EP0616347B1 - Multipole circuit breaker - Google Patents

Abstract

A single-pole or multipole circuit breaker has a housing which consists of a housing shell (1), of a closure shell (2) which can be fitted thereon and, in between, of a cavity (23) which acts as a pole chamber. The pole chamber contains a switching mechanism having at least one release lever (6), which is mounted such that it can pivot, for tripping the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker housing contains n identical housing intermediate shells (55), which can be inserted like a sandwich between the housing shell (1) and the closure shell (2). The housing intermediate shell (55) acts facing the housing shell (1) in the manner of a closure shell (2) and facing the closure shell (2) in the manner of a housing shell (1). Using n-1 housing intermediate shells (55), n pole chambers are formed, where 1 </= n < INFINITY . The identical switching levers are coupled to one another in order jointly to trip all the poles by means of an integral coupling rod (47, 49) which passes through the switching levers in the row direction (3) of the housing intermediate shells (55) and whose length is matched to the number of poles and to the pole chamber width of the circuit breaker. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a circuit breaker with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Such a circuit breaker is known from EP-B-0 208 613 . The switch housing of the circuit breaker disclosed there has two outer shells, namely a housing shell and an end shell which can be placed thereon. The switching mechanism is arranged between the two shells. The circuit breaker can be tripped free in the event of overcurrent, for example, by means of a bimetal connected to the switching mechanism.

If necessary, the single-pole circuit breaker with the between the housing shell and the end shell formed into a pole chamber Multi-pole circuit breaker with a corresponding number of pole chambers expandable. For this purpose, between the housing shell and the end shell one or more intermediate shells of identical design inserted. The section of the housing shell facing The intermediate housing shell corresponds structurally to the end shell. The housing intermediate shell is therefore in the same way as the end shell placed on the housing shell. The section facing the end shell the intermediate housing shell corresponds structurally to the housing shell. In this way, the single-pole circuit breaker is connected to a circuit breaker expandable to any number of poles.

The same switching mechanism is located in each pole chamber. So a common one Opening of all poles of the circuit breaker is possible and closing the electrical contacts causing identical shift levers all pole chambers coupled together. The coupling parts are on the shift levers molded cylindrical bolts with a perpendicular to Longitudinal axis of the shell. There is a bolt in each pole chamber mounted on the shells like a shaft. To the torque of the triggering Shift lever on the identical shift lever of the other pole chambers to transmit, immediately adjacent bolts engage with each other facing bolt ends into one another.

The coupling of the shift lever via such shafts is very disadvantageous. The bolts from n pole chambers work together as an n-piece shaft. During the rotation of this shaft, however, arise between the interlocking ones Bolt friction loss. Further friction losses arise in the shell-side bearing holes for storing the individual bolts. All in all This creates large moments of friction that affect what is to be transmitted Torque of the triggering shift lever in the row direction of the shaft constantly downsize. From a certain number of poles, the one that is still being transmitted is therefore transferred Torque so small that the directly triggering shift lever Do not trigger the shift lever located in the row direction.

Furthermore, the mechanical stability of each bolt is unique Torsional moments affected. The torsional moments reduce the above¶ additional torque. Furthermore, the shells of protection¶ switch structurally very complex to ensure a perfect rotary movement to allow the bolt. Here is the diameter of the bearing bore or to consider the size of the bearing clearance. Because of the production-related However, the desired storage is not always influenced guaranteed. The risk of the bolt being misaligned with respect to it Bearing bore is very large. This effect increases accordingly Number of poles of the circuit breaker. The transmitted torque is thereby further decreased. In extreme cases, the misalignment even leads to a blockage of the bolt. In addition, skewed bolts can damage the shells. The heating inside the pole chambers leads to deformations the bearing holes so that the storage of the bolts is further affected.

Another multipole circuit breaker is known from FR-B-1596145. the outgoing from a single-pole circuit breaker by adding identical modules is modularly expandable to a multi-pole circuit breaker. In order to Trigger all poles of the circuit breaker in the event of a single-pole overload. an additional, two-armed swivel lever is provided in each pole chamber. All swivel levers are of a single one that forms the swivel axis Rod interspersed. All switching mechanisms are indeed via these additional levers of a multi-pole circuit breaker coupled together for a single-pole Circuit breaker the auxiliary lever has no function at all. With single-pole This pole chamber itself will be overloaded without its switching mechanism triggered and released the additional lever. The additional levers only serve as Coupling means, so the actual switching mechanism in the case of single-pole overload The switching mechanisms of the other pole chambers also indirectly via the additional levers triggers. The provision of the additional lever is disadvantageous because it involves the expense of components and thus the assembly and manufacturing costs of the circuit breaker increase. In addition, the indirect coupling of the triggering switching mechanism is delayed the triggering of the neighboring lever via the pivoting movements of the additional lever Switching mechanisms. The multi-pole circuit breaker therefore has one relatively large tripping time until all contacts open, whereby the operational safety of the multi-pole circuit breaker are impaired can.

Based on the disadvantages described, the object of the invention based on further improving such a circuit breaker. This task is solved by the combination of features of claim 1.

According to the invention, each shift lever is pivot-mounted on the housing side. The rotary motion the shift lever therefore only acts independently of the Number of poles consistently low friction due to the swivel bearing opposite. Such storage prevents the transmission of frictional forces on adjacent shift levers. This enables the coupling rod a smooth transmission of the rotary movement of the immediately triggering Shift lever on the other shift levers even with a larger number of poles. In particular, there is no time delay when triggering neighboring ones Gear lever. The common tripping of all poles of the circuit breaker is therefore guaranteed. The operational safety of the circuit breaker is further improved.

The coupling of the shift lever according to the invention also causes that small manufacturing inaccuracies in the manufacture of the shells of the Circuit breaker do not interfere with the transmission of rotary movements. This greatly reduces the proportion of rejects in the manufacture of the shells. This in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the entire circuit breaker. The bearings of the shift lever can be produced with little effort and support the inexpensive production of the shells.

The coupling of the shift lever is easy to manufacture and assembly therefore also reduces costs in the manufacture of the circuit breaker. The coupling takes place in a single operation, in which the coupling rod just before attaching the end shell the intermediate housing shells and the shift lever pushed in the row direction becomes.

With this coupling, only coupling rods with a length must be corresponding multiples of the width extending in the row direction single pole chamber are kept in stock. However, this is manufacturing technology possible without any problems. The coupling rod can be manufactured by the meter and simply cut to length.

According to claim 2, the shift lever act as a closed bearing for the Coupling rod. This supports even power transmission to everyone Gear lever. The small slack between the coupling rod and its bearing ensures a small freedom of movement for the coupling rod. The lots also take into account production-related dimensional tolerances at Align all switching levers in the row direction of the circuit breaker. Also this keeps the reject share in the manufacture of the circuit breaker components low. Furthermore, the loose simplifies the assembly of the coupling rod additionally.

Claim 3 takes into account the simple production of a through recess for the coupling rod. With a coupling hole as a bearing for the Coupling rod can also manufacture the coupling rod itself simply be made as a cylindrical rod. Basically, however other cross-sectional shapes of coupling rods with corresponding Through recesses conceivable.

According to claim 4, several shift levers are provided in a single pole chamber, which are each penetrated by a coupling rod. As a result of her The same length in the row direction are the different coupling rods in can be cut to length in a single operation. The production of the coupling rods is further simplified if those in the same pole chamber are different Coupling rods assigned to shift levers are structurally identical are designed. This also simplifies the storage of the coupling rods.

According to claim 5, the coupling rod in terms of its length to the Number of poles and adapted to the pole chamber width of the circuit breaker in such a way that they the housing shell and the end shell in the final assembly state of the circuit breaker is affected by a short distance. This is the coupling rod before inadvertent shifting movements in the row direction secured. All shift levers therefore remain in the final assembly state of the Circuit breaker reliably coupled together.

According to claim 6, the coupling rod affects a correspondingly shaped Cut-out in the housing intermediate shell. This makes the switching movements the shift lever is also guided. Shift lever misalignment are excluded. The bar recess surrounds the path of movement of the Coupling rod with a small distance, so that also production-related deviations the trajectory are taken into account.

Claim 7 further supports the assembly-friendly assembly of the Circuit breaker. Because of their constructive design, the shells have of the circuit breaker has several functions. So they work e.g. as boundary walls for the pole chambers, as a fixative for the switching mechanism and also as Housing shaft for a switching element acting on the switching mechanism. There the most diverse functions implemented with a few, one-piece components the entire mechanics of the circuit breaker are less prone to failure.

The one-piece production of various functional areas of the shells according to claims 7 and 8 also ensures a mechanically very stable Structure of the circuit breaker.

Claim 10 takes into account the manufacture of the switching element Number of poles dependent cross section of the housing shaft for receiving the Switching element. The housing shaft can therefore also be used as a guide element be effective for guiding the switching movements of the switching element. An on switching element adapted to the cross section of the housing shaft acts as more reliable Protection against damage and as electrical hazard protection for all pole chambers of the circuit breaker. In addition, such enables Switching element a convenient manual operation even with circuit breakers with a larger number of poles.

According to claim 11, the switching element relieves the coupling rod. One each Actor is assigned to a switching mechanism. The shift levers are therefore with manual triggering of the circuit breaker directly from the end of the line of the switching element and not only via the detour of a single shift lever and applied to the coupling rod. According to claims 12 and 13 that is Switching element simply mounted in terms of assembly technology.

Basically, it is only possible to pivot the switching element to be realized by means of the housing shell and the end shell. But it is the switching element is at corresponding constructive design according to claim 14 and 15 additionally can be stored on this intermediate housing shell, so that the mechanical stability the swivel bearing of the switching element even with a large number of poles is guaranteed or improved. It is also conceivable that the Switching element only on some of the overall housing intermediate shells is pivoted.

Claims 16 to 18 relate to the application of DE 27 21 162 A1 known coupling between switching element and switching mechanism with all of their Advantages of the circuit breaker according to the invention. As a result, they are Switching element and the switching mechanism over a running in the row direction Cam rod coupled together.

Claims 17 and 18 apply the coupling of all identical according to the invention Shift lever also on the cam rod by means of the coupling rod on. As a result, the switching element acts more reliably with little effort Indicate all switching mechanisms of the circuit breaker at the same time.

According to claim 19 is a mountable to the shells in a simple manner Frame as a mechanical damage protection element for the switching element intended.

According to claims 20 and 21, the cover frame has the further function as a fixing agent for the shells in the final assembly state of the circuit breaker. By the simply attach the cover frame to the housing shaft is this fixation easy to assemble and can be produced without additional work. Furthermore, separate fasteners are omitted, so that components are saved will.

According to claim 22, a further fixing means is provided to mechanically to further improve the stable structure of the circuit breaker housing. There the fixing agent penetrates all shells of the switch housing, it can during assembly also as an assembly aid for the loose lining up serve all bowls.

Claim 23 proposes a fixative that is easy to manufacture and assemble in front. Because on the one hand the fixing means is arranged in the area of the housing base and on the other hand the cover frame is the shells in the area of the housing shaft fixed, the switch housing is made up of several shells in the final assembly state as a compact unit. By loosening the cover frame or the fixative, the circuit breaker can be used if necessary disassemble in a modular manner and therefore easy to assemble.

An arrangement of the rods according to claim 24 takes into account their simple Installation with minimal space requirements within the pole chambers.

When using at least one intermediate housing shell, it is after Claim 25 possible, the then necessary coupling rods and the To design the cam rod identically. This also simplifies production of the circuit breaker and further facilitates the storage of all Poles.

Claim 26 takes into account the structure of the circuit breaker with little space. In addition, the same level of movement allows the different Lever and the rods a very effective power transmission between the Components inside the pole chambers.

Fig.1

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines einpoligen Schutzschalters mit seiner Schaltmechanik,

Fig.2

eine Seitenansicht des geöffneten einpoligen Schutzschalters mit eingesetzter Schaltmechanik,

Fig.3

die Explosionsdarstellung eines zweipoligen Schutzschalters ohne Schaltmechaniken, jedoch mit Kopplungsteilen,

Fig.4

die vergrößerte Darstellung der Gehäusezwischenschale aus Fig.3 mit Beleuchtungsbaugruppe,

Fig.5

die Explosionsdarstellung eines dreipoligen Schutzschalters ohne Schaltmechaniken, jedoch mit Kopplungsteilen.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a single-pole circuit breaker with its switching mechanism,

Fig. 2

a side view of the open single-pole circuit breaker with switching mechanism inserted,

Fig. 3

the exploded view of a two-pole circuit breaker without switching mechanisms, but with coupling parts,

Fig. 4

3 the enlarged representation of the intermediate housing shell from FIG. 3 with the lighting assembly,

Fig. 5

the exploded view of a three-pole circuit breaker without switching mechanisms, but with coupling parts.

The housing of the single-pole circuit breaker shown in Fig.1 consists in essentially of a housing shell 1 and one aligned parallel to it End shell 2. Both shells 1, 2 are in a row direction 3 shifted against each other and are in the final assembly state with their each other facing surfaces directly fixed to each other. The row direction 3 is perpendicular to the shell plane in which the two shells 1, 2 lie, arranged. The shell plane is through a placement direction 4 and a transverse direction 5 spanned. All directions 3, 4, 5 are perpendicular to each other arranged.

The plane spanned by the mounting direction 4 and the transverse direction 5 corresponds to the level of movement of the switching mechanism of the circuit breaker. The Switching mechanism consists essentially of a trigger lever 6, one Latch lever 7 and a rocker switch 8 for manual on and off: switch the circuit breaker. A bimetal 9 running in the transverse direction 5 acts on the release lever 6 in the event of an overcurrent and thereby leads to a Free release of the circuit breaker.

The trigger lever 6 is on a cylindrical and extending in the row direction 3 Axle journal 10 pivotally mounted. The rocker switch 8 is on one Axle journal 11 pivotally mounted. Both journals 10.11 are on the Molded on the inside of the housing shell 1 and arranged parallel to each other. However, the journal 10 extends further in the direction of the end shell 2nd

For swivel mounting, the rocker switch 8 also surrounds in the final assembly state an axle bore passing through it in the row direction 3, the axle journal 11. The corresponding hole in the release lever for its swivel mounting on the journal 10 is not visible in Fig.1.

In the area of the axis bore 12 there is an active end 13 on the rocker switch 8 approximately conical in the direction of the shift lever 7 tapered outline molded. The cone tip facing the latching lever 7 Acting 13 is rounded like a segment of a circle. There, the operative has 13 a running in the row direction 3 on the, in the final assembly state is penetrated by a cylindrical cam rod 14. In the final assembly state passes through the cam rod 14 also an approximately V-shaped Cam track 15 of the shift lever 7. During the shift movement of the rocker switch 8, the cam rod 14 runs on the cam track 15.

The construction and the mode of operation of the switching mechanism are in DE 27 21 162 A1 described in detail.

The two journals 10, 11 are part of the inside of the Housing shell 1 forming housing wall 16 integrally formed. The housing wall 16 lies in the direction of placement 4 and transverse direction 5 spanned level. The edge edges of the Housing wall 16 are each in one piece with a housing side wall 17 connected. The housing side walls 17 are opposite the housing wall 16 arranged at right angles. Viewed in mounting direction 4, this results in a U-shape of the housing shell 1. Viewed in the row direction 3 also a U-shaped outline of the housing shell 1. The housing side walls 17 act like two U-legs extending in the direction of attachment 4, which are integrally connected to one another by a housing base 18. The housing base 18 lies in a through the row direction 3 and the transverse direction 5 spanned level. It has three in the row direction 3 Incisions for the positive reception of three parallel to each other running, plate-like and in the final assembly state from the housing bottom 18 outwardly projecting contact connections 19, 20, 21. The principal construction and the function of the contact connections 19,20,21 explained in DE 27 21 162 A1.

Another recess in the housing base serves to accommodate a cylindrical, with its longitudinal axis in the mounting direction 4 and as Adjusting screw 22 for adjusting the bimetal 9 effective bolt.

The housing wall 16, the housing side walls 17 and the housing base 18 limit on the part of the housing shell 1 an effective as a pole chamber Cavity 23 of the circuit breaker housing. The cavity 23 is in the final assembly state of the circuit breaker in row direction 3 on the part of the end shell 2 closed. The edge regions extending in the direction of attachment 4 the end shell 2 lying in the shell plane are in the row direction 3 bent and are in the final assembly on the facing them Edge edges of the housing side walls 17 directly.

In the final assembly state, the cavity 23 is through a the housing bottom 18th opposite the opening 4 opposite housing opening accessible. This housing opening is through a rectangular housing shaft 24 limited. The housing shaft 24 consists of the free ends 25 of the housing side walls 17, the subarea connecting the two free ends 25 the housing wall 16 and a free end 26 as part of the end shell 2. The approximately rectangular free end 26 in the row direction 3 is opposite the remaining area of the end shell 2 tapers like a paragraph. The Extension of the free end 26 in the transverse direction 5 corresponds to the distance in Transverse direction 5 between the two free ends 25 are accordingly two free ends 25 relative to the rest of the housing side walls 17 offset in the transverse direction 5, so that the housing shaft 24 has a smaller cross section than that of the housing base 18 facing area of the circuit breaker housing.

In the final assembly state, the housing shaft 24 surrounds the latching lever 7 facing section of the rocker switch 8. The housing shaft 24 in turn is in the final assembly state of a cover frame 27 surround. The cover frame 27 has the outline shape viewed in the mounting direction 4 of a rectangular frame. Regarding an imaginary, in the row direction extending and the extent of the cover frame 27 in the transverse direction 5 bisecting axis of symmetry, the cover frame 27 is mirror-symmetrical built up. The same applies to a transverse direction 5 and Extension of the cover frame 27 in the row direction 3 bisecting axis of symmetry. On each frame side of the cover frame 27 is a plate-like Frame wall 28 or 29 molded in one piece. The two parallel to each other arranged and in a through the mounting direction 4 and the transverse direction 5 Frame walls 28 in the stretched plane are on the long sides of the cover frame 27 integrally formed. In the two facing the housing base 18 Corner areas of the frame walls 28 are each rectangular Locking recess 30 arranged. In the final assembly state, they work with appropriate on the outer surface of the free end 26 or on the outer surface the housing wall 16 integrally molded locking lugs 31 together. In 1 are only the two locking lugs 31 formed on the free end 26 visible.

The two on the broad sides of the cover frame 27 and parallel to each other arranged frame walls 29 extend along the attachment direction 4 about as far as the free ends 25 of the housing shaft 24. During the Mounting the circuit breaker, the cover frame 27 is on the housing shaft 24 put on and moved in mounting direction 4. Here are the Frame walls 28, 29 on the outer surfaces of the housing shaft 24 directly on. The paragraph between the housing side wall 17 and its free end 25 serves as a limit stop for the displacement movement of the Cover frame 27. In the final assembly state, the housing base 18 facing and extending in the row direction 3 edge of the frame wall 29 on this paragraph. The locking recesses are in the final assembly state 30 penetrated by the locking lugs 31, the cover frame 27 is with the housing shell 1 and the end shell 2 locked. The one piece with each other connected frame walls 28, 29 of the cover frame 27 clasp the Housing shaft 24 and thereby hold the multi-part circuit breaker housing mechanically stable together.

On the outer surface of each frame wall 29 are two in the row direction 3 side by side horizontal locking arms 32 are formed. Viewed in row direction 3 the locking arms 32 are bent and run on the frame walls 29 then counter to the mounting direction 4. Each spring arm 32 has in the area of its free end on its outer surface facing away from the frame wall 29 a grooved surface with 3 grooves running in the row direction. she simplify the manual operation of the spring arms 32. Also lock the spring arms 32 when installing the circuit breaker e.g. in switchboards and enable the circuit breaker to be securely seated.

The spring arms 32 also allow easy handling of the Cover frame 27 for locking it to the circuit breaker housing or its unlatching. The frame walls are opposite the mounting direction 4 28, 29 delimited by a cover collar 33 integrally molded onto them. Of the Cover collar 33 lies in one through row direction 3 and transverse direction 5 spanned level and forms the top surface of the cover frame 27. Der Cover collar 33 also has the shape of a rectangular frame. He survives with its corresponding frame sides the frame walls on both sides 28 in the row direction 3 and the frame walls 29 in the transverse direction 5. The in Cover row direction 3 extending frame walls of cover collar 33 the free ends of the spring arms 32.

In the area of the housing base 18, the two shells 1, 2 are separated by an in Row direction 3 extending tubular rivet 34 with each other in the final assembly state riveted. For this purpose, on the surface of the cavity 23 facing Housing bottom 18 is a cylindrical elevation with 3 in the row direction molded longitudinal axis. It is continuous in row direction 3 penetrated by a cylinder bore 35. The end shell 2 is one Rivet bore 36 penetrates. The cylinder bore 35 and the rivet bore 36 are in alignment when the two shells 1, 2 are assembled. Of the Tubular rivet 34 passes through the cylinder bore 35 and the rivet bore 36 and holds thereby the two shells 1, 2 in the area of the housing base 18 in the final assembly state mechanically stable together.

In Fig. 2 the circuit breaker is in its on state. For this are a fixed contact 37 and movement contact 38 mechanically and electrically contacted with each other, as is known from DE 27 21 162 A1. The permanent contact 37 and the movement contact 38 are each in FIG. 1 as circular Plates recognizable. The fixed contact 37 is on the extending in the transverse direction 5 Free end of the contact terminal 21 attached. The movement contact 38 is attached to the free end of a contact spring 39 acting as a leaf spring. The contact spring 39 extends essentially in the transverse direction 5 and is on Contact terminal 19 attached.

In a known manner, a cylindrical guide pin 40 is in the row direction 3 extending longitudinal axis on the housing wall 16 for guiding the Pivoting movement of the shift lever 7 is formed.

A torsion spring 41 is mounted on the journal 11 in addition to the rocker switch 8. The longer of the two legs of the torsion spring 41 is supported on a spring stop 42 from. It has an oblong shape and is in one piece molded on the end shell 2, not shown in Fig. 2. The torsion spring 41 supports the switching movements of the rocker switch 8.

Another torsion spring 43 supports the pivoting movements of the release lever 6. The torsion spring 43 is on a parallel to the axle 11 and also fixing pins 44 formed on the housing wall 16 stored. The longer of the two legs of the torsion spring 43 is supported on the in the transverse direction 5 extending lever arm of the trigger lever 6. The shorter one The spring leg is supported on the release lever 6 in the region of the journal 10 from.

So that the lever position of the release lever 6 is clear, is on the housing wall 16 between the bimetal 9 and the extending in the transverse direction 5 Lever arm of the release lever 6 a lever stop 45 with a rectangular outline molded. At the lever stop 45 is a cylindrical portion of the Release lever 6 with in the row direction 3 extending cylinder axis. This Part of the release lever 6 is of a running in the row direction 3, slot-like coupling bore 46 passes through. The coupling bore 46 is in the final assembly state of a coupling rod to be described in FIG. 3 47 enforced.

Analogously to the release lever 6, the latch lever 7 is in a cylindrical shape Part area penetrated by a coupling bore 48. The coupling hole 48 is located in a free end, by means of which the latch lever 7 acts on the trigger lever 6. The coupling bore 48 is circular. It is in the final assembly state of the circuit breaker Coupling rod 49 (Fig.3) passes through.

In Figure 2 is a rectangular between the rocker switch 8 and the shift lever 6 Housing slot 50 recognizable. Its long side runs in the transverse direction 5. It is used to enter an electrical contact path for a lighting module 51 (Fig.4). The second contact path is through a columnar, in Contact direction 52 extending in the direction of attachment 4 (FIG. 4). It is one piece Part of the contact connector 19. The lighting assembly 51 is used for the optical display of the switching position of the rocker switch 8.

The insides of the free ends 25 face the switching rocker 8 in a concave manner arched and are continuous along the mounting direction 4 in a parallel distance to the one facing and also curved The outer surface of the rocker switch 8 is arranged. The cover collar 33 forms with his the curved side of the rocker switch 8 facing and opposite Mounting direction 4 inclined outer surface is a continuation of concave-like curvature of the inside of the free end 25.

The cover collar 33 in the mounting direction 4 is opposite to that Contact extension 52 facing free end 25 a pin-like, in the direction of Axle 11 pointing rocker stop 53 formed. On that in the transverse direction 5 opposite free ends 25 is approximately the same height Another rocker stop 54 formed. It is also on the journal 11 aligned and about twice as long as the rocker stop 53. Die two rocker stops 53, 54 serve to limit the switching movements the rocker switch 8.

The single-pole circuit breaker shown in Fig.1 is a two-pole in Fig.3 Circuit breaker extended by a housing intermediate shell 55 between the housing shell 1 and the end shell 2 is inserted. The Housing intermediate shell 55 is through an intermediate wall 56 along the row direction 3 in two sub-areas, namely in one as an end shell 2 effective sub-area and in a sub-area effective as a housing shell 1 divided. In Fig. 3 is the effective as the housing shell 1 and the end shell 2 facing portion of the intermediate housing shell 55 visible. The intermediate housing shell is one for storage identical switching mechanism important design features as well designed like the housing shell 1.

On the outside of the housing base 18 is the housing intermediate wall 55 however, in contrast to the housing shell 1, an extension plate 57 in one piece molded. It lies in one through the mounting direction 4 and the transverse direction 5 spanned level. She looked at one in row direction 3 roughly rectangular outline. Their extension corresponds in the transverse direction 5 the distance between the two housing side walls 17 of the Intermediate housing shell 55. The extension plate 57 is an extension the intermediate wall 56 in the mounting direction 4 effective. The extension plate 57 can e.g. the fixing of the intermediate housing shell 55 during assembly serve the circuit breaker housing, so that the individual shells 1,2,55 are technically easy to line up. The extension plate 57 can also fix and convenient handling of the circuit breaker housing serve in the final assembly state.

The one opposite the housing base 18 along the mounting direction 4 and the area of the intermediate housing shell 55 facing the rocker switch 8 constructive compared to the corresponding area of the housing shell 1 changed. While the housing side walls 17 of the housing intermediate shell 55 and the housing shell 1 in the row direction 3 in the final assembly state with one another is aligned, the intermediate wall 56 has in relation to the housing wall 16 a lower construction height along the installation direction 4. In the area of the housing side walls 17 closes the intermediate wall 56 approximately with the rocker stops 53.54 from. When viewed in the row direction 3, the intermediate wall 56 starting from the two rocker stops 53, 54 an approximately conically tapered Course in the direction of a journal 58 for pivoting the Shift rocker 8. The cylindrical journal 58 with a row 3 The longitudinal axis in alignment is in alignment with the journal when it is in its final assembly 11. The journal 58 protrudes the intermediate wall 56 in the row direction 3 on both sides. The approximately conical course of the intermediate wall 56 with shoulder-shaped Recesses take into account the pivoting mobility of the rocker switch 8.

The free ends 25 of the intermediate housing shell 55 extend the free ends 25 the housing shell 1 in the row direction 3 and thereby enlarge the cross section of the housing shaft 24. The rocker switch 8 from Fig.1 is in Fig.3 corresponding to the circuit breaker extended by one pole by an in Row direction 3 widened embodiment replaced. According to the two existing switching mechanisms are on the rocker switch 8 in Figure 3 also two in Row direction 3 considers molded-in ends 13 which are aligned with one another. Furthermore, the cover frame 27 from FIG. 1 is covered by a cover frame 27 correspondingly replaced in the row direction 3 elongated frame walls 29. The spring arms 32 of the cover frame 27 from Figure 3 are in the row direction 3 widened. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, both spring arms are 32 by an integrally formed on the frame wall 29 and parallel to the frame walls 28 extending cover wall 59 separated from each other.

The tubular rivet 34 from FIG. 1 is also shown in FIG Row direction 3 extended tubular rivet 34 exchanged. The cam rod 14 from Figure 1 for the mechanical coupling of the rocker switch 8 with the latch lever 7 is in FIG. 3 by a version extended in the row direction 3 exchanged. The cam rod 14 from FIG. 3 passes through the cam tracks 15 the latch lever 7 of both poles, so that an approximately simultaneous Swiveling mobility of the two latching levers 7 with an identical movement path arises. The cam rod 14 and the two coupling rods 47,49 are arranged parallel to the row direction 3 in the final assembly state. They are about the same length and as a cylindrical rod with about the same diameter designed. The latch lever 7 of the two not shown in Figure 3 Switching mechanisms are also interconnected by the coupling rod 49 mechanically connected. The two release levers 6 are through the Coupling rod 47 mechanically connected to each other. In this way the two trigger levers 6 when triggered only one Bimetal 9 moves uniformly. So that the cam rod 14 and the two coupling rods 47, 49 in the plane of movement of the release lever 6 and the latch lever 7 is pivoted in accordance with their pivoting movements is the intermediate wall 56 of shaft recesses 60,61,62 broken. The outline contour of the shaft recesses is 60, 61, 62 the somewhat enlarged image of those taking place in viewing direction in row direction 3 Path of movement of the cam rod 14 and the coupling rods 47.49. The shaft recess 60 is assigned to the coupling rod 49 and has a slot-like cross section. The long sides of the slot-like Shaft recess 60 run at an acute angle to the mounting direction 4 and are inclined in the direction of the rocker stop 53.

The shaft recess 61 is located approximately along the mounting direction 4 same height as the shaft recess 60. It has a rectangular cross section with quarter-circle rounded corners. The long sides of this Rectangles run in the transverse direction 5. The shaft recess 61 is the cam rod 14 assigned and is between the shaft recess 60 and the Guide pin 40 arranged.

The shaft recess 62 has a slot-like outline shape and is the Coupling rod 47 assigned. The long sides of the shaft recess 62 run approximately parallel to the mounting direction 4. It is between the guide pin 40 and the lever stop 45 arranged.

The lighting assembly 51 is clearly visible in FIG. It essentially exists of a circuit board 63, a glow lamp 64 and a resistor 65. Instead of a glow lamp 64 is also an incandescent lamp or LED can be used. The lighting assembly 51 is in the case of a multi-pole Circuit breaker on the contact extensions 52 of two adjacent intermediate shells 55 attached and soldered. The current paths on the circuit board 63 are guided so that the desired electrical connections are realized. If it is a single-pole circuit breaker, so the circuit board 63 with a connection to the contact extension 52 of the Contact terminal 19 mounted. The second electrical connection is via the Housing slot 50 brought up to the circuit board 63.

In Figure 5 are between the housing shell 1 and the end shell 2 in total two housing intermediate shells 55 inserted. This creates a three-pole circuit breaker with three identical, not shown here Switching mechanisms. Accordingly, there are a total of three on the rocker switch 8 Acting molded on. To adapt the bipolar shown in Figure 3 Circuit breaker on the circuit breaker recognizable in Fig. 5 must only the tubular rivet 34, the cam rod 14, the coupling rods 47, 49, the Switch rocker 8 and the cover frame 27 each by one in the row direction 3 extended embodiment can be replaced.

5, a cover wall 59 is also assigned to each spring arm 32. This also improves the mechanical stability of the frame wall 29.

The procedure for installing the circuit breaker is as follows. First, one of the desired number of poles of the circuit breaker Number of intermediate housing shells 55 in a row 3 in a row. The following applies: For n poles, n-1 intermediate shells are used 55 needed. The switching mechanism is already on each intermediate housing shell 55 stored. During the lining up of the intermediate shells 55, the rocker switch 8 must be pivotally mounted by means of the journal 58 will. If the required number of intermediate housing shells 55 has been joined together, becomes the housing shell 1 with the switching mechanism also already stored attached to the housing intermediate shell 55 closest to it. Care must be taken to ensure that the journal 11 in the axle bore 12 engages the rocker switch 8. Then the cam rod 14 is through all cam tracks 15, through the holes in the ends 13 and through the shaft recesses 61 inserted. The coupling rod 47 is the same Way in row direction 3 through all coupling holes 46 and all Shaft recesses 62 inserted. Similarly, the coupling rod penetrates 49 in the final assembly state all coupling bores 48 and all shaft recesses 60. Then the end shell 2 to the her nearest housing intermediate shell 55 attached. The circuit breaker housing is thereby on all sides in the row direction 3 and transverse direction 5 closed. Thereupon, the cover frame 27 is placed on the 4 in the mounting direction Housing slot 24 pushed on. The cover frame is in the final assembly state 27 locked with the housing shell 1 and with the end shell 2 and in this way holds all shells 1, 2, 5 in the area of the housing shaft 24 mechanically stable together. The tubular rivet 34 is joined together aligned cylinder bores 35 and the rivet bore 36 in the row direction 3 pushed through. By means of the tubular rivet 34, the shells 1, 2, 5 are also in the Area of the housing base 18 mechanically stably connected.

Further functional elements can also be connected to the contact connections 19, 20, 21 such as. Zero-voltage releases, magnetic releases or signal circuits be connected.

Reference list

1

Housing shell

2nd

Final shell

3rd

Row direction

4th

Direction of touchdown

5

Cross direction

6

Release lever

7

Latch lever

8th

Rocker switch

9

Bimetal

10th

Axle journal

11

Axle journal

12th

Axle bore

13

Actors

14

Cam rod

15

Cam track

16

Housing wall

17th

Housing side wall

18th

Case back

19th

Contact connection

20th

Contact connection

21

Contact connection

22

Adjusting screw

23

cavity

24th

Housing slot

25th

Freeers

26

Freeers

27

Cover frame

28

Frame wall

29

Frame wall

30th

Notch

31

Latch

32

Spring arm

33

Cover collar

34

Tubular rivet

35

Cylinder bore

36

Rivet hole

37

Fixed contact

38

Movement contact

39

Contact spring

40

Guide pin

41

Torsion spring

42

Spring stop

43

Torsion spring

44

Fixing pin

45

Lever stop

46

Coupling hole

47

Coupling rod

48

Coupling hole

49

Coupling rod

50

Housing slot

51

Lighting assembly

52

Contact extension

53

Rocker stop

54

Rocker stop

55

Intermediate housing shell

56

Partition

57

Extension plate

58

Axle journal

59

Cover wall

60

Shaft recess

61

Shaft recess

62

Shaft recess

63

Circuit board

64

Glow lamp

65

resistance

Claims (26)

1. Multipole circuit breaker having any number of poles n ≥ 2,

   having a housing which has a housing shell (1) and a cover shell (2), which can be fitted to it, of a single-pole circuit breaker, and, in between them, a cavity (23) which acts as a pole chamber,

   having a switching mechanism, which is located inside the pole chamber and is fixed on the housing side, for tripping the single-pole circuit breaker,

   having at least one switching lever (6, 7) which is mounted such that it can move in the movement plane running approximately parallel to the shell plane and is designed as a component of the switching mechanism of the single-pole circuit breaker,

   having n - 1 identical intermediate housing shells (55), which

   can be inserted like a sandwich between the housing shell (1) and the cover shell (2),

   effectively face the housing shell (1) like a cover shell (2) and the cover shell (2) like a housing shell (1), and

   in consequence form n pole chambers between the housing shell (1) and the cover shell (2), and

   having an identical switching mechanism in each pole chamber, the identical switching levers (6, 7) being coupled to one another in order to trip all the poles together,

   characterized in that

   the identical switching levers (6, 7) are coupled by at least one integral coupling rod (47, 49) which passes through the switching lever (6, 7) in each pole chamber and the n - 1 intermediate housing shells (55) in their alignment direction (3).
2. Circuit breaker according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coupling rod (47, 49) passes through a through aperture in the switching lever (6, 7), with play.
3. Circuit breaker according to Claim 2, characterized by a coupling hole (46, 48) as the through aperture.
4. Circuit breaker according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the coupling rods (47, 49) which are assigned to the individual switching levers (6, 7) are of equal length in the alignment direction (3).
5. Circuit breaker according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the length of the coupling rod (47, 49) in the alignment direction corresponds approximately to n-times the width of a pole chamber running in the alignment direction (3).
6. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized

   in that the subregions of the intermediate housing shell (55) which act as the housing shell (1) and as the cover shell (2) are separated from one another by an intermediate wall (56) which is arranged parallel to the shell plane, and

   in that the intermediate wall (56) contains a rod cutout (60, 62) through which the coupling rod (47, 49) passes and whose outline cross-section is a somewhat enlarged image of the movement path of the coupling rod (47, 49).
7. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the shells (1, 55) having an approximately U-shaped cross-section in the shell plane for encapsulation of the switching mechanism,

   the U-yoke being the housing base (18), and

   the U-limbs being housing side walls (17) which are arranged at right angles to the shell plane and whose free ends (25), together with a free end (26) of the cover shell (2) which essentially runs in the shell plane, forming a housing shaft (24) in whose interior, which acts as a housing opening, a switching element which acts on the switching mechanism can be inserted in order to trip the circuit breaker manually.
8. Circuit breaker according to Claim 7, characterized in that the housing intermediate shell (55)

   has the housing side walls (17) integrally formed on its rim edges running in the fitment direction (4), and

   has the housing base (18) integrally formed on its rim edge running transversely with respect to the fitment direction (4), in the transverse direction (5).
9. Circuit breaker according to Claim 7, characterized in that the switching element is mounted on the housing side, and its switching movements act on the switching mechanism.
10. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the switching element in the alignment direction (3) corresponds to about n-times the width of a pole chamber running in the alignment direction (3).
11. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element has n actuating ends (13), arranged in the alignment direction (3), for n switching mechanisms.
12. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element is mounted on the housing side such that it can pivot.
13. Circuit breaker according to Claim 12, characterized by a shaft pin (11), running in the alignment direction (3), of the housing shell (1) in order to mount the switching element such that it can pivot.
14. Circuit breaker according to Claim 12, characterized in that the switching element is mounted such that it can pivot on at least one intermediate housing shell (55).
15. Circuit breaker according to Claim 14, characterized by a shaft pin (58), running in the alignment direction (3), of the intermediate housing shell (55) in order to mount the switching element such that it can pivot.
16. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element is a switching rocker (8) which forms a two-armed lever.
17. Circuit breaker having a switching element whose actuating end (13) is connected in a moving manner to the latching lever (7) which opens and closes the switch contacts (37,38) and acts as a switching lever, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a cam rod (14) which is

    integral and

    passes through the actuating end (13) of the switching element and the latching lever (7) of each pole chamber in the alignment direction (3), in order to form the toggle-joint axis of a toggle-lever drive, with the actuating end (13) and with the latching lever (7) as the two control elements.
18. Circuit breaker according to Claim 17, characterized in that the cam rod (14) is located in a guide groove (which is closed on all sides and acts as a cam track (15)) of the latching lever (7) of each pole chamber to provide joint guidance of the movement of the cam rod (14) on the cam tracks (15) of all the latching levers (7).
19. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover-like frame (27), with a retaining opening for the switching element, can be placed on the housing shaft (24) and covers the switching element in the fitment direction (4).
20. Circuit breaker according to Claim 19, characterized in that the covering frame (27) surrounds the housing shaft (24) in a positively locking manner.
21. Circuit breaker according to Claim 19 or 20, characterized by the covering frame (27) latching with the switch housing.
22. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the shells (1, 2, 55) of the switch housing have passing through them in the alignment direction (3) a fixing means whose length in the alignment direction (3) corresponds approximately to n-times the width of a pole chamber running in the alignment direction (3).
23. Circuit breaker according to Claim 22, characterized in that the fixing means is a hollow rivet (34) and passes through a hole (35, 36) in the region of the housing base (18) of each shell (1, 2, 55), the holes (35, 36) in all the shells (1, 2, 55) being aligned with one another in the alignment direction (3).
24. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by all the rods (14, 47, 49) being arranged parallel.
25. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by identical rods (14, 47, 49).
26. Circuit breaker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by all the rods (14, 47, 49) and all the levers (6, 7, 8) being mounted such that they can pivot, in the same movement plane.

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