Title of Invention	THREE-POSITION SWITCH PARTICULARLY FOR A MEDIUM TENSION OR HIGH TENSION SWITCHGEAR
Abstract	A three-position switch (10) particularly for a medium tension or high tension switchgear is described. The three-position switch is provided with an electrically earthed housing (13) that has a first and a second front side (S1, S2) that are arranged almost transverse to an axis (A). The three-position switch (10) is provided with a first and a second connector (24, 34), to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside. The three-position switch (10) is further provided with a contact part shift-able along the axis (A), with which either one of both the connectors (24,34) can be electrically connected with the housing (13), or none of both the connectors (24, 34) can be connected with the housing (13), or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected with one another. The first connector (24) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the second front side (S2).

Title of Invention

THREE-POSITION SWITCH PARTICULARLY FOR A MEDIUM TENSION OR HIGH TENSION SWITCHGEAR

Abstract

A three-position switch (10) particularly for a medium tension or high tension switchgear is described. The three-position switch is provided with an electrically earthed housing (13) that has a first and a second front side (S1, S2) that are arranged almost transverse to an axis (A). The three-position switch (10) is provided with a first and a second connector (24, 34), to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside. The three-position switch (10) is further provided with a contact part shift-able along the axis (A), with which either one of both the connectors (24,34) can be electrically connected with the housing (13), or none of both the connectors (24, 34) can be connected with the housing (13), or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected with one another. The first connector (24) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the second front side (S2).

Full Text	Three-position Switch particularly for a Medium Tension or High Tension Switchgear Description The invention pertains to a three-position switch particularly for a medium tension or high tension switch gear, with an electrically earthed housing that has a first and a second front side, with a first and a second connector, to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside, as well as with a contact piece that can be shifted along an axis, to which either one of both the connectors can be electrically connected to the housing, or none of both the connectors can be electrically connected to the housing, or both connectors can be electrically connected to one another. Such a three-position switch is known for example from the document EP 1 128 509 Al. There one deals with a gas-insulated switch, in which both the connectors on the periphery of the housing are accessible from outside and hence the respective allied electrical conductor can be connected there. It is the task of this invention to create a three-position switch that can contribute to a reduction in the required structural space. This task is fulfilled with the help of a three-position switch as per the invention of the type as described above, in that the front sides are arranged almost transverse to the axis and the first connector can be connected with the electrical conductor on the first front side and the second connector can be connected with the electrical connector on the second front side. This design extension brings forth the advantage that the three-position switch according to the invention forms an extremely compact structural unit that requires very less space for itself. Hence the three-position switch can be completely mounted along with another switching device, e.g. a heavy duty switch, and tested in the work and then on account of the compactness of the entire arrangement be transported as a complete unit to the place of application. 2 With the help of the arrangement as per the invention of both connectors it is further achieved that no structural parts of the three-position switch have to be present or accessible on the periphery of the housing. This yields the advantage that other components of the electrical switch gear can be arranged on the periphery. This leads to further reduction in the overall required structural space. It is particularly advantageous if at least one current transformer core is arranged on the periphery of the housing of the three-position switch. This means that the three-position switch is integrated within the current transformer core. This structural form has an overall significantly lesser space requirement than the space required if the current converter cores and the three-position switch are in separate structure types. In an advantageous extension of the invention the first connector has a section that is provided with a borehole that is accessible on the first front side from outside and into which the electrical conductor can be plugged in from outside. In this way, the connect- ability of the first connector and the electrical conductor on the first front side as suggested by the invention can be realised in a simple manner. It is obvious that the borehole can be arranged somewhat coaxial to the axis, or even eccentric on the front side. In another advantageous extension of the invention the second connector protrudes outwards against the second front side and the electrical conductor can be connected there from outside. This also similarly allows simple realisation of the connect-ability of the second connector and the electrical conductor on the second front side. Here too it is possible that the connection is foreseen somewhat coaxial to the axis or eccentric. In another advantageous extension of the invention the second connector is designed like a pin or tube and the shift-able contact part is designed as sleeve that can e shifted back and forth on the pin-shaped or tube-shaped second connector. In this way one can realise a guiding of the contact part on the second connector, which ensures high functional safety and at the same time less structural complication. 3 In an extension of the invention the first connector has a section towards the second connector that is foreseen with a borehole whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the sleeve. Thus it is possible in a very advantageous manner to connect the first and the second connector electrically with one another by means of the sleeve. In an advantageous extension of the invention the shift-able contact part is connected to a plate that stands away almost transverse to the axis of the contact part. With the help of this plate it is possible to influence the electrical field in the inner space of the three- position switch. This can be used to design the three-point switch as per the invention in an even more compact manner. It is particularly advantageous if the housing has a section protruding inwards whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the plate. It is thus possible to use the plate as electrical connecting member by earthing the second connector. The plate thus has double function - namely influencing the field and earthing. It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the shift-able contact part can be moved back and forth by a gear system, particularly a lever and if the gear system, particularly the lever is arranged on the side of the plate away from the first connector. In this way the plate can be used for electrical shielding of the lever. Further feature, application possibilities and advantages of the invention can be obtained from the following description of design examples of the invention that are shown in the figures of the drawing. All described or shown features form the objective of the invention either individually or in any arbitrary combination, irrespective of their combination in the patent claims or irrespective of their formulation or depiction in the description or in the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional depiction of a design example of a three-position switch as per the invention in an earthed position; Fig. 2 shows a schematic depiction of the three-position switch shown in Fig. 1 in a disconnected position; and Fig. 3 shows a 4 schematic sectional depiction of the three-position switch shown in Fig. 1 in a closed position. Fig. 1 to 3 show a three-position switch 10 of a medium tension or high tension switchgear. The three-position switch 10 is preferably foreseen for installation in an air- insulated switchgear or a so called compact switchgear assembly or a so called dead-tank switch. Besides, the three-position switch 10 can also be used in a gas-insulated switchgear. The three-position switch 10 shown in figures 1 to 3 is designed largely rotation- symmetric and has an axis A. Somewhat transverse to the axis A the three-position switch 10 has a first front side S1 and a second front side S2. The three-position switch 10 has a housing 13 that is designed largely cylindrical and from which three circular ring type sections 14, 15, 16 stand away inwards in the direction to the axis A. The housing 13 is made of an electrically conducting material and is electrically earthed. Outside on its periphery the housing 13 is surrounded by three current transformer cores 18 that rotate around the housing 13 almost coaxial to the axis A and are arranged beside one another in the direction of the axis A. the current transformer cores 18 are covered on their outer side by a shielding plate 19. A disc-shaped insulating part 21 is held against the section 14 of the housing 13 and has a circular opening 22centric and hence almost coaxial to the axis A. The insulating part 21 can eccentrically have further openings for the purpose of exchanging insulating gas. In the opening 22 a first connector 24 is held that is made of an electrically conductive material. The first connector 24 is accessible on the front side S1 of the three-position switch 10 from the outside. 5 The first connector 24 has a cylindrical section 25 and a mushroom section 26. Both sections 25,26 are aligned almost coaxial to the axis A. The cylindrical section 25 is accessible on the front side S1 from outside and has a borehole 27 almost coaxial to the axis A, which is foreseen so that an electrical conductor can be plugged into it from outside. The electrical conductor is mostly a rod. The borehole 27 of the section 25 is accessible for this purpose from outside. The mushroom section 26 is situated in the inner space of the three-position switch 10 and has a borehole coaxial to the axis A, whose purpose will be described below. For holding the first connector 24 in the insulating part a ring 29 is plugged on to the cylindrical section 25 from outside. On the section 16 of the housing 13 a disc-shaped insulating part 31 is held, which has a circular opening 32 almost centric and hence almost coaxial to the axis A. the insulating part 31 can eccentrically have further openings for the purpose of replacing insulating gas. In the opening 32 a second connector 34 is held that is made of an electrically conductive material. The second connector 34 is accessible on the front side S2 of the three-position switch 10 from outside. The second connector 34 is designed as a pin or tube and is aligned almost coaxial to axis A. In the inner space of the three-position switch 10 the diameter of the second connector 34 is largely uniform. For holding the second connector 34in the insulating part 31, the second connector 34 is provided with two projecting rings 35, 36. The second connector 34 protrudes outwards on the front side S2 out of the housing 13 of the three-position switch 10. There the second connector 34 can be connected from outside to an electric conductor. The electric conductor can especially be a cylindrical component. On the pin-type or tube-type second connector 34 a cylindrical sleeve 38 is arranged in a shift-able manner in the inner space of the three-position switch 10. The sleeve 34 is made of an electrically conductive material. The sleeve 34 can be pushed back and forth in the direction of the axis A on the second connector 34. The sleeve 38 thus forms a contact part movable along an axis. 6 The inner diameter of the sleeve 38 and the outer diameter of the sleeve 34 are tuned to one another in such a way that in every shifting position there is an electrical contact between the second connector 34 and the sleeve 38. Furthermore, the sleeve 38 and the mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24 are tuned to one another as will be explained below. In the region of that free end of the sleeve 38 that is towards the first connector 24, the sleeve 38 is provided with a disc-shaped plate 39. This plate 39 stands away from the sleeve 38 almost transverse to the axis A and protrudes into the inner space of the three- position switch 10. The plate 39 is made of an electrically conductive material. In the region of that free end of the sleeve 38 that is away from the first connector 24 a rod 41 is pivoted against the sleeve 38 and is connected through a swivel-able hinged lever 42 to a rotate-able shaft 43. The rod 41 and/or the lever 42 are made of an electrically insulating material. The shaft 43 is supported in the housing 13 almost transverse to the axis A and is guided outwards through the housing 13 (not shown). By a suitable rotation movement of the shaft 43 the sleeve 38 can be pushed back and forth on the second connector 34 in the direction of the axis A by means of the rod 41 and the lever 42. Viewed with respect to the first connector 24 the rod 41 and the lever 42 are arranged behind the plate 39. The plate 39 can thus be used for electrical shielding of the rod 41 and the lever 42. Furthermore, through the spatial arrangement and design of the plate 39 the electrical field in the inner space of the three-position switch 10 can be influenced. It is obvious that instead of the rod 41 and the lever 42 a very general gear system can be foreseen. In that case at least one component of the gear system should be made of an electrically insulating material. Furthermore, the gear system or at least a part of it is arranged on the side of the plate 39 away from the first connector 34. For example, it is possible that a toothed gear system is foreseen, in which one toothed gear is plugged onto 7 the shaft 43 and a toothed rack is coupled with the sleeve 38, whereby the toothed gear and the toothed rack mesh into one another. On the free end of the section 15 of the housing 13 a contact ring 45 is arranged that is made of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to the housing 13. The disc-shaped section 15 standing away inwards from the housing 13 and the disc- shaped plate 39 standing away outwards from the sleeve 38 are adapted to one another in such a way that - as long as the plate 39 is arranged in the region of the section 15 - there is an electrical connection between the sleeve 38 through the plate 39 and the contact ring 45 to the section 15 of the three-position switch 10. Fig. 1 shows an earthed position of the three-position switch 10. There is an electrically conductive connection from the second connector 34 through the sleeve 38, through the plate 39 and through the contact ring 45 to the section 15 of the earthed housing 13. The second connector 34 is thus at the same electrical potential as the housing 13 and hence earthed. The first connector 24 has no electrical connection with the second connector 34 and is similarly not earthed. If now the shaft 43 is brought into a rotation movement, then the sleeve 38 gets pushed on the second connector 34 in a direction towards the first connector 24. The sleeve 38 then goes over from the position shown in Fig. 1 to the position shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a disconnected position of the three-position switch 10. The plate 39 no longer has an electrical connection with the contact ring 45, so that the second connector 34 is no longer connected with the housing 13. The second connector 34 is thus no longer earthed. The first connector 24 continues to have no electrical contact with the second connector 34 and is similarly not earthed. If now the shaft 43 is brought into a further rotation movement, then the sleeve 38 gets pushed on the second connector 34 further in direction towards the first connector 24. 8 The sleeve then goes over from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a closed position of the three-position switch 10. The free end of the sleeve 38 is immersed into the borehole 28 of the mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24. The outer diameter of the sleeve 38 is tuned to the inner diameter of the borehole 28 of the mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24 in such a way that in immersed condition there is an electrical contact between the sleeve 38 and the first connector 24. Thus an electrical contact is established between the first connector 24 and the second connector 34 through the mushroom section 26 and the sleeve 38. In this closed position both connectors 24, 34 are disconnected from the housing 13 of the three-position switch 10 and hence not earthed. The design of both connectors 24, 34 in Fig. 1 to 3 should be understood as examples. It is obvious that the connectors 24, 34 can also be designed differently. It is particularly possible that the connector on the first front side S1 is designed as a cylindrical pin and/or the connector on the second front side S2 is designed as cylindrical borehole. Thus it is possible that the entire three-position switch 10 can not only be installed in a medium tension or high tension switchgear in a position shown in Fig. 1 to 3 but also inverted, i.e. turned by 180 degrees. 9 Patent Claims 1. Three-position switch (10) especially for a medium tension or high tension switchgear, with an electrically earthed housing (13) that has a first and a second front side (S1, S2), with a first and a second connector (24, 34) to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside as well as a contact part that can be pushed along an axis (A), with which either one of both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to the housing (13), or none of both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to the housing (13), or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to one another, having the distinctive feature that the front sides (S1, S2) are arranged almost transverse to the axis (A) and the first connector (24) on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) on the second front side (S2) can be connected to the electrical conductor. 2. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 1, having the distinctive feature that the first connector (24) has a section (25) that is provided with a borehole (27) which is accessible on the first front side (S1) from outside and into which the electrical conductor can be plugged in from outside. 3. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 1 or 2, having the distinctive feature that the second connector (34) protrudes outwards on the second front side (S2) and the electrical conductor can be connected there from outside. 4. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims, having the distinctive feature that the first and the second connector (24, 34) are held against the first and the second front side (S1, S2) respectively by an insulating part (21, 31) in the housing (13). 10 5. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims, having the distinctive feature that the second connector (34) is designed as a pin or tube and the shift-able contact part is designed as sleeve (38) that can be shifted back and forth on the pin-type or tube-type second connector (34). 6. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 5, having the distinctive feature that the first connector (24) has a section (26) towards the second connector, which is provided with a borehole (28) whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the sleeve (38). 7. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 5 or 6, having the distinctive feature that the first and the second connector (24, 34) can be electrically connected to one another through the sleeve (38). 8. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims, having the distinctive feature that the shift-able contact part is connected to a plate (39) that stands away from the contact part almost transverse to the axis (A). 9. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 8, having the distinctive feature that the housing (13) has a section (15) protruding inwards whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the plate (39). 10. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 9, having the distinctive feature that the shift-able contact part can be moved back and forth by means of a gear system 11 especially a lever (42), and the gear system, especially a lever (42) is arranged on the side of the plate (39) away from the first connector (24). 11. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 8 to 10, having the distinctive feature that the second connector 34 can be electrically connected with the housing (13) through the plate (39). 12. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims, having the distinctive feature that at least one current transformer core (18) is arranged on the periphery of the housing (13). A three-position switch (10) particularly for a medium tension or high tension switchgear is described. The three-position switch is provided with an electrically earthed housing (13) that has a first and a second front side (S1, S2) that are arranged almost transverse to an axis (A). The three-position switch (10) is provided with a first and a second connector (24, 34), to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside. The three-position switch (10) is further provided with a contact part shift-able along the axis (A), with which either one of both the connectors (24,34) can be electrically connected with the housing (13), or none of both the connectors (24, 34) can be connected with the housing (13), or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected with one another. The first connector (24) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) can be connected with the electrical conductor on the second front side (S2).

Full Text

Three-position Switch particularly for a
Medium Tension or High Tension Switchgear
Description
The invention pertains to a three-position switch particularly for a medium tension or
high tension switch gear, with an electrically earthed housing that has a first and a second
front side, with a first and a second connector, to which respectively an electrical
conductor can be connected from outside, as well as with a contact piece that can be
shifted along an axis, to which either one of both the connectors can be electrically
connected to the housing, or none of both the connectors can be electrically connected to
the housing, or both connectors can be electrically connected to one another.
Such a three-position switch is known for example from the document EP 1 128 509 Al.
There one deals with a gas-insulated switch, in which both the connectors on the
periphery of the housing are accessible from outside and hence the respective allied
electrical conductor can be connected there.
It is the task of this invention to create a three-position switch that can contribute to a
reduction in the required structural space.
This task is fulfilled with the help of a three-position switch as per the invention of the
type as described above, in that the front sides are arranged almost transverse to the axis
and the first connector can be connected with the electrical conductor on the first front
side and the second connector can be connected with the electrical connector on the
second front side.
This design extension brings forth the advantage that the three-position switch according
to the invention forms an extremely compact structural unit that requires very less space
for itself. Hence the three-position switch can be completely mounted along with another
switching device, e.g. a heavy duty switch, and tested in the work and then on account of
the compactness of the entire arrangement be transported as a complete unit to the place
of application.

2
With the help of the arrangement as per the invention of both connectors it is further
achieved that no structural parts of the three-position switch have to be present or
accessible on the periphery of the housing. This yields the advantage that other
components of the electrical switch gear can be arranged on the periphery. This leads to
further reduction in the overall required structural space.
It is particularly advantageous if at least one current transformer core is arranged on the
periphery of the housing of the three-position switch. This means that the three-position
switch is integrated within the current transformer core. This structural form has an
overall significantly lesser space requirement than the space required if the current
converter cores and the three-position switch are in separate structure types.
In an advantageous extension of the invention the first connector has a section that is
provided with a borehole that is accessible on the first front side from outside and into
which the electrical conductor can be plugged in from outside. In this way, the connect-
ability of the first connector and the electrical conductor on the first front side as
suggested by the invention can be realised in a simple manner. It is obvious that the
borehole can be arranged somewhat coaxial to the axis, or even eccentric on the front
side.
In another advantageous extension of the invention the second connector protrudes
outwards against the second front side and the electrical conductor can be connected
there from outside. This also similarly allows simple realisation of the connect-ability of
the second connector and the electrical conductor on the second front side. Here too it is
possible that the connection is foreseen somewhat coaxial to the axis or eccentric.
In another advantageous extension of the invention the second connector is designed like
a pin or tube and the shift-able contact part is designed as sleeve that can e shifted back
and forth on the pin-shaped or tube-shaped second connector. In this way one can realise
a guiding of the contact part on the second connector, which ensures high functional
safety and at the same time less structural complication.

3
In an extension of the invention the first connector has a section towards the second
connector that is foreseen with a borehole whose inner diameter matches the outer
diameter of the sleeve. Thus it is possible in a very advantageous manner to connect the
first and the second connector electrically with one another by means of the sleeve.
In an advantageous extension of the invention the shift-able contact part is connected to a
plate that stands away almost transverse to the axis of the contact part. With the help of
this plate it is possible to influence the electrical field in the inner space of the three-
position switch. This can be used to design the three-point switch as per the invention in
an even more compact manner.
It is particularly advantageous if the housing has a section protruding inwards whose
inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the plate. It is thus possible to use the plate
as electrical connecting member by earthing the second connector. The plate thus has
double function - namely influencing the field and earthing.
It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the shift-able contact part can be moved
back and forth by a gear system, particularly a lever and if the gear system, particularly
the lever is arranged on the side of the plate away from the first connector. In this way the
plate can be used for electrical shielding of the lever.
Further feature, application possibilities and advantages of the invention can be obtained
from the following description of design examples of the invention that are shown in the
figures of the drawing. All described or shown features form the objective of the
invention either individually or in any arbitrary combination, irrespective of their
combination in the patent claims or irrespective of their formulation or depiction in the
description or in the drawing.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional depiction of a design example of a three-position
switch as per the invention in an earthed position; Fig. 2 shows a schematic depiction of
the three-position switch shown in Fig. 1 in a disconnected position; and Fig. 3 shows a

4
schematic sectional depiction of the three-position switch shown in Fig. 1 in a closed
position.
Fig. 1 to 3 show a three-position switch 10 of a medium tension or high tension
switchgear. The three-position switch 10 is preferably foreseen for installation in an air-
insulated switchgear or a so called compact switchgear assembly or a so called dead-tank
switch. Besides, the three-position switch 10 can also be used in a gas-insulated
switchgear.
The three-position switch 10 shown in figures 1 to 3 is designed largely rotation-
symmetric and has an axis A. Somewhat transverse to the axis A the three-position
switch 10 has a first front side S1 and a second front side S2.
The three-position switch 10 has a housing 13 that is designed largely cylindrical and
from which three circular ring type sections 14, 15, 16 stand away inwards in the
direction to the axis A. The housing 13 is made of an electrically conducting material and
is electrically earthed.
Outside on its periphery the housing 13 is surrounded by three current transformer cores
18 that rotate around the housing 13 almost coaxial to the axis A and are arranged beside
one another in the direction of the axis A. the current transformer cores 18 are covered on
their outer side by a shielding plate 19.
A disc-shaped insulating part 21 is held against the section 14 of the housing 13 and has a
circular opening 22centric and hence almost coaxial to the axis A. The insulating part 21
can eccentrically have further openings for the purpose of exchanging insulating gas. In
the opening 22 a first connector 24 is held that is made of an electrically conductive
material. The first connector 24 is accessible on the front side S1 of the three-position
switch 10 from the outside.

5
The first connector 24 has a cylindrical section 25 and a mushroom section 26. Both
sections 25,26 are aligned almost coaxial to the axis A. The cylindrical section 25 is
accessible on the front side S1 from outside and has a borehole 27 almost coaxial to the
axis A, which is foreseen so that an electrical conductor can be plugged into it from
outside. The electrical conductor is mostly a rod. The borehole 27 of the section 25 is
accessible for this purpose from outside. The mushroom section 26 is situated in the inner
space of the three-position switch 10 and has a borehole coaxial to the axis A, whose
purpose will be described below. For holding the first connector 24 in the insulating part
a ring 29 is plugged on to the cylindrical section 25 from outside.
On the section 16 of the housing 13 a disc-shaped insulating part 31 is held, which has a
circular opening 32 almost centric and hence almost coaxial to the axis A. the insulating
part 31 can eccentrically have further openings for the purpose of replacing insulating
gas. In the opening 32 a second connector 34 is held that is made of an electrically
conductive material. The second connector 34 is accessible on the front side S2 of the
three-position switch 10 from outside.
The second connector 34 is designed as a pin or tube and is aligned almost coaxial to axis
A. In the inner space of the three-position switch 10 the diameter of the second connector
34 is largely uniform. For holding the second connector 34in the insulating part 31, the
second connector 34 is provided with two projecting rings 35, 36. The second connector
34 protrudes outwards on the front side S2 out of the housing 13 of the three-position
switch 10. There the second connector 34 can be connected from outside to an electric
conductor. The electric conductor can especially be a cylindrical component.
On the pin-type or tube-type second connector 34 a cylindrical sleeve 38 is arranged in a
shift-able manner in the inner space of the three-position switch 10. The sleeve 34 is
made of an electrically conductive material. The sleeve 34 can be pushed back and forth
in the direction of the axis A on the second connector 34. The sleeve 38 thus forms a
contact part movable along an axis.

6
The inner diameter of the sleeve 38 and the outer diameter of the sleeve 34 are tuned to
one another in such a way that in every shifting position there is an electrical contact
between the second connector 34 and the sleeve 38. Furthermore, the sleeve 38 and the
mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24 are tuned to one another as will be
explained below.
In the region of that free end of the sleeve 38 that is towards the first connector 24, the
sleeve 38 is provided with a disc-shaped plate 39. This plate 39 stands away from the
sleeve 38 almost transverse to the axis A and protrudes into the inner space of the three-
position switch 10. The plate 39 is made of an electrically conductive material.
In the region of that free end of the sleeve 38 that is away from the first connector 24 a
rod 41 is pivoted against the sleeve 38 and is connected through a swivel-able hinged
lever 42 to a rotate-able shaft 43. The rod 41 and/or the lever 42 are made of an
electrically insulating material. The shaft 43 is supported in the housing 13 almost
transverse to the axis A and is guided outwards through the housing 13 (not shown). By a
suitable rotation movement of the shaft 43 the sleeve 38 can be pushed back and forth on
the second connector 34 in the direction of the axis A by means of the rod 41 and the
lever 42.
Viewed with respect to the first connector 24 the rod 41 and the lever 42 are arranged
behind the plate 39. The plate 39 can thus be used for electrical shielding of the rod 41
and the lever 42. Furthermore, through the spatial arrangement and design of the plate 39
the electrical field in the inner space of the three-position switch 10 can be influenced.
It is obvious that instead of the rod 41 and the lever 42 a very general gear system can be
foreseen. In that case at least one component of the gear system should be made of an
electrically insulating material. Furthermore, the gear system or at least a part of it is
arranged on the side of the plate 39 away from the first connector 34. For example, it is
possible that a toothed gear system is foreseen, in which one toothed gear is plugged onto

7
the shaft 43 and a toothed rack is coupled with the sleeve 38, whereby the toothed gear
and the toothed rack mesh into one another.
On the free end of the section 15 of the housing 13 a contact ring 45 is arranged that is
made of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to the housing
13. The disc-shaped section 15 standing away inwards from the housing 13 and the disc-
shaped plate 39 standing away outwards from the sleeve 38 are adapted to one another in
such a way that - as long as the plate 39 is arranged in the region of the section 15 - there
is an electrical connection between the sleeve 38 through the plate 39 and the contact ring
45 to the section 15 of the three-position switch 10.
Fig. 1 shows an earthed position of the three-position switch 10. There is an electrically
conductive connection from the second connector 34 through the sleeve 38, through the
plate 39 and through the contact ring 45 to the section 15 of the earthed housing 13. The
second connector 34 is thus at the same electrical potential as the housing 13 and hence
earthed. The first connector 24 has no electrical connection with the second connector 34
and is similarly not earthed.
If now the shaft 43 is brought into a rotation movement, then the sleeve 38 gets pushed
on the second connector 34 in a direction towards the first connector 24. The sleeve 38
then goes over from the position shown in Fig. 1 to the position shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 shows a disconnected position of the three-position switch 10. The plate 39 no
longer has an electrical connection with the contact ring 45, so that the second connector
34 is no longer connected with the housing 13. The second connector 34 is thus no longer
earthed. The first connector 24 continues to have no electrical contact with the second
connector 34 and is similarly not earthed.
If now the shaft 43 is brought into a further rotation movement, then the sleeve 38 gets
pushed on the second connector 34 further in direction towards the first connector 24.

8
The sleeve then goes over from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig.
3.
Fig. 3 shows a closed position of the three-position switch 10. The free end of the sleeve
38 is immersed into the borehole 28 of the mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24.
The outer diameter of the sleeve 38 is tuned to the inner diameter of the borehole 28 of
the mushroom section 26 of the first connector 24 in such a way that in immersed
condition there is an electrical contact between the sleeve 38 and the first connector 24.
Thus an electrical contact is established between the first connector 24 and the second
connector 34 through the mushroom section 26 and the sleeve 38. In this closed position
both connectors 24, 34 are disconnected from the housing 13 of the three-position switch
10 and hence not earthed.
The design of both connectors 24, 34 in Fig. 1 to 3 should be understood as examples. It
is obvious that the connectors 24, 34 can also be designed differently. It is particularly
possible that the connector on the first front side S1 is designed as a cylindrical pin and/or
the connector on the second front side S2 is designed as cylindrical borehole. Thus it is
possible that the entire three-position switch 10 can not only be installed in a medium
tension or high tension switchgear in a position shown in Fig. 1 to 3 but also inverted, i.e.
turned by 180 degrees.

9
Patent Claims
1. Three-position switch (10) especially for a medium tension or high tension
switchgear, with an electrically earthed housing (13) that has a first and a second
front side (S1, S2), with a first and a second connector (24, 34) to which
respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside as well as a
contact part that can be pushed along an axis (A), with which either one of both
the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to the housing (13), or none
of both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to the housing (13),
or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically connected to one another,
having the distinctive feature that
the front sides (S1, S2) are arranged almost transverse to the axis (A) and the first
connector (24) on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) on the
second front side (S2) can be connected to the electrical conductor.
2. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 1,
having the distinctive feature that
the first connector (24) has a section (25) that is provided with a borehole (27)
which is accessible on the first front side (S1) from outside and into which the
electrical conductor can be plugged in from outside.
3. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 1 or 2,
having the distinctive feature that
the second connector (34) protrudes outwards on the second front side (S2) and
the electrical conductor can be connected there from outside.
4. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims,
having the distinctive feature that
the first and the second connector (24, 34) are held against the first and the second
front side (S1, S2) respectively by an insulating part (21, 31) in the housing (13).

10
5. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims,
having the distinctive feature that
the second connector (34) is designed as a pin or tube and the shift-able contact
part is designed as sleeve (38) that can be shifted back and forth on the pin-type or
tube-type second connector (34).
6. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 5,
having the distinctive feature that
the first connector (24) has a section (26) towards the second connector, which is
provided with a borehole (28) whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of
the sleeve (38).
7. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 5 or 6,
having the distinctive feature that
the first and the second connector (24, 34) can be electrically connected to one
another through the sleeve (38).
8. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims,
having the distinctive feature that
the shift-able contact part is connected to a plate (39) that stands away from the
contact part almost transverse to the axis (A).
9. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 8,
having the distinctive feature that
the housing (13) has a section (15) protruding inwards whose inner diameter
matches the outer diameter of the plate (39).
10. Three-position switch (10) as per claim 9,
having the distinctive feature that
the shift-able contact part can be moved back and forth by means of a gear system

11
especially a lever (42), and the gear system, especially a lever (42) is arranged on
the side of the plate (39) away from the first connector (24).
11. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the claims 8 to 10,
having the distinctive feature that
the second connector 34 can be electrically connected with the housing (13)
through the plate (39).
12. Three-position switch (10) as per one of the previous claims,
having the distinctive feature that
at least one current transformer core (18) is arranged on the periphery of the
housing (13).

A three-position switch (10) particularly for a medium tension or high tension switchgear
is described. The three-position switch is provided with an electrically earthed housing
(13) that has a first and a second front side (S1, S2) that are arranged almost transverse to
an axis (A). The three-position switch (10) is provided with a first and a second connector
(24, 34), to which respectively an electrical conductor can be connected from outside.
The three-position switch (10) is further provided with a contact part shift-able along the
axis (A), with which either one of both the connectors (24,34) can be electrically
connected with the housing (13), or none of both the connectors (24, 34) can be
connected with the housing (13), or both the connectors (24, 34) can be electrically
connected with one another. The first connector (24) can be connected with the electrical
conductor on the first front side (S1) and the second connector (34) can be connected
with the electrical conductor on the second front side (S2).

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=7q35Nn9RWz9nsHfpNQyezQ==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

268478

Indian Patent Application Number

561/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

36/2015

Publication Date

04-Sep-2015

Grant Date

31-Aug-2015

Date of Filing

09-Apr-2007

Name of Patentee

AREVA ENERGIETECHNIK GMBH

Applicant Address

LYONER STRASSE 44-48, 60528 FRANKFURT

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KARSTEN STUMPF	KÜCHENWEG 1; 34587 FELSBERG-RHUENDA
2	ACHIM STELTER	SEEBERGSTRASSE 22: 34128 KASSEL
3	HILMAR REITZ	AUF DEM WICHTEL 3; 34281 GUDENSBERG

PCT International Classification Number

H01H33/66

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102006017131.4-34	2006-04-12	Germany