Supporting frame for a switch

Abstract: A switch, provided with a switch mechanism, consisting of a pair of contacts, an operating mechanism etc. has a carrier with supporting means for in general the complete switch mechanism and its fixed and movable parts, which carrier consists of a single in general plane and stiff supporting frame, onto one side of which the supporting means, such as shafts, cams, etc. can be applied and onto which the mechanism can be mounted in a fuctional way. A switch of this type is advantageous in that all parts of the switch mechanism can be placed by a robot onto one and the same side of the supporting frame, whereby these parts are being advanced by the robot towards that side in such a way that the displacements of the parts during advancing are parallel to each other.

Description: The invention relates to a switch provided with a switch mechanism, consisting of a pair of contacts, an operation mechanism etc., as well as at least one carrier with supporting means for in general the complete switch mechanism and its fixed and movable parts, onto at least one side of which carrier the supporting means, such as shafts, cams, etc. can be applied and onto which the mechanism can be mounted in a functional way. A switch of this type is disclosed in EP-A-0403358 whichs forms state of the art according to Article 54(3) EPC. This switch comprises a housing consisting of at least two houseparts supporting all parts of the switch mechanism. This switch has several disadvantages. The houseparts forming supporting frames do not comprise symmetrically supporting means, whereby the cooperating supporting frames are only applicable for one switch mechanism. The housing thus forms an essential part of the switch mechanism. The housing consists of several (according to the illustrated embodiment: three) parts, whereby the switch mechanism cannot function properly when one of the houseparts is missing. Also, the lay-out of the switch makes it unsuitable for easy assembling by means of robots. The parts of the switch are to be positioned onto the supporting frame, i.e. the middle housepart, at both sides thereof after which the other (i.e. outer) houseparts are to be positioned overhead the parts of the switch mechanism mounted on one side of the supporting frame and are to engage said parts, which would result in rather complicated movements for a robot in case automated assembling is envisaged. From CH-A-647094, another switch of this type is known. This switch comprises an elongate carrier, which supports all parts of the switch mechanism. The disadvantage here is that it is not possible to combine a number of these switches in order to obtain a multiple-pole switch. Also, the lay-out of the switch makes it unsuitable for assembling by means of robots. The parts of the switch are to be positioned onto the carrier at all sides thereof, which would result in rather complicated movements for a robot in case automated assembling is envisaged. A further switch is known from US Patent 4752755. From figures 6 and 7 especially of said publication it appears that the largest part of the switch mechanism is housed in a carrier with the necessary supporting means, such as shafts, cams, etc.. The carrier itself consists of two plates between which the mechanism has been enclosed. The overall switch mechanism however is not supported by the carrier as the operating lever is journaled in the house which in the end envelopes the carrier with the switch mechanism. For a good operation not only the different parts of the switch mechanism but also both carrier plates should be manufactured accurately in order to garantee the necessary mutual settings and thereby a good operation. The way of mounting, amongst others with a number of springs, is not simple. Testing of the switch mechanism after mounting between the carrier plates and before enclosing in the house is very difficult and may even be impossible. Even in the case that locally apertures are provided in the carrier plates, checking of the operation, and possibly adjusting or readjusting are very difficult. Testing and readjusting of the complete switch is necessary in order to be able to check the proper operation of the electromechanic and electronic components, and in order to replace them if necessary, as well as for carrying out certain adaptations, for instance the setting of the bimetal with respect to the desired current. Finally, the switch consists of a relatively large number of loose parts, leading to high demands with respect to the mounting operation, the stock and availability. The switch as know from US Patent 4760364 is even more difficult with respect to mounting and it is not possible at all to test our adjusted it initially, as all components of the switch mechanism are carried by very complicated box-like house parts. Furthermore the tools necessary for manufacturing the house parts, consisting of an insulating plastic, are very complicated and therefore expensive. The aim of the invention is to alliviate as far as possible the disadvantages with respect to production and mounting and to provide a switch which can be mounted and thereafter be tested in a very simple way. To that end the switch according to the invention is characterized in that the carrier consists of a single in general plane and stiff supporting frame. This enables the house parts to engage with the base part only; free from any other part of the mounted switch mechanism or any other part of the supporting frame. So the house parts don't have to fulfil a function with respect to the operation of the switch mechanism itself. According to a preferred embodiment the supporting frame is provided with supporting means symmetrically with respect to its middle plane and said means are provided as to enable all movements for advancing the parts toward the supporting frame to become perpendicular with respect to the plane defined by the supporting frame. Due to the use of a single supporting frame carrying at one side all necessary supporting means for the switch mechanism, it is possible to carry out the mounting in a very simple way on one side. Because all fixation and rotation points, such as shafts, cams, etc. are connected to the frame, the mechanism once mounted can be tested in a functional way and be adjusted if neccesary. The house does not fulfil any function with respect to the switch other than enclosing it. So the switch is able to function properly, also when no housepart is mounted. For example, it is possible to test the switch functioning before the switch is enclosed in a house. Due to the use of a one sided supporting frame there are no problems with respect to aligning, positioning etc., All parts of the switch mechanism are simply to be mounted from one side and at one side. Thanks to the fact that all supporting means for the switch mechanism are situated at one side of the stiff and plane supporting frame, the other side of the supporting frame in that case plays no important role. According to a preferred embodiment however the supporting frame is provided at two sides with supporting means, such that at each side a complete autonomous switch mechanisme for a pole can be mounted. In that case first of all the switch mechanism for one side could be mounted completely, and thereafter, after rotating the supporting frame, the other switch mechanism could be applied. Both are accessible in a functional way. In this way a two pole switch is obtained. According to a further preferred embodiment the supporting frame has its supporting means symmetrical with respect to its middle plane. Therefore all parts of each of the two switch mechanisms may be completely equal to each other. The latter simplifies the switch and the manufacturing thereof in all aspects. According to a further preferred embodiment, especially for switches for low voltage distribution systems, the invention is characterized in that the switch is provided with a box-like house of electrically insulating material, into which the supporting frame with fully mounted mechanism can be enveloped without play. As has been mentioned already, the house does not fulfill any other function with respect to the switch mechanism or the switch mechanisms than to completely envelope the switch. The house could consist of two parts, but it could consist for instance also of one part, in which case the frame or a part thereof is a wall or the cover of a box-like house. For obtaining a switch with three or four poles, a preferred embodiment is characterized in that in order to obtain a switch with three or four poles a box-like house part has been carried out symmetrically double sided, whereas in one cavity thereof a one or two sided supporting frame provided with one respectively two switch mechanisms is housed and whereby in the other cavity thereof a further one or two sided supporting frame, provided with one respectively two switch mechanisms is housed, and whereby both cavities can be closed by means of further symmetrical box-like house parts. By adding of only one double sided box-like house part, in this embodiment a three or four pole switch may be manufactured with the help of allways the same switch mechanisms, in that two supporting frames are applied, one of which is two sided and the other is one or two sided. According to a further preferred embodiment there is a single operating lever for in general simultaneously switching of all two, three or four switch mechanism, in order to obtain a two, three or four pole embodiment, for the purpose of which each mounting frame has at least one aperature in its plane for receiving at least the operating lever. In this embodiment it may be attractive under certain circumstances to carry out the switch mechanism not only with one operating lever, but also with only one or more other parts near the operating lever. All other parts of each switch mechanism which are necessary for a good behaviour of each switch function are of course maintained for each pole. In adjusting the mechanism, it is therefore also possible to make the different poles switch at points in time which are shifted a little, in order to prevent certain undesired switch phenomena or in order to limit these. Further preferred embodiments are given in the dependant claims and in the following description of the figures. The attention is drawn to only one further preferred embodiment, in which one or more of all hinge pins for the parts of the switch mechanism, such as togglelevers etc., are manufactured integrally with the supporting frame. In that case a supporting frame can be used which is manufactured from a thermosetting insulating plastic. However, in case the number of switch operations during the life time of the switch is high, or in the case of other extreme circumstances, such as an increased contact pressure, the loading on those hinge pins may become too high. It will be clear to the expert that instead of the intergrally formed hinge pins of plastic, these could be exchanged easily for metal pins which are applied onto the supporting frame on the same location. The switch according to the invention shows the further advantage that is very suitable for assembling by a robot. To that end, a relatively simple robot can be used because all parts of one switch mechanism are being placed by the robot onto one and the same side of the supporting frame, and are being advanced by the robot toward that side in such a way that the displacements of the parts during advancing are parallel to each other. The robot therefore only needs to carry out movements which are parallel to each other, which can be accomplished by a simple, robust structure. Preferably, all movements for applying the parts onto the supporting frame are perpendicular with respect to the plane defined by the supporting frame. In the following a description is given of the figures of a preferred embodiment of the switch according to the invention. Figure 1 shows schematically a one pole switch with a one sided supporting frame according to the invention. Figure 2 shows schematically a two pole switch with a two-sided supporting frame according to the invention. Figure 3 shows schematically a four pole switch with two two-sided supporting frames according to the invention. Figure 4 shows one side of a switch with the supporting frame according to figure 1 and figure 7 in elevation, whereby one half of the two part house has not been mounted yet. Figure 5 shows in elevation a simple supporting frame according to the invention. Figure 6 shows a supporting frame of figure 5, however suitable for applying integrated contact terminals. Figure 7 shows the supporting frame according to figure 6, provided with an integrated explosion chamber. Figure 8 shows a three dimensional elevation of a one-sided supporting frame provided with an explosion chamber and suitable for applying integrated contact terminals according to figure 7. In figure 1 a switch according to the invention has been schematically indicated with 100. It consists of a stiff and generally plane supporting frame 102 onto which a switch mechanism 3, which has been indicated schematically has been mounted. As appears the switch mechanism is situated completely at one side of the supporting frame 102. It will be clear that the supporting means such as shafts, cams, etc. for the switch mechanism 103 which have not been indicated in figure 1, for the switch mechanism 103 point to the left from the supporting frame 102, and are therefore connected to the supporting frame 102. In case the switch 100 should be enclosed within a closed house, the box-like house part 10 envelopes the switch 100 and can be closed thereafter by means of cover 11. The internal cavity 14 of box-like house part 10 surrounds the switch 100 completely, and as far as possible without play. In figure 1 (and also in the figures 2 and 3) the passages for the operating lever and the contact terminals are omitted. Figure 2 schematically shows a two pole switch 101 , again consisting of the same supporting frame 102 as in figure 1. This supporting frame 102 carries at the left side the same switch mechanism 103 as described with respect to figure 1. However at the right side the supporting frame 102 carries a second switch mechanism 104 which for instance is symmetric with respect to the switch mechanism 103. This relates firstly to the shafts, cams, etc., at each side of the supporting frame 102. Due to the symmetric embodiment there are differences between the switch mechanisms and their support means 103 and 104, and therefore they are indicated with different references. The same is true for the right part of the house 12 which may be symmetrical with respect to the left house part 10. Possible snapthrough cams or other fixation and closure means used for anchoring the closed house parts to each other, which have not been shown, should of course also be symmetrical and/or complementary. In figure 3 a four pole switch has been shown schematically, consisting of two supporting frames 101 both of which are equal and are constructed as discussed with respect to figure 2. The left and right house parts 10 and 12 are equal to those discussed with respect to figure 2. In this four pole switch the house consists of three parts whereby the left and right house part 10 respectively 12 both are box-like and the middle house-part 13 is a double box-like. By means of the references for the cavities it is indicated that also in this case symmetry is preferred. The expert will be clear that also a three pole embodiment of the switch is feasible, whereby in a three part house a supporting frame 100 and a supporting frame 101 are combined, and whereby the house parts 10 or 12 are applied together with house part 13 and the side into which the one-side supporting frame 100 is located, is being closed by a house part 11 which is more plane. From figures 1, 2 and 3 it clearly follows that in a very simple way with a low diversity of equal or symmetric parts, a one pole, two pole, three pole or four pole switch may be constructed. Figure 4 shows a two pole switch according to figure 2 in elevation, the closing second house part not yet being applied. The switch mechanism shown in figure 4 largely corresponds to the switch mechanism as described in the Dutch patent application 8703172. The construction of the switch mechanism and its function can be derived fully from said Dutch patent application. In this respect a reference is made to this publication, thus obviating a separate discussion in this respect. Some small differences are indicated, and only those parts are discussed which are of importance for understanding of the present invention. The switch is depicted in the switched-on position, whereby the pair of contacts 14-16 is being pushed firmly towards each other due to the fact that the leaf spring 6 under axial load buckles somewhat outwardly and therefore causes the necessary contact pressure. The leaf spring 6 functions therefore as a switch delay spring and as a contact pressure spring. For switching off in the switch according to figure 4 a hooked leaf spring 80 is added which, after releasing the switch spring 6 and the brace 2 pushes upwardly that brace 2 and thus removes the contacts 14-16 rapidly from each other due to the fact that the brace part 4 is being released for upward movement. Furthermore the latch member 22 at the left side is provided with a unitary resilient extension 221 for exercising a restoring force onto the latch member 22. Also the toggle lever 33-35 is provided with a unitary resilient extension 351, which also functions as a restoring spring for the toggle lever 33-35. The switch shown is of the type which can be switched off electromagnetically, and therefore has a magnet winding with a movable armature 46 which according to this example is mounted on the printed circuit board 54. The magnet 46 has a least two windings, winding 461 of which is supplied with current, as are the contacts 14-16. The winding 461 is dimensioned in such a way that in case of a short term large overload the armature head 48 moves to the right which leads to switching off of the switch. The second winding 462 is being activated by an earth fault detector 463 which in the usual way measures the current through both output terminals. One of the wirings 464 thereof has been indicated schematically. In case of an earth faulth the winding 463 generates a voltage which activates the winding of magnet 462 such that also by means of this signal the switch may be switched off. Because of the fact that the switch shown is provided with a detection winding 463 it is of a double pole type. In order to be able to switch off long term low overload currents a bimetal construction, which is known in itself but which has not been shown in the drawings, could be used. Behind the plane of the drawing therefore at the other side of the supporting frame there is a corresponding symmetric switch. Furthermore the switch depicted in figure 4 is provided with a button 91 which is connected with the arm 90 which is indicated schematically, and which, in a way not shown further, is used for restoring the electromagnet 46 in its ready state. This button 91 also is provided with a unitary elastic spring 92 which offers a restoring force for the button. Also in figure 4 the supporting frame 102 has been shown as will be discussed in detail below with respect to the figures 5 up to 8. In figure 4 however it is indicated that half 12 of the house closely surrounds the supporting frame 102. The supporting frame 102 shown in figure 4 is of the type with integral contact terminals and integrated explosion chamber, as depicted in the figures 7 and 8. Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 show supporting frames according to the invention, in which the generally plain frame has been indicated with 102. In the side face of supporting frame 102 a groove 10 is provided for guidance of contactblock 8, for its reciprocating movement during switching on and off of the contacts 14-16. The operating lever 23, 26 is journalled in a bore 128 by means of shaft 28, which bore 128 has been provided in a bracket 129 of the supporting frame. Some of the levers of the switch mechanism are pivoting around hinge pins 140, 132, which may be integrally formed with the supporting frame 102. This is also the case for the supporting pin 135 for the restorings spring 351 of the latch lever 35. The brace 2 is journalled in a bearing groove 130 provided in a small land 131 of the supporting frame. Next to this there is a larger land 180 provided with a room 181 which is opened halfway, for receiving and clamping the switch off spring 80. Furthermore the frame has a vertical protrusion 122 which serves as supporting face for the restoring spring 221 of the latch member 22. A supporting respectively protective strip 145 has been provided for guiding of the contact strip 144 of contact 14. In the middle of the supporting frame 102 there is a window 105 for receiving the printed circuit board 54 in grooves 154 and 155. For the purpose of the several parts which are mounted on the printed circuit board 54, such as the switch off magnet 46 and the earth fault detection winding 463 as well as a large number of smaller electronic components which have not been detailed further, the window 105 has considerable dimensions. Without affecting the stiffness of the supporting frame 102 as well as its dimensional stability, the window 105 has been made as large as possible in all directions in a view of material and weight reductions. As apparent from figures 5 up to 8, the mounting frame 102 has been devised in such a way, that all planes and borders of the supporting means for the switch mechanism are perpendicular with respect to the middle plane which runs through the supporting frame. It is therefore possible to press the supporting frame in a known way with relatively simple tools or to manufacture it by injection moulding of a thermosetting plastic. Figure 8 shows a three dimensional view of a one pole supporting frame of the same type, however provided with an explosion chamber 18 as well as provisions for integral contact terminals, which shall be explained later. With dotted lines a symmetric two pole embodiment has been indicated. A supporting frame 102 which is of the same type as in figure 5, is shown in figure 6, however at one of its sides, i.e. the lower side in this figure a firm base part 150 has been provided, into which apertures 152, 153 are formed for receiving the contact pins 50 of the type as depicted in figure 4. The height h of the base part is such that this base part circumferentially fits the sides of an aperture in the two part house, in such a way that the base part at that spot forms a wall of the house. For obtaining a butter fit which is dust- and watertight with respect to the house, the sides of the base part 150 are provided with a stepped edge 151 for cooperation with a complementairy similair edge, which has not been indicated further, around the opening in the two part house. For reasons of simplicity the apertures 152, 153 for the contact pins are not shown in figure 8. Figure 7 again shows a supporting frame 102 of the same type as shown in figures 5 and 6. In this case the subject is a supporting frame which not only has been provided with an integrated base part 150 for the contact pins, but which is furthermore provided with an integrated explosion chamber 18 which surrounds the ends of the pair of contacts 14-16. The explosion chamber 18 is surrounded at three sides by a side wall 118 which project from the plane of the supporting frame 102. The height of the sidewalls 118 is such that the house which is to be applied fully closes the explosion chamber 18. The explosion chamber is only open at the side of the pair of contacts 14-16, however at that place it is closed to a large degree by the contact block 8. In case of a two-side supporting frame 102, as indicated with dotted lines in figure 8, the separation between the arc explosion chambers of the two poles is optimal, in such a way that hardly any mutual influencing occurs.

Claims: Switch (100;101) provided with a switch mechanism (103;104), consisting of a pair of contacts (14;16), an operation mechanism etc., as well as at least one carrier with supporting means for in general the complete switch mechanism (103;104) and its fixed and movable parts, onto at least one side of which carrier the supporting means, such as shafts, cams, etc. can be applied and onto which the mechanism can be mounted in a functional way, characterized in that the carrier consists of a single in general plane and stiff supporting frame (102). Switch according to claim 1 whereby the supporting frame (102) is provided at two sides with supporting means and whereby at each side a completely autonomous switch mechanism (103;104) for a pole may be mounted characterized in that the supporting frame (102) is provided with supporting means (118;122;128;129;130;132;135;140;145;154;155;180) symmetrically with respect to its middle plane. Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the switch is provided with a box-like housepart (10;11;12;13) of electrically isolating material, into which the supporting frame (102) as well as a completely mounted functioning mechanism can be enclosed. Switch according to one or more of the preceeding claims characterized in that part of the supporting frame (102) is forming one or more walls of the box-like housepart. Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the supporting frame (102) is provided at one of its sides with a firm base part (150) into which the contact terminals may be integrated, and that this base part (150) circumferentially connects to the sides of an aperture (152;153) in the house (12), in such a way that the base part (150) locally forms a wall of a house (12). Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the house parts (10;12;13) engage with the base part (150) free from any part of the mounted switch mechanism or any other part of the supporting frame (102). Switch according to claim 3 characterized in that the box-like housepart (10;11;12;13) consists of two symmetric parts, between which one or more supporting frames (102) are enclosed (figure 2). Switch according to claim 7 characterized in that for obtaining a switch with three or four poles a box-like housepart (10;13) has been carried out double sided and symmetrically, whereby in one cavity (14) thereof a one or two sided supporting frame (102) has been enclosed provided with one respectively two switch mechanisms (103;104), and in the other cavity (15) of which a further one or two sided frame (102) has been enclosed provided with one respectively two switch mechanisms, whereby both cavities (14;15) may be enclosed by further symmetric box-like house parts (10;12;13) (figure 3). Switch according to one or more of the claims 2 up to 7 characterized in that there is a single operating lever (23; 26) for in general at the same time switching of all two, three or four pole switch mechanisms, for obtaining a two, three or four pole embodiment, for which purpose each supporting frame (102) in its plane has at least an aperture (128) for receiving at least the operating lever (23; 26). Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the supporting frame (102) at one or both sides is provided with an integrated explosion chamber (18) the open side of which being, after it has been received therein, lockable by one of the house parts (10; 11; 12; 13). Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the supporting frame (102) has been manufactured from a thermosetting insulating plastic. Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that one or more of the hinge pins (132; 140) for parts of the switch mechanism, such as toggle levers, etc., are carried out unitary with the supporting frame (102). Switch according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the supporting frame (102) is suitable for also carrying a printed circuit board (54) with electronic components, and that a switch off electro-magnet (46) may be incorporated, which is being supplied with signals derived from the electronic components relating to overload, earth fault detection, etc. Method of assembling a switch according to one or more of the preceding claims by means of a robot, whereby all parts of one switch mechanism (103;104) are being placed by the robot onto one and the same side of the supporting frame (102) characterized in that all movements for advancing the parts toward the supporting frame (102) are perpendicular with respect to the plane defined by the supporting frame (102).

Inventors: POSTMUS ALBERT JOZEF PETER, WENSINK JAN BERTUS, POSTMUS, ALBERT JOZEF PETER, WENSINK, JAN BERTUS
Applicants: HOLEC SYST & COMPONENTEN, HOLEC SYSTEMEN EN COMPONENTEN B.V.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: H01H71
IPC codes: H01H71