Actuating device for a switching module
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/054911
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-26
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure EP2026054911_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Actuating device for a switching module
[0002] The invention relates to an actuation device for an electrical switching module, in particular a DC switching module, comprising:
[0003] a ratchet mechanism which can be mechanically coupled to a manual switching element and can be switched between an on position and an off position, wherein an output side of the ratchet mechanism can be connected to the switching module .
[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a switch with at least one switching module and an actuating device, a photovoltaic system and a method for switching a switch.
[0005] To ensure the safe operation and protection of electrical installations, it is necessary to disconnect them from the electrical power supply during installations or repairs. Electrical switches with one or more switching modules, which can contain fixed and movable switching contacts, are frequently used for this purpose. These switching modules can be switched between a closed and an open position. In the open position, connected systems or system components are reliably disconnected from the power supply by the switch. In the closed position, the systems or system components are electrically connected to the power supply. A locking mechanism ensures that the switching modules are securely held in defined positions.In the on position of the locking mechanism, the switching modules are in the closed position, while in the off position of the locking mechanism they are in the open position.
[0006] The switches in the prior art are typically operated manually by a technician to switch them between the open and closed positions, thereby disconnecting or connecting a system to the power supply network. A switch of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from AT 15720 Ul. The switch in AT 15720 Ul is designed as a load break switch and has a detent mechanism, several switching modules, and a drive shaft.
[0007] The drive shaft allows movable switching contacts to be connected to fixed switching contacts of the switching modules. A switching latching mechanism for an electrical switch is known from AT 11 441 Ul.
[0008] A disadvantage of the aforementioned state-of-the-art switches is that they must be operated manually by a technician. Automated opening or closing of the switches is not possible. Therefore, disconnecting from the power supply network—for example, during updates or in the event of malfunctions elsewhere—always requires the presence of a technician, even if no direct work is being carried out on the system.
[0009] While electric switches with actuators that allow automated operation are known, they typically lack the option of manual operation when needed. Furthermore, if both manual and automated switching options are available, they can usually override each other. This means that a technician could unintentionally connect a system to the grid, even though, for example, it was previously automatically disconnected from the power supply for an update.
[0010] GB 2 424 994 A discloses a switch unit with a housing divided into two parts. The housing is flanged to another housing into which a drive shaft is guided and which contains an electrical switch or a detent mechanism. An electric motor is arranged inside the housing and is coupled via a shaft, a worm gear, a drive wheel, and a disc to another axially displaceable shaft. The worm gear engages with circumferential teeth of the drive wheel. The drive wheel can be coupled to the disc, which is rotationally fixed to the shaft, via pins. The pins are arranged on the disc and engage in corresponding openings in the drive wheel. To rotate the drive shaft independently of the electric motor, the end of the shaft can be pressed axially towards the drive shaft against the spring force.This pushes the pins out of the openings, decoupling the drive wheel from the disc and thus from the shaft. By pressing on the end of the shaft, the shaft can be decoupled from the electric motor, and the drive shaft can be manually rotated at any time.
[0011] With the GB 2 424 994 A, it is possible to decouple the motor from the locking mechanism, but not a manually operated hand switch. Therefore, with the GB 2 424 994 A, it is possible to operate the switch or locking mechanism either by motor or manually. However, the hand switch can override the motor, as described above. Thus, it is possible that a technician could unintentionally connect a system to the mains power supply, even though, for example, it was previously automatically disconnected from the power supply via the motor to perform an update.
[0012] In light of these considerations, the object of the present invention is to reduce or even completely eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device of the type mentioned above, with which an electrical switching module of an electrical switch can be switched both manually and automatically. Particularly preferred is the object of the present invention to permit, in certain operating conditions, only automated switching of the switching module, while preventing manual switching of the switch.
[0013] This problem is solved by an actuating device according to claim 1. An electrical switch with an actuating device is specified in claim 12. A photovoltaic system with an electrical switch is defined in claim 13. Claim 14 relates to a method for switching a switch.
[0014] According to the invention, an actuating device of the type mentioned above is provided in that an electric drive motor for switching the detent mechanism is directly or indirectly coupled to the detent mechanism, and a coupling element for the switching element is provided, wherein the coupling element can be moved between a coupling position, in which the coupling element is arranged for mechanical coupling of the switching element to the detent mechanism, and a release position, in which the coupling element is arranged for mechanical release of the switching element from the detent mechanism. The electric drive motor makes it possible to switch the detent mechanism and subsequently any connected switching modules automatically or remotely. Manual switching is not absolutely necessary.The coupling element according to the invention advantageously prevents the locking mechanism, and thus any switching modules connected to it, from being manually switched after a switching operation has been performed using the drive motor, in particular after the locking mechanism has been moved to the off position. This prevents, for example, a person from moving the locking mechanism back to the on position and thereby reconnecting an electrical system to the power supply network. In this way, electrical accidents and damage to connected electrical systems can be prevented. The coupling element according to the invention can be movably arranged, in particular displaceable along an axis of rotation of the coupling element and / or rotatable about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the coupling element can coincide with an axis of rotation of the locking mechanism.The coupling element can be connected to the indexing mechanism in a rotationally fixed manner, for example, by a positive fit. In one embodiment of the invention, the coupling element can have a receiving opening for the partial reception of the switching element or an optional switching element coupling part. The switching element coupling part can serve as an intermediate piece for connecting the coupling element to the switching element and can also have a receiving opening for at least the partial reception of the switching element. The switching element coupling part can, for example, have a projection that can be inserted into the receiving opening of the coupling element for a rotationally fixed connection. The switching element can, for example, have a rod element that can be inserted into the receiving opening of the coupling element or the switching element coupling part.Alternatively, the coupling element can have a connecting element, in particular a positive locking element such as a projection, which can be received in a counter-opening of the switching element or the switching element coupling part in a rotationally fixed manner. The switching element can be part of the actuating device. Alternatively, the switching element can be a separate component and can be connected to the actuating device. In the coupled position, the switching element can be coupled to the detent mechanism or, if the switching element is part of the actuating device, is coupled to it. It is particularly preferred if the switching element can be coupled to the detent mechanism via the coupling element. The switching element coupling part can also be interposed.In any case, the switching element can be directly or indirectly coupled to the detent mechanism in the coupling position, so that movements of the switching element are transmitted to the detent mechanism. In the coupling position, the switching element can be rotationally fixed to the detent mechanism. It is important that the coupling element can establish and release the coupling between the switching element and the detent mechanism. In the release position, the switching element is decoupled from the detent mechanism, so that actuation of the switching element does not lead to actuation of the detent mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, the switching element is designed as a rotatable switching element. In the release position, a movement, in particular a rotation, of the switching element does not lead to a movement, in particular a rotation, of the detent mechanism. Preferably, however, actuation of the detent mechanism by the drive motor is still possible when the coupling element is in the release position.The coupling element is preferably designed exclusively for coupling and decoupling the switching element, but not the drive motor. The drive motor is thus coupled to the detent mechanism independently of the position of the coupling element. The drive motor can, for example, be a DC motor, preferably a brushless DC motor. In one embodiment, the drive motor can have a gearbox or be coupled to the detent mechanism via a gearbox. In one embodiment, the detent mechanism can be secured in the on and off positions, preferably by spring tension. The detent mechanism and the coupling element can be arranged within a housing of the actuating device. The housing can be made of plastic, in particular polyamide (PA). The coupling element can also be made of plastic, in particular polyacetal (POM).The drive motor can also be located inside or connected to the housing. The actuating device can be connected to one or more switching modules. In particular, the output side of the detent mechanism can be connected to at least one switching module, preferably several. The switching modules can be mechanically switched sequentially. To detect the positions of the detent mechanism and / or the coupling element, at least one auxiliary contact element can be provided, which is actuated when the detent mechanism and / or the coupling element are in certain positions. For example, it can be detected whether the coupling element is in the coupling position or in the release position. It can also be detected whether the detent mechanism is in the on position or the off position. Detection can be performed electronically.When an auxiliary contact element is actuated, a circuit can be closed, which can be detected by a corresponding electronic detection device. This detection device can be integrated, for example, into the actuator's detection unit. Alternatively, the detection device can be integrated into an external controller.
[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention arises when the coupling element is displaceable by axial displacement, particularly along a rotational axis of the locking mechanism, between the coupling position and the release position. This axial displacement allows the coupling element to be coupled to or detached from the switching element. The displacement can occur along a rotational axis of the coupling element, which may coincide with the rotational axis of the locking mechanism. It is advantageous if, in the coupling position, a positive connection can be established between the switching element and the coupling element, which can be released again by moving the coupling element to the release position. This positive connection preferably creates a rotationally fixed connection between the switching element and the locking mechanism. The positive connection is effective only in the direction of rotation, but not in the axial direction.To actuate the detent mechanism in the coupled position, the coupling element can be rotatably connected to the switching element in this position. If the actuating device includes the switching element itself, the switching element is rotationally fixed to the coupling element in the coupled position. If the actuating device has a switching element coupling component, the coupling element can be rotatably connected to the switching element in the coupled position. For this purpose, a mechanical engagement between the switching element and the coupling element can be present. The rotationally fixed connection can be achieved by a positive locking mechanism that acts at least in the direction of rotation. In the release position, the switching element can be designed to "run freely".
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the ratchet mechanism comprises a first ratchet element and a second ratchet element arranged movable, preferably rotatable, relative to the first ratchet element, wherein the first and the second ratchet element are coupled via a spring element, such that a movement, in particular a rotation, of the first ratchet element causes a movement, in particular a rotation, of the second ratchet element.
[0017] The first and second indexing elements are coupled to each other by the spring element, which is in particular designed as a torsion spring. The movement of the first indexing element onto the second indexing element can also be delayed, as described below. The first indexing element and the second indexing element can each be rotatably arranged about the same axis of rotation. The first indexing element can be arranged on a side of the indexing mechanism facing the coupling element. The second indexing element can be arranged on an output side of the indexing mechanism and can actuate at least one switching module that can be connected to the indexing mechanism. The first indexing element and the second indexing element can each have a base body, which can be spaced apart from each other, in particular axially spaced from each other. The base bodies can have a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation.The spring element can be arranged between the two locking elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the first locking element can have a receiving opening for the coupling element. The receiving opening can be formed in a recess extending towards the second locking element. When the coupling element is in the coupled position, it can be provided that a movement, in particular a rotation, of the switching element causes a movement, in particular a rotation, of the first locking element and subsequently of the second locking element.
[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism may include a retaining device configured to hold the second locking element in position while the first locking element is moved and the spring element is tensioned. The first locking element or the coupling element has an actuating element configured to actuate the retaining device when the first locking element is rotated by a predetermined angle, so that the second locking element follows the movement of the first locking element. In other words, when the first locking element rotates, the second locking element remains in position until the actuating element releases the retaining device. Release can occur at a release angle, for example, between 50° and 80°. The release angle refers to a rotation of the first locking element during a switching operation.Since the spring element is tensioned when the actuating element is pressed, the second detent element is accelerated by the spring tension and lags behind the movement of the first detent element. During this process, the spring element relaxes. In this way, when the detent mechanism moves from the on position to the off position and / or from the off position to the on position, a substantially identical movement or speed of movement of the second detent element can be achieved. This allows for defined switching operations in connected switching modules. The retaining device can, for example, have a retaining element on the second detent element, which can bear against a stationary part of the actuating device, in particular the detent mechanism, until the actuating element actuates the retaining element, thus releasing it from the stationary part.The stationary part can be a housing component. The retaining element can, for example, be designed as a projection. The actuating element can also be designed as a projection. The retaining device can also have several retaining elements that can be actuated by corresponding actuating elements. The retaining device can have at least one retaining element that acts as described when transitioning from the off position to the on position, and / or at least one retaining element that acts as described when transitioning from the on position to the off position. Preferably, the release angle of the rotation of the first detent element until the actuating element actuates the retaining device is at least 45°, preferably at least 60° or at least 70°.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the coupling element is slidably mounted and at least partially integrated into the first grid element. In this way, the coupling element itself is always coupled to the first grid element. However, the slidable mounting allows the coupling element to be moved between the coupling position and the release position. To accommodate the coupling element, it can have a recess with a receiving opening. The coupling element can have a projection that is received in the receiving opening. The cross-sectional shape of the projection can essentially correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening, so that a positive fit is formed between the coupling element and the first grid element.
[0020] A particularly simple embodiment of the invention results when the coupling element is pre-tensioned into the release position or the coupling position by a pre-tension spring element. This ensures that the coupling element is always pre-tensioned in a predetermined position. The pre-tension spring element can, for example, be formed by a coil spring. In one embodiment of the invention, the pre-tension spring element can be arranged between the coupling element and the first detent element.
[0021] A structurally advantageous design results when the coupling element is coupled to the electric drive motor, particularly via a gearbox, so that the coupling element can be moved between the engaged and disengaged positions. The drive motor or gearbox can be coupled to the coupling element directly or indirectly. For example, the drive motor or gearbox can be coupled to the coupling element via a cam element, which will be described later. In the described design, the drive motor can thus move the detent mechanism to the engaged and disengaged positions and, conversely, move the coupling element between the engaged and disengaged positions. The gearbox can have one or more gears for transmission. The gearbox can be a separate component or integrated into the motor housing of the drive motor.The gearbox may be non-self-locking. The gearbox may be a spur gear gearbox.
[0022] To move the coupling element between the coupling position and the release position, it is advantageous if the electric drive motor is mechanically coupled to the coupling element via a preferably rotatable cam element, wherein the cam element has a cam guide or a cam guide counter element which is configured to move the coupling element between the coupling position and the release position in a first region by means of a movement, in particular a rotation, of the cam element. The cam element can have a base body which may be rotatably arranged. The coupling element may be arranged at least partially within the cam element. An axis of rotation of the cam element may coincide with an axis of rotation of the coupling element and / or the detent mechanism, resulting in a particularly compact design.The cam guide can be formed, for example, by an edge, an elongated projection, an elongated elevation, an elongated recess, or a rail. The cam guide is specifically designed to guide the cam guide counterpart. The cam guide counterpart can be formed, for example, by a pin or tenon. It is preferred that the cam element has the cam guide and the coupling element has a cam guide counterpart that can be guided in the cam guide. Conversely, it can also be provided that the cam element has the cam guide counterpart and the coupling element has the cam guide. The cam element can convert a movement of the cam element, which is caused, for example, by the drive motor, into a movement of the coupling element.It is particularly preferred if a rotation of the cam element is converted into a displacement of the coupling element, whereby the coupling element is displaceable between the release position and the coupling position. Preferably, the cam guide or the cam guide counter element is located on an inner wall of the cam element, which defines a receptacle for the coupling element. The first region can be an angular range that relates to the axis of rotation and a fixed point of the cam element. In one embodiment of the invention, an auxiliary contact element can be provided which can detect the position of the cam element.
[0023] In one embodiment, the cam element has at least one drive element, in particular a drive slot, and the first detent element has at least one drive counter element, in particular a drive pin, that interacts with the first drive element, so that the detent can be moved between the on and off positions by a movement, in particular a rotation, of the cam element in a second area. The second area can be an angular area that relates to the axis of rotation and the fixed point of the cam element. The second area can adjoin the first area described above. It is advantageous if the drive slot is curved. The drive pin can be received in the drive slot. It is possible that the cam element has a drive slot and a drive pin is arranged on the first detent element.However, it is also possible that the first grid element has a drive slot and a drive pin is arranged on the cam element.
[0024] To switch a switching module connected to the actuating device solely with the drive motor, it is advantageous if the electric drive motor is configured to move, in a first operating mode, the cam element in the first range, in particular to rotate it, to transition the coupling element from the coupled state to the released state, and then, in a second operating mode, to move, in particular to rotate, the cam element in the second range to transition the detent mechanism between the on and off positions. The movement of the cam element in the first range decouples the switching element from the detent mechanism. Actuation of the switching element then no longer results in actuation of the detent mechanism. The subsequent movement of the cam element in the second range transitions the detent mechanism to the off position.Since the coupling element is in the release state, manual switching of the locking mechanism to the on position is prevented.
[0025] The invention also relates to an electrical switch. The switch comprises at least one switching module having at least one input contact and at least one output contact. The switch further comprises an actuating device of the type described above for switching the switching module between a closed position, in which the at least one output contact is electrically connected to the at least one input contact, and an open position, in which the at least one output contact is electrically disconnected from the at least one input contact. Several switching modules may also be provided. The switching modules may be mechanically connected to one another in such a way that they can be switched simultaneously with the actuating device. For this purpose, for example, a drive shaft may be provided which passes through all the switching modules and can be moved by the detent mechanism.Alternatively, each switching module can have a mechanical input side and a mechanical output side, whereby the input side of one switching module can be connected to the output side of another switching module or to the output side of the latching mechanism. A switching operation can be mechanically transferred from the input side to the output side, allowing interconnected switching modules to be switched simultaneously. One of the switching modules is connected via its input side to the output side of the latching mechanism of the actuating device, enabling the actuating device to switch all connected switching modules. If multiple switching modules are provided, they can be essentially identical in design. The at least one switching element has at least one input contact and at least one output contact.The at least one input contact and the at least one output contact of the switching module can be configured as fixed contacts. A movable, and in particular rotatable, contact element can be provided to connect the at least one input contact to the at least one output contact. The movable contact element can be arranged on a rotatable turntable. If the switching module is connected to the output side of the detent mechanism or another switching module, the movable contact element can be moved by the detent mechanism. In the closed position, the movable contact element electrically connects the at least one output contact to the at least one input contact. In the open position, the movable contact element is not electrically connected to either the at least one output contact or the at least one input contact. The contact element can be configured as an elongated, rotatable contact element.
[0026] The invention further relates to a photovoltaic system comprising at least one photovoltaic module and at least one switch of the type described above. The photovoltaic system can be disconnected from a power supply network by means of the switch.
[0027] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for switching a switch with an actuating device of the type described above, comprising the following steps:
[0028] Moving the coupling element from the coupling position to the release position, so that the switching element is mechanically decoupled from the detent mechanism;
[0029] Switching the locking mechanism from the on position to the off position using the electric drive motor.
[0030] Moving the coupling element to the release position prevents manual reactivation. The detent mechanism therefore remains in the off position, even if the switching element is actuated. The drive motor can, for example, after repair work on a system has been completed, move the detent mechanism back to the on position. It is also possible for the drive motor to only return the coupling element to the coupling position, and for the detent mechanism to be manually moved to the on position using the switching element. The switch can have a control unit that executes the switch-related procedures. However, it is also possible for an external device to control the switch accordingly. The positions of individual components of the actuating device can be detected using auxiliary contacts.
[0031] The invention will be explained below using a specific embodiment, to which it is not, however, limited. The figures show:
[0032] Fig. 1 shows a switch with several switching modules;
[0033] Fig. 2 a switching module;
[0034] Fig. 3 shows a switch with several switching modules in another view;
[0035] Fig. 4A shows an actuating device in a cutaway view with a coupling element in the coupling position;
[0036] Fig. 4B shows the actuating device in a cutaway view with a coupling element in the release position;
[0037] Fig. 5 shows a cam element and a coupling element;
[0038] Fig. 6A-E different positions of a first grid element;
[0039] Fig. 8 Auxiliary contacts on part of the actuating device;
[0040] Fig. 9 Auxiliary contacts on part of the actuating device in a top view; Fig. 10 A switch with a switching element; and
[0041] Fig. 11 shows a grid system.
[0042] Fig. 1 shows a switch 1 with several electrical switching modules 2 and an actuating device 3 for actuating the switching modules 2. The switch 1 may have a surrounding housing, which, however, has been omitted for clarity. The switching modules 2 are each connected to a first terminal 4a and a second terminal 4b, which enable connection to a system, for example, a photovoltaic system. The system can be connected to or disconnected from a power supply, such as a power supply unit, via the switch 1.The actuating device 3 can preferably switch the switching modules 2 simultaneously between a closed position, in which the first 4a and second connection contacts 4b of the switching modules 2 are electrically connected to each other, and an open position, in which the first 4a and second connection contacts 4b of the switching modules 2 are electrically disconnected from each other. The switch 1 shown is designed as a DC switch 1a (DC = Direct Current) and is therefore suitable, for example, for connecting a photovoltaic system to a power grid. The switching modules 2 are each configured to switch a direct current. The first switching module 2a is mechanically connected directly to the actuating device 3 at an output side 63 of a detent mechanism 25, which will be described in more detail below.A switching operation of the actuating device 3 is mechanically transmitted from the switching module 2a to the additional switching modules 2b, so that a switching operation performed by the actuating device 3 on the first switching module 2a also causes a switching operation of the additional switching modules 2b. All switching modules 2 are preferably of the same type, in particular identical. For this purpose, first sides 5, which can also be referred to as mechanical input sides 6 (see Fig. 2), of the additional switching modules 2 are each connected to second sides 7, which can also be referred to as mechanical output sides 8 (see Fig. 3), of further switching modules 2a, 2b. By connecting each switching module 2 at its mechanical input side 6 to the output side 8 of another switching module 2, a group 9 of switching modules 2 can be created, which can be switched by the actuating device 3, in particular simultaneously.
[0043] Fig. 2 shows a switching module 2. The switching module 2 has a fixed input contact 10, a fixed output contact 11, and a movable contact element 12, which is mounted in a rotary disk 13. The input contact 10 can be connected to or formed by a first terminal contact 4a. The output contact 11 can be connected to or formed by a second terminal contact 4b. By rotating the rotary disk 13, the switching module 2 can be moved between the closed position, in which the output contact 11 is electrically connected to the input contact 10, and an open position (shown in Fig. 2), in which the output contact 11 is electrically disconnected from the at least one input contact 10. The rotation of the rotary disk 13 can be performed on the first side 5, i.e., the mechanical input side 6.The rotary motion can be transmitted on the second side 7, i.e., the mechanical output side 8, to another similar switching module 2 connected to the switching module 2. To rotate the rotary disk 13, first rotary projections 14 are provided on the rotary disk 13. These first rotary projections 14 can be rotated by the rotary disk 13 of another switching module 2 connected to the switching module 2, which may have second rotary projections 16 on the side opposite the first rotary projections 14. The input contact 10, the output contact 11, and the movable contact element 12 are made of a metal, in particular a copper alloy. The rotary disk 13 and the housing 15 of the switching module 2 are made of plastic, in particular polyamide.
[0044] Fig. 3 shows the switch 1 in a different view. In Fig. 3, the mechanical output side 8 of the last attached switching module 2 is visible. Second rotary projections 16 are visible, which are arranged on one side of a rotary disk 13 facing the output side 8 of the switching module 2 and can interact with the first rotary projections 14 of another switching module 2 (not shown).
[0045] Figures 1 and 3 show that the switching modules 2 are connected to the actuating device 3 and can be moved between the open and closed positions by it. The actuating device 3 has an electric drive motor 17, for example a DC motor, and can be coupled to a mechanical switching element 18 (see Figure 10). The actuating device 3 can be manually operated by a person using the switching element 18. The drive motor 17 can have a gearbox 19 or be mechanically coupled via a gearbox 19 to other components of the actuating device 3, for example a cam element 31, which will be described in more detail below.
[0046] Figures 4A and 4B show the actuating device 3 in a cutaway view. The actuating device 3 has a coupling element 20, which is shown in a coupling position in Figure 4A and in a release position in Figure 4B. On one side of the actuating device 3, in the illustrated embodiment, it has an optional switching element coupling part 21, which in the illustrated embodiment forms part of the actuating device 3. However, the switching element coupling part 21 does not have to be integrated into the actuating device 3 or form a component of the actuating device 3, but can also be omitted. In this case, the coupling element 20 can, for example, be coupled directly to a switching element 18.The switching element coupling part 21 simplifies the coupling of the switching element 18 with the coupling element 20, since the switching element coupling part 21 can be precisely arranged and aligned within the actuating device 3. Without the switching element coupling part 21, the switching element 18 must be precisely arranged, which is more difficult to accomplish. Therefore, a switching element coupling part 21 is preferably used as shown. The coupling element 20 can be rotated axially about a rotation axis 22 of the actuating device 3 and moved along this axis between the release position and the coupling position. The coupling element 20 has a projection 23 on one side, which engages in a first detent element 24 of a detent mechanism 25.The first indexing element 24 has a receiving opening 26 for the extension 23 of the coupling element 20, which is formed in a projecting recess 100 of the first indexing element 24. In the embodiment shown, the coupling element 20 is rotationally fixed in the receiving opening 26 by a positive fit with the extension 23 in both the coupling and release positions. The positive fit preferably acts only in the circumferential direction of the recess 26 or about the axis of rotation 22, so that axial displacement of the extension 23 in the receiving opening 26 is possible. The cross-sectional shape of the extension 23 and the receiving opening 26 can be polygonal, for example, triangular, quadrilateral, or at least pentagonal. The first indexing element 24 is also rotatable about the axis of rotation 22 of the actuating device 3.A preload spring element 27 in the form of a coil spring 28 is arranged between the coupling element 20 and the first detent element 24. In the embodiment shown, the preload spring element 27 preloads the coupling element 20 into the coupling position by pushing the coupling element 20 away from the first detent element 24 by a spring force F. The axis of rotation 22 also corresponds to an axis of rotation of the detent mechanism 22, the switching element coupling part 21, and the rotary disks 13 of the switching modules 2.
[0047] In Fig. 4A, the coupling element 20 is in the coupling position. In this position, the switching element coupling part 21 and the detent 25 are mechanically coupled via the coupling element 20. This allows a connected switching element 18 to be coupled to the detent 25. As already mentioned, the switching element coupling part 21 is not strictly necessary, but is preferred. The coupling part 20 can also be directly connected to the switching element 18 without the switching element coupling part 21. However, the following description of the operation of the actuating device 3 uses the switching element coupling part 21. In the coupling position, a projection 29 of the switching element coupling part 21 is received into a receiving opening 30 of the coupling element 20 by a form-fit connection, preventing rotation.To create the positive fit, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening 30 of the coupling element 20 and the cross-sectional shape of the extension 29 of the switching element coupling part 21 can be, for example, polygonal, in particular triangular, quadrilateral, or at least pentagonal. The positive fit preferably acts only in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation 22, but still allows axial displacement of the coupling element 20 along the axis of rotation 22. In the coupled position, a rotation of the switching element coupling part 21 or of the switching element 18 can be transmitted via the coupling element 20 to the first indexing element 24 and thus to the indexing mechanism 25.
[0048] Figure 4B shows the release position of the coupling element 20. In this position, the switching element coupling part 21, or the switching element 18, is mechanically decoupled from the coupling element 20 and thus from the detent mechanism 25 in such a way that no rotational movement of the switching element coupling part 21, or of the switching element 18, is transmitted to the detent mechanism 25. The decoupling is achieved by displacing the coupling element 20 along the axis of rotation 22. In the embodiment shown, the displacement occurs against the spring force F in the direction of the first detent mechanism element 24. In the release position, the extension 29 of the switching element coupling part 21 is completely withdrawn from the receiving opening 30 of the coupling element 20. If there were no switching element coupling part 21, the switching element 18 would be completely withdrawn from the receiving opening 30 of the coupling element 20.
[0049] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate that manual switching of the ratchet mechanism 25 is possible in the coupling position of the coupling element, since a rotary movement is transmitted via the coupling element 20 to the ratchet mechanism 25.
[0050] To move the coupling element 20 between the release position and the coupling position, the actuating device 3, in the embodiment shown, has a cam element 31. The cam element 31 surrounds the coupling element 20 at least partially, preferably completely, along a circumference around the axis of rotation 22. The cam element 31 has at least one cam guide 33 in the form of a projection 34 on an inner wall 32 facing the coupling element 20, which has a surface 35 inclined towards the first indexing element 24. Preferably, the cam element 31 has at least two cam guides 33 on the inner wall 32. The cam guides 33 of the embodiment shown are arranged along the circumference of the inner wall 32 at preferably regular intervals from one another.It is advantageous if the cam element has a base body that, viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22, is round and on which at least one cam guide 33 is arranged. The coupling element 20 has at least one cam guide counter element 36 on an outer side in the form of pins 37 projecting radially outwards with respect to the axis of rotation 22 (see Fig. 5). The cam guide elements 36 are arranged on a base body of the cam element 20, which, viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22, is round. The number of cam guide counter elements 36 preferably corresponds to the number of cam guides 33. The cam guide counter elements 36 interact with the cam guide 33 such that a rotational movement of the cam element 31 is converted into an axial displacement of the coupling element 20 along the axis of rotation 22.The cam guide 33 allows the coupling element 20 to be moved against the spring force F of the preload spring element 27 into the release position by rotating the cam guide 31 in one direction. By rotating it in the other direction, the coupling element 20 is pushed back into the coupling position by the spring force. The cam guide 33 is arranged only in a portion of the inner wall 32. Only a rotation in a first region 38 (see Fig. 6A) relative to the axis of rotation 22 causes a movement of the coupling element 20 between the release position and the coupling position.
[0051] Fig. 5 shows the cam element 31 in conjunction with the coupling element 20. It can be seen that the cam element 31 has gear teeth 39 on its outer surface. These gear teeth 39 engage with the transmission 19, allowing the cam element 31 to be moved, and in particular rotated, by the drive motor 17. This is also evident, for example, in Fig. 6A, where a gear 40 of the transmission 19 engages with the gear teeth 39. The gear teeth 39 can completely surround the cam element on its circumference, but this is not necessary.
[0052] Figures 6A and 6B show a section perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22 through the cam element 31. It can be seen that the cam element 31 has two drive elements 41 in the form of drive slots 42, which are located on a side of the cam element 31 facing the first indexing element 24. Drive counter-elements 43 of the first indexing element 24, in the form of drive pins 44, are received in each of the drive slots 42, so that by rotating the cam element 31 in a second area 45 relative to the axis of rotation 22, the first indexing element 24 can be rotated. The second area 45 preferably adjoins the first area 38 directly. The first 38 and the second area 45 refer to the axis of rotation 22 and a predetermined position 101 on the cam element 31, which, for example, coincides with an edge 46 described in more detail below, as shown.This rotation of the first indexing element 24 by the cam element 31 can be effected by the drive motor 17. The drive elements preferably extend parallel to the axis of rotation 22. It should be mentioned here that, alternatively, the drive elements 43 can also be arranged on the cam element 31 and the drive elements 41 on the first indexing element 24.
[0053] Fig. 6A shows a position of the first detent element 24 in which the detent 25 is in an on position. In the on position, the switching modules 2 are in the closed position, so that the input contacts 10 and the output contacts 11 of the switching modules 2 are electrically connected to each other. The cam element 31 is arranged in the position shown such that the coupling element 20, which is not shown for clarity, is in the coupling position. In Fig. 6A, it is therefore possible to manually switch the actuating device 3 using a switching element 18 or by rotating the switching element coupling part 21, i.e., to manually move the detent 25 between the on position (Fig. 6A) and the off position (Fig. 6B). A comparison of the illustrations according to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B
[0054] Figure 6B shows that the first detent element 24 is rotated by essentially 90° in a first direction – here: counterclockwise. A rotation of the first detent element 24 by essentially 90° therefore results in a transition between the on position and the off position.
[0055] However, there are operating scenarios, for example during servicing or updating a system connected to switch 1, in which manual operation of switch 1 should be prevented. In this case, switching the detent mechanism 25, particularly from the off position to the on position, should be prevented by manual operation and enabled exclusively by the drive motor 17. To achieve this, the coupling element 20 can be moved into the release position by rotating the cam element 31 in the first area 38. This position is shown in Fig. 6C.
[0056] In Fig. 6C, the cam element 31 has been rotated by the drive motor 17 to move the coupling element 31 into the release position. Manual switching of the indexing mechanism 25 is now no longer possible. As can be seen in Fig. 6C, the drive pins 44 rest against an edge 46 in a first end region of the respective associated drive slot 42. This position of the cam element 31 also represents the transition between the first region 38 and the second region 45. Further rotation of the cam element 31 in the first direction, counterclockwise in the illustration shown, using the drive motor 17, thus leads to a rotation of the first indexing mechanism element 24, since the edges 46 of the drive slots 42 displace the drive pins 44 and thus the first indexing mechanism element 24. It is therefore possible to use the drive motor 17 to move the detent mechanism 25 from the on position to the off position, while the switching element coupling part 21 orA switching element 18 is mechanically decoupled from the ratchet mechanism 25. Due to the engagement of the coupling element 20 with the first ratchet mechanism element 24, the coupling element 20 moves with the first ratchet mechanism element 24.
[0057] Fig. 6D shows the detent mechanism 25, which is moved into the off position by the cam element 31 or drive motor 17. If the cam element 31 is now rotated in the second direction (clockwise) using the drive motor 17, the coupling element 20 is initially moved into the coupling position due to the spring force F. Further rotation in the second direction then causes the drive pin 44 to be actuated by an edge 46 in a second end region of the respective associated drive slot 42. The drive motor 17 thus also allows the detent mechanism 25 to be moved from the off position to the on position. Once the coupling element 20 is in the coupling position, it is also possible to manually move the detent mechanism 25 from the off position to the on position using the switching element 18 or the switching element coupling part 21. The gearbox 19 is preferably designed to be non-self-locking.
[0058] Fig. 6E shows a locked position of the detent mechanism 25. The first detent element 24 can be rotated into this position, particularly manually, using the switching element 18 or the switching element coupling part 21. This position can be detected, for example, by auxiliary contacts 47 (described in more detail below) and signals, for example, to an optional control unit 48 (see Fig. 1) of the actuating device 3 or to an external control unit for the actuating device 3 (not shown) that the detent mechanism 25 is locked and should not be moved into the on position. It is also possible that the switching element 18 or the switching element coupling part 21 is itself locked or blocked in this position, and that the drive motor 17 therefore cannot rotate the detent element 24 due to the mechanical coupling between the detent mechanism 25 and the switching element 18 or the switching element coupling part 21.
[0059] Fig. 7 shows the actuating device 3 without cam element 31. The pins 37 and the drive pins 44 are visible.
[0060] Fig. 8 shows the cam element 31 and the detent mechanism 25 in a side view, with three auxiliary contacts 47 provided. The auxiliary contacts 47 can be actuated by auxiliary elements 49 on the switching element coupling part 21, on the cam element 31, and / or on the detent mechanism 25. Fig. 9 shows this in a top view. It can be seen in Fig. 9 that an auxiliary element 49 is formed by an auxiliary recess 50. The auxiliary contacts 47 are preferably pre-tensioned and are activated or deactivated by the auxiliary recesses 50, so that a circuit is closed or opened, thereby enabling the detection of specific positions of the switching element coupling part 21, the cam element 31, and / or the detent mechanism 25. These positions can be detected by the control unit 48 or the external control system using the auxiliary contacts 47.
[0061] Fig. 10 shows the switch 1 with a switching element 18 for manually switching the switch 1. The switching element 18 has an elongated switching shaft 51 which, at a first end 52a, can either be directly coupled to the coupling element 20 depending on the position of the coupling element 20, or can be guided into an opening 53 of the switching element coupling part 21. At a second end 52b of the switching shaft 51, a handle element 54 is provided for actuating the switching element 18 by a person. The switching element 18 can, for example, be moved into a position for the locking position of the detent mechanism 25, into a position for the on position of the detent mechanism 25, and into a position for the off position of the detent mechanism 25.
[0062] Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of the ratchet mechanism 25. The ratchet mechanism 25 has a first ratchet element 24 and a second ratchet element 55, which are rotatably arranged about the axis of rotation 22. A spring element 56 in the form of a torsion spring 57 is arranged between the first 24 and the second ratchet element 55. The ends 58 of the spring element 56 rest against a projection 59 of the second ratchet element 55. By rotating the first ratchet element 24 about the axis of rotation 22, the spring element 56 can be tensioned, since one end 58 rests against the projection 59, while the other end 58 is moved by a drive projection 64 of the first ratchet element 24, thereby building up spring tension. To hold the second ratchet element 55 in position up to a release angle of, for example, 75°, the ratchet mechanism 25 has a retaining device 60.In the illustration shown, the retaining device 60 has retaining elements 61 on the second detent element 55, which bear against a stationary part of the actuating device 3, for example, a housing part, so that the second detent element 55 can be held in position up to the release angle. When the first detent element 24 reaches the release angle, actuating elements 62 actuate the retaining device 60 by pressing the corresponding retaining elements 61 downwards. As a result, the second detent element 55 is no longer held in position by the stationary part and, due to spring tension, follows the rotation of the first detent element 24. This causes both detent elements 24 and 55 to be rotated by essentially 90° in the illustrated embodiment.If the release angle is less than 90°, the first detent element, together with the second detent element 55, is pushed further due to inertia, up to 90°. Of course, the switching angle can also be more or less than 90°. The function of the retaining device 60 is identical when transitioning from the on position to the off position as it is when transitioning from the off position to the on position. For this purpose, retaining elements 61 acting in different directions of rotation, as well as corresponding fixed parts of the actuating device 3 that interact with the retaining elements 61, are provided. The side of the second detent element 55 facing away from the first detent element 24 forms an output side 63 to which the switching modules 2 can be connected in order to switch them between the open and closed positions via the detent mechanism 25.The first switching module 2a is connected to the output side 63 of the ratchet mechanism 25 in Fig. 1.
Claims
26 Patent claims:
1. Actuating device (3) for an electrical switching module (2 ), in particular a DC switching module, comprising: a detent mechanism (25) which can be mechanically coupled to a manual switching element (18) and transferred between an on position and an off position, wherein an output side (63) of the detent mechanism (25) can be connected to the switching module (2), characterized in that an electric drive motor (17) for switching the detent mechanism (25) is directly or indirectly coupled to the detent mechanism (25) and a coupling element (20) is provided for coupling the switching element (18), wherein the coupling element (20) is transferable between a coupling position in which the coupling element (20) is arranged for mechanical coupling of the switching element (18) with the detent mechanism (25) and a release position in which the coupling element (20) is arranged for mechanical release of the switching element (18) from the detent mechanism (25).
2. Actuating device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element (20) is displaceable by axial displacement, in particular along a rotational axis (22) of the ratchet mechanism (25) between the coupling position and the release position.
3. Actuating device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling element (20) can be connected to the switching element (18) in the coupling position in a rotationally fixed manner.
4. Actuating device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ratchet mechanism (25) has a first ratchet element (24) and a second ratchet element (55) arranged movably, preferably rotatably, relative to the first ratchet element (24), wherein the first (24) and the second ratchet element (55) are coupled via a spring element (56), such that a movement, in particular rotation, of the first ratchet element (24) causes a movement, in particular rotation, of the second ratchet element (55). 5.Actuating device (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the ratchet mechanism (25) has a retaining device (60) which is configured to hold the second ratchet element (55) in position while the first ratchet element (24) is moved and the spring element (56) is tensioned, wherein the first ratchet element (24) or the coupling element (20) has an actuating element (62) which is configured to actuate the retaining device (60) when the first ratchet element (24) is rotated by a predetermined angle, so that the second ratchet element (55) follows the movement of the first ratchet element (24).
6. Actuating device (3) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling element (20) is slidably mounted and is at least partially incorporated into the first ratchet element (24).
7. Actuating device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element (20) is pre-tensioned into the release position or into the coupling position by a pre-tension spring element (27).
8. Actuating device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling element (20) is coupled to the electric drive motor (17) in particular via a gearbox (19) so that the coupling element (20) can be moved between the coupling position and the release position with the electric drive motor (17).
9. Actuating device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric drive motor ( 17 ) is mechanically coupled to the coupling element (20) via a preferably rotatable cam element (31 ), wherein the cam element (31 ) has a cam guide (33) or a cam guide counter element (36) which is configured to move the coupling element (20) between the coupling position and the release position by means of a movement, in particular a rotation, of the cam element (31 ) in a first area (38 ).
10. Actuating device according to claim 9 and one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cam element (31) has at least one drive element (41), in particular a drive slot (42), and the first detent element (24) has at least one drive counter element (43) cooperating with the first drive element, in particular a drive pin (44), so that by a movement, in particular rotation, of the cam element (31) in a second area (45) the detent (25) can be moved between the on position and the off position.
11. Actuating device (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that the electric drive motor (17) is configured to move, in a first operating mode, the cam element (31) in the first area, in particular to rotate it, in order to transfer the coupling element (20) from the coupling state to the release state, and in a second operating mode subsequently to move, in a second operating mode, the cam element (31) in the second area, in particular to rotate it, in order to transfer the detent mechanism (25) between the on position and the off position.
12. Switch (1) with at least one switching module (2) having at least one input contact (10) and at least one output contact (11), and an actuating device (3) for switching the switching module (2) between a closed position in which the at least one output contact (11) is electrically connected to the at least one input contact (10), and an open position in which the at least one output contact (11) is electrically disconnected from the at least one input contact (10), characterized in that the actuating device (3) is configured according to one of claims 1 to 11.
13. Photovoltaic system, comprising: at least one photovoltaic module; and at least one switch ( 1 ) according to claim 12.
14. Method for switching a switch ( 1 ) with an actuating device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising steps :29 Moving the coupling element (20) from the coupling position to the release position, so that the switching element (18) is mechanically decoupled from the detent mechanism; Switching the locking mechanism (25) from the on position to the off position with the electric drive motor ( 17 ).