EP0563775B1 - Bimetal-controlled protection circuit breaker - Google Patents

Bimetal-controlled protection circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0563775B1
EP0563775B1 EP93104853A EP93104853A EP0563775B1 EP 0563775 B1 EP0563775 B1 EP 0563775B1 EP 93104853 A EP93104853 A EP 93104853A EP 93104853 A EP93104853 A EP 93104853A EP 0563775 B1 EP0563775 B1 EP 0563775B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bimetal
circuit breaker
shunt
rail
contact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93104853A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0563775A1 (en
Inventor
Josef Peter
Peter Meckler
Fritz Krasser
Gerhard Endner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ellenberger and Poensgen GmbH
Original Assignee
Ellenberger and Poensgen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE9207762U external-priority patent/DE9207762U1/en
Application filed by Ellenberger and Poensgen GmbH filed Critical Ellenberger and Poensgen GmbH
Publication of EP0563775A1 publication Critical patent/EP0563775A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0563775B1 publication Critical patent/EP0563775B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/46—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release having means for operating auxiliary contacts additional to the main contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/14—Electrothermal mechanisms
    • H01H71/16—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/42—Induction-motor, induced-current, or electrodynamic release mechanisms
    • H01H71/43—Electrodynamic release mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/66—Power reset mechanisms
    • H01H71/68—Power reset mechanisms actuated by electromagnet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
    • H01H2071/048—Means for indicating condition of the switching device containing non-mechanical switch position sensor, e.g. HALL sensor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/14—Electrothermal mechanisms
    • H01H71/16—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element
    • H01H2071/167—Multiple bimetals working in parallel together, e.g. laminated together
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/46—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release having means for operating auxiliary contacts additional to the main contacts
    • H01H2071/467—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release having means for operating auxiliary contacts additional to the main contacts with history indication, e.g. of trip and/or kind of trip, number of short circuits etc.
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H47/22—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for supplying energising current for relay coil
    • H01H47/226—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for supplying energising current for relay coil for bistable relays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/10—Electromagnetic or electrostatic shielding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H51/00—Electromagnetic relays
    • H01H51/22—Polarised relays
    • H01H51/2209—Polarised relays with rectilinearly movable armature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a circuit breaker with the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such circuit breakers are e.g. known from EP 0 391 086 A1.
  • a U-shaped bimetal with an also U-shaped extension, which acts as a busbar is electrically connected in series.
  • the busbar flanks the bimetal in such a way that the current directions of the sections of busbar and bimetal opposite in the deflection plane of the bimetal are opposite. These opposite current directions strongly repel the bimetal and busbar, especially at high currents.
  • the busbar is fixed in the housing of the circuit breaker, the repulsive forces act as additional electrodynamic forces on the bimetal in order to lay it out in its deflection plane.
  • the relatively slow, thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal is consequently supported by the electrodynamic force effect. Since this effect occurs particularly at very high currents, a particularly short switch-off time is achieved in the event of a short circuit. With small currents, the electrodynamic force effect is only subordinate or not effective at all.
  • the bimetal In the known bimetallic circuit breaker, the bimetal can be overloaded by excessive currents. It is destroyed or at least its triggering accuracy and sensitivity is impaired. This does not guarantee the safe functioning of the circuit breaker. In order to avoid this danger, known circuit breakers can only be used in a very limited spectrum of different current strengths. Several circuit breakers may have to be used for different currents.
  • the bimetal can e.g. be made more robust by increasing the cross-section.
  • a more robust construction affects its trigger sensitivity and accuracy.
  • the invention has for its object to build a bimetallic circuit breaker such that it is suitable for larger currents.
  • the trigger sensitivity and accuracy of the bimetal should be improved. This object is achieved by the combination of features of claim 1.
  • the circuit breaker Due to the shunt current path electrically connected in parallel to the bimetal, the circuit breaker is suitable for a wide range of different current intensities without having to change the bimetal.
  • the required maximum permissible current strengths are taken into account in a simple manner by a corresponding line resistance of the shunt current path. This is done in a known manner by different lengths or cross-sectional dimensions or also by selecting a different material for the shunt current path.
  • circuit breakers that can be used for different current spectra are technically and structurally identical with the exception of the shunt current path. This lowers the manufacturing and logistics costs of the circuit breakers.
  • the shunt current path connected in parallel also has the effect that the cross section of the bimetal can be reduced without overloading its material by overcurrent.
  • a bimetal with a smaller cross section has improved spring properties for deflecting it.
  • the spring properties of the bimetal are characterized by its moment of resistance, which depends on the width and thickness of the bimetal. The width is linear and the thickness is square in the resistance moment.
  • Such improved spring properties of the bimetal have the effect that the electrodynamic force effect of the busbar on the bimetal is improved.
  • the thermal deflection movement of the bimetal is also facilitated.
  • the trigger sensitivity of the bimetal is increased and shorter trigger times are achieved.
  • the required or desired tripping characteristic can therefore be taken into account in a simple manner by means of bimetals with different cross sections.
  • a shunt current path designed according to the invention as a shunt rail also produces an electrodynamic force between the shunt rail and the bimetal in a corresponding parallel arrangement to the bimetal, the electrodynamic force acting in full on the bimetal through the rigid shunt rail fixed in the housing of the circuit breaker.
  • the tripping sensitivity of the circuit breaker is further increased without additional components.
  • the parallel course of the bimetal, shunt rail and busbar also favors the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker.
  • Claim 2 relates to a preferred embodiment of the arrangement of busbar, bimetal and shunt rail.
  • the shunt rail has a repulsive force between the bimetal and the busbar, for example, so that the bimetal is deflected in the direction of the shunt rail.
  • This deflection movement is supported by an attraction force of the shunt rail on the bimetal.
  • the shunt rail must be designed for a current direction course which causes the attraction.
  • the increased electrodynamic force effect has the advantage that it is effective even with small overcurrents and thereby further increases the sensitivity of the circuit breaker to tripping.
  • the busbar and shunt rail arranged on opposite sides of the bimetal further favor the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker.
  • the force effects of the two rails cannot influence one another. They each act on the bimetal independently with the maximum possible force.
  • Claims 3 and 4 relate to further measures to improve the electrodynamic force effect on the bimetal.
  • the bimetal is U-shaped.
  • the U-plane is arranged at right angles to the deflection plane and the free ends of the U-legs which act as contact ends are fixed in place.
  • the contact ends on the one hand cause the bimetal to be electrically connected in series with the circuit in a simple manner.
  • the one-sided fixation of the bimetal in the area of its contact ends means that a mechanically stable deflection end of the bimetal is created with the connecting yoke connecting the two U-legs.
  • Such a deflection end results in a very effective power transmission of the deflected bimetal to, for example, a switch lock for reliably interrupting the circuit within the circuit breaker.
  • the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail are connected by their contact ends or shunt contacts.
  • the free ends of the U-legs are preferably used as contact ends or shunt contacts. Due to the parallel spacing of bimetal, busbar and shunt rail necessary for the electrodynamic force effects, a structurally simple connection technique of these components in the area of the free ends of the U-legs is possible.
  • connections act on the one hand as electrical contact between the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail and on the other hand as a fixed mechanical fixation of the components to one another. Since the busbar and shunt rail are fixed in the housing, the structural unit made up of bimetal, busbar and shunt rail is adequately fastened in the assembled state of the circuit breaker and is therefore well protected against external forces. As a structural unit, the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail also do not have to be fastened separately within the circuit breaker housing, so that additional fastening means are not required. This saves construction and costs. In addition, the assembly effort is kept low.
  • this compact unit Due to the parallel distance between bimetal, busbar and shunt rail necessary for an effective electrodynamic force effect, this compact unit has a slim design.
  • the circuit breaker housing can thus be made smaller.
  • Claim 7 relates to a preferred embodiment of the connection between bimetal, busbar and shunt rail. This reduces contact resistance between the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail.
  • the welded connection also enables a long service life for the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail as a compact unit.
  • the structural unit is additionally fixed to a support bracket. This promotes the mechanical stability of the assembly in the assembled state. Since the support bracket forms part of the circuit, it is next to the Busbar the second connection contact for the module to connect it electrically in series with the circuit. Mechanically stable and electrically contacting connections between the components are achieved by one and the same measure. This saves on components and costs. The use of only a few components also makes it possible to make the circuit breaker housing smaller.
  • Claim 9 relates to a preferred embodiment of the attachment of the support bracket. This type of attachment makes it possible that the support bracket can be contacted directly with a power line connected to the circuit breaker without the interposition of additional current-conducting components. This in turn saves components, costs and space. Additional contact resistances are also avoided.
  • Claim 10 relates to a particular embodiment of the electrical contact between the carrier console and an external power line or an electrical consumer.
  • the connecting bolt fulfills the double function on the one hand as a mechanical fixing and fastening means and on the other hand as an electrical contacting means for the support bracket.
  • a carrier console designed according to claim 11 enables it to perform several functions. This also supports the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker.
  • the adjustment screw used enables the trigger sensitivity to be changed at any time. This means that one and the same circuit breaker can be triggered at different nominal currents.
  • Bimetal 1 current rail 2 and shunt rail 3 are arranged in mutually parallel planes.
  • the two U-legs 4, 5 of the bimetal 1 are arranged in a longitudinal direction 6.
  • the U-bottom forms the deflecting end 7 of the bimetal 1 and extends in a depth direction 8 running at right angles to the longitudinal direction 6.
  • the deflecting end 7 is bent in the direction away from the metal legs 4, 5 in the direction of the busbar 2 by 45 °.
  • a bimetallic projection 9 adjoins the region of the deflection end 7 which is bent by 45 °.
  • the bimetallic projection 9 has a smaller extent in the depth direction 8 than the deflecting end 7 and is integrally formed at the end of the bent region of the deflecting end 7.
  • the free ends of the bimetal legs 4, 5 are shaped approximately square in the transverse direction 10 and form the bimetal contact ends 11, 12. They are arranged offset in the direction of the busbar 2 relative to the rest of the area of the bimetal legs 4, 5. In the final assembly position, the busbar 2 covers the bimetallic leg 4 as seen in the transverse direction 10.
  • the deflection plane of the bimetal 1 is spanned by the longitudinal direction 6 and the transverse direction 10.
  • a rail extension 13 is integrally formed on the end of the busbar 2 facing the deflection end 7.
  • the rail extension 13 has approximately one seen in the depth direction 8 square cross section.
  • the longitudinal extension of the rail extension 13 corresponds to the depth direction 8.
  • the conductor rail 2 and the rail extension 13 are arranged perpendicular to one another. Together they have an L shape.
  • Busbar 2 and rail extension 13 are made in one piece from a metal strip. However, this metal strip in the depth direction 8 in the region of the busbar 2 is only about half as wide as in the region of the rail extension 13. The outer region of the busbar 2 facing the bimetal leg 4 in the depth direction 8 has a plurality of rectangular bulges or grooves, seen in the transverse direction 10 . The width of the bimetal 1 in the depth direction 8 is somewhat smaller than the corresponding extension of the rail extension 13.
  • the shunt rail 3 like the bimetal 1, is U-shaped. It is arranged in a plane parallel to bimetal 1.
  • the U-bottom of the shunt rail 3 projects beyond the two shunt legs 14, 15 in the depth direction 8. Its extension in this direction is somewhat larger than the corresponding extent of the rail extension 13.
  • the two shunt legs 14, 15 and the adjoining leg ends 16, 17 correspond in outline form and arrangement about the bimetal legs 4.5 and their bimetal contact ends 11, 12.
  • leg ends 16, 17 are extended by fastening ends 18, 19.
  • the leg end 17 is extended approximately in the longitudinal direction 6 by means of the fastening end 19.
  • the fastening end 19 is bent away from the bimetal 1. Seen in the transverse direction 10, the fastening end 19 is approximately square.
  • the leg end 16 has a greater extent in the depth direction 8 compared to the associated shunt leg 14. This is followed by a right-angled bend and directed towards the conductor rail 2, the fastening end 18.
  • the outline shape of the fastening end 18 is essentially rectangular (FIG. 2).
  • the fastening end 18 is pierced in its central region by a rectangular contact opening 20 in the depth direction 8.
  • the surface of the busbar 2 facing the fastening end 18 contains, as already mentioned in FIG. 1, a plurality of grooves and bulges.
  • the contact bulge 22 which extends in the depth direction 8, is formed onto the rail end 21 of the busbar 2 facing away from the rail extension 13. Its outline shape is adapted to the outline shape of the contact opening 20 in such a way that a positive connection between the busbar 2 and the fastening end 18 is produced in the final assembly state.
  • the leg end 16 is pierced in its area facing the leg end 17 by a screw opening 23 in the transverse direction 10. Its outline corresponds approximately to that of a semicircle with its concave side facing the leg end 17.
  • the screw opening 23 enables an adjusting screw 24 (FIG. 3) with its insulating pin 25 to reach through the leg end 16 without contact and act on the bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1 in the final assembly state.
  • the cylindrical insulating pin 25 is integrally formed on the front side of the adjusting screw 24 facing the bimetal 1.
  • the direction of action of the adjusting screw 24 corresponds to the transverse direction 10.
  • the adjusting screw 24 is mounted in a threaded bore 26.
  • the threaded bore 26 breaks through a currentless bearing arm 27 of a support bracket 28 in the transverse direction 10.
  • the bearing arm 27 has the outline shape of a rectangular plate. In the region of its corner edge facing the shunt leg 14 and diagonally opposite corner edge (FIG. 3), the bearing arm 27 is recessed in a rectangular manner.
  • connection arm 29 is integrally formed on the support bracket 28 in addition to the bearing arm 27.
  • the outline shape of the connecting arm 29 is essentially rectangular when viewed in the transverse direction 10. While the currentless bearing arm 27 is arranged parallel to the leg end 16 of the shunt rail 3 in the final assembly position, the connecting arm 29 is bent in the direction of the busbar 2.
  • the connecting arm 29 and the fastening end 19 which is also bent relative to the leg end 17 are arranged in mutually parallel planes.
  • a bimetal contact surface 30 running parallel to the busbar 2 is integrally formed.
  • the bimetal contact surface 30 is square.
  • the plate-like bimetallic contact surface 30 projects beyond the connecting arm 29 in the depth direction 8 on the side facing away from the bearing arm 27.
  • a bottom piece 31 as part of the support bracket 28 is rectangular as seen in the longitudinal direction 6.
  • a connecting bolt 32 (FIG. 4) is electrically contacted in the final assembly position.
  • the base piece 31 is pierced by a cylindrical bolt opening 33 in the longitudinal direction 6.
  • Fig. 3 the bimetallic unit can be seen in its assembled state.
  • the rail end 21 is welded to the bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1.
  • the contact bulge 22 of the busbar 2 is connected by a positive connection to the fastening end 18 of the shunt rail 3 and electrically contacted.
  • the bimetal contact end 12 of the bimetal 1 is welded to the bimetal contact surface 30. The same applies to the fastening end 19 of the shunt rail 3 and the connecting arm 29.
  • the mutually facing end faces of the bimetal contact end 11 and the leg end 16 are separated from one another by an air gap.
  • an insulating plate can be inserted between these two end faces.
  • the bimetal projection 9 passes through a rectangular slide slot 34 of a slide 35.
  • the slide 35 is mounted on the housing and extends in the plane spanned by the depth direction 8 and the transverse direction 10. Seen in the longitudinal direction 6, the slider 35 has a rectangular outline shape.
  • the slide slot 34 is wider in the transverse direction 10 than the bimetal projection 9. Depending on the ambient temperature and the adjustment of the bimetal 1, the bimetal projection 9 lies in a different position within the slide slot 34 along the transverse direction 10.
  • the slide 35 is made of electrically non-conductive material.
  • the rail extension 13 and a contact lever 36 are connected to one another by an electrically conductive strand 52.
  • the contact lever 36 is made of electrically conductive material.
  • the contact lever 36 extends essentially in the transverse direction 10. In its end region facing the bimetal 1, the contact lever 36 contains a bearing opening 37. It breaks through the contact lever 36 in the depth direction 8.
  • the bearing opening 37 is penetrated by an axis, not shown here, which extends in the depth direction 8 and is fixed to the housing.
  • the contact lever 36 is mounted fixed to the housing.
  • a plate-shaped contact piece 38 is attached to the surface of the contact lever 36 facing away from the slide 35 in the longitudinal direction 6.
  • the contact piece 38 is arranged on that end region of the contact lever 36 which faces away from the bearing opening 37 in the transverse direction 10.
  • a pin 39 extending in the longitudinal direction 6 is formed on the surface of the contact lever 36 connected to the contact piece 38. Viewed in the transverse direction 10, the pin 39 is arranged between the bearing opening 37 and the contact piece 38, but at a smaller distance from the bearing opening 37.
  • the pin 39 is positively surrounded by a compression spring 40.
  • the compression spring 40 acts against a surface not shown here and thereby pressurizes the contact lever 36 in the longitudinal direction 6.
  • the compression spring 40 supports the contact lever 36 in a defined switch-on position (FIG. 3) or in a defined switch-off position.
  • the contact piece 38 cooperates with a fixed contact 41 for closing and opening the circuit.
  • the fixed contact 41 is also plate-shaped.
  • the fixed contact 41 is attached to a support base 42.
  • the carrier base 42 is a metal strip bent in a U shape as seen in the depth direction 8.
  • the U-legs extend in the transverse direction 10.
  • the U-base faces the bimetal 1.
  • the fixed contact 41 is arranged in the end region of the U-leg of the support base 42 facing the contact lever 36.
  • the end faces of contact piece 38 and fixed contact 41 facing each other in the longitudinal direction 6 form their contact faces. These contact surfaces extend approximately in the plane spanned by the depth direction 8 and the transverse direction 10. If the mutually facing end faces of the contact piece 38 and the fixed contact 41 lie against one another (FIG. 3), the support base 42 is electrically connected to the rail extension 13.
  • the U-leg of the support base 42 facing away from the contact lever 36 is pierced by a bolt opening 43 in the longitudinal direction 6. It serves the same purpose as the bolt opening 33 in the area of the base piece 31.
  • the bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1 is pressurized by means of the adjusting screw 24.
  • the bimetallic legs 4, 5 can be braced against one another by adjusting the adjusting screw 24.
  • the bimetal 1 is thus adjusted and a different trigger sensitivity can be set.
  • busbar 2 So that only the bimetal 1 is moved when the electrodynamic forces are used, the busbar 2 is fixed in place in the area of its rail extension 13 and the shunt rail 3 in the area of its U-bottom within the circuit breaker housing. This fixation causes the immobility of busbar 2 and shunt rail 3 required with respect to bimetal 1. At the same time, busbar 2 in the region of its rail end 21 and shunt rail 3 in the region of its leg end 16 are still movable in such a way that the pressurization of the bimetal contact end 11 by means of the adjusting screw 24 is not is hindered.
  • the conductor rail 2 is dimensioned weaker in the region of its rail end 21 and its contact bulge 22 due to the shoulder-like arrangement of recesses in the depth direction 8.
  • a current flowing from the support base 42 in the direction of the busbar 2 is divided in the region of the busbar end 21 (FIG. 1).
  • One part flows through the bimetal 1 from the bimetal contact end 11 to the bimetal contact end 12.
  • the other current component flows through the shunt rail 3 from the fastening end 18 to the fastening end 19.
  • the bimetal 1 is designed such that the deflection end 7 is deflected in the direction of a deflection side 44 in the direction of a deflection plane in the event of small overcurrents due to thermal conditions.
  • the side facing away from this is the rear side 45.
  • the bimetal 1 While the thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal 1 is particularly effective at low overcurrents, the bimetal 1 becomes very large Overflow deflected mainly by the electrodynamic force effect. At high overcurrents, the electrodynamic force supports or replaces the relatively slow, thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal 1, so that in the event of a short circuit the switch-off time is shortened and the tripping characteristic of the circuit breaker is improved.
  • the busbar 2 and the bimetallic leg 4 act like two parallel conductors through which the current flows in opposite directions. Such conductors repel each other due to the electrodynamic force effect.
  • the shunt leg 14 and the bimetallic leg 4 or the shunt leg 15 and the bimetallic leg 5 act like two parallel conductors through which current flows. Such conductors attract due to the electrodynamic force. Since the busbar 2 and the shunt rail 3 are fixed in place, only the bimetal 1 is moved with its deflecting end 7 in the direction of the deflecting side 44.
  • the switch lock 46 is shown schematically as an approximately square box. It can consist of various electrical and mechanical components, e.g. composed of switches and levers.
  • the arrow directions 47, 48 indicate the interaction of the slide 35 and the contact lever 36 with the switching mechanism 46.
  • the slide 35 acts e.g. on a trigger of the switch lock 46, not shown here.
  • the bimetal projection 9 strikes the slide slot 34.
  • the housing-mounted slide 35 is moved in the direction of the deflection side 44 (FIG. 3).
  • the switch position of the trigger not shown, has the effect that the pressurizing effect of the switch lock 46 on the contact lever 36 in the direction of the fixed contact 41 is ended.
  • the contact lever 36 is rotated counterclockwise about the axis passing through the bearing opening 37.
  • the rotation of the contact lever 36 counterclockwise is supported by the compression spring 40.
  • the contact lever 36 thereby reaches its defined switch-off position.
  • an actuating element can be provided on the switching lock 46 be.
  • the actuating element can be switched by an operator.
  • the switching mechanism 46 produces its pressurizing effect on the contact lever 36.
  • the contact lever 36 is rotated clockwise about the axis passing through the bearing opening 37 in the direction of the fixed contact 41.
  • the mutually facing end faces of the contact piece 38 and the fixed contact 41 rest against one another in the switched-on position of the contact lever 36. This closes the circuit inside the circuit breaker.
  • the effective direction of the contact pressure corresponds to the longitudinal direction 6.
  • the contact pressure is additionally improved by the action of the compression spring 40.
  • the pressurizing effect of the switch lock 46 on the contact lever 36 to remain in its switched-on position can be determined by the operator e.g. be ended via the actuating element, not shown.
  • the switch lock 46 can also be connected to electronics for remote control of the switching position of the contact lever 36.
  • the bimetallic unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is also suitable for currents above 50 A.
  • a current division takes place through the parallel shunt rail 3, which enables the cross-sectional area of the bimetal 1 to be reduced.
  • the reduction in cross section brings about improved spring properties of the bimetal 1, as a result of which the electrodynamic force effect can be better utilized.
  • the bimetal assembly is attached to a housing wall 49 of the circuit breaker.
  • the connecting bolt 32 positively engages through the housing wall 49 and the base piece 31 and in this way establishes a firm mechanical connection between the housing wall 49 and the support bracket 28.
  • the bimetal assembly is a self-supporting, compact and stable unit and, apart from the support bracket 28 and the fixing of the busbar 2 and the shunt rail 3 to the circuit breaker housing, requires no additional fastening means. Because of the necessary insulation, the entire circuit breaker housing exists, ie also the housing wall 49, and a housing wall 50 arranged perpendicularly thereto and made of an insulating material. An external power line or an electrical consumer can be connected to the connecting bolt 32.
  • FIG. 4 it can be seen that the geometric structure of the bimetallic unit is well adapted to the course of the housing walls 49.50.
  • This space-saving structure enables the circuit breaker housing to have small dimensions.
  • a slide housing 51 is integrally formed on the housing wall 50 in the area of the bimetal projection 9.
  • the slide housing 51 extends in the transverse direction 10.
  • the slide 35 is mounted in the slide housing 51.
  • the movements of the slide 30 are performed in the transverse direction 10.
  • the movements of all components are carried out in the deflection plane spanned by the longitudinal direction 6 and transverse direction 10. This also favors the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker housing.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Schutzschalter mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a circuit breaker with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Derartige Schutzschalter sind z.B. aus EP 0 391 086 A1 bekannt. Dort ist ein U-förmiges Bimetall mit einer ebenfalls U-förmigen, als Stromschiene wirksamen Verlängerung elektrisch in Reihe geschaltet. Dabei flankiert die Stromschiene das Bimetall derart, daß die Stromrichtungen der in der Auslenkebene des Bimetalls gegenüberliegenden Abschnitte von Stromschiene und Bimetall entgegengesetzt sind. Durch diese entgegengesetzten Stromrichtungen stoßen sich Bimetall und Stromschiene insbesondere bei hohen Strömen stark ab. Da die Stromschiene im Gehäuse des Schutzschalters fixiert ist, wirken die abstoßenden Kräfte in vollem Umfang als zusätzliche elektrodynamische Kräfte auf das Bimetall, um dieses in seiner Auslenkebene auszublegen. Die relativ träge, thermisch bedingte Auslenkbewegung des Bimetalls wird folglich durch die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung unterstützt. Da dieser Effekt insbesondere bei sehr hohen Strömen auftritt, wird damit eine besonders kurze Abschaltzeit im Kurzschlußfall erzielt. Bei kleinen Strömen ist die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung nur untergeordnet oder gar nicht wirksam.Such circuit breakers are e.g. known from EP 0 391 086 A1. There, a U-shaped bimetal with an also U-shaped extension, which acts as a busbar, is electrically connected in series. The busbar flanks the bimetal in such a way that the current directions of the sections of busbar and bimetal opposite in the deflection plane of the bimetal are opposite. These opposite current directions strongly repel the bimetal and busbar, especially at high currents. Since the busbar is fixed in the housing of the circuit breaker, the repulsive forces act as additional electrodynamic forces on the bimetal in order to lay it out in its deflection plane. The relatively slow, thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal is consequently supported by the electrodynamic force effect. Since this effect occurs particularly at very high currents, a particularly short switch-off time is achieved in the event of a short circuit. With small currents, the electrodynamic force effect is only subordinate or not effective at all.

Bei dem bekannten bimetallgesteuerten Schutzschalter kann das Bimetall durch zu hohe Ströme überlastet werden. Es wird zerstört oder zumindest in seiner Auslösegenauigkeit und -empfindlichkeit beeinträchtigt. Damit ist eine sichere Funktionsweise des Schutzschalters nicht gewährleistet. Um diese Gefahr zu vermeiden, können bekannte Schutzschalter nur in einem sehr begrenzten Spektrum von verschiedenen Stromstärken eingesetzt werden. Für verschiedene Stromstärken müssen u.U. mehrere Schutzschalter verwendet werden.In the known bimetallic circuit breaker, the bimetal can be overloaded by excessive currents. It is destroyed or at least its triggering accuracy and sensitivity is impaired. This does not guarantee the safe functioning of the circuit breaker. In order to avoid this danger, known circuit breakers can only be used in a very limited spectrum of different current strengths. Several circuit breakers may have to be used for different currents.

Um bei großen Stromstärken nicht überlastet zu werden, kann das Bimetall z.B. durch eine Querschnittsvergrößerung robuster gestaltet werden. Ein robusterer Aufbau beeinträchtigt jedoch dessen Auslöseempfindlichkeit und -genauigkeit.In order not to be overloaded at high currents, the bimetal can e.g. be made more robust by increasing the cross-section. However, a more robust construction affects its trigger sensitivity and accuracy.

Ausgehend von diesen Nachteilen liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen bimetallgesteuerten Schutzschalter derart aufzubauen, daß er für größere Stromstärken geeignet ist. Außerdem soll die Auslöseempfindlichkeit und -genauigkeit des Bimetalls verbessert werden. Diese Aufgabe ist durch die Merkmalskombination des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.Based on these disadvantages, the invention has for its object to build a bimetallic circuit breaker such that it is suitable for larger currents. In addition, the trigger sensitivity and accuracy of the bimetal should be improved. This object is achieved by the combination of features of claim 1.

Durch den elektrisch parallel zum Bimetall geschalteten Nebenschlußstrompfad ist der Schutzschalter für ein großes Spektrum verschiedener Stromstärken geeignet, ohne hierzu das Bimetall verändern zu müssen. Die erforderlichen höchstzulässigen Stromstärken werden in einfacher Weise durch einen entsprechenden Leitungswiderstand des Nebenschlußstrompfades berücksichtigt. Dies erfolgt in bekannter Weise durch unterschiedliche Längen oder Querschnittsdimensionierung oder auch durch Auswahl eines anderen Werkstoffs für den Nebenschlußstrompfad. Je nach konstruktiven Anforderungen an den Schutzschalter sowie der vorhandenen Fertigungseinrichtungen für den Nebenschlußstrompfad ist es vorteilhafter, die Länge, den Querschnitt oder den spezifischen Widerstand des Nebenschlußstrompfades zu variieren.Due to the shunt current path electrically connected in parallel to the bimetal, the circuit breaker is suitable for a wide range of different current intensities without having to change the bimetal. The required maximum permissible current strengths are taken into account in a simple manner by a corresponding line resistance of the shunt current path. This is done in a known manner by different lengths or cross-sectional dimensions or also by selecting a different material for the shunt current path. Depending on the design requirements for the circuit breaker and the existing production facilities for the shunt current path, it is more advantageous to vary the length, the cross section or the specific resistance of the shunt current path.

Ein und derselbe Schutzschalter ist deshalb allein durch den Austausch des Nebenschlußstrompfades für sämtliche Strombereiche geeignet. Die für unterschiedliche Stromspektren einsetzbaren Schutzschalter sind mit Ausnahme des Nebenschlußstrompfades technisch und konstruktiv identisch ausgestaltet. Dies senkt die Fertigungs- und Logistikkosten der Schutzschalter.One and the same circuit breaker is therefore suitable for all current ranges simply by exchanging the shunt current path. The circuit breakers that can be used for different current spectra are technically and structurally identical with the exception of the shunt current path. This lowers the manufacturing and logistics costs of the circuit breakers.

Fertigungstechnisch günstiger kann es sein, den Schutzschalter allein durch die Auswahl eines anderen Bimetalls an unterschiedliche Stromstärken anzupassen. Dies hat außerdem den Vorteil, daß die höchstzulässige Stromstärke des Schutzschalters und seine Auslösecharakteristik auf Grund der Bimetallerwärmung in einfacher Weise gleichzeitig verändert werden können. Die Bimetalle unterscheiden sich vorzugsweise nur durch ihren Werkstoff, während die geometrischen Abmessungen im wesentlichen gleich bleiben. Dies erleichtert die Herstellung der verschiedenen Bimetalle. Auch entstehen bei derart unterschiedlichen Schutzschaltern keine zusätzlichen konstruktiven Anforderungen an das Schutzschaltergehäuse, was die Fertigung der Schutzschalter weiter vereinfacht.In terms of manufacturing technology, it can be more economical to adapt the circuit breaker to different currents simply by selecting a different bimetal. This also has the advantage that the maximum permissible current of the circuit breaker and its tripping characteristic can be changed in a simple manner at the same time due to the bimetal heating. The bimetals preferably differ only in their material, while the geometric dimensions remain essentially the same. This facilitates the production of the different bimetals. Also, with such different circuit breakers, there are no additional ones design requirements for the circuit breaker housing, which further simplifies the manufacture of the circuit breaker.

Es ist auch denkbar, den Schutzschalter durch den Austausch von Bimetall und Nebenschlußstrompfad und/oder Stromschiene an unterschiedliche Stromstärken anzupassen.It is also conceivable to adapt the circuit breaker to different currents by exchanging the bimetal and shunt current path and / or busbar.

Der parallel geschaltete Nebenschlußstrompfad bewirkt weiterhin, daß der Querschnitt des Bimetalls verkleinert werden kann, ohne dessen Material durch Überstrom zu überlasten. Ein Bimetall mit geringerem Querschnitt weist verbesserte Federeigenschaften zu dessen Auslenkung auf. Die Federeigenschaften des Bimetalls sind durch dessen Widerstands-Moment charakterisiert, welches von Breite und Dicke des Bimetalls abhängt. Hierbei geht die Breite linear und die Dicke quadratisch in das Widerstands-Moment ein. Derart verbesserte Federeigenschaften des Bimetalls bewirken, daß die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung der Stromschiene auf das Bimetall verbessert ist. Auch die thermisch bedingte Auslenkbewegung des Bimetalls ist erleichtert. Folglich ist die Auslöseempfindlichkeit des Bimetalls erhöht und es werden kürzere Auslösezeiten erreicht. Die erforderliche bzw. gewünschte Auslösecharakteristik kann deshalb in einfacher Weise durch Bimetalle mit unterschiedlichem Querschnitt berücksichtigt werden.The shunt current path connected in parallel also has the effect that the cross section of the bimetal can be reduced without overloading its material by overcurrent. A bimetal with a smaller cross section has improved spring properties for deflecting it. The spring properties of the bimetal are characterized by its moment of resistance, which depends on the width and thickness of the bimetal. The width is linear and the thickness is square in the resistance moment. Such improved spring properties of the bimetal have the effect that the electrodynamic force effect of the busbar on the bimetal is improved. The thermal deflection movement of the bimetal is also facilitated. As a result, the trigger sensitivity of the bimetal is increased and shorter trigger times are achieved. The required or desired tripping characteristic can therefore be taken into account in a simple manner by means of bimetals with different cross sections.

Ein erfindungsgemäß als Nebenschlußschiene ausgestalteter Nebenschlußstrompfad bewirkt bei entsprechender Parallelanordnung zum Bimetall ebenfalls eine elektrodynamische Kraft zwischen Nebenschlußschiene und Bimetall, wobei durch die starre, im Gehäuse des Schutzschalters fixierte Nebenschlußschiene die elektrodynamische Kraft in vollem Umfang auf das Bimetall einwirkt. Dadurch ist die Auslöseempfindlichkeit des Schutzschalters ohne zusätzliche Bauteile weiter vergrößert. Bei der Anordnung der Nebenschlußschiene muß lediglich die gewünschte bzw. erforderliche Abstoßung oder Anziehung des Bimetalls berücksichtigt werden.A shunt current path designed according to the invention as a shunt rail also produces an electrodynamic force between the shunt rail and the bimetal in a corresponding parallel arrangement to the bimetal, the electrodynamic force acting in full on the bimetal through the rigid shunt rail fixed in the housing of the circuit breaker. As a result, the tripping sensitivity of the circuit breaker is further increased without additional components. When arranging the shunt rail, only the desired or necessary repulsion or attraction of the bimetal must be taken into account.

Der parallele Verlauf von Bimetall, Nebenschlußschiene und Stromschiene begünstigt außerdem den platzsparenden Aufbau des Schutzschalters.The parallel course of the bimetal, shunt rail and busbar also favors the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker.

Anspruch 2 betrifft eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Anordnung von Stromschiene, Bimetall und Nebenschlußschiene. Bei entsprechender Stromrichtung in den einzelnen Abschnitten von Stromschiene, Bimetall und Nebenschlußschiene ist zwischen Bimetall und Stromschiene beispielsweise eine abstoßende Kraft wirksam, so daß das Bimetall In Richtung der Nebenschlußschiene ausgelenkt wird. Diese Auslenkbewegung wird durch eine Anziehungskraft der Nebenschlußschiene auf das Bimetall unterstützt. Hierzu muß die Nebenschlußschiene für einen die Anziehungskraft bewirkenden Stromrichtungsverlauf ausgestaltet werden. Die vergrößerte elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung hat den Vorteil, daß sie bereits bei kleineren Überströmen wirksam ist und dadurch die Auslöseempfindlichkeit des Schutzschalters weiter vergrößert.Claim 2 relates to a preferred embodiment of the arrangement of busbar, bimetal and shunt rail. With appropriate current direction in the individual sections of busbar, bimetal and The shunt rail has a repulsive force between the bimetal and the busbar, for example, so that the bimetal is deflected in the direction of the shunt rail. This deflection movement is supported by an attraction force of the shunt rail on the bimetal. For this purpose, the shunt rail must be designed for a current direction course which causes the attraction. The increased electrodynamic force effect has the advantage that it is effective even with small overcurrents and thereby further increases the sensitivity of the circuit breaker to tripping.

Die auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Bimetalls angeordneten Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene begünstigen weiterhin den platzsparenden Aufbau des Schutzschalters. Im Gegensatz zu einer Anordnung der beiden Schienen auf einer Seite des Bimetalls können sich die Kraftwirkungen der beiden Schienen nach Anspruch 2 nicht gegenseitig beeinflussen. Sie wirken jeweils unabhängig mit der maximal möglichen Kraft auf das Bimetall ein.The busbar and shunt rail arranged on opposite sides of the bimetal further favor the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker. In contrast to an arrangement of the two rails on one side of the bimetal, the force effects of the two rails cannot influence one another. They each act on the bimetal independently with the maximum possible force.

Die Ansprüche 3 und 4 betreffen weitere Maßnahmen, um die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung auf das Bimetall zu verbessern.Claims 3 and 4 relate to further measures to improve the electrodynamic force effect on the bimetal.

Gemäß Anspruch 5 ist das Bimetall U-förmig ausgestaltet. Die U-Ebene ist rechtwinklig zur Auslenkebene angeordnet und die als Kontaktenden wirksamen Freienden der U-Schenkel sind ortsfest fixiert. Die Kontaktenden bewirken einerseits, daß das Bimetall in einfacher Weise mit dem Stromkreis elektrisch in Reihe geschaltet ist. Andererseits bewirkt die einseitige Fixierung des Bimetalls im Bereich ihrer Kontaktenden, daß mit dem die beiden U-Schenkel verbindenden Verbindungsjoch ein mechanisch stabiles Auslenkende des Bimetalls geschaffen ist. Durch ein derartiges Auslenkende entsteht eine sehr wirksame Kraftübertragung des ausgelenkten Bimetalls auf beispielsweise ein Schaltschloß zur zuverlässigen Unterbrechung des Stromkreises innerhalb des Schutzschalters.According to claim 5, the bimetal is U-shaped. The U-plane is arranged at right angles to the deflection plane and the free ends of the U-legs which act as contact ends are fixed in place. The contact ends on the one hand cause the bimetal to be electrically connected in series with the circuit in a simple manner. On the other hand, the one-sided fixation of the bimetal in the area of its contact ends means that a mechanically stable deflection end of the bimetal is created with the connecting yoke connecting the two U-legs. Such a deflection end results in a very effective power transmission of the deflected bimetal to, for example, a switch lock for reliably interrupting the circuit within the circuit breaker.

Mittels der U-Schenkel des Bimetalls und der nach Anspruch 5 ebenfalls U-förmig ausgestalteten Stromschiene und/oder Nebenschlußschiene entstehen auf konstruktiv einfache Weise die erforderlichen gegensinnigen bzw. gleichsinnigen Stromrichtungsverläufe innerhalb des Bimetalls und der beiden Schienen, um die für eine verbesserte Auslösecharakteristik erforderlichen elektrodynamischen Kräfte zu erzielen.By means of the U-legs of the bimetal and the conductor rail and / or shunt rail also U-shaped according to claim 5, the required opposite or opposite directions of current flow within the bimetal and the two rails are created in a structurally simple manner, in order to achieve the electrodynamic required for an improved triggering characteristic To achieve forces.

Nach Anspruch 6 sind Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene durch ihre Kontaktenden bzw. Nebenschlußkontakte miteinander verbunden. Als Kontaktenden bzw. Nebenschlußkontakte werden im Falle der U-förmigen Ausgestaltung des Bimetalls und der beiden Schienen nach Anspruch 5 vorzugsweise die Freienden der U-Schenkel verwendet. Auf Grund des für die elektrodynamischen Kraftwirkungen notwendigen Parallelabstandes von Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene ist eine konstruktiv einfache Verbindungstechnik dieser Bauteile im Bereich der Freienden der U-Schenkel möglich.According to claim 6, the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail are connected by their contact ends or shunt contacts. In the case of the U-shaped configuration of the bimetal and the two rails according to claim 5, the free ends of the U-legs are preferably used as contact ends or shunt contacts. Due to the parallel spacing of bimetal, busbar and shunt rail necessary for the electrodynamic force effects, a structurally simple connection technique of these components in the area of the free ends of the U-legs is possible.

Die Verbindungen wirken einerseits als elektrische Kontaktierung zwischen Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene und andererseits als ortsfeste mechanische Fixierung der Bauteile aneinander. Da Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene im Gehäuse fixiert sind, ist die aus Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene gebildete Baueinhelt im Montagezustand des Schutzschalters ausreichend befestigt und dadurch vor äußeren Krafteinwirkungen gut geschützt. Als Baueinheit müssen Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene auch nicht separat innerhalb des Schutzschaltergehäuses befestigt werden, so daß zusätzliche Befestigungsmittel entfallen. Dies wirkt bautelle- und kostensparend. Außerdem wird der Montageaufwand gering gehalten.The connections act on the one hand as electrical contact between the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail and on the other hand as a fixed mechanical fixation of the components to one another. Since the busbar and shunt rail are fixed in the housing, the structural unit made up of bimetal, busbar and shunt rail is adequately fastened in the assembled state of the circuit breaker and is therefore well protected against external forces. As a structural unit, the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail also do not have to be fastened separately within the circuit breaker housing, so that additional fastening means are not required. This saves construction and costs. In addition, the assembly effort is kept low.

Auf Grund des für eine wirksame elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung notwendigen Parallelabstandes zwischen Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene hat diese kompakte Baueinheit eine schmale Bauform. Das Schutzschaltergehäuse läßt sich dadurch kleiner dimensionieren.Due to the parallel distance between bimetal, busbar and shunt rail necessary for an effective electrodynamic force effect, this compact unit has a slim design. The circuit breaker housing can thus be made smaller.

Anspruch 7 betrifft eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Verbindung zwischen Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene. Übergangswiderstände zwischen Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene werden dadurch reduziert. Die Schweißverbindung ermöglicht außerdem eine große Lebensdauer von Bimetall, Stromschiene und Nebenschlußschiene als kompakte Baueinheit.Claim 7 relates to a preferred embodiment of the connection between bimetal, busbar and shunt rail. This reduces contact resistance between the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail. The welded connection also enables a long service life for the bimetal, busbar and shunt rail as a compact unit.

Gemäß Anspruch 8 ist die Baueinheit an einer Trägerkonsole zusätzlich fixiert. Dies fördert die mechanische Stabilität der Baueinheit im Montagezustand. Da die Trägerkonsole einen Teil des Stromkreises bildet, ist sie neben der Stromschiene der zweite Anschlußkontakt für die Baueinheit, um diese mit dem Stromkreis elektrisch in Reihe zu schalten. Mechanisch stabile und elektrisch kontaktierende Verbindungen zwischen den Bauteilen werden durch ein und dieselbe Maßnahme erreicht. Dies wirkt bauteile- und kostensparend. Die Verwendung nur weniger Bauteile ermöglicht es auch, das Schutzschaltergehäuse kleiner zu dimensionieren.According to claim 8, the structural unit is additionally fixed to a support bracket. This promotes the mechanical stability of the assembly in the assembled state. Since the support bracket forms part of the circuit, it is next to the Busbar the second connection contact for the module to connect it electrically in series with the circuit. Mechanically stable and electrically contacting connections between the components are achieved by one and the same measure. This saves on components and costs. The use of only a few components also makes it possible to make the circuit breaker housing smaller.

Anspruch 9 betrifft eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Befestigung der Trägerkonsole. Diese Art der Befestigung ermöglicht es, daß die Trägerkonsole ohne Zwischenschaltung zusätzlicher stromleitender Bauteile direkt mit einer an den Schutzschalter angeschlossenen Stromleitung kontaktierbar ist. Dies wirkt wiederum bauteile-, kosten- und platzsparend. Außerdem werden zusätzliche Übergangswiderstände vermieden.Claim 9 relates to a preferred embodiment of the attachment of the support bracket. This type of attachment makes it possible that the support bracket can be contacted directly with a power line connected to the circuit breaker without the interposition of additional current-conducting components. This in turn saves components, costs and space. Additional contact resistances are also avoided.

Anspruch 10 betrifft eine besondere Ausführungsform der elektrischen Kontaktierung zwischen Trägerkonsole und einer externen Stromleitung oder eines elektrischen Verbrauchers.Claim 10 relates to a particular embodiment of the electrical contact between the carrier console and an external power line or an electrical consumer.

Der Anschlußbolzen erfüllt die Doppelfunktion einerseits als mechanisches Fixier- und Befestigungsmittel und andererseits als elektrisches Kontaktiermittel für die Trägerkonsole.The connecting bolt fulfills the double function on the one hand as a mechanical fixing and fastening means and on the other hand as an electrical contacting means for the support bracket.

Eine nach Anspruch 11 ausgestaltete Trägerkonsole ermöglicht es ihr, mehrere Funktionen zu erfüllen. Dies unterstützt ebenfalls den platzsparenden Aufbau des Schutzschalters.A carrier console designed according to claim 11 enables it to perform several functions. This also supports the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker.

Die verwendete Justierschraube ermöglicht eine jederzeit veränderbare Einstellung der Auslöseempfindlichkeit. Somit kann ein- und derselbe Schutzschalter bei verschiedenen Nennströmen ausgelöst werden.The adjustment screw used enables the trigger sensitivity to be changed at any time. This means that one and the same circuit breaker can be triggered at different nominal currents.

Der Erfindungsgegenstand wird anhand der in den Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung,
Fig. 2
eine Rückansicht von Teilen der Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung nach Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine perspektivische Darstellung des Stromkreises innerhalb eines Schutzschalters,
Fig. 4
eine Draufsicht der Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung im Montageendzustand mit teilweiser Darstellung eines Schutzschaltergehäuses.
The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
an exploded view of an overcurrent monitoring device,
Fig. 2
2 shows a rear view of parts of the overcurrent monitoring device according to FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
a perspective view of the circuit within a circuit breaker,
Fig. 4
a plan view of the overcurrent monitoring device in the final assembly state with a partial representation of a circuit breaker housing.

Anhand von Fig. 1 wird der Aufbau der Einzelteile der Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung erklärt.The structure of the individual parts of the overcurrent monitoring device is explained with reference to FIG. 1.

Es handelt sich um eine Bimetall-Baueinheit mit einem U-förmig ausgestalteten Bimetall 1, einer streifenartigen Stromschlene 2 und einer U-förmigen Nebenschlußschiene 3. Bimetall 1, Stromschiene 2 und Nebenschlußschiene 3 sind in zueinander parallelen Ebenen angeordnet.It is a bimetallic unit with a U-shaped bimetal 1, a strip-like current loop 2 and a U-shaped shunt rail 3. Bimetal 1, current rail 2 and shunt rail 3 are arranged in mutually parallel planes.

Die beiden U-Schenkel 4,5 des Bimetalls 1 sind in einer Längsrichtung 6 angeordnet. Der U-Grund bildet das Auslenkende 7 des Bimetalls 1 und erstreckt sich in einer rechtwinklig zur Längsrichtung 6 verlaufenden Tiefenrichtung 8. Das Auslenkende 7 ist in seinem den Blmetallschenkeln 4,5 entfernten Bereich in Richtung der Stromschiene 2 um 45° abgebogen. An den um 45° gebogenen Bereich des Auslenkendes 7 schließt sich ein Bimetallvorsprung 9 an. In einer senkrecht zur Längsrichtung 6 und senkrecht zur Tiefenrichtung 8 verlaufenden Querrichtung 10 gesehen ist der Bimetallvorsprung 9 rechteckig ausgestaltet. Er ist in einer zu den Bimetallschenkeln 4,5 parallelen Ebene angeordnet. Der Bimetallvorsprung 9 hat in Tiefenrichtung 8 eine geringere Ausdehnung als das Auslenkende 7 und ist mittig am Ende des abgebogenen Bereichs des Auslenkendes 7 angeformt. Die Freienden der Bimetallschenkel 4,5 sind in Querrichtung 10 etwa quadratisch geformt und bilden die Bimetallkontaktenden 11,12. Sie sind gegenüber dem übrigen Bereich der Bimetallschenkel 4,5 in Richtung der Stromschiene 2 versetzt angeordnet. In Montageendstellung deckt die Stromschiene 2 in Querrichtung 10 gesehen den Bimetallschenkel 4 ab.The two U-legs 4, 5 of the bimetal 1 are arranged in a longitudinal direction 6. The U-bottom forms the deflecting end 7 of the bimetal 1 and extends in a depth direction 8 running at right angles to the longitudinal direction 6. The deflecting end 7 is bent in the direction away from the metal legs 4, 5 in the direction of the busbar 2 by 45 °. A bimetallic projection 9 adjoins the region of the deflection end 7 which is bent by 45 °. Seen in a transverse direction 10 running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 6 and perpendicular to the depth direction 8, the bimetal projection 9 is of rectangular configuration. It is arranged in a plane parallel to the bimetal legs 4, 5. The bimetallic projection 9 has a smaller extent in the depth direction 8 than the deflecting end 7 and is integrally formed at the end of the bent region of the deflecting end 7. The free ends of the bimetal legs 4, 5 are shaped approximately square in the transverse direction 10 and form the bimetal contact ends 11, 12. They are arranged offset in the direction of the busbar 2 relative to the rest of the area of the bimetal legs 4, 5. In the final assembly position, the busbar 2 covers the bimetallic leg 4 as seen in the transverse direction 10.

Die Auslenkebene des Bimetalls 1 ist durch die Längsrichtung 6 und die Querrichtung 10 aufgespannt.The deflection plane of the bimetal 1 is spanned by the longitudinal direction 6 and the transverse direction 10.

An dem dem Auslenkende 7 zugewandten Ende der Stromschiene 2 ist einstückig eine Schienenverlängerung 13 angeformt. Die Schienenverlängerung 13 hat in Tiefenrichtung 8 gesehen etwa einen quadratischen Querschnitt. Die Längserstreckung der Schienenverlängerung 13 entspricht der Tiefenrichtung 8. Stromschiene 2 und Schienenverlängerung 13 sind senkrecht zueinander angeordnet. Sie weisen zusammen eine L-Form auf.A rail extension 13 is integrally formed on the end of the busbar 2 facing the deflection end 7. The rail extension 13 has approximately one seen in the depth direction 8 square cross section. The longitudinal extension of the rail extension 13 corresponds to the depth direction 8. The conductor rail 2 and the rail extension 13 are arranged perpendicular to one another. Together they have an L shape.

Stromschiene 2 und Schienenverlängerung 13 sind einstückig aus einem Metallstreifen hergestellt. Dieser Metallstreifen ist jedoch in Tiefenrichtung 8 im Bereich der Stromschiene 2 nur etwa halb so breit wie im Bereich der Schienenverlängerung 13. Der in Tiefenrichtung 8 dem Bimetallschenkel 4 zugewandte Außenbereich der Stromschiene 2 weist eine Mehrzahl von in Querrichtung 10 gesehen rechteckförmigen Ausbuchtungen bzw. Nuten auf. Die Breite des Bimetalls 1 in Tiefenrichtung 8 ist etwas kleiner als die entsprechende Ausdehnung der Schienenverlängerung 13.Busbar 2 and rail extension 13 are made in one piece from a metal strip. However, this metal strip in the depth direction 8 in the region of the busbar 2 is only about half as wide as in the region of the rail extension 13. The outer region of the busbar 2 facing the bimetal leg 4 in the depth direction 8 has a plurality of rectangular bulges or grooves, seen in the transverse direction 10 . The width of the bimetal 1 in the depth direction 8 is somewhat smaller than the corresponding extension of the rail extension 13.

Die Nebenschlußschiene 3 ist ebenso wie das Bimetall 1 U-förmig gestaltet. Sie ist in einer zum Bimetall 1 parallelen Ebene angeordnet. Der U-Grund der Nebenschlußschiene 3 übersteht die beiden Nebenschlußschenkel 14,15 in Tiefenrichtung 8. Seine Ausdehnung in diese Richtung ist etwas größer als die entsprechende Ausdehnung der Schienenverlängerung 13. Die beiden Nebenschlußschenkel 14,15 und die sich daran anschließenden Schenkelenden 16,17 entsprechen in Umrißform und Anordnung etwa den Bimetallschenkeln 4,5 sowie deren Bimetallkontaktenden 11,12.The shunt rail 3, like the bimetal 1, is U-shaped. It is arranged in a plane parallel to bimetal 1. The U-bottom of the shunt rail 3 projects beyond the two shunt legs 14, 15 in the depth direction 8. Its extension in this direction is somewhat larger than the corresponding extent of the rail extension 13. The two shunt legs 14, 15 and the adjoining leg ends 16, 17 correspond in outline form and arrangement about the bimetal legs 4.5 and their bimetal contact ends 11, 12.

Die Schenkelenden 16,17 sind jedoch um Befestigungsenden 18,19 verlängert. Das Schenkelende 17 ist mittels des Befestigungsendes 19 etwa in Längsrichtung 6 verlängert. Das Befestigungsende 19 ist jedoch vom Bimetall 1 weggerichtet abgebogen. In Querrichtung 10 gesehen ist das Befestigungsende 19 etwa quadratisch.However, the leg ends 16, 17 are extended by fastening ends 18, 19. The leg end 17 is extended approximately in the longitudinal direction 6 by means of the fastening end 19. However, the fastening end 19 is bent away from the bimetal 1. Seen in the transverse direction 10, the fastening end 19 is approximately square.

Das Schenkelende 16 weist im Vergleich zum zugehörigen Nebenschlußschenkel 14 in Tiefenrichtung 8 eine größere Ausdehnung auf. Daran schließt sich rechtwinklig abgebogen und auf die Stromschiene 2 gerichtet das Befestigungsende 18 an. In Tiefenrichtung 8 gesehen ist die Umrißform des Befestigungsendes 18 im wesentlichen rechteckig (Fig. 2). Das Befestigungsende 18 ist in seinem mittleren Bereich von einer rechteckigen Kontaktöffnung 20 in Tiefenrichtung 8 durchbrochen. Die dem Befestigungsende 18 zugewandte Oberfläche der Stromschiene 2 enthält, wie bereits in Fig. 1 erwähnt, eine Mehrzahl von Nuten und Ausbuchtungen. An dem der Schienenverlängerung 13 abgewandten Schienenende 21 der Stromschiene 2 ist die sich in Tiefenrichtung 8 erstreckende Kontaktausbuchtung 22 angeformt. Seine Umrißform ist an die Umrißform der Kontaktöffnung 20 derart angepaßt, daß im Montageendzustand eine formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen Stromschiene 2 und Befestigungsende 18 hergestellt ist.The leg end 16 has a greater extent in the depth direction 8 compared to the associated shunt leg 14. This is followed by a right-angled bend and directed towards the conductor rail 2, the fastening end 18. Seen in the depth direction 8, the outline shape of the fastening end 18 is essentially rectangular (FIG. 2). The fastening end 18 is pierced in its central region by a rectangular contact opening 20 in the depth direction 8. The surface of the busbar 2 facing the fastening end 18 contains, as already mentioned in FIG. 1, a plurality of grooves and bulges. At The contact bulge 22, which extends in the depth direction 8, is formed onto the rail end 21 of the busbar 2 facing away from the rail extension 13. Its outline shape is adapted to the outline shape of the contact opening 20 in such a way that a positive connection between the busbar 2 and the fastening end 18 is produced in the final assembly state.

Das Schenkelende 16 ist in seinem dem Schenkelende 17 zugewandten Bereich von einer Schraubenöffnung 23 in Querrichtung 10 durchbrochen. Seine Umrißform entspricht etwa der eines Halbkreises mit seiner zum Schenkelende 17 zugewandten Konkavseite. Die Schraubenöffnung 23 ermöglicht, daß im Montageendzustand eine Justierschraube 24 (Fig. 3) mit ihrem Isolierstift 25 das Schenkelende 16 berührungslos durchgreifen und auf das Bimetallkontaktende 11 des Bimetalls 1 einwirken kann.
Der zylindrische Isolierstift 25 ist zentral an der dem Bimetall 1 zugewandten Stirnseite der Justierschraube 24 angeformt. Die Wirkrichtung der Justierschraube 24 entspricht der Querrichtung 10. Die Justierschraube 24 ist in einer Gewindebohrung 26 gelagert. Die Gewindebohrung 26 durchbricht einen stromlosen Lagerarm 27 einer Trägerkonsole 28 in Querrichtung 10. In dieser Richtung hat der Lagerarm 27 die Umrißform einer rechteckigen Platte. Im Bereich seiner dem Nebenschlußschenkel 14 zugewandten Eckkante und dazu diagonal gegenüberliegenden Eckkante (Fig. 3) ist der Lagerarm 27 jeweils rechteckförmig ausgespart.The leg end 16 is pierced in its area facing the leg end 17 by a screw opening 23 in the transverse direction 10. Its outline corresponds approximately to that of a semicircle with its concave side facing the leg end 17. The screw opening 23 enables an adjusting screw 24 (FIG. 3) with its insulating pin 25 to reach through the leg end 16 without contact and act on the bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1 in the final assembly state.
The cylindrical insulating pin 25 is integrally formed on the front side of the adjusting screw 24 facing the bimetal 1. The direction of action of the adjusting screw 24 corresponds to the transverse direction 10. The adjusting screw 24 is mounted in a threaded bore 26. The threaded bore 26 breaks through a currentless bearing arm 27 of a support bracket 28 in the transverse direction 10. In this direction, the bearing arm 27 has the outline shape of a rectangular plate. In the region of its corner edge facing the shunt leg 14 and diagonally opposite corner edge (FIG. 3), the bearing arm 27 is recessed in a rectangular manner.

In Tiefenrichtung 8 ist neben dem Lagerarm 27 ein Anschlußarm 29 an der Trägerkonsole 28 einstückig angeformt. Die Umrißform des Anschlußarmes 29 ist in Querrichtung 10 gesehen im wesentlichen rechteckig. Während der stromlose Lagerarm 27 in Montageendstellung parallel zum Schenkelende 16 der Nebenschlußschiene 3 angeordnet ist, ist der Anschlußarm 29 in Richtung Stromschiene 2 abgebogen. Der Anschlußarm 29 und das gegenüber dem Schenkelende 17 ebenfalls abgebogene Befestigungsende 19 sind in zueinander parallelen Ebenen angeordnet. Am Freiende des Anschlußarmes 29 ist eine parallel zur Stromschiene 2 verlaufende Bimetallkontaktfläche 30 einstückig angeformt.In the depth direction 8, a connection arm 29 is integrally formed on the support bracket 28 in addition to the bearing arm 27. The outline shape of the connecting arm 29 is essentially rectangular when viewed in the transverse direction 10. While the currentless bearing arm 27 is arranged parallel to the leg end 16 of the shunt rail 3 in the final assembly position, the connecting arm 29 is bent in the direction of the busbar 2. The connecting arm 29 and the fastening end 19 which is also bent relative to the leg end 17 are arranged in mutually parallel planes. At the free end of the connecting arm 29, a bimetal contact surface 30 running parallel to the busbar 2 is integrally formed.

In Querrichtung 10 gesehen ist die Bimetallkontaktfläche 30 quadratisch. Die plattenartige Bimetallkontaktfläche 30 übersteht den Anschlußarm 29 in Tiefenrichtung 8 auf der dem Lagerarm 27 abgewandten Seite.Seen in the transverse direction 10, the bimetal contact surface 30 is square. The plate-like bimetallic contact surface 30 projects beyond the connecting arm 29 in the depth direction 8 on the side facing away from the bearing arm 27.

Ein Bodenstück 31 als Teil der Trägerkonsole 28 ist in Längsrichtung 6 gesehen rechteckig. An dem Bodenstück 31 ist ein Anschlußbolzen 32 (Fig. 4) in Montageendstellung elektrisch kontaktiert. Um die Trägerkonsole 28 und den Anschlußbolzen 32 formschlüssig und elektrisch kontaktierend miteinander zu verbinden, ist das Bodenstück 31 von einer zylindrischen Bolzenöffnung 33 in Längsrichtung 6 durchbrochen.A bottom piece 31 as part of the support bracket 28 is rectangular as seen in the longitudinal direction 6. On the bottom piece 31, a connecting bolt 32 (FIG. 4) is electrically contacted in the final assembly position. In order to connect the support bracket 28 and the connecting bolt 32 to one another in a form-fitting and electrically contacting manner, the base piece 31 is pierced by a cylindrical bolt opening 33 in the longitudinal direction 6.

In Fig. 3 ist die Bimetall-Baueinheit in ihrem zusammengebauten Zustand erkennbar.In Fig. 3 the bimetallic unit can be seen in its assembled state.

Das Schienenende 21 ist mit dem Bimetallkontaktende 11 des Bimetalls 1 verschweißt. Die Kontaktausbuchtung 22 der Stromschiene 2 ist durch einen Formschluß mit dem Befestigungsende 18 der Nebenschlußschiene 3 verbunden und elektrisch kontaktiert. Das Bimetallkontaktende 12 des Bimetalls 1 ist mit der Bimetallkontaktfläche 30 verschweißt. Gleiches gilt für das Befestigungsende 19 der Nebenschlußschiene 3 und den Anschlußarm 29.The rail end 21 is welded to the bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1. The contact bulge 22 of the busbar 2 is connected by a positive connection to the fastening end 18 of the shunt rail 3 and electrically contacted. The bimetal contact end 12 of the bimetal 1 is welded to the bimetal contact surface 30. The same applies to the fastening end 19 of the shunt rail 3 and the connecting arm 29.

Die einander zugewandten Stirnseiten des Bimetallkontaktendes 11 und des Schenkelendes 16 sind durch einen Luftspalt voneinander getrennt. Zur zusätzlichen Isolation kann eine Isolierschelbe zwischen diesen beiden Stirnseiten eingebracht sein.The mutually facing end faces of the bimetal contact end 11 and the leg end 16 are separated from one another by an air gap. For additional insulation, an insulating plate can be inserted between these two end faces.

Der Bimetallvorsprung 9 durchgreift einen rechteckförmigen Schieberschlitz 34 eines Schiebers 35. Der Schieber 35 ist gehäusegelagert und erstreckt sich in der durch Tiefenrichtung 8 und Querrichtung 10 aufgespannten Ebene. In Längsrichtung 6 gesehen hat der Schieber 35 eine rechteckige Umrißform. Der Schieberschlitz 34 ist in Querrichtung 10 breiter als der Bimetallvorsprung 9. Je nach Umgebungstemperatur und Justierung des Bimetalls 1 liegt der Bimetallvorsprung 9 innerhalb des Schieberschlitzes 34 entlang der Querrichtung 10 in einer anderen Lage ein.The bimetal projection 9 passes through a rectangular slide slot 34 of a slide 35. The slide 35 is mounted on the housing and extends in the plane spanned by the depth direction 8 and the transverse direction 10. Seen in the longitudinal direction 6, the slider 35 has a rectangular outline shape. The slide slot 34 is wider in the transverse direction 10 than the bimetal projection 9. Depending on the ambient temperature and the adjustment of the bimetal 1, the bimetal projection 9 lies in a different position within the slide slot 34 along the transverse direction 10.

Zur Vermeidung von Kurzschlüssen ist der Schieber 35 aus elektrisch nicht leitendem Material hergestellt.To avoid short circuits, the slide 35 is made of electrically non-conductive material.

Die Schienenverlängerung 13 und ein Kontakthebel 36 sind durch eine elektrisch leitende Litze 52 miteinander verbunden. Der Kontakthebel 36 besteht aus elektrisch leitendem Material.The rail extension 13 and a contact lever 36 are connected to one another by an electrically conductive strand 52. The contact lever 36 is made of electrically conductive material.

Der Kontakthebel 36 erstreckt sich im wesentlichen in Querrichtung 10. In seinem dem Bimetall 1 zugewandten Endbereich enthält der Kontakthebel 36 eine Lageröffnung 37. Sie durchbricht den Kontakthebel 36 in Tiefenrichtung 8.The contact lever 36 extends essentially in the transverse direction 10. In its end region facing the bimetal 1, the contact lever 36 contains a bearing opening 37. It breaks through the contact lever 36 in the depth direction 8.

Die Lageröffnung 37 ist von einer hier nicht dargestellten, sich in Tiefenrichtung 8 erstreckenden, gehäusefesten Achse durchgriffen. Dadurch ist der Kontakthebel 36 gehäusefest gelagert. An der dem Schieber 35 in Längsrichtung 6 abgewandten Oberfläche des Kontakthebels 36 ist ein plattenförmiges Kontaktstück 38 befestigt. Das Kontaktstück 38 ist an dem in Querrichtung 10 der Lageröffnung 37 abgewandten Endbereich des Kontakthebels 36 angeordnet.The bearing opening 37 is penetrated by an axis, not shown here, which extends in the depth direction 8 and is fixed to the housing. As a result, the contact lever 36 is mounted fixed to the housing. A plate-shaped contact piece 38 is attached to the surface of the contact lever 36 facing away from the slide 35 in the longitudinal direction 6. The contact piece 38 is arranged on that end region of the contact lever 36 which faces away from the bearing opening 37 in the transverse direction 10.

An der mit dem Kontaktstück 38 verbundenen Oberfläche des Kontakthebels 36 ist ein sich in Längsrichtung 6 erstreckender Zapfen 39 angeformt. Der Zapfen 39 ist in Querrichtung 10 betrachtet zwischen der Lageröffnung 37 und dem Kontaktstück 38, jedoch mit geringerem Abstand zur Lageröffnung 37 angeordnet. Der Zapfen 39 ist von einer Druckfeder 40 formschlüssig umgeben. Die Druckfeder 40 wirkt gegen eine hier nicht dargestellte Oberfläche und druckbeaufschlagt dadurch den Kontakthebel 36 in Längsrichtung 6. Die Druckfeder 40 unterstützt das Verbleiben des Kontakthebels 36 in einer definierten Einschaltstellung (Fig. 3) bzw. in einer definierten Ausschaltstellung.A pin 39 extending in the longitudinal direction 6 is formed on the surface of the contact lever 36 connected to the contact piece 38. Viewed in the transverse direction 10, the pin 39 is arranged between the bearing opening 37 and the contact piece 38, but at a smaller distance from the bearing opening 37. The pin 39 is positively surrounded by a compression spring 40. The compression spring 40 acts against a surface not shown here and thereby pressurizes the contact lever 36 in the longitudinal direction 6. The compression spring 40 supports the contact lever 36 in a defined switch-on position (FIG. 3) or in a defined switch-off position.

Das Kontaktstück 38 wirkt mit einem Festkontakt 41 zum Schließen und Öffnen des Stromkreises zusammen. Der Festkontakt 41 ist ebenfalls plattenförmig. Der Festkontakt 41 ist an einem Trägersockel 42 befestigt. Der Trägersockel 42 ist ein in Tiefenrichtung 8 gesehen U-förmig gebogener Metallstreifen. Die U-Schenkel erstrecken sich in Querrichtung 10. Der U-Grund ist dem Bimetall 1 zugewandt. Der Festkontakt 41 ist im Endbereich des dem Kontakthebel 36 zugewandten U-Schenkel des Trägersockels 42 angeordnet.The contact piece 38 cooperates with a fixed contact 41 for closing and opening the circuit. The fixed contact 41 is also plate-shaped. The fixed contact 41 is attached to a support base 42. The carrier base 42 is a metal strip bent in a U shape as seen in the depth direction 8. The U-legs extend in the transverse direction 10. The U-base faces the bimetal 1. The fixed contact 41 is arranged in the end region of the U-leg of the support base 42 facing the contact lever 36.

Die in Längsrichtung 6 einander zugewandten Stirnflächen von Kontaktstück 38 und Festkontakt 41 bilden deren Kontaktflächen. Diese Kontaktflächen erstrecken sich etwa in der durch Tiefenrichtung 8 und Querrichtung 10 aufgespannten Ebene. Liegen die einander zugewandten Stirnseiten des Kontaktstückes 38 und des Festkontaktes 41 aneinander an (Fig. 3), so ist der Trägersockel 42 mit der Schienenverlängerung 13 elektrisch verbunden.The end faces of contact piece 38 and fixed contact 41 facing each other in the longitudinal direction 6 form their contact faces. These contact surfaces extend approximately in the plane spanned by the depth direction 8 and the transverse direction 10. If the mutually facing end faces of the contact piece 38 and the fixed contact 41 lie against one another (FIG. 3), the support base 42 is electrically connected to the rail extension 13.

Der dem Kontakthebel 36 abgewandte U-Schenkel des Trägersockels 42 ist von einer Bolzenöffnung 43 in Längsrichtung 6 durchbrochen. Sie dient demselben Zweck wie die Bolzenöffnung 33 im Bereich des Bodenstückes 31.The U-leg of the support base 42 facing away from the contact lever 36 is pierced by a bolt opening 43 in the longitudinal direction 6. It serves the same purpose as the bolt opening 33 in the area of the base piece 31.

Mittels der Justierschraube 24 wird das Bimetallkontaktende 11 des Bimetalls 1 druckbeaufschlagt. Die Bimetallschenkel 4,5 können durch Verstellung der Justierschraube 24 gegeneinander verspannt werden. Damit wird das Bimetall 1 justiert und es kann eine unterschiedliche Auslöseempfindlichkeit eingestellt werden.The bimetal contact end 11 of the bimetal 1 is pressurized by means of the adjusting screw 24. The bimetallic legs 4, 5 can be braced against one another by adjusting the adjusting screw 24. The bimetal 1 is thus adjusted and a different trigger sensitivity can be set.

Damit bei der Ausnutzung der elektrodynamischen Kräfte nur das Bimetall 1 bewegt wird, ist die Stromschiene 2 im Bereich ihrer Schienenverlängerung 13 und die Nebenschlußschiene 3 im Bereich ihres U-Grundes innerhalb des Schutzschaltergehäuses ortsfest fixiert. Diese Fixierung bewirkt die gegenüber dem Bimetall 1 erforderliche Unbeweglichkeit von Stromschiene 2 und Nebenschlußschiene 3. Gleichzeitig sind Stromschiene 2 im Bereich ihres Schienenendes 21 und die Nebenschlußschiene 3 im Bereich ihres Schenkelendes 16 noch derart beweglich, daß die Druckbeaufschlagung des Bimetallkontaktendes 11 mittels der Justierschraube 24 nicht behindert wird. Damit das Schienenende 21 gegenüber dem übrigen Bereich der Stromschiene 2 bis zu einem bestimmten Grad beweglich ist, ist die Stromschiene 2 im Bereich ihres Schienenendes 21 und ihrer Kontaktausbuchtung 22 durch die absatzartige Anordnung von Aussparungen in Tiefenrichtung 8 schwächer dimensioniert.So that only the bimetal 1 is moved when the electrodynamic forces are used, the busbar 2 is fixed in place in the area of its rail extension 13 and the shunt rail 3 in the area of its U-bottom within the circuit breaker housing. This fixation causes the immobility of busbar 2 and shunt rail 3 required with respect to bimetal 1. At the same time, busbar 2 in the region of its rail end 21 and shunt rail 3 in the region of its leg end 16 are still movable in such a way that the pressurization of the bimetal contact end 11 by means of the adjusting screw 24 is not is hindered. So that the rail end 21 is movable to a certain degree relative to the rest of the conductor rail 2, the conductor rail 2 is dimensioned weaker in the region of its rail end 21 and its contact bulge 22 due to the shoulder-like arrangement of recesses in the depth direction 8.

Ein ausgehend von dem Trägersockel 42 in Richtung Stromschiene 2 fließender Strom teilt sich im Bereich des Schienenendes 21 (Fig.1) auf. Ein Teil fließt durch das Bimetall 1 vom Bimetallkontaktende 11 zum Bimetallkontaktende 12. Der andere Stromanteil fließt durch die Nebenschlußschiene 3 vom Befestigungsende 18 zum Befestigungsende 19. Im Bereich des Anschlußarmes 29 der Trägerkonsole 28 summieren sich die beiden Teilströme wieder. Das Bimetall 1 ist derart beschaffen, daß das Auslenkende 7 bei geringen Überströmen thermisch bedingt in seiner Auslenkebene in Richtung einer Auslenkseite 44 ausgelenkt wird. Die davon abgewandte Seite ist die Rückseite 45.A current flowing from the support base 42 in the direction of the busbar 2 is divided in the region of the busbar end 21 (FIG. 1). One part flows through the bimetal 1 from the bimetal contact end 11 to the bimetal contact end 12. The other current component flows through the shunt rail 3 from the fastening end 18 to the fastening end 19. In the region of the connecting arm 29 of the support bracket 28, the two partial flows add up again. The bimetal 1 is designed such that the deflection end 7 is deflected in the direction of a deflection side 44 in the direction of a deflection plane in the event of small overcurrents due to thermal conditions. The side facing away from this is the rear side 45.

Während die thermisch bedingte Auslenkbewegung des Bimetalls 1 vor allem bei geringen Überströmen wirksam ist, wird das Bimetall 1 bei sehr großen Überströmen vor allem durch die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung ausgelenkt. Die elektrodynamische Kraft unterstützt bzw. ersetzt bei hohen Überströmen die relativ langsame, thermisch bedingte Auslenkbewegung des Bimetalls 1, so daß im Kurzschlußfall die Abschaltzeit verkürzt und die Auslösecharakteristik des Schutzschalters verbessert ist.While the thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal 1 is particularly effective at low overcurrents, the bimetal 1 becomes very large Overflow deflected mainly by the electrodynamic force effect. At high overcurrents, the electrodynamic force supports or replaces the relatively slow, thermally induced deflection movement of the bimetal 1, so that in the event of a short circuit the switch-off time is shortened and the tripping characteristic of the circuit breaker is improved.

Die Stromschiene 2 und der Bimetallschenkel 4 wirken wie zwei parallele, vom Strom gegensinnig durchflossene Leiter Solche Leiter stoßen sich auf Grund der elektrodynamischen Kraftwirkung ab. Der Nebenschlußschenkel 14 und der Bimetallschenkel 4 bzw. der Nebenschlußschenkel 15 und der Bimetallschenkel 5 wirken wie zwei parallele, vom Strom gleichsinnig durchflossene Leiter. Solche Leiter ziehen sich auf Grund der elektrodynamischen Kraftwirkung an. Da die Stromschiene 2 und die Nebenschlußschiene 3 ortsfest fixiert sind, wird nur das Bimetall 1 mit seinem Auslenkende 7 in Richtung der Auslenkseite 44 bewegt.The busbar 2 and the bimetallic leg 4 act like two parallel conductors through which the current flows in opposite directions. Such conductors repel each other due to the electrodynamic force effect. The shunt leg 14 and the bimetallic leg 4 or the shunt leg 15 and the bimetallic leg 5 act like two parallel conductors through which current flows. Such conductors attract due to the electrodynamic force. Since the busbar 2 and the shunt rail 3 are fixed in place, only the bimetal 1 is moved with its deflecting end 7 in the direction of the deflecting side 44.

Zum Schließen und Öffnen des Stromkreises innerhalb des Schutzschalters wirken der Schieber 35 und der Kontakthebel 36 mit einem Schaltschloß 46 (Fig. 3) zusammen. Das Schaltschloß 46 ist schematisch als etwa quadratischer Kasten dargestellt. Es kann sich aus verschiedenen elektrischen und mechanischen Bauteilen, z.B. aus Schaltern und Hebeln, zusammensetzen. Die Pfeilrichtungen 47,48 deuten das Zusammenwirken von Schieber 35 und Kontakthebel 36 mit dem Schaltschloß 46 an.To close and open the circuit within the circuit breaker, the slide 35 and the contact lever 36 interact with a switch lock 46 (FIG. 3). The switch lock 46 is shown schematically as an approximately square box. It can consist of various electrical and mechanical components, e.g. composed of switches and levers. The arrow directions 47, 48 indicate the interaction of the slide 35 and the contact lever 36 with the switching mechanism 46.

Der Schieber 35 wirkt z.B. auf einen hier nicht dargestellten Auslöser des Schaltschlosses 46 ein. Während der Auslenkbewegung des Bimetalls 1 schlägt der Bimetallvorsprung 9 am Schieberschlitz 34 an. Dadurch wird der gehäusegelagerte Schieber 35 in Richtung der Auslenkseite 44 bewegt (Fig. 3). Die Schaltstellung des nicht dargestellten Auslösers bewirkt, daß die druckbeaufschlagende Wirkung des Schaltschlosses 46 auf den Kontakthebel 36 in Richtung auf den Festkontakt 41 beendet wird. Der Kontakthebel 36 wird um die die Lageröffnung 37 durchgreifende Achse entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn gedreht. Die Drehung des Kontakthebels 36 entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn wird durch die Druckfeder 40 unterstützt. Der Kontakthebel 36 erreicht dadurch seine definierte Ausschaltstellung.The slide 35 acts e.g. on a trigger of the switch lock 46, not shown here. During the deflection movement of the bimetal 1, the bimetal projection 9 strikes the slide slot 34. As a result, the housing-mounted slide 35 is moved in the direction of the deflection side 44 (FIG. 3). The switch position of the trigger, not shown, has the effect that the pressurizing effect of the switch lock 46 on the contact lever 36 in the direction of the fixed contact 41 is ended. The contact lever 36 is rotated counterclockwise about the axis passing through the bearing opening 37. The rotation of the contact lever 36 counterclockwise is supported by the compression spring 40. The contact lever 36 thereby reaches its defined switch-off position.

Zur Überführung des Kontakthebels 36 in seine Elnschaltstellung (Fig. 3) kann am Schaltschloß 46 ein nicht dargestelltes Betätigungselement vorgesehen sein. Das Betätigungselement ist durch eine Bedienerperson schaltbar. Dadurch erzeugt das Schaltschloß 46 seine druckbeaufschlagende Wirkung auf den Kontakthebel 36. Hierbei wird der Kontakthebel 36 um die die Lageröffnung 37 durchgreifende Achse im Uhrzeigersinn in Richtung auf den Festkontakt 41 gedreht. Die einander zugewandten Stirnseiten des Kontaktstückes 38 und des Festkontaktes 41 liegen in der Einschaltstellung des Kontakthebels 36 aneinander an. Der Stromkreis innerhalb des Schutzschalters ist dadurch geschlossen. Die Wirkrichtung des Kontaktdruckes entspricht der Längsrichtung 6. Der Kontaktdruck wird durch die Wirkung der Druckfeder 40 zusätzlich verbessert.To transfer the contact lever 36 into its ON position (FIG. 3), an actuating element, not shown, can be provided on the switching lock 46 be. The actuating element can be switched by an operator. As a result, the switching mechanism 46 produces its pressurizing effect on the contact lever 36. Here, the contact lever 36 is rotated clockwise about the axis passing through the bearing opening 37 in the direction of the fixed contact 41. The mutually facing end faces of the contact piece 38 and the fixed contact 41 rest against one another in the switched-on position of the contact lever 36. This closes the circuit inside the circuit breaker. The effective direction of the contact pressure corresponds to the longitudinal direction 6. The contact pressure is additionally improved by the action of the compression spring 40.

Die druckbeaufschlagende Wirkung des Schaltschlosses 46 auf den Kontakthebel 36 zum Verbleiben in seiner Einschaltstellung (Fig. 3) kann durch die Bedienerperson z.B. über das nicht dargestellte Betätigungselement beendet werden. Das Schaltschloß 46 kann auch mit einer Elektronik zur fernbedienbaren Steuerung der Schaltstellung des Kontakthebels 36 verbunden sein.The pressurizing effect of the switch lock 46 on the contact lever 36 to remain in its switched-on position (FIG. 3) can be determined by the operator e.g. be ended via the actuating element, not shown. The switch lock 46 can also be connected to electronics for remote control of the switching position of the contact lever 36.

Die in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 dargestellte Bimetall-Baueinheit ist auch für Stromstärken oberhalb von 50 A geeignet. Durch die parallelgeschaltete Nebenschlußschiene 3 erfolgt eine Stromteilung, die eine Querschnittsverkleinerung des Bimetalls 1 ermöglicht. Die Querschnittsverkleinerung bewirkt verbesserte Federeigenschaften des Bimetalls 1, wodurch die elektrodynamische Kraftwirkung besser ausgenutzt werden kann.The bimetallic unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is also suitable for currents above 50 A. A current division takes place through the parallel shunt rail 3, which enables the cross-sectional area of the bimetal 1 to be reduced. The reduction in cross section brings about improved spring properties of the bimetal 1, as a result of which the electrodynamic force effect can be better utilized.

In Fig. 4 ist die Bimetall-Baueinheit an einer Gehäusewand 49 des Schutzschalters befestigt. Der Anschlußbolzen 32 durchgreift formschlüssig die Gehäusewand 49 sowie das Bodenstück 31 und stellt auf diese Weise eine feste mechanische Verbindung zwischen der Gehäusewand 49 und der Trägerkonsole 28 her.In Fig. 4, the bimetal assembly is attached to a housing wall 49 of the circuit breaker. The connecting bolt 32 positively engages through the housing wall 49 and the base piece 31 and in this way establishes a firm mechanical connection between the housing wall 49 and the support bracket 28.

Die Bimetall-Baueinheit ist bedingt durch ihren Aufbau eine selbsttragende, kompakte und stabile Einheit und benötigt außer der Trägerkonsole 28 sowie der Fixierung von Stromschiene 2 und Nebenschlußschiene 3 am Schutzschaltergehäuse keine zusätzlichen Befestigungsmittel. Wegen der notwendigen Isolation besteht das gesamte Schutzschaltergehäuse, d.h. auch die Gehäusewand 49, und eine senkrecht dazu angeordnete Gehäusewand 50 aus einem Isolierwerkstoff.
An den Anschlußbolzen 32 ist eine externe Stromleitung oder ein elektrischer Verbraucher anschließbar.Due to its construction, the bimetal assembly is a self-supporting, compact and stable unit and, apart from the support bracket 28 and the fixing of the busbar 2 and the shunt rail 3 to the circuit breaker housing, requires no additional fastening means. Because of the necessary insulation, the entire circuit breaker housing exists, ie also the housing wall 49, and a housing wall 50 arranged perpendicularly thereto and made of an insulating material.
An external power line or an electrical consumer can be connected to the connecting bolt 32.

Aus Fig. 4 ist zu ersehen, daß der geometrische Aufbau der Bimetall-Baueinheit an den Verlauf der Gehäusewände 49,50 gut angepaßt ist. Dieser platzsparende Aufbau ermöglicht kleine Abmessungen des Schutzschaltergehäuses. An der Gehäusewand 50 ist im Bereich des Bimetallvorsprunges 9 ein Schiebergehäuse 51 angeformt. Das Schiebergehäuse 51 erstreckt sich in Querrichtung 10. Im Schiebergehäuse 51 ist der Schieber 35 gelagert. Die Bewegungen des Schiebers 30 werden in Querrichtung 10 geführt. Die Bewegungen sämtlicher Bauteile werden in der durch Längsrichtung 6 und Querrichtung 10 aufgespannten Auslenkebene durchgeführt. Auch dies begünstigt den platzsparenden Aufbau des Schutzschaltergehäuses.From Fig. 4 it can be seen that the geometric structure of the bimetallic unit is well adapted to the course of the housing walls 49.50. This space-saving structure enables the circuit breaker housing to have small dimensions. A slide housing 51 is integrally formed on the housing wall 50 in the area of the bimetal projection 9. The slide housing 51 extends in the transverse direction 10. The slide 35 is mounted in the slide housing 51. The movements of the slide 30 are performed in the transverse direction 10. The movements of all components are carried out in the deflection plane spanned by the longitudinal direction 6 and transverse direction 10. This also favors the space-saving construction of the circuit breaker housing.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

11
BimetallBimetal
22nd
StromschieneTrack
33rd
NebenschlußschieneShunt rail
44th
BimetallschenkelBimetal legs
55
BimetallschenkelBimetal legs
66
LängsrichtungLongitudinal direction
77
AuslenkendeDeflecting
88th
TiefenrichtungDepth direction
99
BimetallvorsprungBimetal projection
1010th
QuerrichtungCross direction
1111
BimetallkontaktendeBimetal contact end
1212th
BimetallkontaktendeBimetal contact end
1313
SchienenverlängerungRail extension
1414
NebenschlußschenkelShunt leg
1515
NebenschlußschenkelShunt leg
1616
SchenkelendeThigh end
1717th
SchenkelendeThigh end
1818th
BefestigungsendeFastening end
1919th
BefestigungsendeFastening end
2020th
KontaktöffnungContact opening
2121
SchienenendeRail end
2222
KontaktausbuchtungContact bulge
2323
SchraubenöffnungScrew opening
2424th
JustierschraubeAdjusting screw
2525th
IsolierstiftInsulating pin
2626
GewindebohrungTapped hole
2727
LagerarmBearing arm
2828
TrägerkonsoleCarrier console
2929
AnschlußarmConnecting arm
3030th
BimetallkontaktflächeBimetal contact surface
3131
BodenstückBottom piece
3232
AnschlußbolzenConnecting bolts
3333
BolzenöffnungBolt opening
3434
SchieberschlitzSlider slot
3535
SchieberSlider
3636
KontakthebelContact lever
3737
LageröffnungWarehouse opening
3838
KontaktstückContact piece
3939
ZapfenCones
4040
DruckfederCompression spring
4141
FestkontaktFixed contact
4242
TrägersockelCarrier base
4343
BolzenöffnungBolt opening
4444
AuslenkseiteDeflection side
4545
Rückseiteback
4646
SchaltschloßSwitch lock
4747
PfeilrichtungArrow direction
4848
PfeilrichtungArrow direction
4949
GehäusewandHousing wall
5050
GehäusewandHousing wall
5151
SchiebergehäuseValve housing
5252
LitzeStrand

Claims (11)

  1. A bimetal-controlled circuit breaker with, disposed in the electric circuit in series
    - the bimetal (1) and
    - a conductor bar (2) extending in the deflection plane of the bimetal (1) parallel to the latter and being rigid as compared with the bimetal (1), for supporting the deflection of the bimetal by an electrodynamic force effect,
       characterized in that
    - the bimetal (1) is disposed in parallel with a shunt rail (3) that is rigid as compared with the bimetal (1) and that is a shunt current path so as to form a current division and
    - the rigid shunt rail (3) extends also parallel to the bimetal (1) and in its plane of deflection.
  2. A circuit breaker according to claim 1,
       characterized in that
    the shunt rail (3) is arranged on the side of the bimetal (1) lying on the opposite side to the conductor bar (2).
  3. A circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2,
       characterized by
    a shape of the conductor bar (2) and/or shunt rail (3) that approximately corresponds to the bimetal (1).
  4. A circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims,
       characterized in that
    the conductor bar (2) and/or shunt rail (3) have an effective length corresponding to the length of the bimetal (1).
  5. A circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims with a U-shaped bimetal(1)
    - whose U-plane is designed approximately at right angles to the plane of deflection and
    - whose U-arms (4,5)
    -- are fixed in position with their bimetal contact ends (11,12) and
    -- form with their connecting yoke the deflection end (7),
       characterized by
    a U-shape of the conductor bar (2) and/or shunt rail (3) as well, with the U-yoke connection respectively arranged on the same side.
  6. A circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims,
       characterized in that
    - the contact ends (11, 12, 17, 21) of the bimetal (1), of the conductor bar (2) and of the shunt rail (3) connected to the circuit and
    - that the shunt contacts (18, 22) of the conductor bar (2) and of the shunt rail (3)
    are respectively connected to one another.
  7. A circuit breaker according to claim 6,
       characterized in that
    the connection is a weld connection.
  8. A circuit breaker acccording to one or more of the preceding claims,
       characterized in that
    the unit formed by the bimetal (1), conductor bar (2) and shunt rail (3) on the main contact (19) of the shunt rail (3) and/or the bimetal contact end (12) in contact therewith, is mounted on a supporting bracket (28) disposed in the circuit.
  9. A circuit breaker according to claim 8,
       characterized by
    a mounting of the supporting bracket (28) on a casing side (49) of the circuit breaker.
  10. A circuit breaker according to claim 9,
       characterized in that
    the supporting bracket (28) is mounted on a connecting pin (32) of the circuit breaker, which serves for connecting an external current line or an electric consuming device.
  11. A circuit breaker according to one or more of the claims 8-10,
       characterized in that
    the supporting bracket (28) has
    - a connecting arm (29) for the contact ends (12, 17, 19) of the bimetal (1) and of the shunt rail (3) as well as
    - a mounting arm (27) not carrying any current for the mounting of a setscrew (24) acting on the bimetal (1) for adjusting the tripping sensitivity of the circuit breaker.
EP93104853A 1992-03-31 1993-03-24 Bimetal-controlled protection circuit breaker Expired - Lifetime EP0563775B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE9204342U 1992-03-31
DE9204342 1992-03-31
DE9207762U 1992-06-09
DE9207762U DE9207762U1 (en) 1992-06-09 1992-06-09 Bimetal controlled circuit breaker

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0563775A1 EP0563775A1 (en) 1993-10-06
EP0563775B1 true EP0563775B1 (en) 1996-02-07

Family

ID=25959329

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93104853A Expired - Lifetime EP0563775B1 (en) 1992-03-31 1993-03-24 Bimetal-controlled protection circuit breaker

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5432491A (en)
EP (1) EP0563775B1 (en)
DE (1) DE59301570D1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5432491A (en) 1995-07-11
EP0563775A1 (en) 1993-10-06
DE59301570D1 (en) 1996-03-21

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