Connection assembly

Abstract

Connection assembly (100) for establishing an electrical connection between at least one electrical load and an electrical voltage source, comprising at least three terminal bodies (10, 11, 12) and at least three active electrical components or at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22), wherein the at least three terminal bodies (10, 11, 12) are provided for connection to at least three outer conductors of the voltage source, characterized by that the at least three connection bodies (10, 11, 12) are inseparably connected without tools to the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to use terminal blocks, busbar systems, or similar assemblies for the electrical connection of machines to the power grid. These assemblies are typically connected to at least one line choke, which is installed separately in a control cabinet. The line choke dampens high-frequency current harmonics, resulting in smoother current, reduced network feedback, and improved electromagnetic compatibility. The current-damping filter effect of the line choke also protects frequency converters and extends their service life. From a physical perspective, a line choke is an inductor in the form of a coil assigned to each phase conductor.

[0003] In this context, DE 10 2004 036 843 B3 discloses an inductive choke with at least one insulated coil assembly and an associated iron core, as well as at least one connection arrangement for an input and an output cable. The connection arrangement is at least partially integrated into the insulation of the coil assembly and includes a cable holder. A mounting bracket with a shield conductor connection is provided as a cable holder for both the input and output cables. At least one mounting bracket also has a protective conductor connection. The mounting bracket is attached to the iron core at one end, while the shield conductor connection at the other end of the mounting bracket serves as a cable gland for holding the input or output cable. Each terminal of the terminal block is assigned to a predetermined phase conductor.

[0004] DE 10 2005 013 509 A1 discloses a filter for suppressing unwanted noise components in an electrical power line. This filter comprises at least one electrical input, at least one electrical output, at least one continuous conductive element connecting the input to the output, and a filter circuit mounted on a printed circuit board. The continuous conductive element has an input terminal and an output terminal for each input and output, respectively. A connection terminal for the printed circuit board is also provided in the center of the continuous element.

[0005] From DE 10 205 101 A1, a network connection module is known comprising at least one power supply component, one busbar per network connection, a rear wall with at least one recess, two side walls each with at least one mounting lug, and a front cover that is detachably connected to the side walls. The power supply components are arranged between the two side walls, are electrically connected in series, and are also arranged in different planes parallel to the rear wall.

[0006] EP 0 682 395 A2 describes a device for limiting the rate of change of currents and voltages between live conductors and with respect to ground potential, particularly for inverters in drive technology or as a mains filter to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. The device described in EP 0 682 395 A2 comprises a low-pass filter with capacitors and inductors. All inductors are combined into a single component, which has a core made of magnetic material and several windings arranged on this core.

[0007] However, conventional electrical connection modules have the disadvantage that they require a comparatively large amount of installation space and complex assembly work, especially with large conductor cross-sections, for example, for connecting to frequency converters, fuses, line filters, line chokes, or contactors. The long assembly times and high material costs, in turn, negatively impact manufacturing costs, while the large installation space requirement makes a compact design difficult. Furthermore, the numerous different electrical connections increase maintenance requirements.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved connecting assembly.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the connecting assembly according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a connection assembly for establishing an electrical connection between at least one electrical consumer and an electrical voltage source, comprising at least three terminal bodies and at least three active electrical components or at least three passive electrical components, wherein the at least three terminal bodies are provided for connecting to at least three electrical outer conductors of the voltage source.

[0011] The invention therefore proposes a connecting assembly which is suitable for establishing an electrical connection between an electrical consumer, for example an electric motor for a turbo compressor, in particular of radial or diagonal design, with an electrical voltage source, so that the electrical consumer can be supplied with electrical power from the electrical voltage source via the connecting assembly.

[0012] To provide a sufficiently high electrical power output, the voltage source is preferably designed with at least three phases. Each of the at least three outer conductors is advantageously assigned one electrical phase.

[0013] Accordingly, the connection assembly also includes at least three terminal bodies, so that each outer conductor of the voltage source can be electrically connected to the connection assembly via a separate terminal body.

[0014] The at least three connecting bodies can advantageously be connected at one end to a mounting plate provided outside the connection assembly or to a suitable component of the connection assembly in order to achieve mechanical support and stabilization.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least three connection bodies are made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting assembly according to the invention comprises at least three active electrical components or at least three passive electrical components.

[0017] The at least three active electrical components could be, for example, transistors, thyristors or diodes.

[0018] The at least three passive electrical components can be, for example, electrical resistors, capacitors, coils, fuses or varistors.

[0019] According to the invention, it is now provided that the at least three connecting bodies are inseparably connected to the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components without the need for tools.

[0020] For the purposes of the invention, a tool-free inseparable connection means that the at least three connecting bodies are firmly and directly connected to the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components without additional electrical conductors - such as rigid or flexible cables, solid or laminated rails, current strips and the like.

[0021] This offers the advantage that connecting elements typically used in the prior art can be omitted, resulting in a comparatively more compact and cost-effective assembly according to the invention. Since connecting elements also represent potential design weaknesses, the risk of unintentional detachment of one of the active or passive electrical components from one of the terminal bodies can be significantly reduced. This also increases operational reliability.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three connection bodies each have at least one connection point and each have at least one connection point for at least one auxiliary consumer.

[0023] The connection points can be designed, for example, as a through hole or threaded opening in the connection body, which allows, for example, a screw connection with the respective supply line.

[0024] Since each terminal block has at least one connection point, an electrical connection to the corresponding live conductor of the voltage source can be established via a corresponding number of leads. This enables the transmission of comparatively high electrical currents and power in a minimal installation space while maintaining clearance, creepage distances, and bending radii of the leads.

[0025] The at least one connection point for the auxiliary consumer can also preferably be designed as a through hole or threaded opening in the respective connection body.

[0026] The at least one connection point for the auxiliary consumer differs from a conventional connection point preferably in that it is designed for the transmission of a comparatively lower power.

[0027] Furthermore, at least one connection point for the auxiliary consumer is factory-tightened to a specified torque and thus factory-tested.

[0028] Auxiliary consumers may include, in particular, fans, coolant pumps, control units or other electrical consumers that have a comparatively low electrical power requirement.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three connecting bodies are arranged in a stepped manner relative to each other.

[0030] This means that the at least three connection bodies each have a different distance from a reference plane. Starting with a first connection body, the distance of the subsequent connection bodies to the reference plane increases stepwise; that is, a second connection body has a greater distance to the reference plane than the first connection body, and a third connection body again has a greater distance to the reference plane than the second connection body.

[0031] By staggering the at least three connection bodies, the spatial distance between any two adjacent connection bodies can be increased while maintaining the same base area.

[0032] Thus, even with a reduced footprint, the required minimum spatial distance between any two adjacent connection bodies can still be ensured, which is necessary due to the typically very high electrical voltages and very high electrical powers.

[0033] This necessary minimum distance ensures that the required air and creepage distances between the connecting bodies can be maintained.

[0034] Furthermore, this also allows the minimum bending radii of the supply lines to be maintained even in confined spaces with a comparatively large cross-section.

[0035] The invention thus utilizes the knowledge that the spacing between adjacent connecting bodies, which in the prior art are usually arranged in a common plane, can be increased if the connecting bodies are arranged in different, stepwise offset planes.

[0036] By arranging the at least three connection bodies in different planes relative to the support component according to the invention, the necessary spacing between each pair of adjacent connection bodies can be ensured in a comparatively smaller space.

[0037] Furthermore, by staggering the arrangement of at least three connection bodies in stages, the required cable routes can be shortened and otherwise necessary additional connections can be advantageously dispensed with.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three connecting bodies are supported at at least one end by a retaining bolt on the support component.

[0039] Each of the at least three connecting bodies is thus supported at at least one end, for example at its upper end, by means of a retaining bolt on the support component. Therefore, three retaining bolts are advantageously provided, each connected to the support component and a connecting body, in order to mechanically support each of the at least three connecting bodies at one end. The support component is accordingly a common support component for the at least three connecting bodies.

[0040] In addition to being supported at their upper ends by retaining bolts, the connecting bodies can advantageously also be supported at their lower ends by retaining bolts on the support component. In this case, each connecting body is thus supported at two ends by means of a retaining bolt on the support component.

[0041] Since the at least three connecting bodies have stepwise different distances to the support component, the retaining bolts are also of different lengths accordingly.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting assembly further comprises a support component, wherein the at least three connecting bodies are supported at at least one end via an electrical connection to an active electrical component or a passive electrical component.

[0043] The support component is designed to absorb the mechanical restoring forces of the often highly bent supply lines of the power source, which act on the at least three terminals. Vibrations occurring at the at least three terminals during operation of the connection assembly can also be absorbed by the support component. In other words, the support component mechanically supports the at least three terminals.

[0044] At their far end, for example at their lower end, the at least three terminal bodies can each be connected to the electrical component following the terminal bodies via an electrical connection.

[0045] The electrical connection is preferably made of a copper conductor.

[0046] The copper conductor typically gains its mechanical stability by being potted or impregnated in a resin or other suitable medium, and then by the subsequent hardening of the resin or medium. The copper conductor itself can consist of several thin strands.

[0047] Additional screw or clamp connections at the far end of the at least three connecting bodies are advantageously not required. Thus, the installation space required for the connection assembly according to the invention can be kept very compact.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection to the at least three terminal bodies is provided to be permanent.

[0049] This offers the advantage that the at least three connecting elements are reliably and firmly held at their far end. Unintentional loosening of the connection, for example due to vibrations during operation of the connection assembly, can therefore be ruled out.

[0050] The connection is preferably a material-bonded connection. For example, the connection can be made by brazing. Such a connection is also typically more compact than a screw or clamp connection, which would require additional fasteners.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the connection between the at least three connecting bodies and the respective electrical connection is made via a connecting element in the form of a pipe section.

[0052] The respective pipe section is preferably connected to the corresponding connecting body by means of hard soldering and consists of copper or a copper alloy.

[0053] The copper conductor can then be inserted into the pipe section and secured by means of a compression fitting, which is also permanent. Thus, the connection between the at least three connection bodies and the corresponding copper conductors via the connecting elements or the pipe sections is permanent.

[0054] Due to the stepped offset of the at least three connection bodies relative to the support component and the resulting varying distances of the at least three connection bodies from the support component, the connecting elements or pipe sections can also be of different lengths. This increases the mechanical stability, particularly of the connection bodies that are comparatively further away from the support component, and advantageously eliminates the need for retaining bolts to hold the connection bodies at one end. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least three passive electrical components are at least three coils, which together form a line choke.

[0055] Coils are inductive components which, due to their arrangement as a line choke in the current path or in the connection assembly, can counteract current changes.

[0056] Line chokes are particularly well-suited for attenuating high-frequency current harmonics, which contributes to smoothing the current, reducing network feedback, and improving electromagnetic compatibility. Furthermore, the current-attenuating filter effect of line chokes protects relatively sensitive components, such as frequency converters, and extends their service life.

[0057] Since the mains choke is directly connected to the at least three connection bodies without separate connecting means, and in particular is permanently connected, the connection assembly has a compact design.

[0058] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three coils are mechanically and magnetically connected via a common core.

[0059] The common core is usually a common iron core, but can also consist of other ferro- or ferrimagnetic materials besides iron.

[0060] With at least three coils, the common core therefore has at least three legs, with one coil arranged on each leg. The common core creates a magnetic coupling between the three windings or coils and the outer conductors of the voltage source, resulting in a current-attenuating filter effect and a reduction of differential-mode interference.

[0061] Furthermore, this results in even better damping of network feedback and a further reduced size of the connection assembly.

[0062] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three connecting bodies are each designed as profile rails.

[0063] The profile rail design has proven to be well suited to enabling electrical connections with different connection elements from different voltage sources.

[0064] The profile rails can, for example, be designed as flat rails, which are particularly - but not exclusively - suitable for making an electrical connection with connection elements designed as tubular cable lugs.

[0065] Furthermore, profile rails and especially flat rails can be manufactured in a comparatively space-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0066] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of connection points are designed as screw connections, screw clamps, frame clamps, spring clamps, plug clamps or insulation displacement connectors.

[0067] The use of frame, spring force, plug-in or cutting clamps as connection points also makes it possible to provide the connection elements of profile rails designed as flat rails as wire end ferrules or as wire ends without separate wire end processing.

[0068] This has proven to be a flexible connection option for enabling electrical connections to differently designed connection elements of different voltage sources.

[0069] The electrical connections are robust and reliably withstand the mechanical vibrations that typically occur during the operation of the connection assembly for extended periods of time.

[0070] Advantageously, the connection points each have a touch guard to prevent unintentional contact and resulting injuries to persons or damage to components.

[0071] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the connecting assembly are designed such that the connecting assembly can be mounted in a control cabinet.

[0072] This offers the advantage that the connection assembly can be arranged in a standard, conventional control cabinet. Therefore, a comparatively compact design concept can be implemented for the electrical device, which is connected to the power source via the connection assembly.

[0073] The arrangement in a control cabinet also offers the advantage that the connection assembly has standardized spatial dimensions, which in turn simplifies installation and assembly, especially in conjunction with other electrical consumers, components and machines.

[0074] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining bolts are electrically insulated from the at least three terminal bodies.

[0075] This reliably prevents an electrical short circuit of the at least three outer conductors at the support component.

[0076] Preferably, the retaining bolts are insulated against the at least three connecting bodies by means of ceramic elements, rubber elements or plastic elements.

[0077] The ceramic, rubber or plastic elements are preferably designed in the shape of a sleeve or bushing.

[0078] The retaining bolts are preferably made of steel and have an external thread at their end facing away from the support component, at which they support the at least three connecting bodies over their first end, for receiving screw elements with a corresponding internal thread.

[0079] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components for connection with the at least one electrical consumer have at least three connections.

[0080] The at least three connections enable a mechanically stable electrical connection with low electrical resistance to at least three corresponding connections of the at least one electrical device. The connections can be designed, for example, as terminal blocks or screw terminals.

[0081] The invention further relates to a control cabinet arrangement comprising a control cabinet and a connecting assembly according to the invention.

[0082] This results in the same advantages for the control cabinet arrangement according to the invention, as already described in connection with the connection assembly according to the invention.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting assembly includes a line choke.

[0084] This also leads to the advantages already described.

[0085] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control cabinet arrangement further comprises a frequency converter.

[0086] The frequency converter is advantageously connected downstream of the line choke. This prevents the frequency converter's input current from containing high-frequency harmonics. This reduces the risk of damage to the frequency converter and extends its service life.

[0087] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to embodiments shown in the figures.

[0088] It shows: Fig. 1 An exemplary and schematic embodiment of a connecting assembly according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0089] Identical objects, functional units, and comparable components are designated across all figures using the same reference symbols. These objects, functional units, and comparable components are identical in their technical characteristics unless explicitly or implicitly stated otherwise in the description.

[0090] Fig. Figure 1 shows, by way of example and schematically, a possible embodiment of a connecting assembly 100 according to the invention for establishing an electrical connection between an electrical consumer (not shown in Figure 1). Fig. 1) and an electrical voltage source (also not shown in Fig. 1) in a perspective view.

[0091] As can be seen, the connection assembly 100 comprises three terminal bodies 10, 11, 12, three passive electrical components 20, 21, 22 designed as coils 20, 21, 22, and a support component 30, which in the example of the Fig. 1 is designed as a support plate.

[0092] The three connection bodies 10, 11, 12 are shown in the example of the Fig. 1 each form a flat copper rail 10, 11, 12 and each have, for example, three connection points 13 for connecting to the three outer conductors of the voltage source. The connection points 13 are designed as through holes 13 for receiving screw connections (not shown in Fig. 1) planned.

[0093] Furthermore, the three connection bodies 10, 11 and 12 each have a connection point 14 for connecting an auxiliary consumer (not shown in Fig. 1) on. The connection point 14 is designed, for example, as a through-hole 14.

[0094] The three coils 20, 21, 22 are mechanically and electrically connected via a common core 23 and form a mains choke 24, which dampens high-frequency current harmonics and protects downstream components.

[0095] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the three connecting bodies 10, 11, 12 are arranged in a stepped arrangement relative to the support component 30. A first flat rail 10 is positioned relatively close to the support component 30. The adjacent second flat rail 11 is located relatively farther from the support component 30, and the third flat rail 12 is located even further from the support component 30 than the second flat rail 11.

[0096] This results in a spatially compact design of the connection assembly 100, while still ensuring sufficient spacing between the connection bodies 10, 11, 12 and guaranteeing the required bending radii of the connecting lines.

[0097] As can be seen further, the three connecting bodies 10, 11, 12 are supported at a first end by means of electrically insulated mechanical screw connections 43, 44, 45 via a retaining bolt 40, 41, 42 on the intercepting plate 30.

[0098] To avoid an electrical short circuit of the three outer conductors, the retaining bolts 40, 41, 42 in the area of ​​the screw connections 43, 44, 45 are electrically insulated against the flat rails 10, 11, 12 by electrical insulators made of plastic 70, 71, 72.

[0099] At each of their second ends, the three connecting bodies 10, 11, 12 are supported by an electrical connection 20', 21 22' to the coils 20, 21 ,22.

[0100] For example, the electrical connections 20', 21 22' between the coils 20, 21, 22 and the respective second ends of the terminal bodies 10, 11 and 12 are permanently formed, wherein the terminal bodies 10, 11, 12 are soldered to tube sections 10', 11', 12' and the ends of the coils 20, 21, 22 are crimped in the tube sections 10', 11', 12'.

[0101] For connection to the downstream electrical consumer, the connection assembly 100 of the Fig. 1. In addition, three terminals 50, 51, 52 are located in the lower area, namely at the end of the coils 20, 21, 22. The terminals 50, 51, 52 are designed, for example, as screw connections 50, 51, 52, which allow for the establishment of an electrical connection with another electrical load (not shown in Figure 1). Fig. 1) enable.

[0102] For example, the connecting assembly 100 also has external dimensions that allow the connecting assembly 100 to be mounted in a control cabinet (not shown in) using mounting tabs 60, 61. Fig. 1) can be ordered. Reference symbol list 100 connecting assembly Connecting assembly Connecting assembly 10, 11, 12 Connection bodies, profile rails, flat rails 10', 11', 12' pipe sections 13 Connection point, through hole 14 Connection point, through hole 20, 21, 22 coils, passive electrical components 20', 21', 22' Electrical connections 23 core 24 mains choke 30 Support component, support plate 40, 41, 42 retaining bolts 43, 44, 45 Screw connection 50, 51, 52 connections, screw connections 60, 61 mounting tabs 70, 71, 72 Electrical insulators QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2004 036 843 B3

[0003] DE 10 2005 013 509 A1

[0004] DE 10 205 101 A1

[0005] EP 0 682 395 A2

[0006]

Claims

Connection assembly (100) for establishing an electrical connection between at least one electrical load and an electrical voltage source, comprising at least three terminal bodies (10, 11, 12) and at least three active electrical components or at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22), wherein the at least three terminal bodies (10, 11, 12) are provided for connecting to at least three outer conductors of the voltage source, characterized in that the at least three terminal bodies (10, 11, 12) are inseparably connected without tools to the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22). Connection assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least three connection bodies (10, 11, 12) each have at least one connection point (13) and each have at least one connection point (14) for at least one auxiliary consumer. Connecting assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the at least three connecting bodies (10, 11, 12) are arranged in a step-like offset from each other. Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection assembly (100) further comprises a support component (30), wherein the at least three connecting bodies (10, 11, 12) are supported at at least one end by at least one retaining bolt (40, 41, 42) on the support component (30). Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least three connection bodies (10, 11, 12) are supported at at least one end via an electrical connection (20', 21', 22') to an active electrical component or a passive electrical component (20, 21, 22). Connection assembly (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrical connection (20', 21', 22') to the at least three connection bodies (10, 11, 12) is permanent. Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22) are at least three coils (20, 21, 22) which together form a mains choke (24). Connecting assembly (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least three coils (20, 21, 22) are mechanically and magnetically connected via a common core (23). Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least three connecting bodies (10, 11, 12) are each designed as profile rails (10, 11, 12). Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the plurality of connection points (13, 14) are designed as screw connections, screw, frame, spring force, plug-in or insulation displacement clamps. Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the dimensions of the connection assembly (100) are designed such that the connection assembly (100) can be mounted in a control cabinet. Connecting assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the retaining bolts (40, 41, 42) are electrically insulated from the at least three connecting bodies (10, 11, 12). Connection assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least three active electrical components or the at least three passive electrical components (20, 21, 22) for connection with the at least one electrical consumer have at least three connections (50, 51, 52). Control cabinet arrangement comprising a control cabinet and a connecting assembly (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 . Control cabinet arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the connecting assembly (100) comprises a line choke (24). Control cabinet arrangement according to at least one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the control cabinet arrangement further comprises a frequency converter.

Images