Plug-in active elements in the transverse direction for terminal block systems with coding system

Abstract

Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) for terminal block systems (DK,EK), wherein the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) comprises a surge protection element (ÜSE) and contacts an earth terminal (EK) in a first bridging level (level 1) with a feed-through terminal (DK) in a second bridging level (level 2), wherein the pluggable active cross-bridging element either includes an element selected from a group comprising a surge protection diode and / or a varistor and / or a spark gap and / or a gas-filled surge arrester, or the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) is selected from a group comprising electrical circuits and sensors, wherein the active cross-bridging element (AE) is suitable for insertion into the terminal block system (DK, EK) only in a specific direction, in which a bridging slot is closed by means of a coding plug (KS).that the active cross-bridging element (AE) can only be used in a specific direction, so that a coding system is provided in correlation with the arrangement of the plug pin contacts of the active cross-bridging element (AE).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to pluggable active elements in the transverse direction for terminal block systems.

[0002] In existing terminal block systems, bridging slots are used for occasional electrical cross-connections to multiply and distribute potentials, i.e., for the passive transfer of potentials. A fundamental principle of terminal block systems is to create a dedicated potential transfer point in a clear and organized manner. This cross-bridging capability can connect directly adjacent terminals or be configured for single- or multi-pole jumps. The cross-bridging can be insulated or bare in areas accessible during installation. These bridges can also be configured for two or more poles.

[0003] An electronic terminal block is known from the prior art – German patent application DE 32 332 55 A1. Other terminal block systems are known from various manufacturers, including the applicant. Cross-bridge elements are also known from the catalogs listed on the cover page of this patent specification.

[0004] The invention is subsequently demonstrated using the example of surge protection elements in an exemplary application for electronic interlocking systems (ESTW).

[0005] Due to new control and safety (CST) technology with interoperable properties, a new concept is required. A new cable termination rack (CTR) is also being developed for this purpose.

[0006] One requirement is that the cable termination rack should be available with or without lightning protection, so that it can be used for different markets.

[0007] This technique, or similar techniques, can also be found in other areas. For example, surge protective devices (SPDs) are used in electrical installations or in front of equipment requiring protection to maintain its insulation and voltage resistance even when subjected to transient overvoltages and to prevent insulation failures or other damage.

[0008] In installations with certain minimum availability requirements, pluggable surge arresters have been the preferred choice since around the early / mid-1980s.

[0009] In particular, designs are used that do not affect the system to be protected (e.g. disconnecting, short-circuiting, changing impedance, etc.).

[0010] Such SPDs are therefore often designed in two parts: a DIN rail-mounted base element and an associated connector. The actual surge protection elements are housed within the connector.

[0011] An exemplary surge protection device is known from the German utility model DE 20 2004 006 227 U1.

[0012] Due to its design, the installation requires increased effort and space, which is both costly and prone to errors.

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of providing a simple, cost-effective and / or space-saving option that can meet the requirements for electronic interlocking systems, e.g. SIL 4, in particular, whereby these requirements can be met both when replacing faulty active elements and when retrofitting with active elements.

[0014] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing and preferred embodiments.

[0016] They show Fig. 1 an exemplary use of the invention in relation to an aspect of the invention, Fig. 2 an exemplary use of the invention in relation to another aspect of the invention, Fig. 3 an exemplary use of the invention in relation to another aspect of the invention in detail, Fig. 4 another aspect of the invention, Fig. 5 the further aspect of the invention alongside other aspects relating to an application example, Fig. 6 an exemplary construction of a terminal block for use with the invention, Fig. 7 an additional aspect of the invention, Fig. 8 the additional aspect of the invention in connection with an exemplary terminal block, and Fig. 9 the additional aspect of the invention in a further embodiment in connection with an exemplary terminal block.

[0017] An exemplary KAG (cable termination assembly) technology with screwless connections for the IN and OUT sides can, for example, be configured for twin-wire connections, consisting of two terminal blocks each as feed-through terminals and an additional terminal block that provides a connection to an earth potential, e.g., in the case of electrical signal boxes, to the so-called water earth (hereinafter also referred to as the earth connection terminal). The feed-through terminals are then used for the transmission of signal lines. Both the feed-through terminals and the earth connection terminal are mounted on an earthed DIN rail. Both the feed-through terminals and the earth connection terminal have bridging slots into which suitable "active" bridging elements can be inserted.

[0018] One such example is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a large number of active elements (AE) plugged into the respective earth terminals (EK) or feed-through terminals (DK). The earth terminals (EK) are identifiable by the hatching. Both the earth terminals (EK) and the feed-through terminals (DK) are mounted on the TS mounting rail.

[0019] The earth terminal EK can be reduced to the function described above. Alternatively, a conventional PE terminal can be used. Reducing it to the function described above can lead to a cost-effective reduction in material and decreased manufacturing complexity, thus enabling cost-optimized production.

[0020] The disconnector, together with the test probe, fulfills the requirements for line verification; see here. Fig. 5.

[0021] Switching locks can be used for the structured organizational verification process; see also [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 5.

[0022] For the optional surge protection, the surge protection plug is inserted as an active element AE into the (double) bridging slot of the terminal blocks DK, EK.

[0023] This surge protection plug represents an active element in the transverse direction with respect to the earth terminal EK and the feed-through terminal DK.

[0024] This refers to a signal line (see Fig. 5) Overvoltage protection against earth potential is provided. For example, the overvoltage protection can be implemented as a series connection of a varistor and a gas conductor. Fig. 2 The surge protection in its most general form is represented as a dashed element with the reference ÜSE.

[0025] For use in signaling technology, the rated voltage of the gas discharge tube can be increased to approximately 800 V.

[0026] If several signal lines are supplied with surge protection in parallel, the active element AE can, for example, be designed as a connector via several terminal blocks EK,DK, whereby each individual terminal block DK, which is assigned to a signal line, has its own surge protection against earth potential within the active element AE, see here. Fig. 2. Furthermore, it may also be provided that the respective signal lines also have surge protection between each other (not shown).

[0027] The earth connection is then made via the additional terminal block EK, which provides a connection to an earth potential, e.g. in the case of electric interlocking systems to the so-called water earth, via the correspondingly earthed mounting rail TS on which the terminal blocks DK, EK are mounted.

[0028] For example, the active element AE can be designed analogously to the contact and insulation mechanisms of a contact K of a series test plug.

[0029] The receiving space of the active elements AE can be designed accordingly for the protection circuit.

[0030] The housing of the active elements can also be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Furthermore, the housing opening can be deeper than that of test plugs to reduce leverage.

[0031] If one contact K is sufficient to conduct the required surge currents without welding, the remaining space in the bridging shaft area can be used for mechanical coding purposes. This is demonstrated by the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates this. There, the bridge shaft area with 2 levels (marked by the dashed frame) is used for coding purposes.

[0032] Alternatively, a parallel connection of two plugs in the terminal plane can also be used.

[0033] For individual contacts, a symmetrical or asymmetrical offset arrangement can optionally be chosen in addition to the inline arrangement.

[0034] The same principles apply to vibration, shock, and other mechanical strengths.

[0035] If necessary, the insulating coverings of the plug areas of the active elements can be selected in such a way that a one-piece “double plug” is formed, which is supported on both sides in the terminal housing in the guide grooves on both sides of each plug contact.

[0036] In some cases, not only can all poles be configured in this way, but fewer than all. An alternating arrangement of poles is also possible.

[0037] Unlike passive jumper plugs, pluggable active elements (AE) often require precise insertion to ensure correct potentials are connected. To guarantee this, suitable measures may be implemented at the terminal block level and / or at the active element level to prevent incorrect connections.

[0038] For example, in the case of a single-pole "plug-in bridge" as the active element AE, which is inserted into a bridge shaft or into several shafts, a coding system can be provided in correlation with the arrangement of the plug pin contacts of the plugs described above, which, depending on the arrangement of the combinations plug pin contact - single-pole bridge in the bridge shaft, offers a mechanical hiding protection.

[0039] Especially in terminal block systems with more than one bridging level, these single-pole plug-in jumpers allow for a simple and permanently reliable slot coding. This is useful, for example, in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the connection to levels 1 and 2. A corresponding arrangement of a coding plug KS closes a bridging channel so that an active element AE can only be inserted in a specific direction. Although only one type is shown here, it is understood that other mounting options are possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide coding between individual groups using spacers between groups of feed-through terminals DK and earth terminals EK.

[0040] Coding is not limited to the bridging shafts. Alternatively or additionally, other areas of the feed-through terminals DK or the earth terminals EK can also be used to achieve suitable coding.

[0041] A preferred embodiment may have at least a partial insulating enclosure in the upper part of the pluggable portion of the active element.

[0042] The insulating material encasing can be produced, for example, by overmolding an electrically contacting metal part.

[0043] For example, the insulating material encasing can have grooves on one or both sides, which facilitate later removal of the bridge. Versions without grooves are also conceivable.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that, for example, individual contact pins are designed as blind contacts.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that, for example, the earth terminal of a plug-in lug has protection against connection by other plug-in elements, so that only corresponding active elements can be connected.

[0046] If necessary, these areas should be shaped towards a positive tolerance, so that a pressed "form-fitting" connection (Lego brick effect) is created.

[0047] In this simple way, higher vibration resistance is achieved in any desired direction, e.g. in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0048] The use of double contacts can also be limited to one of the connections, e.g. the ground connection.

[0049] These protective plugs can be tested with a testing device.

[0050] The plug width can be chosen so that adjacent protective plugs still have at least a negative air gap to neighboring plugs.

[0051] In the contact area, the requirements for air and creepage distances can thus be met, even at the typically highest system voltages: switch drives, 3 LN-230 / 400 V, 10 s cycle time, 250 V maximum influencing voltage.

[0052] The active elements presented here are used in cross-connections of terminal blocks.

[0053] These active elements AE can be connected via a bus system BUS to a reading device and / or a signaling device VE.

[0054] One option is to provide a contactable bus at the terminal blocks, e.g., a so-called T-bus (see WO 2013 / 024 151), which contacts the active elements after they are plugged in. However, this design often lacks the space required for additional signal terminals or the necessary insulation resistance.

[0055] Alternatively, the active elements can be equipped with a signal bus (BUS) that is attached directly to them. This better meets the space requirements.

[0056] For example, a (multipole) miniature connector ASS can be provided on the active elements AE, which is connected, for example, to a wiring system, e.g., a flat ribbon parallel wiring system.

[0057] At the end of the wiring system, for example, a reading device ÜE and / or a signaling device VE is connected.

[0058] In Fig. 4. For this purpose, a sensor S is provided in relation to a surge protection device (SPD), which can be read by means of an evaluation logic AL integrated into the active element. The evaluation logic can forward data from the sensor S via the bus BUS to a monitoring device, which is, for example, mounted on additional feed-through terminals DK corresponding to the active elements AE. The monitoring device ÜE can then provide evaluation or signaling on site. In addition, the feed-through terminals DK to the monitoring device ÜE allow results or signal states from the sensors S to be forwarded to a signaling device VE for further processing or reporting.

[0059] In this way, for example, it is possible to immediately disclose age-related changes in the active elements AE, e.g., of surge protection elements ÜSE.

[0060] This can then be used as a basis for determining the need for maintenance work.

[0061] In a simplified form in terms of circuit technology and electromechanics, but no less effective, the overvoltage protection device described in DE 10 2010 038 208.6-34 can also be implemented for this purpose in this way.

[0062] While the use of active elements AE in relation to at least one earth terminal EK and one or more feed-through terminals DK has been described herein, the invention is not limited to this. Rather, it is also possible to equip the active elements with actual loads, i.e., electrical circuits, sensors, light sources, or the like, and to connect these active AE as a bridge between two or more feed-through terminals DK. In this way, more complex circuits can also be retrofitted.

[0063] The above idea can readily be applied to other connection points, such as an earth terminal EK or a feed-through terminal. For example, the pluggable active element AE can be electrically connected to the conductor connection, test connection, or any other connection of the respective terminal DK, EK by simply plugging it in. It is also possible to connect different connection elements simultaneously.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary construction of a terminal block DK, EK for use with the invention. However, essentially only mechanical aspects are shown that are advantageous for further understanding.

[0065] The terminal block, which can be both a feed-through terminal DK and an earthing terminal EK, can, for example, have a housing G that can be snapped, screwed, or clamped onto a carrier rail TS (not shown).

[0066] In Fig. Figure 6 shows, for example, a so-called TWIN version, which has two clamping points on one side, so that, for example, a wire can be inserted into one of the clamping points and a pluggable element AE into the other clamping point. Further clamps and details of the mounting are not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0067] The terminal block EK, DK shows in the example of the Fig. Figure 6 describes a so-called push-in technique, in which wires, contact pins, or the like can be inserted into the clamping points and are protected from being pulled out or falling out by a spring F and a clamping element KK. To allow the respective wire or contact pin to be pulled out, a release device LK is provided at the terminal. In this example, the respective release device LK can be used to actuate the associated spring F and the respective clamping element KK so that the inserted wire can be removed.

[0068] If a pluggable element AE, as exemplified in Fig. 7, which is dimensioned in such a way that it covers the release device of an underlying clamp DK,EK, it may be advantageous to provide a release mechanism LS on the active element.

[0069] This can be done, as in the Fig. Figures 7 to 9 show that the pluggable active element AE has a release mechanism LS with which the plugged active element AE can be released from the majority of contacted terminals DK, EK. For the sake of simplicity, only the actuation in section with respect to one terminal is shown here.

[0070] It may be possible, for example, to provide for a single release mechanism for each individual contacted and / or covered release device LK of an underlying terminal, which actuates several or all release devices LK in parallel, or, for example, to provide for individual or all release devices LK of an underlying terminal a corresponding number of release mechanisms LS which can be actuated simultaneously by means of a suitable aid.

[0071] In Fig. 7 and Fig. For example, in Figure 8, the active element is configured with a release mechanism LM designed as a push button, wherein the push button is movable relative to the housing GE of the active element AE. The release mechanism LM may have a handle to simplify or ensure safe operation. The release mechanism LM may, for example, be pin-like and made of a suitable material, such as a molded plastic part, a stamped part, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, a recess A may be provided on the housing GE, for example, to extend the actuation travel. Additionally, a detent may be provided on the housing to prevent accidental actuation.

[0072] The push button can, for example, transmit a force (represented by a hollow arrow) to a release device (LK) of a terminal below. As already explained, the active element can be a general active component (BE) or, as a special active component, a surge protection element (ÜSE). The active element (AE), for example, has a metal pin-like connection (MS) that can be inserted into the conductor connection, test connection, or other connection of the respective terminal (DK, EK) and establishes the electrically conductive connection.

[0073] In Fig. 8 is generally the terminal block made of Fig. 6 with an active element accordingly Fig. Figure 7 shows the device in the inserted state. The metal pin-like connection MS of the active element AE is now inserted into one of the clamping points and is held in the terminal DK, EK by means of the spring F and the corresponding clamping element KK.

[0074] Additionally, the Fig. 8. Furthermore, the release mechanism LM can also include, for example, a compression spring FS, which is held, for example, by a stop on the pin WS and a stop on the housing WG, and which then exerts pressure on the release mechanism LM. This also prevents accidental release.

[0075] Alternatively, the LM solution mechanism can also be used as in Fig. Figure 9 shows the lever mechanism. For this purpose, a pivot point is created, for example, using a suitable mechanism, so that actuation of the lever in the extension direction is appropriately redirected to the release mechanism LK of an underlying clamp. For example, a free pivot point DPL can be provided on the lever (e.g., injection-molded) and a fixed pivot point DPG on the housing. The leverage effect can be advantageously utilized so that the necessary force can be appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, due to the direction of force application relative to the direction of action of the release mechanism LM, incorrect actuation is virtually impossible.

[0076] Will now in Fig. 8 by pressure or in Fig.9. If force is applied to the release mechanism LM by means of a pull, the force is transferred to the release device LK and the release mechanism LM interacts with the release device LK, so that the active element AE can be removed. Reference symbol list AE Active Element ASS connector BUS Bus Monitoring device, reading device TS carrier rail DK feed-through terminal EK earth terminal AL evaluation logic S Sensor ÜSE surge protection element K Contact K VE signaling device KS coding plug G Housing of the terminal F spring of the clamp FS spring of the pluggable element KK clamping body LK clamp release mechanism LS release mechanism of the pluggable element AK connection contact BE component GE housing of the pluggable element MS connector pin of the pluggable element A recess DPG pivot point housing DPL pivot point release mechanism WL abutment release mechanism WG Abutment Housing

Claims

[1] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) for terminal block systems (DK,EK), wherein the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) comprises a surge protection element (SPE) and contacts an earth terminal (EK) in a first bridging level (level 1) with a feed-through terminal (DK) in a second bridging level (level 2), wherein the pluggable active cross-bridging element either includes an element selected from a group comprising a surge protection diode and / or a varistor and / or a spark gap and / or a gas-filled surge arrester, or the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) is selected from a group comprising electrical circuits and sensors, wherein the active cross-bridging element (AE) is suitable for insertion into the terminal block system (DK, EK) only in a specific direction, in which a bridging slot is closed by means of a coding plug (KS),that the active cross-bridging element (AE) can only be used in a specific direction, so that a coding system is provided in correlation with the arrangement of the plug pin contacts of the active cross-bridging element (AE). [2] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) according to claim 1, characterized by that the pluggable cross-bridging element (AE) continues to have an additional fine-wire fuse. [3] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) can be electrically connected to the conductor connection, test connection or any other connection of the respective terminal (DK,EK) by plugging it in. [4] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) has a release mechanism (LS) with which the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) can be released from the plurality of contacted terminals (DK, EK). [5] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) according to claim 4, wherein the release mechanism (LS) has a plurality of release pins that can interact with corresponding release devices (LK) of the contacted terminals (DK,EK). [6] Pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the release mechanism (LS) can be actuated by pulling or pushing relative to the active cross-bridging element (AE). [7] System with one or more pluggable active cross-bridging elements (AE) according to one of the preceding claims, for terminal block systems (EK,DK) further comprising a first terminal block (EK,DK) and adjacent thereto a second terminal block (EK,DK) and at least one coding plug (KS), wherein an active cross-bridging element (AE) connects at least the first and the second terminal blocks (EK,DK) in a transverse direction, wherein the active cross-bridging element (AE) can only be inserted in a certain direction, wherein a bridging channel is closed by means of the coding plug (KS) such that an active cross-bridging element (AE) can only be inserted in a certain direction, wherein a coding system is provided in correlation with the arrangement of the plug pin contacts of the active cross-bridging element (AE). [8] System according to claim 7, characterized by, that the first terminal block establishes a connection to an earth potential and the second terminal block establishes a connection to a signal potential. [9] System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the pluggable active cross-bridging element and / or the terminal blocks provide a mechanical coding to protect against incorrect wiring. [10] System according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) can be electrically connected to the conductor connection, test connection or any other connection of the respective terminal (DK,EK) by plugging it in. [11] System according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) has a release mechanism (LS) with which the pluggable active cross-bridging element (AE) can be released from the plurality of contacted terminals (EK,DK). [12] System according to claim 11, wherein the release mechanism (LS) comprises a plurality of release pins which can interact with corresponding release devices (LK) of the contacted terminals (DK, EK). [13] System according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the release mechanism (LS) can be actuated by means of pull or push relative to the active cross-bridging element (AE).

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