Potential distribution arrangement

Abstract

A potential distribution arrangement for electrical conductors, comprising: at least one feed-in element adapted for electrical connection with a first electrical conductor; and at least one distribution element adapted for electrical connection with at least one second electrical conductor, wherein the feed-in element has a first plug-in element and the distribution element has a corresponding second plug-in element that can be plugged together with the first plug-in element for electrical connection of the feed-in element and the distribution element for electrical connection of the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a potential distribution arrangement for electrical conductors.

[0002] Potential distribution assemblies, often also referred to as potential distribution or potential collection blocks, are frequently used in circuit technology to distribute potentials or to bring electrical conductors connected to the potential distribution assembly to a common potential. For this purpose, potential distribution assemblies known from the prior art typically comprise several block-shaped elements: a feed-in element for receiving one or more conductors with a larger cross-section, usually also referred to as the feed-in cross-section, and one or more distribution elements for receiving one or more conductors with a smaller cross-section, usually also referred to as the distribution cross-section. The block-shaped elements are often arranged on a mounting base, such as a DIN rail.

[0003] The electrical connection of the electrical conductors to the potential distribution arrangement is implemented in a wide variety of ways in the prior art, for example via a screw or clamp connection.

[0004] In known prior art arrangements, the known feed-in and distribution elements are often interconnected by means of conductor bridges or fixed bridges. For example, DE 10 2014 105 316 A1, DE 202 20 108 U1 and DE 297 19 177 U1 describe terminal blocks that are interconnected by means of terminal blocks arranged in series. The terminal blocks can be connected to each other via a busbar, which can also be referred to as a plug-in bridge, connection clamp, cross-connector or cross-bridge.

[0005] EP 2 562 879 A2 describes an arrangement in which two modules can be connected to each other via a knife / fork contact. FR 2 889 366 A1 discloses several modules arranged in series. DE 197 18 996 C1 discloses an arrangement of electronic devices that are snapped side by side onto a mounting rail. The devices can be electrically connected to each other via circuit board contacts and bus contacts, which can be arranged in a base part of the devices. US 5 735 700 A discloses a terminal block arrangement which has several terminal blocks arranged in series, to each of which a plug can be inserted for connecting a module to the respective terminal block. The plug draws the current from the terminal block.

[0006] However, the potential distribution arrangements known from the prior art have the disadvantage that a user has to stock a large number of different blocks if a different number of connections and / or connection cross-sections are required.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to reduce the variance of the elements in a potential distribution arrangement for different applications.

[0008] This problem is solved by a potential distribution arrangement with the features of claim 1.

[0009] A potential distribution arrangement for electrical conductors is then provided, comprising: At least one feed-in element adapted for electrical connection with a first electrical conductor; and at least one distribution element adapted for electrical connection with at least one second electrical conductor, wherein the feed-in element has a first plug-in element and the distribution element has a corresponding second plug-in element that can be plugged together with the first plug-in element for electrically connecting the feed-in element and the distribution element to electrically connect the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor. The distribution element is adapted for electrical connection with a plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors includes at least the second electrical conductor and a third electrical conductor, and wherein the first electrical conductor has a larger cross-section than the second electrical conductor.The feed-in element and the distribution element are designed for side-by-side rail mounting, and can be attached in particular to a profile mounting rail.

[0010] The potential distribution arrangement can also be referred to herein as a potential distribution block arrangement or distribution block arrangement and is used for distributing or collecting potentials, for example, for load and control current distribution. The electrical conductors described herein can be flexible electrical conductors equipped with wire end ferrules with or without a plastic sleeve. Alternatively, the electrical conductors can also be rigid.

[0011] The feed-in element can have an opening into which the first electrical conductor can be inserted and held in place, thus electrically connecting the feed-in element to the first electrical conductor. The first electrical conductor can, for example, feed current into a power grid and can have a larger cross-section than the electrical conductors that can be connected to the distribution element. The feed-in element can, in some cases, have multiple openings for connecting more than one electrical conductor for power supply.

[0012] The distribution element can also have at least one opening into which the second electrical conductor can be inserted and held in place, thus electrically connecting the distribution element to at least one other electrical conductor. In some examples, the distribution element has multiple openings for connecting several electrical conductors to distribute the potential introduced into the feed-in element.

[0013] The connector between the first and second connector elements can include a pin-shaped contact, for example, a flat contact, which may be arranged on a housing of the feed-in element or the distribution element. The flat contact can be inserted, at least partially, into an opening of the other housing and electrically connected to a corresponding contact in the opening. The connection can be established, for example, by placing both housings side by side or moving them towards each other. For example, a contact rocker can be designed as the corresponding contact, and a torque can be applied in one insertion direction during insertion, to which the contact rocker can yield. This can be achieved, for example, by elastic deformation of a spring element, such as a spring element or a spring arm.The inserted plug element can thus be clamped in the housing and held in an axial direction to ensure a secure connection and to make axial movement of the inserted plug element in or against the insertion direction more difficult.

[0014] When the first plug-in element is connected to the second plug-in element, the feed-in element and the distribution element can be electrically connected to electrically connect the electrical conductors, which can be arranged in the feed-in element and the distribution element respectively, and thus serve to distribute the potential connected to the feed-in element.

[0015] Advantageously, the plug connection eliminates the need for separate jumpers or similar elements, and the feed-in current can be transferred to the distribution element without losses through the aforementioned jumpers or similar elements.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the potential distribution arrangement described herein, with its different feed-in and distribution elements, allows the desired conductor cross-sections and number of poles to be connected together for a desired application.

[0017] In one example, the first plug-in element of the feed-in element and the second plug-in element of the distribution element are arranged side by side in an assembly state of the feed-in element and the distribution element, on opposite housing sides of the feed-in element and the distribution element, for plugging the feed-in element and the distribution element together.

[0018] Advantageously, the feed-in element and the distribution element, or a large number of feed-in elements and distribution elements, can be easily connected by simply plugging them together.

[0019] In one example, the first plug-in element and the second plug-in element are designed for direct and detachable electrical connection of the feed-in element and the distribution element.

[0020] Advantageously, the electrical connection between the feed-in element and the distribution element can be achieved without jumpers, and the electrical connection can also be easily disconnected.

[0021] In one example, the contact surfaces are designed as contact blades and corresponding contact springs.

[0022] According to the invention, the feed-in element and the distribution element are adapted for rail mounting, in particular for attachment to a profile support rail.

[0023] The rail, also known as a mounting rail, is used to attach the feed-in element and the distribution element side by side. The mounting rail can have a hat-like profile and is therefore also called a top-hat rail. For example, the elements can be slid onto the rail from the side and connected as they slide, or they can be connected first and then attached to the profile mounting rail and locked into place.

[0024] Alternatively, the elements can also be glued to a surface using an adhesive, for example, adhesive tape.

[0025] According to the invention, the distribution element is adapted for electrical connection with a plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors comprises at least the second electrical conductor and a third electrical conductor.

[0026] Advantageously, the described feed-in element can be combined with a variety of different distribution elements, which can be adapted for electrical connection with a variety of electrical conductors.

[0027] According to the invention, the first electrical conductor has a larger cross-section than the second electrical conductor, in particular the first electrical conductor has a cross-section of up to 16 mm² and the second electrical conductor has a cross-section of up to 4 mm².

[0028] As previously described, the cross-section of the first electrical conductor can also be referred to as the feed-in cross-section. The cross-section of the second electrical conductor can also be referred to as the distribution cross-section.

[0029] In one example, the feed-in element and / or the distribution element has / have a screw, tension spring, push-in, quick and / or bolt connection for electrical connection to the first and / or second electrical conductor.

[0030] In one example, the potential distribution arrangement has a further distribution element, wherein the distribution element has a corresponding further plug-in element that can be plugged together with the first or the second plug-in element.

[0031] Advantageously, a large number of identical or different distribution elements can be added to the potential distribution arrangement in order to be individually assembled for specific applications.

[0032] In one example, the potential distribution arrangement has a separating element, in particular a switch element or a fuse element, wherein the separating element has corresponding plug-in elements to be arranged between the feed-in element and the distribution element and is adapted to disconnect the electrical connection between the first plug-in element and the second plug-in element.

[0033] Advantageously, a disconnecting element can be added to the potential distribution arrangement, which can be designed, for example, as a mechanical switch or as a fuse holder for a fuse. The disconnecting element allows the electrical connection between the supply element and the distribution element to be effectively severed, thus preventing adverse operating conditions such as overload.

[0034] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Figs. 1A, 1B schematic views of potential distribution arrangements known from the prior art; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a feed-in element according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a distribution element according to one embodiment; Figs. 4A - 4F schematic views of a spring element, a first flat contact and a second flat contact according to one embodiment; and Figs. 5A, 5B schematic views of a potential distribution arrangement according to one embodiment.

[0035] The Figures 1A and 1B show schematic views of potential distribution arrangements 100, as known from the prior art.

[0036] In the Figures 1A and 1BEach potential distribution arrangement 100 is shown with a feed-in element 103 and a distribution element 105. The feed-in element 103 and the distribution element 105 are arranged side by side on a profile mounting rail. It is further shown that an electrical conductor 107 is arranged in an opening of the feed-in element 103.

[0037] The in the Figures 1A and 1B The conductor cross-sections shown can be, for example, 16 mm², 10 mm² and 2.5 mm².

[0038] For the electrical connection of the feed-in element 103 and the distribution element 105, i.e., for the electrical connection of the first electrical conductor 107 with at least one second electrical conductor 109, which is connected to the distribution element 105, the following are used in Figure 1A Line bridges 111A shown and in Figure 1B An implementation with a fixed bridge 111B is shown.

[0039] Figure 2shows a schematic view of a feed-in element 3 according to one embodiment.

[0040] The feed-in element 3 shown has an opening into which a first electrical conductor (not shown) can be inserted in order to electrically connect the feed-in element 3 to the first electrical conductor.

[0041] In its installed state, the first electrical conductor can be held in the opening. For example, the first electrical conductor can be held in the opening by means of a connecting device for attaching the second electrical conductor, such as a screw, tension spring, push-in, quick-release, and / or bolt connection. For example, the first electrical conductor can feed current into a power grid and can have a larger cross-section than the electrical conductors that can be connected to the distribution element.

[0042] In other embodiments, not shown, the feed-in element can also have more than one opening. For example, in some embodiments the feed-in element can have two openings to allow the connection of additional electrical conductors for power supply.

[0043] Furthermore, it is shown that the feed-in element 3 has a first plug-in element 11A which can be plugged together with a corresponding second plug-in element on a distribution element (not shown) for electrically connecting the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the first plug-in element 11A is pin-shaped and comprises a first flat contact 13A. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring element 15 is arranged around the first flat contact 13A to fix the first flat contact 13A to a second flat contact of the distributor element when it has been inserted into a housing of the distributor element.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a distributor element 5 according to one embodiment.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the distribution element 5 has six openings for connecting a second electrical conductor and five further electrical conductors for distributing the potential introduced by the feed-in element.

[0047] Furthermore, it shows Figure 3 , that the distributor element 5 has a second plug-in element 11B with a second flat contact 13B, for connecting to the in Figure 2shown first plug-in element 11A.

[0048] The Figures 4A - 4F show schematic views of a spring means 15, a first flat contact 13A and a second flat contact 13B according to an embodiment.

[0049] In Figure 4A This was already in Figure 2 The spring element 15 shown is shown. The spring element 15 shown can be arranged around the first flat contact to connect the first flat contact to the second flat contact in the holding profile shown by spring force.

[0050] Figure 4B This shows in Figure 4A The spring element 15 is shown together with the first flat contact 13A. The indicated arrow shows a direction in which the spring element 15 can be pushed onto the first flat contact 13A during assembly. Figure 4C The spring element 15 is pushed onto the first flat contact 13A and arranged around the first flat contact 13A.

[0051] In 4D FigureIn addition to the previously shown spring element 15 and the first flat contact 13A, the second flat contact 13B is also shown. Also in 4D Figure The insertion direction is indicated by an arrow.

[0052] In the Figure 4E The first and second plug-in elements are connected together. As shown, the first flat contact 13A is connected to the second flat contact 13B. The first flat contact 13A and the second flat contact 13B are held together by the spring element 15. The connection can be released by pulling the flat contacts 13A and 13B away from each other, in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Figure 4F is the in Figure 4E The setup shown is illustrated. To clarify the functionality, the following are shown in Figure 4F However, the connecting means for attaching the second electrical conductor(s) are not shown.

[0053] The Figures 5A and 5Bshow schematic views of a potential distribution arrangement 1 according to one embodiment.

[0054] In Figure 5A Figure 1 shows a view of the potential distribution arrangement 1. The potential distribution arrangement 1 shown exhibits the previously described features. Figures 2 and 3 The feed-in element 3 and distribution element 5 are shown. The housings of the feed-in element 3 and distribution element 5 are shown at least partially open to illustrate the functionality of the potential distribution arrangement 1.

[0055] In the Figure 5AIn the view shown, the first and second plug-in elements 11A, 11B are plugged together. The first flat contact 13A is connected to the second flat contact 13B. The first flat contact 13A and the second flat contact 13B are held together by the spring element 15. Furthermore, a number of push-in contacts for connecting electrical conductors are shown in the feed-in element 3 and the distribution element 5. As shown, the push-in contacts are electrically connected to the first flat contact 13A and the second flat contact 13B of the respective first and second plug-in elements 11A, 11B for distributing or collecting the potentials.

[0056] In Figure 5B is already in Figure 5A The view shown depicts the potential distribution arrangement 1. Figure 5B The housings of the feed-in element 3 and the distribution element 5 are shown closed.

[0057] Furthermore, the in Figure 5BThe potential distribution arrangement 1 shown is arranged on a profile mounting rail 17. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the potential distribution arrangement 1 can also be glued to a surface using an adhesive, for example, an adhesive strip.

[0058] In the Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, a first electrical conductor 7 is electrically connected to the feed-in element 3, and a second electrical conductor 9 is electrically connected to the distribution element 5. The illustrated electrical conductors 7 and 9 can be flexible conductors equipped with ferrules with or without plastic sleeves. Alternatively, the electrical conductors 7 and 9 can also be rigid.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical conductor 7 has a larger cross-section than the second electrical conductor 9. For example, the first electrical conductor 7 in the feed-in element 3 can have a cross-section of up to 16 mm² and the second electrical conductor 9 in the distribution element 5 can have a cross-section of up to 4 mm². In embodiments not shown, the cross-sections of the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor can also be the same. Reference symbol list

[0060] 1 Potential distribution arrangement 3 Feed-in element 5 Distribution element 7 First electrical conductor 9 Second electrical conductor 11 A First plug-in element 11 B Second plug-in element 13 A First flat contact 13 B Second flat contact 15 Spring element 17 Profile mounting rail 100 Potential distribution arrangement from the prior art 103 Feed-in element 105 Distribution element 107 First electrical conductor 109 Second electrical conductor 111A Conductor bridge 111B Fixed bridge

Claims

1. Potential distributor arrangement for electrical conductors, comprising: at least one feed element (3) adapted for electrical connection to a first electrical conductor (7); and at least one distributor element (5) adapted for electrical connection to at least one second electrical conductor (9), wherein the feed element (3) has a first plug-in element (11A) and the distributor element (5) has a corresponding second plug-in element (11B) which can be plug-connected to the first plug-in element (11A) for electrically connecting the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5) for electrically connecting the first electrical conductor (7) and the second electrical conductor (9), wherein the distributor element (5) is adapted for electrical connection to a plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors comprises at least the second electrical conductor (9) and a third electrical conductor, characterized in that the first electrical conductor (7) has a larger cross section than the electrical conductors (9) of the plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5) are adapted for side-by-side rail mounting, in particular can be fastened on a profiled mounting rail (17).

2. Potential distributor arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first plug-in element (11A) of the feed element (3) and the second plug-in element (11B) of the distributor element (5), in a state in which the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5) are mounted side by side, are arranged on opposite housing sides of the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5) for plug-connecting the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5).

3. Potential distributor arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plug-in element (11A) and the second plug-in element (11B) are designed for directly and releasably electrically connecting the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5).

4. Potential distributor arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plug-in element (11A) and the second plug-in element (118) each have a contact surface for directly and releasably electrically connecting the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5).

5. Potential distributor arrangement according to Claim 4, characterized in that the contact surfaces are in the form of contact blades and corresponding contact springs.

6. Potential distributor arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical conductor (7) has a cross section of up to 16 mm2 and the second electrical conductor (9) has a cross section of up to 4 mm2.

7. Potential distributor arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed element (3) and / or the distributor element (5) have / has a screw, tension spring, push-in, quick-action and / or bolt connection for electrical connection to the first (7) and / or second electrical conductor (9).

8. Potential distributor arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a further distributor element (5), wherein the distributor element (5) has a corresponding further plug-in element which can be plug-connected to the first or the second plug-in element (11B).

9. Potential distributor arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a separating element, in particular a switch element or a fuse element, wherein the separating element has corresponding plug-in elements in order to be able to be arranged between the feed element (3) and the distributor element (5) and is adapted to separate the electrical connection between the first plug-in element (11A) and the second plug-in element (11B).

Images