EP4007075A1 - Terminal for electrical conductors for potential distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

Terminal for electrical conductors for potential distribution, comprising:
a feeding element for feeding an electric potential;
two separating elements each having at least two contacts, with at least one respective first contact of the separating elements being electrically connected to the feed element and the separating elements being adapted to be switchable independently of one another between a contact position in which the respective separating element makes the first contact with the feed element electrically connected, electrically connecting to a respective second contact, and a disconnected position in which the respective disconnect element electrically isolates the respective first contact from the respective second contact; and
a terminal housing for accommodating the feeding element and the isolating elements,
wherein the feeding element is arranged on the terminal housing between the separating elements. Furthermore, a potential distributor system for electrical conductors for the distribution of potentials is proposed.

Description

The invention relates to a terminal for electrical conductors for potential distribution.

To distribute electrical potentials, which are often referred to only briefly as potentials, in connection technology a potential is usually distributed via a feed terminal to a large number of terminals arranged in a row, which are often also referred to as terminal blocks. The distribution from the feed terminal to the distribution terminals usually takes place via a bridge element, which is often designed as a plug-in bridge for plugging into corresponding openings on the terminals. Variously designed terminal blocks are shown as examples in the documents: DE102017203205A1 , DE202012013526U1 , DE102014105316A1 , DE102014103059A1 , DE102014102602A1 , DE102011055760B4 , DE102008014177A1 , DE19630860C1 and DE29514014U1 .

Depending on the specific configuration, the aforementioned terminals can have at least one first and one second contact. However, such terminals often have more contacts, for example four contacts, and are usually connected to the contacts either above or below the bridge element, depending on whether a potential is to be used internally or in a periphery. If the terminals mentioned are designed as isolating terminals, the potential to the upper contact, ie to the first contact, can be separated for maintenance purposes simply by opening a isolating element, such as a isolating knife. In the case of the clamps known from the prior art, a conductor connected to the clamp must be disconnected for the lower contact, ie for the second contact. Disconnecting is often very cumbersome and therefore time-consuming.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved clamp which simplifies the carrying out of maintenance work and also makes it safer and furthermore enables a larger area of application of the clamp.

This object is achieved by a clamp having the features of claim 1.

• ein Einspeiseelement zum Einspeisen eines elektrischen Potentials;
• zwei Trennelemente mit jeweils zumindest zwei Kontakten, wobei zumindest ein jeweiliger, erster Kontakt der Trennelemente elektrisch mit dem Einspeiseelement in Verbindung steht und die Trennelemente angepasst sind voneinander unabhängig schaltbar zu sein zwischen einer Kontaktstellung, in der das jeweilige Trennelement den ersten Kontakt, der mit dem Einspeiseelement elektrisch in Verbindung steht, mit einem jeweiligen zweiten Kontakt elektrisch miteinander verbindet, und einer Trennstellung, in der das jeweilige Trennelement den jeweiligen ersten Kontakt von dem jeweiligen zweiten Kontakt elektrisch isoliert; und
• ein Klemmengehäuse zum Aufnehmen des Einspeiseelements und der Trennelemente, wobei das Einspeiseelement an dem Klemmengehäuse zwischen den Trennelementen angeordnet ist.

Thereafter, a clamp for electrical conductors for potential distribution is provided, comprising:

• a feeding element for feeding an electric potential;
• two separating elements each with at least two contacts, with at least one respective first contact of the separating elements being electrically connected to the feed element and the separating elements being adapted to be able to be switched independently of one another between a contact position in which the respective separating element has the first contact which is connected to the feed element is electrically connected, with a respective second contact electrically connects to each other, and a disconnected position in which the respective disconnect element electrically isolates the respective first contact from the respective second contact; and
• a terminal housing for accommodating the feeder and the separators, the feeder being disposed on the terminal housing between the separators.

The feed element, which can also be referred to as a contact point or as a feed point of the terminal, for feeding in the electrical potential, can have an opening into which a pole of a multi-pole bridge element can be introduced in order to connect the potential fed in to the respective contacts via the isolating elements to distribute. The feed element can be arranged, for example, centered in the terminal housing between the separating elements. For example, the multi-pole bridge element may be in electrical communication with a plurality of terminals as described herein and cross-distribute the potential into the connected terminals. The multi-pole bridge element can also be electrically connected to at least one pole with a feed terminal. An electrical conductor can be inserted into the feed terminal. The first electrical conductor can, for example, feed current into a power grid and can have a larger cross-section than the electrical conductors that can be connected to the terminals.

The terminal also has two separating elements, each with at least two contacts, with a first contact of the separating elements being electrically connected to the feed element and the separating elements being adapted to be able to be switched independently of one another between a contact position in which the respective separating element makes the respective first contact with electrically connects the respective second contact to one another, and a disconnected position in which the respective disconnecting element electrically isolates the respective first contact from the respective second contact.

The separating elements can be constructed in the same way and can, for example, comprise a mechanically movable separating means, such as a separating blade. The separating means may comprise an electrically conductive element between the first contact and the second Contact can be arranged and removed again. For example, the electrically conductive element can be moved via a mechanical switch. Alternatively or additionally, the separating element can also comprise a fuse holder which can accommodate a fuse, such as a fuse, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the separating element can also include a component carrier for accommodating passive components, such as for accommodating capacitors, diodes or resistors.

The respective first contact of the isolating elements is electrically connected to the feed element. The potential at the respective second contact can thus be controlled via the respective separating element, wherein when the separating element is inserted, the respective first contact can be electrically conductively connected to the respective second contact and with the separating element removed, the respective first contact can be electrically insulated from the second contact.

The terminal housing can be designed as an insulating plastic housing and can be adapted to accommodate the feed element and the isolating elements. The terminal housing can also have openings into which conductors can be inserted for connection to the second contacts and an opening for making electrical contact with the feed element. The electrical connection between the feed element and the respective first contacts can be established in the terminal housing.

The feed element is arranged on the terminal housing between the separating elements. For example, the feed element can be configured as a center feed, which can also be referred to as a center feed. The central feed can be arranged at least in some areas in a bridge shaft or as part of a bridge shaft for connecting a bridge element, such as a jumper. The term "central feed" can be understood as meaning a feed which is arranged between the separating elements.

For example, the central feed and the respective second contacts of the isolating elements can be arranged on or on one side of the housing.

The terminal can also be referred to as a feed-through terminal, for example, since an electrically conductive connection can exist between the second contacts when the separating elements are closed.

Advantageously, maintenance work can be simplified through the use of the terminals described herein, since the contacts on the terminals can be isolated individually and independently from the potential on the feed element. The respective switching states can be mapped better and the isolating elements described here can also provide effective protection against unintentional switching on again. In a further advantageous manner, each terminal division of a terminal described herein can carry two potentials in the future, since there are two separate marking options. For example, the marking option between the first contact and the first separation point can be divided into an upper and a lower half in order to mark the different, internal and peripheral potentials. Furthermore, the marking option that covers the bridge shaft can also be used in combination with the marking described above to mark the different potentials. Another option for marking the different potentials is to use marking options on the side that are directly related to the respective contacts.

A marking which covers the bridge shaft can also advantageously prevent a plugged-in bridge element from being removed at the same time.

In one example, the feed element is designed at least in regions as at least one bridge shaft and is adapted to be electrically connected to a bridge element for feeding in the potential from an adjacent terminal.

“Bridge shaft” can be understood here to mean a contact area that lies lower than a housing surface and is adapted to be electrically connected to a pin-shaped contact of the bridge element, for example. The feed element can, for example, comprise a row of pins arranged next to one another and be designed to be pluggable or screwable as a comb jumper, box jumper and/or cross connector.

Advantageously, this allows feeding via the bridge shaft, which means that there is no need to arrange a separate feeding contact.

In one example, the feed element is designed as an at least two-part bridge shaft and is adapted to be electrically connected to at least two feed bridges, in particular to a box jumper and/or a central feed.

In one example, the feed element is arranged on one side of the clip together with the second contacts.

For example, the terminal can be mounted on a mounting rail with one side of the housing and the second contacts can be arranged on the opposite side for connection to corresponding lines.

In one example, the feed element is arranged centrally, in particular as a central feed, between the second contacts.

In one example, the feed element is designed as a clamp contact or screw contact for connection to at least one contact of a multi-pole bridge element.

In one example, the respective second contact is designed as a screw, tension spring, push-in, quick and/or bolt connection contact.

In one example, at least one of the separating elements comprises a mechanically movable separating means, in particular a separating blade, and/or a fuse holder, for connecting and electrically isolating the respective first contact and the respective second contact.

In one example, at least one of the separating elements includes a contact, in particular a plug contact, for electrical connection to a fuse plug.

In one example, the terminal housing includes a connection structure adapted to attach a lever type fuse holder to at least one of the disconnects. This connection structure can be shaped like a joint and advantageously ensures that the pivotable lever fuse holder cannot be lost by at least 90°. The articulation point can be dimensioned in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the width of the housing, but instead has the shape of an ear in the “height” housing dimension.

Advantageously, such a lever fuse holder can be added to the clamp, which makes it possible to prevent unfavorable operating conditions, such as an overload condition.

In one example, the terminal housing is adapted for rail mounting, in particular the housing is adapted to be fastened on a profile mounting rail. The rail can have a hat-like profile and can therefore also be referred to as a top-hat rail. For example, several terminal housings can be pushed on to the side and plugged together when pushed on, or plugged together first and then plugged onto the profile mounting rail and locked.

Alternatively, the terminal housing can also be glued to a surface using an adhesive, for example an adhesive strip.

In one example, the second contact of at least one of the separating elements is designed in two or more parts for the connection of two or more electrical conductors.

• eine Einspeiseklemme zum Anschluss eines elektrischen Potentials;
• zumindest eine Klemme nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche; und ein mehrpoliges Brückenelement, wobei zumindest ein Kontakt des mehrpoligen Brückenelements mit dem Einspeisekontakt der Einspeiseklemme elektrisch verbindbar ist und ein weiterer Kontakt des mehrpoligen Brückenelements mit der Einspeiseklemme elektrisch verbindbar ist, zum Verteilen des Potentials.

The invention also proposes a potential distribution system for electrical conductors for distributing potentials, having:

• a feed terminal for connecting an electrical potential;
• at least one clamp according to any one of the preceding claims; and a multi-pole bridge element, wherein at least one contact of the multi-pole bridge element can be electrically connected to the feed contact of the feed terminal and another contact of the multi-pole bridge element can be electrically connected to the feed terminal, for distributing the potential.

Advantageously, the feed terminal and the terminals described herein can be easily and modularly lined up by plugging them together.

In one example, the potential distribution system has a multiplicity of terminals as described herein, the respective feed elements of the terminals being designed as at least two-part bridge shafts; and at least two multi-pole bridge elements, which are each designed as jumping comb bridges and can be arranged in the feed elements of the terminals in order to distribute an alternating potential to adjacent terminals.

Fig. 1A, 1B

schematische Ansichten von Klemmen gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2A, 2B

schematische Ansichten von Klemmen gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht eines Potentialverteilersystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4

ein Schaltbild eines Potentialverteilersystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5A - 5D

schematische Ansichten einer Klemme gemäß einer Ausführungsform mit den Trennelementen in unterschiedlichen Stellungen; und

Fig. 6A - 6D

schematische Ansichten von Klemmen gemäß einer Ausführungsform mit Steckbrücken.

For example, by means of the double bridge shaft and the use of jumping comb bridges, which are designed to make contact, for example, on 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. and feed terminals from the left and right, an alternating potential, for example in an alternating sequence like + / -, being constructed. Connected actuators with, for example, +110V and -110V can thus be advantageously switched off on all poles via the terminals. The separation points relevant for this are right next to each other in the terminal arrangements, which simplifies assignment. The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

Figures 1A, 1B

schematic views of clamps according to an embodiment;

Figures 2A, 2B

schematic views of clamps according to another embodiment;

3

a schematic view of a potential distribution system according to an embodiment;

4

a circuit diagram of a potential distribution system according to an embodiment;

Figures 5A - 5D

schematic views of a clamp according to an embodiment with the separating elements in different positions; and

Figures 6A - 6D

Schematic views of terminals according to an embodiment with jumpers.

the Figure 1A 1A shows an isometric view of a plurality of clamps 1A-1N arranged side-by-side according to an embodiment and FIG Figure 1B shows a side view of an in Figure 1A shown terminal 1A. The terminals 1A - 1N shown can be used as feed-through terminals.

The terminals 1A-1N shown have a feed element 3 for feeding in an electrical potential. In the embodiment shown, the feed element 3 is constructed in two parts in the form of two adjacent bridge shafts, with only one bridge shaft being occupied by a pole of a bridge element 9A. The bridge element 9A is shown as a multi-pole plug-in bridge for feeding in the potential or for distributing the potential to the adjacent terminals 1N.

The bridge element 9A stands as shown in FIGS Figures 1A and 1B is shown in electrical connection with a plurality of terminals 1A - 1N to spread the potential across the connected terminals 1A - 1N.

The clamp 1A shown also has two separators 5A, 5B each having at least two contacts 7AA, 7AB, 7BA, 7BB. As shown, a first contact 7AA, 7BA of the isolating elements 5A, 5B is electrically connected to the feed element 3 and the isolating elements 5A, 5B are adapted to be switchable independently of one another between a contact position in which the respective isolating element 5A, 5B makes the first contact 7AA, 7BA with a respective second contact 7AB, 7BB electrically connected to each other, and a disconnected position in which the respective disconnecting element 5A, 5B electrically isolates the first contact 7AA, 7BA from the respective second contact 7AB, 7BB. In the Figures 1A and 1B the separating elements 5A, 5B are shown in the contact position.

The separating elements 5A, 5B shown are constructed in the same way and include, as is shown in FIGS Figures 5A - 5D more clearly shown, a mechanically movable separating means such as a separating knife.

The terminal housing 11 shown is designed as an insulating plastic housing and is adapted to accommodate the feeding element 3 and the isolating elements 5A, 5B. The terminal housing 11 shown also has openings into which conductors (not shown) can be inserted for connection to the second contacts 7AB, 7BB. Like it in the Figures 1A and 1B is shown, the second contact 7AB on the first separating element 5A is designed in two parts, for the possibility of connecting two lines separately from one another to the second contact 7AB. The connection to the respective second contacts 7AB is shown as a push-in connection in the embodiment shown.

Furthermore, the terminal housing 11 shown has a profile so that it can be fastened to the profile support rail 13 shown.

the Figure 2A 1A shows an isometric view of a plurality of clamps 1A-1N arranged side by side according to another embodiment and FIG Figure 1B shows a side view of an in Figure 2A shown terminal 1A.

The in the Figures 2A and 2B The embodiment shown corresponds essentially to that already shown in FIGS Figures 1A and 1B shown embodiment and differs only in that the respective second contact 7AB on the separating elements 5A, 5B made in one piece, for the possibility to connect only one line. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, several conductors can also be connected on both sides.

the figure 3 shows a schematic view of a potential distribution system according to an embodiment.

In the embodiment shown, a feed terminal 2 is shown for connecting an electrical potential. Also shown are a plurality of clamps 1A - 1N. In the embodiment shown, a first and a second bridge element 9A, 9B are also shown. In the embodiment shown, the first bridge element 9A is designed as a transverse distributor, each with one pole for distributing the potential into the terminals 1A-1N and for connecting the respective feed elements 3 .

In the embodiment shown, the second bridge element 9B is used to distribute the potential from the feed terminal 2 to the terminals 1A - 1N. For this purpose, the second bridge element 9B is introduced into one of the two adjacent bridge shafts 3 of the terminal 1N.

the figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a potential distribution system according to an embodiment.

Two electrical conductors (not shown) can be arranged on the feed terminal 2 shown for feeding in the potential. For example, the electrical conductors connected to the feed terminal 2 can have a larger cross-section than the electrical conductors that can be connected to the terminals 1A-1N. For example, the electrical conductors connected to power terminal 2 can have a cross section of up to 16 mm ² and the electrical conductors that can be connected to terminals 1A - 1N can have a cross section of up to 4 mm ² . The circuit diagram of the feed terminal 2 is the circuit diagram of the previously in figure 3 shown feed terminal 2. The circuit diagram shows that the second bridge element 9B is used to distribute the potential from the feed terminal 2 to the terminals 1A - 1N. For the distribution of the potential in the terminals 1A - 1N, the first multi-pole jumper 9A is shown as a cross distributor with one pole each. The circuit diagram for terminal 1A refers to that shown in Figs Figures 1A and 1B terminal 1A shown. As shown, the second contact 7B on the first separating element 5A is designed in two parts for the possibility of connecting two lines separately from one another to the second contact 7B.

The circuit diagram for terminal 1N refers to that shown in Figs Figures 2A and 2B terminal 1A shown. As shown, the second contact 7AB is integrally formed on the first isolator 5A to connect a wire to the second contact 7AB.

the Figures 5A - 5D 12 show schematic views of a clamp 1 according to an embodiment with the separating elements 5A, 5B in different positions.

In the Figure 5A the first separating element 5A and the second separating element 5B are shown in the contact position. In the Figure 5B the first separating element 5A is shown in the disconnected position and the second separating element 5B is shown in the contact position. In the Figure 5C the first separating element 5A is shown in the contact position and the second separating element 5B in the disconnected position. In the Figure 5D the first separating element 5A and the second separating element 5B are shown in the separating position.

the Figures 6A - 6D 12 show schematic views of clamps 1A, 1N according to an embodiment with bridge elements 9A, 9B.

As already in figure 3 has been shown, the first bridge element 9A is designed as a transverse distributor, each with one pole for distributing the potential into the terminals 1A, 1N and for connecting the respective feed elements 3. The second bridge element 9B shown can be used to distribute the potential from the feed terminal (not shown) to the terminals 1A, 1N. For this purpose, the second bridge element 9B is introduced with one pole into one of the two adjacent bridge shafts of the terminal 1A.

the Figures 6A and 6B show views with the bridge elements 9A, 9B before plugging into the feed elements 3 and Figures 6C and 6D show views with the bridge elements 9A, 9B after insertion into the feed elements 3.

Reference List

1A - 1N

clamp

2

feed terminal

3

feed element

5A

first separator

5B

second separator

7AA

first contact on first separator

7AB

second contact on first separator

7BA

first contact on second separator

7BB

second contact on second separator

9A, 9B

bridge element

11

terminal box

13

Profile support rail

Claims (14)

Terminal for electrical conductors for potential distribution, comprising: a feeding element (3) for feeding an electric potential; two separating elements (5A, 5B) each having at least two contacts (7AA, 7BA, 7AB, 7BB), with at least one respective first contact (7AA, 7BA) of the separating elements (5A, 5B) being electrically connected to the feed element (3). and the isolating elements (5A, 5B) are adapted to be switchable independently of one another between a contact position in which the respective isolating element (5A, 5B) makes the first contact (7AA, 7BA), which is electrically connected to the feed element, with a respective electrically connecting the second contact (7AB, 7BB) to each other, and a disconnecting position in which the respective disconnecting element (5A, 5B) electrically isolates the respective first contact (7AA, 7BA) from the respective second contact (7AB, 7BB); and a terminal case (11) for accommodating the feeder (3) and the separators (5A, 5B), the feeder (3) being disposed on the terminal case (11) between the separators (5A, 5B). Terminal according to Claim 1, characterized in that the feed element (3) is designed at least in regions as at least one bridge shaft and is adapted to be electrically connected to a bridge element (9A, 9B) for feeding in the potential from an adjacent terminal. Terminal according to Claim 2, characterized in that the feed element (3) is designed as an at least two-part bridge shaft and is adapted to be electrically connected to at least two feed bridges, in particular to a box jumper and/or a central feed. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feeding element (3) is arranged on one side of the terminal together with the second contacts (7AB, 7BB). Terminal according to Claim 4, characterized in that the feed element (3) is arranged centrally, in particular as a central feed, between the second contacts (7AB, 7BB). Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed element (3) is designed as a clamping contact or screw contact for connection to at least one contact of a multi-pole bridge element (9A, 9B). Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective second contact (7AB, 7BB) is designed as a screw, tension spring, push-in, quick and/or bolt connection contact. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the separating elements (5A, 5B) comprises a mechanically movable separating means (5A, 5B), in particular a separating knife, and/or a fuse holder, for connecting and electrically isolating the respective first contact (7AA, 7BA) and the respective second contact (7AB, 7BB). Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the separating elements (5A, 5B) comprises a contact, in particular a plug-in contact, for electrical connection to a safety plug. A clip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clip housing (11) has a connection structure adapted for attaching a lever type fuse holder to at least one of the separators (5A, 5B). Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal housing (11) is adapted for rail mounting, in particular to be fastenable on a profiled support rail (13). Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second contact (7AB, 7BB) of at least one of the separating elements (5A, 5B) is designed in two or more parts for the connection of two or more electrical conductors. Potential distribution system for electrical conductors for distributing potentials, having: a feed terminal (2) for connecting an electrical potential; at least one clamp according to any one of the preceding claims; and a multi-pole bridge element (9A, 9B), at least one contact of the multi-pole bridge element (9A, 9B) being electrically connectable to the feed contact of the feed terminal (2) and a further contact of the multi-pole bridge element (9A, 9B) to the feed terminal (2) is electrically connectable for distributing the potential. Potential distribution system according to Claim 13, characterized by a large number of terminals according to one of Claims 1 to 12, the respective feed elements (3) of the terminals being designed as at least two-part bridge shafts; and
at least two multi-pole bridge elements (9A, 9B), which are each designed as jumping comb bridges and can be arranged in the feed elements (3) of the terminals in order to distribute an alternating potential to adjacent terminals.

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