Terminal block system for DC voltage distribution

Abstract

A terminal block system for DC voltage distribution comprising a base element (G), wherein the base element (G) is suitable for receiving at least two pluggable elements, wherein the terminal block system further comprises a current measuring element (S) that can be plugged into the base element, wherein the current measuring element (S) is configured to measure a current (I) flowing through the current measuring element (S) regardless of the current direction, wherein the current measuring element (S) has a local display (DIS) for displaying the currently measured current, and wherein the current measuring element (S) can be supplied by means of the current (I) flowing through the current measuring element (S).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block system for DC voltage distribution. background

[0002] In many electrical systems, there is a need not only to provide protection for devices against overload or short circuit, but there is often also - especially for systems with the highest availability requirements - a need to know the current that flows from a power supply into the circuit breakers or even just into the potential distribution / loads (e.g. for monitoring redundancy).

[0003] Against this background, one object of the invention is to offer a cost-effective, flexible solution.

[0004] The object is achieved by a terminal block system according to claim 1 or an ensemble according to claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, which show: Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention when used with (thermomagnetic) circuit breakers, Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention when used with (thermomagnetic) circuit breakers, Fig. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention without a circuit breaker for pure current measurement of the consumers at the terminal blocks, Fig. 3 a plan view of an embodiment of the invention without a circuit breaker for pure current measurement of the consumers at the terminal blocks, Fig. 6 a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention when used with (thermal) circuit breakers, Fig. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention when used with (thermal) circuit breakers, Fig. 7 a side view of an embodiment of the invention when used with a circuit breaker with a symbolized signal / current path, and Fig. 8 a side view of an embodiment of the invention when used with one or more terminal blocks with a symbolized signal / current path. Detailed description of the invention

[0006] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that various aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. This means that any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention, unless explicitly presented as a mere alternative.

[0007] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally be made to only one entity in the following. Unless explicitly stated, the invention may also comprise several of the entities in question. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "another" is to be understood merely as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0008] Where procedures are described below, the individual steps of a procedure can be arranged and / or combined in any order, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the procedures can be combined with one another, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0009] Numerical values ​​are generally not to be understood as exact values, but also include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0010] References to standards or specifications are to be understood as references to standards or specifications that are / were in effect at the time of the application and / or, if priority is claimed, at the time of the priority application. However, this does not imply a general exclusion of applicability to subsequent or replacing standards or specifications.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures.

[0012] According to embodiments of the invention, a terminal block system for DC voltage distribution is provided ( Fig. 1-6).

[0013] The terminal block system comprises, for example, a base element G, wherein the base element G is suitable for accommodating at least two different pluggable elements.

[0014] The terminal block system further comprises a current measuring element S which can be plugged into the base element, wherein the current measuring element S is designed to measure a current I flowing through the current measuring element S independently of the current direction, wherein the current measuring element S has a local display option DIS for displaying the currently measured current, and wherein the current measuring element S can be supplied by means of the current I flowing through the current measuring element S.

[0015] By means of the invention, a plug-in current measuring element S is provided which can complement a modular circuit breaker system or a potential distribution using standard bridge material, e.g. for determining the total current flowing into the circuit breakers / loads / potential distribution.

[0016] For example, the plug-in current measuring element S can be designed so that it can be plugged into a CLIPLINE compatible base element of the applicant's PTCB TM family.

[0017] In principle, the current I can follow two different paths in the base element and flow forwards or backwards through the plug-in current measuring element S, ie it makes no difference to the invention whether, for example, the current I in Fig. 7 - as shown - from the right (or from above in the case of a conventional mounting on a mounting rail T) or from the left (or from below in the case of a conventional mounting on a mounting rail T). It can also be provided that a current is fed through the plug-in current measuring element S and then via a jumper (as in Fig. 8) flows into a spatially (immediately) adjacent (series) terminal or vice versa.

[0018] This means that the invention allows the plug-in current measuring element S to measure a current flowing into one or more consumers via one or more thermomagnetic (PTCB TM), thermal (PT HESI), or electronic (PTCB E) device circuit breakers. However, the plug-in current measuring element S can also be used to measure a current flowing into one or more consumers at terminal blocks. Furthermore, the plug-in current measuring element S can be used to measure the current in a system component.

[0019] Energy values ​​can also be determined and monitored via the connector. For example, if the applied voltage and a measured current are known / estimated / measured, energy consumption can be easily calculated. Such an energy calculation can be performed both locally and in another device, such as a higher-level control system. Individual system components can thus be analyzed with regard to their energy efficiency.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the current measuring element S has an adjustable threshold current, wherein a warning can be issued when the adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded.

[0021] For example, the threshold current can be adjusted using one or more coding switches K1, K2, which can be located on the side of the current measuring element, for example. Of course, the invention is not limited to rotary coding switches. Other possibilities, such as DIP switches or a corresponding digital interface, are not excluded.

[0022] For example, a corresponding indicator element, a display, or an acoustic warning can be used. A combination of acoustic and visual warnings can also be provided. Likewise, a visual warning can also be provided by other elements. For example, certain LEDs on a DIS display can light up or light up in a specific pattern to signal a warning.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the current threshold can be set via a button B using a predefined switching pattern. For example, a long press can set a programming mode, while a subsequent (one or more) short presses means a step / strength selection. A further long press can be used to complete the setting. However, if, for example, the setting is not completed within a predefined time, the setting can be aborted or a specific fallback mode can be set. On the other hand, a short press can be used, for example in normal operation, to display the threshold in steps / step sizes. Intermediate step sizes can be enabled by flashing an LED. For example, if LEDs are available for 10 A and 15 A, a light-up of the LED for 10 A and a flashing of the LED for 15 A can indicate a set value of 12.5 A.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, a warning that has been given can be reset - e.g. by pressing a button B.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the display option DIS can also be used to display a set current value simultaneously or alternately with a current current value.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the display option (DIS) can indicate not only the magnitude of the flowing current, but also the current direction. For example, the current magnitude can be indicated by a number of LEDs, with the higher the number of illuminated LEDs, the higher the current. The current direction can be indicated by a separate LED or by different colors of the current intensity LEDs, but this is not limited to this. With a numerical display, the current direction can also be indicated by displaying "+" and / or "-".

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the DC voltage to be distributed has approximately 24 and / or 48 volts in nominal operation.

[0028] Without limiting the generality of the invention, the maximum rated current may be 40 amperes or less.

[0029] The arrangement according to the invention can, in particular, be designed such that pluggable elements s have a width of less than 9 mm, in particular 8 mm. The same can also apply to the base element.

[0030] In further embodiments, the current measuring element S has a telecommunications interface FM.

[0031] For example, the remote signaling interface can be designed as a remote signaling contact, so that an open or closed switching state or a high or low level can be used as a signal. Likewise, the current measuring element S can provide an analog signal for remote signaling. A remote signal can be transmitted alternatively or additionally via connections in the base element G (e.g., via a plug-in blade / corresponding receptacle) (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

[0032] For example, the current measuring element can output a value analogous to the flowing current in the range of 4 mA - 20 mA and / or 0 V - 10 V. Likewise, special events (e.g., overcurrents) can be reported separately (e.g., 22-24 mA).

[0033] Likewise, an upstream power supply unit can have its output voltage adjusted via an analogue remote signal (4-20mA) at the FM remote interface in order to symmetrically load redundant system components.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the remote communication interface FM can provide a warning signal when an adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded as a digital signal, in particular as a level change from high to low or, in the case of a potential-free contact, as a change from the closed state to the open state.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the telecommunications interface FM can provide a measured current and / or a warning signal when an adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded as a digital signal, in particular as a Manchester-coded digital signal.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the telecommunications interface FM provides a warning signal as an analog signal when an adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded.

[0037] Without limiting its generality, the current measuring element S can still be connected to a ground potential for operation. This can be provided, for example, via terminals in the base element G or via a terminal block and a jumper. It can also be provided that a mounting rail T continues to be used to distribute a ground potential.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, a current direction of the currently measured current can also be provided as information.

[0039] In one embodiment, the local display option DIS comprises a plurality of LEDs and / or a graphic display. For example, the plurality of LEDs can comprise two- or multi-color LEDs to signal different states using different colors. A graphic display can also be used. The graphic display can be a single 7-segment display, a graphic display, or an ePaper display.

[0040] Without limiting the generality, an assembly comprising such a terminal block system can also be provided. Such an assembly comprises at least one series-connected terminal block next to the base element G, wherein the terminal block is connected to the base element G via a jumper and, via this, indirectly to the plug-in current measuring element S, and / or at least one plug-in device circuit breaker in an adjacent base element G, wherein the device circuit breaker is connected to the plug-in current measuring element S via a jumper in the base elements G, and / or at least one plug-in thermal fuse in the adjacent base element G or in an adjacent terminal block with a plug-in zone, wherein the thermal fuse is connected to the base element G via a jumper and, via this, to the plug-in current measuring element S.and / or at least one pluggable thermo-magnetic circuit breaker in an adjacent base element G, wherein the thermo-magnetic circuit breaker is connected to the pluggable current measuring element S via a jumper in the base elements G.,

[0041] The invention thus enables current measurement, which in turn allows more precise evaluation of circuit breaker and terminal block applications and the loads connected to them. List of designations 1 terminal block system for DC voltage distribution G Basic element S plug-in current measuring element I Current DIS local display option K1, K2 coding switch FM telecommunications interface T support rail B Control element, button

Claims

[1] Terminal block system for DC voltage distribution comprising a base element (G), wherein the base element (G) is suitable for receiving at least two pluggable elements, wherein the terminal block system further comprises a current measuring element (S) which can be plugged into the base element, wherein the current measuring element (S) is designed to measure a current (I) flowing through the current measuring element (S) independently of the current direction, wherein the current measuring element (S) has a local display option (DIS) for displaying the currently measured current, and wherein the current measuring element (S) can be supplied by means of the current (I) flowing through the current measuring element (S). [2] Terminal block system according to claim 1, characterized by that the current measuring element (S) has an adjustable threshold current, whereby a warning can be issued when the adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded. [3] Terminal block system according to claim 2, characterized bythat the threshold current can be adjusted via one or more coding switches (K1, K2). [4] Terminal block system according to claim 2, characterized by that the current threshold can be adjusted via a button using a predefined switching pattern. [5] Terminal block system according to claim 4, characterized by that the warning can be reset. [6] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display option (DIS) can also be used to display a set current value simultaneously or alternately with a current current value. [7] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the DC voltage to be distributed is approximately 24 and / or 48 volts in nominal operation. [8] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the maximum rated current is 40 amperes or less. [9] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that pluggable elements have a width of less than 9 mm, in particular 8 mm. [10] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the current measuring element (S) has a remote communication interface (FM). [11] Terminal block system according to claim 10, characterized by that the telecommunications interface provides a measured current and / or a warning signal when an adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded as a digital signal, in particular as a Manchester-coded digital signal. [12] Terminal block system according to claim 10, characterized by that the remote signal interface provides a warning signal as an analog signal when an adjustable threshold current is reached or exceeded. [13] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the current measuring element (S) can still be connected to a ground potential for operation. [14] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the current direction of the currently measured current is also provided as information. [15] Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the local display (DIS) has a plurality of LEDs and / or a graphic display. [16] Ensemble comprising the terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims and • at least one series terminal block next to the base element, the series terminal block being connected to the base element via a jumper and via this to the plug-in current measuring element (S), and / or • at least one plug-in device circuit breaker in an adjacent base element, wherein the device circuit breaker is connected to the plug-in current measuring element (S) via a jumper in the base elements, and / or • at least one pluggable thermal fuse in the base element or in a terminal block with a plug-in zone, wherein the thermal fuse is connected to the base element via a jumper and via this to the pluggable current measuring element (S), and / or • at least one plug-in thermo-magnetic circuit breaker in an adjacent base element, wherein the thermo-magnetic circuit breaker is connected to the plug-in current measuring element (S) via a jumper in the base elements.

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