EP1273021A1

EP1273021A1 - Terminal

Info

Publication number: EP1273021A1
Application number: EP01931414A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gunther Eckert; Reinhard Sangl; Winfried Vierling
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2000-04-13
Filing date: 2001-04-05
Publication date: 2003-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-05
Also published as: WO2001080267A1; ATE352856T1; US20030136657A1; DE10018351A1; DE10018351C2; DE50111958D1; ES2276789T3; EP1273021B1; US6769938B2

Abstract

A modular device comprises a housing and a terminal arranged therein with a clamping screw, a pressure plate and clamping frame, a first recess on the connection side for transversely receiving a busbar passing through the housing and clamping frame, and the insulating gap between the outer edge of the clamping frame within the housing and the outer side of the adjoining closed housing side being smaller than the air insulating gap between the outer edge of the clamping frame in the region of the recess and the outer side of the adjoining housing side.

Description

description

clamp

The invention relates to a modular device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a modular device designed as a circuit breaker is known from EP 0 552 113 B1. The problem with the stringing together of such devices is that the air insulation distance between the exposed conductive parts of adjacent terminals must be maintained in the open area of the busbar connection. The size, in particular the width, of the terminals used is then measured. This in turn has a major influence on the dimensions of the modular device, in particular the internal structure.

The invention is based on the object of providing a modular installation device with a clamp, in which, while maintaining the required air insulation distance, an insulation capacity which is optimized compared to the prior art is provided in an enlarged receiving space.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the ^features of claim 1. Accordingly, a modular installation device is provided, with a housing and a clamp arranged therein with a clamping screw, pressure piece and clamping frame, a connection-side first recess for the transverse reception of a busbar housing and clamping frame penetrates, and the insulation distance between the outer edge of the clamping frame inside the housing and the outside of the adjacent closed housing side is smaller than the air insulation distance between the outer edge of the clamping frame in the region of the recess and the outside of the adjacent housing side. It was recognized that the previously used clamps were only ever dimensioned according to the air insulation distance. However, this only applies to the design in the area of the terminal that is open at the side. The remaining area of the clamp or the clamping frame within the housing can, however, be expanded due to the good insulation ability of the housing.

It is advantageous if the clamping frame has a constriction in the region of the recess. In other words, the clamping frame can also be expanded in the closed area. This makes it easy to increase the terminal space by a few%. The width of the clamping frame can be reduced in the area of the constriction by approximately 0.2 to 3 mm, in particular by 0.5 to 1.5 mm, especially by approximately 1.2 mm.

The constriction can be a recess, e.g. Milled or pressed-in, be designed. This provides a strong clamping frame with a stepless receiving space, which is also very stable. Alternatively, the constriction can be designed as an installation or deformation. This provides a material-saving clamping frame with a large holding space.

The side wall thickness of the housing can be greater in the region of the recess than that in the closed region of the housing. This provides good insulation protection in the transition area, especially in the creepage distance area. Preferably, the rail mounted device ter as line protection scarf ^¬ or fault current circuit breaker is designed.

An embodiment, further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 shows a circuit breaker in an external view, FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the circuit breaker according to FIG. 1 in the region of a connection terminal, 3 to 5 partial views of a clamping frame with an inserted

Edition, FIGS. 6 to 8 different views of the edition according to FIGS. 2 to 5 and FIG. 9 a longitudinal section through a clamp.

In the figures described below, the same details are provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a built-in device 1, in particular a circuit breaker or a residual current circuit breaker, in a three-dimensional external view. The built-in device 1 can contain any functions or internals. The design of the terminals or connection terminals contained is essential to the present idea, essentially only one of two being described below by way of example.

When designed as a circuit breaker, a manual control knob 5 is arranged on the front face of the housing 3. When designed as a built-in device, the housing 3 has a recess 7 with which the device can be mounted on a holding rail, e.g. a top-hat rail that can be snapped on. The reference number 4 designates fastening means, not described in any more detail, which permit non-positive fastening to the top-hat rail. These are generally known in the prior art. On its front and rear, the built-in device 1 has openings through which a terminal (not shown in more detail in this illustration) is accessible, via which an external circuit or circuit can be connected to the built-in device 1.

The clamping screw of the clamp is accessible via a first opening 9. The connection opening 11 serves to insert one or more connection wires into the connection space of the terminal. The clamp used in the present case is accessible via a further opening, so that a so-called "SD clamp" is formed. For this purpose, the clamp shows the se 3 and the clamping frame 21 transversely penetrating first recess 13. Via this first recess 13, a plurality of modular installation devices can be connected to one another transversely by a common busbar. In principle, such a busbar connection from the

EP 0 552 113 known. In the area of the connection opening 11, an insulating cover 15 is shown, which serves as protection against contact for live parts of the terminal.

2 shows the built-in device 1 in longitudinal section in the area of the clamp 17. The clamp 17 has a clamping screw 19, by means of which a clamping frame 21 is connected to one another so that it can be displaced relative to a pressure piece 23. The clamping frame 21 is penetrated by the first recess 13 on its two opposite side walls 22 for receiving the busbar already mentioned above. The clamp 17 is generally constructed in the manner of an elevator clamp.

In the present case, the pressure piece optionally has clamp feet 27 on both sides, which are provided for forming a vibration protection device. The housing 3 has namely in its upper region (in the region of the pressure piece 23), starting in the region of the bevels 29, a narrowed interior. The spring-like clamping feet 27 thus allow the pressure piece 23 to be jammed in the upper region of the housing.

From the inside of the housing 3 (from the side facing away from the viewer), an intermediate piece 33 protrudes into the receiving space 31 of the clamp 17, which enables the receiving space 31 to be divided into two subspaces 31a, 31b. The Zvi ^¬ rule piece 33 serves at the same time to connect the terminal 17 with a not further shown electric circuit within the housing 3. This circuit can, as mentioned above, for example, a function as Leitungsschutzschal- ter or residual current circuit breaker comprise. The intermediate piece 33 will be discussed later in the sectional view according to FIG. 9. The clamping frame 21 has a connection point 35 on the bottom. In principle, the clamping frame 21 is made of a band-shaped, in particular metallic, material. The connection point is preferably designed as a clinch or clamp connection. In the simplest case, however, it is also conceivable that the two ends of the band-shaped material that collide here only end with one another or overlap without a connecting part that can be subjected to tension being formed. "Connection point" does not necessarily mean that the ends touch each other or are non-positively connected.

It is essential for the present idea that the connection point 35 is covered by a support 37 which is arranged on the inside of the clamping frame 21. As can be seen in FIG. 2, there is an intermediate space 39 between the support 37 and the connection point 35. The support 37 thus does not touch the connection point 35 of the clamping frame 21. The support 37 rather spans the connection point 35 like a bridge.

The following details on clamping frame 21 and support 37 apply equally and analogously to FIGS. 3 to 7. In order to ensure favorable contacting and centering of wires which are introduced into the subspaces 31a and 31b from the direction of the viewer, both support 37, the intermediate piece 33 and the pressure piece 23 on the marginal wedge-like elevations 41a, 41b, 41c. Elevations lying opposite one another are designed in such a way that they engage in one another and result in the terminals being squeezed. Opposing increases therefore complement each other in an imprint.

3 shows the clamping frame 21 with the support 37 in a front view looking into the receiving space 31. The flange 43 on the head side has a thread on the inside for receiving the Clamping screw 19. The support 37 can optionally overlap the front and possibly also the back of the clamping frame base 45 in the manner of an apron. In the area of the apron 47, incisions 49 are provided on the side. As a result, two sheets 51 are formed which engage in a bent manner below the clamping frame base 45. See in particular also the bottom view according to FIG. 5. In this way, the support 37 is firmly held on the clamping frame 21.

5 shows the connection technology used here as an example. The two ends of the clamping frame 21 engage in clinching or engagement technology. For this purpose, the first end 53 has a hammer head-like configuration and the second end 55 has a matching opening. Thus, the two ends 53 and 54 are firmly connected to each other in the pulling direction. Of course, this connection can also be made by other methods known in the art, e.g. a crimped or welded connection.

In the side view according to FIG. 4, the clamping frame 21 and the support 37 are partly shown in section. It can be seen that there is a distance A between the support 37 and the clamping frame base 45 in the region of the connection point 35. This preferably has a thickness or a dimension of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, in particular 0.2 mm.

6 shows a bottom view in the support 37. The support 37 has a support foot 57 on the underside of this underside, in particular at its four outer corners. The height of the support feet 57 is such that the described distance a is achieved. Of course, more than four support feet or, if necessary, a strip can also be provided on the edge. The embodiment shown here is preferably chosen because it can be implemented as a simple stamped part. The support feet 57 ensure that a longitudinally occurring force is as direct as possible is introduced into the side walls of the clamping frame 21. A load on the connection point 35 is thus prevented. Alternatively, an arch-like configuration of the support 37 is also possible without feet.

Optionally, the clamping frame 21, as shown at its upper corners, can have a predetermined bending radius R on the inner edges of its clamping frame base. If the support feet 57 come to rest in the region of the radius, an outwardly acting force can possibly also be generated, as a result of which a tensile load is exerted on the connection point 35. The connection point 35 is thus stabilized and solidified. Of course, this only applies in the case of a non-positive connection of the two ends 53 and 55.

6 to 8 show the configurations of the support 37 in detail. In particular, the spatial view according to FIG 8 gives an impression of the edition. In this case, the support is designed without incisions 49 and tabs 51. The wedge-like elevations 41a rising towards the side walls are designed as an impression or shape of the support 37.

In the area of the first recess 13, the support 37 has a profile 59 in the manner of grooves or grooves. This prevents inserted wires or busbars from slipping out - regardless of the direction of insertion. This has for along introduced wires and cross milled ^¬ put busbars. In the rear of the Profilie ^¬ tion is 59 continued, so that the effect is given only for longitudinally inserted wires here.

The wedge-like elevations 41a, which can also be described as cone-section-like, are also clearly visible in the spatial representation. On the back, the support 37 has rear grips 61 so that it is held in the clamping frame 21 both from the front and from the rear. As already described above, the contacting surface opposite the support 37 can be imprinted on the surface of the support 37. The opposing elevations thus mesh with one another in a tooth-like manner. It is essential that there is good electrical contact with mechanical strength for inserted wires or cables. With regard to the mounting of busbars, the first recess 13 can have a hook-like elevation 63 on the edge (FIG. 4). This makes it possible to claw into a flat busbar. When using a round busbar in the manner of a rod, this is virtually encompassed by the elevation 63. It is no longer possible to simply roll it out.

9 shows a partial longitudinal section through an assembled clamp. The intermediate piece 33 has a trough 65 on the support side, which likewise enables a round busbar to be gripped in connection with the elevation 63.

The intermediate piece 33 shown serves on the one hand to connect the terminal 17 to an electrical circuit within the housing 3. For this purpose it has a connecting lug 67. In this drawing, only one receiving space 31 is shown. By opening the clamp 17 wide, the intermediate piece 33 can be arranged in the center, so that, according to FIG. 2, a two-part receiving space is formed.

According to FIG. 9, the intermediate piece 33 has an extension 69 on the bottom of the clamping frame. This serves on the pressure piece 23, and thus acting on the clamping screw 19 transverse forces ^¬ trap. Without this extension 69, a wedge or rotation of the pressure piece 23 would take place when a round busbar was inserted, which in turn would result in a transverse loading of the clamping screw 19 and the plastic parts surrounding it, in particular its fastening in the housing 3. In the present case, these transverse forces are intercepted directly over a short distance and supported on the clamping frame 21. In order to ensure a simple structure with the best possible electrical contact, the intermediate piece 33 is constructed in two parts. On the one hand, it comprises an angled lower part 71. Its end on the terminal compartment side is surrounded by a thin metal material, in particular copper, which forms the electrical contact and propagates in its extension as connecting lug 67. The two materials are non-positively connected to each other by pressing. This configuration of the intermediate piece 33 prevents jamming within the clamp 17, as a result of which a mechanically stable unit is formed. An effect damaging the clamping screw 19 by tilting can thus be prevented.

Another aspect of the new built-in device 1 is the dielectric strength in the area of the first recess 13. In principle, it is desirable to make the clamping space or receiving space 31 as large as possible. On the other hand, if such devices are lined up, a predetermined air insulation distance between exposed metal parts of adjacent devices must be provided. This applies in particular to the area of the first recess 13, in which live parts are close to one another in the case of built-in appliances.

In order to ensure voltage protection, it is provided here that the clamping frame .21 is made thinner at the edge in the area of the first recess 13 than in other areas. If necessary, the housing 3 can be made thicker in this area, adapted to the clamping frame 21. See in particular FIGS. 2 to 5, in which the design of the clamping frame 21 is shown. Inside the device, namely where there is sufficient insulation, the housing wall is made thinner. Accordingly, the clamping frame 21 has a thicker wall thickness in this area. In this way it is achieved that with a large receiving space and high tensile strength of the clamping frame 21 - due to a fundamentally strong material design in the open connection area for busbars - there is a correct - relatively large - clear distance.

In principle, this configuration of the clamping frame 21 can also be achieved in that, starting from a thin material thickness of the clamping frame 21, the latter is widened in the closed area of the housing 3, that is to say it is bent outwards, so that it has two clear widths. In the present embodiment, it is provided that, starting from a uniform material thickness of the clamping frame 21, the latter has second recesses 73 on the outside in the region of the first recess 13. If the clamping frame 21 is thinned by a few tenths of a mm, the desired dielectric strength can thus be achieved. The constriction or thinning of the clamping frame 21 can be produced by milling or pressing the wall and is approximately 0.5 to 3 mm, in particular approximately 1.2 mm.

According to FIG 2, the insulation distance I between the outer edge of the clamping frame 21 within the housing 3 and the outer edge of the adjacent closed housing side is smaller than the air insulation distance L between the outer edge of the clamping frame 21 in the region of the first recess 13 and the outside of the adjacent housing side.

Depending on the point of view, starting from this thin material thickness, with the insulation distance I from the edge of the housing 3, the design of the clamping frame 21 in the other closed area of the housing 3 can also be viewed as widening or reinforcement. It is essential that the clamping frame 21 is designed for mechanical stability on the interior side and is adapted to the corresponding electrical values in the open edge area in combination with the wall of the housing 3. In principle, it is also conceivable that the Clamping frame 21 is made of two sub-frames of different widths, so that the insulation effect described above is given.

Claims

claims

1. Modular device (1) with a housing (3) and a clamp (17) arranged therein with a clamping screw (19), pressure piece (23) and clamping frame (21), with a connection-side first recess (13) for transverse reception of a busbar Enclosed (3) and clamping frame (21), characterized in that the insulation distance (I) between the outer edge of the clamping frame (21) inside the housing (3) and the outside of the adjacent closed housing side is smaller than the air insulation distance (L) between the outer edge of the clamping frame (21) in the region of the first recess (13) and the outside of the adjacent housing side.

2. Modular device according to claim 1, so that the clamping frame (21) has a constriction in the region of the first recess.

3. Modular device according to claim 2, so that the clamping frame width is reduced in the area of the constriction by 0.2 to 3 mm, in particular by 0.7 to 1.5 mm, especially by approximately 1.2 mm.

4. Modular device according to claim 3 or 2, wherein the constriction is designed as a second recess.

5. Modular device according to claim 3 or 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the constriction is designed as an indentation or deformation.

6. Modular device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the side wall thickness of the housing (3) in the region of the first Ausneh- mung (13) is larger compared to that in the closed region of the housing (3).

7. Modular device according to one of claims 1 to 6, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the housing (3) on the connection side has a front connection opening (11) assigned to the receiving space of the terminal (17).