EP4131297A1 - Slide-in summation current transformer, fault current circuit breaker and method of assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to the invention for a residual current circuit breaker (1, 1') formed from several individual modules (2, 3) has a magnetic core (102, 102 ') through whose opening at least two rigid primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are passed. Each of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, ) has a first end (111, 121, 131, 141, 111', 121') and a second end (112, 122, 132, 142, 112', 122 ') for making contact with a respective connection element (26) of the module (2, 3) uniquely assigned to the respective primary conductor (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120'). Furthermore, the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') has guide contours (108, 108') which allow the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') to be inserted along an insertion direction (R1) in a manner extending over the plurality of modules (2, 3) of the fault current circuit breaker (1, 1') extending, laterally open installation space (16), with the ends (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122 ') the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are arranged after insertion in the immediate vicinity of the connection elements (26) assigned to them. This significantly simplifies the installation of the summation current transformer.

Description

The invention relates to a plug-in summation current transformer for a residual current circuit breaker formed from several modules, for example an FI/LS or RCBO. Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular residual current circuit breaker with such a plug-in summation current transformer and an assembly method for such a residual current circuit breaker.

Electromechanical protective switching devices - for example circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers and arcing or fire protection switches - are used to monitor and protect an electrical circuit and are used in particular as switching and safety elements in electrical energy supply and distribution networks. To monitor and protect the electrical circuit, the protective switching device is electrically conductively connected to an electrical line of the circuit to be monitored via two or more connection terminals in order to interrupt the electrical current in the respective monitored line if necessary. For this purpose, the protective switching device has at least one switching contact which can be opened when a predefined state occurs—for example when a short circuit or a fault current is detected—in order to separate the monitored circuit from the electrical mains. Such protective switching devices are also known as modular installation devices in the field of low-voltage technology.

Circuit breakers are specially designed for high currents. A circuit breaker (so-called LS switch), which is also known as a "miniature circuit breaker" (MCB), represents a so-called overcurrent protection device in electrical installations and is used in particular in the area of the low-voltage grids. Circuit breakers and miniature circuit breakers guarantee safe shutdown in the event of a short circuit and protect consumers and systems from overload, for example from damage to the electrical lines due to excessive heating as a result of an excessive electrical current. They are designed to automatically switch off a circuit to be monitored in the event of a short circuit or if an overload occurs and thus to separate it from the rest of the line network. Circuit breakers and miniature circuit breakers are therefore used in particular as switching and safety elements for monitoring and protecting an electrical circuit in electrical power supply networks. Miniature circuit breakers are from the publications DE 10 2015 217 704 A1 , EP 2 980 822 A1 , DE 10 2015 213 375 A1 , DE 10 2013 211 539 A1 or EP 2 685 482 B1 known in principle.

To interrupt a single phase line, a single-pole circuit breaker is usually used, which usually has a width of one pitch unit (corresponds to approx. 18mm). For three-phase connections (as an alternative to three single-pole switching devices), three-pole miniature circuit breakers are used, which accordingly have a width of three modular widths (corresponds to approx. 54mm). A pole, i.e. a switching point, is assigned to each of the three phase conductors. If the neutral conductor is to be interrupted in addition to the three phase conductors, this is referred to as a four-pole device, which has four switching points: three for the three phase conductors and one for the shared neutral conductor.

In addition, there are compact miniature circuit breakers which, with a housing width of just one pitch unit, provide two switching contacts for one connecting cable each, i.e. either for two phase cables (compact miniature circuit breakers of type 1+1) or for a phase cable and the neutral conductor (compact miniature circuit breaker of type 1+N). .

Compact protective switching devices of this type with a slim design are known, for example, from publications DE 10 2004 034 859 A1 , EP 1 191 562 B1 or EP 1 473 750 A1 known in principle.

A residual current circuit breaker is a protective device to ensure protection against a dangerous residual current in an electrical system. Such a fault current - which is also referred to as differential current - occurs when a live part of the line has an electrical contact to earth. This is the case, for example, when a person touches a live part of an electrical installation: in this case, the current flows as a fault current through the person's body towards earth. To protect against such body currents, the fault current circuit breaker must quickly and safely disconnect all poles of the electrical system from the mains when such a fault current occurs. In general usage, instead of the term "residual current circuit breaker", the terms FI circuit breaker (short: FI switch), residual current circuit breaker (short: DI switch) or RCD (for "Residual Current Protective Device") are used equivalently.

In the case of residual current circuit breakers, a distinction is also made between mains voltage-dependent and mains voltage-independent device types: while mains-voltage-dependent residual current circuit breakers have control electronics with a trigger that is dependent on an auxiliary or mains voltage to fulfill their function, mains-voltage-independent residual current circuit breakers do not need an auxiliary or mains voltage to implement the tripping function, but instead have an electronic control system To implement mains-voltage-independent tripping, they usually have a slightly larger summation current transformer, which means that a larger induction current can be generated in the secondary winding.

In addition, there are also device designs in which the functionality of a residual current circuit breaker is combined with the functionality of a miniature circuit breaker: such combined protective switching devices are referred to in German as FI/LS or in English-speaking countries as RCBO (for residual current operated circuit breaker with overcurrent protection). . Compared to separate residual current circuit breakers and miniature circuit breakers, these combination devices have the advantage that each circuit has its own residual current circuit breaker: Normally, a single residual current circuit breaker is used for several circuits. If there is a residual current, all of the protected circuits are switched off as a result. By using RCBOs, only the affected circuit is switched off.

To detect such a fault or differential current, the size of the current in a line leading to an electrical load, for example a phase line, is compared with the size of the current in a line leading back from the electrical load, for example a neutral conductor, using a so-called summation current transformer . This has a ring-shaped magnetic core through which the primary conductors (return electrical lines) are passed. The magnetic core itself is wrapped with a secondary conductor or a secondary winding. In the fault-free state, the sum of the electrical currents flowing to the consumer is equal to the sum of the electrical currents flowing back from the consumer. If the currents are added vectorially, ie directional or signed, it follows that the signed sum of the electric currents in the outgoing and return lines in the fault-free state is equal to zero: no induction current is induced in the secondary conductor. In contrast to this, in the case of a fault or differential current that flows to earth, the sum of the electrical currents flowing in or out, which is recorded in the summation current transformer, is not equal to zero. The ones there Any current difference that occurs leads to a voltage proportional to the current difference being induced in the secondary winding, as a result of which a secondary current flows in the secondary winding. This secondary current serves as a residual current signal and, when a predetermined value is exceeded, triggers the protective switching device and as a result—by opening the at least one switching contact of the protective switching device—the correspondingly secured circuit is switched off.

Especially with multi-pole residual current circuit breakers - whether as a pure residual current circuit breaker or as a combined device design such as FI/LS or RCBO - the comparatively thick primary conductors must be threaded manually through the ring-shaped magnetic core when installing the summation current transformer. In the case of compact protective or measuring devices in particular, which only have a small installation space, such an assembly is comparatively complex and must be carried out by hand.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a plug-in total current circuit breaker for a residual current circuit breaker formed from several individual modules, a modular residual current circuit breaker with such a plug-in total current circuit breaker and an assembly method for such a residual current circuit breaker, which are characterized by simplified assembly.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the plug-in summation current transformer for a residual current circuit breaker formed from several individual modules, the modular residual current circuit breaker with such a plug-in summation current transformer and the assembly method for such a residual current circuit breaker according to the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The plug-in summation current transformer according to the invention for a residual current circuit breaker formed from several individual modules has a magnetic core which is accommodated and held in a housing and through the opening of which at least two rigid primary conductors are passed. Each of the primary conductors has a first end and a second end for making contact with a respective connection element of the module that is uniquely assigned to the respective primary conductor. Furthermore, the plug-in summation current transformer has at least one guide contour that allows the plug-in summation current transformer to be inserted along a direction of insertion into an installation space that is open at the side and extends over the multiple modules of the residual current circuit breaker, with the ends of the primary conductors moving to a predefined position after insertion occupy the connection elements assigned to them.

The use of the plug-in summation current transformer according to the invention has the advantage that the rigid primary conductors are passed through the magnet core before the summation current transformer is installed in the residual current circuit breaker—and thus outside the residual current circuit breaker housing. The magnetic core can be tubular or ring-shaped. If it is wound from strip material, it is called a toroidal strip core. Furthermore, the magnet core can be accommodated and held in its own protective cover.

The term "rigid" is to be understood here as meaning that the primary conductors have an inherent stability, so that they retain their shape. In particular, the first and second ends of the primary conductors, which are contacted with a respective connection element of the residual current circuit breaker in a later assembly step, each have a predefined Position - adjacent to the associated connection element - on.

The number of primary conductors to be passed through the magnetic core corresponds to the number of individual modules of the residual current circuit breaker, with each module of the residual current circuit breaker being clearly assigned one of the primary conductors: in the case of a two-pole residual current circuit breaker formed from two modules, there are accordingly two primary conductors - one for contacting a neutral conductor , another for contacting a phase conductor - to be provided. In the case of a three-pole fault current circuit breaker formed from three modules, three primary conductors must be provided - one for contacting the neutral conductor, two more for contacting each phase conductor. In the case of a four-pole residual current circuit breaker formed from four modules, there are four primary conductors: one for contacting the neutral conductor, three others for contacting each phase conductor.

The guide contours are formed on the housing of the plug-in summation current transformer and serve to facilitate the insertion of the plug-in summation current transformer in an insertion direction into an installation space that is open at the side and extends over the several modules of the residual current circuit breaker. In particular, they serve to prevent the first and second ends of the primary conductors from colliding with the connection elements of the residual current circuit breaker that protrude into the installation space during insertion in the insertion direction. The guide contours can be webs, lugs or stop surfaces formed on the housing, for example, which enable a predefined spatial positioning of the plug-in summation current transformer during the plug-in movement.

In an advantageous development of the plug-in summation current transformer, each of the primary conductors is at least twice through the opening of the magnetic core. This means that each primary conductor must be routed back at least once on the outside of the summation current transformer. Due to the resulting higher number of turns in the primary conductor, a higher secondary current can be realized on the secondary side of the plug-in summation current transformer.

In a further advantageous development of the plug-in summation current transformer, the first and the second end of each primary conductor are oriented opposite to one another transversely to the direction of insertion. Due to the opposite orientation of the first and second end of each primary conductor, a certain distance between the ends of the primary conductor can be realized, so that errors in contacting—touching, incorrect contacting, etc.—can be effectively avoided. A module of the residual current circuit breaker is clearly assigned to each primary conductor. The two ends of a primary conductor are thus located “at the same height” in the direction of insertion, so that, after being inserted, they are positioned within the module assigned to them and adjacent to the connection element assigned to them.

In a further advantageous development of the plug-in summation current transformer, the first ends of the primary conductors are arranged one behind the other in the plug-in direction. The second ends of the primary conductors are also arranged one behind the other in the insertion direction. By arranging the first ends of the primary conductors and the second ends of the primary conductors one behind the other in a row, collisions of the primary conductor ends with components of the residual current circuit breaker projecting into the installation space can be avoided.

In a further advantageous development of the plug-in summation current transformer, the housing has a plurality of guide webs on its outside for guiding the primary conductors. With the help of the guide webs, the primary conductors are wound of the magnetic core is held in a predefined position. The external dimensions of the plug-in summation current transformer can thus be reliably maintained, which is advantageous because of the cramped space conditions within the installation space, in order not to exceed the maximum space available there.

In a further advantageous development of the plug-in summation current transformer, the ends of the primary conductors are spaced downwards from the housing. This ensures better accessibility to the primary conductor ends, which is particularly advantageous for the subsequent joining process (welding, soldering). This means that the energy input when joining the primary conductor ends can also be kept low and the risk of damage to the plug-in summation current transformer - in particular the magnetic core - can be reduced.

In a further advantageous development, the plug-in summation current transformer has an essentially cuboid outer contour. In this way, a compact design can be realized, with the cuboid outer contour corresponding to the essentially cuboid installation space of the residual current circuit breaker.

The modular residual current circuit breaker according to the invention has a first module designed as an MCB module, in which a current path for contacting a phase conductor is arranged, which has a switching contact and a switching mechanism with a magnetic and a thermal tripping system for interrupting the switching contact. Furthermore, the residual current circuit breaker has a second module designed as an RCD module, in which a current path for contacting a neutral conductor is arranged. In this case, both modules have an insulating material housing with a front side, a fastening side arranged opposite the front side, and with the front side and the fastening side connecting narrow and broad sides and are arranged next to each other. The insulating housings each have a slide-in opening that extends from one broad side to the other, so that when the MCB module is combined with the RCD module, a cross-module installation space is formed in which a cross-module plug-in summation current transformer of the type described above is accommodated and held .

The residual current circuit breaker according to the invention is a combined device design in which the functionality of a pure residual current circuit breaker is combined with the functionality of a circuit breaker: in German, such combination protective switching devices are referred to as FI/LS (fault current/line protection), in English-speaking countries it is the term RCBO (residual current operated circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) is used for this.

The term "modular" means that the residual current circuit breaker is made up of two individual modules - MCB module and RCD module. Both modules are structurally stable, closed modules, each with its own insulating housing, each with a slide-in opening, which after the assembly of the two modules - broad side to broad side - form a cross-module installation space for accommodating and installing the plug-in summation current transformer. Inside, the two modules each have a primary conductor current path - in the case of the RCD module for the neutral conductor, in the case of the MCB module for a phase conductor. The assemblies and components required to implement the functionality of the respective module - each with a switching contact, switching and tripping mechanism (with the MCB module for short circuit and thermal overload, with the RCD module for residual current), quenching device for arc quenching, etc. - Are arranged in the respective module, ie added and held.

The installation space is off-centre between the two narrow sides, i.e. shifted towards one of the two narrow sides, and is accessible from the outside via the two broad sides of each module. After the two modules have been assembled (broad side to broad side), the two outer broad sides can be closed using suitable locking elements such as covers or flaps. The off-centre arrangement has the advantage that in this area of the modules forming the residual current circuit breaker there is free installation space which can be used for arranging a large-volume assembly such as the plug-in summation current transformer. In this way, the modules - and thus the residual current circuit breaker - can be kept compact, so that each module has a width of only one pitch unit, which corresponds to about 18mm. Accordingly, the residual current circuit breaker has a width of one pitch unit per module—that is, two pitch units in the case of a two-pole device formed from two modules.

In an advantageous development, the modular residual current circuit breaker has at least one further module, which is designed as an MCB module and is arranged next to the first module. By adding additional MCB modules, three-pole (one additional MCB module) or four-pole (two additional MCB modules) FI/LS or RCBO devices can be easily implemented. Only the summation current transformer to be inserted in the common, cross-module installation space has to be modified accordingly, ie an additional primary conductor must be provided for each additional module. The individual modules are arranged broadside to broadside next to each other and are fastened to one another with the aid of suitable connecting means, for example clamps, rivets or snap connections.

1. a) Befestigen zumindest eines MCB-Moduls an einem RCD-Modul, so dass ein modulübergreifender Einbauraum gebildet ist;
2. b) Einschieben eines gemäß der vorstehend beschriebenen Art gebildeten Einschub-Summenstromwandlers in den Einbauraum in einer Einschubrichtung (R1);
3. c) Herstellen von Fügeverbindungen zwischen den ersten bzw. zweiten Enden der Primärleiter und einem dem jeweiligen Primärleiterende eindeutig zugeordneten Anschlusselement des jeweiligen Moduls.

auf. Durch das erfindungsgemäße Montageverfahren für einen modular aufgebauten Fehlerstromschutzschalter kann der Montageaufwand deutlich reduziert werden, insbesondere weil die Primärleiter nicht mehr innerhalb des Gehäuses des Fehlerstromschutzschalters manuell durch die Öffnung des Summenstromwandlers hindurchgefädelt werden müssen, sondern außerhalb des Gehäuses vormontiert werden können. Damit können die Schritte b) "Einschieben in den Einbauraum" und c) "Herstellen einer Fügeverbindung" zumindest teilweise automatisiert ausgeführt werden. Beim Fügen werden die zu fügenden Bauteile / Fügeteile - hier die Enden der Primärleiter mit dem jeweils zugeordneten Anschlusselement - dauerhaft verbunden, wobei die Fügeverbindung formschlüssig, kraftschlüssig oder stoffschlüssig ausgeführt sein kann.The assembly method according to the invention for a modular residual current circuit breaker of the type described above has the steps

1. a) attaching at least one MCB module to an RCD module, so that a module-overlapping installation space is formed;
2. b) inserting a plug-in summation current transformer formed according to the type described above into the installation space in an insertion direction (R1);
3. c) Production of joints between the first and second ends of the primary conductors and a connection element of the respective module that is clearly assigned to the respective end of the primary conductor.

on. The assembly method according to the invention for a modular residual current circuit breaker can significantly reduce the assembly effort, in particular because the primary conductors no longer have to be threaded manually through the opening of the summation current transformer inside the housing of the residual current circuit breaker, but can be preassembled outside of the housing. In this way, steps b) “inserting into the installation space” and c) “creating a joint connection” can be carried out at least partially automatically. When joining, the components/joining parts to be joined - here the ends of the primary conductors with the respective associated connection element - are permanently connected, with the joint connection being able to be designed as a positive, non-positive or material connection.

In an advantageous development, the assembly method has the additional step
b1) moving the plug-in summation current transformer in a direction of engagement (R2) oriented transversely to the direction of insertion, the additional step b1) being carried out before the “production of joints”. In this way, the ends of the primary conductors are brought into the immediate vicinity of the respective connection element only after the summation current transformer has been pushed into the installation space, so that they can then be connected in a simple manner. This reliably avoids collisions during insertion.

In a further advantageous development of the assembly method, step c) "creating joint connections" takes place thermally by soldering or welding. With the help of these thermal joining methods of soldering and welding, a strong, sometimes also highly heat-resistant, and secure joint can be realized between the primary conductor ends and the connection element assigned to them.

Exemplary embodiments of the plug-in summation current transformer according to the invention, the modular residual current circuit breaker according to the invention and the assembly method according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. In the figures are:

characters

1 and 2

schematic representations of the modular residual current circuit breaker according to the invention;

figure 3

a first embodiment of the plug-in summation current transformer according to the invention;

Figures 4 and 5

schematic side views of the to figure 3 corresponding residual current circuit breaker in different assembly states;

figure 6

another embodiment of the plug-in summation current transformer according to the invention;

figure 7

another embodiment of a too figure 6 corresponding modular residual current circuit breaker according to the invention;

figure 8

a schematic representation of the assembly method according to the invention.

In the various figures of the drawing, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numbers. The description applies to all drawing figures in which the corresponding part can also be seen.

In the figures 1 and 2 the basic structure of the modular residual current circuit breaker 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in two different views. The four-pole residual current circuit breaker 1 designed as an FI/LS or RCBO is made up of four individual modules, an RCD module 2 (shown on the right in Figure 1a) and three MCB modules 3, each of which has an independent, mechanically stable insulating housing 10.

The insulating material housings 10 are each designed in a narrow design and have a width B of one pitch unit (1HP, corresponding to approx. 18mm), the envelope surfaces defining the external dimensions being formed by a front side 11, a fastening side 12 arranged opposite the front side 11, and the front and the fastening side 11, 12 connecting narrow sides 13 and broad sides 14 are formed. Around Narrow sides are each accommodated and held in the respective insulating housing 10 of the respective module with screw terminals 19 for making contact with mains or load-side connecting conductors (not shown). For manual actuation, each of the modules 2, 3 has an actuating element 23 arranged in the area of its front side 11. A joint actuation of the individual actuation elements 23 is realized by means of a connecting element 24 coupling the individual actuation elements 23 .

As a rule, insulating material housings 10 in a narrow design have two half-shells, which are joined together at the end of the assembly of the low-voltage protective switching device 1 by means of suitable connecting means, for example rivets or snap-in connections, forming a circumferential joining line. Each half-shell includes one of the broad sides 14 and parts (entirely or completely) of the front, fastening and narrow sides 11, 12, 13.

In the broad sides 14 of each of the insulating-material housings 10, an insertion opening is formed, which extends orthogonally to the broad sides 14 from one broad side 14 to the other, as a result of which an installation space 16 is formed. Electrical connection elements 26 of the respective module 2 , 3 protrude laterally into the installation space 16 . By assembling the individual modules 2, 3 to form a multi-pole device, here the four-pole FI/LS or RCBO, the installation spaces 16 form a cross-module installation space 16 in which a large-volume assembly, for example a plug-in summation current transformer 100 (see figure 3 ), arranged, ie can be picked up and held. The installation space 16 is eccentric, ie shifted towards one of the narrow sides 13 , is placed in the insulating housing 10 and is accessible via each of the two broad sides 14 . To protect against environmental influences such as dust or moisture, the insertion openings can be closed by means of suitable closure elements, for example a cover 25.

In figure 3 a first exemplary embodiment of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 according to the invention is shown schematically in a perspective view. This has an annular or tubular magnet core 102 which is accommodated and held in a housing 101 of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 . Since it is a summation current transformer for the figures 1 and 2 known, four-pole residual current circuit breaker of the type FI / LS or RCBO is, four primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 are passed through the opening of the magnetic core. Each of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 has a first end 111, 121, 131, 141 and a second end 112, 122, 132, 142. The first and second ends of each primary conductor 110, 120, 130, 140 are oriented opposite one another transversely to an insertion direction R1, ie the ends each point outwards transversely to the insertion direction, with the first ends 111, 121, 131, 141 and the second ends 112, 122, 132, 142 each form a row extending in the direction of insertion.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 into the installation space 16 and to avoid collisions of the first and second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 with the To avoid connecting elements 26 protruding in the installation space 16, the plug-in summation current transformer 100 has guide contours 108, which, when the plug-in summation current transformer 100 is pushed into the installation space 16, on corresponding contact surfaces 17 formed there (see Figures 4 and 5 ) slide along. In this way, a defined relative movement of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 relative to the residual current circuit breaker 1 can be implemented, which effectively prevents the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 from colliding with the connection elements 26.

To a better magnetic induction of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 - and thus a higher current flow in the Secondary winding - to achieve, each of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 passed twice through the magnetic core 102 - and fed back accordingly on the outside of the housing 101. In order to keep the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 in a predefined position on the outside of the housing 101, the plug-in summation current transformer 100 has a plurality of guide webs 109, through which the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 are guided at a distance from one another.

In the Figures 4 and 5 is the one from the figures 1 and 2 known residual current circuit breaker 1 with the mounted therein from figure 3 known plug-in summation current transformer 100 in two side views, which show different assembly states, shown schematically. figure 4 shows the residual current circuit breaker 1 with the plug-in summation current transformer 100 inserted into the installation space 16 immediately at the end of the insertion movement in the insertion direction R1. In figure 5 the plug-in summation current transformer 100 is offset in a second direction, the insertion direction R2, which is from the fastening side 12 to the front side 11 - and thus transversely to the insertion direction R1 - so that the first and second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 are located directly in the area of the connection element 26 assigned to them.

In the in the Figures 4 and 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting elements 26 have U-shaped receptacles for the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, which are used to mechanically secure the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142: if the first and second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 are located directly in the area of the U-shaped receptacle of the connecting element 26 assigned to them, see above the U-shaped receptacles can be pressed together using a tool suitable for this purpose, which initially creates a mechanically stable connection between the respective primary conductor end and the end associated with it Connection element 26 is realized. In order to achieve a highly conductive electrical connection, this connection can then be joined thermally, for example by soldering, hard soldering or welding.

In order to enable better access to the connection elements 26, the insulating material housings 10 of the individual modules 2, 3 have closable assembly openings (not shown) on their fastening side 12, which enable access to the installation space and are arranged directly below the connection elements 26. In this way, the mechanical and/or thermal joining connection can be carried out using standard tools from the fastening side 12 .

In the representations of Figures 4 and 5 are also the two contact surfaces 17, which guide the plug-in summation current transformer 100 during its plug-in movement in the direction of engagement R2 and thereby prevent the first and second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 of the primary conductor 110, 120, 130, 140 collide with the connection elements 26 during the insertion movement in direction R1, clearly visible.

The primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140 are initially routed downwards in the center below the housing 101 of the plug-in summation current transformer 100 before the first and second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 to the outside are angled. This results in a free space between the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142 and the housing 101, which is defined by the spacing and into which the connection elements 26 protrude during the insertion movement of the insertable summation current transformer 100. without colliding with the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142.

In the figures 6 and 7 is an alternative exemplary embodiment of a plug-in summation current transformer 100' according to the invention and an alternative modular corresponding thereto constructed residual current circuit breaker 1 'shown schematically. figure 6 shows the alternative plug-in summation current transformer 100', which for a two-pole residual current circuit breaker 1' (see figure 7 ) is provided and therefore has only two primary conductors 110', 120', which in turn are passed twice through the magnetic core 102'. In contrast to that in the Figures 1 to 5 illustrated first embodiment, the magnetic core 102 'is now erected, so that the primary conductor 110', 120' from top to bottom - ie passed from the front side 11 to the attachment side 12 through the opening of the magnetic core 102 '. The first and second ends 111', 112', 121', 122' of the two primary conductors 110' and 120' are in turn angled outwards, so that between the primary conductor ends 111', 112', 121', 122' and the Housing 101' of the two-pole plug-in summation current transformer 100' results in a free space defined by the distance from the magnetic core 102', into which the connecting elements 26 protrude without the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141 , 142 to collide.

the inside figure 7 The two-pole residual current circuit breaker 1' shown in a side view accordingly has only two modules - an RCD module 2 and an MCB module 3 (see figures 1 and 2 ) - which structurally each of the modules 2, 3 of the Figures 1 to 5 correspond to the illustrated and described modules 2, 3 and each have an independent, structurally mechanically stable insulating material housing 10. This design makes it possible to combine modular protective switching devices, for example two-, three- or four-pole residual current circuit breakers 1, 1', with cross-module assemblies such as the plug-in summation current transformer 100, 100', with the respective plug-in summation current transformer 100, 100' is specially adapted to the modular conditions of the respective residual current circuit breaker 1, 1'.

In the following, the assembly method according to the invention for a modular residual current circuit breaker 1, 1' of the type described above is illustrated in FIG figure 8 briefly explained:
In a first step S1, at least one MCB module 3 is attached to an RCD module 2, so that a residual current circuit breaker 1, 1′ with an installation space 16 covering all modules is formed. If only one MCB module 3 is used, a two-pole residual current circuit breaker 1' is created, and if three MCB modules are installed, a four-pole residual current circuit breaker 1 results.

In a second step S2, plug-in summation current transformers 100, 100' suitable for the respective residual current circuit breaker 1, 1' are inserted in an insertion direction R1 into the multi-module installation space 16. The first ends 111, 121, 131, 141, 111', 121' and the second ends 112, 122, 132, 142, 112', 122' of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120' positioned adjacent to the connection element 26 assigned to them.

Finally, in a third step S3, joints are made between the first ends or second ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122' of the primary conductors 110, 120, 130 , 140, 110', 120' and the connection element 26 of the respective module 2, 3 which is clearly assigned to the respective primary conductor end 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122' manufactured. This means that the respective joining partners are firmly connected to one another. The joint can be mechanical, for example by clamping or crimping, and also thermal, for example by soldering, brazing or welding. Combinations of the different joining methods are also possible.

Are the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122' after the second step, the insertion of the plug-in summation current transformer 100, 100' in the insertion direction R1 into the cross-module installation space 16 is not yet in the immediate vicinity of the associated connection elements 26, an additional step S2a is required before joining (step S3), in which the insertable summation current transformer 100, 100' is inserted in an insertion direction R2 oriented transversely to the insertion direction is moved until the primary conductor ends 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122' are in the immediate vicinity of the connection element 26 assigned to them.

The assembly sequence is independent of whether it is a two-pole, three-pole or four-pole residual current circuit breaker 1, 1'.

Reference list:

1, 1'

earth leakage circuit breaker

2

RCD module

3

MCB module

10

insulating housing

11

front

12

mounting side

13

narrow side

14

broadside

16

installation space

17

contact surface

19

screw terminal

23

actuator

24

fastener

25

Lid

26

connection element

100, 100'

summation current transformer

101, 101'

Housing

102, 102'

magnetic core

108, 108'

guide contour

109, 109'

guide bar

110, 110'

primary conductor

111, 111'

first end

112, 112'

second end

120, 120'

primary conductor

121, 121'

first end

122, 122'

second end

130

primary conductor

131

first end

132

second end

140

primary conductor

141

first end

142

second end

R1

insertion direction

R2

indentation direction

S1

first step

S2

second step

S2a

extra step

S3

Third step

Claims (12)

Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') for a residual current circuit breaker (1, 1') formed from several modules (2, 3), - having a housing (101, 101') in which a magnetic core (102, 102') is accommodated and held, through the opening of which at least two rigid primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are passed , - wherein each of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') has a first end (111, 121, 131, 141, 111', 121') and a second end (112, 122, 132, 142 , 112', 122') for making contact with a respective connection element (26) of the module (2, 3) uniquely assigned to the respective primary conductor (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120'), - wherein the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') has at least one guide contour (108, 108') which guides a slide-in unit of the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') along an insertion direction (R1) into one over the plurality of modules (2, 3) of the residual current circuit breaker (1, 1') and open to the side, allowing the ends of the primary conductors (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112' , 121′, 122′) assume a predefined position relative to the connection elements (26) assigned to them after insertion. Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to claim 1, wherein each of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') is routed at least twice through the opening of the magnet core (102, 102'). Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims,
the first and second ends (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122') of each Primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are oriented opposite to one another transversely to the direction of insertion (R1). Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first ends (111, 121, 131, 141, 111', 121') of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are arranged one behind the other in the insertion direction (R1) and the second ends ( 112, 122, 132, 142, 112', 122') of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are arranged one behind the other in the insertion direction (R1). Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims,
the housing (101, 101') having a plurality of guide webs (109, 109') on its outside for guiding the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120'). Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims,
the ends (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122') of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') are arranged at a distance below from the housing (101, 101'). Plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') has an essentially cuboid outer contour. Modular RCD (1, 1'), - With a trained as an MCB module first module (3), in which a current path for contacting a phase conductor is arranged, which has a switching contact and a switching mechanism with a magnetic and a thermal release system for interrupting the switching contact, - with a second module (2) designed as an RCD module, in which a current path for contacting a neutral conductor is arranged, - wherein both modules have an insulating material housing (10) with a front side (11), a fastening side (12) arranged opposite the front side (11), and with narrow and broad sides (13) connecting the front and fastening sides (11, 12), 14) and are arranged next to each other, - The insulating material housing (10) each having an insertion opening extending from one broad side (14) to the other, whereby a module-spanning installation space (16) is formed when the MCB module (3) is combined with the RCD module (2). , In which a cross-module, according to one of claims 1 to 7 formed plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100 ') is received and held. Modular residual current circuit breaker (1, 1') according to Claim 8, having at least one further module (3) which is designed as an MCB module and is arranged next to the first module (3). Assembly method for a modular residual current circuit breaker (1, 1') according to one of claims 8 or 9, with the steps: a) attaching at least one MCB module (3) to an RCD module (2), so that a module-spanning installation space (16) is formed; b) inserting a plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') formed according to one of claims 1 to 7 into the installation space (16) in an insertion direction (R1); c) producing joints between the first and second ends (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122') of the primary conductors (110, 120, 130, 140, 110', 120') and a connection element (26) of the respective primary conductor end (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 111', 112', 121', 122') which is clearly assigned module (2, 3). The assembly method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:
b1) moving the plug-in summation current transformer (100, 100') in an engagement direction (R2) oriented transversely to the insertion direction (R1),
wherein the additional step b1) is carried out before the "production of joints". Assembly method according to one of Claims 10 or 11, in which step c) "production of joint connections" takes place thermally by soldering or welding.

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