Modular layout combination device

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular arrangement assembly comprising a measuring device having a separate housing and a slot into which at least one voltage protection device is inserted, and comprising a separate housing, the housing and the measuring device being arranged directly adjacent to each other, and comprising a sensor module which is arranged directly adjacent to the housing and the measuring device. At least one current sensor is arranged in the sensor module, the current sensor is used for measuring the current in the inserted overvoltage protection device, the sensor module is detachably installed in the measuring instrument and the slot, the measuring instrument and the slot are respectively provided with a mechanical fixing device, and the measuring instrument and the slot are respectively provided with a mechanical fixing device. The sensor module is provided with a mechanical locking device which is correspondingly matched with the sensor module and enables the sensor module to be installed in a buckled mode in a rotating mode around the axis of the mechanical fixing device and the axis of the mechanical locking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular layout combination device. Background Art

[0002] In order to protect electrical equipment, overvoltage protection devices are increasingly being installed. One example is a varistor, which switches on when an overvoltage occurs and bypasses the overvoltage away from the electrical equipment to be protected. Typically, such overvoltage events are the result of a discharge, for example caused by a switching operation or a lightning strike, and are directed as a pulse current through a varistor (or other overvoltage protection device).

[0003] However, if there is no overvoltage event, the overvoltage protection device should behave like an insulator.

[0004] However, due to aging, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) and use, varistors may degrade. This degradation usually results in a current flowing even in the absence of an overvoltage. This current is called leakage current. Usually, this leakage current is (initially) only a few hundred microamperes. However, with further aging and use, the leakage current may increase, leading to severe thermal heating and possibly even fire. For this situation, modern overvoltage protection devices are equipped with thermal protection that disconnects the varistor from the corresponding circuit.

[0005] Aging manifests itself as a change in the current-voltage characteristic curve.

[0006] Total leakage current is also a possible indicator of aging.

[0007] Likewise, other surge arresters, such as spark gaps, also age.

[0008] For monitoring surge arresters, corresponding monitoring devices exist.

[0009] These monitoring devices either use fully integrated combined modules consisting of protector and monitoring device or use separate components screwed together. The sensors are usually installed in a sensor module, which is located before the terminal blocks of the surge arrester. The connection lines to the surge protection device (SPD) are passed through the openings of the sensor module so that the current on these lines can be detected.

[0010] There are also so-called intelligent SPDs, in which a fixed sensor module is installed in front of the SPD. That is, both the SPD and the evaluation module are fixedly connected to the sensor module. The respective manufacturer must provide the entire system.

[0011] What all these approaches have in common is that the measuring instruments are designed specifically for a particular surge arrester. Existing solutions therefore lack flexibility on the one hand, since the right device must always be used, and on the other hand, this inflexibility makes them relatively expensive in development and production due to the relatively low production volumes of each device. Likewise, the necessity for bolted connections proves to be disadvantageous, since this leads to higher and more expensive installation costs. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a modular arrangement which can provide a measuring function for a wide variety of surge arresters at low cost, thereby monitoring ageing.

[0013] The scheme of the present invention is: A modular layout combination device comprises a measuring instrument and a slot, wherein at least one voltage protection device is inserted into the slot, the measuring instrument has an independent shell, and the slot has an independent shell, wherein the shell and the measuring instrument are arranged directly adjacent to each other, the modular layout also comprises a sensor module, wherein the sensor module has at least one current sensor inside, and the current sensor is used to measure the current in the inserted overvoltage protection device, the sensor module can be detachably mounted to the measuring instrument and the slot, the measuring instrument and the slot each have a mechanical fixing device, and the sensor module has a corresponding mechanical locking device, which can enable the sensor module to be installed in a rotationally interlocking manner around the axis of the mechanical fixing device and the mechanical locking device.

[0014] A modular layout combination device comprises a measuring instrument and at least one overvoltage protection device, wherein at least one of the overvoltage protection devices and the measuring instrument are arranged directly adjacent to each other, and the modular layout further comprises a sensor module, wherein the sensor module has at least one current sensor inside, and the current sensor is used to measure the current in the overvoltage protection device, wherein the sensor module is detachably fixed to the measuring instrument, the measuring instrument and at least one of the overvoltage protection devices each have a mechanical fixing device, and the sensor module has a matching mechanical locking device, which enables the sensor modules to be fixedly connected to each other in a rotatable manner around the axis of the matching mechanical fixing device and mechanical locking device.

[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The device can provide measurement functions for various overvoltage arresters at low cost, thereby monitoring aging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will be described in more detail below by means of the accompanying drawings and examples. The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams and are not drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0017] The figure shows: Figure 1 An exemplary external design of the device according to the invention in an assembled state according to some aspects of the embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 An exemplary external design of the device according to the present invention when assembled according to some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic electrical structure of a device according to some aspects of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 An exemplary internal design of a sensor module or socket according to some aspects of embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 An exemplary internal design of a sensor module or a socket according to other aspects of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 An exemplary internal design of a sensor module or a socket according to further aspects of embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 7 Detailed description of the drawings is given below. Detailed description of the drawings is given below.

[0018] Reference Numbers List M-meter; A slot; SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 (Pluggable) overvoltage protection device; G M , G A case; S M Sensor module; B N , B F1 , B F2 Mechanical fixings; A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 Connecting terminals; D N , D L1 , D L2 , D L3 Via holes; S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 , Simp Current sensor; K1, K2, K3, K4 contact devices; I / O S interface; R Locking element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that different aspects are described, and each aspect can be used alone or in combination. That is, unless explicitly indicated as a pure alternative, any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] For simplicity, the following generally only involves one entity. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the present invention may also include multiple related entities. Therefore, the use of the words "a" and "an" is only used as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0021] If a method is described below, the individual steps of the method may be arranged in any order and / or combined, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, these methods (unless otherwise clearly marked) may be combined with each other.

[0022] Statements with numerical values ​​are not generally to be regarded as exact values ​​but include tolerances of + / -1% to + / -10%.

[0023] References to standards, specifications or the like in this application always refer at least to standards, specifications or the like applicable at the filing date, i.e., if a certain standard / specification etc. is updated or replaced by a subsequent version, the present invention also applies thereto.

[0024] The present invention will be described below in the context of a voltage protection device, in particular in conjunction with a varistor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] The modular arrangement assembly according to the invention may, for example, have a measuring device M and a slot A into which at least one overvoltage protection device SPD is inserted. N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 .

[0026] The measuring device M can have a separate housing G M , and slot A has an independent housing G A Independent shell G A For at least one pluggable overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 .

[0027] For inserting at least one overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Shell G A and the measuring device M or the housing G of the measuring device M M Arranged directly next to each other after installation.

[0028] Furthermore, the modular arrangement includes a sensor module S M , sensor module S M There is at least one current sensor S inside L1 , current sensor S L1 For measuring inserted overvoltage protection devices SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 The current in.

[0029] Sensor module S M It can be detachably mounted on the measuring instrument M and the slot A, wherein the measuring instrument M or its housing G M and slot A or its housing G A Each having a mechanical fixing device B N , and the sensor module S M With corresponding mechanical locking device B F1 , B F2 The mechanical locking device enables the sensor module S M Around the matching mechanical fixing device and mechanical locking device B N , B F1 , B F2 The two components are installed in an interlocking manner in a rotating manner along the axis.

[0030] The present invention is not limited to insertable overvoltage protection devices SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 In addition, the invention can also be used with a non-insertion overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Use together.

[0031] For example, the modular arrangement according to the invention can have a measuring device M and at least one (integrated or directly adjacently arranged) overvoltage protection device SPD. N , SPD L1 , SPDL2 , SPD L3 , wherein at least one overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 and measuring device M are arranged directly adjacent to each other, the modular arrangement also having a sensor module S M , the sensor module S M There is at least one current sensor S inside L1 , used to measure overvoltage protection devices SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 The current in the sensor module S M The measuring device M and at least one overvoltage protection device SPD are detachably fixed to the measuring device M. N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Each having a mechanical fixing device B N , and the sensor module S M With matching mechanical locking device B F1 , B F2 The mechanical locking device enables the sensor module S M Capable of surrounding a matching mechanical fixing device and a mechanical locking device B N , B F1 , B F2 The axes are fixedly connected to each other in a rotational manner.

[0032] Compared with the devices in the prior art, the sensor module introduced here can be fixed by the flip cover structure used by the user (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) The mechanism is achieved by an interlocking mechanical fixing device.

[0033] For example, these interlocking mechanical fixings can be designed so that the overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 or slot A and sensor module S M There is a slot on each side, into which the sensor module can be inserted. There can be a guide pin and a locking rod R on the bottom side, which locks with the sensor module S M Locking and mechanical fixation can be ensured.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slot A has a first connection terminal A N, A L1 , A L2 , A L3 Through these first connection terminals A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 Can be conductively connected to the corresponding overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Electrical connections may also be provided within slot A - e.g. Figure 3 as shown in the upper part of .

[0035] In such Figure 3 The second connection terminal A shown in the middle N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 Connect the corresponding overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Conductively connected to the corresponding supply voltage L1, L2, L3, N.

[0036] (Foldable) sensor module S M Also has a through hole D N , D L1 , D L2 , D L3 , when the sensor module S M Fixed in slot A or overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 When the power supply voltage L1, L2, L3, N passes through these vias and can be connected to the second connection terminal A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 .

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M At least one current sensor S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 , S imp The design of this sensor is the subject of another application. Preferably, the current sensor is located in the spatial vicinity of the current path to be measured - here, the total current path passes through the overvoltage protection device SPD N Arrangement.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M There are at least two current sensors S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 , two current sensors S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 The arrangement is accordingly such that a current flow through one of the vias can be detected.

[0039] Obviously, different arrangements may be provided for various conductor systems.

[0040] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M There are also contact devices K1, K2, K3, K4, via which one or more voltages can be taken from the slot A - see e.g. Figure 3 and 6 It should be noted that Figure 6 Only one cross section is shown in FIG. 2 . However, adjacent sections may be constructed in the same manner with respect to the conductors L1 , L2 , L3 .

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M It also has a locking lever R for removable fastening to the measuring instrument M (see Figure 5 ).

[0042] This ensures secure fixing and easy (dis)assembly.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M With one interface I / O S , through this interface, the sensor module S M Can be connected to measuring instrument M. Interface I / O S Can be designed for bidirectional data exchange, for example to provide configuration data and measurement data. In addition, the interface I / O S It can also be used as a measuring instrument M or a sensor module S M The task of providing power.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the interface I / O S Designed with EdgeCard connector (see Figure 5 ). A secure contact is achieved by a tilting / rotating movement. However, this does not exclude other contact methods.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S MThe current sensor S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 At least a portion of the Figure 7 ). The core may be designed to be annular and surround the corresponding through-hole.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module has three current sensors S N , S L2 , S L3 , the current sensors are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0047] For example, a pulse current sensor (for the total current) can be provided in the measuring device M. The measuring device M and the pulse current sensor S therein imp The sensor is installed relative to the overvoltage protection device SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 Such an arrangement allows the sensor to be placed as close as possible to the total current path or the PE terminal of the arrester, so that the total current of the arrester can be measured as selectively as possible.

[0048] This is relevant for almost all discharge processes of arresters and can be used to indirectly infer the aging of the arrester via damage models.

[0049] Since there is no mechanical fastening between arrester and measuring instrument, in principle all arresters whose total current path is located in a similar position can be monitored.

[0050] By appropriate calculations, the current through conductor L1 can be determined if the total current is known. For example, for a four-pole arrester, it is only necessary to M Using 3 pulse current sensors in the sensor module, for example for conductors L2, L3 and N, and one pulse current sensor in the measuring instrument (for conductor PE), the 4th path in the sensor module (here L1) can be calculated as L1 = PE-L2-L3-N. Of course, other arrangements are possible, such as omitting the N conductor and calculating it.

[0051] Therefore, the sensor module S M They can be designed to be very compact. This is advantageous in switchgear cabinets, where the space available is often very limited.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 As shown, at least two current sensors S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3In the sensor module S M For example, the current sensor SPD N and SPD L1 Arranged in the same layer, the sensor SPD L3 This allows for a compact design with only small conductor spacing.

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M The sample voltage in the M is reduced to a safe voltage, for example to the order of 24 V. This not only allows a safe design for the user, but also reduces space, since the space requirement of the measuring instrument M does not increase, especially since the lower process voltage requires smaller insulation distances and therefore less space is required.

[0054] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module S M The device has an identification code so that it can be identified by the measuring device M (e.g. via the interface I / O S ) identification. The coding can be, for example, a memory such as an EEPROM, a resistance coding, a binary coding via a plurality of open / closed circuit paths, or a mechanical coding, for example using a switch. If a memory is used, in particular the sensor module S M Configuration information and calibration data can also be stored in the memory for query. Therefore, the measuring instrument M can perform accurate calculations based on this information and data.

Claims

1. A modular layout assembly having a meter (M) and a slot (A) into which at least one voltage protection device (SPD) is inserted. N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ), characterized in that, The measuring instrument (M) has an independent housing (G M ), the slot (A) has an independent housing (G A ), wherein the housing of the slot (G A ) and the measuring device (M) are arranged directly adjacent to each other, the modular arrangement also having a sensor module (S M ), the sensor module (S M ) has at least one current sensor (S L1 ), current sensor (S L1 ) is used to measure the overvoltage protection device (SPD) inserted N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ) current, the sensor module (S M ) is detachably mounted to the measuring instrument (M) and the slot (A), the measuring instrument (M) and the slot (A) each having a mechanical fixing device (B N ), and the sensor module (S M ) has a corresponding mechanical locking device (B F1 , B F2 ), the mechanical locking device enables the sensor module (S M ) around the mechanical fixing device and the mechanical locking device (B N , B F1 , B F2 ) are installed in a rotatable manner with their axes interlocked.

2. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The slot (A) has a first connection terminal (A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 ), the sensor module (S M ) has a via hole (D N , D L1 , D L2 , D L3 ), when the sensor module (S M ) is fixed to the slot (A), the overvoltage protection device (SPD) is contacted through the through hole N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ) of the second connection terminal (A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 ).

3. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) has at least one current sensor (S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 ).

4. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The slot (A) has a connection terminal (A N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 ), the sensor module (S M ) has a via hole (D N , D L1 , D L2 , D L3 ), when the sensor module (S M ) is fixed on the slot (A), contacts at least two of the connecting terminals (A) through the conducting hole N , A L1 , A L2 , A L3 ), wherein the sensor module (S M ) has at least two current sensors (S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 ), the two current sensors (S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 ) are respectively arranged to detect the current passing through the conductive hole.

5. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) also has contact devices (K1, K2, K3, K4), via which one or more voltages can be tapped from the socket (A).

6. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) also provides a locking lever (R) for removably fixing it to the measuring instrument (M).

7. A modular layout assembly having a measuring instrument (M) and at least one overvoltage protection device (SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ), characterized in that, At least one of the overvoltage protection devices (SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ) and the measuring device (M) are arranged directly adjacent to one another, the modular arrangement also having a sensor module (S M ), the sensor module (S M ) has at least one current sensor (S L1 ), current sensor (S L1 ) is used to measure the overvoltage protection device (SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ) in the current, where the sensor module (S M ) is detachably fixed to the measuring instrument (M), the measuring instrument (M) and at least one of the overvoltage protection devices (SPD N , SPD L1 , SPD L2 , SPD L3 ) each having a mechanical fixing device (B N ), and the sensor module (S M ) has a matching mechanical locking device (B F1 , B F2 ), the mechanical locking device enables the sensor module (S M ) can be used to surround the matching mechanical fixing device and mechanical locking device (B N , B F1 , B F2 ) are fixedly connected to each other in a rotational manner.

8. The modular layout assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) has an interface (I / O S ), through the interface, the sensor module (S M ) is communicatively connected with the measuring instrument.

9. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) has an interface (I / O S ), the interface (I / O S ) has an EdgeCard connector.

10. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) at least two current sensors (S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 ) has an iron core.

11. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module has three current sensors (S N , S L2 , S L3 ), three current sensors are arranged adjacent to each other.

12. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) at least two current sensors (S N , S L1 , S L2 , S L3 ) are staggered at different levels.

13. A modular layout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sensor module (S M ) sets an identification code so that it can be identified by the measuring instrument (M).

Images