AT521504B1 - Recording unit for a contact pin for a meter connection block and meter connection block - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving unit for a contact pin (210) for a meter connection block and a corresponding meter connection block. A receiving unit according to the present invention comprises a clamping unit (130) with two separate clamping jaws (132, 134), a holding element to which the clamping unit (130) is fastened and first and second spring elements (140, 150).

Description

RECEIVER UNIT FOR A CONTACT PIN FOR A COUNTER TERMINAL BLOCK AND COUNTER TERMINAL BLOCK The present invention relates to a receptacle unit for a contact pin in a meter connection block for connecting an electric meter.

Traditionally, installed electricity or energy meters were used, but this leads to a lack of flexibility and too much time, especially in the area of assembly and in the cycle-related change of the electricity meter.

Detachable electricity meters, in particular so-called “smart meters”, have therefore been developed in recent times, some of which also make it possible to change the meter without interruption.

Such electricity meters usually include contact pins, and the electricity meter is inserted into a meter connection block by means of the contact pins. If an uninterrupted meter replacement is to be possible, the contacts must be bridged during the exchange of the electricity meter, which can be achieved with a bridging device.

It is an object of the present invention to improve such a system or parts of such a system, in particular a convenient change of an electricity meter is possible, but at the same time it is also ensured that the electricity meter via the contact pins safely and reliably in the meter connection block is arranged and the electrical contacts are reliable, the most convenient operation should be possible.

This object is achieved by a receiving unit for a contact pin for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter according to claim 1, a meter connection block according to claim 15 and an electricity meter with such a meter connection block according to claim 16. Claims 2 to 13 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the receiving unit according to claim 1.

According to the invention, the receiving unit for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter comprises a clamping unit which has two separate clamping jaws between which the contact pin can be clamped, a holding element to which the clamping unit is fastened, and a first spring element and a second spring element ,

The two clamping jaws are fastened to the clamping unit of the receiving unit by means of the first spring element, the second spring element being designed and arranged such that it at least partially encompasses and prestresses the two clamping jaws.

The jaws are designed according to the invention so that they define a receiving area for the contact pin, which is preferably arranged at least partially between the first and the second spring element.

It should be noted at this point that such a recording unit for a meter connection block is provided multiple times in a meter connection block. In a three-phase system, for example, a meter connection block comprises a total of seven such recording units.

A recording unit according to the invention has the particular advantage that individual functional elements of the recording unit, which are not made in one piece, can be easily made from different materials, so that the materials and also the geometry of the individual units better match their desired, specific functions can be adapted so that, in contrast to one-piece recording units or recording units with fewer units, better performance data can be made possible.

1.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office For example, the material for the contact pin can be selected with regard to its main functionality, namely conductivity and stability, while the flexibility required for a clamping effect for securely fastening the contact pin is required, by means of which the spring elements, in particular the second spring element, can be implemented, with no special requirements of the conductivity having to be made of the spring element.

In particular, the inventive design of the clamping unit with two separate jaws, in particular in connection with the special attachment of the jaws to the holding element by means of the first spring device and the spring force of the second spring element, the effect that the separate jaws for inserting or removing a Contact pin do not have to be bent over wide areas, as is the case with one-piece clamping units, but, to a certain extent, move independently of one another during operation and, like a hinge, can open or close relative to one another, for example by means of a slight, relative rotational movement to each other and / or can also move relative to other elements of the receiving unit, in particular relative to the holding element.

Under separate clamping jaws in the sense of this invention are to be understood in particular clamping jaws, which are individual elements, that is, not a one-piece clamping unit, which are formed, for example, by bending a one-piece element, two opposing clamping jaws. The individual or separate clamping jaws are also not formed into a substantially one-piece element by soldering or welding or another material connection. In particular, the positioning of the separate jaws is ensured only by the shape of the separate jaws themselves and by the shape of further associated elements and by spring elements.

This has the advantage that the force required to push apart the two jaws for inserting or removing a contact pin is small, so that no great forces have to be used when a bridging device or an element of a bridging device is inserted between the two separate jaws, while on the other hand a secure attachment of the contact pins is ensured in the clamping unit.

In particular, the fact that a user has to apply lower forces in order to use a bridging device prevents a possible incorrect operation, which could otherwise be caused by applying excessive forces.

A further, very significant advantage of the receiving unit according to the present invention is the cost-effective production which has only become possible due to the structure. All parts of the receiving unit can be manufactured individually and then assembled, it is not necessary to bend or adapt individual parts in an assembled state. In particular, the fact that the clamping jaws are designed as separate clamping jaws makes it possible for the individual clamping jaws to be produced in a simple manner, for example by shaping a strip and subsequently cutting the strip, which results in great cost savings.

The recording unit according to the invention therefore not only leads to a more reliable function and a longer service life, but also to a simpler and safer operation, in which lower forces need to be used, in particular if the bridging device is used before the electricity meter is changed, but instead also leads to a noticeable reduction in production costs and thus the cost of the elements, both the recording unit and the entire meter connection block, which, as mentioned above, comprises several recording units, or also an overall system that includes one or more electricity meters with one or includes several meter connection blocks.

2.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian Patent Office [0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two separate clamping jaws are designed such that they have an identical shape. This has a further particular advantage in production, since only one type of clamping jaw has to be produced, as described above, for example by shaping a strip which can subsequently be cut. The reduction in the number of different parts automatically ensures a noticeable reduction in the total costs, and it also enables the replacement of individual parts with less effort.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the holding element of the receiving unit is designed such that it has a slot into which the two holding jaws can be inserted. In this way, the elements can be used easily and quickly during the manufacturing process, which lowers the manufacturing costs.

It is also possible, on the part of the later user, to exchange individual elements, if necessary, without having exceptional specialist knowledge or requiring special tools, so that simple and inexpensive maintenance of the overall system is possible, which also means the operating costs reduces the overall lifespan.

It is particularly preferred that the first spring element at least partially surrounds the holding element, wherein in a further preferred embodiment, the first spring element has a slot on one side, which is designed such that both holding jaws can be inserted into this slot.

This supports the easy handling and assembly, because the two holding jaws and the first spring element can simply be pushed onto the holding element.

The second spring element can then, for example in a subsequent step, simply be pushed onto the two clamping jaws, it being alternatively also possible to first secure the two clamping jaws to one another by means of the second spring element and then the unit of the two produced thereby Place the clamping jaws together with the second spring element on the holding element, in particular insert them into the slot provided in the holding element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the clamping jaws is designed such that it has a foot region which is designed and shaped in such a way that, in the assembled state, it bears against the holding element of the receiving unit, preferably over a large area. As a result, a reliable contact is established in particular.

Preferably, the first spring element is designed such that it engages around the holding element of the receiving unit on the one hand and the foot elements of the two clamping jaws on the other hand and presses against one another, so that a secure connection is guaranteed, and furthermore the placement and assembly of the individual elements is realized very simply can be.

In a further special embodiment, the two clamping jaws are arranged on the holding element in such a way that they are arranged in mirror image to one another. This is particularly advantageous if the two clamping jaws, as already described above, are of identical design.

In a particular embodiment, the two clamping jaws can each have a bulge in the cross-sectional direction, which, when the two clamping jaws are arranged in mirror image to one another, form a receiving area for the associated contact pin.

In a further particular embodiment, the first spring element is designed such that it exerts a force on the holding element and the clamping jaws in a first direction, so that the clamping jaws are held on the holding element, while the second spring element exerts a force on the two Jaws in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. This has the advantage that the two spring elements can be adapted exactly to their function, and the holding force of the clamping jaws on the holding element is independent of the one hand by a suitable choice of the first spring element

3.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office

Force of the second spring element can be selected and formed, which prestresses the clamping jaws towards one another and thus sets a holding force for the contact pin.

Particularly preferably, the two jaws are made of a first material, while the holding element of the receiving unit is made of a second material that differs from the first material. This makes it possible to select a material that is particularly suitable for the special function.

It is particularly preferred that the material of the first and the second spring element differs from the material of the two clamping jaws and / or from the material of the holding element, in particular because the functions of the spring elements differ significantly from the other elements and in particular one Conductivity is not required.

The two clamping jaws and the holding element made of solid electrolyte copper with high electrical conductivity (for example 50 to 60 Siemens, in particular for example 58 Siemens) are particularly preferred.

[0033] The jaws and the holding element are particularly preferably galvanically silvered in order to ensure good contact and low power losses.

Since the holding element is limited in width, it can be adapted to the desired current carrying capacity by choosing different thicknesses.

In the case of a one-piece receiving unit, it is preferred that these consist of a material with spring properties. Alloys with a lower conductivity and, since they are limited in cross section, with a lower current carrying capacity and higher power loss are preferred.

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping jaws are arranged such that they are at a distance from one another on their end opposite the holding element. This distance is preferably designed such that a bridging element or actuating element can be inserted between the two clamping jaws, as a result of which the clamping jaws can be moved apart against the spring force of the second spring element. As a result, a receiving area for the contact pin, which is formed by the two clamping jaws and between the two clamping jaws, is enlarged, so that the contact pin can be inserted or removed without any appreciable frictional forces.

The receiving unit is particularly preferably designed such that the holding element of the receiving unit and the two clamping jaws are connected to one another solely by their geometrical shape and the two spring elements and are held in their positions relative to one another. This has particular advantages during production, since it is not necessary to connect individual elements, for example by welding or soldering.

Preferably, the receiving unit is designed such that the clamping jaws can be repeatedly removed from the holding element of the receiving unit and put back on and / or reattached. This is also made possible by the structure of the receiving unit described in claim 1, no welding or soldering between these elements being required.

Particularly preferably, the two jaws are removable after or by releasing and removing the first spring element from the holding element of the receiving unit, in particular in a linear direction, wherein it is also possible that the two jaws together before loosening and removing the first spring element are removable with the first and / or second spring element. This leads to simple assembly or disassembly if this should be necessary.

The present invention also relates to a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter, which comprises at least one recording unit according to one of the preceding claims. Seven receptacles are particularly preferred in a meter connection block

4.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office, especially for three-phase systems, which each have two connections for phases L1, L2, L3 and an N connection.

The invention also relates to a system with one or more electricity meters and with one or more meter connection blocks.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following drawings, which schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a system with an electricity meter, a meter connection block according to the invention and a bridging device, the meter connection block comprising receiving units according to the invention for a contact pin, the electricity meter being connected to the meter connection block;

Fig. 2 shows the system shown in Fig. 1, but in which the bridging element is inserted in the meter connection block and the electricity meter is separated from the meter connection block;

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a meter connection block with receiving units according to the present invention and a cross section through a bridging element, the devices and elements being in the constellation shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through a meter connection block with receiving units according to the present invention and a cross section through a bridging element, the devices and elements being in the constellation shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a receiving unit according to the present invention in its assembled state; and [0048] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of the receiving unit shown in FIG. 5 in an exploded view.

Fig. 1 shows a system with an electricity meter 200 which is connected to a meter connection block 100 according to the invention. The system also includes a bypass device 300 that can be inserted into the meter connection block 100 so that the corresponding phase contacts L1, L2 and L3 can be bypassed so that the electricity meter 200 can be exchanged without interruption.

The electricity meter 200 is only shown schematically, it is preferably an electronic electricity meter or a so-called “smart meter”.

Fig. 2 shows the system shown in Fig. 1, but in which the bridging device 300 has been inserted into the meter connection block 100, so that the electricity meter 200 could be removed from the meter connection block and separated from it. 2 clearly shows the contact pins 210 of the electricity meter 200.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the counter connection block 100 and the bridging device 300, the devices and elements being in the constellation shown in FIG. 1.

As is clearly visible in FIG. 3, the counter connection block 100 has a total of 7 receiving units 110, in which the contact pins 210 are inserted (in a receiving area 136, see FIG. 4), so that a contact between the contact pins 210 and the associated clamping units 130 is manufactured. The electricity meter and the meter connection block are therefore in their normal operating position.

Fig. 3 also shows a cross section through a bridging device 300, which comprises a total of 3 bridging elements 320, which are arched, in this embodiment in the

5.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office

Are essentially U-shaped, and which, when the bridging device 300 is inserted into the counter connection block 100, can produce a contact and thus a bridging between two clamping units or receiving units, see FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section as it is also shown in FIG. 3, but in the constellation shown in FIG. 2, in which the bypass unit 300 is inserted into the counter connection block 100.

As shown in Fig. 4, the ends of the bridging elements 320 are each inserted into a clamping unit 130 between the respective separate clamping jaws 132 and 134, so that the clamping jaws 132, 134 are moved relative to one another or pressed apart.

The receiving space 136 between the two separate clamping jaws 132 and 134 is thereby expanded, so that the contact pins (210, see FIGS. 2 and 3) can be removed from the clamping unit and thus from the receiving unit simply and without exertion of force, so that the electricity meter can be removed and replaced.

As is also clearly visible in FIG. 4, the contacts L1, L2 and L3 are bridged by the respective bridging elements 320 of the bridging device 300, so that the system behind it can continue to be operated without interruption, without an electricity meter being connected.

5 shows an embodiment of a receiving unit 110 according to the invention in its assembled state, FIG. 5 also showing a contact pin 210 which is in contact with the receiving unit 110 and in particular a clamping unit 130.

In the embodiment of the receiving unit shown in FIG. 5, two line connection terminals 190a and 190b are shown, which allow an optional connection option. Depending on the design of the meter distributor, a downward or a rearward connection can be provided, but the receiving unit 110 only comprises one of the line connection terminals, which, however, can be arranged differently depending on the geometric arrangement of the overall system and the direction of the associated lines.

The receiving unit 110 further comprises a holding element 120 which is in electrical contact with the line connecting terminal, either line connecting terminal 190a or line connecting terminal 190b, wherein in this embodiment the holding element 120 is angular. Depending on the requirements, differently arranged power connection terminals can also be provided.

The receiving unit 110 further comprises a clamping unit 130 with two clamping jaws 132 and 134, the clamping jaws 132 and 134 being fastened to the holding element 120, in this embodiment to a lower foot element, by means of a first spring device 140, so that there is also a contact is produced between the jaws 132 and 134 and the holding element 120.

The jaws 132 and 134 are further held together by a second spring device 150, which exerts a force on the two jaws 132 and 134 so that they are biased towards each other.

The jaws 132 and 134 form a receiving space in which the contact pin 210 is inserted, and due to the spring action, in particular the second spring device 150, the contact pin 210 is held with force between the jaws 132 and 134, so that a reliable electrical contact is made is.

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in an exploded view, in which the individual elements can be seen even more clearly.

The shape of the two separate clamping jaws 132 and 134 is absolutely identical and is arranged in mirror image to one another and opposite one another, the clamping jaw

6.15

AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office 132 and 134 are designed such that they each have a bulge 133 and 135, so that the clamping jaws, when brought together in mirror image, form a receiving space for the contact pin 210, see in particular 3 and 4.

The two clamping jaws 132 and 134 can simply be brought together, the second spring device 150 in the assembled state engaging around the two clamping jaws 132 and 134 (see in particular FIG. 5), so that a clamping unit 130 is formed.

This clamping unit 130 with the clamping jaws 132 and 134 can then be inserted into a slot 122 in the holding element 120, the clamping jaws 132 and 134 each having a foot region 137 and 139 which are designed to be in the assembled state, see 5, lie on the underside of the holding element 120 and make a contact, see also FIG. 5 here.

The first spring device 140 also has a slot 144, into which the clamping jaws 132 and 134 are at least partially inserted in the assembled state.

Fig. 6 shows very clearly the individual, separate elements, namely the two separate jaws 132 and 134, which can be attached to the holding element 120 via the spring devices 140 and 150, the attachment only by the shape of the elements and the Spring forces of the first and second spring devices 140 and 150 can be realized. It is therefore not necessary to weld or solder elements.

The identical design of the jaws 132 and 134 leads to a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process, since there is only one type of jaws that can always be used.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the drawings can be essential for the realization both individually and in any combination.

Claims (16)

claims 1. receiving unit (110) for a contact pin (210) for a meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200), the receiving unit (110) comprising: a clamping unit (130) which has two separate clamping jaws (132, 134), between which the contact pin (210) can be clamped, a holding element (120), to which the clamping unit (130) is attached, - A first spring element (140) and a second spring element (150), the two clamping jaws (132, 134) being fastened to the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) by means of the first spring element (140), and wherein the second spring element (150) is arranged so that it at least partially encompasses and pretensions the two clamping jaws (132, 134), and wherein the clamping jaws (132, 134) are designed such that they have a receiving area (136) for the contact pin ( 210) define. 2. Recording unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the two jaws (132, 134) have an identical shape. 3. receiving unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) has a slot (122) into which the two holding jaws (132, 134) are inserted. 4. Recording unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) at least partially surrounds the holding element (120). 5. Recording unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) has on one side a slot (144) which is designed such that both holding jaws (132, 134) are inserted into this slot (144) , 6. receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the clamping jaws (132, 134) has a foot region (136, 137) which is designed such that it is at least partially on the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) is applied. 7. receiving unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the first spring element (140) is designed such that it the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) on the one hand and the foot elements (136, 137) of the two clamping jaws (132, 134) on the other hand, grips and presses together. 8. Recording unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are arranged on the holding element (120) in such a way that they are arranged in mirror image to one another. 9. Recording unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) is designed such that it exerts a force on the holding element (120) and the clamping jaws (132, 134) in a first direction, so that the Clamping jaws (132, 134) are held on the holding element (120), while the second spring element (150) exerts a force on the two clamping jaws (132, 134) in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. 10. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are made of a first material, while the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) is made of a second material which is different from the first material differs. 11. Recording unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are arranged such that they are at a distance from one another on their ends opposite the holding element (120), which is designed such that an actuating element between the two jaws (132, 134) can be inserted, causing the jaws (132, 134) against the spring 8.15 AT 521 504 B1 2020-02-15 Austrian patent office can be pressed apart by the force of the second spring element (150), so that the receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210) increases and / or so that the force acting on one in the Receiving area (136) inserted contact pin (210) acts, is lowered. 12. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) and the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are connected to one another solely by their geometric shape and the two spring elements (140, 150) and in their positions are held relative to each other. 13. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit (110) is designed such that the clamping jaws (132, 134) are repeatedly removed from the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) and put back on and / or fastened can be. 14. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) after or by releasing and removing the first spring element (140) from the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) are removable. 15. Meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200), which comprises at least one recording unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably comprises 7 recording units (110) according to one of the preceding claims. 16. Electricity meter (200) with a meter connection block (110) according to claim 15.