Surge protection system with terminal blocks on a mounting rail

Abstract

The invention relates to a surge protection system (1) with terminal blocks (R1,R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T), comprising • at least two terminal blocks (R1, R2) in an adjacent arrangement which have different potentials at at least one point in time during operation, • wherein a terminal block (R1) provides an equal-potential connection of several electrical conductors in a plane (E1) perpendicular to the mounting of a terminal block (R1, R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T), • a surge protection device (USE) adjacent to the terminal blocks (R1, R2), • wherein the surge protection device (USE) has bridging shafts (S1, S2, ...) in different bridging levels (E1, E2 ...) which are defined parallel to each other in mounting rail directions, • wherein the terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) each have at least one bridging slot shared with the surge protection device (USE), • wherein the different potentials of the at least two terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) are connected to the surge protection device (USE) in the direction of the mounting rail by means of at least one bridging device (BM) in order to protect a respective potential in the event of an overvoltage, • wherein for each terminal block (R1, R2, ...) at least one bridging device (BM) provides an electrical connection exclusively in at least one bridging level (E1, E2, ...).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a surge protection system with terminal blocks on a mounting rail. Background of the invention

[0002] Surge protection devices are used to protect against impulse currents and transient overvoltages in electrical installations.

[0003] National and international standards define a maximum cable length to connected surge protection devices (max. 0.5 m) in order to keep the voltage drop on the cable as low as possible.

[0004] This short cable length is difficult to maintain in most cases and significantly complicates the installation of surge protection devices.

[0005] The additional installation of a fuse requires more cables, which also results in a higher voltage drop. The fuse itself also causes an additional voltage drop.

[0006] Furthermore, complicated installation instructions often make it difficult to select the correct cable cross-section and length.

[0007] While some solutions already exist on the market, they are often inflexible – for example, they cannot be mounted at the entrance of a control cabinet, but only in specific installation locations, such as the last device in a row. Monitoring capabilities are also lacking.

[0008] Against this background, one of the aims of the invention is to offer a cost-effective, flexible solution.

[0009] The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are in particular the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of elements relating to embodiments of the invention, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 exemplary schematic representations of a bridging device according to embodiments of the invention, and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of elements relating to embodiments of the invention with a bridging means according to Fig. 2. Detailed description of the invention

[0011] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that different aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. That is, each aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention, unless explicitly presented as a pure alternative.

[0012] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally be made to only one entity at a time. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the invention may also include several of the entities concerned. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "one" should only be understood as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0013] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the individual steps of a procedure described below can be arranged and / or combined in any order. Furthermore, the procedures can be combined with each other unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0014] Information with numerical values ​​should generally not be understood as exact values, but also include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0015] References to standards or specifications are to be understood as references to standards or specifications that are valid or were valid at the time of filing and / or – insofar as priority is claimed – at the time of the priority filing. However, this does not imply a general exclusion of applicability to subsequent or superseding standards or specifications.

[0016] With reference to the figures, embodiments of the invention are explained below.

[0017] The invention provides a surge protection system 1 with terminal blocks R1, R2, ... on a mounting rail T. The surge protection system 1 has at least two terminal blocks R1, R2 in an adjacent arrangement, which have different potentials at at least one point in time during operation.

[0018] In this configuration, a terminal block R1 provides a connection of equal potential between several electrical conductors in a plane E1 perpendicular to the mounting of a terminal block R1, R2, ... on a mounting rail (T). Similarly, the adjacent terminal block(s) in their respective planes E2 ... also provide a connection of equal potential between several electrical conductors.

[0019] Adjacent to terminal blocks R1, R2, -- is a surge protection device USE. The surge protection device USE has bridging connections BE1, BE2 ... , which are parallel to each other in the mounting rail directions (represented by a block arrow in the direction of travel). Fig. 1) are defined, bridging shafts S1, S2, ... - represented as square openings - on.

[0020] The terminal blocks R1, R2, ... each have at least one bridging slot shared with the surge protection device USE in a bridging plane.

[0021] The different potentials of the at least two terminal blocks R1, R2, ... are connected to the surge protection device USE in the direction of the mounting rail by means of at least one bridging device BM in order to protect a respective potential in the event of an overvoltage.

[0022] Each terminal block R1, R2, ... provides at least one bridging device BM with an exclusive electrical connection in at least one bridging level E1, E2, ....

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the surge protection device USE can be positively locked to the terminal blocks R1, R2, ... on a mounting rail T. Positive locking can preferably refer to a length (direction of the planes E1 ...) and / or height (from the mounting rail T). However, a more complex configuration can also be achieved in the same way. This makes it possible to integrate the system into existing terminal block systems. Positive locking also facilitates the use of short electrical connections.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surge protection device USE provides an electrical connection to a protective conductor PE via the mounting rail T. This allows for a cost-effective discharge.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one bridging device BM provides an electrical connection over a distance of less than 40 mm. This makes it easy to comply with regulatory requirements, for example.

[0026] In yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one bridging element BM is pluggable. This allows for quick and cost-effective (dis)assembly.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one bridging means BM connects in parallel simultaneously the at least two different potentials of the at least two terminal blocks R1, R2, ... to the surge protection device USE.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the surge protection system 1 further comprises a power supply unit VE for providing the at least two different potentials, wherein the power supply unit VE can be mounted on the mounting rail T.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply unit VE provides at least two different potentials in different bridging levels E1, E2, ... in bridging shafts.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the power supply unit VE connects the different potentials to the surge protection device USE in the direction of the mounting rail by means of at least one (further) bridging device BM.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the power supply unit VE can be positively locked to the terminal blocks R1, R2, ... on a mounting rail T. Positive locking can preferably refer to a length (direction of the planes E1 ...) and / or height (from the mounting rail T). However, a more complex configuration can also be achieved in the same way. This makes it possible to integrate the system into existing terminal block systems. Positive locking also facilitates the use of short electrical connections.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surge protection device USE has at least one local function indicator and / or a remote signaling interface for signaling states and / or errors. For example, single- or multi-colored LEDs, an e-paper display, or the like can be provided to signal states and / or errors. For example, the operating voltage can be signaled in this way.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the surge protection device USE can detect and / or count and / or evaluate surge events and make them available by means of a local function display and / or a remote communication interface.

[0034] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the different potentials are alternating voltage potentials or direct voltage potentials.

[0035] Without limiting the generality of the invention, the (DC voltage) potentials can also be potentials of a bus system, in particular potentials of an installation bus system, such as KNX.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the surge protection device USE can signal status and / or error messages by modulating the different potentials. In particular, the at least two different potentials can be part of a KNX bus (as an active device of the bus). This means that the bridging device BM also enables communication via such a bus.

[0037] To solve the problem described above, an SPD is proposed that can be connected via a bridging shaft, similar to a terminal block. The direct bridging between SPDs and terminal blocks within the bridging shaft circumvents the issue of cable lengths, as a fixed (short) cable length is achieved via the bridge itself (see example dimensions below).

[0038] The invention allows connection lengths to be significantly reduced – down to a minimum. It also enables V-wiring connections with all the advantages of through-wiring in terminal blocks. Furthermore, the invention allows for simple and compact installation, which is independent of the connecting cable, since the bridging element determines the connection cross-section.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention enables the connection of other electrical devices, such as a power supply. In particular, it allows for a compact, surge-protected connection to electrical devices.

[0040] The invention can be used with all network configurations (TN, TT, IT, + / -, Split, Delta, Highleg, etc.) and allows the earthing of the PE conductor to a main earthing bar or an equipotential bonding bar using suitable technology, e.g., with a screw terminal on or directly via the mounting rail T. Likewise, the surge protection device USE can take over the function of the protective conductor terminal with a double clamping point.

[0041] The invention makes it possible, for example, to provide a surge protection device (USE) in the form factor of KNX terminal blocks, so that the power supply can be bridged to the surge protection device. The bridging slots are provided in the same position, e.g., 4 terminals for the conductors plus a PE terminal.

[0042] The surge protection device USE can, for example, be configured to count and / or evaluate surge pulses. Likewise, the surge protection device USE can be integrated as a bus device, e.g., as a KNX device / bus participant (with a corresponding bus address). This allows, via the bus protocol, parameters such as threshold values ​​to be set, or the status of the surge protection device USE's functions, or the number / strength of past pulses, times, etc., to be queried.

[0043] The power supply unit VE can also be designed to be parameterizable or queryable.

[0044] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the bridging device BM can also be designed so that the bridging paths are the same. This also ensures that the bridging device cannot be used incorrectly.

[0045] It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale. For example, the same bridging device BM can be used to connect a surge protection device USE to the terminal blocks as well as to connect a possible power supply unit VE to the surge protection device USE. The connection between the surge protection device USE and the power supply unit VE may, for instance, be provided at different bridging levels than the connection between the terminal blocks and the surge protection device USE. List of designations 1 Surge protection system terminal blocks R1,R2 terminal blocks T-rail E1, E2 Level BE1, BE2 bridging planes USE surge protection device S1, S2 bridging shafts LED local display BM bridging aids PE protective conductor VE power supply unit

Claims

[1] Surge protection system (1) with terminal blocks (R1,R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T), comprising • at least two terminal blocks (R1, R2) in an adjacent arrangement which have different potentials at at least one point in time during operation, • wherein a terminal block (R1) provides an equal-potential connection of several electrical conductors in a plane (E1) perpendicular to the mounting of a terminal block (R1, R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T), • adjacent to the terminal blocks (R1, R2) a surge protection device (USE), • wherein the surge protection device (USE) has bridging shafts (S1, S2, ...) in different bridging levels (E1, E2 ...) which are defined parallel to each other in mounting rail directions, • wherein the terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) each have at least one bridging slot shared with the surge protection device (USE), • wherein the different potentials of the at least two terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) are connected to the surge protection device (USE) in the direction of the mounting rail by means of at least one bridging device (BM) in order to protect a respective potential in the event of an overvoltage, • wherein for each terminal block (R1, R2, ...) at least one bridging device (BM) provides an electrical connection exclusively in at least one bridging level (E1, E2, ...). [2] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the surge protection device (USE) can be positively fitted to the terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T). [3] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the surge protection device (USE) provides an electrical connection to a protective conductor (PE) via the mounting rail (T). [4] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one bridging device (BM) provides an electrical connection over a distance of less than 40 mm. [5] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one bridging device (BM) is pluggable. [6] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one bridging device (BM) connects the at least two different potentials of the at least two terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) to the surge protection device (USE) in parallel at the same time. [7] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the surge protection system (1) further comprises a power supply unit (VE) for providing at least two different potentials, wherein the power supply unit (VE) can be mounted on the mounting rail (T). [8] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the power supply unit (PS) provides at least two different potentials in different bridging levels (E1, E2, ...) in bridging shafts. [9] Surge protection system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the power supply unit (VE) connects the different potentials to the surge protection device (USE) in the direction of the mounting rail by means of at least one (further) bridging device (BM). [10] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the power supply unit (VE) can be positively fitted to the terminal blocks (R1, R2, ...) on a mounting rail (T). [11] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the surge protection device (USE) has at least a local function indicator and / or a remote signaling interface for signaling states and / or faults. [12] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 11, characterized by that the surge protection device (USE) can detect and / or count and / or evaluate surge events and make them available via a local function display and / or a remote communication interface. [13] Surge protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the different potentials are alternating voltage potentials. [14] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the different potentials are DC potentials. [15] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the DC voltage potentials are potentials of a bus system. [16] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the DC voltage potentials are potentials of an installation bus system. [17] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, characterized by that the surge protection device (USE) can signal status and / or error messages by modulating the different potentials. [18] Overvoltage protection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized by that at least two different potentials are part of a KNX bus.

Images