Shorting plug-in module

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in module (100) designed to contact at least one electrical component, in particular a current transformer (40) at a measurement point. The plug-in module (100) has at least one shorting pushbutton (28), in particular a long-travel pushbutton, which is designed in particular to short a circuit (200a) when the plug-in module (100) is disconnected from the electrical component.

Description

[0001] Short-circuit plug-in module

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a plug-in module. The invention relates to a method for producing a plug-in module. The invention relates to a method for converting a plug-in module. The invention relates to a method for detecting a plug-in state.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Transformers, especially current transformers, are well known in the art. Transformers can be damaged at certain voltages, which can occur particularly when the transformer is disconnected, for example, from a connection at a measuring point. Such measuring points can occur, for example, when measuring current on rails. Other applications can include measurements on machines, in electricity meters, in control systems, or even rectifiers. To prevent damage when a transformer is disconnected, it is well known in the art to short-circuit the transformer, for example by short-circuiting the transformer in a control cabinet. In such control cabinets, the transformer can be attached to a mounting rail, also called a DIN rail or "DIN rail." A special profile of a mounting rail can be a top-hat rail profile. In this case, one also speaks of a top-hat rail, or a top-hat rail holder, to which the transformer can be attached.In the control cabinet, the transformer is short-circuited to terminal blocks. The operator must short-circuit the transformer to one of the terminal blocks.

[0006] Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to further simplify short-circuiting for the operator and thus further improve the handling of converters. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to further improve the safety of the components and / or the operator. The purpose of the connection is to save resources and thus reduce costs.

[0008] The problem is solved by a plug-in module having the features of claim 1. The problem is solved by a method for producing a plug-in module having the features of claim 7. The problem is solved by a method for converting a plug-in module having the features of claim 8. The problem is solved by a method for detecting a plug-in state having the features of claim 9.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] According to one aspect, the object is achieved in particular by a plug-in module having the features of claim 1.

[0011] A plug-in module can be designed to contact at least one electrical component. The electrical component can be a transformer, for example a current transformer at a measuring point. The plug-in module can have at least one short-circuit button designed to short-circuit an electrical circuit when the plug-in module is disconnected from the electrical component. This means that removal is directly linked to short-circuiting, thus eliminating the need for additional short-circuiting process steps. This further increases the safety of removing a transformer. It also miniaturizes the size, as the short-circuit button can be directly integrated into the plug-in module structurally. This saves resources and reduces costs, for example because separate devices are no longer required in a control cabinet.In particular, handling is improved because additional, previously necessary...

[0012] Work steps can be omitted.

[0013] A plug-in module can be understood as a structural-mechanical assembly that allows a connection to an electrical component to be established by plugging it in, thereby creating an operative connection. In such an operative connection, contact can occur, for example, so that a current or voltage can flow. However, there can also be embodiments in which the flow of a current or voltage is not (yet) intended to perform a function. This can be the case, for example, in embodiments that involve the detection of a plug-in state per se.

[0014] Transformers, also called measuring transducers, are used, particularly for measuring alternating voltages and currents, between a device under test and a measuring instrument. They are used to convert measured quantities into quantities measurable with the respective measuring instrument. Therefore, transducers can also be referred to as transformers. Furthermore, the device under test and the measuring instrument are, in particular, galvanically isolated from each other. Finally, their use allows for a certain degree of remote transmission of measured values. Depending on the measured quantity to be converted, a distinction is made between voltage transformers and current transformers.

[0015] In current transformers, the input winding is connected in such a way that the current to be measured flows through it. It is therefore connected in series with the network or the load. The current to be measured then flows through the input winding, generating an alternating magnetic flux in the transformer core. In current transformers, a short circuit on the output side is particularly harmless, since the current strength of the input side is independent of the state of the output side. A short circuit on the output side can be intentionally created when replacing measuring instruments or devices.

[0016] Short-circuit switches are, in particular, switches that can create a short circuit. A short circuit is understood to be a direct connection between two live wires, i.e. a connection without the inclusion of a consumer in the wiring circuit. Switches switch according to an all-or-nothing principle, i.e. they are either open or closed. They also retain their state. In this case, switches must be distinguished from push buttons. Switches are not used in particular, as they can only perform their function when fully pressed. Push buttons are used in particular. Push buttons only perform their function when they are pressed. A long-travel push button can be used, in particular, as a short-circuit switch.The short-circuit button is in particular arranged and designed in such a way as to create a short circuit on the output side of the converter when it is disconnected from a measuring point.

[0017] In other words, this means: The plug-in module, in particular with the short-circuit button, short-circuits the transformer, in particular the current transformer (on its output side), when the plug-in module is unplugged, i.e. when in particular a separation is carried out between the current transformer and a measuring point, for example from a measuring instrument.

[0018] In one aspect, the short-circuit button can have an overtravel. This prevents the short-circuit button from immediately inducing a short circuit upon first movement. Instead, the short circuit should only occur upon a "true" physical disconnection of the plug-in module.

[0019] The terms "overtravel" and "function overtravel" can also be used synonymously with the term "overtravel." This generally means that the travel distance of the button exceeds the travel distance required for the button function.

[0020] According to one aspect, the short-circuit button can have a plug-in travel tolerance. This can, in particular, be an extension travel tolerance of 1 to 2 mm.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the plug-in travel tolerance can be between 5% and 20% of the plug-in travel, furthermore in particular between 8% and 15% of the plug-in travel, furthermore in particular between 9 and 11% of the plug-in travel.

[0022] The plug-in path can be linked, in particular, to the dimensions of the plug-in module housing. The plug-in path can also refer to the distance that connecting elements must slide past each other to break a connection (and then initiate a short-circuit by "activating" the short-circuit button).

[0023] For this reason, switches are not used in particular, as these are only activated when fully pressed and, in particular, retain their state. In this case, they would therefore be activated (immediately) as soon as the plug connection begins to slide apart. Long-travel switches can be used as buttons. In one aspect, the short-circuit button can be in a "normally closed" configuration. This configuration can be provided for a protection module, where the aim is in particular to avoid voltage or current peaks. This makes it possible to design a protective plug-in module that can protect the converter if it is disconnected from a measuring point. Alternatively, the short-circuit button can be in a "normally open" configuration, for a detection module. This makes it possible to design a plug-in module that enables the detection of a plug-in state.

[0024] The terms "normally closed" and "normally open" refer to whether the button is closed ("normally closed") or open ("normally open") without interaction with the button. A "normally closed" button opens when pressed, while a "normally open" button closes when pressed. The actuation can also be referred to as the activation of the button.

[0025] According to one aspect, at least two sockets can be provided for contacting the electrical component. A (further / third) socket has the short-circuit button in a core.

[0026] This allows a plug-in module to be designed that enables contacting of an electrical component and implements a short-circuit button to enable a short circuit when unplugged.

[0027] Transformers, especially current transformers, may have primary terminals designated P1 and P2 (formerly capital letters K and L). Secondary terminals may also be designated S1 and S2 (formerly lowercase letters k and I). The designation can also indicate the polarity: P1 and S1 have the same polarity at the same time, meaning the current flows into P1, and the reduced current flows out of S1. These are the beginnings of the windings.

[0028] The two sockets of the plug-in module can be connected to the two secondary terminals of a transformer, particularly a current transformer, as an electrical component. The transformer can thus be connected with its secondary terminals via the plug-in module to perform its corresponding function. It can also be provided that the short-circuit button shorts this output side when the plug-in module is unplugged.

[0029] Here and elsewhere, unplugging a plug-in module can be understood to mean that a female and a male plug-in module can be separated from one another. The module part carrying the short-circuit plug can be the female or the male plug-in module. Alternatively or additionally, the plug-in module can also be understood as two module parts that are equivalent to one another. This is to be understood in particular that the plug-in module has two plug-in devices that are essentially identical (in the sense of functionally identical or similar). In alternative embodiments, it can be provided that the plug-in module is plugged into a non-equivalent element (or device), for example into a receptacle in a measuring device. By way of example, a plug-in module and an entire measuring device are opposite one another, which would be understood here as "essentially unequal".

[0030] The short-circuit plug can be provided in at least one further socket (a third socket), which can implement a short circuit in a circuit of the first two sockets when disconnected. According to one aspect, a pulse generator can be provided as a short-circuit button. This allows for a structurally simple implementation of a short-circuit button. This also enables easy handling.

[0031] According to one aspect, the plug-in module can have a housing of a type selected from the types of a Han Modular connector housing, a Han C module housing, a Domino module housing, a single Domino module housing, or a double Domino module housing. This allows established plug-in module housings to be used and a corresponding short-circuit plug-in functionality to be implemented. This achieves the miniaturization described elsewhere. This, in turn, enables the handling of a converter to be improved, particularly during unplugging.

[0032] The connector housings mentioned are, in particular, the applicant's connector housings, as described on the filing date or the priority date. This allows a short-circuit plug into a plug-in module housing of the type described to provide corresponding functionality to the connector housings mentioned here. This allows miniaturization to be achieved, which brings with it the advantages described. By using the plug-in module housings mentioned here, it is not necessary to establish a separate tooling system for the production of a plug-in module. This saves resources and thus enables a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0033] According to an independent aspect, the object can be achieved in particular by a method for producing a plug-in module. The method can comprise a step of producing a plug-in module housing. The method can comprise a step of inserting a core, wherein the short-circuit button can have the shape of a core. This allows plug-in module housings to be formed and a corresponding short-circuit plug-in functionality to be implemented, as described elsewhere, along with its advantages. This achieves the miniaturization described elsewhere. This in turn enables the handling of a converter to be improved, particularly during unplugging. Furthermore, miniaturization makes it possible to reduce the amount of resources required, which saves costs.

[0034] When manufacturing a plug-in module housing, it may be provided to use tooling that is used for the production of a connector housing (used synonymously with plug-in module housing) of the type described elsewhere. In particular, this may be the tooling for a plug-in module housing selected from a Han Modular connector housing, a Han C module housing, a Domino module housing, a single Domino module housing, a double Domino module housing, and / or an M12 housing.

[0035] In this context, tooling may be provided in particular as an injection molding device and / or an injection molding tool, furthermore in particular as a mold, in order to form the corresponding plug-in module housings.

[0036] Inserting the core with a short-circuit button can refer to the short-circuit button being integrated into the plug-in module housing along with the corresponding features, as described elsewhere. In one embodiment, a socket can be provided for the core, which has a short-circuit button, in order to integrate a short-circuit button. At least two additional sockets can be provided in this embodiment (but also in others) for plugging in the converter.

[0037] According to an independent aspect, the object can be achieved in particular by a method for converting a plug-in module. The method comprises, in particular, the step of presenting a plug-in module housing. The method comprises, in particular, the step of inserting a core, which in particular has the shape of a short-circuit button. This allows resource expenditure to be further reduced.

[0038] In embodiments, retrofitting may involve replacing a core. A method for retrofitting a plug-in module may involve presenting a plug-in module. The presenting may involve providing a core with a shape for inserting an electronic component, in particular a short-circuit button, into a socket (one of several sockets). In such embodiments, it may be provided to remove the core with the electronic component and insert a core having a short-circuit button. In other words, a core exchange may occur.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, an empty socket (one of several) can be provided as a receptacle for a short-circuit button. This can involve providing a plug-in module with a correspondingly empty socket. The short-circuit button can then be inserted.

[0040] According to an independent aspect, the object can be achieved in particular by a method for detecting a plug-in state. The method comprises, in particular, the step of plugging in a plug-in module, in particular a plug-in module of the type described elsewhere. The method comprises, in particular, the step of evaluating a plug-in state, in particular by means of a PLC. This allows for resource-saving, easy-to-use monitoring of a plug-in state to be implemented.

[0041] When detecting a plug-in state, in particular with a plug-in module as described elsewhere, it can be provided to use a short-circuit button to detect a plug-in state. In this case, in addition to the short-circuit button for protection, a further short-circuit button can also be implemented by means of which plug-in detection can be carried out. In this case, the short-circuit button can in particular be designed as “normally open”. It can be converted to a closed state when activated. In particular, the plug-in module is not plugged in under load. In particular, it may not be necessary for a current to flow in order to see whether a plug-in state has been assumed. A corresponding evaluation can be carried out by means of a PLC. In this case, a PLC is in particular a programmable logic controller.

[0042] A programmable logic controller, or PLC for short, is a component that can be programmed and used to regulate or control a system or machine.

[0043] The plug-in module can also be described accordingly by the features, properties, functions of the methods and the corresponding advantages listed in relation to these methods. This also applies accordingly to the features, properties, functions and the corresponding advantages listed of the plug-in module, whereby the methods described here can be described accordingly. The described features, their advantages and functions can exist independently of other features, advantages and functions. Also, not all features described in combination are always necessarily specified in this combination; rather, the corresponding features can also be described in isolation and thus also exist in isolation.

[0044] Example

[0045] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0046] Fig. 1 a plug-in module in disassembled state;

[0047] Fig. 2 a plug-in module in the assembled state;

[0048] Fig. 3 a plug-in module in disassembled state with

[0049] circuit diagram;

[0050] Fig. 4 a plug-in module in assembled state with circuit diagram;

[0051] Fig. 5 an overview of the sockets of a plug-in module;

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a method for producing a plug-in module; and

[0053] Fig. 7 Figure 7 shows a method 450 for converting a plug-in module; and

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a method for detecting a plug-in state.

[0055] The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently.

[0056] Directional indications such as “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom” are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and can vary in the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0057] Figure 1 shows an example of a plug-in module 100a in an unplugged state. The plug-in module 100 is formed, in particular, from an injection-molded housing 18. A female plug-in module part 10 and a male plug-in module part 20 are shown arranged in such a way as to clarify a plug-in direction. A male plug-in device 31 can be inserted into a female plug-in device 33. This forms, in particular, a contact surface 30 upon plugging together, as shown in Figure 2 by way of example on a plug-in module 100b in the plug-in state. The plug-in module 100 shown and described here and below is, by way of example, a Han C plug-in module. Other plug-in modules 100 can be used.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a female connector device 10 can have sockets 12, 14, 16 that can accommodate electronic components. In this case, a male plug-in module part 20, which is designed in particular as a mating plug-in module, can also have three sockets 22, 24, 26 that can be brought into contact with the three sockets 12, 14, 16 of the female plug-in module part 10 when plugging the plug-in module 100 together.

[0059] Figures 1 and 2 show a core 48 accommodated in a central socket 24, which has a short-circuit button. In the embodiment shown, this is connected to a short-circuit button 28. The short-circuit button 28 is designed to create a short circuit in the output circuit of the converter when a contact of the female plug-in module part 10 is interrupted by the male plug-in module part 20. Here, the assignment of the female and male parts is to be understood as an example. In particular, the same principle can be applied to the reverse distribution. Figure 3 shows a comparison of the female plug-in module parts 10 and male plug-in module parts 20, particularly formed in injection-molded housings 18, of a disassembled plug-in module 100a with an associated short-circuit circuit 200a. In a disassembled state, a short-circuit circuit state 200a is realized.The converter, with its secondary coil 40, is wound around a converter core 42 to enable signal transmission. The two poles S1 and S2 can be assigned to the corresponding externally mounted sockets 22, 26 of a male plug module part 20. These can correspondingly contact the outer sockets 12, 16 of the female plug module part 10. Here, by way of example, the core 48 of the short-circuit button 28 is arranged in a central socket 24 of the male plug module part 20. The short-circuit button 28 is connected such that, in an unplugged state, it is in a closed state 56a between the male plug module part 20 and the female plug module part 10. This is achieved by the closed short-circuit button 28, since the female plug module part 10 and the male plug module part 20 are not connected to each other at poles S1 and S2. The electrical contacts 52a, 54a are not in conductive contact with each other.In particular, conductive contact does not mean that a current must flow, but only that a current could flow.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a comparison of the female plug-in module parts 10 and male plug-in module parts 20, which are particularly formed in injection-molded housings 18, of a plugged-together plug-in module 100b with an associated short-circuit circuit 200b. For a description of the individual components, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3. The short-circuit circuit 200b is in an open, i.e. non-short-circuited, operating state 56b. This is achieved by the open short-circuit button 28, since the female plug-in module part 10 and the male plug-in module part 20 are connected to one another at poles S1 and S2. The electrical contacts 52b, 54b come into conductive contact with one another. In this case, conductive contact does not mean that a current must flow, but only that a current could flow.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a male plug-in module, viewed along line AA in Figure 1. The injection-molded housing 18 of the male plug-in module 20 is shown. In particular, the two contacts 54a in the two outer sockets 22 and 26 can be seen, as well as the core 48 of the short-circuit button 28. This is possible by looking into the guide channels 32, 34, 36, which are designed to guide electrical lines (not shown). The electrical contacts 54a are connected in particular to the respective pole S1, S2 of the converter secondary coil 40. These are brought into contact with the contacts 52a (not shown in Figure 5) when the male plug-in module 20 is plugged onto the female plug-in module 10.

[0062] Figure 6 schematically shows an exemplary method for producing a plug-in module 100, in particular a (male or female) plug-in module part 10, 20, which has a short-circuit button 28.

[0063] The method in particular comprises a step of submitting 410 a plug-in module housing blueprint. This can be a plug-in module housing blueprint for a housing of a plug-in module selected from a Han Modular plug-in housing, a Han C module housing, a domino module housing, a single domino module housing, a double domino module housing and / or an M12 housing. In particular, a step of producing 420 a plug-in module housing can be provided. In this case, an injection-molded housing 18 can be formed by an injection-molding process. In this case, tooling for the production of the plug-in module housing described elsewhere can be provided. This makes it possible to save resources, in particular since no new tooling would have to be developed.

[0064] The method may include inserting 430 a core 48 having a short-circuit button 28. In particular, the core is placed in a central socket 24 if the plug-in module is a Han C plug-in module, as shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 5.

[0065] The method may include a step of inserting 440 additional electronic components. The lines for connecting to the poles S1, S2 may be provided and inserted into the plug-in module housing 18. In particular, a connection may be inserted into the two outer sockets 22 and 26 if the plug-in module is a Han C plug-in module.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a method 450 for retrofitting a plug-in module with a short-circuit button 28, in particular as described in detail. The method 450 for retrofitting differs in particular from a method 400 for manufacturing in that, in particular, no step of manufacturing 420 a plug-in module 100 is required. Rather, an existing plug-in module 100 can be used.

[0067] Figure 8 schematically shows an exemplary method 500 for detecting a plug-in state. The method 500 includes, in particular, the step of presenting 510 at least one plug-in module 100 in a plugged 100a or an unplugged 100b state.

[0068] In particular, the presentation may relate to any form of arranging and / or using a plug-in module 100.

[0069] The method 500 includes, in particular, the step of plugging 520 the plug-in module 100, in particular a plug-in module of the type described in detail. This can create a state in which a potential electrical current could flow via the contacts 52a, 52b. However, this does not necessarily require a load to be applied and a corresponding current to be applied.

[0070] The method 500 includes, in particular, a step of evaluating 530 a plug-in state, in particular by means of a PLC. The information can be compiled and, in particular, evaluated in a computing unit, wherein the information can, in particular, be configured to be processed as digital information on a computing unit, in particular a CPU, and / or to be stored on a storage device, in particular a flash drive (SSD) and / or a magnetic storage device (HHD).

[0071] In particular, method 500 includes a step of outputting 540 the plug-in state. The retained or stored information can be output in order to make a possible control decision based thereon. Short-circuit plug-in module

[0072] List of reference symbols female plug-in module part outer socket inner socket outer socket male plug-in module part outer socket inner socket outer socket

[0073] Short-circuit button

[0074] Contact surface male connector guide channel

[0075] Female connector

[0076] Guide channel

[0077] Guide channel

[0078] Short-circuit button in the form of a

[0079] Kerns

[0080] Line a separated contacts b connected contacts a separated contacts b connected contacts a closed short-circuit button b open short-circuit button 0 Plug-in module 0a separated plug-in module 0b connected plug-in module 200 Short-circuit circuit diagram

[0081] 200a closed short circuit

[0082] 200b open short circuit

[0083] 400 Method for manufacturing a plug-in module

[0084] 410 Submitting a plug-in module housing blueprint

[0085] 420 Making a plug-in module

[0086] 430 Inserting a core

[0087] 440 Introduction of electronic

[0088] Components

[0089] 450 Procedure for converting a plug-in module

[0090] 460 Replacing a core

[0091] 500 methods for detecting a plug state

[0092] 510 Presenting a plug-in module

[0093] 520 Inserting a plug-in module

[0094] 530 Evaluating a plug state

[0095] 540 Outputting a plug-in status

[0096] AA Viewing direction

[0097] S1 primary pole

[0098] S2 secondary pole

Claims

Short-circuit plug-in module Claims 1. Plug-in module (100) designed to contact at least one electrical component, in particular a current transformer (40) at a measuring point, the plug-in module (100) comprising - at least one short-circuit button (28), in particular a long-stroke button, designed to short-circuit an electrical circuit (200a) when the plug-in module (100) is separated from the electrical component.

2. Plug-in module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit button (28) has an overtravel.

3. Plug-in module (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the short-circuit button (28) has a plug-in path tolerance, in particular a plug-in path tolerance of 1 to 2 mm.

4. Plug-in module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the short-circuit button (28) is in a "normally closed" configuration for a protection module or wherein the short-circuit button (28) is in a "normally open" configuration for a detection module.

5. Plug-in module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two sockets (22, 26) are provided for contacting the electrical component and wherein at least one further socket (24) has a short-circuit button (28) in the form of a core.

6. Plug-in module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pulse generator is designed as a short-circuit button (28).

7. Method (400) for producing a plug-in module (100) comprising the steps: - producing (420) a plug-in module housing (18); and - Inserting (430) a core (48) having a short-circuit button (28).

8. Method (450) for converting a plug-in module (100) comprising the steps: - presenting (460) a plug-in module housing (18); and - Inserting (430) a core (48) having a short-circuit button (28).

9. A method (500) for detecting a plug-in state, comprising the steps: - plugging (520) a plug-in module according to one of claims 1 to 7; - Evaluating (530) a plug-in state, in particular by means of a PLC.

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