WO2020229240A1

WO2020229240A1 - Test adapter with lockout for a disconnect terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2020229240A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/062487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Kirsch
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2020-05-06
Publication date: 2020-11-19
Also published as: DE212020000622U1; DE102019112243A1; DE102019112243B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a test adapter (1; 1') for testing an electrical connection, comprising a body (10) comprising a plug-in portion (100), on which an electrical test contact (11) is arranged and which can be plugged into a test shaft (20) along a plug-in axis (S), and a connecting portion (101), to which a testing device (3) can be connected, and the test adapter further comprises at least one projection (12, 13) protruding laterally from the body (10) relative to the plug-in axis (S).

Description

TEST ADAPTER WITH SWITCHING INTERLOCK FOR AN DISCONNECTING TERMINAL

The invention relates to a test adapter for testing an electrical connection according to claim 1 and a test arrangement with a test adapter according to claims 9 and 12.

Often it is necessary to check an electrical connection, in a simple case e.g. the correct connection of one or more electrical conductors. For this purpose, electrical terminals, in particular series terminals, are regularly equipped with test shafts into which a test adapter can be inserted in order to make electrical contact with an electrical conductor accessible in the test shaft. The test adapter is electrically connected or can be connected to a test device. The test device can then e.g. determine an electrical voltage between this electrical conductor and another electrical conductor or carry out similar or more complex test tasks.

DE 197 48 640 C1 describes a measuring isolating terminal arrangement for the operation of current transformers, which comprises a device for protecting against incorrect operation.

DE 93 15 474 U1 describes an electrical terminal with a

Busbar connection which has a contact body which is slidably guided in the terminal and contacts the busbar mechanically and electrically in its advanced position, the contact body being lockable in both its advanced and retracted position by means of a locking insert made of insulating material.

DE 10 2008 014176 B4 discloses a terminal block with a cutting knife.

The object of the present invention is to simplify the testing of electrical connections.

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

Accordingly, a test adapter for testing an electrical connection is provided which has a body which forms an insertion section and a connection section. An electrical test contact for electrically contacting an electrical conductor is arranged on the plug-in section. The insertion section is along a Plug-in axle can be inserted into a test shaft, for example an electrical terminal. A test device can be connected to the connection section. Furthermore, the test adapter comprises at least one projection which protrudes laterally from the body of the test adapter with respect to the plug-in axis.

In addition to the function of making electrical contact with an electrical conductor in the test shaft, such a test adapter can perform an additional function which can significantly simplify the testing of electrical connections.

The projection is designed, for example, for locking with a disconnector of an isolating terminal. For this purpose, the projection can have a latching section which forms an edge for latching. The additional function can thus consist of locking a disconnector in a certain position with respect to the disconnect terminal. An additional element for blocking the disconnector, e.g. a lockout mechanism, not necessary. This can reduce the number of parts required for an inspection process. In addition, increased security against inadvertent displacement of the disconnector during the testing process can be prevented, since the test adapter itself can provide locking and an additional element does not have to be used.

In particular, the projection provides a shift lock. The test adapter itself is thus set up to block a switching process and therefore fulfills a double function.

Optionally, the projection is designed in the form of a nose, which enables effective locking with a small projection in relation to the overall dimensions of the test adapter. For example, the projection tapers away from the body.

In one embodiment, the projection is arranged between the electrical test contact and the connection section. This enables good ergonomics and easy interaction with the separator.

In one embodiment, the projection or at least one projection is designed in the form of a tab. Alternatively or additionally, the projection is designed to attach a label, for example in the form of a label. This can avoid confusion when using several test adapters. The attachment of a label is an additional function that the Can significantly simplify testing of electrical connections and improve the safety of the test. Optionally, the test adapter comprises both a projection for locking with a separator and a projection for attaching a label.

According to a further development, the projection, in particular the projection designed for fastening a marking, is arranged on an axial end of the test adapter. The axial end relates to the direction of the plug-in axis, which is specified by the shape of the test adapter. In this way, the marking can be attached particularly clearly.

The connection section optionally forms a socket. An electrical plug can be plugged into the socket. This enables a particularly simple connection.

According to one aspect, a test arrangement for testing an electrical connection is provided. The test arrangement comprises a test adapter according to any configuration described herein and a disconnecting terminal. For the reasons given above for the test adapter, the test arrangement enables the testing of electrical connections to be simplified.

The isolating terminal comprises, for example, an isolator which can be moved into an open position and a closed position (relative to the rest of the isolating terminal). In the open position, an electrical connection is disconnected. In the closed position, the electrical connection is closed. The separator can comprise a latching section which is designed to latch with the at least one projection of the test adapter.

The separator and the test adapter can be designed such that the separator is held in the open position when it is locked to the at least one projection of the test adapter. This means that test processes that require the electrical connection to be disconnected can be carried out safely without the need for additional components.

According to one aspect, a test arrangement for testing an electrical connection is provided, which comprises a test adapter, in particular according to any configuration described herein, and a disconnecting terminal. The isolating terminal has a test shaft into which the test adapter can be inserted, and a isolator, which is inserted into a open position and a closed position (relative to the rest of the isolating terminal) is movable. In the open position, an electrical connection is disconnected. In the closed position, the electrical connection is closed. The disconnector and the test adapter are designed to work together in such a way that the test adapter locks the disconnector in the open position when the test adapter is inserted into the test shaft.

The isolating terminal may comprise two busbars which are electrically isolated from one another when the isolator is arranged in the open position and which are electrically connected to one another when the isolator is arranged in the closed position. The busbars are e.g. each electrically connected to a terminal so that electrical connections can be cabled in a simple manner and, e.g. for test purposes, can be separated.

In one embodiment, the isolating terminal is designed as a series terminal that can be mounted on a rail. The test arrangement optionally includes a large number of isolating terminals, in particular structurally identical isolating terminals. Furthermore, the arrangement can also include the rail.

In one embodiment, the disconnect terminal is designed as a knife disconnect terminal and the disconnect is designed as a disconnect knife. This enables safe and resilient electrical connections.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

1A and 1B are views of a test arrangement with a test adapter with a

Projection and a disconnect terminal and a test device;

1C shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 1A, the test device not being shown; and

2A and 2B are views of a test arrangement with a test adapter with two

Protrusions and a disconnect terminal.

1A to 1C show a test arrangement A for testing electrical connections. The test arrangement A comprises a test adapter 1 and a disconnecting terminal 2. In the example according to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the test arrangement A further comprises a test device 3 and a rail 4 in the form of a support rail.

The isolating terminal 2 comprises a housing 24. The housing comprises or consists of an insulating material, e.g. a plastic. The housing 24 is mountable on the rail 4, e.g. snap-on, and mounted thereon as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. The rail 4 is e.g. Can be mounted or mounted in a control cabinet.

Two busbars 22A, 22B are attached to the housing 24. A first busbar 22A extends from a connection 23A to a fork 220. A second busbar extends from a further connection 23B to a further fork 220. In each of the connections 22A, 22B an electrical conductor, e.g. a wire, insertable and thus electrically connectable to the respective busbar 22A, 22B.

The two forks 220 are spaced apart. In order to connect the two busbars 22A, 22B electrically to one another or to separate them from one another, the disconnecting terminal 2 comprises a disconnector 21. The disconnecter 21 is designed as a disconnecting knife and includes an electrically conductive knife 212.

The separator 21 is pivotably mounted on the housing 24. The separator 21 can be pivoted from an open position in which the knife 212 is not in contact with the forks 220, to a closed position in which the knife 212 touches both forks 220 and thus electrically connects them to one another, and vice versa. 1A to 1C show the separator 21 in the open position. An arrow in Fig. 1C indicates the movement of the separator 21 from the open position to the closed position.

The separator comprises an actuating section 213, on which the separator 21 can be pivoted about its pivot axis 21 1 manually and / or by means of a tool in order to move it from the open position to the closed position or vice versa.

If the isolator 21 is arranged in the closed position, the two connections 23A, 23B are thus connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner. If the isolator 21 is arranged in the open position, then the two connections 23A, 23B are electrically isolated, that is to say isolated from one another. The test adapter 1 is elongated with a longitudinal axis and comprises a body 10 with an insertion section 100 and a connection section 101. The plug-in axis S and the longitudinal axis run essentially parallel. At the end on the insertion section 100 which is axial with respect to the longitudinal axis, the test adapter 1 has a test contact 11. In the present case, the test contact 11 is designed in the form of a test probe. The test contact 11 makes electrical contact with the first busbar 22A when the test adapter 1 is inserted into the test shaft 20. The test adapter 1 thus serves as a plug. The test shaft 20 serves as a socket. Optional locking means lock the test adapter 1 in this inserted position.

The connection section 101 comprises a socket (see in particular FIG. 1 B). The socket and / or a contact arranged in the socket is / are electrically connected to the test contact.

The outside of the connection section 101 is corrugated in order to facilitate manual insertion and removal into and out of the test shaft 20.

If the test adapter 1 is plugged into the test shaft 20, then a test process can be initiated by means of the test device 3. In the example shown, the test device 3 is connected to the test adapter 1 by means of a cable and a plug 30. For this purpose, the plug 30 is plugged into the socket of the connection section 101 and makes electrical contact with it or with the contact arranged therein. For example, the test adapter 1 and the test device 3 can be used to test whether a voltage is present on the first busbar 22A in order to check whether an electrical connection is correctly established up to the first busbar 22A.

During some test processes and / or measurements, the isolator 21 must be arranged and remain in the open position. So that the isolator 21 is not accidentally moved from the open position to the closed position, the test adapter is provided with a latching element. In the example shown, the latching element is designed in the form of a projection 12. In relation to the plug-in axis S (as well as the longitudinal axis of the test adapter 1), the projection 12 projects laterally from the body 10 of the test adapter 1. In both directions along the plug axis S, the projection 12 protrudes from adjacent areas of the test adapter 1. In the example shown, the projection 12 has an essentially triangular shape. The projection 12 has specifically the shape of a nose. The projection 12 comprises a latching section 120 which has a concave contour. In the present case, the latching section comprises an edge.

The separator 21 has a latching section 210 which is designed to latch with the latching section 120 of the test adapter 1. This condition is shown in Figs. 1A-1C. The projection 12 of the test adapter 1 inserted into the test shaft prevents the isolator 21 from being pivoted into the closed position, in particular during a test process. The test adapter 1 (specifically the projection 12 of the test adapter 1) thus serves as a switching lock. The test adapter 1 is designed to prevent a disconnection blade contact (of the disconnector 21) from closing. The test adapter 1 thus fulfills a double function. The use of an additional locking element is possible, but not necessary.

The projection 12 has a through opening 121. This is the lead

12 elastically deformable in such a way that it enables the separator 21 to engage securely and comfortably.

The projection 12 is arranged between the test contact 11 and the connection section 101. In the present case, the projection 12 is arranged on a transition region which connects the plug-in section 100 to the connection section 101.

The projection 12 can be formed in one piece with the connection section 101 and / or the insertion section 100 (with the exception of the internal electrical conductors), in particular made of an insulating material, e.g. a plastic.

2A and 2B show a test arrangement A 'with the isolating terminal 2 according to FIGS. 1A to 1C and a test adapter T. The test adapter T corresponds to the test adapter 1 according to FIGS. 1A to 1C, with the difference that the test adapter T. has a further projection 13 according to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

This further projection 13 also protrudes laterally from the body 10 of the test adapter T with respect to the plug-in axis S. The further projection is designed in such a way that an identification K can be attached to it. In the present case, the identification K is designed in the form of an information or designation plate and on the further projection

13 attached. The further projection 13 is designed in the form of a tab. A hole 130 is provided on the bracket, specifically a through hole 130. The identifier K can be attached to this in a simple manner. The further projection 13 is arranged on one end of the test adapter T which is axial (with respect to the plug-in axis S and the longitudinal axis). In the present case, the further projection 13 is arranged on the end of the test adapter T facing away from the test contact 11. The projection 12 and the further projection 13 are arranged offset from one another in the axial direction (in the longitudinal direction). On the body 10 of the test adapter 1 ', the projection 12 and the further projection 13 are arranged on opposite sides. The further projection 13 is arranged on the side of the test adapter T facing away from the separator 21 (in relation to a state inserted into the test shaft 20). This enables particularly good visibility of the identification K. Depending on the installation direction, however, an arrangement of both projections 12, 13 on the same side of the test adapter T can also be provided.

The further projection 13 can be formed in one piece with the connection section 101 and / or the insertion section 100.

The test arrangement A; A 'according to FIGS. 1A to 1C and according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, several isolating terminals 2 and / or several test adapters 1; T include. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2B by dashed lines. The isolating terminal 2 is a series terminal in the present case. For example, the isolating terminal 2 can be used in or connected to a current transformer measuring circuit for generating or distributing energy.

List of reference symbols

1, r test adapter

10 bodies

100 plug-in section 101 connection section 1 1 test contact

12 projection (nose) 120 latching section 121 opening

13 Protrusion (tab) 130 Hole

2 disconnect terminal

20 test shaft

21 dividers

210 locking section

21 1 swivel axis

212 knives

213 operating section

22A, 22 B busbar 220 fork

23A, 23B connector

24 housing

3 test device

30 plugs

4 rail

A; A ‘test setup

K marking

5 thru axle

Claims

1. Test adapter (1; T) for testing an electrical connection, comprising a body (10) with an insertion section (100) on which an electrical test contact

(11) and which can be inserted into a test shaft (20) along a plug-in axis (S), and a connection section (101) to which a test device (3) can be connected, further comprising at least one with respect to the plug-in axis (S ) laterally from the body (10) protruding projection (12, 13).

2. test adapter (1; 1 ‘) according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection

(12) is designed to latch with a disconnector (21) of a disconnect terminal (2) and has a latching section (210) for this purpose.

3. test adapter (1; T) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projection (12) provides a shift lock.

4. Test adapter (1; T) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (12) is designed in the form of a nose.

5. Test adapter (1; T) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (12) is arranged between the electrical test contact (11) and the connection section (101).

6. Test adapter (T) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection (13) is designed in the form of a tab for attaching a label (K).

7. test adapter (1 ‘) according to claim 6, characterized in that the projection (13) is arranged at one axial end of the test adapter (T).

8. test adapter (1; T) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection section (101) forms a socket.

9. Test arrangement (A; A ') for testing an electrical connection, comprising: a test adapter (1; T) according to one of the preceding claims and an isolating terminal (2).

10. Test arrangement (A; A ') according to claim 9, characterized in that the isolating terminal (2) comprises a separator (21) which can be moved into an open position which separates an electrical connection and a closed position which closes the electrical connection wherein the separator (21) comprises a latching section (210) which is designed to latch with the at least one projection (12) of the test adapter (1; T).

11. Test arrangement (A; A ') according to claim 10, characterized in that the separator (21) and the test adapter (1; T) are designed so that the separator (21) is held in the open position when it is with the at least one projection (12) of the test adapter (1; T) is locked.

12. Test arrangement (A; A ') for testing an electrical connection, comprising: a test adapter (1; T), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, and a disconnecting terminal (2) with a test shaft (20) in which the Test adapter (1; T) can be plugged in, and with a separator (21), which can be moved into an open position that separates an electrical connection and a closed position that closes the electrical connection, the separator (21) and the test adapter (1 ; T) are designed to cooperate in such a way that the test adapter (1; T) locks the isolator (21) in the open position when the test adapter (1; T) is inserted into the test shaft (20).

13. Test arrangement (A; A ') according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the isolating terminal (2) comprises two busbars (22A, 22B) which are electrically isolated from one another when the isolator (21) is in the open Position is arranged, and which are electrically connected to each other when the isolator (21) is arranged in the closed position.

14. Test arrangement (A; A ') according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the isolating terminal (2) is designed as a series terminal which can be mounted on a rail (4), the test arrangement (A; A') having a plurality of Includes disconnecting terminals (2).

15. Test arrangement (A; A ‘) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the disconnect terminal (2) is designed as a knife disconnect terminal and the disconnector (21) as a disconnect knife.