LOW-VOLTAGE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a low-voltage device for electrical distribution and switchgear installations.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2011 006 112 A1 describes a low-voltage device with a switch housing and a display screen that is movable relative to the switch housing. The flat display screen is located on the inside or outside of a flat, inflexible support that can be pivoted around a pivot axis relative to the switch housing. After pivoting around the pivot axis, the flat support, together with the display screen, can optionally be inserted into a slot in the switch housing.

[0003] A control cabinet contains electrical and / or electronic components for a process plant, such as a manufacturing plant. A control cabinet can contain various low-voltage devices to which electrical loads can be connected. Low voltage generally refers to alternating voltages up to approximately 1000 volts and direct voltages up to approximately 1500 volts. These low-voltage devices can perform various functions for controlling or regulating connected loads. For example, the various low-voltage devices can be mounted on busbars to distribute electrical power. Low-voltage devices are primarily installed in control cabinets or small distribution boxes. Examples of such low-voltage devices include fuse-switch disconnectors and motor control units.The use of low-voltage devices in automation systems requires a relatively long service life for the respective low-voltage devices as well as high reliability to avoid production downtime.

[0004] Conventional low-voltage devices have simple indicator elements, such as LEDs, to show a fault condition. Due to the limited space available within a control cabinet or small distribution box, conventional low-voltage devices have simple display units with small screens, allowing only basic information to be shown. Displaying more detailed information about the control cabinet or the specific low-voltage device, such as operating instructions, is not possible with such simple display units. Low-voltage devices have housings with different shapes due to their varying technical functions. In many low-voltage devices, the housings have significantly curved contours due to the specific technical functionality of the device.Surfaces.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a low-voltage device for electrical distribution or switchgear installations which is able to convey complex information to a user via a user interface without requiring additional installation space within a switchgear enclosure or small distribution enclosure.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a low-voltage device with the features specified in claim 1.

[0007] The invention therefore provides a low-voltage device for electrical distribution and switchgear installations with components contained in a housing of the low-voltage device, wherein the housing of the low-voltage device comprises: a mounting interface for mounting the housing of the low-voltage device to a corresponding mating interface of the electrical distribution board or a control cabinet, or to a component installed in the electrical distribution board or a control cabinet; and a display housing section of the housing, which is provided for a display unit of the low-voltage device and has a flexibly designed bendable and / or foldable display unit, wherein the flexible display unit is provided bent to conform to a contour of the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device, or is provided folded on the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device and is unfoldable there to enlarge a display area of ​​the display unit.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the flexible display unit of the low-voltage device is fixedly or detachably attached to a non-planar or curved contour of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible display unit is folded against the display housing section of the housing and can be unfolded manually or automatically by a user to enlarge the display area.

[0009] The flexible display unit preferably has a display layer with a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. This display layer is preferably located on a lower protective or carrier layer. Furthermore, another transparent protective layer is preferably located on the front side of the display layer.

[0010] In one possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the flexible display unit has a display layer with a bending radius of less than 1.0 mm.

[0011] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the flexible display unit has a touch-sensitive display layer for user input and for displaying information to a user.

[0012] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the housing of the low-voltage device has a mounting interface for mounting the low-voltage device to at least one busbar of a busbar system of the switchgear cabinet or the electrical distribution board and for electrical contacting the busbar.

[0013] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the housing of the low-voltage device has a mounting interface for mounting the low-voltage device to a DIN rail or to a mounting plate of the control cabinet or the electrical distribution board.

[0014] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the flexible display unit is detachably attached to a data interface and / or a power supply interface provided on the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device.

[0015] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device consists of a transparent material in which the flexible display layer of the display unit is embedded.

[0016] In one possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the flexible display layer has an OLED display layer.

[0017] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the components of the low-voltage device contained in the housing of the low-voltage device include power components that generate heat during the operation of the low-voltage device.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device, which is provided for the flexible display unit, is thermally insulated from the power components of the low-voltage device to protect the flexible display unit from heat.

[0019] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the components contained in the housing of the low-voltage device include a control unit which exchanges data with the flexible display unit provided on the display housing section via a data interface provided in the display housing section of the housing of the low-voltage device.

[0020] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the components contained in the housing of the low-voltage device include a transceiver which provides a wireless communication connection with a control unit of the control cabinet or electrical distribution via a transceiver of the control cabinet or electrical distribution.

[0021] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, a camera is integrated into the display surface of the flexible display unit.

[0022] With the help of this camera, a control unit of the low-voltage device can observe or monitor the immediate surroundings of the low-voltage device inside the switchgear enclosure or small distribution box.

[0023] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the housing of the low-voltage device consists of an electrically insulating and fire-resistant material.

[0024] In one possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a load break switch with fuses.

[0025] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a fuse-switch disconnector.

[0026] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a load break switch.

[0027] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a circuit breaker.

[0028] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device includes a motor control unit.

[0029] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a power supply unit.

[0030] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device includes a frequency converter.

[0031] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the low-voltage device has a power supply module.

[0032] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, a data and / or control interface for connecting a capacitive load, an inductive load or a resistive load to the low-voltage device is provided in the housing of the low-voltage device.

[0033] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the information displayed on the flexible display unit of the low-voltage device includes: Status information of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board, configuration data of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board, measurement data of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board, a circuit diagram of the low-voltage device and / or another low-voltage device mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board, or a circuit diagram of the low-voltage devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board, operating instructions for the operation of the low-voltage device or the distribution board, etc.Control cabinet, a service number for a maintenance service for the maintenance of the control cabinet or distribution board and / or the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices within the control cabinet or distribution board and / or status information of at least one load connected to the low-voltage device.

[0034] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the unfolded flexible display unit is pivotably attached to the housing of the low-voltage device.

[0035] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, an unfolded flexible display unit of the low-voltage device forms a composite display unit with a large display area together with another unfolded flexible display unit of a low-voltage device mounted next to it on the rail of the switchgear cabinet or distribution board.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the low-voltage device has a control unit integrated into the housing, which is connected to the display unit and a camera via a data and control interface.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, the control unit includes an artificial intelligence module for classifying the image data provided by the camera.

[0038] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display unit of the low-voltage device is connected to other devices of the control cabinet or distribution board for data transmission via a wired or wireless bus system of the control cabinet or distribution board.

[0039] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display unit of the low-voltage device is connected to an intranet of an automation system and / or to the Internet via a gateway.

[0040] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display unit is coupled to an acoustic user interface of the low-voltage device and / or the control cabinet or distribution board.

[0041] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the flexible display unit has a flexible rear support layer for supporting the display layer of the display unit and a flexible front transparent protective layer for protecting the display layer of the display layer.

[0042] In another possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention, the display unit is foldable along at least one fold line with a specific bending radius.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a control cabinet with rails for mounting various low-voltage devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] According to a further aspect, the invention provides an electrical distribution system with low-voltage devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0045] Possible embodiments of the low-voltage device according to the invention for installation in a control cabinet or an electrical distribution board are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0046] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a simple embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a further view of a possible embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view to illustrate the functionality of an exemplary low-voltage device; Figures 4A, 4B sectional views to illustrate different embodiments of the low-voltage device according to the invention; Figures 5A, 5B views to illustrate a possible embodiment of the low-voltage device according to the invention; Figures 6A, 6B further views to illustrate another embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a further view to illustrate another embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention; Fig. 8 a representation of an embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention; Fig.9. A representation of a further embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a low-voltage device 1 according to the invention, which can be mounted, for example, in an electrical distribution board or in a control cabinet. The low-voltage device 1 can provide various technical functions within the control cabinet or electrical distribution board. The low-voltage device 1 comprises various components that are contained in a housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1. The housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 can be made of an electrically insulating and fire-resistant material.

[0048] The low-voltage device 1 exhibits the following at the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, an electromechanical mounting interface 3 is provided on its rear side for mounting the housing 2 to a corresponding mating interface of the electrical control cabinet or distribution board, or to a component installed in the electrical distribution board or control cabinet. This component installed in the control cabinet is, for example, an electromechanical adapter. In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1 The control cabinet or distribution board includes a horizontally mounted rail 4, which is attached to a mounting platform. Rail 4 can also be mounted vertically. In the case of the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, rail 4 is a busbar. Alternatively, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 can also be mounted on a DIN rail or a mounting plate of the distribution board or control cabinet. A DIN rail is a universal support made of sheet metal and can be used to attach electrical equipment to a distribution box, control cabinet, or junction box. Various components can be slid onto such a DIN rail from the side or attached from the front and locked in place. In another possible embodiment, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 can be attached directly to a mounting plate of the control cabinet or distribution board using fasteners, such as screws.The low-voltage device 1 is preferably mounted on the busbar, the DIN rail or on the mounting plate without tools by simply placing it on top and locking it in place.

[0049] At the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the busbar 4 serves not only for the mechanical mounting of the low-voltage device 1, but also carries an electrical current which can be supplied to the low-voltage device 1 via electrical contacts at the mounting interface 3. Additional load units 10 can be connected to the low-voltage device 1 via further interfaces 11, as also shown in Fig. 3 depicted.

[0050] The housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 has a display housing section 5, which is provided for a display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1. The display housing section 5 has a flexibly designed, bendable and / or foldable display unit 6. The flexible display unit 6 is curved to conform to a contour of the display housing section 5 of the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1. The shape of the bendable display unit 6 thus adapts to the curved contour of the display housing section 5, as shown in Fig. 1 schematically represented.

[0051] In one possible embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 has a display layer, which is provided, for example, on a carrier and protective layer. In one possible embodiment, the display layer has a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. A protective layer can be located on both sides of the display layer. The rear protective layer also serves, for example, as a carrier layer for the display layer. The front transparent protective layer protects the display layer of the display unit 6 from the environment within the automation system, particularly from mechanical influences. Furthermore, the front transparent protective layer provides protection against dust and moisture.

[0052] The rear support layer and the front transparent protective layer of the flexible display unit 6 preferably each consist of a bendable elastic material, which allows the display unit 6 to be folded and unfolded along a straight fold line FL with a specific bending radius R. The rear support layer can have a thickness of less than 1 mm.

[0053] The in Fig. 1 In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 shown has a touch-sensitive display layer for user input and for displaying information to a user.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display layer of the display unit 6 comprises an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) layer. The OLED display layer contains organic light-emitting diodes and a luminous thin-film device made of organic semiconducting materials.

[0055] The housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 may contain various electrical, electronic and mechanical components to provide the corresponding functionality of the low-voltage device 1.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 contains power components that generate heat during operation of the low-voltage device 1 or when short-circuit currents or overvoltages occur. In a preferred embodiment of the low-voltage device 1 according to the invention, the display housing section 5 of the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1, which is provided for the flexible display unit 6, has thermal insulation, for example, a thermal insulation layer. This thermal insulation provides thermal protection for the flexible display unit 6 against the heat generated by the power components contained in the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 during operation of the low-voltage device 1.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the rear support and protective layer of the display unit 6 is provided on a heat-insulating layer of the display unit 6, which protects the display layer of the display unit 6 from heat within the housing 2 generated by power components of the low-voltage device 1 during operation of the low-voltage device or in the event of short circuits or overvoltages. Alternatively, the support and protective layer of the display unit 6 consists of a heat-insulating material. In a further embodiment, both the housing section 5 and the display unit 6 have a heat-insulating layer.

[0058] In one possible embodiment of the low-voltage device 1, its housing 2 contains a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature T inside the housing 2. The temperature T can be displayed on the display unit 6. If the temperature exceeds a temperature threshold, the user can be prompted via the display unit 6 to remove the display unit 6 from the housing section 5 for its protection and / or to activate locally provided cooling, for example, a fan. The cooling can also be activated automatically when a temperature threshold is exceeded.

[0059] Furthermore, the components contained in the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 may also include electronic components, in particular a control unit or controller 17, as shown in Fig. 3 The control unit 17 contained in the housing 2 can be accessed via a display data interface 9 provided in the display housing section 5 of the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1, as shown in Fig. 2 As shown schematically, data is exchanged with the flexible display unit 6 provided on the display housing section 5.

[0060] In addition to the control unit 17, a transceiver 20 may also be located in the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 in one possible embodiment. This transceiver 20 establishes a wireless communication link with a control unit of the control cabinet or electrical distribution board via a transceiver of the control cabinet or distribution board. In this way, the control unit 17 integrated in the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 can exchange data with the control unit of the control cabinet or distribution board, in particular sensor or measurement data, which can be displayed to a user on the display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, the display area of ​​the Fig. 1 The flexible display unit 6 shown incorporates at least one camera 7. When the low-voltage device 1 is mounted on a rail of a control cabinet or distribution board, the camera 7 preferably points forward towards a control cabinet door. The camera 7 integrated into the display unit 6 allows monitoring of the immediate mounting environment of the low-voltage device 1 within the control cabinet or distribution board. For this purpose, a reflective or mirrored surface can preferably be provided on the inside of the control cabinet door. If several low-voltage devices 1 are mounted side by side on a rail, for example on a busbar 4, the camera 7 of one low-voltage device 1 can detect which other low-voltage devices 1 are installed in the immediate mounting environment of the low-voltage device 1.Furthermore, the camera 7 integrated into the display area of ​​the display unit 6 can also monitor whether indicator elements of the other low-voltage devices 1 emit optical signals. For example, if an LED of a neighboring low-voltage device 1 lights up, this can be detected by the camera 7 of the display unit 6. Fig. 1 The camera 7 integrated into the display area is shown schematically. Several optically sensitive surfaces or cameras 7 can also be integrated into the display area of ​​the display unit 6. The camera 7 integrated into the display unit 6 is preferably connected to a control unit 17 inside the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 via a data interface.

[0062] Furthermore, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 may contain an additional data and control interface 11, which is intended for connecting a capacitive, inductive, or resistive load to the low-voltage device 1. An inductive load could be, for example, an electric motor. A resistive load could be, for example, a heating element or the like. This data and control interface 11 is located, for example, on the underside of the housing 2 of the device 1. Fig. 1 low-voltage device 1 as shown, as in Fig. 3 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the load 10 is connected to the data and control interface 11 of the low-voltage device 1 via electrical cables 13. In another possible embodiment, the camera 7 of the low-voltage device 1 additionally serves to monitor the correct connection of the wiring cables 13 that connect the load 10 to the data and control interface 9. If, for example, an electrical connection cable 13 of a current phase L for the load 10 is missing, this can be automatically detected by the control unit 17 of the low-voltage device 1 after evaluation of the camera image supplied by the camera 7 and, if necessary, reported via a data interface to a control unit of the switch cabinet or distribution board.In one possible embodiment, the camera images from camera 7 are transmitted via a wireless communication link to a control unit in the control cabinet or distribution board, or to a server, where they are evaluated. In this embodiment, the control unit of the control cabinet or distribution board, or the server, preferably has an image recognition unit for evaluating camera images or image data and / or a suitably trained artificial neural network (CNN, RNN).

[0063] In one possible embodiment, various low-voltage devices 1 communicate with each other via a wireless communication link. For example, low-voltage devices 1 that do not have their own display unit 6 can transmit sensor data or other information via the wireless communication link to the device in Fig. 1 The low-voltage device 1 shown transmits the received information, which is displayed to a user on its display unit 6.

[0064] One possible embodiment is the one described in Fig. 1 The low-voltage device 1 shown is a low-voltage display device specializing in display functions, designed to display information on a curved display surface of the housing 2.

[0065] The flexible display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1 can display various types of information. For example, in one possible embodiment of the flexible display unit 6, status information of the low-voltage device 1 or other low-voltage devices 1 or other devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board is displayed to a user.

[0066] Furthermore, in one possible embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 can visually display configuration information or parameters of the low-voltage device 1 or other low-voltage devices 1 or other devices mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board to a user.

[0067] Furthermore, measurement data from the low-voltage device 1 or other devices mounted in the control cabinet can also be displayed on the display unit 6.

[0068] Furthermore, the flexible display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1 according to the invention is also capable of visually outputting complex information to a user. For example, in one possible embodiment, a circuit diagram or operating instructions for the low-voltage device 1 and / or another low-voltage device 1 mounted in the control cabinet or distribution board can be displayed via the flexible display unit 6.

[0069] Furthermore, service numbers for a maintenance service for the control cabinet and / or the low-voltage device 1 or other devices within the control cabinet or distribution board can also be displayed. These service numbers include, for example, a telephone number. IP addresses and websites can also be displayed as service numbers.

[0070] In one possible embodiment, a link to a service webpage (Uniform Resource Locator URL) is displayed on the touch-sensitive display unit 6 as soon as a specific operating state of the low-voltage device 1 or the control cabinet is detected. By manually pressing the displayed link, the user is taken directly to the corresponding service page, which provides the necessary information for the relevant operating state. Furthermore, in another possible embodiment, status information or other data from a load 10 connected to the low-voltage device 1 can also be displayed via the flexible display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1. This load 10 is, for example, a capacitive, resistive, or inductive load. For example, an electric motor connected to a motor control unit 1 can transmit maintenance information to the low-voltage device or the control unit 1.supply the motor starter 1, which is displayed to the user via the display unit 6.

[0071] The display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1 can be connected to other devices in the control cabinet or distribution board, in particular to other low-voltage devices 1 in the control cabinet, via a wired or wireless bus system for data transmission. For example, the display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1 can be connected to an automation system's intranet via a communication link. Furthermore, the display unit 6 of the low-voltage device 1 can also be connected to the internet via a gateway.

[0072] In one possible embodiment, the display unit 6 is coupled to an acoustic user interface of the low-voltage device 1 and / or the control cabinet or distribution board. This makes it possible to output additional information or warning signals acoustically to a user. Furthermore, a user can also input commands via a microphone through the acoustic user interface, with the entered information also being displayed to the user on the display unit 6, allowing them to check whether their acoustic input was correctly understood. This is particularly helpful for the user in a noisy production environment of an automation system.

[0073] Fig. 2 Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a low-voltage device 1 according to the invention with a flexible display unit 6. In the case of the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 can be placed on a corresponding display housing section 5 provided on the housing 2. The shape of the flexible display unit 6 adapts to the contour or curvature of the display housing section 5 of the housing 2, as shown in Fig. 2 The flexible display unit 6 is shown schematically. It preferably has a data interface 8, which is inserted into or connectable to a corresponding data interface 9 within the housing section 5. In addition to the data interface 9, a power supply interface for the electrical power supply of the flexible display unit 6 may also be provided. The flexible display unit 6 is preferably detachably attached to the data interface provided on the display housing section 5 of the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 and / or to the associated power supply interface. The user can manually insert the flexible display unit 6 into the display housing section 5 of the housing 2. In this way, a user has the option of equipping a low-voltage device 1 with a flexible display unit 6 as needed.The attachment of the flexible display unit 6 is therefore detachable and can be designed in different ways. For example, the flexible display unit 6 can be temporarily attached to the display housing section 5 of the housing 2 using magnets. Alternatively, the flexible display unit 6 can also be attached to the display housing section 5 using, for example, a Velcro fastener.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 remains switched on after being removed from the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1. Data exchange between the display unit 6 and the low-voltage device 1 can take place via a wired or wireless data connection. The display unit 6, once removed from the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1, is powered either via a power connection or by an energy storage device integrated within the display unit 6.

[0075] In another possible embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 can be manually detached from the display housing section 5 by a user and placed onto a display housing section 5 of another low-voltage device 1 within the control cabinet. The flexible display unit 6 then adapts to the contour or shape of the other low-voltage device 1.

[0076] The in Fig. 2 The detachable flexible display unit 6 shown can in turn have an integrated camera 7 which provides camera images of the mounting environment of the low voltage device 1.

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through a possible embodiment of a low-voltage device according to the invention 1. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through a housing wall of housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1. At the in Fig. 3 On the right side shown is a display housing section 5 for receiving a flexible display unit 6, whose contacts 8 are inserted into corresponding contacts of a data and / or power supply interface 9 of the low-voltage device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 is mounted onto a busbar 4 of the control cabinet or distribution board via an electromechanical mounting interface 3. The busbar 4 provides the possibility of distributing direct or alternating current within the distribution board or control cabinet. As shown in Fig. 3 In schematic representation, a load 10 is connected to a data and / or control interface 11 on the underside of the housing 2. The load 10 can be, for example, a resistive load, an inductive load, or a capacitive load. The current tapped from the power bus 4 can be supplied to the load 10 via an internal power supply path 12 and via power connection lines 13. In the Fig. 3 In the example shown, two additional components can be provided within the housing, for example a current sensor 14, a switch 15 or a fuse 16. In the example shown Fig. 3 In the example shown, a control unit 17 is integrated into the housing 2, which controls the switch 15 contained in the power supply path 12 via an internal control line 18. Furthermore, the control unit 17 is connected to the data and power supply interface of the display unit 6 via internal power and data lines 19. In addition to the Fig. 3 The current sensor 14 shown can also be a voltage sensor for measuring the electrical voltage applied to the internal power supply path 12, which provides a voltage signal. In one possible embodiment, the analog measurement signals are converted into measurement data by analog-to-digital converters (not shown), which, in a possible implementation, are temporarily stored in an internal data memory of the control unit 17. Furthermore, the data generated by the display unit 6 can also be temporarily stored in the internal data memory of the control unit 17. This data from the flexible display unit 6 indicates, for example, which area of ​​the display surface has been touched by the fingertip of a user's finger. This data can be translated into corresponding input commands.Furthermore, the camera 7 integrated into the display surface provides image data that can be temporarily stored in a data memory of the storage unit 17. The control unit 17 can also be connected to an integrated transceiver 20 to transmit the stored data to an external control unit, in particular a control unit of a switch cabinet or distribution board. If a short circuit occurs within the power supply path, the integrated sensor element 14 provides a corresponding measurement signal, which is evaluated to detect the short circuit. As soon as a short circuit is detected, the control unit 16 can automatically open the integrated switch to interrupt the protective current and thereby protect the load 10. The detected short circuit is displayed to the user on the flexible display unit 6.Once the cause of the short circuit has been rectified by the user, the user can, for example, press on the touch-sensitive display area of ​​the display unit 6 at a corresponding point to cause the integrated switch 15 to be closed by the control unit 17.

[0078] The in Fig. 3 The low-voltage device 1 shown is merely exemplary; other low-voltage devices may contain completely different parts and components. The inclusion of the integrated control unit 17 is optional. In an alternative embodiment, the data from the flexible display unit 6 can be transmitted directly to an external control unit in the control cabinet or distribution board via a transceiver 20. Furthermore, the display unit 6 can also receive display data directly from an external control unit in the control cabinet or distribution board via a transceiver. In another embodiment, data or information to be displayed can also be transmitted via Powerline Communication (PLC) over the busbar 4 of the control cabinet or distribution board and displayed on the display unit 6.

[0079] In one possible embodiment, the camera 7 integrated into the display unit 6 can also provide camera images for detecting certain switching events within the control cabinet or distribution board. For example, arcs may occur within the control cabinet, the light from which is visible in the camera images. Furthermore, in another possible embodiment, the position of the low-voltage device 1 within the control cabinet or electrical distribution board can be automatically detected based on the camera images from the camera 7 integrated into the display unit 6.

[0080] In a further embodiment, a camera 7 is provided that generates thermal images. A camera 7 can thus be integrated into the display area of ​​the flexible display unit 6, generating camera images in the visible frequency range or in a non-visible frequency range, in particular in the infrared frequency range, which are evaluated to detect switching events and / or local heat developments within the control cabinet.

[0081] Based on the shape and other characteristics of the other low-voltage devices 1 within the control cabinet or distribution board, pattern recognition by a control unit of the control cabinet or distribution board can identify which type of low-voltage devices 1 are mounted at which position within the control cabinet or distribution board. For this purpose, a control unit 17 of the control cabinet or distribution board can have a trained artificial intelligence module, in particular an artificial neural network (CNN), which allows it to recognize patterns of objects within the control cabinet or distribution board or to classify the images or image data received from the cameras 7 of the low-voltage devices 1 accordingly.

[0082] Figuren 4A, 4B show possible embodiments of a flexible display unit 6 that can be installed in the low-voltage device 1. In the case of the Fig. 4A In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 6 is attached externally to the corresponding display housing section 5 of the housing 2. In one possible embodiment, the display unit 6 can be permanently attached to the corresponding housing section 5. In this embodiment, the display unit 6 is, for example, glued to the display housing section 5. Alternatively, the flexible display unit 6 can also be attached as shown in Fig. 2 schematically shown, detachably attached to the display housing section 5 of the housing 2.

[0083] Fig. 4B Figure 1 shows a further embodiment in which the flexible display unit 6 is embedded within the housing 2. In the corresponding display housing section 5, the housing 2 preferably consists of a transparent material in which the flexible display layer of the display unit 6 is embedded. The flexible display layer preferably comprises an OLED display layer.

[0084] The Figuren 5A, 5B show a further embodiment of the low-voltage device 1 according to the invention. In the Figuren 5A, 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 is provided in a folded form on a display housing section 5 of the housing 2 and can be unfolded by a user as needed to enlarge the display area of ​​the display unit 6, as shown in Fig. 5B depicted. In the Figuren 5A, 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the unfolded display area is twice the size of the front surface of the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 in question. In one possible embodiment, the flexible display unit 6, as shown in Fig. 5A As shown, the flexible display unit 6 features a simple indicator element, for example, a light-emitting diode 21, which signals to the user that the unit should be unfolded to display information. Once unfolded, the display unit 6 can show various complex information regarding the operating status of the low-voltage device 1 itself or other devices in the control cabinet. The resolution of the display area is, for example, 1440 x 1920 pixels in one possible implementation. The active display layer preferably has a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. Furthermore, the bending radius R of less than 1.0 mm allows the display unit 6 to be folded away from its unfolded state in a space-saving manner. Fig. 5A In the folded state according to Fig. 5A The display unit 6 is additionally protected from environmental influences within the automation system, particularly from dust and moisture. Furthermore, the unfolded state protects the display surface from mechanical impacts and ambient heat.

[0085] The in the Fig. 5A,5B The flexible display unit 6 shown in the illustration has, in a preferred embodiment, a touch-sensitive display layer for user input and for displaying information to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display layer of the display unit 6 has an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) layer. The OLED display layer contains organic light-emitting diodes and a luminous thin-film device made of organic semiconducting materials.

[0086] The flexible display unit 6 can have a rear support layer that protects and supports the display layer. A further transparent protective layer can be provided on top of the display layer. Both the rear, usually opaque, support layer and the front transparent protective layer of the display unit 6 consist of a flexible, bendable material, so that the display unit 6 can be folded and unfolded at one or more points along an associated fold line FL with a specific bending radius R.

[0087] Due to its flexibility and the elastic material of at least one support layer, the continuous display unit 6 can be folded at one or more points with a specific bending radius R and then unfolded again without this being noticeable to a user in the unfolded state. Only in the unfolded state does the display unit 6 form a flat plane, as shown in Fig.5B , 6B is shown.

[0088] In another possible embodiment, as described in Fig. 7 As shown, the flexible display unit 6 can also be unfolded multiple times. This allows the size of the display area for presenting information to the user to be further increased. Furthermore, in the Fig. 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 is pivotally mounted on the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 at a pivot joint 22. This allows the unfolded display unit 6 to be pivoted horizontally within the distribution board or control cabinet, parallel to the horizontally mounted rails 4, so that a user can operate the display unit 6 as needed while working inside the control cabinet. For example, if a user is performing maintenance or repair work inside the control cabinet or distribution board, they can pivot the unfolded display unit 6 to better view the information displayed on the display unit 6, such as repair instructions.In a possible implementation, the unfolded flexible display unit 6 can also be pivoted in several directions or around different axes in space.

[0089] Figuren 8, 9 Figure 1 shows exemplary possible low-voltage devices 1 with a flexible display unit 6 attached to their housing 2. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1 can contain various components. Fig. 8 It is also apparent that there are ventilation slots for ventilating internal components. In the case of the Fig. 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display unit 6 is attached to a display housing section 5 of a handle 23 of the housing 2. Fig.9 Figure 1 shows an NH fuse switch disconnector as an example of a low-voltage device.

[0090] The flexible display unit 6 can be integrated into or attached to the housing of two different low-voltage devices 1. These low-voltage devices 1 include, for example, a load break switch with fuses, a fuse-switch disconnector, a load break switch, a circuit breaker, a motor control unit, a power supply unit, a frequency converter, or a current feed-in module for busbars. Depending on the functionality of the low-voltage device 1, different information can be displayed to the user on the display surface of the flexible display unit 6 as needed. In a preferred embodiment, the display unit 6 also has at least one integrated camera 7 for detecting the mounting environment. The display unit 6 has a display and touch function. Corresponding contact areas for the user to press a fingertip can be displayed on the flexible display unit 6.The camera 7 integrated into the display unit 6 can provide additional functions in one possible embodiment. For example, in one implementation, the integrated camera 7 of the display unit 6 can also capture biometric data of a user, such as a fingerprint or the like. This can be used to authorize the user or technician to perform maintenance and repair tasks on the control cabinet or distribution board. The integration of the camera 7 within the flexible display unit 6 is optional. In an alternative embodiment, a separate camera 7 can also be provided next to the touch-sensitive display layer 6 in the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1. An acoustic interface for inputting voice commands and outputting warning signals can also be additionally integrated into the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1.The various low-voltage devices 1 within the distribution board or control cabinet can preferably exchange data internally via a bus system in real time, which can then be output to a user via a suitable interface as needed. Furthermore, by connecting the control unit 17 of the low-voltage device 1 to an intranet or the internet, it is possible to perform remote diagnostics of the current operating status of the respective low-voltage device 1 and other devices located in the vicinity of the low-voltage device 1. In one possible embodiment, the camera 7 acts as a webcam for transmitting camera images to a remote server on the intranet or internet. This server is located, for example, at the premises of the manufacturer of the control cabinet or low-voltage device 1.The flexible display unit 6, integrated into the housing 2 of the low-voltage device 1, can assist a technician or user in various ways, particularly during repair and maintenance work. For example, it can display IP addresses or other service numbers that provide a direct ordering function for accessories or spare parts. For instance, if a low-voltage device 1 malfunctions, not only can the malfunction be displayed, but also operating instructions for resolving it. If troubleshooting fails, a link to a website for ordering a replacement low-voltage device 1 can be displayed. The user can then initiate an order process for the replacement device by entering the corresponding order command on the touch-sensitive display of the display unit 6.This not only significantly speeds up the ordering of a spare part, but also prevents incorrect spare parts from being ordered.

Claims

1. A low-voltage device (1) for electrical distribution boards and switching cabinet installations with components comprised in a housing (2) of the low-voltage device, wherein the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) comprises: - a mounting interface (3) for mounting the housing (2) to a corresponding mating interface of the electrical distribution board or the switching cabinet or to a component installed in the electrical distribution board or in the switching cabinet; - a display housing portion (5) of the housing (2), which is provided for a display unit of the low-voltage device (1) and comprises one or more flexibly formed bendable and foldable display units (6), characterized in that the flexible display unit (6) is provided bent to fit a contour of the display housing portion (5) of the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1), or folded on the display housing portion (5) of the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) and is unfoldable there to enlarge a display surface of the display unit (6).

2. The low-voltage device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible display unit (6) comprises a display layer with a thickness of less than 1 mm, and / or the flexible display unit (6) comprises a display layer with a bending radius of less than 10 mm.

3. The low-voltage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible display unit (6) comprises a touch-sensitive display layer for user input by a user and for displaying information to a user.

4. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) comprises a mounting interface (3) for mounting the low-voltage device (1) to at least one current busbar (4) of a current busbar system of the switching cabinet and for electrically contacting the current busbar (4), or wherein the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) comprises a mounting interface for mounting the low-voltage device (1) to a top-hat rail or to a mounting plate of the switching cabinet.

5. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible display unit (6) is detachably attached to a data interface (9) provided on the display housing portion (5) of the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) and / or to a power supply interface, wherein the flexible display unit (6) stays switched on after detachment from the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1), wherein data is exchanged via a wired or wireless data connection and wherein a power supply to the display unit (6) detached from the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) is realized via a power connection or by an energy storage unit integrated in the display unit (6).

6. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display housing portion (5) of the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) consists of a transparent material in which the flexible display layer of the display unit (6) is embedded.

7. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, in which the components in the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) comprise components of the low-voltage device (1) that generate heat or warmth during operation of the low-voltage device (1), and wherein the display housing portion (5) of the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1) provided for the flexible display unit (6) or the display unit (6) is thermally insulated from the power components of the low-voltage device (1) by a thermal insulation for the protection of the flexible display unit (6).

8. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein in the display area of the flexible display unit (6) a camera (7) is integrated, which generates camera images in the visible frequency range or in an invisible frequency range, especially in an infrared frequency range.

9. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the low-voltage device (1) comprises: a load-break switch with fuses, a fuse switch disconnector, a switch disconnector, a circuit breaker, a motor control unit, a power supply unit, a frequency converter and / or a power feed-in module.

10. The low-voltage device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the information displayed on the flexible display unit (6) of the low-voltage device (1) comprises: - status information of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the switching cabinet, - configuration details of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the switching cabinet, - measurement data of the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices mounted in the switching cabinet, - a circuit diagram of the low-voltage device and / or another low-voltage device mounted in the switching cabinet or a circuit diagram of the low-voltage devices mounted in the switching cabinet, - operating instructions for operating the low-voltage device or the switching cabinet, - a service number for a maintenance service for servicing the switching cabinet and / or the low-voltage device or other low-voltage devices within the switching cabinet and / or - status information of a load connected to the low-voltage device.

11. The low-voltage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the unfolded flexible display unit (6) is pivotably attached to the housing (2) of the low-voltage device (1).

12. The low-voltage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an unfolded flexible display unit (6) of the low-voltage device (1) forms, together with another unfolded flexible display unit (6) of a low-voltage device mounted adjacently on the rail of the switching cabinet, a composite display unit with a large display area.

13. The low-voltage device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display unit (6) of the low-voltage device (1) is connected via a wired or wireless bus system of the switching cabinet with other devices of the switching cabinet, in particular with other low-voltage devices (1) of the switching cabinet, for data transmission.

14. The low-voltage device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the display unit (6) of the low-voltage device (1) is connected to an intranet of an automation system and / or to the Internet via a gateway.

15. The low-voltage device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the display unit (6) is coupled to a user interface of the low-voltage device (1) and / or of the switching cabinet.

16. The low-voltage device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 15, wherein the flexible display unit (6) comprises a flexible rear support layer for supporting the display layer of the display unit (6) and a flexible front transparent protective layer for protecting the display layer of the display layer (6).

17. Switching cabinet with at least one low-voltage devices (1) according to any of claims 1 to 16 mounted therein.