AU2017356333B2

AU2017356333B2 - Load break switch

Info

Publication number: AU2017356333B2
Application number: AU2017356333A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alexander BENEDICT
Original assignee: Benedict GmbH
Current assignee: Benedict GmbH
Priority date: 2016-11-09
Filing date: 2017-11-09
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-09
Also published as: WO2018085873A1; AT15720U1; EP3539141B1; CN207542131U; AU2017356333A1; EP3539141A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a load break switch (1) having at least two switching modules (2), which each have stationary switch contacts (3) and movable switch contacts (4), and having a latching mechanism (8), which has a drive shaft (9) for moving the stationary switch contacts (3) and the movable switch contacts (4) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least two switching modules (2) are accommodated together in an interior space of an outer switch housing (6).

Description

WO 2018/085873 Al LOAD BREAK SWITCH

The invention relates to a load break switch having at least two switching modules, which comprise fixed (stationary) switching contacts and movable switching contacts in each case, and having a latching mechanism, which comprises a drive shaft for transferring the fixed and movable switching contacts between an open position and a closed position.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a photovoltaic system having a photovoltaic module, an inverter and a load break switch between the photovoltaic module and the inverter.

Load break switches have been used in the prior art for a long time. For example, DE 10 2013 202 811 Al discloses a load break switch which has a plurality of pole housings. The pole housings have two side walls in each case, which are connected to one another by means of a front wall, a rear wall and two end walls. In multipole switches, a plurality of such pole housings bear against one another laterally. A switching shaft runs through the side walls. A lever is located in each pole housing, which lever is arranged in a pivotable manner about the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft. Movable contact elements are arranged at the free ends of the lever, which contact elements in each case bear against a fixed contact element when the switch is closed. The fixed contact elements are connected to clamping units, into which connection cables can be plugged from outside. The clamping units are located on both sides of the switching shaft on the end walls of the pole housings, which have through openings for the connection cables.

AT 11 441 Ul describes an electrical switch latching mechanism having a main latching mechanism, on which an arbitrary number of switching modules may be arranged, and having an additional latching mechanism, which is arranged on the main latching mechanism. A drive shaft is mounted in a rotatable manner in the main latching mechanism, which drive shaft is coupled by means of a coupling device to the adjacent switching modules, in order to achieve a simultaneous switching on and off of the switching modules. Rotatable contact supports are arranged in the switching modules, which contact supports close or open the switching contact by means of the pivoting of the drive shaft. Also, in this prior art, a plurality of switching modules are arranged next to one another in separate housings.

One disadvantage of the load break switches mentioned in the prior art is that the switch has comparatively large external dimensions. Furthermore, the material consumption is disadvantageous for the production of the switch. Furthermore, additional connection elements are required, in order to connect the individual housings to one another.

Consequently, the object of the present invention consists in overcoming or at least alleviating at least individual disadvantages of the prior art. Some embodiments aim in particular to create a load break switch and a photovoltaic system of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is characterized by a compact and material-saving design.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a load break switch having at least two switching modules, which comprise fixed switching contacts and movable switching contacts in each case, and having a latching mechanism, which comprises a drive shaft for transferring the fixed and movable switching contacts between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least two switching modules are accommodated together in an interior of an outer switch housing, and wherein the outer switch housing comprises a front wall and a rear wall, in each case with openings for connecting connection lines to the fixed switching contacts, and two side walls connecting the front and the rear wall to one another, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls are constructed in one piece. In a second aspect, the invention provides a photovoltaic system having a photovoltaic module, an inverter and a load break switch between the photovoltaic module and the inverter, wherein the load break switch is constructed according to the first aspect described above.

According to one or more embodiments, at least two switching modules are accommodated together in an interior of an outer switch housing. The switching modules may themselves comprise inner switching module housings, on which the fixed switching contacts and the movable switching contacts are arranged. The inner switching module housings are arranged completely in the interior of the outer switch housing. Advantageously, the switching module housings may be realized substantially more easily than in the prior art. Overall, a more compact

2a

arrangement of the switching modules may be enabled, as a result of which, the dimensions of the load break switch can be reduced. If the switching modules are arranged in a single outer switch housing, in addition to the more compact design, above all it is also possible to dispense with those fastening elements which connect the individual housings to one another in conventional load break switches. As a result, more cost-effective and efficient manufacturing may be enabled. Access to the interior of the load break switch may furthermore be simplified due to the simplified design.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer switch housing comprises a front wall and a rear wall, in each case with openings for connecting connection lines to the fixed switching contacts, and two side walls connecting the front and the rear wall to one another, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls are constructed in one piece. An outer switch housing, which is inexpensive and simple to produce is realized by means of this design. Furthermore it is advantageous, that the positions of the openings for the connection lines relative to the fixed contacts of the switching modules can be determined precisely. Due to the one-piece design of the switch housing, no fastening elements are required advantageously, in order to connect the walls of the outer switch housing to one another.

In order to achieve a particularly compact design of the load break switch, the outer switch housing preferably comprises a base wall, which is formed in one piece with the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls. The switching modules are arranged inside the outer switch housing. The outer switch housing is therefore constructed as a trough-shaped shell, in which the switching modules are accommodated. On the side opposite the base wall, the outer switch housing preferably comprises a mounting opening, through which the switching modules can be pushed in during manufacture. Advantageously, it is possible to save on separate side walls and a separate base wall. The fastening elements required in multi-part switch housings, such as e.g. screws, and holes for such fastening elements are not required. The production and construction of the switch housing is further simplified by this design. Furthermore, material outlay and costs may be lowered.

In a further embodiment, the outer switch housing comprises mutually facing retaining projections on the base wall for arrangement on a mounting rail. As a result, the switch housing can be fastened on the mounting rail in a simple manner.

In order to facilitate the fastening of the load break switch according to the invention on the mounting rail, at least one elastically deformable retaining projection is preferably provided for snapping into the mounting rail. A snap mechanism may be enabled in a particularly simple manner due to the inherent elasticity of the retaining projection. Advantageously, no additional fastening elements are required for fastening the switch housing on the mounting rail, as a result of which the fastening can be carried out in a reliable manner. Furthermore, it is possible to dispense with expensive guides for movable retaining projections.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises an outer latching mechanism housing, which is connected to the outer switch housing by means of a detachable connection, preferably a snap connection. A quickly and easily detachable connection is provided by means of the snap connection, wherein it is possible to dispense with screws in particular. Disconnecting or connecting the outer latching mechanism housing and outer switch housing can advantageously be carried out without tools.

The outer latching mechanism housing preferably comprises a first latching mechanism housing part and a second latching mechanism housing part, which are connected to one another by means of a further detachable connection, preferably a further snap connection. Therefore, the same advantages can be achieved as in the case of the snap connection between the outer latching mechanism housing and the outer switch housing. The first latching mechanism housing part can in particular be constructed as a mounting cover for the second latching mechanism housing part.

The outer latching mechanism housing, particularly the second latching mechanism housing part, preferably comprises covers for clamping units for clamping connection lines onto the fixed switching contacts, wherein each cover comprises a recess for the passage of a tool for actuating the clamping unit. In the operating state of the load break switch, connection lines introduced from outside, through the corresponding openings in the switch housing, can therefore be fixed with the aid of the clamping unit.

In a further preferred embodiment, the outer latching mechanism housing is in particular connected in one piece to a fastening projection for fastening the load break switch on a panel, for example on a door. The fastening projection is preferably arranged coaxially about a longitudinal section of the drive shaft. The panel may comprise a through opening for the fastening projection. In a state of the load break switch, in which the load break switch is mounted on the panel, the switching shaft and the fastening projection are guided through the through opening of the panel.

The load break switch additionally preferably comprises a holding element, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch, is connected to the fastening projection on the side of the panel facing away from the outer latching mechanism housing. Thus, the load break switch can advantageously be mounted in a simple manner without tools, particularly also without using a mounting rail. In this embodiment, the switching shaft and the grip unit which can be arranged thereon are arranged on the one side of the panel and the outer latching mechanism housing of the load break switch is arranged on the other side of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening projection comprises a thread, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch, is connected to a corresponding mating thread of the holding element. The holding element can in particular be constructed as a nut here. This embodiment is of particularly simple construction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the fastening projection comprises a first snap connector, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch on the panel, is connected to a second snap connector of the holding element. This embodiment in particular has the advantage, that the load break switch can be mounted particularly quickly and in particular without errors. In contrast to the design variant with a thread, it can be avoided that, in the case of an insufficient torque, the switch is not securely mounted.

In order to achieve a particularly compact design of the load break switch, and to further lower the material outlay, the latching mechanism preferably comprises a drive pulley which is formed in one piece with the drive shaft. As a result, the number of components of the load break switch is further reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the load break switch is provided for arrangement between a photovoltaic module and an inverter.

The invention is explained further in the following on the basis of a preferred exemplary embodiment, to which it should not be limited however.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a load break switch according to the invention, which comprises an outer switch housing and an outer latching mechanism housing;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded illustration of the load break switch according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the underside of the load break switch according to Figs 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the latching mechanism housing of the load break switch according to Figs 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 shows an exploded illustration of the latching mechanism housing of the load break switch according to Figs 1 to 4;

Fig. 6 shows a design variant of the load break switch, in which mounting on a panel is effected with the aid of a nut;

Fig. 7 shows a further design variant of the load break switch, in which mounting on the panel is effected with the aid of a snap connection; and

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the load break switch in an exploded illustration.

Fig. 1 shows a load break switch 1 in an operational state, Fig. 2 shows an exploded illustration thereof. In the embodiment shown, the load break switch 1 comprises four switching modules (switching units) 2. However, an embodiment with a different number of switching modules, for example with two switching modules 2, may likewise be provided. Each switching module 2 comprises a fixed, i.e. stationary, switching contact 3 at the input of the load break switch 1, which switching contact 3 is connected via a movable switching contact 4 to a fixed switching contact 3 at the output of the load break switch 1. The movable switching contacts 4 are mounted on switching module housings 5, which are accommodated together with the fixed switching contacts 3 inside an outer switch housing 6 forming an outer shell (cf. Fig. 2). Clamping units 7 for clamping connection lines (not shown) are arranged on the fixed switching contacts 3.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the load break switch 1 comprises a latching mechanism, i.e. a latching unit 8 for latching the load break switch 1 in the open position or in the closed position. The latching mechanism 8 fundamentally comprises a conventional structure, so it is possible to dispense with a detailed description thereof. The latching mechanism 8 comprises a drive shaft 9 for transferring the fixed switching contacts 3 and the movable switching contacts 4 between an open position ("off" position) disconnecting the fixed switching contacts 3 and the movable switching contacts 4 from one another and a closed position ("on" position) bringing the fixed switching contacts 3 and the movable switching contacts 4 into electrical contact. The drive or switching shaft 9 can be actuated using a twist grip, which is not illustrated. The load break switch 1 shown can for example be arranged between a photovoltaic module and an inverter, in order to enable the required disconnection of the photovoltaic module from the inverter.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the outer switch housing 6 of the load break switch 1 comprises a front wall 6a and a rear wall 6b, on which in each case openings 10 for connecting connection lines to the fixed switching contacts 3 are constructed. The front wall 6a and the rear wall 6b are connected to one another by means of side walls 6c, wherein the front wall 6a, the rear wall 6b and the side walls 6c are constructed in one piece in the embodiment shown.

Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the outer switch housing 6 comprises a base wall 6d, which is formed in one piece with the front wall 6a, the rear wall 6b and the side walls 6c. Mutually facing retaining projections 11 are provided on the outer switch housing 6 on the base wall 6d, which retaining projections 11 are used for arranging the load break switch 1 on a mounting rail (not shown). In the embodiment shown, an elastically deformable retaining projection 12 is provided on the base wall 6d for snapping the load break switch 1 into the mounting rail.

As can be seen in Figs 4 and 5, the latching mechanism 8 comprises an outer latching mechanism housing 13, which is connected to the outer switch housing 6 by means of a snap connection 14. The snap connection 14 comprises elastically deformable projections 15, which are brought into engagement with associated through openings 16 (Fig. 1). In the embodiment shown, the elastically deformable projections 15 are arranged on the outer switch housing 6 and the associated through openings 16 are arranged on the outer latching mechanism housing 13, wherein, however, an arrangement of the projections 15 on the outer latching mechanism housing 13 and of the through openings 16 on the outer switch housing 6 is also possible. The outer latching mechanism housing 13 comprises a first latching mechanism housing part 17 and a second latching mechanism housing part 18, which are connected to one another by means of a further snap connection 19. The second latching mechanism housing part 18 comprises covers 20 for clamping units 7 for clamping the connection lines (not shown) onto the fixed switching contacts 3. Each cover 20 has a recess 21 for the passage of a tool (for example a screwdriver) for actuating the clamping unit 7. In the embodiment shown, the first latching mechanism housing part 17 is constructed in one piece with a fastening projection 22 (explained in more detail in the following in connection with Fig. 6).

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the drive shaft 9 is furthermore constructed in one piece with a drive pulley 23, wherein the drive shaft 9 is arranged together with a spring 24 and a two-part spring housing 25, 26 in the interior of the latching mechanism housing 13.

In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, two embodiments of the load break switch 1 are shown, which are set up for mounting on a panel 27 in each case.

As can be seen in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, a holding element 29 is provided, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch 1, is connected to the fastening projection 22 on a side 27a of the panel 27 facing away from the outer latching mechanism housing 13. In the mounted state of the load break switch 1 on the panel 27, the switching shaft 9 and the fastening projection 22 are guided through a through opening 28 of the panel 27. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the fastening projection 22 comprises a thread 22a, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch 1, is screwed to a corresponding mating thread 29a of the holding element 29. The holding element 29 is constructed as a nut in this embodiment.

In Fig. 7, a further embodiment of the load break switch 1 is shown, in which the fastening projection 22 comprises a first snap connector 30, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch 1 on the panel 27, is connected to a second snap connector 31 of the holding element 29.

In Fig. 8, an embodiment is shown, in which the drive shaft 9 is shaped with a shaft stub 32. A grip unit (not shown) is brought into engagement with the shaft stub 32, wherein the drive shaft 9 can be actuated by pivoting the grip unit. Owing to the shape of the shaft stub 32, pulling the grip unit off from the shaft stub 32 is not possible in the switched-on state of the load break switch 1.

In this specification, the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Any reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

1. A load break switch having at least two switching modules, which comprise fixed switching contacts and movable switching contacts in each case, and having a latching mechanism, which comprises a drive shaft for transferring the fixed and movable switching contacts between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least two switching modules are accommodated together in an interior of an outer switch housing, and wherein the outer switch housing comprises a front wall and a rear wall, in each case with openings for connecting connection lines to the fixed switching contacts, and two side walls connecting the front and the rear wall to one another, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls are constructed in one piece.

2. The load break switch according to Claim 1, wherein the outer switch housing comprises a base wall, which is formed in one piece with the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls.

3. The load break switch according to Claim 2, wherein the outer switch housing comprises mutually facing retaining projections on the base wall for arrangement on a mounting rail.

4. The load break switch according to Claim 3, wherein at least one elastically deformable retaining projection is provided for snapping into the mounting rail.

5. The load break switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the latching mechanism comprises an outer latching mechanism housing, which is connected to the outer switch housing by means of a detachable connection, preferably a snap connection.

6. The load break switch according to Claim 5, wherein the outer latching mechanism housing comprises a first latching mechanism housing part and a second latching mechanism housing part, which are connected to one another by means of a further detachable connection, preferably a further snap connection.

7. The load break switch according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the outer latching mechanism housing, particularly the second latching mechanism housing part, comprises covers for clamping units for clamping connection lines onto the fixed switching contacts, wherein each cover comprises a recess for the passage of a tool for actuating the clamping unit.

8. The load break switch according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the outer latching mechanism housing is in particular connected in one piece to a fastening projection for fastening the load break switch on a panel, for example on a door.

9. The load break switch according to Claim 8, wherein a holding element is provided, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch, is connected to the fastening projection on the side of the panel facing away from the outer latching mechanism housing.

10. The load break switch according to Claim 9, wherein the load break switch comprises a first snap connector, which, in the mounted state of the load break switch on the panel, is connected to a second snap connector of the holding element.

11. The load break switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a drive pulley formed in one piece with the drive shaft.

12. A photovoltaic system having a photovoltaic module, an inverter and a load break switch between the photovoltaic module and the inverter, wherein the load break switch is constructed according to any one of Claims 1 to 11.

Benedict Gesellschaft M.B.H. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON