DE102020104099B4 - Receiving unit for contact pin in a meter connection block and system with a meter connection block and a bridging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a receiving unit for a contact pin for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter. The receiving unit comprises a clamping unit with two clamping jaws, between which the contact pin can be clamped, the clamping jaws defining a receiving area for the contact pin. Each clamping jaw comprises a latching elevation for an associated latching recess of a bridging element. The invention also relates to a meter connection block with at least one such receiving unit and a system with a meter connection block and with a bridging device.

Description

The present invention relates to a receiving unit for a contact pin in a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter as well as a meter connection block and a system with an associated bridging device.

Permanently installed electricity or energy meters have traditionally been used, which, however, leads to a lack of flexibility and an excessive expenditure of time, especially in the area of assembly and when changing the electricity meter due to the cycle.

In recent times, therefore, removable electricity meters, in particular so-called “smart meters”, have been developed, some of which also enable the meter to be changed without interruption.

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

Such and similar electricity meters or associated devices are, for example, from DE 22 56 373 B2 or the DE 10 2018 117 723 B4 known.

It is an object of the present invention to improve such a system or parts of such a system, wherein in particular a convenient replacement of an electricity meter is possible, but at the same time it is also ensured that the electricity meter is safely and reliably arranged in the meter connection block via the contact pins and the electrical contacts exist reliably, and operation should be as comfortable as 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 10, a system according to claim 11 and an electricity meter according to claim 14. Claims 1 to 9 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the receiving unit according to claim 1, and claims 12 and 13 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the system according to claim 11.

According to the invention, the receiving unit for a contact pin for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter comprises a clamping unit which has two clamping jaws between which the contact pin can be clamped. The clamping jaws are designed in such a way that they define a receiving area for the contact pin.

The clamping jaws comprise an insertion segment and are designed such that an insertion region is formed between these insertion segments, into which an end of a bridging element of an associated bridging device can be inserted. As a result, the clamping jaws are moved or pushed apart relative to one another. This enables a contact pin to be inserted or inserted into the receiving unit without any problems, and the contact pin to be removed without any problems.

According to the invention, each of the clamping jaws comprises on its insertion segment, specifically on the side that is assigned to the respective opposite clamping jaw, a grid elevation for an associated locking recess which is provided on a bridging element.

This has the advantage that, on the one hand, the forces when inserting a bridging device into a meter connection block can be kept relatively low, while at the same time a sufficiently high force is required to remove the bridging device from the meter connection block again after the rises on each of the clamping jaws are in the associated latching recesses are latched at the ends of a bridging element of the bridging device. This ensures a clearly defined bridging position or a bridging position, and it is reliably avoided that an unsafe operating state is generated or the bridging device is brought into such an unsafe operating state by light or unintentional forces.

In addition, the interaction of the raster elevations with the associated latching depressions generates a click that the user can feel, which automatically gives the user feedback indicating that the bridging element and the monitoring device are in the desired position, namely the bridging position, or , during removal, is taken from the desired position, the bridging position.

This not only ensures safe operation of the overall system, but also provides clear feedback to the user, which is particularly helpful for inexperienced users and, overall, simplifies the operation of the system and thus makes it safer, with in particular inadvertent operating errors being avoided.

In addition, the device according to the invention has the advantage that, in order to achieve the effects described above, no additional moving parts or additional elements are required which could possibly be prone to errors or which would increase the costs for the production of such a device.

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

According to the invention, at least one of the grid elevations is designed in the form of a spherical segment or in the form of a spherical segment. Both raster elevations (or, in the case that even more raster elevations are provided, several or all raster elevations) are preferably also designed in the form of a spherical segment or a spherical segment.

On the one hand, such grid elevations are relatively simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture; on the other hand, the uniform increase in the height of the grid elevation means that the forces, both when engaging, i.e. when inserting the interruption device, and when disengaging, i.e. when removing the interruption device, increase slowly, which increases user-friendliness. In particular, it avoids a sudden increase in the required forces, which could give the user the feeling that there is either a fault or that the lock-up device could be in the desired operating state earlier, although the lock-up device is actually not yet in the desired lock-up position stands. This also significantly improves the “feedback” from the device to the user and thus the user-friendliness, and prevents otherwise possible operating errors.

The insertion segments of the two clamping jaws preferably have end regions which are spaced apart from one another in such a way that an actuating element or an end of an actuating element of an associated bridging device can be inserted between the two clamping jaws. As a result, the clamping jaws can be pressed apart, so that the receiving area for the contact pin is enlarged and / or so that the force that acts on a contact pin inserted in the receiving area is reduced.

This has the particular advantage that the contact pins can be used easily and without great expenditure of force, which also reduces wear on the device, in particular the contact pin and the clamping jaws.

The receiving unit for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter preferably 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 attached, and a first spring element and a second spring element.

The two clamping jaws are preferably fastened to the clamping unit of the receiving unit by means of the first spring element, the second spring element being designed and arranged in such a way that it at least partially engages around the two clamping jaws and biases them towards one another.

The clamping jaws are designed in such a way that they define a receiving area for the contact pin, which is preferably at least partially arranged between the first and the second spring element.

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

In particular, the preferred embodiment of the clamping unit with two separate clamping jaws, in particular in connection with the special fastening of the clamping jaws on the holding element by means of the first spring device and the spring force of the second spring element, has the advantage that the separate clamping jaws for inserting or removing a contact pin are not required 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 a slight, relative rotational movement to one another and / or also to move relative to other elements of the receiving unit, in particular relative to the holding element.

Separate clamping jaws are to be understood as meaning, in particular, clamping jaws which are individual elements, ie not a one-piece clamping unit in which two opposing clamping jaws are formed, for example, by bending a one-piece element. The individual or separate clamping jaws are also not formed into an essentially one-piece element by soldering or welding or any other material connection. In particular, the positioning of the separate clamping jaws is only ensured by the shape of the separate clamping jaws themselves and by the shape of further associated elements and by spring elements.

At this point, however, it should be noted that this embodiment with the separate clamping jaws and the spring elements merely represents a preferred embodiment. It is also possible to provide a device in which, for example, the clamping jaws are each made in one piece. At least one of the spring elements could be dispensed with in such an embodiment in that the one-piece clamping jaws are made from a resilient material, so that an effect similar to that achieved by the second spring element is achieved. The first spring element could also be replaced by the clamping jaws being connected directly or indirectly to the respective holding element, in a particular form of expression also being formed in one piece with the associated holding element.

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 quickly and easily during the manufacturing process, which reduces manufacturing costs.

This also makes it possible for the future user to exchange individual elements, if necessary, without having exceptional specialist knowledge or needing special tools, so that simple and inexpensive maintenance of the entire system is possible, which also lowers operating costs over the entire service life .

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

This supports easy handling and assembly because the two clamping 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, whereby it is alternatively also possible to first secure the two clamping jaws to one another by means of the second spring element and then to secure the resulting unit of the two clamping jaws with the put the second spring element together on the holding element, in particular pushing it into the slot provided in the holding element.

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

In a particular embodiment, the two clamping jaws can each have a bulge in the cross-sectional direction, which form a receiving area for the associated contact pin.

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

The clamping jaws and the holding element are particularly preferably silver-plated in order to ensure good contact and low power losses.

Since the holding element is limited in its 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. Preference is given to alloys with a lower conductivity and, since their cross-section is limited, with a lower current-carrying capacity and higher power dissipation.

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

The present invention also relates to a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter, which comprises at least one receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims. Particularly preferably, seven receiving units are provided in a meter connection block, in particular in the case of three-phase systems, each of which includes 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 a bridging device with at least one bridging element, each bridging element having one or two ends, each end being designed so that it can be inserted into an insertion area of the clamping jaws, each Each end of the bridging element has a locking recess for an associated grid elevation of each of the clamping jaws.

Therefore, each end of the bridging element preferably comprises two latching depressions, one on each of the two sides, which, when inserted into the meter connection block, face the clamping jaws.

In addition, however, it is also possible for a plurality of locking depressions to be provided in each end of the bridging element and for a corresponding plurality of grid elevations to be provided on the respective clamping jaws.

In a preferred embodiment, one end, preferably each end, of the bridging element has a through-hole which forms the two locking depressions. As a result, two locking depressions are formed in a very simple manner, which has advantages in particular during manufacture and saves costs.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking depressions are designed in the form of a spherical segment or in the form of a spherical segment. The locking depressions can also be designed essentially with a circular or oval cross-section. Regardless of this, but possibly additionally, the dimensions, in particular a radius or a maximum radius, of the locking depressions at one or more ends of the bridging element are greater than the dimensions, in particular a radius or a maximum radius, of the associated grid elevations of the clamping jaws.

This has the advantage that a bridging device can always be brought safely into the desired operating position, here the bridging position, even if the user does not insert the bridging device exactly.

• 1 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines Systems mit einem Stromzähler, einem erfindungsgemäßen Zähleranschlussblock und einer Überbrückungsvorrichtung, wobei der Zähleranschlussblock Aufnahmeeinheiten gemäß der Erfindung für einen Kontaktstift umfasst, wobei der Stromzähler an dem Zähleranschlussblock angeschlossen ist;
• 2 zeigt das in 1 dargestellte System, bei dem jedoch das Überbrückungselement in den Zähleranschlussblock eingesetzt ist und der Stromzähler von dem Zähleranschlussblock getrennt ist;
• 3 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch einen Zähleranschlussblock mit Aufnahmeeinheiten gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung und einen Querschnitt durch ein Überbrückungselement, wobei sich die Vorrichtungen und Elemente in der in 2 gezeigten Konstellation befinden;
• 4 zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer Aufnahmeeinheit gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in ihrem zusammengesetzten Zustand;
• 5 zeigt die in 4 gezeigte Ausführungsform der Aufnahmeeinheit in einer Explosionsdarstellung, und
• 6 zeigt eine Teil-Querschnittsansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufnahmeeinheit, bei der ein Ende eines Währungselements in einen Einführungsbereich der Klemmbacken eingeführt ist.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become even clearer with reference to the following drawings, which schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment.

• 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;
• 2 shows that in 1 illustrated system, however, in which the bridging element is inserted into the meter connection block and the electricity meter is separated from the meter connection block;
• 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, wherein the devices and elements in FIG 2 shown constellation;
• 4th shows an embodiment of a receiving unit according to the present invention in its assembled state;
• 5 shows the in 4th Shown embodiment of the receiving unit in an exploded view, and
• 6th shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a receiving unit according to the invention, in which one end of a currency element is inserted into an insertion area of the clamping jaws.

1 shows a system with an electricity meter 200 connected to a meter connection block 100 is connected according to the invention. The system also includes a lock-up device 300 that are in the meter connection block 100 can be used so that the corresponding phase contacts L1, L2 and L3 can be bridged so that the electricity meter 200 can be exchanged without interruption.

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

2 shows that in 1 system shown, but in which the lock-up device 300 in the meter connection block 100 has been inserted so that the electricity meter 200 from the Meter connection block could be removed and separated from it. In 2 you can clearly see the contact pins 210 of the electricity meter 200 .

3 shows a cross-section in which the lock-up device 300 in the meter connection block 100 is used.

As in 3 shown are the ends of the bridging members 320 in one clamping unit each 130 between the respective clamping jaws 132 and 134 inserted so that the jaws 132 , 134 moved relative to each other or pushed apart.

The recording room 136 between the two jaws 132 and 134 is expanded so that the contact pins ( 210 , please refer 2 ) can be easily removed from the clamping unit and thus from the receiving unit without the use of force, so that the electricity meter can be removed and replaced.

As in 3 The contacts L1, L2 and L3 are also clearly visible through the respective bridging elements 320 the lock-up device 300 bridged so that the system behind it can continue to operate without interruption without an electricity meter being connected.

Furthermore, in 3 it is easy to see that in the in 3 interruption position shown, the grid elevations 183 , 185 the jaws 132 , 134 in the associated snap-in recesses 383 , 385 that is in each end of each bridging element 320 the lock-up device 300 are provided. In this embodiment, the two locking recesses, each at one end of each bridging element 320 are provided, realized by means of a through hole extending through each end of the currency element 320 extend.

4th shows an embodiment of a receiving unit according to the invention 110 in their assembled state, being 4th also a contact pin 210 shows who is in contact with the receiving unit 110 and in particular a clamping unit 130 stands.

At the in 4th The embodiment of the receiving unit shown are two line connection terminals 190a and 190b 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 this includes the receiving unit 110 only one of the line connection terminals, which, however, can be arranged differently depending on the geometric arrangement of the overall system and depending on the direction of the associated lines.

The recording unit 110 further comprises a holding element 120 that is in electrical contact with the wire connector, either wire connector 190a or cable connection terminal 190b , stands, in this embodiment the holding element 120 Is formed angular. Depending on the requirements, differently arranged power connection terminals can also be provided.

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

The jaws 132 and 134 are also provided by a second spring device 150 held together, the one force on the two jaws 132 and 134 exerts so that they are biased towards each other. The jaws 132 and 134 form a receiving space in which the contact pin 210 is used

In 4th is also an end 322 a bridging element 320 shown this in an introductory area 182 the jaws 132 and 134 is introduced, so is in a position that is present when the lock-up device 300 is in its bypass position. In this in 4th The position shown are the two grid elevations ( 183 , 185 , please refer 5 ) into the associated recess ( 383 , 385 , please refer 5 and 6th ) of the end 322 of the bridging element engaged. The individual elements are in particular in 5 in an extension representation and in 6th clearly visible in a partial cross-sectional view.

5 shows the in 4th The embodiment shown in an exploded view in which the individual elements can be seen even more clearly.

The two jaws 132 and 134 are identical in shape and mirror images of one another and are arranged opposite one another, with the clamping jaws 132 and 134 are designed so that they each have a bulge 133 and 135 have, so that the clamping jaws, when they are brought together in mirror image, a receiving space for the contact pin 210 form, see in particular 3 and 4th .

The two jaws 132 and 134 can easily be put together, with the second spring device 150 when assembled, the two clamping jaws 132 and 134 encompasses (see in particular 4th ) so that a clamping unit 130 is formed.

This clamping unit 130 with the jaws 132 and 134 can then in a slot 122 in the holding element 120 are introduced with the jaws 132 and 134 a foot area each 137 and 139 which are designed so that they are in the assembled state, see 4th , on the underside of the holding element 120 and establish contact, see also here 4th .

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

5 shows the individual elements very clearly, namely the two clamping jaws, which are separate here 132 and 134 that is about the spring devices 140 and 150 on the holding element 120 can be attached, the attachment only by the shape of the elements and the spring forces of the first and the second spring device 140 and 150 will be realized. Welding or soldering of elements is therefore not necessary.

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

It is very easy to see in 5 also one of the grid surveys 183 on the jaw 132 (the second ridge elevation is a mirror image of the second clamping jaw 134 attached, but not visible in this illustration).

The end 322 a bridging element 320 the lock-up device 300 is with a through hole 380 provided that the two locking depressions 383 and 385 forms, in particular the locking recess 385 good at 5 can be seen.

6th FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the FIG 4th embodiment shown, one end 322 a bridging element 320 into the lead-in area of the clamping jaws 132 and 134 is used. You can see very clearly in 6th the through hole 380 , which are the two locking depressions for the associated grid elevations 183 and 185 the jaws 132 and 134 forms.

6th also shows very clearly that the two grid elevations 183 and 185 are designed in the form of a spherical segment, furthermore in this embodiment the diameter of the spherical segment of the grid elevations 183 and 185 is significantly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 380 .

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

Claims (14)

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 clamping jaws (132, 134) between which the contact pin (210) can be clamped, wherein the clamping jaws (132, 134) are designed such that they define a receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210). and wherein each of the clamping jaws (132, 134) comprises an insertion segment (182, 184) and is designed such that an insertion region (186) is formed between these insertion segments (182, 184), into which one end (322, 324) of a bridging element (320) an associated bridging device (300) can be introduced so that the clamping jaws (132, 134) can be moved or pushed apart relative to one another, wherein each of the clamping jaws (132, 134) has on its insertion segment (182, 184) and on the side which is assigned to the respective opposite clamping jaw, a grid elevation (183, 185) for an associated locking recess of the bridging element (320), wherein at least one of the grid elevations (183, 185), preferably both grid elevations (183, 185), are designed in the form of a spherical segment or in the form of a spherical segment. Receiving unit (110) Claim 1 , characterized in that the insertion segments (182, 184) of the two clamping jaws (132, 134) have end regions which are at a distance from one another which is designed such that a bridging element (320) of an associated bridging device (300) between the two clamping jaws (132, 134) can be inserted, whereby the clamping jaws (132, 134) can be pressed apart, so that the receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210) increases and / or so that the force acting on you in the receiving area (136) inserted contact pin (210) acts, is lowered. Receiving unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a holding element (120) to which the clamping unit (130) is attached or which, directly or indirectly, with the clamping unit (130) is connected, wherein the clamping unit (130) has two separate clamping jaws (132, 134), between which the contact pin (210) can be clamped, and wherein the receiving unit further comprises a first spring element (140) and a second spring element (150) , wherein the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are 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 in such a way that the two clamping jaws ( 132, 134) at least partially embraces and biases towards one another. Recording unit after Claim 3 , 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. Recording unit according to one of the Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the first spring element (140) at least partially engages around the holding element (120). Recording unit according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the first spring element (140) has a slot (144) on one side which is designed such that both holding jaws (132, 134) are inserted into this slot (144). Recording unit according to one of the Claims 3 until 6th , characterized in that each of the clamping jaws (132, 134) has a foot region (137, 139) which is designed such that it rests at least partially on the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110). Recording unit according to one of the Claims 3 until 7th , 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) 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 which is orthogonal to the first direction. Recording unit according to one of the Claims 3 until 8th , characterized in that the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) and the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are connected to one another exclusively by their geometric shape and the two spring elements (140, 150) and are held in their positions relative to one another. Meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200) which comprises at least one receiving unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably comprising 7 receiving units (110) according to one of the preceding claims. System with a meter connection block (100) according to Claim 10 and with a bridging device (300) with at least one bridging element (320), wherein at least one bridging element (320) has two ends (322, 324), wherein each end (322, 324) is designed such that it enters an insertion region (182 , 184) of the clamping jaws (132, 134) can be inserted, wherein each end (322, 324) of the at least one bridging element (320) on its two, in the state inserted into the meter connection block (100), the clamping jaws (132, 134) facing sides each have a locking recess (383, 385) for an associated grid elevation (183, 185) of each of the clamping jaws (132, 134). System according to Claim 11 , characterized in that at least one end, preferably each end (322, 324), of a bridging element (320) comprises a through hole (380) which forms the two locking depressions (383, 185). System according to Claim 11 or 12th , characterized in that the two locking depressions (383, 385) are designed in the form of a spherical segment or in the form of a spherical segment, the dimensions, in particular a radius or a maximum radius, of the locking depressions (383, 385) being greater than the dimensions, in particular a radius or a maximum radius, which is the grid protrusions (183, 185) of the clamping jaws (132, 134). Electricity meter (200) with a meter connection block (100) according to Claim 10 or with a system according to one of the Claims 11 until 13th .

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