Abstract
The invention relates to a switch having a switch housing, a number of module-type individual interrupter chambers which can be arranged in particular side by side in the switch housing and having at least two switching contact elements, and an actuating device which closes off the switch housing above the individual interrupter chambers. This actuating device serves to adjust a cam element for the selective establishment of an electrical connection between the switching contact elements of an individual interrupter chamber. The switching contact elements can be arranged in at least two different orientations in each individual interrupter chamber in an explosion-protected manner. Furthermore, in particular the cam element of the actuating device can be arranged differently depending on the orientation of the switching contact elements. This results in a switch with a simple adaptation option for housing installation or front-panel mounting, wherein all requirements for explosion protection are also fulfilled at the same time.
Claims
1. A switch with a switch housing, a number of individual interrupter chambers arranged next to each other in the switch housing in a modular manner with at least two switching contact elements and with an actuating device closing off the housing above the individual switching chambers and provided for adjusting a cam element for the selective establishment of an electrical connection between the switching contact elements of an individual interrupter chamber, wherein the switching contact elements can be arranged in an explosion-proof manner in each individual switching chamber in at least two different orientations, and in particular the cam element of the actuating device can be arranged differently depending on the orientation of the switching contact elements.
2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the individual interrupter chambers are one of covered and closed off via a common base plate connected to the switch housing, or each individual interrupter chamber has a base plate connected to the switch housing.
3. (canceled)
4. The switch according to claim 2, wherein the connection between the switch housing and the base plate is made gas-tight.
5. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the actuating device has a rotary positioning drive which linearly adjusts the cam element, wherein the cam element has cams on an underside facing the switching contact elements for adjusting counter-contact elements between a contact position and a disconnected position.
6. The switch according to claim 1, wherein each individual interrupter chamber has a contact element cover connected to the individual interrupter chamber in accordance with the orientation of the switching contact elements.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The switch according to claim 6, wherein each contact element cover has a rounded supporting surface for a clamping screw of an associated switching contact element.
10. The switch according to claim 6, wherein each contact element cover has a lateral insertion opening for the arrangement of a plug-in identification plate.
11. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a contact pin having an insertion end and a contact end opposite the insertion end, wherein the switching contact element has a receiving opening for the insertion end of the contact pin, the contact end being in contact with a counter-contact element in a contact position.
12. The switch according to claim 11, wherein a puncture-proof gap is formed between a gap cylinder of the contact pin and an edge of the receiving opening.
13. The switch according to claim 12, wherein a bearing groove for longitudinally fixing the contact pin is formed between the gap cylinder and the contact end.
14. The switch according to claim 13, wherein the base plate has two bearing clips projecting in the direction of the contact pin, which engage with free ends in the bearing groove.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The switch according to claim 2, wherein the base plate has a spring-receiving opening for a spring element which acts on a counter-contact element in a force-applying manner.
18. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary interrupter chamber arranged laterally on the switch housing and has at least two contact pairs.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The switch according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary interrupter chamber has on each side wall two switching contact elements with contact pins.
23. The switch according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary interrupter chamber has a base plate with bearing clips, wherein each bearing clip has two U-shaped contact pin receptacles, and wherein at least one partition wall is formed between the bearing clips.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. The switch according to claim 23, wherein side walls of the auxiliary interrupter chamber have retaining projections in the region of the switching contact element for holding clamping screws of the switching contact elements.
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling frame part configured to be arranged between two adjacent switch housings or between a switch housing and an auxiliary interrupter chamber, the coupling frame part having push-on arms and/or latching arms on both sides.
32. (canceled)
33. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a partition plate configured to be arranged between switch housings and/or between a switch housing (2) and an auxiliary interrupter chamber, wherein the partition plate has an open inner contour by means of which a connection can be established between switch housings and/or the switch housing and the auxiliary interrupter chamber.
34. (canceled)
35. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a latching device adjustably mounted on the switch housing.
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch housing has an upper opening and a lower opening through which a corresponding clamping screw is accessible from the outside.
41. (canceled)
Description
[0039] The invention also relates to corresponding devices for arranging the auxiliary interrupter chamber on the switch housing or also on switch housings. Of course, the corresponding parts, such as the switch, auxiliary interrupter chamber and partition plate or coupling frame part, can also be used independently of each other and can be used not only in combination with each other. In the following, advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures appended in the drawing.
[0040] Shown are:
[0041] FIG. 1 a perspective oblique view of a switch according to the invention having four individual interrupter chambers;
[0042] FIG. 2 a view analogous to FIG. 1 with a 180° rotated arrangement of an actuating device;
[0043] FIG. 3 a switch according to FIG. 1 without a switch housing;
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 a sectional view of the switch according to the invention with differently oriented switching contact elements;
[0045] FIG. 6 a perspective side view of a side wall of an individual interrupter chamber;
[0046] FIG. 7 a perspective view obliquely from below of a switch according to the present invention with a base plate;
[0047] FIG. 8 a sectional view of a switch with counter-contact element in the contact position;
[0048] FIG. 9 a sectional view analogous to FIG. 8 with counter-contact element in the disconnected position;
[0049] FIG. 10 a side perspective view of a contact pin;
[0050] FIG. 11 a perspective side view of a base plate;
[0051] FIG. 12 a side sectional view of the bottom plate according to FIG. 11;
[0052] FIG. 13 a perspective side view of an auxiliary interrupter chamber;
[0053] FIG. 14 an exploded view without the outer housing of the auxiliary interrupter chamber according to FIG. 13;
[0054] FIG. 15 a side view in section of an auxiliary interrupter chamber according to FIG. 13;
[0055] FIG. 16 a perspective side view of a base plate of an auxiliary interrupter chamber;
[0056] FIG. 17 a perspective side view of a contact pin of an auxiliary interrupter chamber;
[0057] FIG. 18 a perspective side view of an auxiliary interrupter chamber with two side-by-side switching contact elements;
[0058] FIG. 19 a perspective side view of a coupling frame part;
[0059] FIG. 20 a switch with two switch housings and a coupling frame part between them;
[0060] FIG. 21 a switch with a laterally arranged coupling frame part;
[0061] FIG. 22 a switch with laterally arranged auxiliary interrupter chamber;
[0062] FIG. 23 a side view of a switch with coupling frame part in the release position;
[0063] FIG. 24 a view analogous to FIG. 23 with a coupling frame part in the connecting position;
[0064] FIG. 25 a switch with a laterally arranged partition plate and auxiliary interrupter chamber;
[0065] FIG. 26 a side perspective view of a partition plate on a switch;
[0066] FIG. 27 a representation analogous to FIG. 25 from another viewpoint;
[0067] FIG. 28 a top perspective view of a latching device for attaching the switch to a DIN rail;
[0068] FIG. 29 a partially sectional illustration of the latching device in the assembled state; and
[0069] FIG. 30 a transparent representation of the latching device in plan view.
[0070] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a switch 1 according to the invention. This has a switch housing 2 in which a number of individual interrupter chambers 3 are arranged. An actuating device 5 for the switch 1 is arranged on the top of the switch housing. This comprises a rotary positioning drive 57 in which, for example, a handle or the like for adjusting the rotary positioning drive can be used. The rotational movement of the rotary positioning drive 57 is converted into a linear adjustment of a bridge via a corresponding mechanism. On its underside 8 facing the individual interrupter chambers 3, this bridge has a contact surface; see also FIGS. 3 to 5. Depending on the position of the bridge 81, a corresponding plunger 61 is vertically adjusted and along with it a corresponding counter-contact element 9 in order to make contacts with switching contact elements 4 within each individual interrupter chamber 3. The individual interrupter chambers 3 are connected to each other and can consist of a single switch housing divided into chambers, wherein the chambers are closed off via a common base plate, or also in each case separately via a base plate individually closing off each chamber. On at least one corresponding side face of the switch housing 2, connecting elements in the form of, for example, L-shaped push-on projections 49 are arranged as sliding arms 35 (see also FIG. 13). Of these L-shaped push-on projections 49, two are arranged one above the other with a latching projection 52 between them. These serve for connecting different switch housings 2 to each other or also for attaching further parts; see the following embodiments.
[0071] In FIG. 1, the actuating device 5 is arranged in a specific orientation, while in FIG. 2 the orientation is rotated by 180° exactly. The remaining parts of the switch housing as well as the individual interrupter chambers 3 are arranged in the same way in both exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2. Due to the different orientation of the actuating device 5 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, these two four-pole switches can also be combined in their assembly (in this regard, see FIG. 20).
[0072] FIG. 3 shows a corresponding switch 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a partially exploded view but without a corresponding switch housing 2. These adjust corresponding plungers 61 in the vertical direction along with corresponding counter-contact elements; see in particular the disconnected position 11 according to FIG. 3, in which the counter-contact element 9 is separated from contact pins 17 as part of the switching contact elements 4. Each individual interrupter chamber 3 has a base plate 7 as well as two mutually opposing switching contact elements 4. According to the invention, such an individual interrupter chamber 3 is furthermore closed off by contact element covers 12. The corresponding base plate 7 is inserted from below into the individual interrupter chambers 3 and is fastened there for example by friction welding. The corresponding contact element covers 12 can be latched onto the switch housing 2 (in this regard, see also FIG. 6). A corresponding contact element cover 12 has a lateral insertion opening 15 for inserting cable connections or the like, which can then be fastened in each switching contact element 4 by means of a clamping screw 14. The corresponding cable connection is fixed by the clamping screw 14 in a receiving opening 16 by means of the corresponding contact pin 17 (in this regard, see also FIG. 10). The contact pins 17 are supported from below by corresponding bearing clips 24 of the base plate 7 so that, although they are rotatable, they are fixed in terms of longitudinal displacement. A gap cylinder 20 of the contact pin 17 is arranged between the base plate 7 and the receiving opening 16. This forms a puncture-proof gap 22 with a corresponding edge 21 of the receiving opening 16.
[0073] Via the lateral insertion openings 15 of each contact element cover 12, a corresponding cable or the like is inserted in the direction of the switching contact element 4 into each individual interrupter chamber 3.
[0074] When the counter-contact element 9 is in contact with the two mutually opposing switching contact elements 4, these will be connected electrically in order, for example, to provide a voltage to a corresponding device.
[0075] The plungers 61 are spring-loaded in the direction of the actuating device 5. Via cams of a corresponding cam element 6 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the corresponding plunger 61 can, via the bridge 81, be pressed down in the direction of the base plate 7 against the spring force. When the cam element 6 is rotated correspondingly, the spring application will be able to move the plunger 61 upwards until it comes into contact with the corresponding contact pin 17.
[0076] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a representation analogous to FIG. 3 for different positions of the plunger 61. In FIG. 4, the corresponding plunger 61 is deflected downwards against the spring action of a spring element 30, so that the corresponding counter-contact element 9 (see also FIG. 3) is arranged in its disconnected position 11 with regard to corresponding switching contact elements 4. On the other hand, in FIG. 5 the counter-contact element 9 is in its contact position 10 with the corresponding switching contact elements 4, so that an electrical connection is established between the two mutually opposing switching contact elements of the corresponding individual interrupter chamber 3.
[0077] In the FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen in particular that the switching contact elements 4 and in particular the terminal 66 can be arranged in two different orientations in the corresponding individual interrupter chamber. While in FIG. 4 the corresponding clamping screw 14 is accessible from above and the contact element cover 12 is also correspondingly arranged, in FIG. 5 an arrangement of the clamp 66 is rotated by 180°. As a result, the clamping screw 14 is accessible from below, i.e. from sides of the base plate 7, wherein the contact element cover 12 is also arranged in a manner rotated by 180°. This is possible according to the invention without further changes to the ganged cam switch 1. Both a housing installation and a front-panel mounting can thereby be realized. Corresponding openings 60 are provided in the individual interrupter chambers 3 or also in the switch housing 2, for allowing access to the clamping screws 14.
[0078] In FIG. 6, a corresponding lateral contact element cover 12 is shown enlarged and on its own. This has tabs 58 at the top and bottom ends for latching to the individual interrupter chamber 3 or the switch housing 2. In the lower half of the contact element cover 12, the lateral insertion opening 15 is formed, via which a corresponding cable connection can be introduced in the direction of switching contact elements 4. A plug-in identification plate 80 for identification of the individual interrupter chamber can be arranged in the upper region of the contact element cover.
[0079] As described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact element cover 12 can likewise be arranged in two orientations depending on the arrangement of the switching contact elements 4. On its side projecting inwardly in the direction of the individual interrupter chamber 3, the contact element cover 12 has a supporting surface 13 which laterally supports a clamping screw 14 (see also FIG. 3), wherein at the same time the supporting surface 13 can have an inwardly projecting projection for captively holding the clamping screw 14 (see also the other embodiments). In other words, the clamping screw 14 is held by the corresponding projection of the support surface 13 and is captively arranged in the individual interrupter chamber 3.
[0080] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the underside of a corresponding switch 1. In this case, the switching contact elements 4 are partially cut, with the corresponding clamping screws 14 facing downwards toward the bottom plates 7. This applies analogously to both sides of the corresponding individual interrupter chambers 3. The underside of each individual interrupter chamber 3 is closed off by the base plate 7. This results in an explosion-proof arrangement of the switching contact elements 4 in the switch 1.
[0081] In FIG. 8, a vertical section through the switch 1 is shown. In this representation, the plungers 61 are arranged by a corresponding arrangement of the cam element 6 in such a way that the counter-contact element 9 is in electrical contact with the switch contact elements 4 on both sides. In other words, the corresponding plunger 61 or the counter-contact element 9 is arranged in its contact position 10. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 8 that the base plate 7 has a corresponding receptacle for the spring element 30 (see spring receiving opening 29). According to FIG. 8, the switching contact elements 4 are arranged in such a way that the clamping screw 14 is accessible from below. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 8 that corresponding openings 67 and 68 are formed above and below the corresponding switching contact element 4. Via these, the clamping screws 14 are accessible from above or below, depending on their arrangement.
[0082] As already explained above, an arrangement rotated by 180° of the switching contact elements 4 is possible. FIG. 9 shows such a different orientation of the switching contact elements 4. In this case, the clamping screws 14 are accessible from above, i.e. from the actuating device 5. In particular, it can also be seen in FIG. 9 that each switching contact element 4 has a contact pin 17. This extends from its insertion end 18 to its contact end 19. The contact end 19 serves to contact the counter-contact element 9 (see also FIG. 8). A puncture-proof gap 22 is formed between the corresponding opening edge 21 of the receiving opening 16 and the gap cylinder 20. In the arrangement of the plunger 61 according to FIG. 9, the corresponding spring element 30 is compressed downwardly in the direction of the base plate 7.
[0083] In FIG. 10, the contact pin 17 is shown enlarged and without any other parts. The corresponding insertion end 18 is formed essentially by a rectangular portion of the contact pin 17. The gap cylinder 20 is attached to this insertion end 18. On the side of the gap cylinder 20 opposite the insertion end 18, the contact pin 17 has an approximately semicircular bearing groove 23. This serves for the rotatable, linearly non-displaceable mounting of the contact pin 17 with corresponding bearing clips 24 of the base plate 7 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12). The bearing groove 23 has a corresponding bearing groove width 28 which corresponds essentially to a material thickness 27 (see FIG. 11) of a bearing clip 24.
[0084] The contact pin 17 has its contact end 19 next to the bearing groove 23. This serves for contacting the counter-contact element in its contact position 10 (see also the preceding embodiments).
[0085] In FIGS. 11 and 12, the base plate 7 is shown on its own. This has, in an approximately central position, the spring receiving opening 29, which comprises a spring receptacle 59 for mounting a lower end of the spring element 30 (in this regard, see FIGS. 8 and 9).
[0086] The bearing clips 24 are arranged on both sides adjacent to the spring receiving opening 29. These extend upwardly in the direction of the contact pin and have approximately semicircular contact pin receptacles 26 at their free ends 25. These serve for receiving the corresponding bearing groove 23 (see also FIG. 10). The engagement of the contact pin receptacle 26 and the bearing groove 23 allows the contact pins 17 to be rotatable but non-displaceable in the longitudinal direction.
[0087] The switch 1 as shown so far has, for example, four individual interrupter chambers 3. This number of individual interrupter chambers 3 is only by way of example, wherein fewer or more individual interrupter chambers 3 can be arranged in a corresponding switch housing 2 of the switch 1.
[0088] In addition, it is possible to use an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 as an independent part or also in interaction with the switch 1. This is shown in FIG. 13 in a lateral perspective view. For example, the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 can be releasably secured to one side of a corresponding switch housing 2 of the ganged cam switch 1. The auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 has a sliding-type actuating element 34 by means of which, in the interior, a corresponding plunger is vertically movable in the switch in a manner analogous to the previous embodiments. In addition, the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 has corresponding switching contact elements 4. However, the contact element covers 12 are formed to cover two switching contact elements 4 arranged side by side, so that in the exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 according to FIG. 13, two pairs of switching contact elements 4 are arranged therein (see also the following embodiments).
[0089] For fastening the auxiliary interrupter chambers 31 to the switch housing 2 or also for connecting a plurality of auxiliary interrupter chambers 31 to each other, the latter has at least on one side corresponding fastening elements (see L-shaped sliding arms 35 and locking projection 37). The sliding arms 35 form push-on projections 49 or push-on sections 36 (see also the remaining embodiments) onto which a corresponding push-on arm 50 can be pushed and then fastened by latching with the latching projection 37, 52 by means of a corresponding latching arm 53.
[0090] In FIG. 14, the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is depicted without an outer housing and in an exploded view. The sliding-type actuating element 34 is arranged such that the counter-contact element 9 is in electrical contact with two mutually opposing switching contact elements 4. The construction of the switching contact elements 4 is analogous to that of the switch 1 described above. It can also be seen that a total of two switching contact elements 4 are arranged on each side of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 and are held by the contact element cover 12 as a side wall 38 of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. Differently oriented arrangements of the switching contact elements 4 are also possible in the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 (see the left-hand side in FIG. 14 and the right-hand side in FIG. 14). On the left, the switching contact elements 4 are oriented in such a way that the corresponding clamping screw 14 is accessible from above in the direction of a lid 63 of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. On the right-hand side, the switching contact elements 4 are held in an arrangement rotated by 180°, in which the clamping screws 14 are accessible from below, i.e. from a base plate 39.
[0091] Analogously to the base plate 7 of the switch 1, the base plate 39 of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is also connected to the remaining parts of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 by, for example, friction welding. A corresponding housing of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is shown in FIG. 13. In addition, it is also true according to FIG. 14 that the corresponding contact element covers 12 can be latched to the remaining housing of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 (see the corresponding latching projections 52 at the bottom and at the top of the side walls 38).
[0092] Holding arms 62 are provided on an inner side of each side wall 38, which can also be arranged analogously in the case of the contact element cover 12 of the switch 1. These serve for different height arrangements of the various switching contact elements and for captively holding the corresponding clamping screws 14.
[0093] The base plate 39 likewise has bearing clips 40 which, however, are formed according to FIG. 14 for receiving two contact pins in order to be able to arrange corresponding contact pairs 32, 33. Depending on the vertical adjustment of the corresponding plunger 61, the counter-contact element 9 is arranged with the lower contact pair 33, upper contact pair 32 or in a central position between the contact pairs 32, 33.
[0094] FIG. 15 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 14 in which the side walls 38 are latched (see the tabs or latching projections 58). In this case, only the upper contact pair 32 according to FIG. 14 is visible, while the lower contact pair 33 is covered by corresponding partition walls 43 (see also FIG. 16). This serves for explosion protection.
[0095] The corresponding switching contact elements 4 are arranged in different orientations to the left and right (see in particular the orientation of the clamping screws 14). The corresponding holding arms 62 serve for captively retaining the clamping screw 14 in that they have a retaining projection 44 (see also FIG. 18) which in particular at least partially overlaps a screw head 48. That is, although the clamping screws can be released for the purpose of inserting a cable connection for connection to the switching contact elements 4, they are only released until there is corresponding contact with the retaining projection 44.
[0096] The corresponding base plate 39 of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is shown in FIG. 16. This is constructed similarly to the base plate 7 of the individual interrupter chambers 3. However, the bearing clips 40 have two contact pin receptacles 41, 42, by means of which a part of the corresponding contact pairs 32, 33 or associated contact pins 17 is held in an analogous way to the previous embodiments. The contact pin receptacles 41, 42 are arranged at different heights, wherein partition walls 43 are arranged between the bearing clips 40 and also between the contact pin receptacles 41, 42. These extend approximately from the bearing clips 40 to the spring receiving opening 29. Analogously to the spring-receiving opening in the individual interrupter chambers, this serves for supporting a spring element 30 acting on the plunger 61 by spring-loading.
[0097] The further embodiments regarding the bearing groove 24 and bearing clip 25 in connection with the individual interrupter chambers also apply to the bearing clips 40 and contact pin receptacles 41, 42 in the case of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31.
[0098] FIG. 17 shows a corresponding contact pin 17 of the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. This is constructed similarly to the contact pin 17 of the individual interrupter chamber 3. Here as well, a gap cylinder 20 with a laterally adjacent bearing groove 23 is provided approximately centrally. The contact end 19 then adjoins the bearing groove 23 and the insertion end 18 adjoins the gap cylinder 20 at the other end. However, the insertion end 18 does not have a square cross-section throughout, but also at least two portions with a reduced cross-section.
[0099] FIG. 18 shows a perspective side view of an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. In particular, the arrangement of the switching contact elements 4 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these are both arranged with the same orientation but at a height offset from each other. That is, the corresponding clamping screws 45 are both accessible from below, in other words, from the base plate 39. Furthermore, the corresponding insertion end 18 of the contact pins 17 is visible in the corresponding receiving opening 16. The clamping screws 45 are held at their screw head 48 by the retaining projection 44 as a corresponding edge projection, wherein this edge projection 46 is supplemented by an edge projection 47 (see FIG. 15 and side wall 38). That is, through the interaction of the edge projections 46, 47, the screw head 48 is partially overlapped radially from the outside, so that the clamping screw 48 is arranged captively. Corresponding openings 67, 68 are also visible in FIG. 18 by means of which the corresponding clamping screws can be accessed either from above or from below, depending on the arrangement of the switching contact elements or of the corresponding terminal 66.
[0100] It has already been pointed out that different switches or also switches and auxiliary interrupter chambers can be connected to each other. This can be effected directly by means of corresponding auxiliary means (see the preceding embodiments) or via a coupling frame part 54, which is visible in FIG. 19 in a perspective side view. The coupling frame part 54 has corresponding connecting elements along its side edges. An upper connecting element is, for example, a push-on arm 50, which projects beyond the coupling frame part 54 on both sides. A lower connecting element is another push-on arm 50, which is formed analogously to the upper push-on arm. A latching arm 53 is arranged in the height direction 51 between the two push-on arms 50. This projects beyond the coupling frame part 54 on both sides and is used for latching with a corresponding latching projection 52 (see also FIG. 20) on the switch housing 2 or on the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. The push-on arms 50 are used to slide onto the L-shaped sliding arms 35 or L-shaped push-on projections 49 (see the following and preceding embodiments).
[0101] That is, one side of the coupling frame part 54 is, for example, assigned to one side of the switch housing 2 of a switch 1 and fastened there, while the other side of the coupling frame part 54 serves to fasten a further switch housing or also an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31. The coupling frame part 54 can also be used for connecting two auxiliary interrupter chambers 31.
[0102] In FIG. 20, two switches 1 are arranged side by side, wherein each switch 1 has a corresponding switch housing and a number of individual interrupter chambers 3. The coupling frame part 54 is arranged between the two switch housings 2. Arranged above the switch housings 2 in each switch 1 is a corresponding actuating device 5, on which a collective actuating device 64 for simultaneous and analog actuation of the actuating devices 5 is arranged. Each switch 1 is structured as already explained above. It can also be seen in FIG. 20 that, on the free side faces of the switch housing 2, corresponding devices are formed for the attachment of a further switch or also of an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31; see push-on sections 36 in the form of L-shaped push-on projections 49. In addition, a latching projection 52 is arranged correspondingly between them. The orientations of the actuating devices 5 are here rotated by 180°.
[0103] In FIG. 21, a corresponding coupling frame part 54 is arranged on one side of a switch 1. This is in its latched position, since the latching arm 53 engages beneath the latching projection 52.
[0104] In FIG. 22, an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is directly connected to a side face of a switch 1, wherein the corresponding connecting elements are used here as well (see push-on projection, push-on arm, latching projection and latching arm). In this connection, there is still the possibility for a coupling frame part 54 to be arranged between the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 and the ganged cam switch 1 in order, for example, to increase the distance between the two.
[0105] In FIG. 23, a coupling frame part 54 is arranged in its as yet unconnected position. That is, the L-shaped push-on projections 49 are still exposed and the latching arm 53 is not yet engaging beneath the latching projection 52.
[0106] In FIG. 24, the coupling frame part 54 is then in its fastened state, and in particular the latching arm 53 engages beneath the latching projection 52. The side of the coupling frame part 54 shown on the right in FIG. 24 can then serve for attaching a further switch housing 2 of a switch 1 (see FIG. 20) or for holding an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31.
[0107] FIG. 25 shows a switch 1 according to the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein this switch has a partition plate 55 on one side, on the other side of which an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 is arranged. This partition plate serves essentially as an Ex-i partition plate between switch 1 and auxiliary interrupter chamber 31.
[0108] FIG. 26 shows the partition plate 55 without a corresponding auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 as shown in FIG. 25. An open inner contour 56 which does not cover the corresponding connecting elements on the switch housing 2 of the switch 1 can be seen, so that (see FIG. 27) an auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 can be attached in the already described manner via L-shaped push-on projections, push-on arms, latching projection and latching arm. The corresponding partition plate 55 projects at least laterally and upwardly beyond the auxiliary interrupter chamber 31 and separates it from the switch housing 2 of the switch 1.
[0109] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a latching device 65, which is adjustably mounted on the base plate and/or on the switch housing. The coresponding latching direction is also visible, for example, in FIG. 3. The latching device 65 is essentially formed as a snap-on latch, which is displaceably mounted relative to, for example, the base plate 7 (see again FIG. 3) by means of lateral guide projections 77. The latching device 65 has an upper side 69 and a lower side 70, wherein the upper side 69 is associated with the base plate 7. At one end, the latching device has a latching end 71 with a latching nose 78. This serves to fasten the switch to a DIN rail or the like. In addition, stops 72 are arranged on the upper side 69, which limit an engagement of the latching nose 78 relative to a DIN rail (not shown). The locking device has a number of openings, one opening 73 of which is in each case assigned to a corresponding opening 67, 68 of an individual interrupter chamber 3. That is, even when a snap-on latch is present, the corresponding clamping screws are accessible via opening 73 and openings 67, 68. The snap-on latch has at least one further opening 74 adjacent its end opposite the latching nose 78. This opening 74 serves in particular for the insertion of a tool or the like, in order to pull the snap-on latch out of engagement with the DIN rail.
[0110] Two spring elements 75, 76 are mounted at a distance from each other in the snap-on latch 65 (see also FIG. 30). These (see also FIG. 29) are supported, for example, on a contact element cover 12 or within the switch housing 2, in order to push the snap-on latch in the direction of the DIN rail. A corresponding engagement of the snap-on latch is limited by abutment of the stops 72 in particular against the base plate 7. This corresponding position is shown in FIG. 29. That is, in FIG. 29 the snap-on latch is arranged in its engaged position with a DIN rail (not shown). By means of the opening 74, the snap-on latch can be displaced to the left from the position shown in FIG. 29, so that disengagement from the DIN rail is achieved (disconnected position). In order to be able to set the disconnected position, at least one latching hook 82 projects from in particular the upper side 69 of the latching device 65. When the locking device is in its disconnected position, i.e. is not in engagement with a corresponding rail, this disconnected position relative to an outer side 83 is defined by the at least one latching hook. The latching hook can likewise be formed in pairs, in particular on both sides of the further opening 74 on the upper side. The latching device is therefore automatically held open in the disconnected position. The switch housing can thereby be positioned in a simple manner relative to the DIN rail. When the desired position has been reached, the latching between latching hook and switch housing 2 or contact element cover 12 can be released by slight pressure on the latching device, in particular downwardly or at least obliquely downwardly. The snap-on position is then automatically assumed by the spring elements.
[0111] FIG. 30 shows the corresponding stops 79 of the switch, on which the spring elements 75 and 76 are supported, leaving the opening 73 free.
[0112] According to the invention, a switch with a number of individual chambers for each contact results. The switch is suitable for housing installation or front-panel mounting due to the different orientation possibilities of the corresponding switching contact elements. That is, it can be arranged in different positions in a simple manner without complicated measures, wherein the switch is of modular design (see the individual interrupter chambers and the switching contact elements) and these can be oriented differently depending on the mounting of the switch. The corresponding switching contact elements are not glued or potted, but are arranged in a manner detachable and differently orientable in the particular individual interrupter chamber 3. The corresponding base plate is fastened from below to each individual interrupter chamber and in particular is welded there.
[0113] The corresponding contact element covers can also be used easily for each individual interrupter chamber. No further components are necessary for the different orientations, in particular the switching contact elements, but individual interrupter chambers and also contact element covers are provided for both orientations.
[0114] In addition, in the present application, it is also possible to orient the actuating device differently for left-handed or right-handed operation or in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2 and 20. The auxiliary interrupter chamber is a separate component which can be used both independently and together with the switch according to the invention. The auxiliary interrupter chamber has two pairs of switching contact elements which essentially correspond to the structure of the individual interrupter chambers of the switch; see the different orientations of the switching contact elements, the different orientation of the side wall or contact element cover. Although the switching contact elements and in particular their contact pins are rotatable, they are held in a manner longitudinally displaceable for each switching contact element.
