Drive for a Switching Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention discloses a drive mechanism for an electrical switching device that uses a toggle-joint (knee-lever) mechanism to open and close a contact system. The design involves a moving contact actuated via a transmission device including a folding lever and a coupling element, which pivot between two end positions to reliably close or open the switch contacts. The mechanism enables intermediate positions to safely manage contact separation and arc extinction during switching, enhancing both safety and operational control.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Power circuit breakers in residential or industrial electrical panels
• Switchgears in electrical substations or grids
• High-voltage or medium-voltage switching equipment
• Motor control centers and contactors for machinery
• Protective relays requiring reliable mechanical switching
• Automation systems where precise, safe switching is critical

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved electrical switching safety, especially during arc extinction when opening the contacts
• Reliable and precise control of the opening and closing of electrical contacts
• Reduced mechanical complexity, making manufacturing easier and potentially more cost-effective
• Ability to configure intermediate positions for safer operation during switching (e.g., avoiding or extinguishing electrical arcs)
• Modular design that can be adapted for various switchgear architectures
• Potential for increased durability and longevity due to controlled mechanical movements

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a drive (100) for a switching device (10) which has a contact system (20) with a fixed contact (30) and a moving contact (40), having an actuator (110) for operating the moving contact (40) for closing or opening the contact system (20), and also having a mechanical transmission device (120) which is arranged between the moving contact (40) and the actuator (110). The invention makes provision for the transmission device (120) to have a toggle joint mechanism (130) which is formed by a folding lever (140), which can be pivoted about a stationary bearing (160), and a coupling element (150), which is connected to the folding lever (140) by means of a moving bearing (170), wherein the toggle joint mechanism (130) can be pivoted between a first end position and a second end position and, when the changeover is made from the first end position to the second end position or vice versa, a maximum extended position occurs, and wherein the coupling element (150) holds the moving contact (40) in that position which closes the contact system (20) in the first end position and in that position in which the contact system (20) is open in the second end position.