Switching-device tripping apparatus

Abstract

A switching-device tripping apparatus for a switching device includes contact pieces that can be moved relative to one another. Relative motion between the contact pieces is generated by a gear or transmission configuration. The gear or transmission configuration has a pawl in order to control motion of the contact pieces relative to each other. First and second tripping devices are provided, which work or operate the same pawl and drive the same pawl.

Claims

1. A switching device tripping apparatus for a switching device, the switching device tripping apparatus comprising: contact pieces configured to move relative to one another; a gear configuration configured to generate a relative movement between said contact pieces, said gear configuration having a pawl; first and second tripping devices having plungers configured to independently move against, actuate and drive said pawl; a bar having one end connected to said second tripping device and another end passing through said first tripping device for driving said pawl; and first and second drive apparatuses each configured to independently exert a force effect on a respective one of said first and second tripping devices.

2. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tripping devices are each mounted to be linearly displaceable.

3. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second tripping device is configured to move against said pawl with said first tripping device interposed between said second tripping device and said pawl.

4. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said movement axes of said first and second tripping devices are coaxial.

5. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second tripping device is guided on said first tripping device.

6. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second tripping device protrudes into a cutout formed in said first tripping device.

7. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second tripping device passes through said cutout formed in said first tripping device.

8. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first tripping device has a hollow cylindrical structure at least partially engaging around said second tripping device.

9. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one drive element constructed as a plunger coil, at least one of said tripping devices being disposed as an armature at said at least one drive element.

10. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said gear configuration includes a storage spring, and said pawl is configured to block movement of said storage spring in a tensioned state of said storage spring and to relieve tension in said storage spring when actuated by at least one of said first and second tripping devices.

11. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first tripping device directly drives said pawl.

12. The switching device tripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second tripping devices are identically constructed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in a drawing and described in more detail below.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a first variant embodiment of a switching-device tripping apparatus,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a second variant embodiment of a switching-device tripping apparatus,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a third variant embodiment of a switching-device tripping apparatus,

(5) FIG. 4 show parts of a fourth variant embodiment of a switching-device tripping apparatus in the unfitted state, and

(6) FIG. 5 shows the fourth variant embodiment, known in parts from FIG. 4, of a switching-device tripping apparatus in the fitted state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 illustrate the illustrated variant embodiments of a switching-device tripping apparatus, in each case with various gear arrangements, by way of example. The gear arrangements are schematized and merely exemplary. The gear arrangements and elements thereof shown in the figures are mutually replaceable. In the figures, therefore, functionally identical assemblies have been provided with the same reference symbols. Furthermore, alternative variant configurations of a gear arrangement can also be used. The figures are intended, with the gear arrangements illustrated therein, to be used for simplified understanding of the effectiveness and use of a switching-device tripping apparatus.

(8) FIG. 1 shows a first variant embodiment of a switching-device tripping apparatus showing a schematic illustration of a switching device 1. The switching device 1 has a first contact piece 2 and a second contact piece 3. The first contact piece 2 is in this case arranged fixed in position. The second contact piece 3 is configured so as to be linearly displaceable, with the result that a relative movability (cf. double arrow) is provided between the first and second contact pieces 2, 3. The contact piece 3 is coupled to a storage spring 4, with the result that a switch-off movement, i.e. a separation of the two contact pieces 2, 3 from one another, takes place driven by energy which is drawn from the tensioned storage spring 4.

(9) The storage spring 4 is part of a gear arrangement for generating the relative movement between the contact pieces 2, 3. In this case, the storage spring 4 is in the form of a helical spring which is mounted fixed in position. In order to tension the storage spring 4, an electric motor 5 is provided. The electric motor 5 is connected to the storage spring 4 via a kinematic chain 6. The kinematic chain 6 has a cable hoist, which is wound around a shaft drivable by the electric motor 5. It is thus possible to perform spring-tensioning work on the storage spring 4 by operation of the electric motor 5 and to tension the storage spring 4.

(10) The following description of the way in which the tripping means work and the way in which they interact with the further assemblies also relates similarly to the variant embodiments in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. Therefore, the assemblies which have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols. In the tensioned state, the storage spring is blocked by a pawl 7, with the result that it is only possible for the storage spring 4 to be relieved of tension after actuation of the pawl 7. The pawl 7 is in the form of an integral locking bar. The storage spring 4 is relieved of tension in this case suddenly, with the result that a sudden relative movement between the two contact pieces 2, 3 takes place, in particular over the course of a switch-off operation. In order to make it possible for the tension spring 4 to be correspondingly relieved of tension suddenly, a decoupling module, for example, needs to be provided in the kinematic chain 6 to the drivable shaft, with the result that a braking effect of the kinematic chain 6 and of the electric motor 5 is prevented.

(11) The pawl 7 is mounted linearly displaceably. Linear displaceability is possible in this case in the direction of an axis 8. For example, a displacement direction of the pawl 7 as shown in FIG. 1 is fixed by slots 9 arranged in the pawl 7 and extending in the direction of the axis 8, wherein guide bolts 10 are passed through the slots 9. The guide bolts 10 are in each case equipped with threads at the end, with the result that the guide bolts 10 can be fastened on one side to a base plate and, on the other side, at the guide bolts 10, removal of the pawl 7 is prevented by the guide bolts 10 by means of nuts which can be screwed onto the respective thread.

(12) In order to drive the pawl 7, a first tripping means 11 and a second tripping means 12 are provided. The two tripping means 11, 12 are in the form of bolts, wherein the bolts of the tripping means 11, 12 are each guided displaceably in an iron core 13. The iron cores 13 guide the respective tripping means 11, 12 parallel to the axis 8, wherein the tripping means 11, 12 are arranged linearly displaceably parallel to the axis 8. The iron cores 13 can perform the function of a housing surrounding the tripping means 11, 12. The two tripping means 11, 12 are in this case each in the form of plunger armatures of a plunger coil 14, which acts as drive element. A plunger coil 14, with an armature, acts as an electrodynamic drive element. The respective tripping means 11, 12 act as armatures of the respective plunger coils 14. The position of the tripping means 11, 12 in the rest position is illustrated in FIG. 1. By means of in each case one restoring spring 15 arranged coaxially to the tripping means 11, 12, the two tripping means 11, 12 are each pressed away from the pawl 7 into their rest positions. Instead of the use of a restoring spring 15 for generating a restoring force, alternative apparatuses can also be used. For example, the tripping means 11, 12 can fall back into their rest positions as a result of the force of their weight. An abutment for the force emerging from the restoring spring 15 and stops for limit positions of the tripping means 11, 12 are provided by the respective iron core 13. The tripping means 11, 12 are each provided with a radially projecting shoulder at their end remote from the pawl 7, which shoulders each alternately rest on the stops of the limit positions of the respective iron core 13.

(13) In the case of energization of the plunger coils 14, a magnetic force effect acts on the respective tripping means 11, 12, as a result of which the tripping means 11, 12 are moved in the direction of the pawl 7 counter to the force of the respective restoring spring 15. The tripping means 11, 12 in each case perform a linear excursion in the direction of the axis 8, hit against the pawl 7 at force introduction points and displace the pawl 7 in the direction of the axis 8. As a result, the pawl 7 releases the tensioned storage spring 4. The storage spring 4 is relieved of tension suddenly and suddenly opens the switching path between the two contact pieces 2, 3. Once the storage spring 4 has been released, the energization of the plunger coils 14 ends. The two tripping means 11, 12 are moved back into their rest positions by the force of the respective restoring spring 15. Furthermore, a return movement of the pawl 7 is also effected by a pawl restoring spring 17, with the result that the pawl 7 is again ready to secure the tensioned storage spring 4, once the storage spring 4 has been tensioned, in order to release said storage spring 4, after tripping by the tripping means 11, 12, and to generate a switching movement or relative movement between the contact pieces 2, 3.

(14) The first tripping means 11 and the second tripping means 12 each have drive elements in the form of plunger coils 14 which act independently of one another, with the result that, in the event of failure of one of the plunger coils 14 or in the event of blocking of one of the tripping means 11, 12, the respective other undisrupted tripping means 11, 12 or the undisrupted plunger coil 14 can perform actuation of the pawl 7. The two tripping means 11, 12 act independently of one another on the same pawl 7.

(15) FIG. 2 shows the switching-device tripping apparatus known from FIG. 1, wherein the configuration of the pawl varies. Again the use of a storage spring 4 is provided which can be tensioned by means of an electric motor 5 via a kinematic chain 6, wherein blocking of the tensioned storage spring 4 by means of a pawl 7 is provided. FIG. 2 illustrates the untensioned position of the storage spring 4, wherein the contact pieces 2, 3 are illustrated in the open position. A stretched position of the storage spring 4 in the tensioned state is indicated by dash-dotted lines on the storage spring 4, wherein the pawl 7 blocks the storage spring 4 in the tensioned state. In the text which follows, details will only be given of the alternative configuration of a pawl 7. The pawl 7 has in this case a two-armed lever 18 which is mounted fixed in position. The fixed lever 18 is pivotable about a fixed fulcrum with the result that the pawl 7 can release a tensioned storage spring 4. A connecting rod 19 is connected to one arm of the fixed lever 18. The connecting rod 19 connects the fixed lever 18 to an elbow lever 20. The elbow lever 20 is mounted fixed in position, wherein the elbow lever 20 is movable by a first and a second tripping means 11, 12. Force introduction points of the two tripping means 11, 12 are located at the elbow lever 20 of the pawl 7. Owing to a movement of the tripping means 11, 12, a movement of the pawl 7 is effected which, analogously to the variant embodiment described in FIG. 1, causes a tensioned storage spring 4 to be relieved of tension. The assemblies required for moving the tripping means 11, 12 are embodied analogously to the assemblies in FIG. 1 and are consequently provided with the same reference symbols. In contrast to FIG. 1, the pawl 7 is in the form of a lever chain.

(16) In FIGS. 3 and 5, basic illustrations each show a latching mechanism and the gear arrangement. Functionally identical assemblies are provided with the same reference symbols as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Since the operation is analogous to that in FIGS. 1 and 2, only the way in which tripping means and drive means are configured are described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

(17) FIG. 3 illustrates a force introduction point of two tripping means 11, 12 at a pawl 7. The pawl 7 is pivotable about a fixed bearing point. A first tripping means 11 and a second tripping means 12 are arranged axially one behind the other, wherein the two tripping means 11, 12 are each configured in the form of bolts. In this case, provision is made for the second tripping means 12 to be movable against the pawl 7, with the first tripping means 11 interposed, in order to pivot the pawl 7. Correspondingly, provision is made for the tripping means 11, 12, in each case in the form of plungers, to be arranged one behind the other in such a way that the plunger of the second tripping means 12, as it moves from its rest position into a tripping position, is driven against the first tripping means 11 and therefore, in the event of failure the plunger coil 14 of the first tripping means, for example, actuates the pawl 7, with the first tripping means 11 interposed. Correspondingly, provision is made for a cutout formed coaxially to the axis 8 to be provided in the iron core 13 of the first tripping means 11, through which cutout the second tripping means 12 can protrude into the interior of the iron core 13 of the first tripping means 11, with the result that a force can be exerted by the second tripping means 12 onto the first tripping means 11. If both tripping means 11, 12 are set in motion by the plunger coils 14, the forces emerging from the two tripping coils 11, 12 are added for activation of the pawl 7. The force effect which can be generated by one of the plunger coils 14 is in this case dimensioned, however, such that, even in the event of failure of one of the plunger coils 14, a force effect which is sufficient for activating the pawl 7 can be brought about by a single plunger coil 14. Even in the event of failure of the plunger coil 14 of the first tripping means 11, a force effect on the second tripping means 12 is produced and a displacement of the first tripping means 11 in the direction of the axis 8 against the pawl 7 is produced. The second tripping means 12 moves the first tripping means 11 in the direction of the axis 8 against the pawl 7 and, with the first tripping means 11 interposed, effects activation of the pawl 7 by the second tripping means 12. In the reverse case, in the event of failure of the plunger coil 14 of the second tripping means 12, the second tripping means 12 remains at rest and only the first tripping means 11 moves the pawl 7. The two tripping means 11, 12 act on the pawl 7 at the same force introduction point (indirectly or directly).

(18) A modular design of tripping means and plunger coils and iron cores will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

(19) FIG. 4 shows the design of the iron cores 13 of a first and a second tripping means 11, 12. The iron cores 13 and the drive means for the first and second tripping means 11, 12 each have an identical design. Therefore, the design of iron core 13 and drive means 14 of the first tripping means 11 will be described by way of example below with reference to FIG. 4, for example. The iron core 13 is arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis 8 and has a first subelement 13a and a second subelement 13b. The two subelements 13a, 13b make contact with one another on mutually facing end sides, wherein the end sides are aligned perpendicular to the axis 8. Cutouts running peripherally in the form of a ring are introduced into the mutually facing end sides, which cutouts are used for receiving a plunger coil 14 located between the two subelements 13a, 13b of the iron core 13. The plunger coil 14 is thus embedded in the iron core 13 and aligned coaxially to the axis 8. The iron core 13, in particular its first subelement 13a, is used for directing a magnetic field which can be generated by the plunger coil 14.

(20) A continuous cutout passes centrally through the iron core 13 in the direction of the axis 8, which cutout has substantially cylindrical inner lateral surfaces, wherein a plurality of projecting shoulders are provided for forming stops for the first tripping means 11. The first tripping means 11 is in this case in the form of a hollow cylinder, which is mounted in sliding fashion in the first subelement 13a of the iron core 13. Thus, the first tripping means 11 can be displaced in the direction of the axis 8. At its end lying within the iron core 13, the first tripping means 11 is radially extended, with the result that projecting shoulders are formed which rest on mirror-inverted stops of the iron core 13 in the end positions, for example in a rest position. The radial extension of the first tripping means 11 is hollow-cylindrical, wherein an outer lateral surface of the radial extension is guided in sliding fashion in a mirror-inverted inner lateral surface of the second subelement 13b of the iron core 13. By virtue of the radial extension, the free movability of the first tripping means 11 in the direction of the axis 8 is limited at the first tripping element 11. Thus, firstly a rest position of the first tripping means 11 in the iron core 13 can be assumed, wherein the first tripping means 11 is drawn virtually completely into the iron core 13 in the rest position of said first tripping means. In order to retain the first tripping means 11 safely in its rest position, a restoring spring 15 is provided which presses the radial extension of the first tripping means 11, supported on the first subelement 13a of the iron core 13, against a projecting shoulder of the second subelement 13b of the iron core 13. It is thus possible, in the case of energization of the plunger coil 14, for the first tripping means 11 to dip into the plunger coil 14, in the manner of a plunger armature, counter to the force of the restoring spring 15, wherein the first tripping means 11 emerges at the end out of the iron core 13 and, once energization of the plunger coil 14 has ended, a return movement of the first tripping means 11 into its rest position takes place owing to the restoring force of the tensioned restoring spring 15. As already mentioned in respect of FIG. 1, it is possible to dispense with a restoring spring or to use an alternative apparatus.

(21) The first tripping means 11 is provided with a cutout 21, which extends coaxially to the axis 8 and passes completely through the first tripping means 11. At its end remote from the radial extension, the first tripping means 11 is provided with an internal thread 22. Owing to the cutout 21, the first tripping means 11 is configured in the form of a bush, with the result that the bush can be used, for example, for guiding or mounting a second tripping means 12, for example.

(22) The second tripping means 12 has a basic body, which corresponds in terms of its construction to the first tripping means 11. A bar 23 is screwed into an internal thread 22 of the cutout 21 of the basic body of the second tripping means 12, which bar completes the second tripping means 12. The bar 23 is in this case likewise, in the same way as the basic body of the second tripping means 12, aligned coaxially to the axis 8. The bar 23 has such a cross section that it can be inserted into the cutout 21 in the first tripping means 11 in the manner of a clearance fit, with the result that the bar 23 is mounted displaceably in the cutout 21 in the first tripping means. Thus, a bearing bush is provided on the first tripping means 11 for the second tripping means 12.

(23) Therefore, a first and a second tripping means 11, 12 are formed which each output a linear movement and each act on the same pawl or drive the same pawl, wherein the two tripping means 11, 12 are aligned coaxially to one another, i.e. the first tripping means 11 surrounds the second tripping means 12 at least sectionally on the outer lateral surface side, wherein each of the two tripping means 11, 12 is drivable via a separate drive device.

(24) FIG. 5 shows the arrangement known from FIG. 4 comprising bar 23, which passes through the bush of the first tripping means 11. The two iron cores 13 of the two tripping means abut one another flush in the direction of the axis 8 and are aligned with one another. The bar 23 or the second tripping means 12 is mounted on the first tripping means 11 via the bar 23 of the second tripping means 12. The two tripping means 11, 12 face the pawl 7 at an end side of one of the iron cores 13, in this case the iron core 13 of the first tripping means 11, wherein each of the tripping means 11, 12 can act directly on the pawl 7. The possibility is thus provided of both the first tripping means 11 and the second tripping means 12 being able to effect a movement of the pawl 7 independently of the state of the respective other tripping means or the plunger coils, restoring springs etc. thereof. The first and second tripping means 11, 12 act on the pawl 7 at virtually the same force introduction point on said pawl 7. Thus, tilting and tipping can be avoided, and the pawl 7 can perform a pivoting movement.