EP2600371A1 - Switch suitable for direct current operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The contact pairs (12,17) have movable contacts (10,15) and the contacts (11,16) which are in contact with each other in switched-on state. An arc driver assembly (24) produces a magnetic field in the area of contact pairs. An arc conducting assembly (22) conducts the arc to a quenching apparatus (32). An arc conducting assembly (23) conducts the arc to a quenching apparatus (37). The conducting assemblies have a conducting plate (8) immovably accommodated in housing (6) and a conducting plate (29) connected at least partially rigidly to a bridge assembly (18) and arranged movably.

Description

The invention relates to a switching device suitable for a DC operation with a

Housing, having at least one pair of contacts with a first contact and a second contact, wherein at least one of the two contacts is movable and the two contacts in an on state of the switching device in contact with each other and in an off state of the switching device out of contact with each other, with a Arc runner arrangement which generates a magnetic field at least in the region of the contact pair, and with a first arc guide arrangement, by means of which an arc occurring between the contacts is conducted with a first current direction to a first extinguishing device for extinguishing the arc.

Such a switching device is from the EP 2 061 053 A2 known. To provide a switching device for DC applications there is proposed to use the housing of a switching device for AC applications, wherein additionally at least one magnet is provided which has a magnetic field with substantially transverse to the separation paths of the current paths of the AC switching device field lines. In the housing, three receiving areas are provided for each one flow path, wherein each current path is associated with a movable switching contact element and two opposing fixed switching contact elements. In this case, the three movable switching contact elements are jointly movable between a closed position, which corresponds to the switched-on state of the switching device, and an open position, which corresponds to a switched-off state of the switching device. The individual current paths are each associated with two arc quenching devices, which are each in the form of individual stacked, electrically insulated from each other quenching plates are formed. In addition, each current path has two separation sections, which are form with open movable switching contact elements between the ends thereof and the first and second fixed switching contact elements associated with these ends. When opening the switching contact elements forms an arc along the separation sections, with the help of
Arc quenching can be deleted. There at
In DC applications, erasure of an arc can not be achieved due to zero current passage, as in AC applications, DC applications require the provision of a magnetic field which drives the arc into one of the arc quenching devices. This magnetic field is formed by permanent magnets, wherein a magnetic field is built up with field lines in an orientation which extend transversely to the separation lines and generate a Lorenz force on these arcs forming parting lines, which drives the arcs in the direction of one of the arc extinguishing devices. In this case, an arc is driven between a first contact pair in the direction of a first arc quenching device and the arc between a second contact pair in a second arc quenching device. Since the movement of the arcs depends on the current direction, the switching device is suitable only for one direction of current, ie polarity. If the switching device were also operated in a reverse current direction, the arcs would not be driven into the arc extinguishing devices, but in the opposite direction.

Object of the present invention is to provide a switching device that can be operated independently of polarity, which can therefore be used for different current directions.

The invention is achieved by a switching device suitable for a DC operation, which comprises a housing, at least one contact pair with a first contact and a second contact, wherein at least one of the two contacts is movable and the two contacts in an on state of the switching device in contact and are in an off state of the switching device out of contact with each other, an arc runner assembly which generates a magnetic field at least in the region of the contact pair, and a first arc guide, by means of which an arc occurring between the contacts is conducted with a first current direction to a first extinguishing device for extinguishing the arc. In this case, a second arc guide arrangement is provided, by means of which an arc occurring between the contacts is conducted with a second current direction opposite the first current direction to a second extinguishing device for extinguishing the arc and wherein both Lichtbogenleitanordnungen are immovably received in the switch housing.

This ensures that the arc, which can form on a contact pair, is basically driven independently of the current direction into one of the two extinguishing devices. In addition, it is ensured by the arrangement of the extinguishing devices in the housing that they can be immobile and thus provided in a simple manner within the housing. In particular, both extinguishing devices can be constructed similarly or identically. A similar structure of the extinguishing devices is given in particular by the fact that the extinguishing plates of the two extinguishing devices are identical when using a deion-extinguishing chamber with a plurality of extinguishing plates.

The first arc guide arrangement can in this case be arranged such that an arc is conducted with a first current direction in a first direction to the first erasing device, wherein the second arc guide arrangement can be arranged such that an arc with a second current direction in a second direction parallel to the first direction is deflected to the second extinguishing device and directed. Ultimately arcs are thus driven in both directions in the same direction in the respective extinguishing device. The extinguishing devices are thus also aligned in the same direction. This ensures a simple and compact arrangement of the two extinguishing devices, which are preferably arranged directly next to each other. The extinguishing devices are preferably located on a wall of the housing, wherein the extinguishing devices each have exhaust openings which point in the same direction and are aligned with openings in the housing.

The first contact is preferably arranged on an upper side of a fixed contact carrier immovably held in the housing. The arc guiding arrangements are preferably arranged such that an arc is conducted with a first current direction along the upper side of the fixed contact carrier to the first extinguishing device and that an arc is conducted with a second current direction along an underside of the fixed contact carrier facing away from the upper side to the second extinguishing device. The arc with the second current direction is therefore deflected by 180 ° with respect to the path the arc travels with the first current direction.

The fixed contact carrier preferably extends between the two extinguishing devices. This results in a compact and symmetrical structure, wherein also the two extinguishing devices are separated by the fixed contact carrier and no further dividers must be provided.

For guiding the arcs, the arc guide assemblies each comprise a first baffle and a second baffle, wherein the first baffle extends from the first contact to the respective quenching device and wherein the second baffle extends from the second contact to the respective quenching device. Thus, an arc that forms between the two contacts, remain maintained between the two baffles and are driven between them in the direction of the respective extinguishing device by means of the magnetic field.

The arc guide arrangements can be made particularly compact if the first guide plate is formed by a fixed contact carrier held immovably in the housing, on which the first contact is arranged. The fixed contact carrier also serves as a connection point for connection to an electrical conductor, so that the fixed contact carrier basically has the same potential as the first contact.

The second baffle may be associated with a first contact movable bridge assembly on which the second contact is disposed. The second baffle thus has the same potential as the second contact.

Here, the second baffle may also be divided and have a first part which is connected to a first contact movable bridge assembly and having a second part which is arranged immovably in the contact housing.

In principle, the two guide blanks should be arranged such that the distance of the two guide plates, starting from the contacts to the respective extinguishing device increases in order to increase the voltage required to maintain an arc between the two baffles. The two baffles take the extinguishing device between them, so that the arcs are ultimately driven into the extinguishing device.

The two extinguishing devices can be constructed identical to one another in order to ensure a simple construction of the switching device with standardized components. In this case, the extinguishing devices can be designed as a deion-extinguishing chambers with a plurality of mutually electrically isolated extinguishing plates.

The arc guide assemblies may include at least one permanent magnet disposed between two pole plates, the pair of contacts being disposed between the pole plates. The arrangement of the pole plates ensures over a large area that a homogeneous magnetic field is created. Alternatively, two opposing permanent magnets may be provided, so that the pole plates are dispensable.

The switching device can also be designed as a double-breaking switching device, in which two pairs of contacts, each with a first contact and a second contact, a double-breaking switch assembly are provided forming the second contacts are arranged on a movable to the first contacts bridge contactor. When the switch is switched on, the second contacts are in each case in contact with one of the first contacts, with the bridge contact piece electrically connecting the two second contacts to one another. This means that the two pairs of contacts are serially connected in series.

The arc guiding arrangements can then be arranged mirror-symmetrically on both sides of the bridge contact piece for both contact pairs.

Furthermore, a plurality of double interrupting switching arrangements can be arranged side by side, wherein the bridge switching pieces of the individual switching arrangements are actuated by a common switching bridge to provide a multi-pole switching device.

Figur 1

einen Längsschnitt durch ein Gehäuse eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts,

Figur 2

das Schaltgerät gemäß Figur 1 ohne Gehäuse und

Figur 3

eine Lichtbogentreiberanordnung mit einem Permanentmagneten und Polplatten.

A preferred embodiment is explained below with reference to the figures. Herein show:

FIG. 1

a longitudinal section through a housing of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 2

the switching device according to FIG. 1 without housing and

FIG. 3

an arc driver assembly having a permanent magnet and pole plates.

The Figures 1 and 2 show the inventive switching device 1 in perspective views, the angle is basically identical, but for the sake of clarity in the Figures 2 the housing is not shown. The Figures 1 and 2 will be described together below.

The electrical switching device 1 comprises a total of two poles, ie two switching paths, namely a first switching path 2 and a second switching path 3. The two switching paths 2, 3 are each provided with a switch, as explained in more detail below, and thus can be electrically interrupted. The two switching paths 2, 3 can each be integrated into a DC circuit and serve to interrupt a current flow. The in the Figures 1 and 2 Front first switching path 2 will be explained below also representative of the second switching path 3, since both switching paths 2, 3 are constructed identically.

In FIG. 2 a housing 6 of the switching device 1 is shown, which forms each switching path 2, 3, a switching chamber 7, in which the closer explained below switch per switching path 2, 3 is arranged. The first switching track 2 comprises a first terminal 4 and a second terminal 5 for connecting the first switching track 2 to terminals of a DC current circuit. The first terminal 4 is part of a first fixed contact carrier 8, which leads into the switching chamber 7, wherein the first terminal 4 protrudes from the housing 6. On a top side 9, the first fixed contact carrier 8 carries a first contact 10, which can be brought into contact or out of contact with a second contact 11, which is movably arranged to the first contact 10. The first contact 10 and the second contact 11 form a first contact pair 12.

In mirror image to the first fixed contact carrier 8, a second fixed contact carrier 13 is arranged, which forms the second terminal 5. The second fixed contact carrier 13 is also guided into the switching chamber 7, wherein the second fixed contact carrier 13 protrudes with the second terminal 4 from the housing 6. On a top side 14, the second fixed contact carrier 13 carries a further first contact 15. Relative to the first contact 15, a further second contact 16 is movably arranged, wherein the first contact 15 and the second contact 16 are in contact and out of contact can be converted and together Make contact pair 17.

The two second contacts 11, 16 are arranged on an electrically conductive bridge contact piece 18 and electrically connected to one another. The bridge contact piece 18 can be in the in the Figures 1 and 2 illustrated orientation of the switching device 1 adjust vertically between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein in the raised position, the switching device 1 is in an off state in which the second contacts 11, 16 are not held in contact with the first contacts 10, 15 are. In the lowered position of the bridge contact piece 18, the second contacts 11, 16 are held in contact with the first contacts 10, 15, wherein this position corresponds to the switched state of the switching device. In the switched-on state of the switching device 1, current between the first terminal 4 and the second Port 5 flow. When switched off, the current conduction between the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 is interrupted.

For adjusting the bridge switching element 18, a switching bridge 19 is provided, which is arranged vertically displaceable in the housing 6 and which carries both the bridge switching element 18 of the first switching path 2 and a bridge switching element of the second switching path 3, so that both switching paths 2, 3 are switched synchronously ,

The bridge switch piece 18 is vertically adjustable received within the switching bridge 19, wherein the bridge switching piece 18 in the raised position, as in the Figures 1 and 2 represented by vertically downwardly acting spring means 21 against a stop 20 of the switching bridge 19 is acted upon by force. When transferring the switching bridge 19 down the second contacts 11, 16 come into contact with the first contacts 10, 15, so that the bridge contact piece 18 against the fixed contact carrier 8, 13 is supported and held down. In this position, the switching bridge 19 is further moved vertically downwards, wherein the bridge switching piece 18 lifts off from the stop 20 against the force of the spring means 21 until the switching bridge 19 occupies a lowermost position. Thus, the bridge switch piece 18 is acted upon by a defined spring force of the spring means 21 against the fixed contact carrier 8, 13 with force.

In the following, the first switching arrangement of the first contact pair 12 is explained in more detail, wherein this is designed identically and mirror-inverted to the second switching arrangement of the second contact pair 17. In the area of the first contact pair 12, a first arc guide arrangement 22 and a second arc guide arrangement 23 are arranged. The two arc guiding arrangements 22, 23 are arranged vertically one above the other. Further, an arc runner assembly 24 is provided, which in FIG. 3 is shown in detail. The arc runner assembly 24 includes two permanent magnets 28 each disposed between two pole plates 25, 26, 27. Overall, therefore, 3 pole plates, namely a middle pole plate 25 between the two permanent magnets 28 and a first outer pole plate 26 and a second outer pole plate 27 are provided. The permanent magnets 28 are located above the two Lichtbogenleitanordnungen 22, 23, wherein the pole plates 25, 26, 27 extend vertically downwards and the switching chambers 7 of the two switching paths 2, 3 laterally limit. The pole plates 25, 26, 27 are arranged in the region of the two first contact pairs 12 of both switching paths 2, 3 and cover the entire area of the two arc guide assemblies 22, 23. This arrangement of the permanent magnets 28 and the pole plates 25, 26, 27 ensures that between the pole plates 25, 26, 27, a homogeneous magnetic field is formed, which extends at right angles to the pole plates, wherein the field lines thus extend transversely to the direction of movement of the bridge contact piece 18. Thus, the field lines of the magnetic field formed by the arc guiding arrangement 24 also extend transversely to an arc, which can form between the first contact 10 and the second contact 11. Thus, the magnetic field produces a Lorentz force which acts on the arc and, depending on the orientation of the magnetic field and the current direction of the arc, drives it in a specific direction. In the case that the magnetic field in the direction of the second outer pole plate 27, which in FIG. 1 is not shown, is aligned with the middle pole plate 25 and the current flows from the first terminal 4 to the second terminal 5, an arc would result at the first contact pair 12 in a vertical direction from bottom to top. Thus, the arc would be in FIG. 1 driven to the left. An arc with reverse current direction, ie from the second contact 11 vertically down to the first contact 10, would first be driven to the right and, as will be explained below, deflected.

In order to selectively guide arcing, the two arc guiding arrangements 22, 23 are provided. The first arc guide arrangement 22 comprises a first guide plate, which in the present case is represented by the first fixed contact carrier 8. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that a separate baffle is provided for this purpose. Further, a second baffle 29 is provided, which is divided and comprises two parts. A first part 30 of the second baffle 29 is formed integrally with the bridge contact piece 18. A second part 31 of the second guide plate 29 is arranged immovably in the housing 6. The two parts 30, 31 of the second guide plate 29 merge into one another and have a narrow air gap at their point of separation.

The first guide plate in the form of the first fixed contact carrier 8 extends from the first contact 10 to a first deletion device 32. The second guide plate 29 extends from the second contact 11 to also to the first deletion device 32. Here, the two baffles 8, 29 are constructed such that they At their ends facing away from the contacts 10, 11 ends receive the first extinguishing device 32 between them. Furthermore, the two baffles 8, 29 designed such that the distance between the two baffles 8, 29, starting from the first pair of contacts 12 in the direction of the first extinguishing device 32 increases. This ensures that the required voltage for maintaining an arc in the direction of the first extinguishing device 32 is greater.

The duration for which the arcs exist, determines the switching time of the switching device 1, since the current flow between the contacts 11, 12 is maintained. Furthermore, a large amount of heat is released by the arcs, which can lead to thermal destruction of the contacts 11, 12. Therefore, it is necessary to extinguish the arcs as quickly as possible, for which purpose the arc guiding arrangements 22, 23 and the extinguishing devices 32, 37 are provided. The first extinguishing device 32 is, like all other extinguishing devices, designed as a Deion-quenching chamber, which comprises a plurality of quenching plates 23, which are arranged at least approximately parallel to each other and are electrically isolated from each other. If the arc is then driven into the first extinguishing device 32, a plurality of partial arcs are formed between the individual extinguishing plates 33, the arc voltage being higher than the driving voltage, so that the arcs are reliably extinguished.

The second arc guide arrangement 23 is arranged on the underside 42 of the first fixed contact carrier 8 facing away from the upper side 9 of the first fixed contact carrier 8. It comprises a first baffle, which is likewise formed by the first fixed contact carrier 8, and a second baffle 34, which is divided into a first part 35 and a second part 36. The first part 35 of the second baffle 34 is fixedly connected to the switching bridge 19 and thus moves together with the bridge switching piece 18. The second part 36 of the second baffle 34 is immovably held in the housing 6. The second baffle 34 is similar to the second baffle 29 of the first arc guide assembly 22, starting from the second contact 11 toward a second eraser 37. The second eraser 37 is identical to the first eraser 32 constructed and arranged on the bottom 42 of the first fixed contact carrier 8. The first fixed contact carrier 8 thus extends between the two erasers 32, 37 therethrough. The second deletion device 37 is identical to the first deletion device 32, so that in this regard reference may be made to the description of the first deletion device 32.

The second baffle 34 extends from the second contact 11, initially in a vertical direction downwards and thus extends from the top 9 of the first fixed contact carrier 8 to the bottom 42 thereof. On the underside 42, the second guide plate 34 continues horizontally in the direction of the second deletion device 37. Subsequently, it continues to run obliquely down to the end, at which it encloses the second deletion device 37 together with the first fixed contact carrier 8. Thus, it is ensured that in a second current direction of an arc between the first contact 10 and the second contact 11, the arc is driven to the right and is deflected by the vertically downwardly extending portion of the second baffle 34 first down and then further in the horizontal part the second guide plate 34 is in turn deflected further, so that the arc is again driven away from the switching bridge 19 in the direction of the second extinguishing device 37. Finally, an arc having a second current direction in one direction is driven into the second erasure device 37, which is parallel to a direction in which an arc having a first current direction is driven into the first erasure device 32. Independently of the current direction of the first switching path 2, an emerging arc is thus fundamentally driven away from the switching bridge 9 in the direction of the respective extinguishing device 32, 37, so that thermal stress on the switching bridge 19 is avoided.

In mirror image form, the arc guiding arrangements and arc drive arrangements are provided on the second contact pair 17. however In the case of a first current direction between the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5, the current direction of an arc between the contacts 10, 11 of the first contact pair 12 is spatially aligned in an opposite direction than an arc between the contacts 15, 16 of the second contact pair 17. Thus, when the current flows from the first terminal 4 to the second terminal 5, an arc forms on the first contact pair 12 from the first contact 10 to the second contact 11 with a current direction vertically upward. At the second contact pair 17, an arc is formed in the direction from the second contact 16 to the first contact 15 vertically downward. In order to ensure that in the same current direction between the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 both arcs are driven into the respective first erase device 32, the magnetic field of the arc runner assembly 24 is to be aligned on the first contact pair 12 in a different direction than on second contact pair 17. It should be noted that it is basically desirable that in a first current direction both arcs at the two contact pairs 12, 17 respectively in the first erasers 32 and in a second current direction in the respective second erasers 37 is driven so that the Arcs of the two pairs of contacts 12, 17 go through the same distance until they are driven into the respective extinguishing devices, and so the two arcs are deleted as possible simultaneously.

In FIG. 2 If the individual extinguishing devices are identically constructed, and the second extinguishing device 37 is explained in greater detail here by way of example. This comprises a frame 38, which has walls 39 of insulating material and in which the individual quenching plates 33 are accommodated. In a direction away from the switching bridge 19 direction, the extinguishing devices on exhaust openings 40, which are aligned with a housing opening 41 of the housing 6.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

switchgear

2

first switching path

3

second switching path

4

first connection

5

second connection

6

casing

7

switching chamber

8th

first fixed contact carrier

9

top

10

first contact

11

second contact

12

first contact pair

13

second fixed contact carrier

14

top

15

first contact

16

second contact

17

second contact pair

18

Bridging contact member

19

jumper

20

attack

21

spring means

22

first arc guide arrangement

23

second arc guide arrangement

24

Arc driver arrangement

25

middle pole plate

26

first outer pole plate

27

second outer pole plate

28

permanent magnet

29

second baffle

30

first part of the second baffle

31

second part of the second baffle

32

first extinguishing device

33

splitter

34

second baffle

35

first part of the second baffle

36

second part of the second baffle

37

second extinguishing device

38

frame

39

wall

40

exhaust vent

41

housing opening

42

bottom

S

switching direction

Claims (15)

Switching device (1) suitable for a DC operation comprising a housing (6), at least one contact pair (12, 17) with a first contact (10, 15) and a second contact (11, 16), wherein at least one of the two contacts (15 , 16) is movable and the two contacts (10, 15; 11, 16) in an on state of the switching device (1) in contact with each other and in an off state of the switching device (1) are out of contact with each other,
an arc runner arrangement (24) which generates a magnetic field at least in the region of the contact pair (12, 17), a first arc guide arrangement (22), by means of which an arc occurring between the contacts (10, 15; 11, 16) with a first current direction a first extinguishing device (32) is led to extinguish the arc, characterized in that a second arc guide arrangement (23) is provided, by means of which between the contacts (10, 15; 11, 16) occurring arc with a first flow direction opposite the second Current direction to a second extinguishing device (37) is led to extinguish the arc and that both Lichtbogenleitanordnungen (22, 23) are immovably received in the housing (6). Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first arc guide arrangement (22) is arranged such that an arc with a first current direction in a first direction to the first erase device (32) is passed and that the second arc guide arrangement (23) is arranged such an arc with a second current direction is deflected and conducted in a second direction parallel to the first direction to the second deletion device (37). Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact (10, 15) on an upper side (9, 14) of a housing (6) immovably held fixed contact carrier (8, 13) is arranged,
that an arc with a first current direction along the upper side (9, 14) of the fixed contact carrier (8, 13) to the first extinguishing device (32) is passed and
an arc with a second current direction is guided along one of the undersides (42) of the fixed contact carrier (8, 13) facing away from the upper side (9, 14) to the second clearing device (37). Switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixed contact carrier (8, 13) extends between the two extinguishing devices (32, 37). Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arc guide arrangements (22, 23) each comprise a first guide plate (8) and a second guide plate (29, 34), wherein the first guide plate (8) starting from the first contact (10, 15) to the respective extinguishing device (32, 37) and wherein the second guide plate (29, 34), starting from the second contact (11, 16) for the respective extinguishing device (32, 37). Switching device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first baffle plate is formed by a fixed contact carrier (8, 13) held immovably in the housing (6), on which the first contact (10, 15) is arranged. Switching device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the second guide plate (29, 34) of a first contact (10, 15) movable bridge arrangement (18, 19) on which the second contact (11, 16) is arranged , assigned. Switching device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the second guide plate (29, 34) is divided and a first part (30, 35) of the second guide plate (29, 34) with a first contact (10, 15) movable bridge assembly (18, 19) is connected, on which the second contact (11, 16) is arranged, and a second part (31, 36) of the second guide plate (29, 34) is arranged immovably in the contact housing. Switching device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the distance of the two guide plates (8, 29, 34) starting increased from the contacts (10, 15, 11, 16) to the respective erasing means (32, 37) and that the two baffles (8, 29, 34) receive the erasing means (32, 37) between them. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two extinguishing devices (32, 37) are constructed identically. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the quenching devices (32, 37) are formed as deion-quenching chambers with a plurality of mutually electrically isolated quenching plates (33). Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arc guide arrangement (22, 23) comprises at least one permanent magnet (28) which is arranged between two pole plates (25, 26, 27), wherein the contact pair (12, 17) between the Polplatten (25, 26, 27) is arranged. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two pairs of contacts (12, 17), each with a first contact (10, 15) and a second contact (11, 16), forming a double-breaking switch arrangement, wherein the second Contacts (11, 16) are arranged on a bridge contact piece (18) that is movable relative to the first contacts (10, 15), and that in the switched-on state of the switching device (1) the second contacts (11, 16) are each connected to one of the first contacts (18). 10, 15) are in contact and the bridge switching piece (18) electrically connects the two second contacts (11, 16) with each other. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Lichtbogenleitanordnungen (22, 23) for the two pairs of contacts (12, 17) are arranged in mirror image on opposite sides of the bridge switching element (18). Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of double interrupting switch arrangement are arranged side by side, wherein the bridge switching pieces (18) of the individual switch arrangements by a common switching bridge (19) are actuated.

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