Switching Device Having an Exchangeable Switching Piece Assembly

Abstract

A switching device including a switching chamber, in which a stationary switching piece is arranged opposite a movable switching piece, where the stationary switching piece is placed on a plastic carrier part and this component combination of stationary switching piece and plastic carrier part is configured as an exchangeable switching piece assembly.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A switching device comprising: a switching chamber; a movable switching piece; and a stationary switching piece arranged in switching chamber and opposite the moveable switching piece; wherein the stationary switching piece is fitted to a plastic carrier part, and a component combination of the stationary switching piece in the plastic carrier part is configured as an exchangeable switching piece assembly.

12. The switching device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plastic carrier part is configured with two mutually parallel sides, which are interconnected by a first connecting side.

13. The switching device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a second connecting side arranged at a distance from and parallel to the first connecting side such that, between the first and second connecting sides, a recess is formed, into which one arm of a U-shaped stationary switching piece is inserted.

14. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: mutually parallel recesses configured on mutually parallel sides for accommodating arc splitters.

15. The switching device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: mutually parallel recesses configured on the mutually parallel sides for accommodating arc splitters.

16. The switching device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: mutually parallel recesses are configured on the mutually parallel sides for accommodating arc splitters.

17. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: an arc quenching bucket; and two mutually parallel guide slots arranged on the mutually parallel sides for accommodating the arc quenching bucket.

18. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plastic carrier part is manufactured from a high-temperature thermoplastic material.

19. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plastic carrier part is manufactured from Duroplast.

20. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the switching device is a contactor.

21. The switching device as claimed in one of claim 11, wherein the switching device is a power circuit-breaker.

22. The switching device as claimed in one of claim 11 wherein the switching device is a compact motor feeder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective representation of a prior art switching device, with a switching chamber, in which stationary switching pieces and moveable switching pieces arranged in opposition thereto are arranged;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of a switching device in accordance with the invention, with exchangeable switching piece assemblies;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective representation of a switching piece assembly in accordance with the invention; and

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a perspective representation of an assembled switching piece assembly in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 represents a conventional switching device, with a switching chamber 100, in which stationary switching pieces 200 are arranged opposite moveable switching pieces 300. Lateral connecting terminal blocks 400 are arranged on the switching device. The switching device is covered by an arcing chamber 500. The switching chamber walls, which were also affected by the switching arc, are accommodated in the arcing chamber 500, which must also be replaced when the switching pieces are replaced.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a switching device in accordance with the invention, provided with a switching chamber 1, in which stationary switching pieces 2 are arranged opposite moveable switching pieces 3. Each of the stationary switching pieces 2 is arranged in plastic carrier parts 4. Lateral connecting terminal blocks 5 may be arranged on the switching device. The switching chamber 1 is covered by a switching chamber cover 6. In order to replace the exchangeable switching piece assembly, the switching chamber cover 6 is removed, the switching piece assembly is withdrawn, either to the right or to the left, and is replaced. The positioning of the plastic carrier parts 4 in the switching device is preferably achieved via a guide rail and groove arrangement. It is also possible for the moveable switching pieces 3 to likewise be fitted in a contact carrier, and likewise replaced accordingly.

[0037] FIG. 3 represents the individual components of a switching piece assembly in accordance with the invention. The switching piece assembly in accordance with the invention is provided with a plastic carrier 4, which is preferably configured with two mutually parallel sides 7, 8, which are interconnected by a first further side 9. A second connecting side 10 is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the first connecting side 9 such that, between the first and second connecting sides 9, 10, a recess 11 is formed, into which one arm 12 of a U-shaped stationary switching piece 2 may be inserted. Preferably, mutually parallel recesses 13 for the accommodation of arc splitters 14 are configured on the mutually parallel sides 7, 8. Moreover, two mutually parallel guide slots 15, 16 for the accommodation of an arc quenching bucket 17 may be arranged on the mutually parallel sides 7, 8 of the plastic carrier 4.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the assembled switching piece assembly in accordance with the invention, with the arc splitters 14 fitted and the arc quenching bucket 17 in position.

[0039] The switching device with exchangeable switching piece assemblies according to the invention is characterized by ease of handling during exchange operations, and also permits the adoption of a compact structure.

[0040] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.