Mains-connection circuit, mains plug, in particular safety plug, device for supplying electrical energy, and method for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an ac mains

Abstract

The invention relates to a mains connection circuit for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an AC mains comprising a protective conductor, a neutral conductor and an outer conductor. The invention also relates to a mains plug. In order to recognise correct polarity when connecting the device to the AC mains and thus avoid unwanted contact, the mains connection circuit has reverse polarity protection and the mains plug has a displaceable protective device.

Description

[0001] Mains connection circuit, mains plug, in particular protective contact plug, device for providing electrical energy and method for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an alternating voltage network

[0002] The present invention relates to a grid connection circuit with reverse polarity protection. The grid connection circuit is designed to connect a device for generating electrical energy to an electrical grid, e.g., an AC grid, which may be a low-voltage grid. The device may be a fuel-powered power generator or an inverter for a DC power source, such as a solar array, a battery, or a fuel cell. The grid connection circuit has a first and a second connecting line. The AC grid has a protective conductor, a neutral conductor, and an outer conductor. The first connecting line is provided for connection to the neutral conductor, and the second connecting line is provided for connection to the outer conductor.

[0003] The invention further relates to a power plug for implementing an electrical plug connection. The power plug has plug contacts for establishing a plug connection with a complementarily designed mating plug, for example, a socket, and a protective contact. The power plug has three connection contacts for connecting conductors of a connecting cable to each of the plug contacts.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for generating electrical energy, with an energy output having at least three electrical contacts for providing the generated electrical energy.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an AC voltage network having a protective conductor, a neutral conductor and an outer conductor.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a power plug for implementing an electrical plug-in contact, comprising at least two elongated plug contacts, each having a shaft for electrical contact, a fastening end region, and a free end region. Devices for generating electrical energy are increasingly being connected to the household network by laypersons, for example, with a plug-in solar device.

[0007] The purpose of the balcony power plant is to make the electrical energy generated and converted by the device usable by electrical consumers in the household network. However, it can happen that a live phase conductor during operation of the device contacts the neutral conductor of the household network, for example, because a non-polarity-protected plug of the device was inserted into a household electrical outlet with the wrong polarity. This can lead to safety or technical problems with connected devices. Furthermore, exposed plug contacts carrying voltage can pose a danger to laypersons.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of making the use of devices for generating electrical energy safer.

[0009] This object is achieved for the grid connection circuit mentioned above in that it has a phase position detection device. The phase position detection device is electrically connected to the first and second connecting lines and is designed to determine a phase position between the second connecting line and the first connecting line. The phase position can, in particular, be the position relative to the grid-side phase. The phase position detection device is designed to provide an operating signal when the phase position corresponds to a predetermined phase position and to output an error signal when the phase position deviates from the predetermined phase position.

[0010] For the power plug mentioned at the beginning, the problem is solved in that the plug contacts and the protective contact are connected to the connection contacts by means of a reverse polarity protection circuit according to the invention.

[0011] Furthermore, the object of the device for generating electrical energy mentioned at the outset is achieved in that a reverse polarity protection circuit according to the invention is connected upstream of the energy output and is, for example, galvanically connected to the energy output.

[0012] Furthermore, the object of the method mentioned at the outset is achieved in that, after mechanical contacting of an energy output of the device with the electrical network, for example an alternating voltage network, by means of a mains plug, the polarity of energy lines of the device leading to the energy output is first compared with the polarity of the lines of the alternating voltage network and the device is connected to the alternating voltage network depending on the result of the comparison.

[0013] Furthermore, the object for the power plug mentioned at the outset is achieved in that the power plug comprises at least one protective device with which at least the shafts of the plug contacts are protected or can be protected against unintentional electrical contact, wherein a relative movement can be carried out between at least one region of the protective device and the plug contacts, so that the shafts of the plug contacts can be exposed and electrically contacted at least in some regions.

[0014] Only by detecting the correct or incorrect phase position and subsequently providing the operating and error signals representing the correct or incorrect phase position is it possible to connect the device safely electrically to the low-voltage network after the mechanical coupling.

[0015] According to the invention, among other things, a contact protection device is provided that only releases the plug contacts for electrical contact after the plugging process has been completed, as well as a downstream method for protective circuitry (reverse polarity protection and / or electrical circuit breakers such as FI or AFDD). Contact protection is also provided by the power plug, which mechanically protects the plug contacts against contact.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the network connection circuit, the network connection circuit has a switching element which, in the closed state, connects two sections of the second connecting line to one another when the phase position detection device provides the operating signal.

[0017] An advantage of this design can be that the electrical connection is established automatically when the phase position is correct, but only when the polarity is correct.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the network connection circuit, the network connection circuit has a switching element which is designed to connect two sections of the first connecting line to one another and to connect two sections of the second connecting line to one another when the phase position detection device provides the operating signal, and which is designed to connect a section of the first connecting line to a section of the second connecting line and to connect a further section of the first connecting line to a further section of the second connecting line when the phase position detection device does not provide the operating signal.

[0019] An advantage of this design may be that the electrical connection is automatically established with the correct polarity.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, a connection between an outer conductor during operation of the device and an outer conductor of the AC voltage network is only made if the comparison shows that the power lines are connected to the lines of the AC voltage network with the same polarity through the mains plug.

[0021] An advantage of this design can be that the electrical connection is established automatically when the phase position is correct, but only when the polarity is correct.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, a connection between an outer conductor during operation of the device and an outer conductor of the AC voltage network is first switched crosswise and then closed if the comparison shows that the power lines are connected to the lines of the AC voltage network with unequal polarity by the mains plug.

[0023] An advantage of this design may be that the electrical connection is automatically established with the correct polarity.

[0024] The power plug can be a grounding plug, a two-pin power plug, a three-pin power plug, or even a three-phase plug. Three-phase current is a multi-phase alternating current. If the plug has multiple contacts for connecting to outer conductors, the power connection circuit can be designed to control the phase position for a majority or all of these contacts and, optionally, to close or keep open switching elements for a majority or all of these contacts depending on the phase positions. If the plug has multiple contacts for connecting to outer conductors, the power connection circuit can be designed to switch the phase position to the correct phase position for a majority or all of these contacts.

[0025] The disclosures containing protective conductors can, for example, relate to the F (CEE 7 / 4) plug type, although application to other CEE plug types, such as the CEE system with CEE 7 / 4 aka Schuko plug, CEE 7 / 5 France and CEE 7 / 7 German / French hybrid plug, or CEE 7 / 15 Euro plug, can also be included. Other plug types that are used worldwide (e.g., NEMA plugs) can also be implemented with the present invention.

[0026] The electrical phase position relative to the protective conductor can be determined before the power supply device is connected. An electronic or electrical circuit, such as the phase position detection device, can process the phase position. The decision as to whether the phase position is correct can be made purely logically as true or false. Depending on the decision, operating or fault signals can be output. Depending on the decision and / or the operating or fault signal, the circuit can be blocked or the phase position corrected.

[0027] In addition, unintentional release, i.e., energization of the contacts by the device outside the designated plug-in device, can be prevented. The invention can also provide protection against incorrect connection conditions and corresponding signaling.

[0028] The present disclosure further relates to a power plug, in particular a grounding-contact plug, as well as aspects relating to a system and a method for providing electrical energy. The power plug disclosed below, as well as the system and / or method, may be advantageous independently of the previously disclosed invention. Due to the need to reduce environmentally harmful emissions and lower energy costs, decentralized energy sources in the form of energy converters are increasingly needed.

[0029] Especially for individual households or smaller consumers, these systems can also be relatively low-power systems. Such systems should be cost-effective and flexible to set up and operate.

[0030] This also requires a simple, user-friendly and safe electrical connection of the system to the AC network, for example a low-voltage network.

[0031] In order to reduce costs, it is also important to ensure that the components used are largely standardized components.

[0032] In addition, it is necessary to feed generated electrical energy into an existing grid or to make it available to a consumer in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0033] For this purpose, energy transmission means must be made available.

[0034] There are various energy transmission devices in the form of plugs and complementary sockets.

[0035] For example, EP 3 309 917 A1 discloses a device with a touch-protected arrangement of electrical connection elements, in which it is impossible for a user to touch a live component of one of a plurality of connection elements, wherein it is provided that the device has a housing divided into a plurality of compartments and open on at least one side, a plurality of electrical connection elements arranged in each of the compartments, and a sliding cover for all compartments from the second compartment onwards, wherein the at least one, preferably a plurality of sliding covers are movably attached to the housing in such a way that when one of the compartments or connection elements is accessible, all other compartments or connection elements are covered by a sliding cover.DE 2 112 899 A1 discloses an electrical contactor with plugs having an ejector comprising a body made of electrically insulating material provided with at least one pair of contact pins or plug elements. Furthermore, at least one ejector lever is provided with two arms arranged at an intermediate point of a fixed or fixedly connected part of the body of the plug contact itself. One arm of the lever can act against a contact surface, and the other arm of the lever is manually operable to rotate the lever about its pivot axis to eject it or push out the plug contact of a socket.

[0036] The improvement of the known aspects is based on the objective of providing a plug, such as a safety plug, as well as a system and method for providing electrical energy, which enable the transmission of electrical energy in a simple, safe, and customer-friendly manner. This improvement can be advantageous independently of a mating plug designed to complement the plug, such as a socket.

[0037] Furthermore, the following is disclosed:

[0038] A) Mains plug for realizing an electrical plug contact, comprising at least two elongated plug contacts, each having a shaft for electrical contact, a fastening end region and a free end region, and comprising at least one protective device with which at least the shafts of the plug contacts are protected or can be protected against unintentional electrical contact, wherein a relative movement can be carried out between at least one region of the protective device and the plug contacts, so that the shafts of the plug contacts can be exposed and electrically contacted at least in some regions.

[0039] B) Mains plug according to aspect A), wherein the shafts of the plug contacts can be covered or can be covered in an electrically insulating manner by means of a protective element of the protective device.

[0040] C) Mains plug according to one of aspects A) and B), wherein the protective device for covering the shafts of the plug contacts can comprise a spring-mounted protective sheath device which has, as a protective element, an at least partially hollow-cylindrical protective sheath for each plug contact, wherein the protective sheath device can further comprise a base element, and the protective sheaths can be rigidly mechanically coupled to one another by means of the base element, so that they can be displaced together on the shafts of the plug contacts.

[0041] D) Mains plug according to one of aspects A) and B), wherein the protective device can have compressible protective bodies as protective elements for covering the shafts of the plug contacts along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts, which are rigidly mechanically coupled to one another by means of a base element, wherein an end region of a respective protective body can be displaced under compression of the protective body in order to expose the shaft of the plug contact. This can prevent the contact protection from possibly being accidentally released on one side. Only a defined pushing back on both sides is possible. An advantage of the compressible protective body can be that a volume into which the protective device can be pushed to release the plug contacts can be designed to be shorter than when using non-compressible protective bodies.

[0042] E) Mains plug according to one of aspects C) and D), wherein the mains plug can have a guide device for guiding the protective device along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts, wherein an uneven displacement of the protective elements on the plug contacts due to tilting of the base element on a guide element of the guide device can be counteracted by means of the guide device.

[0043] F) Power plug according to aspect E), wherein, when the protective elements are designed as at least partially hollow-cylindrical protective covers, the guide device can be arranged between the plug contacts; and wherein, when the protective elements are designed as compressible protective bodies, the guide device in the base element of the power plug can have guide elements which can be arranged on the side of a plug contact facing away from the respective other plug contact. G) Power plug according to aspect A), wherein the power plug can have a housing as a protective device, wherein a relative movement can be carried out between the housing and the plug contacts, so that the plug contacts can be moved into and out of the housing.

[0044] H) Mains plug according to aspect G), wherein the mains plug can have a drive element with which a movement of the plug contacts out of the housing can be effected upon introduction of a manual actuating force, in particular when the plug contacts are located in or on the complementary mating socket.

[0045] I) Mains plug according to one of aspects G) and H), wherein the mains plug can have a blocking device with at least one movable actuating element to prevent a relative movement between the housing and the plug contacts, which can be moved by a protective contact of the socket when the mains plug is inserted into a socket and can thus remove a blockage of a relative movement between the housing and the plug contacts.

[0046] J) Mains plug according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the mains plug can have a protective circuit. The protective circuit can be the mains connection circuit mentioned above. The protective circuit can have a first switching element, for example a first relay, and a second switching element, for example a second relay. When the first switching element is energized, it can close a current path to the second switching element via a first switch, for example a first relay switch, so that the second switching element is energized, and as a result the second switching element opens the current path to the first switching element via a second switch, for example a second relay switch, and in the process closes an electrical circuit. The protective circuit can be part of the mains connection circuit or correspond to it. The protective circuit can be the phase position detection device or have it.

[0047] Furthermore, an arc fault protective device (AFDD, AFCI) and / or a residual current device (RCD, RCCB) may be provided. The arc fault protective device and / or residual current device may be provided separately or as part of the protective circuit and / or the mains connection circuit and / or the plug and / or the device.

[0048] The electrical phase position relative to the protective conductor can be determined before the power supply device is connected. An electronic or electrical circuit, such as the phase position detection device, can process the phase position. The decision as to whether the phase position is correct can be made purely logically as true or false. Depending on the decision, an operating or fault signal can be output. Depending on the decision and / or the operating or fault signal, the circuit can be blocked or the phase position corrected.

[0049] In addition, unintentional release, i.e., energization of the contacts by the device outside the designated plug-in device, can be prevented. The invention can also provide protection against incorrect connection conditions and corresponding signaling.

[0050] The switching elements and their interconnection disclosed in aspect J) can form the phase position detection device into which the switching element mentioned above is integrated.

[0051] K) Mains plug according to aspect J, wherein a first contact of the second switch and a first signaling device can be arranged in series in a first current path between a live phase of the mains plug and a neutral conductor of the mains plug.

[0052] L) Mains plug according to one of aspects J) and K), wherein a second contact of the second switch and a second signaling device can be arranged in series in a second current path between the live phase and the neutral conductor.

[0053] M) Power plug according to one of aspects J) to L), wherein the first switching element can be arranged in a third current path between the current-carrying phase and a protective conductor of the power plug designed as a protective contact plug. N) System for providing electrical energy, comprising a device for generating electrical energy and a power plug according to one of aspects A) to M), wherein the plug contacts of the power plug are electrically conductively connected to phases of the device for generating electrical energy or can be connected by means of a switching device.

[0054] O) Method for providing electrical energy, in which a system for providing electrical energy according to aspect N) is provided, electrical energy is generated by means of the device for generating electrical energy and the electrical energy is fed into a power grid or supplied to an electrical consumer by means of the power plug.

[0055] In other words, one aspect of the present disclosure is a power plug for implementing an electrical plug-in contact, comprising at least two elongated plug contacts, each having a shaft for electrical contacting, a fastening end region, and a free end region, as well as comprising at least one protective device with which at least the shafts of the plug contacts are protected or can be protected against unintentional electrical contacting. A relative movement can be performed between at least one region of the protective device and the plug contacts, so that the shafts of the plug contacts can be exposed and electrically contacted at least in some regions.

[0056] The power plug is designed to establish an electrical connection in a socket. The socket can be a power outlet for connection to the public or private power grid. The plug contacts are used for insertion or arrangement in complementary sockets of the socket. The pin head or free end area can be made of insulating material to prevent frontal electrical contact.

[0057] One embodiment provides that the shafts of the plug contacts are covered or can be covered in an electrically insulating manner by means of a protective element of the protective device.

[0058] The protective device for covering the shafts of the plug contacts can comprise a spring-mounted protective sheath device, which has, as a protective element, a protective sheath configured at least partially in the shape of a hollow cylinder for each plug contact. The protective sheath device further comprises a base element, and the protective sheaths are rigidly mechanically coupled to one another by means of the base element, so that they can be displaced together on the shafts of the plug contacts. Each protective sheath can be configured essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The respective protective sheath is essentially incompressible along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts.

[0059] An alternative embodiment provides that the protective device comprises compressible protective bodies as protective elements for covering the shafts of the plug contacts along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts, which are rigidly mechanically coupled to one another by means of a base element. An end region of each protective body can be displaced while compressing the protective body in order to expose the shaft of the plug contact. To expose the shafts, only one end region of the respective protective body is displaced, whereas the opposite end region of the protective body remains supported on a base element. Each protective body has a through-opening in which the respective plug contact is arranged.

[0060] Each compressible protective body can be elastically compressible, so that it can develop an elastic restoring force when compressed. Such a protective body can be, for example, a foam body. If necessary, a common foam body can form both protective elements. This means that the foam body can be implemented as a joint membrane-foam body or as two individual cylindrical membrane-foam bodies.

[0061] The power plug can have a guide device for guiding the protective device along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts. The guide device can be used to counteract uneven movement of the protective elements on the plug contacts caused by tilting of the base element on a guide element of the guide device. An uneven movement would occur if one protective element moves further than the other protective element in a unit of time.

[0062] The base element may have a canting element. The housing of the

[0063] The power plug can have a counter-tilting element. The tilting element can be designed to be complementary to the counter-tilting element. For example, the tilting element is a recess in the base element or a groove that extends completely through the base element in the plug-in direction of the plug. The tilting element can have an open end that points transversely to the plug-in direction. The tilting element can be arranged on an edge of the base element. The edge can run around the base element transversely to the plug-in direction, i.e. extend around the base element in a circumferential direction pointing around the extension direction. The plug-in direction can be a direction in which the power plug can be plugged into a mating plug and / or correspond to the longitudinal direction of the protective sheath and / or the plug contacts. The mating plug can be a coupling, a socket, or a receptacle.

[0064] The counter-tilt element can be designed as a web or a projection that engages the groove or recess. The counter-tilt element can extend along the plug-in direction and have a free end pointing transversely to the plug-in direction, for example, into the interior of the plug. The entire counter-tilt element can run parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0065] The inside width of the canting element and the width of the counter-canting element, parallel to the inside width, can be dimensioned such that the base element with the canting element can slide on the counter-canting element when the base element is pushed further into the connector housing along the plugging direction. For example, the inside width and the width are equal.

[0066] If the base element is pushed further into the connector housing along the insertion direction, the tilting element can slide on the counter-tilting element. However, if a force acts on the base element at an angle to the insertion direction that is different from 0° or different from 180°, this force can tilt the base element. This tilting can cause the tilting element and the counter-tilting element to tilt with each other, so that the force does not cause the base element to move further into the connector housing along the insertion direction, and the plug contacts remain in the protective device and cannot protrude from it in a contactless manner.

[0067] The canting leads to self-locking if one of the protective covers is pushed further than the other. In this case, the guide element is no longer perpendicular to the base element, so that the base element exerts two opposing forces on the guide element, whose lines of action are spaced apart from each other. The magnitude of these forces increases with the angle of the guide element, starting from a perpendicular position of the base element relative to the guideway.

[0068] Even before the front part of the protective sleeve reaches the insulated area of ​​the contact pin tips, the internal guide element (protective sleeve carrier plate, base element, hereinafter referred to as 42) can be radially displaced onto the spring guide, preventing further advancement. An additional ripple or blockage / canting protection can provide a subsequent second or additional level of protection (backup protection).

[0069] These forces acting perpendicularly on the guide element cause corresponding frictional forces on the guide element, which lead to the self-locking of the movement of the protective cover device.

[0070] If the protective elements are designed as at least partially hollow-cylindrical protective covers, the guide device can be arranged between the plug contacts. If the protective elements are designed as compressible protective bodies, the guide device can comprise guide elements in the base element of the earthing contact plug, which are arranged on the side of a plug contact facing away from the respective other plug contact.

[0071] An alternative arrangement when the protective elements are designed as protective covers that are at least partially hollow cylindrical is that the guide device is formed by the plug contacts themselves, which in this embodiment accordingly form the guide elements.

[0072] As an alternative to designing the protective elements as hollow cylinders, at least one of the protective elements can have a receiving volume for one of the plug contacts, the diameter of which, running transversely to the plug-in direction, can decrease toward the free ends of the protective elements. The receiving volume can, for example, be conical. A minimum diameter of the receiving volume can essentially correspond to an outer diameter of one of the plug contacts. Tilting the protective device can thus also cause at least one of the protective elements to jam with one of the plug contacts, thus creating a self-locking effect.

[0073] The inner diameter of at least one of the protective elements can be minimal at its free end and essentially correspond to the outer diameter of one of the plug contacts. This prevents small or thin conductors, such as a wire, from being easily inserted into one of the protective elements at the insulated end of one of the plug contacts. Thus, an appropriate degree of protection, for example, corresponding to IP2x or comparable, can be achieved.

[0074] In the alternative embodiment with compressible protective bodies, the guide elements on the side of the compressible protective bodies facing away from the base element can be rigidly connected to one another by means of a pressure plate.

[0075] When the power plug is inserted into a socket, a corresponding force can be applied to this pressure plate by the socket, which leads to a displacement of the end areas of the compressible protective bodies on the plug contacts and thus to an exposure of a part of the respective shaft of a plug contact.

[0076] The pressure plate or the end areas of the compressible protective bodies are guided by means of the guide device.

[0077] The compressible protective elements can be made of foam. Furthermore, the materials used for the protective elements can be water-repellent, flame-resistant, halogen-free (class B1 / B2), and have a density in the range of RG>15 kg / m3, and / or a compression hardness in the range of SH <20 g / cm2.

[0078] A further embodiment of the power plug provides that the power plug has a housing as a protective device, wherein a relative movement can be performed between the housing and the plug contacts, so that the plug contacts can be moved into and out of the housing. This allows the plug contacts to be exposed and electrically contacted at least in sections or regions when moved out of the housing. Once moved into the housing, the plug contacts are protected against unintentional electrical contact. The housing can be made of flame-resistant material.

[0079] In this embodiment, the power plug can have a drive element with which a movement of the plug contacts out of the housing can be effected upon application of a manual actuating force. The drive element can be mechanically firmly connected to the plug contacts and protrude from the housing, so that a manual force on the drive element causes a displacement of the plug contacts, so that at least their free end regions and, in some areas, the shafts of the plug contacts protrude from the housing and can be inserted into the sockets of a power outlet.

[0080] Furthermore, to prevent relative movement between the housing and the plug contacts, the power plug can have a blocking device with at least one movable actuating element. This actuating element can be moved by an optional protective contact of the socket when the power plug is inserted into a socket, thus removing the blocking of any relative movement between the housing and the plug contacts. This means that the power plug can be configured such that—as long as the power plug is not plugged into a socket—the blocking device prevents any relative movement between the housing and the plug contacts, so that the plug contacts cannot move out of the housing and, accordingly, no unintentional electrical contact can be made with the plug contacts.

[0081] In this situation, the plug contacts are electrically protected in the housing. If the operating element is moved by the protective contact of the socket, for example by being pressed in, the blocking effect is released and the plug contacts can be moved out of the housing and into the socket's socket's socket. Furthermore, the mains plug can have a spring device which, when the spring device is tensioned, directly or indirectly exerts a spring force on the plug contacts and / or the housing so that the plug contacts are automatically moved into the housing unless they are held in place by the sockets of a mating plug, for example a socket or a coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the mains plug can have a protruding protective contact pin (e.g. CEE 7 / 5) which, when inserted, releases the electrical connection between the plug contacts and the device.

[0082] Depending on the strength of the spring mechanism and the anticipated fixing forces exerted by the socket's plug sockets on the plug contacts, the power plug may be equipped with a fixing device that allows the plug contacts to be secured in a position extended from the housing. This prevents the plug contacts from automatically retracting into the housing and subsequently extending from the plug contacts when plugged into the socket, even with slight clamping forces exerted by the socket's plug sockets, due to the spring force of the spring mechanism.

[0083] The base element can have at least one receiving opening and, for example, two receiving openings for receiving the spring guide. The at least one receiving opening can extend completely through the base element in the insertion direction. The at least one receiving opening can be completely surrounded by the material of the base element transversely to the insertion direction. The at least one receiving opening can be arranged between the protective elements. If several, for example, two, receiving openings are provided, these can be arranged one behind the other in a direction transverse to the insertion direction, in which the protective elements are spaced apart from one another.

[0084] The spring guide of the plug can be designed as a pin extending in the plugging direction, onto which the spring device, for example a spiral spring, can be inserted. In this case, it may be sufficient for the base element to have only one receiving opening. The diameter of the receiving opening can be smaller than the diameter of the spring device, so that the material of the base element that at least partially surrounds the receiving opening can serve as a support or stop for the spring device. The diameter of the receiving opening can essentially correspond to the diameter of the pin, so that the base element can slide and tilt with the receiving opening on the pin.

[0085] The spring guide of the plug can comprise at least two guide bars running parallel to the plugging direction, the sides of which can be designed to be substantially complementary to the spring device, for example, a spiral spring. The guide bars can be arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another transversely to the plugging direction.

[0086] The base element can have one of the receiving openings for each of the guide beams. At least one of the receiving openings can be designed to complement the guide beam it accommodates, so that the base element can slide and cant on the guide beam with the receiving opening.

[0087] The base element may have a support bridge remaining between the receiving openings, which can bear against the spring device. The support bridge may have a larger contact area with the spring device than the material of the base element that at least partially surrounds the receiving opening.

[0088] All of the described embodiments may have in common that they include an arc fault protection device, also referred to as an arc fault circuit breaker. Such an arc fault protection device may, for example, be an AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Device) or an AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). Alternatively, the power plug may be designed to be electrically or galvanically connected to an arc fault protection device and / or a residual current device.

[0089] Furthermore, the power plug can be a protective contact plug.

[0090] In addition, each of the described embodiments can have a protective circuit with a first switching element, for example a relay or a semiconductor switch such as a triac, and a second switching element, for example a relay or a semiconductor switch such as a triac, wherein when the first switching element is energized - if correctly wired - this first switching element closes a current path to the second switching element via a first switch, so that the second switching element is energized, and as a result the second switching element opens the current path to the first switching element via a second switch, thereby closing an electrical circuit. The protective circuit can be part of the mains connection circuit or correspond to it. The protective circuit can be the phase position detection device or have it.

[0091] Accordingly, if the plug contacts of the power plug in a socket are in the correct phase, a current flows from a live phase to the first switching element. This activates the first switching element, closing a current path to the second switching element. The second switching element also switches, de-energizing the first switching element while closing a current path to an external contact, such as a socket. In this way, a current can flow from the power plug into a socket via the plug contacts.

[0092] If the plug contacts of a power plug in a socket are not correctly connected in phase, there is no current flow from a live phase to the first switching element. This switching element is therefore not activated, thus closing no current path to the second switching element.

[0093] The second switching element also does not switch, so that it does not close a current path to an external contact, such as a socket.

[0094] If the power plug is inserted incorrectly, the circuit will not be completed. This ensures reverse polarity protection.

[0095] A first contact of the second switching element and a first signaling device can be arranged in series in a first current path between a live phase of the power plug and a neutral conductor of the power plug. The first signaling device can be a light-emitting element, such as a red lamp. Accordingly, if there is no correct contact, a signal is output by the first signaling device, indicating that correct contact has not been made. Appropriate electrical dimensioning can ensure that no upstream protective devices (e.g. residual current circuit breakers) are triggered. A second contact of the second switching element and a second signaling device can be arranged in series in a second current path between the live phase and the neutral conductor. The second signaling device can be a green lamp.If the correct contact is made, the second signaling device will emit a corresponding signal. Reverse polarity protection can also be implemented without a signaling device, provided the correct contact direction is established.

[0096] In addition, a hand switch can be arranged in series with the second signaling device, which is designed, for example, as a normally closed contact, so that the signal is output by means of the second signaling device only when the hand switch has been closed.

[0097] The first switching element can be arranged in a third current path between the live phase and a reference potential conductor or protective conductor. The reference potential conductor or protective conductor is the reference point of the AC voltage. If the power plug has a protective conductor, the power plug can be a grounded plug. During normal operation of the power connection circuit, i.e., when the plug is plugged in with the correct polarity or the polarity reversal protection circuit has reversed the polarity, the reference potential conductor or protective conductor is galvanically isolated from the outer conductor(s). The galvanic isolation is achieved by switches, for example, relays.

[0098] The power plug described can also be designed with plug contacts on the side opposite the plug contacts and can therefore be used as an adapter.

[0099] When the power plug is not plugged into a power outlet, the described design ensures protection against electric shock. This allows for user-friendly use of the power plug at a power source.

[0100] When plugged into a power outlet, the power plug can supply electrical energy to a network or a consumer. The integrated reverse polarity protection ensures correct phase connection. If the power plug is connected to the wrong phase of the power grid, it interrupts the current flow. This enables safe operation with regard to electrical grid interference from connected devices or power sources, especially power sources with converters.

[0101] A further aspect of the present invention is a system for providing electrical energy, which comprises a device for generating electrical energy and a described mains plug, wherein the plug contacts of the mains plug are electrically conductively connected to phases of the device for generating electrical energy or can be connected by means of a switching device.

[0102] The present invention also encompasses a method for providing electrical energy, in which a system for providing electrical energy is provided, electrical energy is generated by means of the device for generating electrical energy, and the electrical energy is fed into a power grid or supplied to an electrical consumer by means of the power plug. When the electrical energy is supplied to an electrical consumer, the generated electrical energy is thus used directly. The invention is explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0103] It shows

[0104] Figure 1: a mains plug with housing of a first embodiment in side view,

[0105] Figure 2: the mains plug with housing of the first embodiment in top view,

[0106] Figure 3: the power plug without housing of the first embodiment in side view,

[0107] Figure 4: the mains plug without housing of the first embodiment in top view,

[0108] Figure 5: a protective cover device for the power plug of the first embodiment in a side view, Figure 6: the protective cover device in a frontal view,

[0109] Figure 7: a base body for the power plug of the first embodiment with a protective cover device accommodated therein in a frontal view,

[0110] Figure 8: the main body for the power plug of the first embodiment in perspective view,

[0111] Figure 9: the mains plug without housing of the first embodiment in side view,

[0112] Figure 10: a power plug with housing of a second embodiment in perspective view,

[0113] Figure 11 : the mains plug without housing of the second embodiment in side view,

[0114] Figure 12: a protective device with protective bodies for the mains plug of the second embodiment in perspective view,

[0115] Figure 13: the protective device without protective body for the mains plug of the second embodiment in perspective view,

[0116] Figure 14: a mains plug with housing of a third embodiment with extended plug contacts in side view,

[0117] Figure 15: the mains plug with housing of the third embodiment with extended plug contacts in a view from above,

[0118] Figure 16: the mains plug with housing of the third embodiment with retracted plug contacts in side view,

[0119] Figure 17: the mains plug with housing of the third embodiment with retracted plug contacts in a view from above,

[0120] Figure 18: the mains plug without housing of the third embodiment with extended plug contacts in side view,

[0121] Figure 19: the mains plug without housing of the third embodiment with extended plug contacts in a view from above, Figure 20: the mains plug without housing of the third embodiment with retracted plug contacts in a view from the side,

[0122] Figure 21 : the mains plug without housing of the third embodiment with retracted plug contacts in view from above,

[0123] Figure 22: a first embodiment of the network connection circuit,

[0124] Figure 23: a second embodiment of the network connection circuit,

[0125] Figure 24: a third embodiment of the network connection circuit,

[0126] Figure 25: a fourth embodiment of the network connection circuit,

[0127] Figure 26: a first embodiment of a network connection device,

[0128] Figure 27: a second embodiment of a network connection device,

[0129] Figure 28: an embodiment of a network connection module,

[0130] Figure 29: another embodiment of a protective cover device in a perspective view,

[0131] Figure 30: the embodiment of Figure 29 in a side view,

[0132] Figure 31: the embodiment of Figure 29 in a view opposite to a plug-in direction,

[0133] Figure 32: another embodiment of a partial housing of the power plug in a schematic perspective view,

[0134] Figure 33: the embodiment of Figure 32 with the protective cover device shown in Figures 29 to 31 in a front view,

[0135] Figure 34: an embodiment of a pin head for a free end of a plug contact of the power plug in a side view,

[0136] Figure 35: the embodiment of Figure 34 in a perspective view,

[0137] Figure 36: the embodiment of Figure 34 in a view in a plug-in direction, Figure 37: an embodiment of a plug contact of the mains plug, the free end of which is designed for connection to the pin head, in a first side view,

[0138] Figure 38: the embodiment of Figure 37 in a further side view,

[0139] Figure 39: a perspective view of the embodiment of the plug contact of Figure 37, which is provided with the pin head of Figure 34,

[0140] Figure 40: another embodiment of the network connection circuit, and

[0141] Figure 41 : yet another embodiment of the network connection circuit.

[0142] What all the power plugs 1 shown have in common is that they have several, and in particular at least two, plug contacts 20, which are held in a base body 11 or extend through a base body 11. Furthermore, they each have a housing 10 for covering.

[0143] The plug contacts 20 extend parallel to each other along their respective longitudinal directions 21 and accordingly each form a shaft 22. This shaft 22 is fixed on one side with a fastening end region in or on the base body 11, so that each shaft 22 has a free end region 24 for insertion into a socket of a power outlet.

[0144] The mains plug 1 shown in the figures has 30 different embodiments with regard to its protective device.

[0145] The power plug 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a protective device 30, which is designed as a spring-mounted protective sheath device 40. This protective sheath device 40 comprises, for each plug contact 20, which are only indicated in Figure 1, protective sheaths 41, which are essentially hollow-cylindrical in shape, as a protective element 31.

[0146] It can be seen that in the normal state, the protective sheaths 41 cover the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20. Thus, the protective sheaths insulate the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20. Figure 3 shows that on the side of the base body 11 facing away from the protective sheaths 41, a base element 42 is present, which connects the protective sheaths penetrating the base body 11 to one another.

[0147] Figure 5 shows the protective cover device 40 in its entirety in a side view. Here, it is clearly visible that the individual protective covers 41 are firmly connected to one another by means of the base element 42. Figure 6 shows this in a frontal view.

[0148] Figure 7 shows in a frontal view that the protective covers 41 penetrate the base body 11 through correspondingly formed holes or openings.

[0149] Figure 8 shows the base body 11 in a perspective view, wherein a receiving space 12 for receiving the protective covering device 40 which can be moved in the base body 11 can be seen.

[0150] Figure 9 shows the power plug without the housing from the side. The protective contacts 26 of the power plug are clearly visible here. Furthermore, a spring device 90 in the form of a compression spring is visible, which, in the embodiment shown here, sits on the shaft 24 of a plug contact 20. Against the spring force of this spring device 90, the protective sheath device 40 shown in Figure 5 can be displaced toward the fastening end region 23 of the plug contact 20. In doing so, the plug contact 20 or its shaft 22 is exposed and can be electrically contacted.

[0151] The force required for this can, for example, be applied by a socket of a power outlet when inserting the power plug 1 into the socket.

[0152] If this force no longer exists, the spring device 90 causes an opposite displacement of the protective covering device 40 so that it again covers the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20, as shown in Figure 1.

[0153] The first embodiment of the power plug 1 shown in Figures 1 to 9 is not limited to guiding the spring device 90 on a plug contact 20; rather, the spring device 90 can also be arranged and guided on a separate guide element instead of being guided on a plug contact 20. A second embodiment of the power plug and its individual components is shown in Figures 10 to 13. Protective elements 31 of the protective device 30 are compressible protective bodies 50 that surround a respective plug contact 20 or its shaft, thus electrically insulating it.

[0154] Such a protective body 50 can be made, for example, from a foam material. An end region 51 of each protective body 50, spaced from the base body 11, rests against a pressure plate 53. This pressure plate 53 is held by a guide device 60 and guided in a base element 42. For this purpose, guide elements 61 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the protective bodies 50 and the plug contacts 20 and are slidably mounted in the base element 42.

[0155] When the power plug 1 is plugged into a socket, a force from the socket acts on the pressure plate 53, causing the pressure plate 53, together with the guide elements 61 arranged thereon, to be displaced toward the base body 11. The protective bodies 50 are compressed along this direction. During compression, the volume of the protective bodies 50 can be accommodated, at least in part, in the receiving space 12 of the base body 11. The elastic restoring forces of the protective bodies 50 are so small, preferably less than 150 N and advantageously less than 80 N, that these elastic restoring forces are insufficient to automatically release the power plug from the socket and / or to prevent it from being pushed out on its own.

[0156] By inserting the power plug 1 into a socket, the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20 can be exposed and electrically contacted with a respective socket.

[0157] If the power plug 1 is pulled out of the socket, an elastic restoring force 52 of the respective protective body 50 along the longitudinal direction 21 causes a decompression of the protective body 50 and consequently the displacement of the end regions 51 of the protective body 50 and consequently also of the pressure plate 53, so that the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20 are again covered with electrical insulation. Figures 14 to 21 relate to a third embodiment of the power plug 1. In this power plug 1, the plug contacts 20 are movable with respect to the housing 10 along the longitudinal direction 21 of the plug contacts 20. Figures 14 and 15 show a situation in which the plug contacts 20 protrude from the housing 10, and Figures 16 and 17 show a situation in which the plug contacts 20 are accommodated in the housing 10 and accordingly do not protrude.

[0158] When the mains plug 1 is not plugged into a socket, it is positioned with the plug contacts retracted, as shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0159] The power plug 1 can comprise a blocking device 80 with a movable actuating element 81, which can be moved by a protective contact 26 of the socket when the power plug 1 is inserted into a socket. The mechanical connection between the protective contact 26 and the actuating element 81 is not shown here for reasons of clarity.

[0160] When the power plug 1 is inserted into a socket, the protective contact 26 is subjected to a radial force and moved slightly radially inward. This movement of the protective contact 26 is transmitted to the movable actuating element 81. This cancels the blocking effect of the blocking device 80, allowing a relative movement 110 between the housing and the plug contacts 20. Accordingly, the plug contacts 20 can now be extended, as shown in Figure 18. In doing so, the plug contacts 20 extend out of a front plate 82. After this movement has been carried out, the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20 are no longer covered by the housing 10 and can be electrically contacted by the sockets of a socket.

[0161] The plug contacts 20 can be extended by introducing a manual actuating force into a drive element not shown here.

[0162] When the plug contacts 20 are inserted into sockets of the socket, the frictional forces occurring between the socket and a respective plug contact 20 can hold the plug contact 20 in the extended position.

[0163] When the power plug 1 is removed from the socket, these frictional forces no longer exist. A spring device 90, supported on the one hand on the front panel 82 and on the other hand on the base body 11, exerts a spring force 91 directly or indirectly on the plug contacts 20, causing them to be retracted into the housing in the relative movement 110, so that the shafts 22 of the plug contacts 20 no longer protrude from the housing or the front panel 82.

[0164] This ensures that when the mains plug 1 is not in use, no unintentional electrical contact can be made with the plug contacts 20.

[0165] Figure 22 shows an example circuit diagram of an electrical mains connection circuit for the power plug or the device. This electrical mains connection circuit comprises a first switching element, shown for example as relay K1, to which a first switch, for example a relay switch KS1, is assigned. As an alternative to designing the first switching element as a relay with a relay switch, the first switching element can also be designed, for example, as a semiconductor switching element, for example a triac, with a semiconductor switch. Furthermore, the circuit comprises a second switching element, shown for example as relay K2, to which a second switch, for example a relay switch KS2, is assigned. As an alternative to designing the second switching element as a relay with a relay switch, the second switching element can also be designed, for example, as a semiconductor switching element, for example a triac, with a semiconductor switch.

[0166] The first switching element is located in a third current path 140 between a live phase 150 and an optional protective conductor 170. The second switching element is located between the live phase 150 and a neutral conductor 160. If the mains plug 1 has a protective conductor 170, the mains plug 1 can be a protective contact plug.

[0167] The current-carrying phase 150 can also be called the outer conductor.

[0168] If the current path between the current-carrying phase 150 and the first switching element is closed, the first switching element is energized and closes the current path to the second switching element via the first switch, so that the second switching element is energized. The second switching element therefore opens the current path via the second switch to the first switching element, thereby closing an electrical circuit. If the current path between the current-carrying phase 150 and the first switching element is not closed, there is no current flow from the current-carrying phase 150 to the first switching element. The first switching element is therefore not actuated, so that it does not close a current path to the second switching element, and the second switching element is not energized. Accordingly, the second switching element does not open the current path via the second switch to the first switching element, thereby closing an electrical circuit.

[0169] In a first current path 120 between the live phase 150 of the power plug and the neutral conductor 160 of the power plug, a first contact KS21 of the second switch and a first signaling device 180 are arranged in series.

[0170] This first signaling device 180 can be a light-emitting element, such as a red lamp. If proper contact with the current-carrying phase 150 is not made, a signal is output via the first signaling device, indicating that proper contact has not been made.

[0171] A second contact KS22 of the second switch and a second signaling device 190 are arranged in series in a second current path 130 between the live phase 150 and the neutral conductor 160. The second signaling device 190 can be a light-emitting element, such as a green lamp.

[0172] If the correct contact is made, a corresponding signal is output by the second signaling device.

[0173] In addition, a manual switch 200 is arranged in series with the second signaling device 190. This switch is configured, for example, as a normally closed contact, so that the signal is only output by the second signaling device 190 when the manual switch 200 has been closed. The manual switch 200 can be a mechanically actuated switch, a capacitively actuated switch, or another actuated switch.

[0174] Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the network connection circuit. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in function and / or design to elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 22. Only the differences from the embodiment shown in Figure 23 will be discussed below.

[0175] In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, relay K1 with relay switch KS1 is replaced by a triac. Optionally, an RC element, also known as a snubber, is connected in parallel with the triac.

[0176] Figure 24 shows another embodiment of the network connection circuit. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in function and / or design to elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 23. The following only discusses the differences from the embodiment shown in Figure 24.

[0177] The mains connection circuit of Figure 24 additionally has an ohmic resistor R1 connected directly upstream of the triac on the input side.

[0178] Figure 25 shows another embodiment of the network connection circuit. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in function and / or design to elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 24. The following only discusses the differences from the embodiment shown in Figure 25.

[0179] The mains connection circuit shown in Figure 25 is designed not only to detect incorrect polarity but also to correct it. For this purpose, the mains connection circuit additionally includes another switch KS3 with a triac and an optional RC element, which can be referred to as a snubber. A resistor R3 is directly connected upstream of the triac on the input side. Furthermore, the mains connection circuit includes another switch in the form of a triac, which is connected in parallel to the triac of switch KS1 and has a resistor R2 directly connected upstream of it on the input side.

[0180] Figure 26 shows an embodiment of a grid connection device. A converter Q is connected downstream of a source G, for example a direct current source, such as a photovoltaic system or a wind turbine. The converter Q can be connected or connectable to a battery storage device or another energy storage device with which direct current can be stored. Furthermore, Figure 26 shows an arc fault protection device 300 and a reverse polarity protection circuit 400 connected downstream of the arc fault protection device 300, which can optionally both be accommodated in a common housing of the grid connection device. The reverse polarity protection circuit 400 can be an integral part of the power plug 1. The reverse polarity protection circuit 400 can have or be one of the circuits of the embodiments of Figures 22 to 25.The housing with the arc fault protective device 300 and the power plug 1 can be designed and / or provided separately from the transformer Q and can optionally be electrically connected to it via a plug connection. Furthermore, the protective devices 400 and 300 could also be implemented in one housing.

[0181] Figure 27 shows a further embodiment of the grid connection device of Figure 26, in which the protective devices for the power plug are implemented in different housings. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in function and / or design to elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 26. Only the differences from the embodiment shown in Figure 26 will be discussed below.

[0182] In the embodiment of Figure 27, the arc fault protection device 300 and the reverse polarity protection circuit 400 are formed integrally with each other and are arranged, for example, in a common lower housing, which can optionally be accommodated in the housing of the grid connection device which also has the mains plug 1.

[0183] Figure 28 shows an embodiment of a grid connection module having a housing in which the converter Q and the arc fault protection device 300 are integrated.

[0184] Figure 29 shows a further embodiment of the protective device 30 schematically with the base element 42, from which two protective covers 41 project in a plug-in direction.

[0185] The base element 42 can have a canting element 92. For example, the canting element 92 is a recess in the base element 42 or a groove that extends completely through the base element 42 in the plug-in direction of the plug. The canting element 92 can have an open end that points transversely to the plug-in direction. The canting element 92 can be arranged on an edge of the base element 42. The edge can run around the base element 42 transversely to the plug-in direction, i.e., extend around the base element 42 in a circumferential direction pointing around the extension direction.

[0186] The base element 42 can have at least one receiving opening 93 and, for example, two receiving openings 93 for receiving a spring guide. The at least one receiving opening 93 can extend completely through the base element 42 in the plug-in direction. The at least one receiving opening 93 can be completely surrounded by the material of the base element 42 transversely to the plug-in direction. The at least one receiving opening 93 can be arranged between the protective elements 41. If several, for example two, receiving openings 93 are provided, these can be arranged one behind the other in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, in which the protective elements 41 are spaced apart from one another.

[0187] Figure 30 shows the embodiment of Figure 29 schematically in a side view, in which the plugging direction can run parallel to the plane of the drawing.

[0188] As an alternative to designing the protective elements 41 as a hollow cylinder, at least one of the protective elements 41, as already shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 to 6, can have a receiving volume V for one of the plug contacts, the diameter D of which, running transversely to the plug-in direction, can decrease in the direction of the free ends of the protective elements 41. The receiving volume V can, for example, be conical. A minimum diameter of the receiving volume V can essentially correspond to an outer diameter of one of the plug contacts. Tilting of the protective device 30 can thus also cause at least one of the protective elements 41 to jam with one of the plug contacts and consequently produce a self-locking effect.

[0189] The inner diameter of at least one of the protective elements 41, which may correspond to the diameter D, may be minimal at the free end of the protective elements 41 and substantially correspond to the outer diameter of one of the plug contacts. This can prevent even small or thin conductors, such as a wire, from being easily inserted into one of the protective elements at the insulated end region of one of the plug contacts. The receiving volume V can be delimited by an inner side 94 of at least one protective element 41, such that the inner side 94 can be shaped complementarily to the possibly conical receiving volume V.

[0190] An angle W between the inner side 94 and the base element 42, and in particular between the inner side 94 and a front side of the base element 42, from which the at least one protective element 41 protrudes, can be less than 90°. For example, the angle W can be up to 80°, 85°, or 89°. The inner side 94 of the protective element 41 can be oriented at an angle to the plugging direction that is not equal to zero and can be, for example, up to 10°, 5°, or 1°.

[0191] The at least one protective element 41 can have a constant wall thickness, so that an outer side 95 of the at least one protective element 41 can run parallel to the inner side 94. Alternatively, the wind strength of the at least one protective element 41 can change and, for example, increase in the insertion direction, i.e., away from the base element 42. For example, the at least one protective element 41 can have a cylindrical outer shape instead of a conical outer shape.

[0192] Figure 31 shows the embodiment of Figures 29 and 30 in a frontal view, in which the protective elements 41 point out of the plane of the drawing parallel to the plugging direction.

[0193] In addition to the tilting element 92, the base element 42 can have an optional tilting element 92a. The tilting element 92 and the optional tilting element 92a can be arranged symmetrically to one another and, for example, on opposite sides of the base element 42. The tilting element 92 and the optional tilting element 92a can be of identical design. Alternatively, the optional tilting element 92a can be shaped differently and, for example, wider and / or deeper than the tilting element 92. Anti-twist protection that can be provided by the different design of the tilting element 92 and the optional tilting element 92 can also be provided by providing only one tilting element 92. The base element 42 can have a support bridge 95 remaining between the receiving openings 93, which can serve as an abutment for a spring device.

[0194] Figure 32 schematically shows an embodiment of the housing 10 of the power plug in a perspective view. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 has a contact receiving volume U, which is designed to accommodate the plug contacts 20 and the protective device 30.

[0195] The housing 10 of the power plug can have at least one counter-canting element 96 designed to interact with the canting element 92 of the protective device. The canting element 92 can be designed to complement the counter-canting element 96.

[0196] The counter-tilting element 96 can be configured as a web or a projection that can engage with the tilting element 92, for example, in the form of a groove or recess. The counter-tilting element 96 can extend along the plugging direction and have a free end pointing transversely to the plugging direction, for example, into the interior of the connector housing 10. The entire counter-tilting element 96 can run parallel to the plugging direction.

[0197] A clear width of the at least one canting element 92 and a width of the counter-canting element 96 parallel to the clear width can be dimensioned such that the base element 42 with the canting element 92 can slide on the counter-canting element 96 when the base element 42 is pushed further into the connector housing 10 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. For example, the clear width and the width are the same size.

[0198] If the base element 42 is pushed further into the connector housing 10 against the plugging direction, the canting element 92 can slide on the counter-canting element 96. However, if a force acts on the base element 42, whereby the force acts at an angle to the plugging direction that is not equal to 0° or not equal to 180°, this force can tilt the base element 42. Due to this tilting, the canting element 92 and the counter-canting element 96 can tilt with each other, so that the force does not cause the base element 42 to move further into the connector housing 10 against the plugging direction, and the plug contacts 20 remain in the protective device 40 and cannot protrude from it in a contactless manner.

[0199] The housing 10 of the power plug can have a spring guide arranged in the contact receiving volume U. The spring guide of the housing 10 can be designed as a pin extending in the plug-in direction, onto which a spring device 90, for example a spiral spring, can be plugged. In this case, it can be sufficient for the base element 42 to have only one receiving opening 93. The diameter of the receiving opening 93 can be smaller than the diameter of the spring device 90, so that the material of the base element 42 that at least partially surrounds the receiving opening 93 can serve as a support, stop, or abutment for the spring device 90. The diameter of the receiving opening 93 can essentially correspond to the diameter of the pin, so that the base element 42 with the receiving opening 93 can slide on the pin and possibly even tilt if a force attempts to displace the base element 42 non-parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0200] The spring guide of the housing 10 can have at least two guide bars 97, 98 running parallel to the plug-in direction, the sides of which can be designed to be substantially complementary to the spring device 90, for example, a spiral spring. The guide bars 97, 98 can be arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another transversely to the plug-in direction.

[0201] The base element 42 can have one of the receiving openings 93 for each of the guide beams 97, 98. At least one of the receiving openings 93 can be designed to complement the guide beam 97, 98 it accommodates, so that the base element 42 with the receiving opening 93 can slide on the guide beam 97, 97 and possibly even tilt if a force attempts to displace the base element 42 non-parallel to the insertion direction.

[0202] Figure 33 shows the embodiment of Figure 32 schematically in a front view, in which a plug face of the housing 10, not yet provided with the plug contacts 20 and the base element 42, points out of the plane of the drawing in the plugging direction. In addition to the counter-tilt element 96, the base element 42 can have an optional counter-tilt element 96a. The counter-tilt element 96 and the optional counter-tilt element 96a can be arranged symmetrically to one another and, for example, on mutually facing inner sides of the housing 10. The counter-tilt element 96 and the optional counter-tilt element 96a can be of identical design. Alternatively, the optional counter-tilt element 96a can be shaped differently and, for example, be wider and / or deeper than the counter-tilt element 96.A twist protection that can be provided by the different design of the counter-tilting element 96 and the optional counter-tilting element 9a can also be provided by only providing the one counter-tilting element 96.

[0203] The guide bars 97, 98 together flank a spring receptacle F, into which the spring device 90, for example a spiral spring or at least a disc spring, can be inserted. The guide bars 97, 98 can guide the spring device 90 along the plug-in direction such that unwanted movements of the spring device 90 transverse to the plug-in direction are prevented by the guide bars 97, 98. Contact feedthroughs 99 of the housing 10 for the plug contacts 20 can flank the spring receptacle F and / or the guide bars 97, 98. The contact feedthroughs 99, the spring receptacle F, and / or the guide bars 97, 98 can be arranged one behind the other in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction.

[0204] Figures 34 to 36 show schematic views of an electrically insulating pin head 100, which can be made, for example, from an electrically insulating plastic and / or rubber. The pin head 100 can have a mounting opening 101 with an open end. Opposite the open end, the pin head 100 can have a closed end. An outer side of the pin head 100, which has the closed end and points away from the mounting opening 101, can be at least partially curved and, for example, hemispherical or angled or conical or tapered. Between the open end and the closed end of the mounting opening 101, the mounting opening 101 can have a locking element, for example a taper running parallel to the open end.

[0205] The pin head 100 can also be called a plug contact cap.

[0206] Figures 37 and 38 show an embodiment of a contact pin 102, which, together with the pin head 100, can provide one of the plug contacts 20. A free end of the contact pin 102 can have a mounting element 103 for mounting the pin head. The mounting element 103 can be designed to be complementary to the mounting opening 101, at least in sections, and can have a counter-locking element for the locking element, for example a projection that extends at least in sections around the mounting element 1030 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the contact pin 102.

[0207] Figure 39 shows the plug contact 20 with the pin head 100 of Figures 34 to 36 in a state mounted on the contact pin 102, in which the mounting element 103 is inserted into the mounting opening 101. A diameter S of the essentially cylindrical contact pin 102 corresponds to the diameter of the pin head on its side facing the contact pin 102. The open end of the mounting opening 101 can be arranged in the side facing the contact pin 102. The side facing the contact pin 102 can be referred to as the base side of the pin head 100. The diameter of the pin head 100 can decrease away from the side facing the contact pin 102.

[0208] Figure 40 shows another embodiment of the network connection circuit. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in function and / or design to elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 23. Only the differences from the embodiment shown in Figure 24 will be discussed below.

[0209] Figure 40 shows, by way of example, another circuit diagram of an electrical reverse polarity protection circuit 400 according to the invention, for example for a power plug 1. The reverse polarity protection circuit 400, which can also be referred to as a mains connection circuit, has three contacts L, N, PE for the input and three contacts L', N', PE' for the output. The power plug 1 is correctly plugged in when the live phase of a mating plug, such as a power outlet, is connected to conductor 150 of the reverse polarity protection circuit 400. The respective phases at the input and output are then the same. A signaling device 190, such as an array of photodiodes, lights up and indicates the correct contact state. If the power plug is incorrectly plugged into the mating plug, the signaling device 190 may not light up or light up differently, and no live phase is transferred from the input contact conductor L to the output contact L'; the current flow is interrupted.For example, an inverter of a DC voltage source, such as a photovoltaic system or other energy supply system, can be connected to the L', N', PE' contacts of the output. The Nest plug can be connected to the L, N, PE contacts of the input.

[0210] Specifically, the circuit diagram shown as an example in Figure 40 has three circuits 410, 420, 430. Two of the circuits 410, 420 connect the current-carrying conductor 150 and the neutral conductor 160. A third circuit 430 connects the current-carrying conductor 150 to the protective conductor 170.

[0211] The second circuit 420 may include a two-way switch, such as relay KS2, a plurality of resistors, the signaling device 190, and a diode connected in series with the signaling device 190. The signaling device 190 may include photodiodes connected in series with each other. Once the live phase of the mains voltage is correctly applied, the signaling device 190 can signal that the power plug 1 is correctly inserted.

[0212] The first circuit 410 can connect the live conductor 150 to the neutral conductor 160 via a diac of an optocoupler and via a switch, such as an electronic switch or a switch with an electromechanical drive, such as relay K2. The electromechanical drive can be protected from voltage pulses or short-term voltage pulses by a suppressor diode and a resistor in parallel.

[0213] The third circuit 430 can connect the current-carrying conductor 150 to the protective conductor

[0214] 170 via the two-way switch, via a photodiode of the optocoupler, via several resistors and suppressor diodes. If the power plug 1 is correctly inserted so that it connects the live phase of the schematically illustrated device for generating electrical energy to the live phase of the mains, the third circuit 430 and the second circuit 420 can be energized. In addition to the LEDs of the signaling device 190, the photodiode in the optocoupler can then also light up. The light emitted by the photodiode is received in the optocoupler by the diac of the optocoupler. The diac of the optocoupler can then energize the first circuit 410.

[0215] When the diac of the optocoupler receives a signal, current can flow through the electromechanical actuator that controls the two-way switch. If current flows through the electromechanical actuator, the two-way switch can be switched such that the input L is coupled to the output L', and the input L and the output L' have the same phase. Once the electromechanical actuator switches the two-way switch, the current flow through the second circuit 420 and the third circuit 430 can be stopped. Thus, the signaling device 190 can be extinguished.

[0216] Figure 41 shows, by way of example, yet another circuit diagram of an electrical reverse polarity protection circuit 400 according to the invention, for example for a power plug 1. The circuit of Figure 41 is designed to adapt the phase position of the voltage applied to the power plug 1 to the phase position of the power outlet and to switch over if necessary.

[0217] The reverse polarity protection circuit 400 shown in Figure 41 has three contacts L, N, PE for the input and three contacts L', N', PE' for the output. In contrast to the circuit diagram in Figure 40, the circuit diagram in Figure 41 does not have an array of photodiodes. In the circuit diagram shown in Figure 41, instead of signaling incorrect insertion, the incorrectly applied phases to the input contacts L, N are swapped. The correct phases are then applied to the output contacts L', N', thus correcting any incorrect insertion of the power plug 1.

[0218] Specifically, the circuit diagram shown in Figure 41 has five circuits 410, 420, 430, 440, 450. Three of the circuits 410, 420, 430 can connect the conductor for the live phase 150 to the neutral conductor 160. A fourth circuit 440 can connect the conductor 150 to the protective conductor 170. A fifth

[0219] Circuit 450 may connect conductor 160 to protective conductor 170.

[0220] The first circuit 410 can connect the conductor 150 to the conductor 160 via a first diac of a first optocoupler and via a switch, such as an electronic switch or a switch with an electromechanical drive, such as relay K2. The switch can be protected from voltage pulses or short-term voltage pulses in a parallel circuit by a first suppressor diode and a resistor.

[0221] The second circuit 420 can connect the conductor 150 to the conductor 160 via a diac of a second optocoupler and via another switch, such as an electronic switch or a switch with an electromechanical drive, such as another relay K3. The second switch can be protected from voltage pulses or short-term voltage pulses in a parallel circuit by a second suppressor diode and a second resistor.

[0222] The third circuit 430 can connect the conductor 150 to the neutral conductor 160 via a switch KS3, a plurality of resistors and an initial unit 460 for checking whether a mains voltage is present, wherein the initial unit 460 is coupled to yet another switch, such as an electronic switch or a switch with an electromechanical drive, such as another relay K4.

[0223] The fourth circuit 440 can connect the conductor 150 to the protective conductor 170 via a first photodiode of the first optocoupler, via several suppressor diodes, resistors, and a diode, as well as via further coupled switches 470. The further coupled switches 470 can be switched by the further switch, such as an electronic switch or a switch with an electromechanical drive, such as another relay K4, which in turn is part of the third circuit 430.

[0224] The fifth circuit 450 can connect the conductor 160 to the protective conductor 170 via a photodiode of the second optocoupler, several suppressor diodes, resistors, and a diode, as well as via the coupled switches 470. The coupled switches 470 can thus energize the fourth circuit 440 and the fifth circuit 450. When the power plug 1 is inserted into the power outlet, the third circuit 430 can be energized, regardless of which input (L or N) the live phase 150 of the mains voltage is present at. As soon as a mains voltage is present at the input, the third electromechanical drive, for example, can be switched. The third electromechanical drive can energize the coupled switches 470, which energize the fourth circuit 440 and the fifth circuit 450.As soon as the third electromechanical drive switches, the fourth circuit 440 and the fifth circuit 450 can be energized, so that either the photodiode of the first optocoupler or the photodiode of the second optocoupler is energized or activated. Which photodiode is activated depends on which conductor is the current-carrying phase.

[0225] If the live phase of the mains voltage is applied to conductor 150, then in addition to the third circuit 430, the fourth circuit 440 can also be or become live. The current flow in the fourth circuit 440 emits light from the photodiode of the first optocoupler, which is received by the diac of the first optocoupler. The diac of the first optocoupler can thus make the first circuit 410 live, so that, for example, the first electromechanical drive switches. The first electromechanical drive, in turn, can actuate two first two-way switches 480 such that the live phase is transferred from the input conductor L to the output conductor L'. Furthermore, the connection between the conductor 150 and the conductor 160 via the third circuit 430 can be interrupted by the first electromechanical drive. The phases of the input contacts and the output contacts are thus the same.

[0226] If the live phase of the mains voltage is now applied to conductor 160, the fourth circuit 440 may be energized, but there will be no significant current flow between the normal conductor 150 and the protective conductor 170. Thus, the photodiode of the first optocoupler emits no light, so that no light is received by the diac in the first optocoupler, which in turn results in the first circuit 410 not being energized. Thus, the first electromechanical drive also does not switch the aforementioned two first two-way switches 480. If the live phase of the mains voltage is applied to conductor 160, the fifth circuit 450 may be energized. In this case, light is emitted by the photodiode of the second optocoupler and received by the diac of the second optocoupler. As a result, the diac of the second optocoupler switches the second circuit 420 to current.As soon as the second circuit 420 is energized, the exemplary second electromechanical drive also switches. This, in turn, causes the second coupled two-way switches 490 to switch. When the second coupled two-way switches 490 switch, the live phase of the mains voltage of the input contact N is transferred to the output contact L'. In addition, the input contact L is connected to the output contact N' by the switching of the second coupled two-way switches 490. The phases present at the input are thus swapped at the output. An advantage of this embodiment in Figure 41 can be that, during operation, the reference contact, here 170, is galvanically isolated from the rest of the electronics via an isolating point (normally open contacts of K4).

[0227] List of reference symbols

[0228] I Power plug

[0229] 10 housings

[0230] II Basic body

[0231] 12 Recording room

[0232] 20 plug contact

[0233] 21 Longitudinal direction

[0234] 22 shaft

[0235] 23 Mounting end area

[0236] 24 free end area

[0237] 26 Protective contact

[0238] 30 Protective device

[0239] 31 protective element

[0240] 40 Protective cover device

[0241] 41 protective cover

[0242] 42 Base element

[0243] 50 protective bodies

[0244] 51 End range elastic restoring force pressure plate

[0245] Guide device Guide element Blocking device Movable actuating element Front plate

[0246] Spring device spring force

[0247] Tilting element a optional tilting element receiving opening

[0248] Inside support bridge counter-canting element guide bar guide bar contact bushings 0 pin head 1 mounting opening 2 contact pin 3 mounting element 0 relative movement 0 first current path 0 second current path 0 third current path 0 live phase 0 neutral conductor 0 protective conductor 0 first signaling device 0 second signaling device 0 manual switch 0 arc fault protection device 0 reverse polarity protection circuit 410 circuit

[0249] 420 circuit

[0250] 430 circuit

[0251] 440 circuit

[0252] 450 circuit

[0253] 460 Initial Unit

[0254] 470 coupled switches

[0255] 480 first coupled two-way switches

[0256] 490 second coupled two-way switches

[0257] D diameter d minimum diameter

[0258] F spring retainer

[0259] G Source

[0260] K1 first relay

[0261] KS1 first relay switch

[0262] K2 second relay

[0263] KS2 second relay switch

[0264] KS21 first contact of the second relay switch

[0265] KS22 second contact of the second relay switch

[0266] K3 additional relay

[0267] KS3 switch

[0268] K4 additional relay

[0269] L Input contact

[0270] L' output contact

[0271] N input contact

[0272] N' output contact

[0273] PE input contact

[0274] PE' output contact

[0275] Q converter

[0276] R1 resistor

[0277] R2 resistor

[0278] R3 resistor

[0279] S Diameter contact pin

[0280] U Contact volume V Recording volume

[0281] W Shop

Claims

Patent claims 1. A grid connection circuit with reverse polarity protection for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an AC voltage grid having a protective conductor, a neutral conductor, and an outer conductor during operation, comprising a first connecting line and a second connecting line, the first connecting line being provided for connection to the neutral conductor and the second connecting line being provided for connection to outer conductors, and the grid connection circuit comprising a phase position detection device which is electrically connected to the first and the second connecting line and is designed to determine a phase position between the second connecting line and the first connecting line, and which is designed to provide an operating signal when the phase position corresponds to a predetermined phase position and to output an error signal when the phase position deviates from the predetermined phase position.

2. Network connection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the network connection circuit has a switching element which, in the closed state, connects two sections of the second connecting line to one another when the phase position detection device provides the operating signal.

3. Network connection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the network connection circuit has a switching element which is designed to connect two sections of the first connecting line to one another and to connect two sections of the second connecting line to one another when the phase position detection device provides the operating signal, and which is designed to connect a section of the first connecting line to a section of the second connecting line and to connect a further section of the first connecting line to a further section of the second connecting line if the phase position detection device does not provide the operating signal.

4. Mains plug (1) for realizing an electrical plug contact, with two plug contacts (20) for establishing a plug connection with a mating plug and with a protective contact, and with at least three connection contacts for connecting conductors of a connecting cable to one of the plug contacts each, characterized in that the plug contacts and the protective contact are connected to the connection contacts by a polarity reversal protection circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Device for generating electrical energy, with an energy output having at least three electrical contacts for providing the generated electrical energy, characterized in that a reverse polarity protection circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3 is connected upstream of the energy output.

6. Method for connecting a device for generating electrical energy to an AC network (low-voltage network) having a protective conductor, a neutral conductor and an outer conductor, in which, after mechanical contact of an energy output of the device with the AC network by means of a mains plug, the polarity of energy lines of the device leading to the energy output is first compared with the polarity of the lines of the AC network and the device is connected to the AC network depending on the result of the comparison.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that a connection between an outer conductor of the device and an outer conductor of the AC voltage network is only closed if the comparison shows that the power lines are connected with the same polarity to the lines of the AC voltage network through the mains plug.

8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that a connection between one of the device outer conductors of the device and an outer conductor of the AC voltage network is first switched crosswise and then closed if the comparison shows that the power lines are connected by the mains plug with unequal polarity to the lines of the AC voltage network.

9. Mains plug for implementing an electrical plug-in contact, comprising at least two elongated plug contacts, each having a shaft for electrical contact, a fastening end region and a free end region, and comprising at least one protective device with which at least the shafts of the plug contacts are protected or can be protected against unintentional electrical contact, wherein a relative movement can be carried out between at least one region of the protective device and the plug contacts, so that the shafts of the plug contacts can be exposed and electrically contacted at least in some regions.

10. Mains plug according to claim 9, characterized in that the protective device for covering the shafts of the plug contacts comprises a spring-mounted protective sheath device which has a protective sheath for each plug contact as a protective element, wherein the protective sheath device can further comprise a base element, and the protective sheaths can be rigidly mechanically coupled to one another by means of the base element, so that they can be displaced together on the shafts of the plug contacts.

11. Mains plug according to claim 10, characterized in that the mains plug can have a guide device for guiding the protective device along the longitudinal direction of the plug contacts, wherein an uneven displacement of the protective elements on the plug contacts due to tilting of the base element on a guide element of the guide device can be counteracted by means of the guide device.

12. Mains plug according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide device is arranged between the plug contacts.

13. Mains plug according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the base element has a canting element and a housing of the mains plug has a counter-canting element designed to be complementary to the canting element and designed to interact with the canting element.

14. Mains plug according to claim 13, characterized in that the canting element and the counter-canting element are designed such that the canting element slides on the counter-canting element when the base element is pushed further into a housing of the mains plug along a plug-in direction of the mains plug, wherein the canting element and the counter-canting element cant with one another when a force acting on the base element, which acts at an angle to the plug-in direction that is not equal to 0° or not equal to 180°, tries to press the base element into the housing.

15. Mains plug according to claim 9, characterized in that the protective device for covering the shafts of the plug contacts comprises a spring-mounted protective sheath device which has a protective element for each plug contact, wherein at least one of the protective elements has a receiving volume for one of the plug contacts, the diameter of which runs transversely to the plug-in direction decreases in the direction towards the free ends of the protective elements, and wherein the minimum diameter of the receiving volume substantially corresponds to an outer diameter of one of the plug contacts.

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