Low-voltage switching device with a variable design

Abstract

A low-voltage switching device includes a base module, with a connection region for electrical conductors. Auxiliary contacts and a coil connection are arranged in a separate auxiliary module that is attachable to and detachable from the base module to maximize flexibility in configuration, manufacture, functionality and utility of the switching device while reducing production costs.

Claims

1. A low-voltage switching device, comprising: a base module having at least one connection region for electric conductors; a separate auxiliary module having auxiliary contacts and a coil connection arranged in a separable manner from the base module, the separate auxiliary module being configured to attach to differently sized switching devices; wherein the separate auxiliary module includes a variable configuration exchangeable surge limiter, selected for an intended application of the separate auxiliary module and arranged within the separate auxiliary module, includes an arc chamber having a variable configuration and includes an exchangeable enclosure having a variable configuration and moveable switching contacts with a contact carrier and a base plate, which are universally configured identically in each of a plurality of separate auxiliary modules; and wherein the separate auxiliary module is selected from a group consisting of a first auxiliary module having a first configuration, a second auxiliary module having a second configuration and a third auxiliary module having a third configuration, the first, second and third configurations being different from each other.

2. The low-voltage switching device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module is configured as one of a standard auxiliary module, a communication auxiliary module and a capacitor switching contactor auxiliary module.

3. The low-voltage switching device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module further comprises one of a screw connector terminal system, a spring-loaded terminal system and a ring cable shoe connector system.

4. The low-voltage switching device of claim 1, wherein the exchangeable enclosure is selected for an intended application of the auxiliary module.

5. The low-voltage switching device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module is configured with various arcing chambers and associated fixed contact pieces and coil connections in different types of connection systems, with or without cable ducts.

6. The low-voltage switching device of claim 5, wherein the arcing chamber of the auxiliary module is configured such that said arcing chamber can accommodate up to four auxiliary or main conducting paths.

7. The low-voltage switching device of claim 1, wherein the low-voltage switching device is a contactor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a low-voltage switching device according to the invention, with a base module and a plurality of separate auxiliary modules which are variably adapted to the type of application;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded, elevated perspective view of a standard auxiliary module according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded, elevated perspective view of a communication auxiliary module according to the invention; and

(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded, elevated perspective view of a capacitor switching contactor auxiliary module according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(6) FIG. 1 depicts a low-voltage switching device, in particular a contactor, constructed in accordance with the invention. The low-voltage switching device is configured in two parts, including a base module 1 that is preferably of cuboid design and includes an upper side 2, an underside 3 and four lateral elements 4, 5, 6, 7. A connection region 6a and 8 for electrical conductors is preferably arranged on the lateral elements 4 and 6. A separate auxiliary module 9, which is attachable to and detachable from the base module 1, is preferably arranged on the upper side 2 of based module 1. Auxiliary module 9several distinct forms of which are depicted in FIG. 2may be configured as a standard auxiliary module, as a communication auxiliary module, or as a capacitor switching contactor auxiliary module. The auxiliary module 9 is preferably also of cuboid design, with an upper side 10, an underside 11 and four lateral elements 12, 13, 14, 15. The auxiliary module 9 is mountable on the base module 1, preferably in a recess 15a in base module 1.

(7) FIG. 2 depicts a standard auxiliary module constructed in accordance with the invention. The auxiliary module 9 of the invention comprises a base plate 16 and a contact carrier 17 with moveable switching contacts 18. These device components are configured identically in all auxiliary module devices. Auxiliary module 9 of the invention is also provided with an enclosure 20 of variable configuration, a surge limiter 21 of variable design and an arcing chamber of variable configuration with a connection region 22, which region 22 is appropriate for both auxiliary circuits and control circuits.

(8) FIG. 3 shows the auxiliary module 9 of the invention in the form of a communication auxiliary module. In FIG. 4, the depicted auxiliary module 9 is a capacitor switching contactor auxiliary module.

(9) The present invention is characterized by a variable device design, resulting from the use of a base module and an auxiliary module. By the corresponding configuration of the auxiliary module, and the exchange or assembly of the device in a given manufacturing process, switching devices of a wide variety of different designs can easily be produced. Moreover, the auxiliary module is configured for attachment to different sizes of switching devices. This is advantageously associated with a reduction in the variety of components, as a result of the modular use of individual components or individual sub-assemblies. This leads to a cost reduction in the design of devices, associated with automation, specifically in the manufacture of small switching device production runs. A further advantage is that the simpler, and consequently more cost-effective, production of tools is possible.