Electrical switch with spring system

Abstract

The present invention comprises an electrical switch (1), in particular a medium-voltage switch, with: an insulating housing (2), a mechanically actuated switching device (3) arranged in the housing (2), a switching rod (4) which extends at least partially through a cavity (5) within the housing (2) for actuating the switching device (3), an actuator (6) for actuating the switching rod (4), and a spring system (10). The spring system (10) comprises a first spring (11) and a second spring (12) nested within one another, the first spring (11) and the second spring (12) exerting a force on the actuator (6) in opposite directions.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical switch with a spring system.

[0002] In the prior art, there are numerous examples of electrical switches that use springs to actuate movable switching elements. Springs are also used in reclosers, which act as circuit breakers switching operating and fault currents. They can, for example, serve to exert contact pressure on switching elements. Furthermore, reclosers are primarily used outdoors and in high-voltage environments, which is why the requirements for their sealing and insulation properties are correspondingly high.

[0003] Publication EP 0 782 160 A2 describes an electrical switch with a diaphragm seal, intended for use in a high-voltage environment. The publication discloses a spring element that acts on a movable contact element in the closing direction. The spring element is integrated into a switching rod.

[0004] The present application for protection is directed generally to the technical field of electrical switches and is preferably applicable to the reclosers mentioned at the outset.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical switch with a spring system which has improved product and manufacturing features compared to the prior art.

[0006] The present invention comprises, in a first aspect, an electrical switch with an insulating housing, a mechanically actuated switching device arranged in the housing, a switching rod which extends at least partially through a cavity within the housing for actuating the switching device, a drive for actuating the switching rod, and a spring system. According to the invention, the spring system comprises a first and a second spring which are nested within one another, the first spring and the second spring exerting a force on the drive in opposite directions. Thus, the drive is supported by the spring system for at least part of the stroke during both a closing and an opening operation. Furthermore, the nesting of the springs allows for a reduction in the required installation space.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the first spring assists the drive at least during movement from a first end position, which corresponds to a closed position of the switch. In another possible embodiment, the second spring assists the drive at least during movement from a second end position, which corresponds to an open position of the switch. The first and second springs do not need to assist the drive over the entire stroke.

[0008] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, the first spring, acting on the drive in the opening direction, is at least partially arranged within the second spring, which acts on the drive in the closing direction. This results in a particularly compact arrangement that accommodates the springs used.

[0009] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the switch comprises a flexible insulating body, in particular a membrane, which connects the switching rod to an inner wall of the housing.

[0010] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the spring system is arranged at least partially in the cavity of the housing.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the spring system is arranged on a side of the insulating body facing away from the switching device.

[0012] However, such a design is also the subject of the present invention independently of the features of the first aspect and, in particular, independently of the specific design of the spring system.

[0013] The present invention therefore comprises, in a second independent aspect, an electrical switch with an insulating housing, a mechanically actuated switching device arranged in the housing, a switching rod which extends at least partially through a cavity within the housing for actuating the switching device, a flexible insulating element, in particular a diaphragm, which connects the switching rod to an inner wall of the housing, a drive for actuating the switching rod, and a spring system. According to the second aspect, the spring system is arranged at least partially within the cavity of the housing. This provides a compact design with an improved insulation concept.

[0014] The spring system according to the second aspect can, in one possible embodiment, comprise only a single spring which pre-tensions the drive in the opening direction or in the closing direction.

[0015] However, according to the second aspect, the spring system preferably comprises a first spring and a second spring, which are preferably nested inside each other.

[0016] The second aspect of the present invention according to claim 3 is preferably used in a switch according to the aspect according to claim 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention, which further develop each of the two aspects individually, are described below.

[0018] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the drive is arranged on the outside of a cover element, by which the cavity of the housing is at least partially closed, wherein the spring system is arranged in an area between the cover element and the flexible insulating body.

[0019] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, an axially inner end of the first spring and / or the second spring is axially supported on one or more mounting surfaces which are in rigid connection with the shift rod.

[0020] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, an axially outer end of the second spring acting on the drive in the closing direction is axially supported on the housing.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, this is achieved via a retaining element connected to the housing. Preferably, the retaining element is a cover element that at least partially closes the cavity of the housing.

[0022] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, an axially outer end of the first spring acting on the drive in the opening direction is axially supported on a mounting surface which is in rigid connection with an armature of the drive.

[0023] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the closing force of the drive is also transmitted to the switching rod via the first spring of the spring system, in particular the first spring acting on the drive in the opening direction, even in the closed position of the switch.

[0024] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the shift rod and the armature of the drive are connected to each other via a freewheel arrangement, which allows a relative movement of the shift rod to the armature within a freewheel range defined by the freewheel arrangement.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the first spring acting on the drive in the opening direction pre-tensions the freewheel arrangement towards a first end position of the freewheel arrangement, wherein the first end position is defined by stop areas over which the armature of the drive carries the switching rod during an opening movement.

[0026] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the freewheel arrangement comprises a freewheel rod which is rigidly connected to the shift rod and passes through a lifting rod of the drive, wherein a first stop area is provided at an axially outer end of the freewheel rod, which interacts with a second stop area arranged at an axially outer end of the lifting rod.

[0027] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a stop element rigidly connected to the switching rod is provided, which limits movement of the switching rod in the opening direction.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the stop element interacts with a counter element which is supported on the housing.

[0029] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the stop element is designed in the shape of a sleeve and extends between the first spring and the second spring. It thus simultaneously separates the springs.

[0030] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, an actuating element is provided which is rigidly connected to the armature of the drive and actuates a switch by which the position of the drive is monitored.

[0031] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element is arranged at an axially outer end of the lifting rod.

[0032] A nut, which secures the actuating element to the lifting rod, can serve as a stop element for the freewheel.

[0033] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the switching device comprises a vacuum tube.

[0034] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the switching element is encapsulated in the insulating housing.

[0035] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the insulating housing comprises outwardly projecting insulating lamellae.

[0036] The vacuum tube and / or insulating lamellae allow the switch to be adapted to suitably high voltages. This ensures that no voltage flashover occurs when the switch is open.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the switch according to the invention has a voltage withstand capability of more than 1 kV, preferably a voltage withstand capability of more than 10 kV.

[0038] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the switch according to the invention is a medium-voltage switch. In one possible embodiment, the switch according to the invention can be used in a voltage range from 1 kV to 38 kV.

[0039] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the housing is cast from resin. In particular, the switching device can be cast into the housing. Furthermore, the switching socket and / or connection contacts can also be cast into the housing.

[0040] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the first and second springs have different spring rates and / or spring travels. This allows the spring system to be optimized and adjusted accordingly with regard to the required contact forces.

[0041] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a spring of springs acting on the drive in the closing direction has a larger spring rate and / or a smaller spring travel than a spring of springs acting on the drive in the opening direction.

[0042] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the switching device is actuated by a linear movement of the switching rod in the direction of its axial extension. In this case, the cavity preferably extends axially through the housing on one side of the switching device.

[0043] The drive is preferably arranged on an axial end section of the housing, but is not surrounded by it and is connected to the switching device via the switching rod, which is passed through the cavity of the housing.

[0044] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a freewheel rod of the drive extends at least partially through the spring acting on the drive in the opening direction.

[0045] The drive for actuating the shift rod is preferably an electromagnetic drive.

[0046] The drive is preferably a bistable drive, in particular a bistable lifting magnet.

[0047] When the present invention refers to a rigid connection between two elements, this simply means that the two elements are connected to each other in such a way that they cannot move relative to each other in the axial direction during operation. However, the relative position of the two elements in the axial direction can be adjustable. Furthermore, rotational movement of the elements relative to each other may be possible.

[0048] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments.

[0049] This shows: Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electrical switch according to the invention in a closed state, Fig. 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the embodiment made of Fig. 1 in the closed state, and Fig. 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the embodiment made of Fig. 1 in an open state.

[0050] Figs. 1 to 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an electrical switch 1 according to the invention with an insulating housing 2, in which several aspects of the present invention are implemented in combination. However, the features of these aspects described with reference to the embodiments can also be used individually.

[0051] A mechanically actuated switching device 3 is arranged in the housing 2, wherein the switching device 3 can be mechanically actuated by means of a switching rod 4. The switching rod 4 extends through a cavity 5 of the housing 2. Furthermore, the switch 1 comprises an actuator 6, which is preferably an electromagnetic actuator 6. The actuator 6 serves to actuate the switching rod 4, which in turn actuates the switching device 3.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, the switch 1 further comprises a spring system 10, which preferably has a first spring 11 and a second spring 12.

[0053] In the context of the present invention, the term "closing direction" refers to the direction in which the switching rod 4 is moved towards the switching device in order to close it. The "opening direction" is opposite to the closing direction.

[0054] To avoid misunderstandings, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the position of sections of an element within the housing or to the relative positions of elements within the housing. The first group of terms – inner – refers to a position that is closer to the switching device 3 within the housing than the second group of terms – outer.

[0055] In the Figs. 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment of the switch 1, the switching element 3 comprises a rigid contact element 20, which is rigidly connected to the housing 2, and an actuable contact element 21, which can be moved towards and away from the rigid contact element 20 by means of the switching rod 4. The contact elements 20 and 21 are arranged opposite each other inside the housing 2.

[0056] The switching rod 4 is configured to move the actuated contact element 21 into a first position, in which the actuated contact element 21 is pressed against the rigid contact element 20, and into a second position, in which the actuated contact element 21 is separated from the rigid contact element 20. In the first position, the rigid contact element 20 and the actuated contact element 21 are electrically connected. This corresponds to a closed state of the switching device 3. In the second position, there is no electrically conductive connection between the rigid contact element 20 and the actuated contact element 21; this corresponds to an open state of the switching device 3.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, the contact elements are arranged in a vacuum tube 74 to prevent a voltage flashover.

[0058] Furthermore, the electrical switch 1 can be used as shown in Fig. 1shown comprising a first terminal contact 72, which is conductively connected to the actuated contact element 21, and a second terminal contact 73, which is conductively connected to the second, preferably rigid, contact element 22.

[0059] Both connection contacts 72, 73 are permanently connected to the housing 2, for example by being cast into it or screwed in.

[0060] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the switch 1 can further comprise a switching socket 70 in which a flexible conductor strip 71 is arranged. The flexible conductor strip 71 establishes the conductive connection between the terminal contact 72 leading from the housing 2 and the actuated contact element 21.

[0061] The switching socket 70 is arranged in the housing 2 adjacent to the switching device 3, in particular the vacuum tube 74.

[0062] Housing 2 is preferably cast from casting resin.

[0063] The switching device 3, in particular the vacuum tube 74, and / or the switching socket 70 can be cast into the housing 2.

[0064] In particular, the connecting contacts 72, 73, the switching device 3 and the switching socket 70 form a mechanical unit which is pre-assembled and encased in the housing 2.

[0065] Furthermore, the housing can have 2 insulating lamellae 2a to increase the tracking resistance.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the actuation of the switching device 3 is effected by a linear movement of the switching rod 4 in the direction of its axial extension.

[0067] The first connecting contact 72 is led laterally out of the housing 2 transversely to the axial extent of the switching rod 4.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the second connection contact 73 is brought out of the housing 2 on a first axial side of the switching device 3. In an alternative embodiment, however, it could also be brought out of the housing 2 laterally.

[0069] On the side of the switching device 3 opposite the second terminal contact 73, the cavity 5 extends axially through the housing 2. The actuator 6 is arranged on an end section of the housing 2 on the side opposite the second terminal contact 73, but is not enclosed by it and is connected to the switching device 3 via the switching rod 4, which passes through the cavity 5 of the housing 2. Furthermore, the Figs. 1 to 3The illustrated embodiment includes a flexible insulating body 30, in particular a membrane 30, which connects the switching rod 4 to an inner wall 7 of the housing 2. The insulating body 30 divides the cavity 5 of the housing 2 into a region facing the switching device 3 and a region facing away from the switching device 3, both regions being electrically insulated from each other by the insulating body 30. The insulating body 30 can also serve as a seal, for example to increase the weather resistance of the switch 1.

[0070] The insulating body 30 can preferably be formed in one piece from a flexible material along its radial extent, preferably from an elastic insulating material such as silicone. Other materials and material combinations are also conceivable for forming the insulating body 30. In the axial direction, the insulating body can be composed of several separate elements.

[0071] The insulating body 30 has an outer section that directly abuts the inner wall 7 of the housing 2. Furthermore, the insulating body 30 can be, as shown in Fig. 1The diagram shows a tubular inner section and a membrane section arranged between the outer section and the tubular inner section. The membrane section can, as shown, have a smaller thickness than the tubular inner section and the outer section. In this case, the thickness corresponds to its axial extent. The membrane section extends between the outer and inner sections.

[0072] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the insulating body 30 can be divided into two separate elements, each of which connects the inner wall 7 of the housing 2 with the switching rod 4.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment, the two separate elements lie axially against each other with their inner and outer sections, and each has a membrane section extending between the outer and inner sections. It is also conceivable that the insulating body 30 comprises more than two separate elements. However, the insulating body could also be formed by only one of the two elements.

[0074] The tubular inner section of the insulating body 30 is in the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating body 4 is pushed onto the switching rod 4 and connected to it by friction, in that the diameter of the tubular inner section of the insulating body 4 is smaller than the outer diameter of the switching rod 4.

[0075] The flexible insulating body 30 is preferably frictionally connected to the inner wall 7 of the housing 2.

[0076] Adhesive bonding or other material-bonded connection is neither necessary nor intended here.

[0077] The individual aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to the basic switch design just described. However, they can also be used with a different switch design.

[0078] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the spring system (10) comprises a first spring (11) and a second spring (12) nested within each other. The first spring (11) and the second spring (12) exert a force on the drive (6) in opposite directions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first spring (11) acts on the actuator (6) in the opening direction, while the second spring (12) acts on the actuator (6) in the closing direction. In other words, the first spring (11) assists the actuator at least over part of its stroke during movement in the opening direction. The second spring (12) assists the actuator at least over part of its stroke during movement in the closing direction.

[0080] In the figures, the opening direction corresponds to a downward direction and the closing direction to an upward direction.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiments, the two springs are arranged concentrically to the lifting rod and / or switching rod.

[0082] In this embodiment, springs 11 and 12 are coil springs. Furthermore, both springs are designed as compression springs.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, the first spring (11) is arranged at least partially inside the second spring (12).

[0084] According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the spring system 10, and in particular an inner end of the two springs 11, 12, is arranged in the cavity 5 of the housing between the insulating body 30 and the axially outer end of the housing 2. The entire spring system is arranged outside the space enclosed by the insulating body 30.

[0085] The in Fig. 1The illustrated embodiment comprises a retaining element 45 that axially secures an outer end of the spring system 10 or a part thereof within the housing. The retaining element 45 secures, in particular, the outer end of the second spring 12 in the axial direction and can be fixed to the housing 2 as shown, for example, by means of a screw connection. The retaining element 45 can also secure the second spring 12 in a direction transverse to the axial direction.

[0086] The drive 6 is further fixed to the housing via the retaining element 45, which is located on the side of the retaining element 45 opposite the spring system.

[0087] In this case, the second spring 12 of the spring system 10 extends out of the cavity 5 of the housing 2 and through a recess in the cover element 45 into an opening of the drive 6.

[0088] As shown, the retaining element 45 can be a cover element, wherein the cover element at least partially closes the cavity 5 of the housing on the side opposite the switching device 20.

[0089] The first spring 11 and the second spring 12 are supported at their (inner) end facing the switching device 3 on a fastening arrangement 8, which is rigidly connected to the switching rod 4.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment, the fastening arrangement 8 is designed in multiple parts and is attached to the outer end of the switching rod 4.

[0091] The second spring 12 is supported at its (inner) end facing the switching device 3 on a mounting surface 8b, which is formed by a cup-shaped sheet metal element that is attached to the switching rod 4 and on the inside of which the second spring 12 is supported.

[0092] The first spring 11 is supported at its (inner) end facing the switching device 3 on a mounting surface 8a, which is formed by the base of a sheath-shaped element 8c, which is attached to the switching rod 4.

[0093] As described above, the second spring 12 is supported at its end (outer end) facing away from the switching device by a retaining element 45 and via this by the housing 2.

[0094] According to another aspect, the switch 1 has a freewheel arrangement via which the drive 6 is connected to the switching device 3. The freewheel is pre-tensioned in the opening direction by the first spring 11.

[0095] During a closing movement of the drive 6, the closing force is transmitted to the switching rod 4 via the first spring 11. Even when the contact elements 20, 21 of the switching device 3 come into contact, the drive 6 continues to move, compressing the first spring 11. The freewheel 50, the first spring 11, and the switching device 3 are designed such that force transmission continues via the first spring 11 even in the end position of the drive 6. Therefore, the freewheel 50 and the first spring 11 compensate for tolerances in the relative positioning of the switching device 3 and the drive 6, as the end position of the drive 6 and the closed position of the switching device 3 are decoupled from each other.

[0096] The first spring 11 pre-tensions the freewheel towards a first end position, which is defined by stop areas 56, 57, over which the drive 6 carries the switching rod 4 during an opening movement.

[0097] The freewheel arrangement is formed by two freewheel elements movable relative to each other, on which the stop areas are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, these are the freewheel rod 52 and a guide 62 for it. A first stop area 57 is arranged on the freewheel rod 52 and interacts with a second stop area 56 arranged at one end of the guide 62.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment, the freewheel rod 52 passes axially through a lifting rod 62 of the drive 6, which thus forms the guide for the freewheel rod 52.

[0099] A stop surface 57 arranged on the freewheel rod 52 is provided on the side of the drive facing away from the switching device 3 and interacts with a stop surface 56 which is provided at one end of the lifting rod 62 facing away from the switching device 3.

[0100] During a closing movement of the drive 6 of the in Figs. 1 to 3 In the second embodiment shown, the closing force is transmitted from the armature 61 of the drive via the first spring 11 to the switching rod 4, with the second spring 12 additionally exerting a force in the closing direction on the switching rod 4.

[0101] The first spring 11 is supported at its axially outer end on a support surface 63, which is rigidly connected to the anchor 61 and the lifting rod 62.

[0102] For this purpose, the armature 61 has a bearing element 63 at its end facing the switching device 3, which serves to transmit the force between the armature 61 and the first spring 11.

[0103] In the Figs. 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing element 63 comprises a section facing the shift rod 4, which is designed as a hollow cylinder and in which the first spring 11 extends at least partially.

[0104] In the Figs. 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the freewheel rod 52 passes through an opening in the fastening arrangement 8 and is rigidly connected to the shift rod 4 and, in particular, screwed into it.

[0105] The counter-stop surface 57 provided on the free-running rod 52 can be formed on a stop element that is adjustable in its axial position on the free-running rod 52. The stop element can be a nut that is screwed onto an end section of the free-running rod 52.

[0106] As in Figs. 2 and 3As shown, the bearing element 63 can be axially guided in a bearing bushing 65. The bearing bushing can be mounted, as shown, in an opening of the retaining element 45, which is arranged on the drive housing 64. Another bearing bushing is arranged on the side of the drive housing 66 facing away from the switching device 3 and serves to axially guide the other end of the lifting rod 62.

[0107] During an opening movement of the drive 6 of the in Figs. 1 to 3 In the second embodiment shown, the armature 61 of the drive 6 initially moves out of the position shown in Fig. 2 in the position shown, without moving the freewheel rod 52, until the stop surface 56 of the lifting rod 62 comes into contact with the counter-stop surface 57 of the freewheel rod 52. During this phase, the opening movement of the anchor 61 is assisted by the first spring 11.

[0108] When the stop surface 56 and the stop surface 57 are in contact, the stop surface 56 of the lifting rod 62 acts as a driver, via which the freewheel rod 52 and the switching rod 4, which is rigidly connected to it, are driven and the switching device 3 is opened. During this phase, the first spring 11 can no longer assist the opening movement of the armature 61, since in its end position it only biases the lifting rod 62 against the freewheel rod 52.

[0109] In Fig. 3 Switch 1 is in an open state. The armature 61 is in its first end position. This corresponds to... Fig. 3 a position of the anchor 61 in which it has been moved downwards and is in a lower end position. In this state, the anchor 61 has brought the stop surface 56 connected to it into contact with the counter-stop surface 57, whereby the anchor 61 tensions the second spring 12.

[0110] However, the switching rod 4 can move against the force of the second spring 12 beyond the position defined by the end position of the armature 61 within the drive towards the open position. In this case, the counter-stop surface 57 moves away from the stop surface 56.

[0111] To prevent the switching rod 4 from overshooting, the mounting arrangement 8 has a sheath-shaped area 8c that extends from the switching rod towards the drive and has an end surface that abuts a stop element 9, which is supported on the housing via the retaining element 45. This limits the stroke of the switching rod. The stop element 9 can, for example, be made of rubber.

[0112] During a closing movement, the anchor 61 is now moved by the in Fig. 3 The open state shown is moved from the open position in the closing direction, i.e., in Fig. 3upwards, whereby in this phase the second spring 12 exerts a force in the closing direction on the anchor 61.

[0113] In a predetermined position, the contact elements 20, 21 of the switching device 3 then come into contact, whereby the armature 61 nevertheless continues to move into a second end position, in Figs. 1 to 3 This corresponds to an upper end position of the anchor 61, and compresses the first spring 11. In this phase, the stop surface 56 and the counter-stop surface 57 are no longer in contact, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 2 As shown, the lifting rod 62 and the freewheel rod 62 move relative to each other. The second spring 12 continues to exert a force on the shift rod 4.

[0114] The freewheel between the lifting rod 62 and the freewheel rod 52, the spring system 10 and the switching device 3 are designed in such a way that the armature 61, even in its second end position corresponding to a closed position of the switch 1, does not come into contact with the switching rod 4 via a rigid element such as the bearing element 63, but rather the closing force of the armature 61 is applied to the switching rod 4 via the first spring 11 and optionally the second spring 12 exerts an additional force on the switching rod 4 in the closing direction.

[0115] In the embodiment, the first spring 11 assists the drive during an opening movement from an end position corresponding to the closed position of the switch, in both cases only over a part of the stroke, until the freewheel is bridged.

[0116] The first and second springs 11, 12 preferably have different spring constants and / or spring travels.

[0117] The drive is preferably a bistable electromagnetic drive. In particular, the drive can be held in its respective end position against the force of the respective spring 11, 12 by means of one or more permanent magnets.

[0118] For example, a drive unit as described in publication DE 10 2017 000 901 A1 and / or publication WO 2015 / 058 742 A2 can be used. Furthermore, the coordination between the spring system and the drive unit can also be carried out as described in these publications.

[0119] In this embodiment, the drive's lifting rod 62 is rigidly connected to an armature 61 of the drive. The lifting rod 62 includes a sleeve, which forms the end of the lifting rod 62 facing away from the switching device and whose outer end extends out of the drive, and on which the stop surface 56 is arranged.

[0120] The armature 61 is pushed onto an inner section of the sleeve with a smaller diameter. The bearing element 63 is pushed or screwed onto the inner end of the sleeve 62 facing the switching device.

[0121] In the exemplary embodiment, an actuating element 80 is arranged at the axially outer end of the lifting rod 62. This actuating element monitors the position of the drive by actuating a switch 81 when the actuating element 80 moves into the closed and / or open position. Furthermore, a manual drive can be attached to the actuating element 80, allowing the switch to be actuated manually.

[0122] The actuating element 80 is pushed onto the axial end of the lifting rod 62 and rests on an edge of the lifting rod 62. It is secured to the lifting rod 62 by a nut 56, which simultaneously forms the stop element for the nut 57 arranged on the freewheel rod 52, which forms the counter-stop element over which the lifting rod, during an opening movement, carries the freewheel rod 52 and thus the switching rod 4. Reference symbol list:

[0123] 1 (Electrical) switch 2 (Insulating) housing 2a Insulating lamellae 3 Switching device 4 Switching rod 5 Housing cavity 6 Actuator 61 Armature 62 Stroke rod 63 Bearing element 65 Bearing bushing 64, 66 Actuator housing 7 Inner wall of housing 8 Mounting arrangement 8a, 8b Mounting surfaces 8c Sleeve 10 Spring system 11 First spring 12 Second spring 20 Rigid contact element 21 Actuated contact element 30 (Flexible) Insulating body / Membrane 45 Retaining element / Cover element 52 Freewheel rod 56 Stop surface 57 Stop surface 70 Switching bushing 71 Flexible conductor strip 72 Connection contact 73 Additional connection contact 74 Vacuum tube 80 Actuating element 81 Switch

Claims

1. Electrical switch (1), in particular medium-voltage switch, comprising: an insulating housing (2), a mechanically actuated switching device (3) arranged in the housing (2), a switching rod (4) which extends at least partially through a cavity (5) within the housing (2) for actuating the switching device (3), an actuator (6) for actuating the switching rod (4), and a spring system (10). characterized by that the spring system (10) comprises a first spring (11) and a second spring (12) nested inside each other, the first spring (11) and the second spring (12) exerting a force on the drive (6) in opposite directions.

2. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first spring (11) acting on the drive (6) in the opening direction is arranged at least partially within the second spring (12) acting on the drive (6) in the closing direction.

3. Electrical switch (1), in particular medium-voltage switch, comprising: an insulating housing (2), a mechanically actuated switching device (3) arranged in the housing (2), a switching rod (4) which extends at least partially through a cavity (5) within the housing (2) for actuating the switching device (3), a flexible insulating body (30), in particular a diaphragm (30) which connects the switching rod (4) to an inner wall (7) of the housing (2), an actuator (6) for actuating the switching rod (4), and a spring system (10). characterized by that the spring system (10) is at least partially arranged in the cavity (5) of the housing (2).

4. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive is arranged on the outside of a cover element (45) by which the cavity (5) of the housing (2) is at least partially closed, wherein the spring system is arranged in an area between the cover element (45) and the flexible insulating body.

5. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an axially inner end of the first spring (11) and / or the second spring (12) is axially supported on one or more mounting surfaces (8a, 8b) which are in rigid connection with the switching rod (4).

6. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an axially outer end of the second spring (12) acting on the drive (6) in the closing direction is axially supported on the housing (2), in particular via a retaining element connected to the housing, wherein the retaining element (45) is preferably a cover element by which the cavity (5) of the housing (2) is at least partially closed.

7. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an axially outer end of the first spring (11) acting on the drive (6) in the opening direction is axially supported on a mounting surface (63) which is in rigid connection with an armature (61) of the drive.

8. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing force of the drive (6) is also transmitted in the closed position of the switch (1) via the first spring (11) of the spring system (10), in particular the first spring (11) acting on the drive (6) in the opening direction, to the switching rod (4).

9. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching rod (4) and the armature of the drive (6) are connected to each other via a freewheel arrangement which allows a relative movement of the switching rod to the armature within a freewheel range defined by the freewheel arrangement.

10. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first spring (11) acting on the drive (6) in the opening direction biases the freewheel arrangement towards a first end position of the freewheel arrangement, wherein the first end position is defined by stop areas (56, 57) over which the armature of the drive carries the switching rod during an opening movement.

11. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the freewheel arrangement comprises a freewheel rod which is rigidly connected to the switching rod (4) and passes through a lifting rod (62) of the drive, wherein a first stop area (57) is provided at an axially outer end of the freewheel rod which interacts with a second stop area (56) arranged at an axially outer end of the lifting rod.

12. Electrical switch (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a stop element (8c) rigidly connected to the switching rod, which limits movement of the switching rod in the opening direction and preferably interacts with a counter element (9) which is supported on the housing, wherein the stop element (8c) is preferably designed in a sleeve shape and extends between the first spring (11) and the second spring (12).

13. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuating element (80) which is rigidly connected to the armature of the drive and actuates a switch (81) by which the position of the drive is monitored, wherein the actuating element (80) is preferably arranged at an axially outer end of the lifting rod (62).

14. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring (11) and second spring (12) have different spring rates and / or spring travels, wherein preferably a second spring (12) acting in the closing direction on the actuator (6) has a larger spring rate and / or a smaller spring travel than a first spring (11) acting in the opening direction on the actuator (6).

15. Electrical switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (3) comprises a vacuum tube (74) and / or wherein the switching device (3) is encapsulated in the insulating housing (2) and / or the insulating housing (2) comprises outwardly projecting insulating fins.

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