Ingress protection assembly required for instrument and instrument device including the assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ingress protection assembly (100) for guiding wires (150), such as signal wires (31) and / or power wires (32), through a partition wall (99) of an electrical device in a sealed manner. In addition, the present invention relates to an electrical device comprising an ingress protection assembly (100). The present invention provides a wire lead-in for ingress protection in a cost-effective and efficient manner without compromising the safety, safety regulations and / or technical requirements of ingress protection, wherein: the ingress protection assembly (100) comprises: a first wall portion (110) provided with a receiving groove (111), which extends through the first wall portion (110) in a threading direction (B) and opens at an entrance (112, 122, 132) facing the assembly direction (A) of the ingress protection assembly (100); and a second wall portion (120) provided with a corresponding groove (121, 131), the corresponding slots extending through the second wall portion (120) in the threading direction (B) and opening at corresponding entrances (112, 122, 132) facing away from the assembly direction (A), wherein, at least in the fully assembled state (F) of the entry protection assembly (100), the first wall portion (110) and the second wall portion (120) at least partially overlap in a projection along the threading direction (B), so that the receiving slot (111) and the corresponding slots (121, 131) together form an aperture (160) configured to tightly surround a wire (150).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ingress protection assembly for electrical equipment, such as an instrument, and to an electrical equipment, such as an instrument device, including an ingress protection assembly. Background Art

[0002] Electrical devices such as electricity meters, such as electricity meters, are known from the prior art and are used to determine the consumption of a medium such as water or gas or the consumption of supplied electrical energy. In order to connect the electricity meter to a power source or the electrical energy to be supplied and metered, the electricity meter comprises a conductor connection device comprising terminals configured to receive the bare ends of electrical wires for delivering the electrical energy. In order to measure the consumption and for communication via wired and wireless connections, the electricity meter comprises circuits, for example, arranged on and as a printed circuit board. Furthermore, the electricity meter comprises control elements such as displays, buttons, switches, etc., so that they can be adjusted and operated by a corresponding operator, for example, a person who installs and maintains the electricity meter.

[0003] On the one hand, it is necessary to protect the terminals, circuits and control elements from harmful environmental influences such as dust, moisture, etc., as well as to prevent tampering. On the other hand, it is necessary to protect the electricity customers and operators from electric shocks from the wires. Therefore, the terminals, circuits and control elements are accommodated by a housing. These housings usually include several parts. For example, a terminal cover is formed and arranged to cover the terminals so that the terminals can only be accessed by authorized professional operators. The external cover is formed and arranged so that it protects the circuit and can provide access to the control elements at the front side of the meter. The base part is arranged to at least partially surround the terminals, circuits and control elements at the rear side of the meter, and is also usually used to install the meter into an electrical cabinet or to the wall of a structure or building in which the meter is installed.

[0004] Load control devices are commonly used to control parasitic loads, particularly high-current household appliances such as storage heaters or water heaters. These appliances are controlled by switching them on or off according to their respective specifications. For example, they may be disconnected during times when peak rates apply to metered electricity.

[0005] According to the prior art, load control devices are each built into the meter, so that the load control device is housed within the meter's housing. Such a custom meter with a built-in load control device requires five terminals: a live input, a neutral output, a first, uncontrolled live output, and a second, controlled live output to be controlled by the load control device. Alternatively, the fifth terminal for the second live output can be provided by attaching a separate, remote load control device to a standard four-terminal meter. This separate, remote load control device would then be installed remotely from the meter, controlled by corresponding control wiring, and would require the second, controlled live output to be separated from the first, controlled live output in a corresponding additional cable distribution box.

[0006] DE 195 27 702 A1 describes a unit assembly comprising a computer for processing data from a flow or heat measurement transmitter and having a housing to which the measurement transmitter can be coupled via a measurement data transmission system. The housing of the unit assembly, which includes the computer, is spatially separated from the housing of the measurement transmitter. It is fixed to a suitable bracket by form-locking and coupled via the measurement data remote transmission system. The housing of the unit assembly has an upper part to which an auxiliary module for data transmission is attached.

[0007] US 2010 / 0070091 A1 describes an appliance for conditioning the air of a room, the appliance including one or more power-consuming features / functions, including a temperature control element for one of heating the air and cooling the air. A controller is operably connected to the one or more power-consuming features / functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicating a power state. In response to the received signal, the controller operates the appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes including at least a normal operating mode and an energy-saving mode. The controller is configured to at least one of: selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power-consuming features / functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance in the energy-saving mode.

[0008] EP 2 686 601 B1 discloses a gas delivery control system and an arrangement of one or more electrical appliances including a central heating device. The one or more electrical appliances are arranged to generate a request signal indicating a gas supply requested by at least one of the electrical appliances. The gas delivery control system comprises: a controllable gas valve having an input coupled to a gas supply via a conduit and having an output; a control device for controlling the controllable valve, wherein the control device controls the controllable valve in dependence on the value of the request signal of the one or more electrical appliances coupled to the output of the valve via the conduit; a gas pressure sensor for determining whether the gas pressure in the conduit has a value below a pressure reference value; a reference module for determining whether a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the controllable gas valve was closed; and an error signaling module for issuing an error signal if the gas pressure is detected to be below the pressure reference value before the predetermined time interval has elapsed.

[0009] EP 3 383 057 A1, filed in the name of the applicant of the present disclosure, relates to a metering device, in particular an electricity meter for metering electrical energy, comprising a communication unit enabling node-grid communication between the metering device and at least one further metering device, and to an AMI system for metering power consumption, in particular electrical energy consumption. By adding a communication module to the metering device, the metering device is transformed from being merely a communication grid node configured to communicate with at least one further metering device and acting as a grid node into a gateway configured to establish uplink and / or downlink connections within the AMI system.

[0010] US 2016 / 0252367 A1 relates to an intelligent electronic device (IED) comprising a metering subassembly and an input base module subassembly. The metering subassembly is hingedly connected to the input base module subassembly, wherein, when in an open position, various cables, connectors, and input / output cards / modules are accessible. The various input / output cards / modules are interchangeable to add / change functionality and / or communication capabilities to the IED.

[0011] Solutions known in the prior art for providing load control devices or other auxiliary devices or modules to meters have several drawbacks and disadvantages.

[0012] On the one hand, if load control devices or other auxiliary devices or modules are integrated into a demand meter, such customized demand meters must be designed accordingly and maintained in inventory by installers and other personnel based on potential demand. Furthermore, regardless of how the load control devices or other auxiliary devices or modules are integrated into the meter, each known demand meter must maintain compliance with technical requirements and regulations. These drawbacks make providing customized demand meters with integrated load control devices cumbersome and expensive (particularly considering each type of load control device or other auxiliary device or module to be integrated into the demand meter), necessitating the development of a new customized demand meter.

[0013] On the other hand, if load control devices or other auxiliary devices or modules known in the prior art are installed far from the meter to be supplied, this increases the installation time required for wiring and installing the corresponding additional equipment. This additional equipment requires additional space on the support (e.g., the dashboard) on which the meter is mounted. However, this additional space is not always available. Furthermore, the installer must be provided with additional equipment for connecting the additional equipment, as well as the associated wiring and cables. The additional equipment and the associated wiring and cables may be a source of technical failure or may be susceptible to tampering.

[0014] Other disadvantages of electrical devices known in the prior art may arise in cases where conductors such as signal lines and power lines must be guided through the walls of the electrical device. The individual introduction openings may create entry paths for any type of harmful environmental influences (e.g. dust, liquids or insects) which can enter certain areas of the electrical device where they can damage electrical and electronic components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) by causing short circuits, impairing electrical contacts, etc. The introduction of conductors may be particularly problematic if the conductors have connectors pre-assembled to both ends of the conductors, whereby it is impossible for the conductors to pass through simple round holes. In order to avoid harmful entry, the prior art provides for the use of additional components such as washers in the through-holes to seal between the conductors. However, the application of such additional components is usually expensive and cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of electrical devices known in the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a conductor lead-through for ingress protection that is cost-effective and efficient without compromising the safety, safety regulations and / or technical requirements of the ingress protection.

[0016] For an entry protection assembly for guiding wires such as signal lines and / or power lines through a partition wall of an electrical device in a sealed manner, these objects are at least partially achieved by the following: the entry protection assembly comprises: a first wall portion, which is provided with a receiving groove, which extends through the first wall portion in the threading direction and opens at an entrance facing the assembly direction of the entry protection assembly; and a second wall portion, which is provided with a corresponding groove, which extends through the second wall portion in the threading direction and opens at a corresponding entrance facing away from the assembly direction, wherein, at least in the fully assembled state of the entry protection assembly, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are at least partially overlapped in a projection along the threading direction, so that the receiving groove and the corresponding groove together form an aperture configured to tightly surround the wire.

[0017] With respect to electrical equipment, in particular instrumentation, these objects are at least partially achieved in that the electrical equipment comprises an ingress protection assembly according to the invention.

[0018] The ingress protection assembly according to the present invention is configured such that a conductor can be inserted into the receiving groove of the first wall portion via an inlet port, wherein the conductor can then be clamped in a fluid-tight manner by applying pressure to the conductor via the corresponding groove in a direction opposite to the assembly direction. Thus, the conductor is guided through the aperture formed by the receiving groove and the corresponding groove in a substantially fluid-tight manner without requiring any additional sealing means (e.g., washers, etc.). The seal between the conductor and the wall portion can be achieved by utilizing the elastic and / or plastic deformability of the conductor (in particular, the conductor sheath) and / or the elastic and / or plastic deformability of the material forming the wall portion or at least the edge surface of the groove adjacent to the conductor (e.g., which can be made of a plastic material).

[0019] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the solutions according to the invention can be combined as desired and further improved by the following additional embodiments, each of which has its own advantages. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that any device features of an ingress protection assembly for an electrical device, such as a meter, and any device features of an electrical device (such as a meter device) comprising an ingress protection assembly according to the invention can readily be implemented as method steps and features of embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0020] According to a possible embodiment, at least in the fully assembled state, the first and second wall portions abut one another in the threading direction. Preferably, the wall portions are aligned with one another in the assembly direction so that they lie flush with one another. Thus, any gaps or slots between the first and second wall portions through which insects, dust, liquids, or other harmful substances could pass can be avoided or at least minimized.

[0021] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the receiving groove and the corresponding groove terminates in a yoke that provides a seating surface facing the inlet or the corresponding inlet, respectively. At least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion may be formed in the shape of legs extending substantially parallel to the groove and joining each other at the yoke portion. The groove may be formed as a U-shaped notch in the wall portion, with the U-shaped inlets facing each other when the first wall portion and the second wall portion are moved toward each other in a direction opposite to the assembly direction, thereby enabling variably adjusting the length of the aperture measured parallel to the assembly direction to clamp the wire between the two opposing sealing surfaces.

[0022] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the receiving slot and the corresponding slot tapers at least partially along the threading direction. The net width, measured between the transverse edges of the slot parallel to a longitudinal direction extending substantially perpendicular to the assembly and threading directions, can taper along the aperture in the threading direction. Thus, a clamping edge extending along the inner periphery of the first and / or second slots can be formed to concentrate pressure exerted on the outer periphery of the conductor within the slot, thereby further enhancing the elastic and / or plastic deformability of the conductor and / or the wall in the aperture region.

[0023] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the inlet and the corresponding inlet is provided with an introduction chamfer. The introduction chamfer can be provided on both sides of the slot to form an air inlet. Thus, the inlet can have a funnel-like shape to facilitate the introduction of the wires into the respective slots in the region of the side edge or margin of the wall, facing away from the assembly direction. The funnel-like shape of the inlet allows the outer width of the wire to exceed the width of the slot, so that when the wire is introduced into the slot, it is gradually compressed along its circumference, forcing elastic and / or plastic deformation of the wire and / or the wall in the aperture region.

[0024] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the receiving slot and the corresponding receiving slot partially widens in a longitudinal direction of the inlet protection assembly, extending substantially perpendicularly to the assembly and threading directions, to form a conductor compartment configured to tightly surround the periphery of the conductor. In other words, the slot can be given an additional funnel-like shape in the region of the aperture, whereupon the slot then tapers in the threading direction or facing away from the threading direction. In the region of the conductor compartment, the slot can have a frustoconical profile to further improve the liquid-tight grip on the conductor in the aperture.

[0025] According to a possible embodiment, at least two wire compartments are arranged adjacent to each other along the assembly direction. A plurality of wire compartments arranged adjacent to each other along the groove in the assembly direction preferably correspond to a plurality of lines of wire to be guided through the aperture. In other words, the aperture can be basically formed by a plurality of wire compartments. The wire compartments can at least partially overlap or merge with each other so that a plurality of lines of wire are compressed with each other and between the edge surfaces of the groove.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the receiving slot and the corresponding slot is formed in the first wall portion or the second wall portion, respectively. The notch can extend substantially parallel to the slot near the slot. Therefore, the notch enhances the elasticity of the lateral edge region of the slot, so that the wire is introduced into the slot, and enhances the elastic displacement of the edge surface of the adjacent wire of the slot to improve the fit of the wire in the slot and thus enhance the sealing effect. For example, the notch can be provided on each side of the slot to provide symmetrical movability of the edge region of the adjacent wire of the slot.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment, at least in the fully assembled state, at least one of the cutouts is covered by the respective opposing first or second wall portion. Thus, the respective opposing wall portion can close the slot. Any ingress of insects, dust or water through the cutout can thus be prevented.

[0028] According to a possible embodiment, the third wall portion of the ingress protection assembly is provided with an additional corresponding groove, which extends through the third wall portion in the insertion direction and has an additional corresponding inlet in the direction facing away from the assembly. At least in the fully assembled state, the first wall portion is arranged between the second and third wall portions, such that they at least partially overlap in projection along the insertion direction, and the receiving groove, the corresponding receiving groove, and the corresponding receiving groove together form an aperture. The corresponding groove and the additional corresponding groove may be aligned with one another in the insertion direction. Thus, the first wall portion is sandwiched between the second and third wall portions, enhancing the sealing effect of the ingress protection assembly according to the present invention.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, the height of the third wall portion, measured parallel to the assembly direction, is less than the height of the second wall portion, measured parallel to the assembly direction. This prevents the first wall portion from tilting when it is introduced into the intermediate space formed between the second and third wall portions. This facilitates the following operation: by moving the first, second, and third wall portions toward each other in the assembly direction or opposite to the assembly direction, respectively, the first wall portion engages with the second and third wall portions to transform the ingress protection assembly into a fully assembled state.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment, a bevel is formed at a vertical edge of at least one of the first and second wall sections and at least partially facing the first wall section. The vertical length of the bevel on the third wall section can be greater than the vertical length of the bevel on the second wall section, measured substantially parallel to the direction of transmission. This further facilitates the introduction of the first wall section between the second and third wall sections. It is particularly advantageous if the first wall section is dimensioned relative to the intermediate space formed between the second and third wall sections so as to provide a press fit or transition fit between the first wall section and at least one of the second and third wall sections in the threading direction.

[0031] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the second and third wall portions has a root region with a curved portion at least partially facing away from the first wall portion. This curved portion can help increase the elastic force pushing the second and / or third wall portions toward the first wall portion. Consequently, the pressure exerted by the second and / or third wall portions on the first wall portion in the insertion direction and / or opposite the insertion direction, respectively, can be increased, thereby enhancing the sealing effect provided by the ingress protection assembly according to the present invention.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, the first wall portion is part of a partition wall. The partition wall can separate compartments within the electrical device from one another, for example, separating an interior space of the electrical device housing electronic components (e.g., a PCB, etc.) from other parts of the electrical device. Alternatively or additionally, the partition wall can be an outer wall of a housing of the electrical device. Thus, without the need to provide additional parts or elements (e.g., gaskets, etc.), the ingress protection assembly according to the present invention can be provided in a cost-effective manner and formed at least partially at the partition wall.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of load control devices for utility meters known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a load control device in a cost-effective and efficient manner without compromising the safety of the utility meter, compliance with safety regulations and / or technical requirements.

[0034] For a load control module for a power meter, in particular for controlling high-current household appliances, these further objects are at least partially achieved in that the load control module is configured such that in the installed state at least a part of the load control module is arranged adjacent to a side surface of the power meter.

[0035] These further objects are achieved at least in part with respect to a meter arrangement in that the meter arrangement comprises a demand meter provided with a load control module according to the invention.

[0036] Thus, the load control module extends along the side of the demand meter and can be adjacent to the demand meter. In other words, the load control module and the demand meter can be arranged side by side in the installed state. A key advantage compared to the prior art is that the meter assembly including the meter in the load control module is very compact. Therefore, installation time and space are reduced compared to the prior art. By providing a demand meter and a load control module, any existing type of electricity meter can be easily equipped with the functionality provided by the load control module. The development cost of customized demand meters with corresponding load control functions can be saved. Utilities benefit from only purchasing one or very few versions of demand meters, which helps them with asset management before and after installation. Installers benefit from only having to carry and learn the installation and operating requirements of one type of demand meter. Providing a load control module according to the present invention provides a neat and intelligent solution for consumers and future service requirements.

[0037] According to a possible embodiment, the load control module is configured such that, in the installed state, at least a portion of the load control module is adjacent to the underside of the demand meter. The load control module may extend along the underside of the demand meter and may also abut the demand meter at its underside. This further improves the compactness of the meter arrangement.

[0038] According to a possible embodiment, the module base of the load control module is configured to engage with the meter base of the demand meter. This engagement may comprise a protrusion, lug, or extension on the module base that projects into a recess formed in the meter base. The complementary profiles of the meter base and the module base may be configured such that the contact surface between the load control module and the demand meter has a zigzag shape. This further contributes to the compactness of the meter arrangement.

[0039] According to a possible embodiment, the load control module is configured to share a common mounting location with the demand meter, thereby securing both the load control module and the demand meter to a support structure. When the load control module is assembled to a pre-installed demand meter, no additional mounting elements are required to secure the load control module to the support structure. This facilitates a tight coupling of the load control module to the demand meter and reduces installation effort.

[0040] According to a possible embodiment, the module main cover of the load control module is configured to engage with the meter main cover of the feed meter. This eliminates the need for additional fixing elements for attaching the module main cover to the meter main cover. This helps further improve the mechanical coupling between the feed meter and the load control module and reduces installation effort.

[0041] According to a possible embodiment, the load control module is provided with a latching element, which is configured to latch onto the feed meter in the installed state. In particular, the module main cover can be provided with a latching element that, in combination with a protrusion in the area of ​​the module base and / or a common fixing point, provides a mechanically very stable and reliable coupling between the load control module and the feed meter. The latching element can be formed as a latching lug having a latching nose at its end, which, in the installed state, snaps behind a corresponding latching element (e.g., a recess or shoulder) formed on the feed meter. This facilitates the attachment of the load control module to the side of the feed meter and thus helps to tightly couple the load control module to the feed meter, saving installation effort.

[0042] According to a possible embodiment, the module terminal cover of the load control module is configured to at least partially complement the meter terminal cover of the feeder device when installed. Thus, in particular on the underside of the feeder device, the meter terminal cover can extend beyond the module terminal cover. This helps reduce the overall height of the meter device and, therefore, further reduces the required installation space for the meter device.

[0043] According to a possible embodiment, the module terminals of the load control module are configured to be arranged in alignment with the meter terminals to be supplied to the meter in the installed state, so that the power cable can be received in both the module terminals and the meter terminals. The module terminals can be formed as feed-through terminals. The through-holes of the feed-through terminals are then aligned with the openings for introducing the power cables into the meter terminals. Thus, the meter terminals in combination with the module terminals constitute a combined terminal block. At least one of the module terminals can be held in a conductor (e.g. a copper rod) to form part of the main current path. Compared to the usual case, the cable installation of the power cable only needs to be further stripped so that it can then be introduced into the combined terminal block by passing the bare end of the power cable through the module terminal and then inserting the end into the meter terminal. This helps to further reduce the size of the meter device, in particular the height, and facilitates the installation of the meter device.

[0044] According to a possible embodiment, the control lines, signal lines and / or power lines of the load control module extend through the wall of the load control module. The wall can be part of the module housing. The control lines can be connected to the auxiliary control terminals of the meter to be fed. The power lines can be connected to the main terminals of the meter to be fed. The control lines and / or power lines can be guided through the module housing to be neatly aligned with the auxiliary terminals on the meter to be fed. All control lines and / or power lines for operating the load control module can be routed with the aid of cable guides, and further, all control lines and power lines can be routed with the aid of cable guides in the module housing and can be terminated with the aid of corresponding connectors at the substrate of the load control module, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). This helps to further improve the compactness of the instrument device and facilitates its installation.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, the module housing of the load control module is provided with at least one guide vane for directing liquid away from the meter when installed. The guide vane, which can be provided in the form of a thin sheet or the like, preferably extends vertically along the module housing, so that any liquid that may escape from an appliance operated in conjunction with the load control module (e.g., water from a water heating system, or condensation from an air conditioning system) is directed away from the meter terminals. This helps improve the compliance of the meter device, in particular with respect to the IP rating of the meter device's resistance to water and dust.

[0046] According to a possible embodiment, at least one guide vane at least partially defines a liquid channel for directing liquid away from the meter in the installed state. The liquid channel can provide a controlled flow of any liquid, which helps ensure that the liquid is directed away from the meter in the installed state. This helps further improve the compliance of the meter assembly, in particular with respect to the IP rating of the meter assembly with respect to its resistance to water and dust.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the module housing provides at least one liquid outlet. The liquid outlet can be formed as a hole or slot on the underside of the module housing. This helps to further improve the meter device's ability to direct any liquid away so that it does not affect the meter terminals.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment, the external terminal cover of the load control module is configured to at least partially cover both the module terminal block of the load control module and the meter terminal block of the meter to be supplied. In other words, a combined terminal cover can be provided to cover both the meter terminals and the module terminals. This helps reduce the number of parts required to provide the meter assembly, further improving the compactness of the meter assembly while reducing the labor required to install the meter assembly.

[0049] According to a possible embodiment, the outer terminal cover is provided with a partition member that, when installed, is configured to protrude into the gap formed between the power meter and the load control module. The partition member can be formed as a blade. When the outer terminal cover is installed, the partition member can form a labyrinth together with the housing portion of the power meter and / or the load control module. Thus, the partition member, together with the geometry of the power meter and the load control module, forms a labyrinth between the power meter and the control module. This helps further improve the meter assembly's resistance to water and dust, and enhances the meter assembly's ability to channel any liquid away from the meter terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be described in more detail below using preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings in an exemplary manner. The embodiments described are only possible configurations, however, individual features described above may be provided independently of each other or may be omitted. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic perspective front view of an embodiment of a meter device including a feed meter and a load control module according to the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic front view of the load control module is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and 2 A schematic exploded view of the load control module is shown as it can be assembled and mounted to the meter being fed;

[0054] Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a load control module according to the present invention in a connected state;

[0055] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a load control module in a connected state along a sectional plane extending along the longitudinal axis of a power cable received in a module terminal of the load control module and in a meter terminal of a meter to be fed;

[0056] Figure 6 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a meter device according to the invention in a pre-assembled state;

[0057] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 Details of the instrumentation shown in VI;

[0058] Figure 8shows a schematic perspective rear view of an embodiment of an instrument device according to the invention in a pre-assembled state;

[0059] Figure 9 Shown Figure 8 Detail of the instrumentation shown VIII;

[0060] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a combined terminal portion of a meter device is shown;

[0061] Figure 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a meter device and an outer terminal cover according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 12 shows another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an outer terminal cover according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 13 shows a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of an instrument device according to the invention in a fully assembled state;

[0064] Figure 14 shows a schematic rear view of an embodiment of the instrument device according to the invention in a fully assembled state;

[0065] Figure 15 Shown Figure 14 Details of the instrumentation shown XIV-1;

[0066] Figure 16 Shown Figure 14 Details of the instrumentation shown XIV-2;

[0067] Figure 17 A schematic perspective view of an electrical device, in particular a schematic perspective view of an outer terminal cover of a load control module of an instrument device provided with an ingress protection assembly according to the present invention, is shown;

[0068] Figure 18 Shown Figure 17 Detail XVII of the ingress protection assembly shown;

[0069] Figure 19 A schematic perspective view of an electrical device, in particular a schematic perspective view of a module base of a load control module of an instrument device provided with an ingress protection assembly according to the present invention, is shown;

[0070] Figure 20 Shown Figure 17 Detail XIV of the ingress protection assembly shown;

[0071] Figure 21shows a schematic perspective view of an electrical device, in particular a load control module, and an ingress protection assembly in a fully assembled state;

[0072] Figure 22 shows details of an ingress protection assembly according to the invention and of the conductors in a pre-assembled state;

[0073] Figure 23 shows details of an ingress protection assembly according to the invention in a pre-assembled state and of conductors in a connected state;

[0074] Figure 24 shows details of an ingress protection assembly according to the invention in a fully assembled state and of the conductors in a connected state;

[0075] Figure 25 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a load control module is shown along a cross-sectional plane along a plane received in a position such as Figure 24 The longitudinal axis of the conductor in the connected state of the ingress protection assembly according to the invention is shown in the fully assembled state;

[0076] Figure 26 Shown Figure 25 Detail XXV of the ingress protection assembly shown;

[0077] Figure 27 A schematic perspective sectional view of a load control module along a sectional plane extending substantially parallel to the assembly direction and the longitudinal direction through a wall of an ingress protection assembly according to the invention in the assembled state and received in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 24 to 26 The conductors in the ingress protection assembly are shown connected; and

[0078] Figure 28 Shown Figure 27 Detail XXVII of the ingress protection assembly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figure 1 A schematic front view of an exemplary embodiment of a meter arrangement 1 according to the present invention is shown. The meter arrangement comprises a demand meter 2 and a load control module 3 extending along a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a height direction Z (which together form a Cartesian coordinate system). The demand meter 2 has a meter housing 4 that provides an insulating enclosure for accommodating the electronic components and conductor connection devices of the demand meter 1.

[0080] The meter housing 4 comprises a main meter cover 5 provided with a front panel 6 including a display 7 and controls 8 for monitoring and controlling the functions and operation of the utility meter 2, respectively. Furthermore, the meter housing 4 is provided with a connector portion 9 including at least one connector 10 in the form of a socket for connecting maintenance and / or control equipment to the utility meter 2, enabling an installer to service and / or control the functions of the utility meter 2 on site.

[0081] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic front view of a load control module 3 for a utility meter 2 is shown. Load control module 3 has a module housing 11 including a main module cover 12 and an external terminal cover 13. External terminal cover 13 is formed so that it covers a portion of utility meter 2 and a portion of load control module 3. Thus, external terminal cover 13 is a combined cover for meter device 1.

[0082] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 The load control module 3 is shown in a schematic exploded view as it is assembled and mounted on the meter 2. It is apparent that, in addition to the module main cover 12 and the external terminal cover 13, the module housing 11 also includes a module internal terminal cover 14 and a module base 15. The module main cover 13, the module internal terminal cover 14, and the module base 15 are configured to surround the load control unit 16 of the load control module 3. The load control module 3 is configured so that it can be assembled by performing the following operations along a similar direction A: joining the load control unit 16 to the meter base 15, then joining the module main cover 13 to the module base 15, and then joining the module internal terminal cover 14 to the module base 15.

[0083] The meter housing 4 further includes an inner meter terminal cover 17 and a meter base 18. The meter main cover 5, the meter terminal cover 17, and the meter base 18 are configured to surround a metering unit (not shown) of the demand meter 2. After the load control module 3 is combined with the demand meter 2, the module inner terminal cover 14 and the inner meter terminal cover 17 can be collectively covered by the outer terminal cover 13, which will mate with the meter device 1 in the assembly direction A. The outer terminal cover 13 is formed as a cover that can be removed from the meter device 1 to permit access to the meter terminals 19 of the demand meter 2 and the module terminals 20 of the load control module 3 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ). The meter base 4 is configured to be mounted to a support structure (not shown) and is therefore provided with fixing means 21 .

[0084] Figure 4A schematic front view of an embodiment of a load control module 3 in connection state C is shown. In connection state C, a power cable 22 is connected to the meter terminal 19 and the module terminal 20. The power cable 22 includes a neutral output line 23, a first live output line 24, and a second live output line 25. The neutral output line 23 is connected to the module neutral output terminal 26 and the meter neutral output terminal 27. The first live output line 24 is connected to the module live input terminal 28 and the meter live output terminal 29. The second live output line 25 is connected to the module live output terminal 30. In addition, the load control module 3 is connected to the demand meter 2 via a signal line 31 and a power line 32.

[0085] Figure 5 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the load control module 3 in a connected state C is shown along a cross-sectional plane extending along the longitudinal axis L of a power cable 22 housed in a module terminal 20 of the load control module 3 and a meter terminal 19 of the meter 2. It is apparent that the meter terminal 19 includes a blind hole 33, while the module terminal 20 includes a through hole 34. The power cable 22, in particular its exposed end 35, extends through the through hole 34 into the blind hole 33, while the insulation 36 of the power cable 22 remains outside the terminal cover 14 within the module. A securing element 37 in the form of a locking screw secures the power cable 22 within the blind hole 33 and the through hole 34. Furthermore, the module terminal 20 is provided with a conductor 38 for conducting the electrical energy carried by the power cable 22 to the load control unit 16.

[0086] Figure 6 A schematic front view of the meter device 1 is shown in a pre-assembled state P. In the pre-assembled state P, the load control module 3 is attached to the demand meter 2. The load control module 3, in particular the module main cover 12, is adjacent to the side 39 of the demand meter 2, in particular the meter main cover 5. A corresponding latching element 40 on the meter housing 4 engages with a latching element 41 on the module housing 11. The latching element 41 is formed as a latching lug with a latching nose and extends parallel to the transverse direction Y away from the module housing 11, in particular the module main cover 12, so that it overlaps with the meter housing 4 in a direction parallel to the height direction Z, and the latching nose of the latching element 41 can snap behind the corresponding latching element 40 formed as a recess in the front panel 6.

[0087] The module-internal terminal cover 14 is adjacent to the meter-internal terminals 17 both laterally, i.e., in the transverse direction Y, and, in particular, in the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, the module base 15 is adjacent to the meter base 18 in the longitudinal direction X as well as in the transverse direction Y. Thus, the load control module 3 abuts the demand meter 2 from the side and from below. The fixing means 21, formed as eyelets in the meter base 18, serve as a common fixing point 42 for fixing both the demand meter 2 and the load control module 3 to a support structure (not shown).

[0088] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 Detail VI of the meter arrangement shown. It is apparent here that the control line 32 for controlling the operation of the load control module 3 is connected to the supply meter 2 at its auxiliary control terminal 43, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction X in the region of the meter's internal terminal cover 17 above the meter terminals 19 and below the front panel 5. The control line 32 extends downward from the auxiliary control terminal 43, between the meter terminals 19 and the module terminals 20, and into a control line passage 44 formed in the module's internal terminal cover 14.

[0089] Furthermore, on the front face of the terminal cover 14 within the module, a first gauge 46 and a second gauge 47 are arranged to indicate a first stripping length I1 and a second stripping length I2 of the power cable 22, both of which are measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the power cable 22. The first stripping length I1 is the length by which the insulation 36 of the power cable 22, in particular the first live output wire 24, must be stripped (i.e., removed) when the power cable 22 is to be inserted into both the meter terminal 19 and the module terminal 20. The second stripping length I2 is the length by which the insulation 33 of the power cable must be stripped when the power cable 22 is to be inserted into only one of the meter terminals 19 or only one of the module terminals 20.

[0090] Figure 8 A schematic perspective rear view of the meter device 1 is shown in a connected state C and in a pre-assembled state P. It is apparent here that the power supply line 32 is connected to the module terminal 20 and extends from there through the module inner terminal cover 14 and then upwards into the module main cover 12. Here, the power supply line 32 and the control line 31 are combined in a plug-type joint connector 48, which connects the power supply line 32 and the control line 31 to a mating connector 19 in the form of a socket, which is mounted on a substrate 50 in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the load control unit 16. The substrate 50 also holds a switching device 51 of the load control unit 16. The switching device 51 can be embodied as a switch or relay, etc., and is suitable for switching power between the module live input terminal 28 and the module live output terminal 30.

[0091] Figure 9 Shown Figure 8Detail VIII of the meter device 1 is shown. It is apparent here that the bare end 35 of the power cord 32 is electrically connected to the module terminal 20. Specifically, the bare end 35 is secured to the module terminal 20 between the module terminal 20 and the conductor 38, for example by welding or soldering to the module channel 20 and / or the conductor 38. The power cord 32 extends through a wall 52 of the load control module 3. A passage 53 for the power cord 32 is formed in the region of the wall 52. A slot 54 provided in the wall 50 accommodates a cable guide 55 that holds the power cord 32.

[0092] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of the combined terminal portion 56 of the meter device 1 is shown. The combined terminal portion 56 includes the meter terminals 19 and the module terminals 20. To separate the in-module terminal cover 14 from the in-module terminal cover 17, guide vanes 57 are formed on the outer surface of the in-module terminal cover 14. The guide vanes 57 include a vertical portion 58 and a transverse portion 59. The vertical portion 58 extends vertically downward from the module main cover 12 along the front side 60 of the in-module terminal cover 14 toward its bottom side 61, substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The transverse portion 59 extends laterally from the front side 60 of the in-module terminal cover 14, in which the vertical portion 58 is arranged, substantially parallel to the height direction Z, toward the rear of the load control module 3. Liquid channels 62 are formed between the guide vanes 57 for directing liquid away from the meter terminals 19.

[0093] Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of the meter device 1 in a pre-assembled state P is shown, wherein the outer terminal cover 13 is assembled to the combined terminal portion 56 by moving the outer terminal cover 13 toward the meter device 1 in the assembly direction A, thereby being positioned to be coupled with the meter device 1. The outer terminal cover 13 includes a meter cover portion 63 and a module cover portion 64. The meter cover portion 13 is configured to cover the combined terminal portion 56 below the front panel 6 of the meter main cover 5. The module cover portion 64 is configured to cover the module terminals 20 below the module main cover 12. The module terminals 20 serve as module live output terminals 28, which are electrically disconnected from the combined terminal portion 56 by means of a switching device 51 and separated from the combined terminal portion 56 by means of a guide vane 57. A partition member 65 is arranged between the meter cover portion 63 and the module portion 64 and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the assembly direction A.

[0094] Figure 12Another schematic perspective view of the outer terminal cover 13 is shown. The terminal cover 13 comprises an upper crosspiece 66, a lower crosspiece 67, a front wall 68, and side walls 69. The partition member 65 has a flat top portion 70 and a guide portion 71 connected to the flat top portion 70 via a bridge 72. The partition member 65, and in particular its flat top portion 70, is shaped so as to taper in the assembly direction A. A support column 73 extends downward from the partition member 65 along the front wall 68 toward the lower crosspiece 67 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The support column 73 contributes to stabilizing the outer terminal cover 13, in particular in the region of the partition member 65.

[0095] Furthermore, the outer terminal cover 13 comprises: additional guide blades 74; a retaining profile 75; a recessed fixing area 76 in the form of a projection, which extends inwardly relative to the front wall 68 in the assembly direction A and has a fixing opening 77, which receives a fixing element 78 in the form of a screw for fixing the outer terminal cover 13 to the meter device 1; and an actuating member 79 in the form of a pin, which extends inwardly from the front wall 68 and is used to actuate an actuator of the utility meter 2 to signal that the outer terminal cover 13 is correctly installed on the meter device 1. The retaining profile 75 has an L-shaped cross section and is configured to engage the utility resource meter 2 to securely hold the outer terminal cover 13 in the installation position M of the meter 2 (see FIG. Figures 13 to 16 ).

[0096] Figure 13 A schematic bottom view of an embodiment of the meter device according to the present invention is shown in the fully assembled state, with the outer terminal cover 13 and the mounting location M. It is apparent here that when the outer terminal cover 13 is joined to the in-module terminal cover 14 and the in-meter terminal cover 17, the liquid outlet 80 remains open in the region of the liquid channel 62. The liquid outlet 80 is formed as a cutout and the front edge of the bottom side 61 of the in-module terminal cover 14, so that the liquid outlet 80 is shaped as a narrow slot extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y between the additional guide blades 74.

[0097] Figure 14 A schematic rear view of an embodiment of the meter device is shown in a fully assembled state F. The load control module 3 is attached to the load meter 2 with a gap 81 therebetween. The meter base 18 provides a meter rear side 82 that is aligned with a module rear side 83 provided by the module base 15 in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The retaining profile 73 of the outer terminal 13 engages with a retaining element 84, which is formed as a rib extending substantially parallel to the assembly direction A, so that when the outer terminal cover 13 is combined with the meter device 1, the retaining element 84 slides into the retaining profile 73. In the mounted state M of the outer terminal cover 13, the retaining profile 73 is at least partially supported by the retaining element 84.

[0098] Another retaining element 85 is formed on the side of the demand meter 2 opposite to the side provided with the retaining element 84. A stepped portion 86 formed at the module housing 11 is supported on the other retaining element 85. In the area where the other retaining element 85 engages the stepped portion 86, the outer shapes of the meter housing 4 and the module housing 11 complement each other, so that a zigzag shape is formed between the demand meter 2 and the load control module 3.

[0099] Furthermore, the module housing 11 is provided with rails protruding from the module housing 11 and extending substantially parallel to the assembly direction A. The load control module 3 abuts the power meter 2 via the rails 87 at the side 39 and underside 88 of the meter housing 4, so that a gap 81 is created. Nozzles 89 are formed at the meter housing 4 and the module housing 11 such that they protrude downward from the underside 88 of the in-meter terminal 17 and the bottom side 61 of the in-module terminal cover 14, to guide the power cable 22 into the meter housing 4 and the module housing 11, respectively.

[0100] Figure 15 Shown Figure 14 Detail XIV-1 of the meter device is shown. It is apparent here that, in the region of the gap, a partition member guide profile 90 comprises a meter profile portion 91 and a module profile portion 92, formed on the meter housing and module housing 11, respectively, so that they complement each other to jointly accommodate the partition member 65. Thus, the complementary shapes of the partition member 65 and the partition member guide profile 90 create a labyrinth 93 through the joined outer contours of the partition member 65 and the partition member guide profile 90.

[0101] Figure 16 Shown Figure 14 Detail XIV-2 of the meter device shown. Here, it is apparent that a further retaining element 85 of complementary shape and a stepped portion 86 are arranged near the common fixing point 42, so that when the meter device 1 is fixed to a support structure (not shown) by means of a corresponding fixing element extending through the common fixing point 42, the meter 2 and the load control module 3 are retained together.

[0102] Figure 17 A schematic perspective view of a main cover 12 of an electrical device, in particular a load control module 3 of an instrument device 1, is shown. The instrument device has a partition wall 99 provided with an ingress protection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The ingress protection assembly 100 includes a first wall portion 110, a second wall portion 120, and a third wall portion 130 (see FIG. Figure 19 and Figure 20The partition wall 99 provides a separation between the meter terminal 19 and the module terminal 20 so that the interior of the load control module 3 including the switchgear 51 can be protected from the ingress of insects, dust, liquids and other harmful substances that may be introduced along the wires 150 including the signal wire 31 and / or the power wire 32 (see FIG. Figures 22 to 28 ) move forward.

[0103] Figure 18 Shown Figure 17 Detail XVII of the ingress protection assembly 100 is shown. It is evident here that the first wall portion 110 is provided with a receiving groove 111 extending through the first wall portion 110 in a threading direction B substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. The receiving groove 111 opens at an inlet 112 in the assembly direction A and terminates in a yoke 113 providing a seat surface 114 in a direction opposite to the assembly direction A.

[0104] The inlet 112 is provided with an introduction chamfer 115 extending between a horizontal top surface 116 of the first wall portion 110 and an edge surface 117a of the first wall portion 110. The edge surface 117a extends along the receiving groove 111 between the inlet 112 and the seat surface 114. The receiving groove 111 gradually narrows along the threading direction B so that a clamping edge 117B facing the receiving groove 111 is provided.

[0105] Furthermore, the receiving slot 111 widens in the longitudinal direction X in the region of a plurality of conductor compartments 118, which are configured to accommodate signal lines 31, power lines 32 and auxiliary lines 151, such as grounding connectors for the conductors 151 (see Figures 22 to 28 ). Cutouts 119 are formed in the first wall portion 110 so that they extend transversely along the receiving groove 111. The cutouts 119 enhance the flexibility of the surface 117a and the clamping edge 117b, since their elastic displacement in and against the longitudinal direction X is facilitated.

[0106] Figure 19 A schematic perspective view of an electrical device, specifically a module base 15 of a load control module 3 of a meter device 1, provided with an ingress protection assembly 100 is shown. It is apparent here that the ingress protection assembly 100 further includes a second wall portion 120 and a third wall portion 130, which extend substantially parallel to each other along an assembly direction A and are spaced apart from each other in a threading direction B such that the first wall portion 110 can be inserted between the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130.

[0107] Figure 20 Shown Figure 17Detail XIV of the ingress protection assembly shown. Here, it is evident that, similar to the first wall portion 110, the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130 each comprise a corresponding groove 121, 131 which opens at a corresponding inlet 122, 132 in a direction opposite to the assembly direction A and terminates in the assembly direction A at a yoke 123, 133, at which a corresponding seat surface 124, 134 is provided facing away from the assembly direction A (see also Figure 26 Lead-in chamfers 125 and 135 are formed between the top surface 126 and the edge surface 127 of the first wall portion 120 and between the top surface 136 and the edge surface 137 of the second wall portion 130 , respectively.

[0108] An intermediate space 140 is provided in the form of a gap between the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130. A guide surface 141 of the second wall portion 120 and a guide surface 142 of the third wall portion 130 each face the intermediate space 140. A slope 143 is formed between the guide surface 141 of the second wall portion 120 and the top surface 136, and a slope 144 is formed between the guide surface 142 of the third wall portion 130 and the top surface 136, so as to facilitate the introduction of the first wall portion 110 into the intermediate space 140 in the assembly direction A.

[0109] Furthermore, the corresponding slots 122, 132 provided in the second and third wall sections 120, 130 are slightly narrowed, as they taper in assembly direction A between the respective lead-in chamfers 125, 135 and the yokes 123, 133. The second and third wall sections 120, 130 are connected to the wall of the electrical device, in this case the module base 15, via respective root regions 145, 146. At these root regions 145, 146, the second and third wall sections 120, 130 are each provided with a bend 147, 148, which faces away from the intermediate space 140 and increases the rigidity of the second and third wall sections 120, 130 at their respective root regions 145, 146. The second and third wall sections 120, 130 extend upward from the root regions 145, 146 via the respective yokes 123, 133 in the form of legs 149.

[0110] Figure 21 A schematic perspective view of a load control module 3 of an electrical device, in particular an instrument device 1, is shown with an ingress protection assembly 100 in a fully assembled state F and with wires 150 in a connected state C. The module main cover 12 is joined to the module base 15 by moving the module main cover 12 and the module base 15 toward each other in an assembly direction A until they have reached the fully assembled state F.

[0111] Figure 22Detail of the ingress protection assembly 100 according to the present invention and the wire 150 are shown in a pre-assembled state P. The wire 150 is positioned above the first wall portion 110 in the assembly direction A so that it can be inserted into the receiving slot 111 through its inlet 112. The module base 15 having the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130 is positioned above the wire 150 and the module main cover 12 having the first wall portion 110 in the assembly direction A so that the first wall portion 110 can be engaged with the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130 by moving the module main cover 12 toward the module base 15 in the assembly direction A.

[0112] Figure 23 Details of the ingress protection assembly 100 according to the present invention are shown in a pre-assembled state P and a wire 150 in a connected state C. The wire 150 is inserted into the receiving slot 111 of the first wall portion 110 by moving the wire 150 through the inlet 112 and into the receiving slot 111 in a direction opposite to the assembly direction A. Each of the wires (i.e., the signal wire 31, the power wire 32, and the auxiliary wire 150) is accommodated in one of the wire compartments 118 of the receiving slot 111. The module base 15 having the second wall portion 120 and the third wall portion 130 can now be combined with the module main cover 12 to convert the ingress protection assembly 100 from the pre-assembled state P to the fully assembled state F.

[0113] Figure 24 Detail of the ingress protection assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown in a fully assembled state F and a wire 150 in a connected state C. The module main cover 12 is coupled to the module base 15. The wire 150 is securely held between the first wall 110 on one side and the second wall 120 and third wall 130 on the other side. The first wall 110 is accommodated between the second wall 120 and the third wall 130.

[0114] Figure 25 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the load control module 3 along a section extending along the longitudinal axis of the wire 150 in the connected state C is shown. Figure 24 In the ingress protection assembly 100 according to the present invention, shown in a fully assembled state, the wires 150 are guided through the partition wall 99 at an aperture 160 provided in the ingress protection assembly 100. Thus, insects, dust and / or liquids are prevented from entering through the partition wall 99 along the wires 150.

[0115] Figure 26 Shown Figure 25Detail XXV of the ingress protection assembly is shown. Here, it is apparent that the conductor 150 is compressed in the aperture 160 between the support surface 114 of the first wall portion 110 on one side and the support surfaces 124 and 134 of the second and third wall portions 120, 130, respectively, on the other side of the aperture 160. The clamping edge 117b partially protrudes into the conductor 150 along its periphery. The first wall portion 110 is housed in the intermediate space 140 between the second and third wall portions 120, 130.

[0116] Figure 27 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the load control module 3 is shown along a cross-sectional plane extending substantially parallel to the assembly direction A and the longitudinal direction X through the third wall portion 130 of the ingress protection assembly 100 according to the invention in the assembled state F, with the conductors 150 in the connected state C being received as shown. Figures 24 to 26 Ingress protection assembly 100 is shown.

[0117] Figure 28 Shown Figure 27 Detail XXVII of the ingress protection assembly 100 is shown. Here, it is evident that the receiving slot 111 has a maximum width w measured parallel to the longitudinal direction X. 111,max and minimum width w 111,min By having a maximum width w 111,max and minimum width w 111,min In alternating portions, the wire compartments 118 are formed one above the other along the receiving groove 111 in the assembly direction A, so as to tightly enclose each of the signal wire 31, the power wire 32, and the auxiliary wire 151 of the wire 150. The cutouts 119 in the first wall portion 110 are closed by the second wall portion 120, particularly the guide surface 141 thereof. Thus, with the first wall portion 110, the second wall portion 120, and the third wall portion 130 stacked along the threading direction B, the wire 150 is held tightly circumferentially enclosed in the aperture 160, such that the partition wall 99 is enclosed by the wire 150 in the region of the aperture 160, and the cutouts 119 are closed by the second wall portion 120.

[0118] Deviations from the embodiments described above are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0119] The meter device 1 may include a demand meter 2 and / or a load control module 3, which, individually and / or in any type of combination with each other, may constitute an electrical device.The electrical device includes the following in any number, form, arrangement, position and / or relationship required to achieve the desired corresponding technical effect: meter housing 4, meter main cover 5, front panel 6, display 7, control 8, connector part 9, connector / socket 10, module housing 11, module main cover 12, external terminal cover 13, module internal terminal cover 14, module base 15, load control unit 16, meter internal terminal cover 17, meter base 18, meter terminal 19, module terminal 20, fixture 21, power cable 22, neutral output line 23, first live output line 24, second live output line 25, module neutral output terminal 26, meter neutral output terminal 27, module live input terminal 28, meter live output terminal 29 , module live output terminal 30, signal line 31, power line 32, blind hole 33, through hole 34, exposed end 35, insulation part 36, fixing element 37, conductor 38, side 39, corresponding latch element 40, latch element 41, common fixing position 42, auxiliary control terminal 43, control line channel 44, first gauge 46, second gauge 47, connector 48, mating connector 9, substrate 50, switch device 51, wall part 52, channel 53, slot 54, cable guide 55, combined terminal part 56, guide blade 57, vertical part 58, transverse part 59, front side 60, bottom side 61, liquid channel 62, instrument cover part 63, module cover part 64, partition member 65, upper crosspiece 66, lower crosspiece 67, front wall 68, side wall 69, flat top portion 70, guide portion 71, bridge 72, support column 73, additional guide blade 74, retaining contour 75, fixing area 76, fixing opening 77, fixing element 78, actuating member 79, liquid outlet 80, gap 81, instrument rear side 82, module rear side 83, retaining element 84, further retaining element 85, step portion 86, rail 87, underside 88, collar 89, partition member guide contour 90, instrument profile portion 91, module profile portion 92, labyrinth 93 and / or partition wall 99 and inlet protection assembly 100, first wall portion 110, receiving groove 111, inlet 112, yoke 113, seat surface 114, lead-in chamfer 115, top surface 116, edge surface 117a, clamping edge 117b, wire compartment 118, cutout 119, second wall 120, corresponding slot 121, inlet 122, yoke 123, seat surface 124, lead-in chamfer 125, top surface 126, edge surface 127, third wall 130, corresponding slot 131, inlet 132, yoke 133, seat surface 134, lead-in chamfer 135, top surface 136, edge surface 137, intermediate space 140, guide surfaces 141, 142, bevels 143, 144, root area 145, 146, bends 147, 148, legs 149, cable 150, auxiliary line 151 and / or aperture 160, and corresponding first stripping length I1, second stripping length I2, minimum width w,111,min and / or a maximum width w 111,max , assembly direction A, threading direction B, connected state C, fully assembled state F, longitudinal axis L, installation position M, pre-assembly state P, longitudinal direction X, transverse direction Y and / or height direction Z.

[0120] Reference numerals

[0121] 1 Instrumentation

[0122] 2 Need to give instrument

[0123] 3 Load control module

[0124] 4 Instrument housing

[0125] 5 Instrument main cover

[0126] 6 Front Panel

[0127] 7 Display

[0128] 8 Controls

[0129] 9 Connector

[0130] 10 Connectors / Sockets

[0131] 11 Module housing

[0132] 12 Module main cover

[0133] 13 External terminal cover

[0134] 14 Terminal cover inside the module

[0135] 15 Module base

[0136] 16 Load Control Unit

[0137] 17 Terminal cover inside the instrument

[0138] 18 Instrument base

[0139] 19 Instrument terminals

[0140] 20 module terminals

[0141] 21 Fixtures

[0142] 22 Power cables

[0143] 23 Neutral output line

[0144] 24 First live output line

[0145] 25 Second live output line

[0146] 26 Module neutral output terminal

[0147] 27 Instrument neutral output terminal

[0148] 28 module live input terminals

[0149] 29 Instrument live output terminal

[0150] 30 Module live output terminals

[0151] 31 signal lines

[0152] 32 power cord

[0153] 33 blind holes

[0154] 34 through holes

[0155] 35 exposed end

[0156] 36 Insulation

[0157] 37 Fixing element

[0158] 38 conductors

[0159] 39 Side

[0160] 40 corresponding latch element

[0161] 41 Latch element

[0162] 42 Public fixed locations

[0163] 43 Auxiliary control terminal

[0164] 44 Control Line Aisle

[0165] 46 First Gauge

[0166] 47 Second Gauge

[0167] 48 connectors

[0168] 49 mating connector

[0169] 50 substrate

[0170] 51 Switchgear

[0171] 52 wall section

[0172] 53 Aisle

[0173] 54 slots

[0174] 55 Cable guide

[0175] 56 Combined terminal section

[0176] 57 guide blades

[0177] 58 vertical part

[0178] 59 Horizontal section

[0179] 60 front

[0180] 61 bottom side

[0181] 62 Liquid Channel

[0182] 63 Instrument cover

[0183] 64 Module cover part

[0184] 65 Separator

[0185] 66 upper crossbar

[0186] 67 Lower crossbar

[0187] 68 Anterior wall

[0188] 69 sidewall

[0189] 70 flat top part

[0190] 71 Boot section

[0191] 72 bridge

[0192] 73 Support column

[0193] 74 Additional guide blades

[0194] 75 Keep the outline

[0195] 76 fixed areas

[0196] 77 Fixed opening

[0197] 78 fixing elements

[0198] 79 Actuating member

[0199] 80 Liquid outlet

[0200] 81 Gap

[0201] 82 Instrument rear side

[0202] 83 module rear side

[0203] 84 holding element

[0204] 85 Additional retaining elements

[0205] 86 steps

[0206] 87 tracks

[0207] 88 lower side

[0208] 89 Collar

[0209] 90 Separator guide profile

[0210] 91 Instrument outline

[0211] 92 Module outline

[0212] 93 Maze

[0213] 99 partition wall

[0214] 100 Ingress Protection Components 100

[0215] 110 first wall

[0216] 111 receiving slot

[0217] 112 Entrance

[0218] 113 Yoke

[0219] 114 seat surface

[0220] 115 Introducing chamfers

[0221] 116 top surface

[0222] 117a Edge surface

[0223] 117b Clamping edge

[0224] 118 Wire compartment

[0225] 119 incision

[0226] 120 Second wall

[0227] 121 corresponding slot

[0228] 122 Entrance

[0229] 123 Yoke

[0230] 124 seat surface

[0231] 125 Introducing chamfers

[0232] 126 top surface

[0233] 127 Edge Surface

[0234] 130 Third wall

[0235] 131 corresponding slot

[0236] 132 Entrance

[0237] 133 Yoke

[0238] 134 seat surface

[0239] 135 Introducing chamfers

[0240] 136 top surface

[0241] 137 Edge Surface

[0242] 140 Intermediate Space

[0243] 141, 142 guide surface

[0244] 143, 144 inclined plane

[0245] 145, 146 root zone

[0246] 147, 148 Bend

[0247] 149 Legs

[0248] 150 Cable 150

[0249] 151 Auxiliary Lines 151

[0250] 160 aperture

[0251] I1 First stripping length

[0252] I2 Second stripping length

[0253] w 111,min Minimum width

[0254] w 111,max Maximum width

[0255] A. Assembly direction

[0256] B threading direction

[0257] C Connection Status

[0258] F Fully assembled

[0259] L longitudinal axis

[0260] M Installation position

[0261] P Pre-assembled state

[0262] X vertical direction

[0263] Y horizontal direction

[0264] Z height direction

Claims

1. An ingress protection assembly (100) for guiding wires (150), such as signal wires (31) and / or power wires (32), through a partition wall (99) of an electrical device in a sealed manner, the ingress protection assembly (100) comprising: a first wall portion (110) provided with a receiving slot (111), the receiving slot extending through the first wall portion (110) in a threading direction (B) and opening at an inlet (112, 122) facing an assembly direction (A) of the ingress protection assembly (100), and A second wall portion (120) is provided with a corresponding groove (121), which extends through the second wall portion (120) in the threading direction (B) and opens at a corresponding inlet (112, 122) facing away from the assembly direction (A), wherein At least in a fully assembled state (F) of the ingress protection assembly (100), the first wall portion (110) and the second wall portion (120) at least partially overlap in a projection along the threading direction (B), so that the receiving slot (111) and the corresponding slot (121) together form an aperture (160) configured to tightly surround the wire (150); wherein the first wall portion (110) and the second wall portion (120) each include respective support surfaces (114, 124) disposed on opposite sides of the aperture (160); wherein, at least in the fully assembled state (F), the support surfaces (114, 124) are configured to compress opposite sides of the wire (150) to form a seal between the wire (150) and the first wall portion 110 and the second wall portion 120.

2. The ingress protection assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least in the fully assembled state (F), the first wall portion (110) and the second wall portion (120) are adjacent to each other in the threading direction (B).

3. The ingress protection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the receiving slot (111) and the corresponding slot (121) terminates in a yoke (113, 123) that provides a plurality of openings facing the inlet. (112, 122) or the supporting surface (114, 124) of the corresponding inlet (112, 122).

4. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that At least one of the receiving groove (111) and the corresponding groove (121) is gradually narrowed at least partially along the threading direction (B).

5. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that At least one of the inlet (112, 122) and the corresponding inlet (112, 122) is provided with an introduction chamfer (115, 125).

6. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that At least one of the receiving groove (111) and the corresponding receiving groove (111) is partially widened in a longitudinal direction (X) of the inlet protection assembly (100) extending substantially perpendicular to the assembly direction (A) and the threading direction (B) to form a wire compartment (118), wherein the wire compartment (118) is configured to tightly surround the outer periphery of the wire (150).

7. The ingress protection assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that At least two wire compartments (118) are arranged adjacent to each other along the assembly direction (A).

8. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that A cutout (119) is formed in the first wall portion (110) or the second wall portion (120) adjacent to at least one of the receiving groove (111) and the corresponding groove (121), respectively.

9. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least in the fully assembled state (F), the at least one cutout (119) is covered by the respective opposing first wall portion (110) or second wall portion (120).

10. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The third wall portion (130) is provided with an additional corresponding groove (121, 131), which extends through the third wall portion (130) in the threading direction (B) and has an additional corresponding inlet (112, 122, 132) facing away from the assembly direction (A), wherein At least in the fully assembled state (F), the first wall portion (110) is arranged between the second wall portion (120) and the third wall portion (130) so that they at least partially overlap in a projection along the threading direction (B), and the receiving groove (111), the corresponding receiving groove (111) and the corresponding receiving groove (111) together form the aperture (160).

11. The ingress protection assembly (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The height of the third wall portion (130) measured parallel to the assembly direction (A) is smaller than the height of the second wall portion (120) measured parallel to the assembly direction (A).

12. The ingress protection assembly (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that An inclined surface (143, 144) is formed at a vertical edge of at least one of the first wall portion (110) and the second wall portion (120) and at least partially faces the first wall portion (110).

13. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that At least one of the second wall portion (120) and the third wall portion (130) has a root region (145, 146) provided with a bend (147, 148) at least partially facing away from the first wall portion (110).

14. Ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The first wall portion (110) is a portion of the partition wall (99).

15. An electrical device, in particular an instrumentation device (1), comprising an ingress protection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14.

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