WO2007053871A1

WO2007053871A1 - Switchgear

Info

Publication number: WO2007053871A1
Application number: PCT/AT2006/000461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ernst Hammermayer; Johannes Grillmayer
Original assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbH
Priority date: 2005-11-10
Filing date: 2006-11-09
Publication date: 2007-05-18
Also published as: EP1949500A1; BRPI0618514A2; PL1949500T3; AT504454A1; ATE486391T1; EP1949500B1; CN101305498B; CN101305498A; SI1949500T1; IL190855A; DE502006008198D1; ES2355293T3; HK1123635A1; IL190855A0

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

switchgear

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

Terminal conductor, preferably with a rectangular cross-section, in particular a contact of a busbar.

Switchgear have terminals for connecting electrical conductors. These

Clamps include clamping screws for adjusting the clamping area and securing the

Connection in the terminal 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

Wiring of switching devices by means of so-called busbars 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, in the case of a switching device, the

Terminal clamp screw is not tightened, as pulling on an otherwise tightly bolted bus bar will check for contact pressure on each

Switching device is disabled. This can lead to impairments of the power supply or to

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 shading, especially without tools such as screwdrivers.

According to the invention this is achieved in that the terminal at least one

Spring, for applying a force acting in the direction of a closed position of the clamping area contact pressure comprises.

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. This is a quick and straightforward

Installation in particular of switching devices, which are arranged on a busbar possible. 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, in a switching device in which the terminal comprises a clamping element fixed in the switching device and a substantially rectangular box, wherein the clamping element between a first box portion and a second box portion of the box is arranged, and wherein the clamping portion of the first Box region and a first clamping element side 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 may consist in that the clamping element is designed as a substantially rectangular frame, and the second box portion is disposed between a first frame portion comprising the first and second clamping element sides and a second frame portion 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. This can also be an already as Screw terminal existing terminal can be used, with the advantages already described, such as the use of identical housings or injection molds, and up to the spring identical terminals. This increases flexibility and reduces manufacturing and warehousing costs.

In a further embodiment of the invention can in a switching device with a housing with

Clamping openings and Klemmschrauböffnungen, be provided that in the

Klemmschrauböffnung a closure piece, preferably comprising insulating material is arranged. This makes the use of enclosures possible, which are suitable for use with

Screw terminals are provided, whereby the unauthorized access to the terminals can be prevented.

In a further development of the invention can be provided that the closure piece a

Having Klemmöffhungsfortsatz which partially fills the Klemmöffhung. 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.

Another possible embodiment may be that the second frame portion has at least one recess. Such a recess may already be present at a, also usable as a screw terminal, terminal, and for a

Interaction with the closure piece can be used.

In this connection, it can be provided in Weiterfuhrung 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 area is opened a certain range, whereby the insertion of a

Connection conductor is significantly simplified, and the necessary pressures are reduced.

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 shows a first embodiment of a terminal for a erfmdungsgemäßes

Switchgear;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a terminal for an inventive

Switchgear; 3 shows the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with two busbars;

Fig. 4 shows the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with connection conductors in the

Terminal areas;

Figure 5 shows a part of a switching device according to the invention with a second embodiment of a terminal in a partially sectioned view.

Fig. 6 shows a part of a switching device according to the invention with a first embodiment of a

Terminal in partially cut representation;

7 shows a part of a switching device according to the invention in plan view;

Fig. 8 shows a part of a switching device of FIG. 7 in side elevation in partially sectioned

Presentation;

9 shows a switching device according to FIG. 7 in elevation; FIG.

Fig. 10 shows a switching device of FIG. 7 in axonometric illustration with lifted upper

Half case;

11 shows the upper housing half of a switching device according to FIG. 10; and

Fig. 12 shows two axonometric views of a closure piece.

FIGS. 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 area 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

Terminal 2 at least one spring 7, for applying one in the direction of a

Closed position of the clamping portion 3 acting contact pressure includes.

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. This is a quick and straightforward

Installation in particular of switching devices 1, which are arranged on a mounting rail possible.

Switching devices 1 according to the invention may be any type of switching device 1.

Preference is given to circuit breakers, in particular residual current circuit breakers and / or

Circuit breaker 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 shown by way of example in FIG. 3, have connection conductors 4 at a predetermined spacing, the distances being selected such that they correspond to the spacing of the clamping openings 20 or clamping areas 3 of switching devices 1 arranged next to one another, so that a predefinable number arranged side by side switching devices 1 can be connected quickly and easily. The connecting conductors 4 of the busbars 6 generally have a substantially rectangular cross-section and can be chamfered or chamfered in the region for insertion into the connecting 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 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 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 of FIG. 1, and the second preferred embodiment of a terminal 2, 27 of FIG. 2 have as a basis conventional screw terminals, which are also known under the designations Käfigzugklemme or Liftklemme. 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 clamping tunnel , 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 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, but especially FIGS. 5 and 8, 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 particular, in order to continue to be able to use already existing housing 19, which are provided for Schraubanschlussklemmen in switching devices 1 according to the invention, in which switching devices 1 with housings 19 which Klemmschrauböffhungen 21, and Klemmöffhungen 20, in particular additional Klemmöffhungen 20 for clamping so-called. be provided that in the Klemmschrauböffnung 21 a closure piece 22, preferably comprising insulating material, is arranged. As a result, the same housing 19 can be used as before, without the risk of unauthorized access by a no longer necessary Klemmschrauböffnung 21. As a result, significant costs can be saved because no new injection mold for a new housing 19 is necessary.

5 to 8 show switching devices 1 with a preferred embodiment of a closure piece 22. FIGS. 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 22. Fig. 12 shows two axonometric representations of the preferred embodiment of the closure piece 22. It may preferably be provided that the closure piece 22 is formed such that it by the non-existent clamping screw free space or space is able to fill.

In particular, it may be provided that the closure piece 22 has a Klemmöffhungsfortsatz 23 which fills the clamping opening 20 partially. 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 Klemmöffhungsfortsatz 23, whereby the safety of a relevant electrical system over a long time can be ensured even under difficult environmental conditions. By providing a closure piece 22 which has a Klemmöffnungsfortsatz 23 together with a connecting terminal 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. Further embodiments according to the invention have only a part of the features described, wherein each feature combination, in particular also of various described embodiments, can be provided.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1. 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 region (3) for receiving at least one connecting conductor (4), preferably with a rectangular cross section, in particular a contact (5) a busbar (6), characterized in that 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).

2. Switching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (7) is designed as a helical spring (8).

3. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a connecting conductor free clamping region (3) is at least partially open.

4. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting terminal (2) in the switching device (1) fixed clamping element (9) and a substantially rectangular box (10), wherein the clamping element (9) between a first box area (11) and a second box area (12) of the box (10) is arranged, and wherein the clamping area (3) from the first box portion (11) and a first clamping element side (13) is limited, characterized in that the spring ( 7) between the second box portion (12) and one, the first clamping element side (13) arranged opposite, second clamping element side (14) is arranged.

5. Switching device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the region of the first box portion (11), the clamping region (3) facing away from, lobes (15) on the box (10) is arranged, in particular integrally formed.

6. Switching device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the clamping element (9) as a substantially rectangular frame (16) is formed ^" , 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.

7. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a housing (19) with Klemmöffhungen (20) and Klemmschrauböffiiungen (21), characterized in that in the Klemmschrauböffnung (21) a closure piece (22), preferably comprising insulating material , is arranged.

8. Switching device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the closure piece (22) has a clamping opening extension (23), which fills the Klemmöffhung (20) partially.

9. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the second frame region (18) has at least one recess (24).

10. Switching device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure piece (22) has a clamping extension (25) which passes through the recess (24) on the, at least in the region of the clamping extension (25) recess-free, second box area (25). 12) presses, wherein the clamping area (3) is pressed.