CN112242273B

CN112242273B - Switching device

Info

Publication number: CN112242273B
Application number: CN202010639332.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·斯普利特泽多弗; R·齐穆埃尔
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-16
Filing date: 2020-07-06
Publication date: 2023-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-06
Also published as: ES2958360T3; AU2020204320A1; DK3767660T3; GB201910160D0; EP3767660B1; CN112242273A; GB2585836A; EP3767660A1

Abstract

A switching device (1) has a contact (6) mounted on a housing, a movable contact (4) and a switch lock (2) having a latch (20), a latch support (22) and a latching position, wherein the switching device (1) further has a switch lever (7) and a link (10) is movably mounted on the latch support (22), the link (10) comprising an end portion which abuts on a first projection (11) of the switch lever (7) when the switch lever (7) is arranged in a fixed on position, the link (10) further comprising an actuation shoulder (29) which abuts on a second projection (30) of the switch lever (7) when the manual switch lever (7) is in an unfixed on position, actuation of the switch lever (7) for disengaging the contacts (4, 6) moving the link (10), thereby releasing the latch of the latch support (22) to the latch (20).

Description

Switching device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to switching devices.

Background

In low voltage switchgear having a manual control button, i.e. having a manual operating element for closing the switch contacts and establishing a conductive current path through the switchgear, there is typically a movable switch contact which is mechanically connected to the manual control button and which, when the manual control button is actuated, continuously moves close to the switch contacts mounted on the housing until the two switch contacts are mechanically connected. The opening of the contacts, i.e. the breaking of the switching means, takes place in accordance with a movement of the corresponding manual control button in the corresponding direction, which results in a continuous opening of the contacts. There is a possibility that the user may hold the manual control button in any intermediate position, thereby holding the contacts in the respective intermediate positions.

If the switching device is at an electrical potential, an arc may occur at a distance between the closed switching contacts. At sufficiently low voltages and for users of power that only need to conduct a small amount of current via the switching device, no problem is usually created.

At higher voltages and currents (e.g., 600V and 100A), such arcing due to the manual separation of the contacts is too slow can result in serious damage to the affected switchgear. If a correspondingly large current flows through the switching device when it is switched off, a slow manual opening of the contacts can lead to an arc which leads not only to a complete loss of the switching device but also to a fire.

There are known devices having a so-called trip cut-off function. Thus, upon manual opening, the switch contacts are quickly separated regardless of the manner and speed at which the operator actuates the manual control button. However, such trip cut-off functions are mainly common in the field of very large circuit breakers, such as those used in substations. Such switching devices have a separately charged spring-loaded battery for use in opening or closing the contacts, wherein it is almost impossible to use this technology in compact switching devices, since it is not possible to integrate the necessary components in a correspondingly compact housing.

Applicant's US 9 953 777 B2 describes a switching device with a trip cut-off function of compact design. Although the mechanism according to US 9 953 777 B2 works perfectly in most cases, in a special case a malfunction still occurs. This special case can only occur during the phase of closing the contacts by actuating the manual switch lever. Sometimes the contacts may have been closed but the engagement area of the link is not against the protrusion of the manual switch lever. This occurs because the movement of the manual switch lever is not completed. Further movement of the manual switch lever a few degrees in the direction of closing the contacts will bring the engagement area of the link into contact with the protrusion. If the engagement area is in contact with a protrusion of the manual switch lever, it is not possible to slowly open the contacts.

However, if the manual switch lever is not moved in a direction towards the closing contact until the end, but is moved in the opposite direction to open the contact, the trip cut-off function according to US 9 953 777 B2 will not be active. In this particular case, the contacts can be placed in any intermediate position between open and closed by moving the manual switch lever. Because the contacts have been previously closed, arcing may occur between the contacts. The arc will not extinguish when the contacts are slowly opened or remain fixed at an almost constant distance. The switch will burn out in less than one second and may at least injure the person actuating the manual switch lever.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a compact switching device with a trip cut-off function, which reliably cuts off the current, irrespective of the way and speed at which the operator actuates the manual control button.

According to the invention, this object is solved by the following technical solutions.

A switching device, comprising:

a movable contact on a contact arm movably attached to the switching device, the movable contact being configured to contact a contact mounted on the housing and to establish a conductive current path through the switching device,

a switch lock connected with the contact arm, the switch lock comprising a latch and a latch support, the latch support comprising a latch position configured to latch the latch to the latch support,

a manual switch lever configured to bring the movable contact into contact with the contact mounted on the housing, the manual switch lever being connected with the contact arm,

a link movably mounted on the latch support, an end portion of the link abutting against a first projection of the manual switch lever when the manual switch lever is in a fixed position in which the movable contact is in contact with the contact mounted on the housing,

the link further comprises an actuation shoulder which abuts against a second projection of the manual switch lever when the manual switch lever is in a non-fixed position in which the movable contact is in contact with the contact mounted on the housing,

-wherein actuation of the manual switch lever for separating the movable contact from the housing-mounted contact moves the link and thereby releases the latch of the latch support to the latch. As a result, a safe cut-off of the switching device and thus a safe contact separation can be achieved, irrespective of the way and speed with which the user actuates the manual switch lever. After the manual switch lever has passed the predetermined position, the trip cut-off function will be activated each time the manual switch lever of the corresponding manual control button is rotated in a direction for opening the contacts. The predetermined position is not a fixed position of the manual switch lever.

The described switching device can thus have a compact design with a small number of necessary components.

Other preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Preferably, in the switching device, the second protrusion of the manual switching lever is disposed on the first protrusion of the manual switching lever.

Preferably, in the switching device, the actuation shoulder is arranged on the link between an end portion of the link and the movable mounting of the link.

Preferably, in the switching device, the switching device further includes a first bracket mounted on the first protrusion of the manual switching lever.

Preferably, in the switching device, the end portion is embodied as a recessed engagement region configured to engage at the first protrusion of the switching lever.

Preferably, in the switching device, the link is mounted on the latch support and is rotatable in this position.

Preferably, in the switching device, the switching device further includes a link spring mounted on the latch support, the link spring striking the link in a direction toward the switching lever.

Preferably, the switching device further comprises a housing comprising a housing protrusion in the region of the latch support, wherein the link comprises a strike pad configured to support the latch support on the housing protrusion.

Preferably, in the switching device, the housing protrusion defines a trigger housing opening configured to connect the switch lock with an external trigger.

Preferably, in the switching device, the switching lever is connected to the contact arm via the first bracket and a bracket fixed to the first bracket, and wherein the first bracket is guided via a guide groove of the latch.

Preferably, the switching device is configured as a safety switching device comprising the contact mounted on the housing and the movable contact.

Preferably, in the switching device, the impact pad is arranged in a placement area of the link on the latch support.

Preferably, in the switching device, the latch is pivotally mounted.

Drawings

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings only show preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the proposed switching device in a cut-off state without the upper housing cover;

fig. 2 is the switching device as shown in fig. 1 in an on state;

fig. 3 is a vertical view of the arrangement of the switch lock, the contact arm and the switch lever of the switching device as shown in fig. 2 in an on-state;

fig. 4 is the arrangement shown in fig. 3 in a cut-off state;

FIG. 5 is a view according to FIG. 4 with a portion of the connecting rod cut away;

FIG. 6 is an arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the manual switch lever is moved in an on direction and held in a first state;

FIG. 7 is a view according to FIG. 6 with a portion of the connecting rod cut away;

FIG. 8 is an arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the manual switch lever is moved in the on direction and held in a second state;

FIG. 9 is a view according to FIG. 8 with a portion of the connecting rod cut away;

FIG. 10 is a detail from FIG. 9 in an enlarged view;

FIG. 11 is a portion of a switch lever having a linkage in an isometric view;

FIG. 12 is a link according to FIG. 11 in a first isometric view; and

fig. 13 is a connecting rod according to fig. 11 in a second axial view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a particularly preferred embodiment of a switching device 1, in particular a safety switching device, comprising:

a movable contact 4 on a contact arm 3 movably attached to the switching device 1, the movable contact 4 being configured to contact a contact 6 mounted on the housing and to establish a conductive current path through the switching device 1,

a switch lock 2 connected to the contact arm 3, the switch lock 2 comprising a latch 20 and a latch support 22, the latch support 22 comprising a latch position configured to latch the latch 20 to the latch support 22,

a manual switch lever 7 configured to bring the movable contact 4 into contact with the contact 6 mounted on the housing, the manual switch lever 7 being connected with the contact arm 3,

a connecting rod 10 movably mounted on the latch support 22, an end portion 12 of the connecting rod 10 abutting against a first projection 11 of the manual switch lever 7 when the manual switch lever 7 is in a fixed position in which the movable contact 4 is in contact with the contact 6 mounted on the housing,

the connecting rod 10 further comprises an actuation shoulder 29, the actuation shoulder 29 abutting against a second projection 30 of the manual switch lever 7 when the manual switch lever 7 is in a non-fixed position, in which the movable contact 4 is in contact with the contact 6 mounted on the housing,

actuation of the manual switch lever 7, which is used to separate the movable contact 4 from the housing-mounted contact 6, moves the link 10 and thus releases the latch of the latch support 22 to the latch 20.

As a result, a safe breaking of the switching device 1 and thus a safe separation of the contacts 4, 6 can be achieved, irrespective of the way and speed with which the user actuates the manual switch lever 7. After the manual switch lever 7 has passed the predetermined position, the trip cut-off function will be activated each time the manual switch lever 7 of the corresponding manual control button is turned in the direction for opening the contacts 4, 6. The predetermined position is not a fixed position of the manual switch lever 7.

The described switching device 1 can thus have a compact design with a small number of necessary components.

Fig. 3 to 13 show a detail of the described switching device 1.

The invention relates to an electrical switching device 1, wherein the switching device 1 is preferably designed as a safety switching device or as a so-called automatic switch. The switching device 1 is preferably designed as a safety circuit breaker or a circuit switch. The switching device 1 is preferably designed as a compact low-voltage safety switching device. According to a preferred design, the switching device 1 comprises at least one trigger 33. Fig. 1 and 2 show an electromagnetic trigger 33, for example a short-circuit trigger. In addition, a thermal trigger of typical design, such as a bi-metallic trigger for over-current release, may be provided. Furthermore, it may be provided that the triggers 33 are combined.

The switching device 1 has a housing 14 made of an insulating material, which is preferably designed as a two-part component, with two housing halves or covers. Fig. 1 and 2 show the lower housing half of housing 14. The upper housing half is not shown.

The switching device 1 has at least one movable contact 4 and at least one contact 6 mounted on the housing. According to the preferred embodiment shown, the switching device 1 has a so-called double break point, whereby two movable contacts 4 and two contacts 6 mounted on the housing are provided, but which are assigned to a single switching path.

If at least one movable contact 4 has an electrically conductive connection with at least one contact 6 mounted on the housing, there is an electrically conductive current path through the switching device 1. The switching device 1 has two connection terminals 18, 19. If there is no such conductive connection through the switching device 1, it is considered to be switched off, i.e. in a switched-off state. If such a conductive connection is present, the switching device is considered to be on, i.e. in an on state. Conventionally, the transition between the two states is thus referred to as switching on and off of the switching device 1. Synonymously, the marking of the closed contacts 4, 6 may also be used to indicate an on-state, while the open contacts 4, 6 may be used for an off-state.

At least one movable contact 4 is arranged on the movable contact arm 3. According to a preferred embodiment configuration, the contact arm 3 has two movable contacts 4 which are located on respective parallel fork-like extensions of the contact arm 3, which in this embodiment may also be referred to as contact or switching bridges. The fork-like extensions are not shown in the figures.

The switching device 1 has a so-called switching lock 2. The switch lock 2 is a mechanical component that controls the movement of the contact arm 3. In a preferred and proposed design, the switch lock 2 has, in addition to the contact arm 3, a latch 20 and a latch support 22. Fig. 3 to 10 show the respective components separated from the other components of the switching device 1 in different views.

In the representative switch lock 2, a switch lever 7 is connected to the contact arm 3 via a first bracket 5 and a bracket 8 fixed to the first bracket 5. The first bracket 5 is guided via a guide slot 9 of a pivotably mounted latch 20.

The switching device 1 has a trip cut-off mechanism for manually actuating the quick separation of the contacts 4, 6. Up to this trip cut-off mechanism, the current switch lock 2 (according to a preferred implementation configuration) matches the switch lock 2 as proposed in EP 680661B 1. A basic embodiment of a switch lock with a link is shown in US 9 953 777 B2.

The switch lock 2 has two substantially parallel base plates 25 between which the individual components are mounted. Only one substrate is shown in fig. 1. The latch support 22 is provided with a not shown latching position, to which the latch 20 can be snapped to form a so-called latch. The latch support 22 is mounted between the two base plates 25 in a manner allowing rotation thereof. The latch 20 should preferably be a metal part and also be secured between the base plates 25 in a manner that allows it to rotate. On the latch 20 provided with two not shown side arms, a guide groove 9 is positioned, by means of which a part of the first (preferably U-shaped) bracket 5 engages. A bracket 8 is located between the two side arms of the latch 20 and on a portion of the first bracket 5, said bracket being connected to the movable contact arm 3.

The link 10 is mounted on a latch support 22 allowing movement. If the switch lever 7 is arranged in a fixed position where the contacts 4, 6 are in contact, the connecting rod 10 is located on the first protrusion 11 of the switch lever 7. It should be noted in this connection that the switching lever 7 can also be in this position without the contacts 4, 6 actually touching, for example if a so-called automatic breaking mechanism sealing the manual switching lever 7 results in a release of the switching device 1 and a separation of the contacts 4, 6.

As shown, the first bracket 5 is preferably mounted on or in the first protrusion 11 of the switch lever 7. The manual switch lever 7 rotates to turn on the switching device 1. As a result, the position of the first protrusion 11 inside the switching device 1 also changes. The switch lever 7 is preferably designed with several parts and the first projection 11 is part of the inner part of the switch lever 7.

Once the switch lever 7 is set to a stable or fixed on position, the link 10 abuts against the projection 11. The fixed position is reached if the manual switch lever 7 is limited by the housing and cannot be moved further in the closing contact direction. The connecting rod 10 has a length suitable for the purpose. The link 10 is mounted on the latch support 22 and is rotatable in this position. Furthermore, the link 10 is attached to the latch support 22 preferably under spring tension, wherein a so-called link spring 13, preferably mounted on the latch support 22 itself, hits the link 10 in a direction towards the switch lever 7.

The connecting rod 10 is preferably designed as a plastic part and, according to a presently preferred embodiment configuration, has two arms which extend from the support point to the joint region 12, thus crossing the gap.

In the fixed on state of the switching device 1, the end portion 12 of the connecting rod 10 abuts against the first projection 11 of the switching lever 7 between the switching lever 7 and the latch support 22. The link 10 is arranged to be moved from this position by actuating or rotating the switch lever 7. The link 10 then moves the latch support 22 so that it displaces in such a way as to release the latch between the latch support 22 and the latch 20, resulting in a "release" of the switch lock 2 and thus a separation of the contacts 4, 6, in particular by the switch lock 2. It is thus no longer possible to use the switch lever 7 to hold the movable contact 4 in a position close to the contacts 6 mounted on the housing. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that from the described on position, actuation or rotation of the switch lever 7 is only possible in one direction leading to a separation of the contacts 4, 6.

The manual switch lever 7 further comprises a second protrusion 30, which is preferably arranged on the first protrusion 11 of the manual switch lever 7. The second projection 30 is formed in particular as an integral extension of the first projection 11. The second protrusion 30 can best be seen in fig. 10 and 11.

The link 10 further comprises an actuation shoulder 29, which actuation shoulder 29 abuts against a second projection 30 of the manual switch lever 7 when the manual switch lever 7 is in a non-fixed position in which the movable contact 4 is in contact or almost in contact with the housing-mounted contact 6. The actuation shoulder 29 can best be seen in fig. 10 to 13. According to a preferred embodiment, an actuation shoulder 29 is arranged on the link 10 between the end portion 12 of the link 10 and the movable mounting of the link 10.

The actuation shoulder 29 enables the trip mechanism to operate even in the event that the end portion of the link is not engaged with the first protrusion. This may occur if the switch lever 7 is in a non-fixed position close to the on position of the switch lever 7. By moving the switch lever 7 from the off position to the on position, the second projection 30 will pass the actuation shoulder 29 in one position of the switch lever 7. After passing the actuation shoulder 29, the switch lever 7 cannot be moved in the direction of opening the contacts without activating the trip mechanism. This ensures that it is not possible to generate and maintain an arc between the contacts 4, 6.

Fig. 6 and 7 show the switch lock 7 with the switch lever 7 in a position immediately before the second projection 30 passes the actuation shoulder 29.

Fig. 8, 9 and 10 show the switch lock 2, wherein the switch lever 7 is moved a few degrees further than in fig. 6 and 7. In this position, the second projection 30 engages the actuation shoulder 29. Fig. 10 shows an enlarged portion of this detail from fig. 9.

The length of the link 10 must be such that it allows the latch to be released before the contacts 4, 6 are separated. Only fig. 2 and 3 show a fixed on state.

The end portion 12 of the link 10 has a recessed engagement area 31 for engaging the first protrusion 11 of the manual switch lever 7. The first protrusion 11 preferably has a recess in order to avoid premature displacement of the connecting rod 10.

Contact separation occurs in a representative switching device 1 in which the latch is released. When the switch lever 7 is moved back to the cut-off position, the latch 20 is again displaced under the latch support 22, thus creating a new latch, which is necessary for keeping the contacts 4, 6 connected.

It is therefore preferred that the housing 14 of the switching device 1 has a housing projection (not shown) in the region of the latch support 22, and that the connecting rod 10, in particular in its placement region on the latch support 22, has a crash pad 16 for supporting the latch support 22 on the housing projection after release of the latch. Thus, the first protrusion 11 cannot push the link 10 (and consequently the latch support 22) too far from the latch 20. Thus, it can be ensured that the latch 20 again forms a latch with the latch support 22 when the switch lever 7 is moved back to the off position.

It has proven to be advantageous if the affected housing projection delimits a not shown trigger housing opening for connecting the switch lock 2 to an external trigger. The switching device 1 typically has openings in the side walls of the housing 14 in order to functionally connect several such switching devices 1. By supporting the link 10 on the housing protrusion having the auxiliary function, the production cost can be reduced.

It should be noted that in the case of a so-called automatic breaking mechanism, the switching device 1 of the invention can be triggered even if the switch lever 7 is arranged in a position corresponding to the on-state, with the result that the contacts 4, 6 are separated. The trip cut-off mechanism described and illustrated herein involves the separation of the initially closed contacts 4, 6 manually triggered by actuation of the switch lever 7. Although the term "manual" is used, actuation may be by an external mechanical actuator that moves the manual switch lever 7.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be effected by those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention encompasses other embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below. In addition, statements herein reciting the invention, as well as, not necessarily all embodiments, refer to the same embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A switching device (1), comprising:

a movable contact (4) located on a contact arm (3) movably attached to the switching device (1), the movable contact (4) being configured to contact a contact (6) mounted on a housing and to establish a conductive current path through the switching device (1),

a switch lock (2) connected with the contact arm (3), the switch lock (2) comprising a latch (20) and a latch support (22), the latch support (22) comprising a latch position configured to latch the latch (20) to the latch support (22),

-a manual switch lever (7) configured to bring the movable contact (4) into contact with the housing-mounted contact (6), the manual switch lever (7) being connected with the contact arm (3),

-a link (10) movably mounted on the latch support (22), an end portion (12) of the link (10) abutting against a first projection (11) of the manual switch lever (7) when the manual switch lever (7) is in a fixed position in which the movable contact (4) is in contact with the housing-mounted contact (6),

-the connecting rod (10) further comprises an actuation shoulder (29), the actuation shoulder (29) abutting against a second projection (30) of the manual switch lever (7) when the manual switch lever (7) is in a non-fixed position in which the movable contact (4) is in contact with the housing-mounted contact (6),

-wherein actuation of the manual switch lever (7) for separating the movable contact (4) from the housing-mounted contact (6) moves the link (10) and thereby releases the latch of the latch support (22) to the latch (20).

2. Switching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second protrusion (30) of the manual switching lever (7) is arranged on the first protrusion (11) of the manual switching lever (7).

3. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuation shoulder (29) is arranged on the link (10) between an end portion (12) of the link (10) and the movable mounting of the link (10).

4. The switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching device (1) further comprises a first bracket (5) mounted on the first protrusion (11) of the manual switching lever (7).

5. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end portion (12) is embodied as a recessed engagement area (31) configured to be engaged at the first protrusion (11) of the switching lever (7).

6. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the link (10) is mounted on the latch support (22) and is rotatable in this position.

7. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching device (1) further comprises a link spring (13) mounted on the latch support (22), the link spring (13) striking the link (10) in a direction towards the switch lever (7).

8. The switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching device (1) further comprises a housing (14) comprising a housing protrusion (15) in the region of the latch support (22), wherein the link (10) comprises a strike pad (16) configured to support the latch support (22) on the housing protrusion (15).

9. The switching device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the housing protrusion (15) defines a trigger housing opening (17) configured to connect the switch lock (2) with an external trigger.

10. Switching device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the switching lever (7) is connected to the contact arm (3) via the first bracket (5) and a bracket (8) fixed to the first bracket (5), and wherein the first bracket (5) is guided via a guide slot of the latch (20).

11. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching device (1) is configured as a safety switching device comprising the housing-mounted contact (6) and the movable contact (4).

12. Switching device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the impact pad (16) is arranged in a placement area of the link (10) on the latch support (22).

13. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latch (20) is pivotally mounted.