EP0178251A1 - Explosionproof plugging assembly for high current conductors - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Flamproof plug and socket for power lines, with a plug part (1) and a socket part (30), these parts each having contact elements (4, 5) arranged on the base of a cylindrical contact space (3), which contact elements communicate, on the side of the base which faces away from the contact space (3), with one connection device (90) for current conductors (81) respectively, and a contact carrier (15), having intermediate contact elements (112), being arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the contact space (3) of the socket part (30), which intermediate contact elements, in the closed state of the plug and socket, interconnect the contact elements (4, 5) of the plug part (1) and of the socket part (30), characterised by the following features : a) the contact spaces (3) and contact elements (4, 5) of the plug part (1) and of the socket part (30) are of the same design ; b) the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) and also the contact carrier (15) are provided with cooperating parts of a mechanical connecting device (17, 18, 31, 33; 36, 37, 40; 46, 51; 67, 71; 51, 76, 77, 78) which keeps the contact carrier (15) selectively in a pushed in rest position or, by way of maintaining the electrical connection with the contact elements of the socket part (30), in a pulled out operating position, or releases them for removal from the socket part (30) (Figures 1, 4, 5, 8, 11).

Description

The invention relates to a firedamp plug device for power lines with a plug part and a socket part, these parts each having contact members arranged on the bottom of a cylindrical contact space, which are connected to a connection device for current conductors on the side of the bottom facing away from the contact space, and in a contact carrier with intermediate contact members is arranged axially displaceably in the contact space of the socket part and connects the contact elements of the plug part and the socket part to one another in the closed state of the plug device.

A connector of this type has become known from DE-PS 801 998. The contact carrier is designed as a circuit breaker which is under the action of springs and is separated from the contact members of the socket part when the plug device is disconnected. When the parts of the plug device are joined together, the contact members of the plug part designed as spring-loaded pressure contact pins hit the intermediate contact members of the switching disk and in turn press them against the contact members of the socket part, which are also displaceably guided against spring force. The use of such plug devices is always accompanied by the difficulty that two matching parts of the plug device must be present at the location of the intended line connection. However, if there are two identical parts of the plug device at this point, it is either necessary to turn the line to be connected so that the part of the plug device located at the other end comes to the place of the intended connection, or one of the Both of the same parts must be dismantled and replaced with a suitable counterpart. Both processes are very time consuming.

There is also already known a connection device suitable for use in underground mining (DE-PS 29 37 671), in which one part has contact members which can be displaced by a drive device. This connection device presupposes the presence of a room of the degree of protection increased security, which may only be opened in the de-energized state in order to actuate the drive device for the contact members. For example, the junction box of a switchgear and controlgear assembly can be used for this purpose. If, on the other hand, two lines are to be connected to one another, an intermediate box is used which has an increased degree of safety in the space and in which the drive device is accessible.

For use on subsea wellheads, drilling rigs or similar devices, an underwater plug device has become known (GB-PS 1 594 1 83), in which two identical plug parts provided with contact pins are connected with the aid of a symmetrical intermediate part. To protect the contact pins, such an intermediate piece can remain on the plug parts when the plug device is separated. However, there is a risk of damaging an outer mating surface.

The invention is based on a plug device according to the aforementioned DE-PS 801 998 the task of always being able to use the same parts for connecting lines to devices or for connecting lines, which can be used either as a plug part or as a socket part.

• a) Die Kontakträume und Kontaktglieder des Steckerteiles und des Dosenteiles sind gleich ausgebildet;
• b) Der Steckerteil und der Dosenteil sowie der Kontaktträger sind mit zusammenwirkenden Teilen einer Verbindungsvorrichtung versehen, die den Kontaktträger wahlweise in einer eingeschobenen Ruhestellung oder unter Aufrechterhaltung der elektrischen Verbindung mit den Kontaktgliedern des Dosenteils in einer ausgezogenen Betriebsstellung festhält oder zur Abnahme von dem Dosenteil freigibt. Der Kontaktträger bildet hierbei, ähnlich wie bei der erwähnten Untewasser-Steckvorrichtung, ein Zwischenstück, durch das ein Steckerteil der Steckvorrichtung in ein Dosenteil umgewandelt werden kann. Einen wesentlichen Unterschied stellt jedoch die Verbindungsvorrichtung und die gegenseitige Anpassung des Steckerteils und des Kontaktträgers dar, wodurch neben der Trennbarkeit des Kontaktträgers von dem Steckerteil eine Ruhestellung und eine Betriebsstellung ermöglicht wird. In der Ruhestellung sind die für den Schlagwetterschutz erforderlichen Paßflächen vollkommen geschützt und können auch unter den Bedingungen des Untertagebetriebes nicht beschädigt werden.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the following features:

• a) The contact spaces and contact members of the plug part and the socket part are of the same design;
• b) The plug part and the socket part and the contact carrier are provided with interacting parts of a connecting device, which holds the contact carrier either in an inserted rest position or while maintaining the electrical connection with the contact members of the socket part in an extended operating position or releases it for removal from the socket part. The contact carrier forms an intermediate piece, similar to the underwater plug device mentioned, through which a plug part of the plug device can be converted into a socket part. An essential difference, however, is the connection device and the mutual adaptation of the plug part and the contact carrier, whereby, in addition to the separability of the contact carrier from the plug part, a rest position and an operating position are made possible. In the rest position, the fitting surfaces required for firedamp protection are completely protected and cannot be damaged even under the conditions of underground operation.

A simple handling of the contact carrier can be achieved in a development of the invention in that the connecting device comprises two tangential grooves, which are arranged at an axial distance from one another on the outer surface of the contact carrier, and a bore for a fastening bolt arranged on the plug part and tangentially penetrating the contact space. The contact carrier can then be removed from the plug part by removing the fastening bolt or can optionally be moved into the rest position or the operating position. In these two positions it can be secured by inserting the fastening bolt.

The fastening bolt mentioned can also be designed as a rotatably mounted shaft bolt, which is provided on one side with a design for releasing the displaceability of the contact carrier; furthermore, at least one free end of the shaft bolt has an operating tab which can be fixed by a fastening element in the release position and in the locked position of the fastening bolt. The shaft bolt therefore only needs to be loosened and rotated through 180 ° by means of the operating bracket in order to be able to move the contact carrier.

An even simpler handling of the contact carrier can be achieved in that the contact carrier has a groove running in the circumferential direction on its outer surface and that a rotatably mounted bolt carrier with an eccentrically arranged for moving the contact carrier into the rest position or into the operating position on the housing of the plug part , is arranged in the contact space engaging driving pin. The characteristic processes - transfer of the contact carrier into the rest position or the operating position - can be brought about in this embodiment by rotating the bolt carrier with the aid of a suitable tool.

A further advantageous possibility for displacing the contact carrier into its operating position or its rest position can be created according to a further development of the invention in that the contact carrier carries a rack which extends in the axial direction and is provided with a stop at its outer end and that on the housing the plug part is a shaft accessible from the outside for actuation with a toothing located in the interior of the plug part of the housing and adapted to the rack.

Both of the above-described arrangements for easier operation of the contact carrier offer the advantageous possibility of making it difficult to remove the contact carrier from the plug part, so that a plug part can only be converted into a socket part by competent or authorized persons. This can be done in that the bolt carrier or the shaft, in cooperation with counterparts of the contact carrier, serves as a securing part against the removal of the contact carrier from the plug part and is designed to be removable from the plug part by means of a special tool for releasing the contact carrier.

In some cases it may be desirable that the contact carrier cannot be moved suddenly, for example if a chronological sequence when opening or closing the circuits and a sufficient time interval when contacting are to be ensured.

For this purpose, according to a further embodiment of the invention, an extension can be arranged on the outer circumference of the plug part and the socket part with a bore extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of these parts, in which a threaded spindle with a traveling nut sitting thereon and carrying a driving pin for the contact carrier is rotatably mounted is. This threaded spindle, which preferably has a design suitable for the engagement of a turning tool at both ends and can be axially secured by threaded pieces screwable into the bore, must make a number of rotations in order to move the contact carrier from the rest position into the operating position or vice versa. This causes the desired chronological order of contact in the plug device.

To protect the contact elements of a plug-in device against soiling when not in use, it is already known to provide a closure disk for the openings for the passage of the contact members of a plug part (DE-PS 735 551). In the context of the invention, such a closure disk can be rotatably mounted centrally on an end face of the contact carrier, the closure disk being able to be locked in an operating position in a rest position with non-rotatable latching by holding elements. This avoids that the closure disk is not rotated sufficiently to close the passage openings of the contact members or that the position subsequently changes due to mechanical stress on the plug device.

The non-rotatable latching of the closure disk can be achieved by a polygonal attachment arranged centrally on the side of the closure disk facing the contact carrier in cooperation with a correspondingly polygonal recess on the end face of the contact carrier, a cylindrical bearing attachment and a central through-bore for a retaining screw also being provided. The bearing approach allows only a certain displacement of the locking disk after loosening the retaining screw to bring the polygonal attachment out of engagement with the contact carrier without at the same time canceling the rotation guide. This facilitates the renewed engagement of the polygonal attachment on the contact carrier when the desired position of the closure disk has been reached.

In order to protect the plug device particularly effectively from contamination in its rest position, it is advisable to provide the sealing disk on its side facing the contact carrier with a sealing member which surrounds all through openings to the intermediate contact members. This sealing member is pressed by the retaining screw on the end face of the contact carrier and can one Regulations on the degree of protection ensure increased security of sufficient tightness.

In a similar manner, the contact space of an unused connector part can be protected by a protective cover. Such a protective cover can be slidably guided within the scope of the invention in the contact space of the plug part and can be locked at the mouth of the contact space when the plug part is not in use. The protective cover expediently has a guide disk with through openings for the contact members and a closure disk which can be rotated relative to the guide disk. This protective cover can thus always remain on the plug part, since there is sufficient space in the rear part of the contact space when the plug device is closed. If necessary, the protective cover is forward. pulled and locked there. The contact space is then sealed by turning and securing the front sealing disk.

For the use of the plug device, not only simple handling of the contact carrier, but also simple handling when assembling a plug part and a socket part is desired. According to a further embodiment of the invention, eyes can be provided on the outer circumference of the plug part and the socket part for the passage of axial connecting elements, while an external thread is attached to the end of the housing opposite the eyes. To connect a plug part and a socket part, it is therefore sufficient to place these parts on top of one another with their end faces and to bring the eyes to cover. By inserting the connecting elements, a flange-like coupling of the two parts is then obtained. The external thread can either serve to screw on an entry housing for a line or the plug or socket part with its external thread into it Housing of a device, e.g. B. a switchgear and controlgear assembly.

An even simpler connection of a plug part and a socket part can be achieved in that these parts are provided on the end face with an insertion groove and a web-like projection diametrically opposite this. The two parts can then be brought into engagement with one another with their end faces and parallel displacement. This process is carried out with the contact carrier in its rest position. If this is then moved into its operating position by means of one of the devices mentioned, it forms a connection between the two parts of the plug-in device, with the result that these are now coupled without the use of special connecting elements.

Further features for the configuration of the invention relate to the connection of the current conductors to the parts of the plug device. For the connection of the protective conductor, it initially proves to be advantageous to attach an annular, resilient contact element to the inner circumference of the plug part for support on the circumferential surface of the contact carrier. The housing of the contact carrier acts as a protective conductor.

The other current conductors can be attached to the plug-in device in a particularly space-saving manner in that they are provided with a pin-shaped connecting element which has an axial bore and which is to be fastened to the current conductor by squeezing it. Here, the connection element can also be formed uniformly with a contact member of the plug part.

An advantageous embodiment of the contact carrier can be achieved in that the intermediate contact members for each contact member of the plug part or socket part consist of several bridge contact pieces, the ends of which lie as circular ring pieces on the circumference of a contact member and that between each bridge contact piece and the wall of a chamber of the bridge contact pieces Contact carrier a spring element is inserted. Such a contact arrangement is characterized by an advantageously high current carrying capacity.

The same bridge contact pieces can also be used for the connection of the control lines, it being advisable to provide a contact pin of the plug part divided into several mutually insulated sectors and a corresponding number of mutually insulated bridge contact pieces of the contact carrier for connecting several control lines. This ensures that the intermediate contact arrangement for several control lines has the same dimensions as the intermediate contact arrangements of a phase conductor.

As already mentioned, for operational safety and easy handling, it is necessary to protect the interior of the parts of the plug device against the ingress of dirt and moisture. This can be helped by the fact that the contact carrier has on its outer circumference a sealing element bridging the gap between the plug part and the socket part in the operating position. For example, a round cord ring or a plurality of round cord rings can be provided in a groove of the contact carrier for this purpose.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plug part as well as a contact carrier and a closure disk belonging to it.

FIG. 2 also shows a perspective view of a socket part, which corresponds to a plug part corresponding to FIG. 1 and a contact carrier in its operating position, and a plug part.

FIG. 3 shows the socket part according to FIG. 2 with the contact carrier in its rest position, the closure disk being shown in the right-hand part of FIG. 3 to explain further details in a side view and partly in section.

FIG. 4 shows an averted embodiment of a plug part with a rotatable shaft bolt.

FIG. 5 again shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a plug part and a contact carrier. 5 shows an actuating device for the contact carrier in FIG. 6 in a section of the plug part.

FIG. 7 serves to explain the joining together of the two parts of a plug-in device which are designed in accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6.

Another actuating device, to which a shaft with toothing and a toothed rack on the contact carrier belong, is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in a perspective representation or in section.

Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of an electrical system with a plug device according to the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a plug part with a slow-acting connecting device.

A protective cover for plug parts is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 14 serves to explain the connection of a line to a plug-in device according to the invention, the parts being shown in perspective.

FIG. 15 shows a one-piece design of a connection element for a current conductor.

Figures 16 and 17 each show all related parts of a plug-in device if one part is intended for installation in a device and the other part for connecting a line or if both parts are provided with lines.

Figure 18 shows a contact carrier and partially a subsequent connector part in a longitudinal section.

FIG. 19 is a cross section through the contact carrier according to FIG. 18 along plane A - B in FIG. 18.

The plug part 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 2, which is manufactured as a cast part or die-cast part with due regard to the high stresses to be expected in underground mining. On one side 3 contact members 4 and 5 are arranged in a cylindrical contact space open at the end. These are still in one explanatory with the wires of a line connectable. The three contact elements 4 are assigned to the phase conductors, while the fourth contact element 5 is provided for control purposes. For this purpose, the contact member 5 can be designed segmented so that it has a plurality of contact tracks for control circuits on its circumference. The inner surface 8 of the contact space 3 is machined to create a protective gap corresponding to the regulations on firedamp protection.

On the circumference of the housing 2 there are two eyes 6 and 7, which have bores 10 and 11 running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug part 1, into which connecting elements can be inserted. The eye 7 is longer than the eye 6 and is widened in the circumferential direction to accommodate a transverse bore 12. On its end face opposite the contact members 4 and 5, the housing 2 is provided with an external thread 13, the meaning of which will be explained below.

The contact space 3 is intended for receiving an essentially cylindrical contact carrier 15, which is shown axially next to the plug part in FIG. The contact carrier 15 has a hollow cylindrical housing 16 which contains certain intermediate contact members of a suitable design for interacting with the contact members 4. If the contact member 5, as has been explained above, is provided with a plurality of contact tracks, there are accordingly a plurality of intermediate contact members which are insulated from one another. This will be explained later with reference to that in FIGS. 18 and 19. There are two tangential recesses 17 and 18 in the outer surface of the housing 16. Between these recesses, a sealing ring 20 in the form of a round cord ring or a plurality of round cord rings arranged next to one another is arranged in a groove on the circumference of the housing 16. Also a uniform sealing ring of corresponding width can be provided. Axially next to the contact carrier 15, a closure disk 21 is shown in FIG. 1, which has through openings 23 corresponding to the inlet openings 22 for the contact members 4 and 5. For easier handling of the closure disk 21, radially extending ribs 24 are provided between the openings 23.

Furthermore, the closure disk 21 carries on its one side facing the contact carrier a cylindrical bearing projection 25 and a polygonal projection 26 (FIG. 3) in order to rotatably fasten the closure disc 21 to the contact carrier 15 in defined latching positions. To accommodate the bearing projection 25 and the polygonal approach 26, the contact carrier 15 has an opening 27, the outer part of which is correspondingly polygonal. A central bore of the closure disk 21 serves to receive a screw 28. Another feature of the closure disk is a flat sealing member 29, which is hidden in FIG. 1, but shown in section in FIG. 3, and surrounds the passage openings 23. This results in the following handling of the closure disc, for example for transferring from the rest position into the operating position: after loosening the screw 28, the closure disc can be moved axially so that the polygonal extension 26 disengages from the opening 27 of the contact carrier 15 while the bearing extension 25 is still guided in the rear part of the opening 27. The closure disk can now be rotated and axially displaced again in the desired position, for the location of which a stop can also be provided, in order to bring the polygonal attachment 26 into engagement with the opening 27 again. In this position, the locking disk 21 is secured by screwing in the screw 28. At the same time, a pressure force is created for the sealing member 29.

The plug part 1 and the contact carrier 15 can be joined together to form a socket part 30 by means of a connecting device, as can best be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 with reference to FIG. 1. In Figure 2, the connector part 1 and the contact carrier 15 are assembled so that with the addition of a further connector part 1, a complete plug device is created, i. H. the contact carrier 15 is in its operating position. For this purpose, the contact carrier 15 is inserted into the contact space 3 of the plug part 1 to such an extent that the inner intermediate contact members of the contact carrier 15 come into engagement with the contact members 4 and 5 of the plug part 1. It can also be seen that the threaded bolt 31 shown in FIG. 1 in the axial extension of the bore 11 is inserted into the bore 11 and its threaded portion 32 projects beyond the end face of the housing 2. In addition, a threaded bolt 33 shown in FIG. 1 in the axial extension of the bore 12 is inserted into the bore 12. In this case, the threaded bolt 33 engages on the one hand in a recess 34 in the threaded bolt 31 and on the other hand in the groove 17 on the outer surface of the housing 16 of the contact carrier 15. The contact carrier 15 is thus secured against axial displacement in the contact space 3 of the housing 2.

By installing the contact carrier 15 in the plug part 1, the socket part 30 of the plug device is created. A plug part 1 according to FIG. 1 can now be added to the arrangement according to FIG. 2, the thread 32 of the threaded bolt 31 engaging in the threaded bore 10 of the plug part, while conversely the thread 32 of this plug part engages in the threaded bore 10 in FIG. 2 . To attach a plug part 1 to the socket part 30 according to FIG. 2, it is only necessary to turn the closure disk 21 in the manner described so that the opening gen 23 aligned with the insertion openings 22 of the inner intermediate contact members of the contact carrier 15. The sealing element 20 seals the gap between the socket part and the plug part against dirt and moisture.

If the plug-in device has been disconnected and the socket part 30 is then to be put out of operation, the socket part 30 can be converted into the arrangement shown in FIG. This is done by unscrewing the threaded bolt 33 and thereby removing the securing of the contact carrier 15 in the contact space 3. Now, the contact carrier 15 can be inserted as far as the dimensioning of the depth of the contact space 3 adapted to it so that the position shown in FIG. 3 is reached, in which the contact carrier 15 including the closure disk 21 is flush with the end face of the housing 2 of the plug part 1 . Furthermore, the connecting bolt 31 can be moved so far that a further recess 35 (FIG. 1) reaches the region of the transverse bore 15 and the connecting bolt 31 is fixed in this position after the threaded bolt 33 has been inserted. At the same time, the threaded bolt 33 engages in the further tangential recess 18 on the outer surface of the housing 16, as a result of which the contact carrier 15 is fixed in the inserted position 3 in the contact space 3. The closure disk is also brought into its rest position in the manner already described. In this state, the contact members 4 and 5, the contact carrier 15 as well as the thread 32 of the connecting bolt 31 are protected against damage and dirt according to the degree of protection increased security. As can easily be seen, starting from the state according to FIG. 3, the operating position of the contact carrier 15 according to FIG. 2 can be brought about again in a few simple steps.

Instead of the removable threaded bolt 33 according to FIGS. 1 to 3, a rotatably mounted shaft bolt 36 according to FIG. 4 can also be provided, which has a finish 37 with a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface of the contact carrier 15. At one end, the shaft pin 36 is provided with an operating tab 38, which is to be secured in two positions 180 ° apart by a screw 39. As can be seen, in one position of the shaft bolt 36, the finishing 37 is above the contact carrier, so that it can be moved freely. In the other position, rotated by 180 ° with respect to the position just described, on the other hand, the shaft bolt 36 dips into the groove 17 or 18 of the contact carrier 15 (FIG. 1) and therefore blocks its displacement. Two shaft bolts 36 can be arranged opposite one another on the housing of the plug part, as shown in FIG.

Instead of the direct displacement of the contact carrier 15 by hand within the contact space 3 described above and the subsequent fixing by the threaded bolt 32, even easier handling can be achieved by the design of the connecting device according to FIGS. 5 and 6. A connector part 40 and a contact carrier 50 are shown in perspective and axially next to one another in FIG. The housing of the plug part 40 has on its end face assigned to the contact pins 42 a web-like extension 43 which is diametrically opposed to an insertion groove 44. On the circumference of the housing 41 there is also a cast-on extension 45, in which a cylindrical bolt carrier 46 with a central polygonal hole 47 and an eccentrically arranged and inward-facing driver bolt 48 is mounted (FIG. 5).

In principle, the contact carrier 50 is configured similarly to the contact carrier 15 according to FIG. 1. In contrast to this, however, the contact carrier 50 has on its outer surface a groove 51 which is provided for the engagement of the driver bolt 48. To install the contact carrier 50 in the plug part 40, or analogously for its removal, a threaded washer 52 must first be loosened, which is provided with openings 53 for the engagement of a special tool. Then the bolt carrier can be removed. After inserting the contact carrier 50 into the contact space 49, the bolt carrier 46 is inserted again, the driver bolt of which now engages in the groove 51. After the threaded disk 52 has been screwed in again, the contact carrier 50 can now be moved in the desired manner by rotating the bolt carrier 54. This arrangement offers the possibility of first connecting two connector parts 40 according to FIG. 6 and then connecting the contact members of both connector parts by rotating the bolt carrier 46 by internal displacement of the contact carrier 50. The handling of screws and connecting bolts is omitted because the parts of the plug device can be joined together in a form-fitting manner. FIG. 7 shows that the connector parts 40, one of which is converted into a socket part by the installation of a contact carrier 50, are juxtaposed with one another with a parallel offset of their longitudinal axes and then shifted towards one another in the direction of the arrows 54. The web-like lugs 43 come into engagement with the insertion grooves 44.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show another example of a connecting device for facilitating the displacement of the contact carrier into its rest position or operating position. In FIG. 8, a connector part 60 and a contact carrier 70 are shown in perspective. The plug part 60 has a Housing 61 with largely similarity to housing 41 in FIG. 4. In particular, there is also a web-like extension 63 and an insertion groove 64 arranged diametrically opposite it. Furthermore, the housing has a cast-on extension 65 and a further extension 66 diametrically opposite the extension 65. These extensions serve as bearings for a shaft 67 shown in FIG. 9, which has at least at its upper end a polygonal opening 69 for a suitable tool. In the position shown in FIG. 8, the shaft 67 is held by suitable parts which correspond approximately to the thread washer 52 in FIG.

The shaft 67 is provided with a ring gear 68 (FIG. 9) which interacts with a toothed rack 71 of the contact carrier 70. For this purpose, the toothed rack 71 is arranged approximately in the axial extension of the contact carrier 70 and is provided with a stop 72 at its outer end. To install the contact carrier 70 in the housing 61, it is first necessary to remove the shaft 67 after loosening the securing parts, because the toothed rack 71 cannot otherwise engage with the ring gear 68 because of its stop 72. After the contact carrier 70 has been pushed sufficiently far into the housing 61, the shaft 67 can be reinserted and secured. Now the shaft 67 can be rotated by inserting a suitable tool into the polygonal hole 69 at its upper end (FIG. 9) and thereby the contact carrier 70 can be brought into its rest position or its operating position. The outward displacement of the contact carrier is limited by the stop 72.

With regard to the connecting device according to FIGS. 8 and 9, it should be noted that this can be implemented analogously with even simpler parts, in which the toothed rack is provided with an extension with a transverse elongated hole or an incision is replaced and the shaft instead of the ring gear receives a crank arm with a pin which is used to engage in the elongated hole or the incision.

FIG. 8 also shows that a contact ring 121 is arranged on the inner circumference of the housing 61 and is intended to rest on the contact carrier 70 in order to switch the protective conductor through the interacting parts of the plug device.

The connecting devices described allow a more or less rapid displacement of the contact carrier. In many cases, this can be desirable and advantageous if it is ensured that the plug device is only operated when the voltage is off. However, if you want to make use of the option of automatically switching off the voltage when the plug device is disconnected by means of a prematurely confirmed auxiliary contact, a slower displacement of the contact carrier should be preferred. A sufficient time interval between the separation of the auxiliary contacts and the main contacts ensures that the contactors controlled via the auxiliary contacts have dropped out and the switching arcs occurring on their switching elements have gone out.

To understand these processes, FIG. 10 shows a schematic circuit diagram of such a system. A motor M is to be controlled by a remote switchgear SG. For this purpose, the motor M is connected to the switchgear assembly SG by two cable sections K1 and K2, which are coupled to one another by a plug device SV. The plug-in device SV connects the following conductors: three phase conductors L1, L2 and L3, two conductors KS1 and KS2 for the PTC thermistor protection of the motor, a monitoring conductor U, a reserve conductor R and a protective conductor PE.

The four control lines KS1, KS2, U and R mentioned are combined to form a set of control line contacts which is confirmed ahead of the main contacts for the phase conductors L1, L2 and L3. If you disconnect the plug device SV, the control lines mentioned are first interrupted. This causes the contactors in the switchgear SG to be switched off, so that phase conductors L1, L2 and L3 become dead. When disconnecting the plug device SV, it is essential that a period of time is available which corresponds at least to the contactor's own time and which is sufficient for the switching arcs on the contactors of the contactors to be completely extinguished. A connection device which is particularly suitable for ensuring these conditions is described below with reference to FIG. 11.

To this extent, the plug part 73 in FIG. 11 corresponds to the plug parts 40 according to FIG. Figures 5 and 6, when it also has a web-like approach at the mouth of the contact space and an insertion groove arranged diametrically opposite this. However, there is a different approach 74 which has a bore 74, the longitudinal axis of which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug part. This bore 74 is provided for receiving a threaded spindle 76 on which there is a traveling nut 77 with a driving pin 78. The driver pin is provided for engaging in a groove of the contact carrier, so that, for example, the contact carrier 50 according to FIG. 5 can be used. The threaded spindle 76 is secured against axial displacement within the bore 75 by threaded pieces 98. Through a central opening 99, the threaded pieces allow access to the front ends of the threaded spindle 76, which are designed to engage a suitable tool. For this purpose, an internal hexagon opening, a triangular pin, a slot or a similar design can be provided.

In order to move the contact carrier 50 from its rest position into its operating position or vice versa by means of the threaded spindle 76, a plurality of revolutions of the threaded spindle 76 are required. Experience has shown that this takes such a time that the time period mentioned, required for the safe shutdown of the contactors, is required is complied with in any case.

If the arrangement described is to be converted back into a plug part by removing the contact carrier 50, the threaded spindle 76 with the traveling nut 77 can be removed from the bore 75 of the extension 74 after the threaded pieces 98 have been removed. Then the contact carrier 50 can be pulled out completely. In this state, the bore 75 can be protected against contamination by closed threaded pieces 98 ¹ , as is indicated in FIG. 11.

A closure part similar to the closure disk 21 in FIGS. 1 to 3 can also be advantageous for protecting the contact members of an unused plug part. FIGS. 12 and 13 show such a protective cover 130, which can remain on the plug part when not in use, FIG. 12 showing the inserted rest position and FIG. 13 the extended working position. The protective cover 130 consists of a guide disk 131 and a closure disk 132, which both have through holes 137 and 140 for the contact members 4 and 5. One of the two disks is covered with a sealing washer 133. In the case of disks 131 and 132 which are rotated relative to one another, this results in a seal of a high degree of protection in the position according to FIG Position according to FIG. 13 are the contact members 4 and 5 still within the through holes 137 of the guide plate, while the through holes 140 of the closure plate are free and the closure plate 132 can be rotated. This is done by loosening a central screw 141, which is then tightened again to compress the sealing washer 133. In this position, the guide disc 131 is held by means of resilient locking members 134. The guide disk 131 and the locking disk 132 are connected to one another by the screw 141.

Using FIG. 14, it is now explained how a line 80 with wires 81 is to be connected to the contact members 4. As FIG. 9 shows, the plug part 1 contains an insulating insert body 82 which forms the bottom of the contact space and which has bores 83 for a cylindrical shaft 84 of each contact element 4. At the transition between the outer pin part 85 and the shaft 84 there is a nut-like collar 86. The shaft 84 is provided with an internal thread 87 into which a threaded attachment 88 of a threaded cable lug 90 can be screwed. The threaded cable lug 90 is designed as a crimp cable lug and is hollow for this purpose, in order to be able to insert a bare cable core and to be able to connect it by squeezing. The threaded cable lug 90 is then inserted into the insert body 82 with its threaded pin 88. From the opposite side of the insert body 82, the contact member 4 is now inserted with its shaft 84 into the bore 83, so that the contact member 4 is screwed onto the threaded pin 88 by turning it with its internal thread 87. For this purpose, a special key 89 can be used, which is shown in FIG. 14 above the contact element 4. This key 89 is hollow for plugging onto the contact pin 4 and has at one end a tool head 92 for the nut-like collar 86 and at its other end a toggle 91 for rotation by hand.

As FIG. 14 also shows, the line 80 extends through an insertion trumpet 95 and an insertion housing 96 which, at its end facing the plug part 1, is designed as a polygon with an internal thread 97 for easier handling. With this internal thread 97, the insertion housing 96 is screwed onto the external thread 13 of the housing 2 of the plug part 1 after the line wires 81 have been connected to the contact members 4 in the manner described. The insertion trumpet 95 can be a commercially available part that can be screwed into the rear end of the insertion housing 96 and that contains a strain relief device for the line 80.

A combined contact element 100 according to FIG. 15, which also has an axial bore for a line core 81, allows even easier handling. With a subsequent cylindrical shaft 101, the contact member 100 is to be inserted into one of the openings 83 of the insert body 82 in FIG. At the end of the shaft 101 there is an external thread 102, onto which a nut 104 can be screwed in order to fasten the contact member 100 to the insert body 82. The actual contact pin 103 is formed in one piece with the shaft 101.

In FIG. 16, both parts of a plug-in device are shown side by side, a socket part corresponding to FIG. 2, which is formed in the manner described by installing a contact carrier 15 in a plug part 1, with its external thread 13 being screwed into a wall 105 of a device. For example, a switchgear assembly, a transformer or a motor. The connector part shown on the right in FIG. 12 corresponds with the attached line 80 to the arrangement according to FIG. 14. Accordingly, in addition to a connector part 1, an insertion housing 96 and an insertion trumpet 95 are present.

FIG. 17 shows a plug device for connecting two lines. The connector shown on the right corresponds to the connector shown on the right in FIG. 16. The part of the plug-in device shown on the left in FIG. 17 corresponds to a socket part 30 according to FIG. 2, which is supplemented by an insertion housing 96 and an insertion trumpet 95 according to FIG. The arrangements according to FIGS. 16 and 17 can be realized in principle in the same way with parts according to FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. 7 and 8. For this purpose, the names of the applicable plug parts and contact carriers are given in brackets in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The structure of the contact carrier 15 according to FIG. 1 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 18 and 19, which show the contact carrier in its operating position corresponding to FIG. 2 in a longitudinal section. The housing 16 of the contact carrier 15 contains an insulating body 110 which has four chambers 111 of the same size for intermediate contact members, which are assigned to the contact members 4 and 5 (FIG. 1). The intermediate contact members are formed in several parts. Eight bridge contact pieces 112 are provided for the contact members 4. A larger or smaller number of bridge contact pieces can also be provided. A force directed towards the center of the contact arrangement is exerted on each bridge contact piece 112 by a leaf spring 113 in each case. In the axial direction, the chambers 111 are delimited by insulating bushes 114 and wall parts 115 of the insulating body 110, which absorb the forces which occur when the contact carrier 15 is moved relative to the contact members 4 and 5.

In the chamber 111 of the contact carrier 15 provided for the contact member 5 there are only four bridge contact pieces 112 which are separated from one another by insulating webs 116 are. Each of the bridge contact pieces 112 is thus assigned to one of the sectors 117, 118, 119, 120 of the contact element 5 which are insulated from one another. As can be seen, the contact element 5 can also be divided into a larger or smaller number of sectors, so that in connection with a corresponding number of bridge contact pieces 112 a corresponding number of conductor tracks are available for control purposes. These control circuits are used in a known manner to ensure that the phase conductors are de-energized before the plug device is disconnected by actuating switching and protective devices, or to enable the system to be switched on only after the parts of the plug device have been correctly connected. Through a differently dimensioned coverage of the contact members 4 and 5 by the bridge contact pieces 112, it can be achieved that when the plug device is disconnected, first the control circuits and then the main circuits are disconnected.

The contact carriers 50 in FIGS. 5 and 70 in FIG. 8 can be constructed analogously. On the inner circumference of the contact space 3 of the plug part 1 there is a resilient contact ring 121, also shown in FIG. 8, in a groove 120, which ensures that the protective conductor is switched through. This is done in that the housing 2 of the plug part 1 is connected to the housing 16 of the contact carrier by the contact ring and the latter is connected to the housing by the same contact ring of a further plug part. The protective conductors of the cables are then to be connected to the housings of the plug parts within the lead-in housing.

The contact carriers 15, 50 and 70 are simple and robust components which have a closed design and can be carried in a tool bag without difficulty can. The chambers 111 with the bridge contact pieces 112 and the leaf springs 113 are largely protected against contamination by the closure disk 21. If cleaning should nevertheless be necessary, this can be achieved in a simple manner, for example by means of a compressed air nozzle, because if the closure disk 21 is in the appropriate position, there are continuous channels in the longitudinal direction of the contact carrier 15.

Claims (22)

1. Firedamp-protected plug-in device for power circuits with a plug part (1) and a socket part (30), these parts each having contact members (4, 5) arranged on the bottom of a cylindrical contact space (3), on the side facing away from the contact space (3) the bottom with a connection device (90) for current conductors (81), and in the contact space (3) of the socket part (30) axially displaceably a contact carrier (15) with intermediate contact members (112) is arranged, which in the closed state the plug-in device connect the contact members (4, 5) of the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) to one another, characterized by the following features: a) the contact spaces (3) and contact members (4, 5) of the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) are of the same design; b) the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) and the contact carrier (15) are with interacting parts of a connecting device (17, 18, 31, 33; 36, 37, 40; 46, 51; 67, 71; 51 76 , 77, 78), which holds the contact carrier (15) either in an inserted rest position or while maintaining the electrical connection with the contact members of the socket part (30) in an extended operating position or releases it for removal from the socket part (30) (FIGS. 1 , 4, 5, 8, 11) 2. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device two at an axial distance from each other on the outer surface of the contact carrier (15) attached tangential grooves (17, 18) and one on the plug part (1) arranged, the contact space (3) includes tangentially penetrating bore (12) for a fastening bolt (33) (Figure 1). 3. Plug device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening bolt (36) is rotatably mounted and provided on one side with a preparation (37) to release the displaceability of the contact carrier (15) and that at least one free end of the fastening bolt one by a fastening element (39) in the release position and in the locked position of the fastening bolt (36) lockable operating tab (38) is attached (Fig. 4). 4. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact carrier (50) has on its outer surface a circumferentially extending groove (51) and that for transferring the contact carrier (50) into the rest position or the operating position on the housing of the plug part ( 40) a rotatably mounted bolt carrier (46) with an eccentrically arranged driver bolt (48) engaging in the contact space (47) is arranged (FIGS. 5 and 6). 5. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact carrier (70) with an axially extending and at its outer end with a stop (72) provided rack (71) and that on the housing (61) Plug part (60) is a shaft (67) accessible from the outside for actuation with a toothing (68) located in the interior of the housing (61) and adapted to the rack (71) (FIGS. 8 and 9). 6. Plug device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the bolt carrier (46) or the shaft (67) in cooperation with counterparts (51; 72) of the contact carrier (50; 70) as a securing part against removal of the contact carrier from the plug part (40; 60) is used and for releasing the contact carrier (50; 70) from the plug part (40; 60) is designed to be removable. (Fig. 5, 6, 8, 9). 7. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the outer circumference of the plug part (75) and the socket part, a projection (74) with a parallel to its longitudinal axis and open on both sides bore (75) is arranged, in which a threaded spindle ( 76) is rotatably mounted with a traveling nut (77) seated thereon and provided with a driving pin (78) for the contact carrier (FIG. 11). 8. Plug device according to claim 7, characterized in that the threaded spindle (76) at both ends has a suitable design for the engagement of a turning tool (hexagon socket 79) (Fig. 11). 9. Plug device according to claim 7, characterized in that the threaded spindle (76) is axially secured by screwing into the bore (75) of the extension (74) threaded pieces (98) (Fig. 11). 10. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact carrier (15) has on its one end face a centrally rotatably mounted closure disc (21) with openings (23) for the passage of the contact members (4, 5) of the plug part (1), wherein the locking disk (21) can be locked by holding elements (26, 28) in an operating position and in a rest position with non-rotatable locking (Figures 1 and 3). 11. Plug device according to claim 10, characterized in that the closure disc (21) on its side facing the contact carrier (15) has a centrally arranged polygonal extension (26) for cooperation with a corresponding polygonal recess (27) on the end face of the contact carrier (15) and also has a cylindrical bearing boss (25) and a central through hole for a fastening screw (28) (Figures 1 and 3). 12. Plug device according to claim 10, characterized in that the closure disk on its side facing the contact carrier (15) carries a through-openings (23) for the contact members (4, 5) enclosing sealing member (29) (Fig. 18). 13. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the contact space (3) of the plug part (1) a protective cover (130) is slidably guided, which can be locked at the mouth of the contact space (3) when the plug part (1) is not in use ( Figures 12, 13). 14. Plug device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the protective cover (130) has a guide disk (131) with through openings (133) for the contact members (4) and a closure disk (132) which can be rotated relative to the guide disk (131) (Figures 12, 13). 15. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the outer circumference of the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) eyes (6, 7) for the passage of axial connecting elements (31) and further on the eyes (6, 7) opposite An external thread (13) is attached to the end of the housing (2) of each part of the plug device (FIG. 1). 16. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that for connecting a plug part (40) and an associated socket part by putting their mutually facing end faces and parallel displacement on the housing (41) of each plug part (40) a web-like approach (43) and one are arranged diametrically opposite insertion groove (44) (Figures 5, 7, 11). 17. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug part (1) as a protective conductor contact on the inner periphery of the contact space (3) carries an annular, resilient contact element (121) for resting on the peripheral surface of the contact carrier (15) (Figure 18) . 18. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device of the current conductor (81) is a pin-shaped, having an axial bore and is formed by squeezing the current conductor to be fastened to the connecting element (90) (FIG. 14). 19. Plug device according to claim 18, characterized in that the connecting element (100) is integrally formed with a contact member (103) of the plug part (Figure 15). 20. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate contact members of the contact carrier (15) for each contact member (4, 5) of the plug part (1) or the socket part (30) consist of a plurality of bridge contact pieces (112), the ends of which as circular ring pieces rest on the circumference of the contact member (4, 5) and that a spring element (113) is inserted between each bridge contact piece (112) and the wall of a chamber (111) of the contact carrier (15) receiving the bridge contact pieces (112) (FIGS. 18, 19) . 21. Plug device according to claim 20, characterized in that for connecting a plurality of control lines a in several mutually insulated sectors (117, 118, 119, 120) divided contact member (5) of the plug part (1) and a corresponding number bridge contact pieces (112) of the contact carrier (15) which are insulated from one another (FIG. 19). 22. Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact carrier (15) carries on its outer circumference a sealing element (20) covering the gap between the plug part (1) and the socket part (30) in the operating position (Figures 1, 18) .

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