CONNECTOR FOR A POWER SWITCH AND A DOWNSPITABLE, BRANCH WITH SUCH A CONNECTOR AND ARRANGEMENT WITH SUCH A BRANCH

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for a circuit breaker and a downstream contactor, a branch with such a connector and an arrangement consisting of a distribution network, a consumer and such a branch.

[0002] To switch loads such as motors, so-called branch circuits are currently used, consisting of a circuit breaker and a downstream contactor. The downstream contactor controls the load, such as the motor. The circuit breaker performs protective functions such as short-circuit protection, overload protection, and phase failure protection. The downstream contactor enables the load-bearing, regular switching of the loads.

[0003] Typical branch circuits are not yet universally integrated into the digital world of the future. Several boundary conditions must be considered for digital integration, such as the footprint of the branch circuits, the accessibility of the connection points, temperature conditions of the electronics, various communication expansion levels, handling during installation, retrofitting feasibility in existing systems, and the compatibility of existing accessories. Typical branch circuits with electronics have different designs and therefore different housings. This very often leads to products that are not cost-effective due to the high investment in the design of the branch circuits.

[0004] WO 2008 / 034396 A1 concerns an adapter for establishing an electrically conductive connection between at least one main current path of a switching device and an evaluation unit for determining the state of a protective device upstream of the switching device. To enable monitoring of a protective device upstream of the switching device with minimal wiring effort, an adapter is proposed for establishing an electrically conductive connection between at least one main current path of a switching device and an evaluation unit for determining the state of a protective device upstream of the switching device. The adapter is mechanically connectable to the switching device and has contact interfaces for connecting the evaluation unit.By directly evaluating the switching state of the protective device at the switching device, the previously required wiring to an additional auxiliary switch at the protective device is eliminated, thereby minimizing a potential source of error along with the wiring effort.

[0005] DE 10 2005 040348 A1 relates to a connection system comprising an electromagnetic switching device, in particular a contactor, and a plug. To facilitate the connection of auxiliary and control lines to electromagnetic switching devices, a connection system is proposed comprising at least one electromagnetic switching device, in particular a contactor, wherein the switching device has a number of auxiliary switch terminals and a coil terminal block, and wherein the coil terminal block is designed such that its coil terminals lie in the same plane as at least one auxiliary switch terminal, and comprising a plug for simultaneously contacting the coil and auxiliary switch terminals of one or more switching devices lying in the same plane, wherein the plug has internal wiring for electrically connecting the coils and / or auxiliary switch terminals to each other.

[0006] CN 103 107 486 B relates to a modular measuring and control device for switch leads with a single circuit and a plastic housing. It comprises a mounting plate for attaching a switch, a collection module for gathering signals to be measured at the switch, and a control module for performing data analysis of the signals gathered by the collection module and obtaining information about the switch's consumption, fault cause, or operating status. The control module connects to the collection module in a plug-in / plug-out mode. The measuring and control device also has a lead connection that allows a primary copper busbar on the collection module to be connected externally.The problem that independent production cannot be carried out in the conventional distribution mode is solved, the safety level is increased, the secondary line in a return circuit is reduced, the processing time is shortened, work efficiency is improved, the product quality is improved, and the modular measuring and control device for switch supply lines with a plastic circuit can be widely used in the field of AC / DC power supply panels, control cabinets, distribution cabinets, junction boxes, and the like.

[0007] EP 2 140 471 A1 relates to a connecting element for connecting at least two switching devices, as well as a switching device and an electrical distribution system. To enable the rapid and wireless connection of several electromechanical devices, a connecting element for connecting at least two switching devices is proposed, wherein the connecting element comprises first means for mechanically connecting the switching devices to each other and second means for electrically connecting switching poles of the switching devices, the second means comprising flexibly designed connection elements for connection to terminals of the switching devices that are electrically connected to the switching poles.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a connector for a circuit breaker with a downstream contactor, which can integrate existing components in a particularly simple way and be adapted to changing requirements in a future-proof manner by means of a mounting arrangement or platform.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the connector for a circuit breaker and a downstream contactor according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the connector according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 7. The problem is also solved according to the invention by the branch according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the branch according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 9 and 10. The problem is also solved according to the invention by the arrangement according to claim 11.

[0010] The connector for a circuit breaker and a downstream contactor according to claim 1 is characterized in that the connector is formed in one piece, wherein the connector enables the electrical connection between the circuit breaker and the downstream contactor and comprises at least one sensor, wherein the connector comprises an evaluation unit for the measured values ​​of the sensor, and wherein the connector comprises first contacts to the circuit breaker and second contacts to the downstream contactor in the same direction of extension.

[0011] A key advantage is that the electronics are housed within the connector, allowing it to be positioned at the lowest temperatures, which offers significant benefits for the electronic components. It is also advantageous that the connection sequence of the connector according to the invention is known to the customer. Furthermore, all existing accessories from the modular system can still be used, such as reversing wiring modules, side accessories, power supply systems, and mounting plates. The connector has the same footprint, thus enabling a mixed configuration. All existing spring-clamp terminals can be easily retrofitted with the connector according to the invention.There are numerous customization options for the customer with only minor changes to the manufacturing effort; expensive tooling variants are not required, and variations can be created through circuit board placement options or different firmware / software. Likewise, no modifications to the base units are necessary. Mass-produced and therefore inexpensive base units can be used without any modifications. A wide range of applications can be created with these inexpensive base units. The variation lies not in the base units themselves, but in the configuration of the circuit board of the connector according to the invention.

[0012] In one embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the sensor is designed as a sensor for current measurement, for example as a current transformer, and / or as a sensor for voltage measurement.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the sensor is electrically arranged between the first contacts and the second contacts in or on the main circuit.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the connector includes control of the downstream contactor. The connector can also include a communication interface. Furthermore, the connector can include a probe for the contactor position indicator. Finally, the connector can include control of a reversing contactor.

[0015] The branch according to claim 8 comprises a circuit breaker, a downstream contactor and a connector according to the invention, wherein the connector forms the mechanical and / or electrical connection between the circuit breaker and the downstream contactor.

[0016] In an embodiment of the branch according to the invention, the connector, the circuit breaker and the downstream contactor are connected to each other in a tool-bound manner.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the branch according to the invention, an electric motor can be supplied as a consumer via the branch.

[0018] The arrangement consisting of a distribution network, a consumer and a branch according to the invention for switching a consumer according to claim 11 is such that the branch is arranged between the distribution network and the consumer.

[0019] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in relation to the figures.

[0020] This shows: Figures 1A and 1B: Connector according to the invention with circuit breaker and downstream contactor; Figure 2: Connector according to the invention; Figure 3: Circuit breaker and downstream contactor as well as connector according to the invention before assembly; and Figure 4: Arrangement consisting of a distribution network, a consumer and a branch according to the invention.

[0021] In Figures 1A and 1B An electrical connector 100 for a circuit breaker 150 and a downstream contactor 180 is shown. The connector 100 is formed in one piece, enabling the electrical connection between the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180 and including at least one sensor 200. Furthermore, the connector 100 includes an evaluation unit 210 for the measured values ​​of the sensor 200, and first contacts 101 for the circuit breaker 150 and second contacts 102 for the downstream contactor 180 in the same insertion direction.

[0022] In addition to the connector 100 and the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180, a mechanical connector 160 can be provided, which distances the circuit breaker 150 from the downstream contactor 180 and can also serve as a support surface for the connector 100.

[0023] In the depictions of the Figures 1A and 1B The connector 100 according to the invention is mounted on the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180.

[0024] Figure 2Figure 1 shows the connector 100 according to the invention and the mechanical connector 160. The connector 100 comprises first contacts 101, which electrically connect the connector 100 to the circuit breaker 150, and second contacts 102, which electrically connect the connector 100 to the downstream contactor 180. The first contacts 101 and the second contacts 102 are oriented in the same direction, which means that the connector 100 according to the invention can be connected to both the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180 simultaneously in a single assembly movement.

[0025] The sensor 200 of the connector 100 according to the invention can be configured as a current measurement sensor, for example as a current transformer, and / or as a voltage measurement sensor. The sensor 200 can be electrically arranged between the first contacts 101 and the second contacts 102 in or on the main circuit.

[0026] The connector 100 according to the invention can further comprise a control unit 110 for the downstream contactor 180, as well as a communication interface 119. The communication interface 119 can, for example, be designed as a plug or socket for a wired connection, or the communication interface 119 can establish a wireless radio connection using typical protocols such as Zigbee, Wi-Fi or others.

[0027] Further elements on the connector 100 according to the invention can be a query plunger 111 for the contactor position indicator and a control 115 of a reversing contactor.

[0028] Figure 3Figure 1 shows the assembly of the connector 100 according to the invention on the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180. Because the first contacts 101 and the second contacts 102 of the connector 100 are designed in the same insertion direction, the connector 100 according to the invention can be mounted on the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180 with a single insertion movement. As shown in the illustration of Figure 3 This means that the connector 100 according to the invention can be pushed or plugged onto the power switch 150 and the downstream contactor 180 in a movement to the left.

[0029] In Figure 4An arrangement 2000 is shown, comprising a distribution network 2100, a consumer 1000, and a branch 200 for switching a consumer 1000. The branch 200 in turn comprises a circuit breaker 150, a downstream contactor 180, and a connector 100 according to the invention, wherein the connector 100 forms the mechanical and / or electrical connection between the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180.

[0030] The consumer 1000, for example a motor, is electrically connected to the downstream contactor 180.

[0031] The connector according to the invention comprises a sensor 200 and an evaluation unit 210.

[0032] The branch 200 can be designed in such a way that the connector 100, the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180 are connected to each other in a tool-bound manner.

[0033] In the arrangement 2000, the branch 200 is electrically arranged between the distribution network 2100 and the consumer 1000, in which the distribution network 2100 is electrically connected to the circuit breaker 150 and the consumer 1000 is electrically connected to the downstream contactor 180.

[0034] The electronics of the connector 100 according to the invention, in particular the evaluation unit 210, can be arranged within the connector 100 in such a way that a relatively low and manageable temperature profile acts upon it. This is the only way to make practical use of electronics in the connector 100 or in the branch 200.

[0035] The insertion direction of the main current terminals, such as the first contacts 101 and the second contacts 102, is the same, at 90° to the device arrangement. All other electrical connections are also arranged in this same insertion direction, for example, the control terminal 110 of the downstream contactor 180. This is the only way to create a system that can be easily integrated into existing systems. Additionally, the contactor switching direction is the same as the insertion direction, which allows for simple but important monitoring of the contactor position via the probe 111.

[0036] Due to the front-facing connection to the circuit breaker 150 and the downstream contactor 180, tolerance compensation is possible in the branch circuit 200. This tolerance compensation can be easily and reliably ensured by bending open the first contacts 101 and the second contacts 102 for the main current path. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the footprint of the branch circuit 200 according to the invention remains the same, and almost all existing accessories, such as all add-on modules, feed-in systems, etc., can continue to be used. Retrofitting all previously sold spring-loaded branch circuits is also possible.

Claims

1. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180), characterized in that the connector (100) is of one-piece design, wherein the connector (100) facilitates the electrical connection between the circuit breaker (150) and the downstream contactor (180) and comprises at least one sensor (200), wherein the connector (100) comprises an evaluation unit (210) for the measured values of the sensor (200), and wherein the connector (100) comprises first contacts (101) for the circuit breaker (150) and second contacts (102) for the downstream contactor (180) in the same mating direction.

2. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to Claim 1, wherein the sensor (200) is in the form of a sensor for current measurement, for example in the form of a current transformer, and / or in the form of a sensor for voltage measurement.

3. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (200) is arranged electrically between the first contacts (101) and the second contacts (102) in or on the main circuit.

4. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the connector (100) comprises an actuator (110) for actuating the downstream contactor (180).

5. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (100) comprises a communication interface (119).

6. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (100) comprises a read plunger (111) for the contactor position indicator.

7. Connector (100) for a circuit breaker (150) and a downstream contactor (180) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (100) comprises an actuator (115) for actuating a reversing contactor.

8. Feeder (200) for connecting a load (1000), wherein the feeder (200) comprises a circuit breaker (150), a downstream contactor (180) and a connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (100) forms the mechanical and / or electrical connection between the circuit breaker (150) and the downstream contactor (180).

9. Feeder (200) for connecting a load (1000) according to Claim 8, wherein the connector (100), the circuit breaker (150) and the downstream contactor (180) are connected to one another in a tool-based manner.

10. Feeder (200) for connecting a load (1000) according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the feeder (200) can supply power to an electric motor as a load (1000).

11. Arrangement (2000) comprising a distribution system (2100), a load (1000) and a feeder (200) for switching a load (1000) according to any one of the preceding Claims 8 to 10, wherein the feeder (200) is arranged between the distribution system (2100) and the load (1000).