ARRANGEMENT OF DISCONNECTING TERMINALS WITH PLUG UNIT AND METHOD FOR SHORT-CIRCUITING SUCH ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement of isolating terminals with a plug-in unit according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for short-circuiting such an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 2.

[0002] Such isolating terminals are used in various applications.

[0003] DE 10 2008 014 176 B4 describes a series terminal block and also a sectionalizer with a isolating blade for pivotable arrangement in a terminal housing of the series terminal block, with a terminal housing, wherein a busbar consisting of two sections and two conductor connection elements for connecting one conductor each to a section of the busbar are arranged in the terminal housing, wherein the two sections are connected to one another in a first position of the isolating blade and separated from one another in a second position of the isolating blade. The isolating blade is partially surrounded by an insulating housing. The sectionalizer can be operated not only with the aid of a screwdriver, which is inserted into an actuating shaft of the insulating housing for this purpose, but also with the aid of a switch connection which has two legs and a handle section connecting the legs.This allows two longitudinal isolators of two terminal blocks arranged next to each other to be operated simultaneously, for which purpose one leg is inserted into the actuation shaft of each longitudinal isolator.

[0004] DE 10 2008 057 754 B4 describes a structural unit comprising at least two isolating terminals arranged next to one another and at least two connecting plugs connected to one another, wherein the isolating terminals each have a terminal housing, a busbar consisting of two sections, two conductor connection points for connecting one conductor each to one of the sections of the busbar and a isolating blade pivotably mounted in the terminal housing, wherein the two sections are connected to one another via the isolating blade in a first position of the isolating blade and are separated from one another in a second position of the isolating blade, and wherein the connecting plugs each have a plug housing, at least one conductor connection element arranged therein and a plug contact electrically connected to the conductor connection element.In each case at least one of the conductor connection points of the isolating terminals is designed as a plug-in location electrically connected to one of the sections of the busbar, so that in each case one of the connecting plugs can be plugged onto the terminal housing with its plug-in contact, and the connecting plugs each have a contact element which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor connection element and which is arranged and designed in such a way that the contact elements of two connecting plugs contact one another when the connecting plugs are not plugged onto the isolating terminals, while the contact elements are separated from one another by a side wall of one of the isolating terminals when the connecting plugs are plugged onto the isolating terminals.

[0005] The well-known isolating terminals have proven themselves to be effective.

[0006] However, it is desirable to further develop these isolating terminals, creating greater functionality with increased safety, a compact design and a low number of components.

[0007] Solving this problem is the object of the invention. The invention solves this problem through the subject matter of claim 1.

[0008] An arrangement according to the invention consists of at least two isolating terminals with at least one plug-in unit having a plug-in section and a connection section, wherein the at least two isolating terminals have a first connection section, a second connection section and an intermediate switching section with switching contacts, wherein by means of the switching contacts the first connection section is electrically conductively connected to the second connection section in a first switching position and the first connection section is separated from the second connection section in a second switching position, wherein the plug-in unit is pluggably connected via its plug-in section to the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals, wherein the plug-in unit has a switching unit which short-circuits connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit.The at least one plug-in unit with its short-circuit function and contact sections of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals, which are short-circuited in the second switching position of the at least two isolating terminals, are arranged one behind the other.

[0009] In this way, an advantageous "OR circuit" of at least two units in series that can provide a short circuit is possible.

[0010] It is also advantageous that the arrangement can also comprise multiple plug-in units, i.e., more than one plug-in unit, which can be plugged into multiple isolating terminals. Furthermore, it is also possible to use multiple arrangements of plug-in units and isolating terminals in series.

[0011] A method according to the invention for short-circuiting an arrangement of at least two isolating terminals with at least one plug-in unit having a plug-in section and a connection section, wherein the at least two isolating terminals have a first connection section, a second connection section and a switching section located therebetween, wherein the plug-in unit has a switching unit which short-circuits connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit, comprises the method steps (VS1) providing at least one plug-in unit and at least two isolating terminals in an operating state, wherein the plug-in unit is plugged into the isolating terminals in a first plug-in position, wherein the second connection section of the isolating terminals is electrically conductively connected to the plug-in section of the plug-in unit, wherein external connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit are galvanically isolated from one another;(VS2) establishing a short circuit in the isolating terminals, wherein the isolating terminals are in a first switching position and the plug-in unit remains in its first plug-in position in the isolating terminals;and establishing a second switching position of the isolating terminals, wherein when passing through an intermediate switching position of the isolating terminals, a leading short circuit short-circuits the isolating terminals, and (VS3) isolating the arrangement by pulling the plug-in unit out of the isolating terminals, wherein a short circuit of the external connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit is generated when the plug-in unit is pulled out of the isolating terminals in a third plug-in position and the arrangement is separated, wherein in an intermediate plug-in position in which the plug-in unit has not yet been completely pulled out of the isolating terminals, a leading short circuit in the plug-in unit already short-circuits the external connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit in a leading manner, while the contact section of the plug-in unit is still conductively connected to the connection unit of the isolating terminals.;

[0012] In a further embodiment, the switching unit of the plug-in unit pre-shorts the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit, and the contact sections of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals are pre-shorted in one or more intermediate switching positions in the second switching position of the at least two isolating terminals. This is advantageous because it shorts the terminals before they are disconnected.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the switching unit of the plug-in unit short-circuits the connections of the connection section of the plug-in unit and contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit when the plug-in unit assumes a plug-in position or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit are electrically separated from the contact sections of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the switching unit of the plug-in unit has a switching contact that short-circuits the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit and the contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit. This enables a compact design.

[0015] Another embodiment provides for the switching unit of the plug-in unit to have at least two switching contacts, which are connected in series when they short-circuit the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit and the contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit. Advantageously, only two switching contacts are required for this. A compact design is also possible.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the switching unit of the plug-in unit short-circuits the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit when the plug-in unit assumes a plug-in position or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit are electrically separated from the contact sections of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals.

[0017] The switching unit of the plug-in unit can have at least two switching contacts, which, when connected in parallel and electrically connected with a bridge connector, short-circuit the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit or the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit and the contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit. The parallel connection advantageously allows for low contact resistances. In the case of a switching unit with more than two contact sections and more than two isolating terminals, correspondingly more switching contacts are provided.

[0018] Yet another embodiment provides that the switching unit of the plug-in unit has at least two switching contacts which, when connected in parallel in an electrically conductive connection with a bridge connector, short-circuit the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit and interrupt a respective electrically conductive connection between the contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit and the terminals of the connection section of the plug-in unit when the plug-in unit assumes a plug-in position or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit are electrically separated from the contact sections of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals. This is advantageous because the contact sections of the plug-in section of the plug-in unit are separated when the plug-in unit is removed.

[0019] It is advantageous if the switching unit of the plug-in unit interacts with an actuator which is a component of the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals, since in this way a compact design can be achieved.

[0020] In one embodiment, the actuator can be designed as a wall in the second connection section of the at least two isolating terminals. This is advantageous because it results in a space-saving design.

[0021] Alternatively, the actuator can be designed as an insert or an insert part, which allows easy adaptation to different applications.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the at least one plug-in unit can have at least two plug-in elements. This allows for advantageously simple adaptation to different applications.

[0023] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, by omitting method step (VS3), a short circuit is created only in the isolating terminals. This advantageously expands the application possibilities of the arrangement.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the method, by omitting process step VS2, a short circuit can be created only in the plug-in unit. This is advantageous because it opens up additional application possibilities.

[0025] A further embodiment provides for two short circuits to be created during the process steps (VS2 and VS3), with a first short circuit being created in the isolating terminals and then a second short circuit in the plug-in unit. This also enables a beneficial expansion of the application area.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

[0027] The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1-12 schematic perspective views of a first embodiment of an inventive arrangement of isolating terminals with a plug-in unit with associated circuit diagrams; Fig. 13-24 schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of an inventive arrangement of isolating terminals with a plug-in unit with associated circuit diagrams; Fig. 25 a schematic circuit diagram of a variation of the second embodiment according to Fig. 13-24; and Fig. 26-28 schematic partial sectional views of the second embodiment with a plug-in unit, Fig. 29-36 schematic views of arrangements according to the invention in different variations, and Fig. 37 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0028] The terms "top", "bottom", "left", "right" refer to the respective arrangement of the components in the figures.

[0029] In Fig. 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 and 11 are schematic perspective views of a first embodiment of an arrangement 20 according to the invention of isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" with a plug-in unit 14. A respective associated circuit diagram of the arrangement 20 is shown in Fig. 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 shown.

[0030] The arrangement 20 comprises at least two isolating terminals 1, 1' and a plug-in unit 14 with at least two plug-in elements 15, 15'. In the first embodiment shown, the arrangement 20 includes three isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and the plug-in unit 14 with three plug-in elements 15, 15', 15".

[0031] The Figures 1 , 3 and 5 show different switching positions A, B, C of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", whereby different plug-in positions D, E, F of the plug-in unit 14 in the Figures 7 , 9 and 11 The switching positions A, B, C and the plug-in positions D, E, F are described in detail below.

[0032] To distinguish the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", the plug-in elements 15, 15', 15" and other parts / elements / sections etc., the reference symbols of the relevant parts / elements / sections in the figures are each marked with an apostrophe and a double apostrophe.

[0033] Such isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are also referred to as series-connectable isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", series isolating terminals, transformer isolating terminals or measuring transformer isolating terminals.

[0034] The isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" comprises a housing with a first connection section 2, a second connection section 3 and a switching section 4 located therebetween.

[0035] In the first connection section 2, clamping sections (not described in detail) are arranged for connecting electrically conductive lines (not shown). Each first clamping section is connected to a respective first conductor rail 5, 5', 5", which extends into the switching section 4 via a connecting section (not designated) and terminates in a contact section 6, 6', 6", which may, for example, be fork-shaped.

[0036] In contrast to the first connection section 2, the second connection section 3 opposite it is designed as a plug-in receptacle for the plug-in unit 14. This plug-in receptacle has, for each isolating terminal 1, 1', 1", a contact section 25, 25', 25" in the form of a pin, which is formed on the end of a second conductor rail 7, 7', 7". The contact section 25 is in the Figures 26 , 27 and 28clearly visible and bent upwards at a right angle to the conductor rail 7, 7', 7". The other end of the conductor rail 7, 7', 7" has a contact section 8, 8', 8" similar to the contact section 6, 6', 6" of the first conductor rail 5, 5', 5" and also extends from the other side into the switching section 4.

[0037] The contact sections 6, 6', 6" and 8, 8', 8" of the conductor rails 5, 5', 5" and 7, 7', 7" are operatively connected to a switching contact 9, 9', 9" of a respective switching device, only indicated here, in the switching section 4. This operative connection is different in the switching positions A, B, C, as explained below.

[0038] Each switching device comprises the switching contact 9, 9', 9" in conjunction with a switching lever 10. The switching lever 10 can be designed as a common actuator for the switching contacts 9, 9', 9". It is also possible for individual actuators of the switching contacts 9, 9', 9" to be actuated jointly by means of a connector.

[0039] The switching device with the switching contacts 9, 9', 9" and the switching lever 10 is a so-called bistable switching device, wherein the first switching position A and the second switching position C are stable end positions. However, the switching position B is not a stable position, i.e. it is passed through during each switching operation and is therefore referred to as the intermediate switching position B. In this intermediate switching position B, the contact position of the respective switching contacts 9, 9', 9" is different from the contact positions in the first switching position A and in the second switching position B, as will be described below.

[0040] In this way, the switching contacts 9, 9', 9" of the switching section 4 can be adjusted by means of the switching lever 10 from the first switching position A via the intermediate switching position B to the second switching position C and back. During adjustment, the switching lever 10 pivots with the switching contacts 9, 9', 9" about a pivot axis 9a. The pivot axis 9a here runs perpendicular to undesignated side surfaces of the housing of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1".

[0041] In the first switching position A, which is also referred to as the connection position, the switching device connects the respective two contact sections 6, 6', 6"; 8, 8', 8" and thus the first conductor rail 5 and the second conductor rail 7 in an electrically conductive manner, so that the first connection section 2 is electrically connected to the second connection section 3. This switching position A of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" is in Fig. 1 and in the corresponding circuit diagram of the Fig. 2 shown.

[0042] The plug-in unit 14 has a plug-in section 16, a connection section 17 and a switching unit 18.

[0043] In the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit, for each plug-in element 15, 15', 15", there is arranged a respective contact section 26, 26', 26" - here tulip-shaped - for pluggable connection with the associated pin-shaped contact section 25, 25', 25" of the second connection section 3 of each isolating terminal 1, 1', 1". This is shown in the Figures 26 , 27 and 28 clearly visible.

[0044] The contact sections 26, 26', 26" are each electrically connected without interruption to, for example, a terminal section of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14. The connection section 17 has connections L1, L2, L3 for connecting connecting conductors not shown.

[0045] The plug-in unit 14 is in the Fig. 1shown plug-in receptacle of the connection section 3 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" is inserted in a plug-in direction H (in the positive direction) and is located in the plugged-in plug-in position D. In this plug-in position D, the contact sections 25, 25', 25" of the second contact section 3 of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" are electrically connected to the contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14. This is referred to as plug-in position D in the Fig. 26 shown in a sectional view.

[0046] In this first exemplary embodiment, the switching unit 18 of the plug-in unit 14 comprises a first switching contact 18a and a second switching contact 18'a. These switching contacts 18a, 18'a, together with a respective actuator 21, 21', form a bistable switching unit 18 with a stable open contact position in the first plug-in position D and a stable closed contact position in the second plug-in position F. The plug-in position E, like the intermediate switching position B, is not a stable position but is passed through as an intermediate plug-in position E.

[0047] The actuators 21, 21' are formed here by longitudinal walls of the connection section 3. These longitudinal walls are, for example, the longitudinal side walls of the middle isolating terminal 1' in the area of ​​the connection section 3.

[0048] The function of the switching contacts 18a and 18'a is explained below in connection with the Figures 8-12 explained in more detail.

[0049] In Fig. 3 the switching device of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" with the switching lever 10 is in the intermediate switching position B. This is a kind of "snapshot".

[0050] In the intermediate switching position B, the switching device not only connects the respective two contact sections 6, 6', 6"; 8, 8', 8", ie the first conductor rail 5, 5', 5" and the second conductor rail 7, 7', 7", but these are also each connected in advance with a further contact section 13, 13', 13". The further contact sections 13, 13', 13" are, as shown in the associated circuit diagram of the Fig. 4is shown, electrically connected to a bridge connector 11 via a respective connection 12, 12', 12". In this way, the first conductor rails 5, 5', 5" and the second conductor rails 7, 7', 7" are short-circuited to one another in advance in the intermediate switching position B. As a result, the connections of the connection sections 2 and 3 are also all short-circuited in the intermediate switching position B.

[0051] The connections 12, 12', 12" are not shown, but with the help of the circuit diagram of the Fig. 4 This is easy to imagine. The bridge connector 11 can, for example, be inserted from above into the designated receptacles in the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", whereby the connections 12, 12', 12" are electrically connected to the contact sections 13, 13', 13".

[0052] The plug-in unit 14 is still in the Fig. 3shown plug-in receptacle of the connection section 3 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and is in the plugged-in position D, whereby the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a of the switching unit 18 are still open.

[0053] In the second switching position C, which is also called the disconnected position and in Fig. 5 As shown, the electrically conductive connection of the two conductor rails 5 and 7 is canceled or separated, since the switching contact 9, 9', 9" is open with respect to the switching section 6, 6', 6" of the first conductor rail 5, 5', 5".

[0054] However, in the second switching position C, the switching contact 9, 9', 9" continues to connect the contact sections 8, 8', 8" of the conductor rails 7, 7', 7" with the contact sections 13, 13', 13" and the connections 12, 12', 12" of the bridge connector 11. Thus, the conductor rails 7, 7', 7" continue to be short-circuited via the bridge connector 11.

[0055] The plug-in unit 14 is still in the Fig. 5 shown plug-in receptacle of the connection section 3 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and is in the plugged-in position D, whereby the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a of the switching unit 18 are still open.

[0056] This is shown in the corresponding circuit diagram of the Fig. 6 shown.

[0057] The Figures 7 , 9 and 11 show the arrangement 20 with the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" in the first switching position A in the connection position, with the plug-in unit 14 in Fig. 7 in the first plug position D, in Fig. 9 in the intermediate plug position E and in Fig. 11 is in the second plug position F.

[0058] In the first plug-in position D, the plug-in unit 14 is fully inserted into the plug-in receptacle of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1". The switching contacts 18a, 18'a of the switching unit 18 are opened by means of the respective actuator 21, 21'.

[0059] The first switching contact 18a is connected to the connection between the first contact section 26 and the terminal L1 of the connection section 17 and forms an open first switch with a contact section 19' at the connection between the first contact section 26' and the terminal L2 of the connection section 17 in this first plug-in position D of the plug-in unit 14.

[0060] The second switching contact 18'a is connected to the connection between the second contact section 26' and the terminal L2 of the connection section 17 and forms an open second switch with a contact section 19" at the connection between the third contact section 26" and the terminal L3 of the connection section 17 in this first plug-in position D of the plug-in unit 14.

[0061] The switching contacts 18a and 18'a are biased towards the respective associated contact section 19, 19'. This is shown in the circuit diagram of the Fig. 8 indicated by a spring symbol. The preload can be realized by a spring and / or by a spring-loaded switching contact 18a, 18'a.

[0062] Fig. 9 represents the arrangement 20 with the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" in the first switching position A and with the plug-in unit 14 in the intermediate plug-in position E.

[0063] The plug-in unit 14 is pulled out in the negative plug-in direction H from the plug-in receptacle in the connection section 3 of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" into the intermediate plug-in position E.

[0064] The connection between the tulip-shaped contact section 26 of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14 and the pin-shaped contact section 25 of the connection section 3 of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" is not yet broken.

[0065] The respective actuator 21, 21' (longitudinal walls, see Fig. 11 ) is disengaged from the spring-loaded switching contact 18a, which is pressed against the contact section 19' by the spring force and forms a closed first switch with the contact section 19'.

[0066] This results in the plug-in unit 14 with the three plug-in elements 15, 15', 15" as shown in the circuit diagram in Fig. 10It is shown that by means of the closed first switch consisting of the switching contact 18a and contact section 19' and by means of the other closed, second switch consisting of the switching contact 18'a and contact section 19", both the contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 and the connections L1, L2, L3 are electrically connected to one another and are thus short-circuited. When the plug-in unit 14 is pulled out, a pre-emptive short circuit of the connections L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 and the contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14 is already achieved when the intermediate plug-in position E is assumed, before the plug-in unit 14 is completely pulled out of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1".

[0067] It should be noted that the intermediate plug-in position E shown here does not remain occupied, but is an intermediate position on the way of the plug-in unit 14 from the first plug-in position D to the second plug-in position F and is thus only "passed through"

[0068] This shows Fig. 11 the plug-in unit 14 which has been completely pulled out of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" into the plug-in position F. The switching contacts 18a, 18'a of the switching unit 18 remain closed.

[0069] In contrast to the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", the plug-in unit 14 does not have a bridge connector as a short-circuit connection, but the closed switching contacts 18a, 18'a and the contact sections 19', 19" form a series circuit and thus a short-circuit connection. This is shown in the circuit diagram in Fig. 12 clearly visible

[0070] Fig. 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 , 21 and 23show schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of the arrangement 20 according to the invention of isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" with the plug-in unit 14. A respective associated circuit diagram of the arrangement 20 is shown in Fig. 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 and 24 shown.

[0071] In the Figures 26 , 27 , 28 schematic partial sectional views of the second embodiment with a plug-in unit 14 in different plug-in positions are shown.

[0072] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the switching unit 18 of the plug-in unit 14.

[0073] The description of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 11' of the first embodiment of the Figures 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 and 11therefore also applies to the isolating terminals 1, 1', 11' of the second embodiment and will therefore not be repeated here.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the switching unit 18 of the plug-in unit 14 comprises a first switching contact 18a, a second switching contact 18'a and a third switching contact 18"a.

[0075] The switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a are each inserted into the respective connection between the associated contact section 26, 26', 26" and the associated terminal L1, L2, L3.

[0076] The switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a act between the terminals L1, L2, L3 of the connecting section 17 and a respective contact section 22, 22', 22", which is each connected to the associated contact section 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16, and between the terminals L1, L2, L3 of the connecting section 17 and a respective contact section 23, 23', 23", which is connected to a common bridge connector 24.

[0077] The switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a together with an actuator 21a, 21'a, 21"a (cross walls in Fig. 23 , are in Fig. 26-28 each shown in section) a bistable switching unit 18 with a stable contact position in the first plug-in position D ,i.e. L1 / 22; L2 / 22'; L3 / 22" (closed) and L1 / 23; L2 / 23'; L3 / 23" (open). The other stable closed contact position is in both the intermediate plug-in position E and the second plug-in position F, i.e. L1 / 22; L2 / 22'; L3 / 22" open and L1 / 23; L2 / 23'; L3 / 23" closed.

[0078] In other words, in contrast to the switching unit 18 of the plug-in unit 14 of the first embodiment, in which the switching contacts 18a, 18'a are connected in series in the event of a short circuit, the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a of the switching unit 18 of the plug-in unit 14 of the second embodiment are connected in parallel in the event of a short circuit.

[0079] The switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a are each biased towards the respective associated contact section 23, 23', 23" of the bridge connector 24. This is shown in the circuit diagram, e.g. Fig. 14, indicated by a spring symbol. The preload can be realized by a spring and / or by a spring-loaded switching contact 18a, 18'a, 18"a.

[0080] The plug-in unit 14 of the second embodiment is fully inserted into the plug-in receptacle of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" in the first plug-in position D. The switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a connect the contact sections 22, 22', 22" with the associated connections L1, L2, L3. This shows Fig. 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 in the corresponding circuit diagram.

[0081] Fig. 26 shows the plug-in position D of the plug-in unit 14 in an enlarged partial sectional view. Only one plug-in element 15 and partially one isolating terminal 1 of the arrangement 20 are shown.

[0082] In the plug-in position D of the plug-in unit 14, its plug-in section 16 is inserted into the plug-in receptacle of the second connection section 3 of the isolating terminal 1. The pin-shaped contact section 25 of the second conductor rail 7 is arranged in an electrically conductive manner in the tulip-shaped contact section 26 of the plug-in unit 14.

[0083] The switching unit 18 is arranged with the switching contact 18a and the associated contact section 22 in the plug-in section 16 adjacent to the tulip-shaped contact section 26.

[0084] The switching contact 18a and the contact section 22 are separated from each other in the plug-in position D and thus form an open switch. This separation is effected by an actuator 21a, 21'a, 21"a, which here forms a transverse wall (see Fig. 23) of the connection section 3 is pushed into a guide slot 27 when inserting the plug-in unit 14 between the switching contact 18a and the contact section 22 and pushes the switching contact 18a, which is spring-loaded here, away from the contact section 22. A section of the actuator 21a, 21'a, 21"a, designed as a transverse wall, lies insulated between the switching contact 18a and the contact section 19'. The transverse wall or the actuator 21a, 21'a, 21"a (see Fig. 23 ) is firmly connected to the body of the isolating terminal 1, 1', 1" in the area of ​​the second connection section 3. This is also Fig. 23 to recognize.

[0085] The contact section 22 is conductively connected to the tulip-shaped contact section 26, as can be seen from the circuit diagram of the Fig. 20 can be seen. The contact section 22 and the contact section 26 are also connected via the switching contact 18a to the terminal L1 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14.

[0086] The plug position E is like the intermediate switching position B not a stable position, but is passed through as an intermediate plug position E. This represents Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 represents.

[0087] Here, the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a are still connected to the contact sections 22, 22', 22" and simultaneously to the contact sections 23, 23', 23" of the bridge connector 24 as leading contacts. In this way, a leading short circuit of all contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit and all connections L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 is formed.

[0088] Fig. 27 shows an enlarged partial sectional view of the plug-in unit 14 in the intermediate plug-in position E. The switching contact 18a already contacts the contact section 22, since the actuator 21a (cross-section, see also Fig. 23) is no longer located between switching contact 18a and contact section 22.

[0089] However, the tulip contact 26 is still in conductive connection with the contact section 25.

[0090] Fig. 23 shows the second plug-in position F of the plug-in unit 14 of the second embodiment, and Fig. 24 shows the corresponding circuit diagram.

[0091] As shown in the circuit diagram in Fig. 24 As shown, in the second plug-in position F, all contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit and all terminals L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 remain short-circuited as in the intermediate plug-in position E.

[0092] Fig. 28shows an enlarged partial sectional view of the plug-in unit 14 in the plug-in position F. Here, the guide slot 27 for the actuator 21a is clearly visible. The transverse wall designed as the actuator 21a runs transversely to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the isolating terminal 1 and is formed integrally with the housing of the isolating terminal 1 (see Fig. 23 ). It is also conceivable that the actuator 21a may have a different shape or may consist of an insert part (as described, for example, in the first embodiment) or of an insert part.

[0093] The Fig. 25 The circuit diagram shown shows a third embodiment.

[0094] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment only in the switching function of the switching contacts 18a, 22, 23; 18'a, 22', 23'; 18"a, 22", 23".

[0095] In the second plug-in position F in the third exemplary embodiment, when the plug-in unit 14 is completely pulled out, the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a only connect the terminals L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 via the contact sections 23, 23', 23" of the bridge connector 24. The contact sections 22, 22', 22" are no longer connected to the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a. In other words, in the third plug-in position F, the contact sections 26, 26', 26" of the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14 are no longer short-circuited, but the terminals L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 are short-circuited via the bridge connector 24.

[0096] In other words, the switching contacts 18a, 18'a, 18"a each form a changeover contact between the respective contact section 22, 22', 22" and the respective contact section 26, 26', 26".

[0097] Fig. 29-36show schematic representations of arrangements 20 according to the invention in different variations. These are only a few of the possible combinations of plug-in units 14 and isolating terminals 1, 1', 1". Further combinations are of course possible.

[0098] In Fig. 29 three isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and a plug-in unit 14 are shown schematically in a separated position, where Fig. 30 represents a connected position of plug-in unit 14 and isolating terminals 1, 1', 1". The second connection section 3 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14 are connected (electrically conductive as described above).

[0099] Fig. 31-33 show the connected positions of plug-in unit(s) 14 and isolating terminals 1, 1', 1"(-1 V< ). In Fig. 31 The plug-in unit 14 has two plug-in elements 15, 15', with three isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" being provided.

[0100] Another variation with a plug-in unit 14 with six plug-in elements 15-15 VI< shows Fig. 32 with six isolating terminals 1-1 VI< .

[0101] Finally, in Fig. 33 two plug-in units 14, each with three plug-in elements 15, 15', 15" and eight isolating terminals 1-1 VIII< are shown. The free isolating terminals 1 VI< -1 VIII< can be used for other purposes or can also be left free, e.g. for later use.

[0102] In Fig. 34 two arrangements 20-1, 20-2 are plugged and connected in series, Fig. 35 shows a variation with three arrangements 20-1 to 20-3 and Fig. 36 represents a series connection of n arrangements 20 n<.

[0103] In Fig. 37 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for short-circuiting an arrangement 20 of at least two isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" with at least one plug-in unit 14 is shown.

[0104] In a first process step VS1, plug-in unit 14 and isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are plugged together (see Fig. 1 , 2 ) is provided. This establishes an operating state of the arrangement 20. The isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are in the first switching position A and the plug-in unit 14 is in the plug-in position D, wherein the second connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" is electrically connected to the plug-in section 16 of the plug-in unit 14. The external connections L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 are galvanically isolated from one another. There is no short circuit in the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" or in the plug-in unit 14; there is continuity from the first connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", i.e. from so-called internal connections, to the external connections L1, L2, L3.

[0105] In a second method step VS2, the first switching position A of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" is adjusted to the intermediate switching position B, the plug-in position D of the plug-in unit 14 is maintained, and a short circuit in the plug-in unit 14 is not present. The continuity from the first connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" to the external connections L1, L2, L3 is still maintained.

[0106] When leaving the intermediate switching position B and entering the second switching position C, the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are then short-circuited. The continuity from the first connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" to the external connections L1, L2, L3 is no longer present. The plug-in unit 14 remains in its first plug-in position D. The external connections L1, L2, L3 are short-circuited, although there is no short circuit in the plug-in unit 14.

[0107] In an alternative of the second method step VS2, the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are in the first switching position A and the plug-in unit 14 is pulled into the intermediate plug-in position E. The continuity from the first connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" to the external connections L1, L2, L3 is still maintained. A short circuit in the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" is not present.

[0108] In a third method step VS3, the assembly is separated. The plug-in unit 14 is pulled out of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1". Upon passing through the intermediate plug-in position E, in which the plug-in unit 14 is not yet completely pulled out of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1", a leading short circuit in the plug-in unit 14 short-circuits the external connections L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14. This short circuit of the external connections L1, L2, L3 of the connection section 17 of the plug-in unit 14 continues to exist when the plug-in unit 14 is completely pulled out of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" in a third plug-in position F and the assembly 20 is separated.

[0109] The connection from the first connection section 2 of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" to the external terminals L1, L2, L3 is interrupted. The isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" remain in the first switching position A.

[0110] In a further variant of the second process step VS2, the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" are short-circuited in the second switching position C, whereby the plug-in unit 14 is pulled into the intermediate plug-in position E. The isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" remain short-circuited and the plug-in unit 14 experiences a leading short-circuit of the external connections L1, L2, L3. Thus, two short circuits, that of the isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" and the external connections L1, L2, L3, are connected in parallel.

[0111] The following table summarizes the functions and connection states of plug-in unit 14 and isolating terminals 1, 1', 1" in the switching positions A, B, C and plug-in positions D, E, F described above with reference to the process steps VS1, VS2, VS3. Condition KS L1, L2, L3 in 17 KS in 14 Coupling 14 and 1, 1', 1" KS in 1, 1', 1" Round 2 to 17 Switch position 14 / 1, 1', 1" Procedural steps Operation Separated No Yes No Yes D / A VS1 Short circuit 1 KS No Yes Yes Yes D / B VS2 KS No Yes Yes No D / C Operation Separated No Yes No Yes D / A VS1 Short circuit 2 KS Yes Yes No Yes I / O VS3 KS Yes No No No FA Operation Separated No Yes No Yes D / A VS1 Short circuit 1 KS No Yes Yes Yes D / B VS 2 + VS 3 KS No Yes Yes No D / C Short circuit 3 KS Yes Yes Yes No E / C KS Yes No Yes No F / C

[0112] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims. List of reference symbols

[0113] Disconnect terminal 1, 1', 1" Connection section 2, 3 Switching section 4 Ladder rail 5, 5', 5"; 7, 7', 7" Contact section 6, 6', 6"; 8, 8', 8" Switch contact 9, 9', 9" Swivel axis 9a gearshift lever 10 Bridge connectors 11 Connection 12, 12', 12" Contact section 13, 13', 13" Plug-in unit 14 Plug-in element 15, 15', 15" Plug-in section 16 Connection section 17 switching unit 18 Switch contact 18a, 18'a, 18"a Contact section 19, 19', 19" arrangement 20 Actuator 21, 21'; 21a, 21'a, 21"a Contact section 22, 22', 22"; 23, 23', 23" Bridge connectors 24 Contact section 25, 25', 25"; 26, 26', 26" Guide slot 27 Switch position A, B, C Plug-in position D, E, F Plug-in direction H connecting cable L1, L2, L3 Process step VS1, VS2, VS3

Claims

1. Arrangement (20) having at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") and having at least one plug-in unit (14) comprising a plug-in section (16) and a connection section (17), wherein the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") have a first connection section (2), a second connection section (3) and a switching section (4) with switching contacts (9, 9', 9") located in between, wherein the first connection section (2) is electrically conductively connected to the second connection section (3) by means of the switching contacts (9, 9', 9") in a first switching position (A) and the first connection section (2) is disconnected from the second connection section (3) in a second switching position (C), wherein the plug-in unit (14) is connected in a pluggable manner via its plug-in section (16) to the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), wherein the plug-in unit (14) has a switching unit (18) which short-circuits terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14), characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) interacts with an actuator (21, 21', 21") which is a component of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), and the at least one plug-in unit (14) with its short-circuiting function and contact sections (25, 25', 25") of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), which are short-circuited in the second switching position (C) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), are arranged one behind the other.

2. Arrangement (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) short-circuits the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) in a leading manner, and in that the contact sections (25, 25', 25") of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") are short-circuited in a leading manner in the second switching position (C) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") in an intermediate switching position (B) or several thereof.

3. Arrangement (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) shorts-circuit the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) and contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) when the plug-in unit (14) occupies a plug-in position (E, F) or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) are electrically isolated from the contact sections (25, 25', 25") of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

4. Arrangement (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) has a switching contact (18a) which connects the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) and the contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14).

5. Arrangement (20) according to claim 4, further comprising at least three disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) comprises at least two switching contacts (18a, 18'a) which are connected in series when they short-circuit the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) and contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14).

6. Arrangement (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) shorts-circuit the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) when the plug-in unit (14) occupies a plug-in position (E, F) or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) are electrically isolated from the contact sections (25, 25', 25") of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

7. Arrangement (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) has at least two switching contacts (18a, 18'a, 18"a) which, connected in parallel and electrically conductively connected to a bridge connector (24), short-circuit the terminals (L1, L2, L 3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) or the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) and the contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14).

8. Arrangement (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) has at least two switching contacts (18a, 18'a, 18"a) which, connected in parallel and in electrically conductive connection with a bridge connector (24), short-circuit the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) and interrupt a respective electrically conductive connection of the contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) with the terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) when the plug-in unit (14) occupies a plug-in position (E, F) or further switching positions / plug-in positions in which contact sections (26, 26', 26") of the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) are electrically disconnected from the contact sections (25, 25', 25") of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

9. Arrangement (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (21, 21', 21") is formed as a wall in the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

10. Arrangement (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (21, 21', 21") is designed as an insert component or an inset.

11. Arrangement (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one plug-in unit (14) has at least two plug-in elements (15, 15', 15").

12. Method for short-circuiting an arrangement (20) of at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") having at least one plug-in unit (14) comprising a plug-in section (16) and a connection section (17), wherein the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") have a first connection section (2), a second connection section (3) and a switching section (4) located in between, wherein the plug-in unit (14) has a switching unit (18) which short-circuits terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14), wherein the switching unit (18) of the plug-in unit (14) interacts with an actuator (21, 21', 21") which is a component of the second connection section (3) of the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), characterized by the method steps of (VS1) providing at least one plug-in unit (14) and at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") in an operating state, wherein the plug-in unit (14) is plugged into the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") in a first plug-in position (D), wherein the second connection section (2) of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") is electrically conductively connected to the plug-in section (16) of the plug-in unit (14), wherein external terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) are galvanically isolated from one another; (VS2) producing a short circuit in the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), wherein the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") are in a first switching position A and the plug-in unit (14) remains in its first plug-in position (D) in the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), and establishing a second switching position C of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), wherein when passing through an intermediate switching position (B) of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), a leading short circuit short-circuits the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"); and (VS3) disconnecting the arrangement (20) by completely pulling out the plug-in unit (14) from the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), wherein a short-circuit of the external terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) is generated when the plug-in unit (14) is completely pulled out of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") in a third plug-in position (F) and the arrangement (20) is disconnected, wherein in an intermediate plug-in position (E), in which the plug-in unit (14) is not yet completely pulled out of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1"), a leading short circuit in the plug-in unit ( 14) already short-circuits the external terminals (L1, L2, L3) of the connection section (17) of the plug-in unit (14) in a leading manner, while the contact section (16) of the plug-in unit (14) is still conductively connected to the connection unit (3) of the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that by omitting the method step (VS3), a short circuit is produced only in the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1").

14. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that by omitting the method step (VS2), the short circuit is only produced in the plug-in unit (14).

15. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that two short circuits are produced when the method steps (VS2 and VS3) are carried out, wherein a first short circuit is produced in the disconnect terminals (1, 1', 1") and then a second short circuit is produced in the plug-in unit (14).