripping lever is effectively transferred to the second tripping position of the second tripping lever. Furthermore, in the switched off state, the first pawl is in the first neutral position.Consequently, the contacts of the first pole cannot be closed. Similarly, in the off state, the second latch is in the second neutral position. Thus, the contacts of the second pole cannot be closed either.

[0014] Advantageously, the trip lever of a switching mechanism can therefore transmit a signal through its switching position with the aid of the driver (switching fork) to a connected switching mechanism (second switching device) or to a connected phase. The result is that in the event of tripping, the signal is transmitted directly, thus ensuring that the contacts are separated. If the contacts are held open, it is not possible for the entire protective switching device to inadvertently close the contact paths or one of them. For this purpose, the respective trip lever can be provided with a fork-like contour so that it can detachably communicate directly with the other trip lever of the protective switching device via the driver. The fork-like contour of the trip lever enables one contour of the driver to be driven in two directions, as well as decoupling the contours of both components.The integrated "freewheel" ensures functional reliability in both transmission directions.

[0015] A switch lock or the switching mechanism of a protective switching device can thus reliably meet the respective requirements. An unintended switching position is thus no longer possible. Firstly, the trigger signal is transmitted as reliably as before, and secondly, the application case of an unintended switching to the ON position can also be realized without the possibility of an unintentional closing of the contacts or a contact.

[0016] In one embodiment, the protective switching device has an operating lever which is in an on position in the switched-on state and in an off position in the switched-off state, the operating lever and the second pawl being coupled in such a way that the second pawl is in the second detent position when the operating lever is in the on position, and the second pawl is in the second neutral position when the operating lever is in the off position. Analogously, the operating lever can also be coupled to the first pawl in the manner described. The protective switching device is therefore switched on and off using the operating lever, resulting in the corresponding switched-on state or switched-off state.If, for example, the protective switch is switched on, the second latch moves into the second detent position, in which the contacts of the second pole can be closed. However, if the operating lever is in the off position and the protective switch is thus switched off, the second latch is in the second neutral position, so that the contacts of the second pole cannot be connected to each other.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the protective switching device comprises a single housing in which both switching devices are arranged. Furthermore, additional switching devices can also be accommodated in the housing. This creates a modular unit with two or more switching devices for two or more poles.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the respective contacts of each switching device are open when the respective pawl is in the respective neutral position, and the respective contacts of each switching device are closed when the respective pawl is in the respective detent position. As already indicated above, in the respective neutral position of a pawl, the corresponding contacts of the pole or of the switching device cannot be closed. Rather, the respective contacts can only be closed when the corresponding pawl is in the detent position. In the detent position, the respective pawl is locked to the corresponding release lever or is in engagement with it. The respective release lever therefore holds the pawl in the detent position.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the protective switching device is designed for four poles and therefore has two additional switching devices, each with its own tripping lever and its own latch, whereby the carrier is operatively connected to all tripping levers and all latches of the four switching devices. The protective switching device can therefore be used for a neutral conductor and three phases. In this case, the carrier ensures that if one of the poles trips, all switching devices of the four poles are tripped and all tripping levers are held in the tripping position. This can prevent even one of the poles from being switched on again automatically or without energy expenditure.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the protective switching device can have a bistable tripping device for moving one of the tripping levers. The word "bistable" means that only two equilibrium states are provided. Thus, the tripping device moves automatically from an intermediate state to one of the equilibrium states without the supply of energy. A change from one equilibrium state to the other is, however, only possible by supplying energy. Apart from the two equilibrium states, no other state is stable. For example, the bistable tripping device can be unlocked by applying current, i.e., the equilibrium state can be changed. Thanks to the bistable tripping device, the protective switching device always has a defined state.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the driver has a respective holding projection for each release lever, which, with a respective release lever projection of the respective release lever, forms a positive connection for locking in the respective release position. For example, the driver can have a respective release projection in the effective area of ​​each release lever, with which the driver can be pressed into the blocking position by the respective release lever. However, since the driver now also has a respective holding projection for all release levers, all release levers are held in the release position as long as the driver is in the blocking position. This can prevent unwanted unlocking of one of the switching devices of the protective switching device.

[0022] Furthermore, the protective switching device can be further developed in such a way that all release levers can only be released by a predetermined release action to move them into the respective operating position. Such a release action can, for example, be a targeted energization of a release device or a release magnet. This ensures that all poles of the protective switching device are not released automatically or unintentionally.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the positive connection between the driver and the respective release lever is realized by a pin and a tube or a pin and a (fork-shaped) link on the driver and the respective release lever. The pin, but also the link, can be formed as a projection or contour on the respective release lever. In principle, the positive connection should be able to be achieved by any mechanical components. The only important thing is that the components are (releasably) operatively connected to one another in their movements via the positive connection. With the help of the positive connection, at least one movement of the respective component can be limited or prevented. It is advantageous if the respective projections or pins and links allow movements in other directions that are not affected by the positive connection.This also enables complex movements of the components interacting with the form fit (play). In a further embodiment, it can be provided that each release lever is pushed or pulled into the respective operating position by a respective spring. As already indicated above, each release lever can thus be held in a defined operating position by the respective spring. For example, this operating position can only be left in the event of a release, when, for example, a release magnet pushes the release lever from the operating position into the release position against the force of the spring.

[0024] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each release lever can be pivotally mounted for movement between the respective operating position and the respective release position. Each release lever can thus have its own pivot axis around which it can be pivoted when moving from the operating position to the release position. For example, the release lever only moves a few degrees when changing from the operating position to the release position and vice versa.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the driver can be pivotally mounted for pivoting between the blocking position and the free position. This pivoting can occur about its own pivot axis. If necessary, the driver can also perform a complex pivoting movement with several fixed or movable axes. Even with this pivoting, very defined positions can be achieved.

[0026] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, this includes persons with male, female, or other gender identities.

[0027] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG 1 shows a section of an L-side of an embodiment of a protective switching device according to the invention in a switch-off state;

[0029] FIG 2 shows an enlarged section of FIG 1;

[0030] FIG 3 shows a section of an N-side of the protective switching device of FIG 1 in the off state;

[0031] FIG 4 is an enlarged detail view of FIG 3;

[0032] FIG 5 shows the L side of FIG 1 of the switching device in a transition phase from the off state according to FIG 1 to a switched-on state according to FIG 9;

[0033] FIG 6 is a detailed view of FIG 5;

[0034] FIG 7 the N-side of the switching device in the transition phase;

[0035] FIG 8 is a detailed view of FIG 7;

[0036] FIG 9 shows a section of the L side of the switching device in the switched-on state;

[0037] FIG 10 is a detailed view of FIG 9;

[0038] FIG 11 the N-side of the switching device in the switched-on state; and

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of FIG. 11. The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] All FIGS 1 to 12 depict one and the same switching device. This example shows a modular section of a protective switching device Ip+N, i.e., for two poles. In this example, the poles are designated L and N. The figures show various views of the switching device from different directions or in different states.

[0041] The L side can also be referred to as the first side and the N side as the second side. Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows a first switching device 1 with a first release lever 11 and a first pawl 12. In addition, the switching device has a driver 3 and an operating lever 4. The operating lever 4 is tilted to the right in FIG. 1, which indicates that the protective switching device is in an off-state. In the off-state, the two poles L and N are switched off, i.e., their respective contacts (not shown in detail in the figures) are not connected to one another. The off-state is designated "OFF" in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0042] In this OFF state, the release lever 11, the pawl 12, and the driver 3 assume a specific (rotational) position. Specifically, the release lever 11 is in a counterclockwise release position. As a result, its first locking arm 111 is not engaged with a first pawl arm 121 of the first pawl.

[0043] The first release lever 11 has, for example, a first release arm 112 opposite the locking arm 111. This can, for example, be pressed counterclockwise at its distal end by a release device (e.g., a release magnet), so that the entire first release lever rotates, for example, against the spring force of a first spring 113, into the first release position shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] The first latch 12 is in a first neutral position, in which the first latch arm 121 points downward, for example. In this position of the first latch, the contacts of the first pole cannot be connected to each other, even if the operating lever 4 were moved to the ON position (see FIG. 9).

[0045] FIG 2 shows an enlarged detailed view of FIG 1 with the first release lever 11, the first pawl 12 and the driver 3. The first release lever 11 is shown transparent here. It has a holding slot 114 on its locking arm 111. This holding slot 114 is held by a holding arm 31 in the specific blocking position of the driver 3. By abutting against the holding slot 114, the holding arm 31 prevents the first release lever 11 from moving clockwise under the force of the spring 113, so that the first locking arm 111 does not come within the reach of the first pawl arm 121. As a result, the first pawl 12 cannot be held in the first locking position by the first release lever 11, which is why the contacts of the first pole cannot be closed.

[0046] 3 and 4 show the switching device from the N side, again in the off state, with the operating lever 4 in the OFF position. Both FIGS 3 and 4 therefore show the second switching device 2. It has a second release lever 21 and a second pawl 22. As on the L side of FIG 1, the second release lever 21 is turned counterclockwise to the left in the second release position, and the second pawl 22 is in the second neutral position, in which its second pawl arm 221 points downwards, for example, and is not in engagement with the second release lever. In FIG 3, a release magnet (e.g. solenoid) is shown as the release device 5, the movable iron core 51 of which presses a second release arm 212 counterclockwise into the second release position. As a result, the entire second release lever 21 including a second locking arm 211 is in the second release position.In this second release position, no interaction is possible between the second release lever 21 and the second latch 22. The contacts of the second pole therefore cannot be closed.

[0047] For further functional details, reference is made to the description of FIG 1, which shows an analogous function of the first switching device.

[0048] FIG 4 shows the second release lever 21 and the driver 3 in an enlarged detailed view. The driver 3 is in the blocking position. The second release lever 21 is in the release position. The two are in engagement with one another by a positive fit. For this purpose, the second release lever 21 has a locking link 213 on its second locking arm 211. In the position shown, this forms a positive fit with a blocking link 32 of the driver 3.

[0049] The two links 213 and 32 are shaped and positioned such that, in the event of a release, when the second release lever 21 turns counterclockwise to the left, the locking link 213 also pushes the blocking link 32 to the left in FIG. 4. This causes the driver to move to the left, at least at its end on the N side, whereby the holding arm 31 of the driver 3 blocks the holding link 114 of the first release lever 11 in the first release position on the L side.

[0050] 5 to 8 show the protective switching device in a transition phase from the off state (FIGS. 1 to 4) to the on state (FIGS. 9 to 12). This transition phase symbolizes the operating lever 4 in its vertical position and a corresponding arrow 6, which illustrates the anti-clockwise movement of the operating lever 4. FIG. 5 shows the L-side of the protective switching device in this transition phase. The individual components are not described in detail below; instead, reference is made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4. Only the change in the states of the individual components is highlighted in more detail. In the transition phase, the driver 3 is moved into a free position. This means that the holding arm 31 of the driver 3 is no longer in engagement with the holding link 114 of the first release lever. The first release lever 11 is therefore no longer blocked by the driver 3.Thus, the first release lever 11 can rotate clockwise to the right into a first operating position driven by the force of the first spring 113 or a similar mechanism. As a result, the first release arm 111 engages the first pawl arm 121 when the first pawl 12 rotates clockwise to the right.

[0051] As FIG. 6 shows in detail, a first lug 122 on the distal end of the first latch arm 121 of the first latch 12 can engage with a first shoulder 115 on the first latching arm 111 of the first release lever 11. The first release lever 11 is thus firmly in the first operating position, and the first latch 12 is in the first latching position. This allows the contacts of the first pole to be closed.

[0052] Figures 7 and 8 show the analogous movements of the second switching device on the N side of the protective switching device. The iron core 51 of the tripping device 5 is in the retracted state and no longer presses the second tripping lever 21 into the second tripping position. Likewise, the driver 3 no longer holds the second tripping lever 21 in the tripping position. Rather, the second spring 214 presses the second tripping lever 21 into the second operating position clockwise to the right, as shown in Figure 7 and in particular the detailed view of Figure 8. This means that here too the second tripping lever 21 can latch with the second pawl 22. The latching mechanism can be implemented analogously to that of the L side, so that it does not need to be described again.

[0053] Figures 9 to 12 show the switched-on state of the protective switching device. In Figure 9 on the L side, the switched-on state is symbolized by the fact that the operating lever 4 is tilted to the left and, as indicated by arrow 7, is moved further to the left compared to the transition phase. The positions of the first release lever 11 and the first pawl 12 are unchanged compared to Figures 5 and 6. This means "the switching mechanism is latched," or the first pawl 12 is engaged with the first release lever 11.

[0054] On the N side, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second pawl 22 is also locked to the second release lever 21, as in the transitional state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Only the operating lever 4 is rotated further to the right in the view of FIG. 11, as shown by arrow 7, whereby the second pawl 22 is pushed slightly downward compared to its position in FIG. 7. This indicates that the contacts of the second pole, as well as those of the first pole, are also closed.

[0055] 9 to 12, a tripping event should occur, the tripping device 5 presses, for example, the second tripping lever 21 into the second tripping position, as a result of which it is no longer locked to the second pawl 22 and the contacts of the second pole open. The components assume the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The driver 3 is thereby pressed by the second tripping lever from the free position into the blocking position due to the corresponding links of both components. On the L side, this means that the components there also assume the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the first pawl 12 is again in the neutral position and the contacts of the first pole are open. The driver 3 therefore also holds the first tripping lever 11 in the tripping position, so that the contacts of neither pole can be closed, even if the operating lever 4 is pressed into the on position.

[0056] Advantageously, a switching lock or a switching mechanism of a protective switching device (protective switching apparatus) can thus be provided which can meet the respective requirements more reliably. An unwanted switching position is therefore no longer possible. Firstly, the tripping signal is transmitted as reliably as before, and secondly, the application of an unwanted switching to the ON position can also be realized without the contacts or a contact closing inadvertently. In particular, a fork contour of the tripping lever can force the driver to reliably transmit the switching signal to the second phase. Instead of a fork with two opposing links 213 and 215 with a blocking link 32 of the driver 3 engaging between them, the tripping lever could also be provided with a tube into which a pin or similar engages.

[0057] Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 first switching device

[0059] 11 first release lever

[0060] 111 first locking arm

[0061] 112 first release arm

[0062] 113 first spring

[0063] 114 stopping gate

[0064] 115 first shoulder

[0065] 12 first handle

[0066] 121 first latch arm

[0067] 122 first nose

[0068] 2 second switching device

[0069] 21 second release lever

[0070] 211 second locking arm

[0071] 212 second trigger arm

[0072] 213 Rest area

[0073] 214 second spring

[0074] 215 backdrop

[0075] 22 second latch

[0076] 3 drivers

[0077] 31 Holding arm

[0078] 32 Blocking backdrop

[0079] 4 control levers

[0080] 5 Release device

[0081] 51 iron core

[0082] 6 Arrow

[0083] 7 Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Protective switching device with - a first switching device (1) for switching contacts of a first pole, comprising: o a first release lever (11) which is movable into a first release position and a first operating position, and o a first pawl (12) which is movable into a first latching position and a first neutral position, - a second switching device (2) for switching contacts of a second pole, comprising: o a second release lever (21) which is movable into a second release position and a second operating position, and o a second pawl (22) which is movable into a second detent position and a second neutral position, - a driver (3) which is movable into a blocking position and a free position, wherein - in a switched-on state o the first release lever (11) is locked in the first operating position with the first pawl (12) in the first on position, o the second release lever (21) is locked in the second operating position with the second pawl (22) in the second on position, and o the driver (3) is in the free position, - in a switch-off state, o the first release lever (11) in the first release position holds the driver (3) in the blocking position by positive locking, o the driver (3) in the blocking position holds the second release lever (21) in the second release position by positive locking, o the first pawl (12) is in the first neutral position, and o the second pawl (22) is in the second neutral position.

2. Protective switching device according to claim 1, which has an operating lever (4) which is in an on position in the switched-on state and in an off position in the switched-off state, wherein the operating lever (4) and the second pawl (22) are coupled such that the second pawl (22) is in the second detent position when the operating lever (4) is in the on position, and the second pawl (22) is in the second neutral position when the operating lever (4) is in the off position.

3. Protective switching device according to claim 1 or 2, which has a single housing in which both switching devices (1, 2) are arranged.

4. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective contacts of each switching device (1, 2) are open when the respective pawl (12, 22) is in the respective neutral position, and the respective contacts of each switching device (1, 2) are closed when the respective pawl (12, 22) is in the respective detent position.

5. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed for four poles and additionally has two further switching devices, each having its own release lever and its own pawl, wherein the driver (3) is in operative connection with all release levers and all pawls of the four switching devices.

6. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a bistable tripping device (5) for moving one of the tripping levers (11, 21).

7. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver (3) has a respective holding projection for each release lever (11, 21), which, with a respective release lever projection of the respective release lever (11, 21), forms the positive connection for locking in the respective release position.

8. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all release levers (11, 21) can be unlocked for movement into the respective operating position only by a predetermined unlocking measure.

9. Protective switching device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positive connection is realized by a pin and a tube or a pin and a link (213) on the driver (3) and the respective release lever (11, 21).

10. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each release lever (11, 21) is pushed or pulled into the respective operating position by a respective spring (113, 214).

11. A protective switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tripping lever (11, 21) is pivotally mounted for movement between the respective operating position and the respective tripping position.

12. Protective switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver (3) is pivotally mounted for pivoting between the blocking position and the free position.

Images