EP1949500B1 - Switchgear - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a switchgear (1), preferably a circuit breaker, especially a fault-current circuit breaker and/or a line safety switch. Said switchgear comprises at least one connecting terminal (2) with one connecting area (3) for receiving at least one terminal lead (4), preferably having a rectangular cross-section, especially of a contact (5) of a busbar (6). The aim of the invention is to facilitate a simple, straightforward and rapid installation or wiring of the switchgear, especially without tools such as, e.g., a screwdriver. For this purpose, the connecting terminal (2) comprises at least one spring (7) for applying a contact pressure which is effective in the direction of a closed position of the connecting area (3).

Description

The invention relates to a switching device, preferably circuit breaker, in particular residual current circuit breaker and / or circuit breaker, with at least one terminal with a clamping area for receiving at least one connecting conductor, preferably with a rectangular cross-section, in particular a contact of a busbar, wherein the terminal at least one spring, for applying a in the direction of a closed position of the clamping region acting contact pressure, and wherein the switching device comprises a housing with clamping openings and Klemmschrauböffuungen, wherein in the Klemmschrauböffnung a closure piece, preferably comprising insulating material, is arranged.

The DE 199 62 289 A1 describes a terminal assembly for electrical switching devices, with two clamping areas.

The EP 1 282 209 A describes a busbar for switching devices and a switching device with a spring-operated terminal.

The US 3,304,392 A. describes a switching device with a terminal, which has both a clamping screw and a coil spring.

The EP 1 213 792 A describes a bistable electrical terminal.

The DE 31 41 362 C1 describes a spring-actuated terminal with a bus bar fixed to the housing and a movable frame.

The WO 91/14298 A describes a spring-actuated connection terminal with a housing-fixed plate and a surrounding this frame.

The US 5,739,467 A shows a lift clamp with a clamping screw.

The US 4 928 080 A describes plugs for closing Klemmschrauböffnung.

The EP 1 026 782 A describes a spring-actuated terminal for electrical conductors.

The DE 34 06 081 A1 describes a spring-type terminal for electrical conductors.

The US Pat. No. 2,159,076 describes an electrical arrangement in which an electrical terminal is provided.

The DE 198 17 924 A1 describes a spring-actuated high current terminal.

Switchgear have terminals for connecting electrical conductors. These terminals include clamping screws for adjusting the clamping area and securing the connection in the clamping area.

A disadvantage of such switching devices is that the installation or interconnection of such switching devices is very time-consuming, complicated and error-prone. Especially when connecting switching devices by means of so-called busbars that is. Closing the screw terminals the only essential work and the main source of error. In the case of a busbar, it is difficult to check whether the clamping screw of the terminal is not tightened in a switching device, since pulling on an otherwise firmly screwed busbar is inappropriate for checking the contact pressure on each switching device. This can lead to impairments of the power supply or damage to a switching device, such as excessive heating of a contact due to lack of contact pressure.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a switching device of the type mentioned, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, and which allows a simple, straightforward and quick installation or interconnection, especially without tools such as screwdrivers.

According to the invention this is achieved in that the closure piece has a clamping opening extension, which fills the clamping opening partially. As a result, connection conductors, in particular busbars or their contacts, without the use of tools in the terminals of the switching device can be securely and contact-resistant arranged or fixed. As a result, a quick and easy installation in particular of switching devices, which are arranged on a busbar possible. As a result, the use of housings is possible, which are intended for use with screw terminals, whereby the unauthorized access to the terminals can be prevented. As a result, the use of housings is possible, which are intended for use with screw terminals, wherein the now no longer required area of the clamping opening can be covered and thus secured against unauthorized access.

In continuation of the invention can be provided that the spring is designed as a helical spring. As a result, a particularly simple and cost-saving production is possible because coil springs are manufactured as mass-produced and no separate special treatment or special production is necessary.

In this context, it can be provided in a continuation of the invention that a connection conductor free clamping area is at least partially open. This simplifies the insertion of connecting conductors, in particular contacts of a busbar.

According to a further embodiment of the invention may be in a switching device, wherein the terminal comprises a clamping device fixed in the switching device and a substantially rectangular box, wherein the clamping element between a first edge region and a second edge region of the box is arranged, and wherein the clamping region of the first Box area and a first Kleminelementseite is limited, be provided that the spring between the second box portion and one, the first clamping element side arranged opposite, second clamping element side is arranged. As a result, a conventional screw, which is also known as a lift clamp, be used without alterations or modified construction, whereby both the manufacturing cost of the switching device is kept low, since the same housing and the same injection molds can be used, as in switchgear with screw terminals and also the terminals except for the springs used can be identical to the screw terminals. This saves parts and production costs and enables flexible production to be built up, which can react quickly and easily to changing customer requirements.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that in the region of the first box area, a tab facing away from the clamping area is arranged on the box, in particular integrally formed. This prevents the insertion of a conductor into the space behind the terminal.

A variant of the invention can consist in that the clamping element is designed as a substantially rectangular frame, and the second box area is arranged between a first frame area comprising the first and second clamping element sides and a second frame area substantially parallel thereto. As a result, the spring can be protected and damage to the terminal, especially in the field of manufacturing can be prevented. As a result, it is also possible to use a connection terminal already present as a screw terminal, with the advantages already described, such as the use of identical housings or injection molds, as well as connection terminals of the same kind as the spring. This increases flexibility and reduces manufacturing and warehousing costs.

Another possible embodiment may be that the second frame portion has at least one recess. Such a recess may already be present at a connection terminal which can also be used as a screw terminal, and be used for interaction with the closure piece.

In this context, it can be provided in a continuation of the invention that the closure piece has a clamping extension which presses through the recess on the at least in the region of the clamping extension recess-free second box area, wherein the clamping area is pressed. This can ensure that the clamping region is opened a certain range, whereby the insertion of a connecting conductor is substantially simplified, and the necessary pressures are reduced.

• Fig. 1 eine erste Ausführungsform einer Anschlussklemme für ein erfindungsgemäßes Schaltgerät;
• Fig. 2 eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Anschlussklemme für ein erfindungsgemäßes Schaltgerät;
• Fig. 3 die Ausführungsformen gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 mit zwei Sammelschienen;
• Fig. 4 die Ausführungsformen gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 mit Anschlussleitern in den Klemmbereichen;
• Fig. 5 ein Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Anschlussklemme in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 6 ein Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts mit einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Anschlussklemme in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 7 ein Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts im Grundriss;
• Fig. 8 ein Teil eines Schaltgeräts gemäß Fig. 7 im Seitenriss in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 9 ein Schaltgerät gemäß Fig. 7 im Aufriss;
• Fig. 10 ein Schaltgerät gemäß Fig. 7 in axonometrischer Darstellung mit abgehobener oberer Gehäusehälfte;
• Fig. 11 die obere Gehäusehälfte eines Schaltgeräts gemäß Fig. 10; und
• Fig. 12 zwei axonometrische Ansichten eines Verschlussstückes.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which particularly preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. Showing:

• Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a terminal for a switching device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a terminal for a switching device according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and 2 with two busbars;
• Fig. 4 the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and 2 with connecting conductors in the clamping areas;
• Fig. 5 a part of a switching device according to the invention with a second embodiment of a terminal in a partially sectioned view;
• Fig. 6 a part of a switching device according to the invention with a first embodiment of a terminal in a partially sectioned view;
• Fig. 7 a part of a switching device according to the invention in plan view;
• Fig. 8 a part of a switching device according to Fig. 7 in side elevation in partially cut representation;
• Fig. 9 a switching device according to Fig. 7 in the elevation;
• Fig. 10 a switching device according to Fig. 7 in axonometric representation with lifted upper half of the housing;
• Fig. 11 the upper half of a switching device according to Fig. 10 ; and
• Fig. 12 two axonometric views of a stopper.

The Fig. 1 to 12 show different embodiments, details or parts of a switching device 1, preferably circuit breaker, in particular residual current circuit breaker and / or circuit breaker, with at least one terminal 2 with a clamping portion 3 for receiving at least one connecting conductor 4, preferably with a rectangular cross-section, in particular a contact 5 of a busbar. 6 , wherein the connection terminal 2 comprises at least one spring 7, for applying a contact pressure acting in the direction of a closed position of the clamping region 3.

As a result, connection conductors 4, in particular busbar 6 or their contacts 5, without the use of tools in the terminals 2 of the switching device 1 can be arranged and fixed securely and contact-resistant. As a result, a quick and easy installation, in particular of switching devices 1, which are arranged on a mounting rail is possible.

Switching devices 1 according to the invention may be any type of switching device 1. Preferably, circuit breakers, in particular residual current circuit breaker and / or circuit breaker are provided.

The spring 7 for applying the contact pressure may be any type of spring 7, such as leaf springs, disc springs and / or helical springs 8, in each embodiment or in combination with each other, both tension and compression springs. Particularly preferred is the use of so-called helical compression springs.

Switching devices 1 according to the invention can be provided for the use of any type of connecting conductor 4, such as round wires, flat wires and / or plugs. In particular, the insert is provided together with so-called busbars 6. These busbars 6, as exemplified in Fig. 3 represented, at a predetermined distance connecting conductor 4, wherein the distances are selected such that they coincide with the spacing of the clamping openings 20 and clamping areas 3 side by side switching devices 1, so that a predetermined number of adjacently arranged switching devices 1 can be connected quickly and easily , The connection conductors 4 of the busbars 6 generally have a substantially rectangular cross-section and can be chamfered or chamfered in the region provided for insertion into the connection terminal 2. Switching devices 1 according to the invention have at least one connection terminal 2 which has at least one clamping region 3. In particular, two terminals 2 are provided for each of the switching device 1 to be switched switching path, which must not necessarily be executed ident ident. In particular, it may be provided that different terminals 2 may be provided, such as those with clamping screws, as well as those with springs 7, for applying the necessary clamping forces for holding. In particular, it can be provided that the juxtaposed terminals 2 of a switching device 1 of the side by side arranged in the switching device 1 switching paths can be performed substantially ident.

The clamping region 3 of the terminal 2 may comprise at least a portion of the spring 7, or be formed by at least a portion of the spring 7. It may be provided that the connection terminal 2 comprises a substantially Ω-shaped bent leaf spring, wherein the clamping region 3 is formed by the narrow opening of the Ω-shaped bent leaf spring.

In order to simplify the insertion of the connection conductors 4, it may be provided that a connection conductor-free clamping region 3 is at least partially open. This simplifies the insertion of a connecting conductor 4 or reduces the forces necessary for insertion. In particular, it can be provided that the clamping region 3 is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm open. It can preferably be provided that the cross section of the opening formed by the open position of the clamping region 3 is approximately 10% to 60% of the cross section of the connection conductor 4, which is suitable for use with the respective switching device 1 is provided. By the information available for each switching device 1 with regard to the currents to be switched, a ratio to the conductor cross-section can be produced, which is necessary for the corresponding currents. For keeping the clamping area 3 open, any means can be provided. In particular, it is possible for example to provide a flexible band which wraps around the spring 7 and thus only permits a maximum extent of the spring 7. Particularly preferred may be provided a separate device for keeping the clamping area open, which will be explained elsewhere.

It is preferably provided that the spring 7 only applies the contact pressure acting in the direction of a closed position of the clamping region 3. In the first and second particularly preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 26, 27, as in the Fig. 1 to 4 shown, a clamping element 9 and a movable box 10 are provided, which form the clamping region 3. Both the first preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 26 according to Fig. 1 , as well as the second preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 27 according to Fig. 2 have as a basis conventional screw terminals, which are also known under the names cage terminal or lift terminal. The spring 7 takes over in the preferred first and second preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 26, 27 only the task, otherwise a clamping screw zufallende task to provide the necessary contact pressure.

The preferred first and second embodiment of a connection terminal 2, 26, 27 has a fixed clamping element 9 in the switching device 1 and a substantially rectangular box 10, wherein the clamping element 9 is arranged between a first box portion 11 and a second box portion 12 of the box 10, and wherein the clamping region 3 is delimited by the first box portion 11 and a first clamping element side 13, the spring 7 being arranged between the second box portion 12 and a second clamping element side 14 arranged opposite the first clamping element side 13.

The clamping element 9 is in the first preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 26 as a substantially straight sheet metal strip, in particular comprising steel, copper and / or copper alloys, in particular brass, executed, which is immovable in the switching device 1, in particular in the region of a pinch tunnel arranged , for example, by pinching between projections on the Klemstunnelinnenwandung.

The box 10 is a preferably, and as shown, substantially rectangular member, which preferably consists of a four times by about 90 ° angled metal strip, in particular strips comprising steel, copper and / or copper alloys, such as brass, consists. Preferably, the box 10 has an overlapping area. It can be provided that the box 10 is connected to form a torsionally rigid unit, in particular in the overlapping area, in particular welded or riveted.

It may be provided, as in the second preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 27, that the clamping element 9 is formed as a substantially rectangular frame 16, and the second box portion 12 between a, the first and second clamping element side 13, 14 comprising the first frame portion 17 and a, for this substantially parallel, second frame portion 18 is arranged. As in the Fig. 2 to 4 but most of all Fig. 5 and 8th 1, the frame 16 is a strip which is preferably angled three times by substantially 90 °. The clamping element 9 is extended and wraps around the movable box 10, wherein a preferably closed frame 16 is formed by a substantially rectangular cross-section. The frame 16 is rotated relative to the box 10 by 90 ° and hung in this. As in the case of the first embodiment of a connection terminal 2, 26, in this embodiment too, the clamping region 3 is bounded by the first box region 11 and a first clamping element side 13, wherein the first clamping element side 13 is part of the first frame region 17.

In order to prevent the insertion of connection conductors 4 and / or tools in a space behind the connection terminal 2, provision can be made for a flap 15 facing away from the clamping area 3 to be arranged on the box 10 in the region of the first box area 11, in particular integrally formed ,

In order to continue to be able to use existing housings 19, which are provided for screw terminals, in switching devices 1 according to the invention, which clamping screw openings 21, as well as clamping openings 20, in particular additional clamping openings 20 for clamping so-called cable lugs, are provided with housings 19 in that a closure piece 22, preferably comprising insulating material, is arranged in the clamping screw opening 21. As a result, the same housing 19 can be used as before, without the risk of unauthorized access by a no longer necessary Klemmschrauböffuung 21. As a result, significant costs can be saved because no new injection mold for a new housing 19 is necessary.

The Fig. 5 to 8 show switching devices 1 with a preferred embodiment of a closure piece 22. Die 10 and 11 show axonometric representations of a Switching device 1 and a housing part 19 of a switching device 1 with the preferred embodiment of the closure piece 22nd Fig. 12 shows two axonometric representations of the preferred embodiment of the closure piece 22. It may be preferably provided that the closure piece 22 is formed such that it is able to fill the space or space available through the non-existent clamping screw.

The closure piece has a clamping opening extension 23, which fills the clamping opening 20 in regions. As a result, unnecessary clamping openings 20, which were provided approximately for cable lugs, which should be clamped between the head of a clamping screw and the clamping element 9, are completely closed, whereby access, or the ingress of foreign bodies and dirt is prevented. As a result, the safety against contact with live components can be increased, the penetration of dirt, liquids or microbes into the switching device can be prevented or impeded, and the air or leakage current paths between adjacent switching devices 1 can be increased. A switching device 1 formed in this way therefore has a particularly high level of operational reliability and a long service life. Especially in the US, special fuse boxes for the arrangement of circuit breakers are unusual. A corresponding circuit breaker is therefore exposed in such an arrangement to a variety of environmental pollution, it is not uncommon, especially in the United States, circuit breaker when brushing the surrounding building wall with, which lead by penetrating into the switching device 1 color to complete inoperability of the circuit breaker can, which can be effectively and cost-effectively prevented by the provision of a corresponding closure piece 22 with a clamping opening extension 23, whereby the safety of a relevant electrical system can be ensured for a long time even under difficult environmental conditions. By providing a closure piece 22, which has a Klemmöfmungsfortsatz 23 together with a connection clamp described above with at least one spring 7 can be used in a particularly simple and advantageous to existing housing designs, whereby the manufacturing and storage costs can be kept low, with a continue high safety and durability of the relevant switching devices 1 is ensured.

As already stated, it may be advantageous if the clamping region 3 of the terminal 2 is not completely closed, whereby the insertion of a Terminal conductor 4 is simplified. Therefore, it can be provided in switching devices 1, which have a terminal 2, wherein the second frame portion 18 has at least one recess 24, that the closure piece 22 has a clamping extension 25, which passes through the recess 24 on the, at least in the region Clamp extension 25 recess-free, second box portion 12 presses, wherein the clamping portion 3 is pressed. Fig. 8 shows such an arrangement in which the clamping extension 25 presses through the recess 24 against the box 10, and so the clamping portion 3 opens, whereby the insertion of a connecting conductor 4 is simplified.

Claims (8)

1. A switchgear (1), preferably a circuit breaker, especially a residual-current circuit breaker and/or a miniature circuit breaker, comprising at least one connecting terminal (2) with a clamping region (3) for receiving at least one terminal lead (4), preferably having a rectangular cross-section, especially a contact (5) of a busbar (6), with the connecting terminal (2) comprising at least one spring (7) for applying a contact pressure acting in the direction of the closed position of the clamping region (3), and with the switchgear comprising a housing (19) with clamping openings (20) and clamping screw openings (21), with a locking element (22), preferably comprising insulating material, being arranged in the clamping screw opening (21), characterized in that the locking element (22) comprises a clamping opening projection (23) which fills the clamping opening (20) at least in sections..
2. A switchgear (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (7) is arranged as a spring coil (8).
3. A switchgear (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a clamping region (3) free of any terminal lead is open at least in sections.
4. A switchgear (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, with the connecting terminal (2) being a clamping element (9) which is fixed in the switchgear (1) and comprising a substantially rectangular box (10), with the clamping element (9) being arranged between a first box section (11) and a second box section (12) of the box (10), and with the clamping region (3) being delimited by the first box section (11) and a first clamping element side (13), characterized in that the spring (7) is arranged between a second box section (12) and a second clamping element side (14) which is arranged opposite of the first clamping element side (13).
5. A switchgear (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the area of the first box section (11) a lug (15) facing away from the clamping region (3) is arranged on the box (10), especially integrally formed on the same.
6. A switchgear (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the clamping element (9) is arranged as a substantially rectangular frame (16) and the second box region (12) is arranged between a first frame section (17) comprising the first and second clamping element side (13, 14) and a second frame section (18) which is substantially parallel to the same.
7. A switchgear (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second frame section (18) comprises at least one recess (24).
8. A switchgear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking element (22) has a terminal projection (25) which presses through the recess (24) on the second box section (12) which is free from a recess at least in the area of the terminal projection (25), with the clamping region (3) being pressed open.

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