Electric measuring device for terminal blocks

Abstract

The invention describes technology for measuring an electric measurement variable for at least one terminal block. One aspect relates to an electric measuring device (100) with parallel plug contacts (110) on a first side (102) of the measuring device (100), which are or can be plugged into bushings (210) of at least one terminal block (200) in order to measure the electric measurement variable for the at least one terminal block (200). A measuring circuit (112) of the measuring device (100) measures, via the plug contacts (110), the electric measurement variable for the at least one terminal block (200). A supply circuit (114) of the measuring device (100) supplies the measuring circuit (112) with electrical energy taken up via the plug contacts (110). An output interface (116) of the measuring device (100) outputs a result of the measurement on the basis of the electric measurement variable measured via the plug contacts (110).

Description

[0001] Electrical measuring device for terminal blocks

[0002] The invention relates to a pluggable measuring device for measuring an electrical variable of at least one terminal block. Without being limited thereto, the invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring system comprising at least one terminal block in addition to the measuring device.

[0003] Measurements of current, voltage, or active power, for example, are used to test circuits, record the electrical energy used, and control or monitor electrical loads. Corresponding measuring devices are increasingly being used in control cabinet installations. However, conventional measuring devices are electronic control cabinet components mounted on DIN rails, to which conductors for the measurement inputs must be connected. For example, in a measuring device with measurement inputs for direct measurement of alternating current, the phases (i.e., outer conductors) must be looped through the measuring device.

[0004] In addition, a neutral conductor must be connected or optionally looped through.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2009 050184 B4 describes such a conventional energy measuring device comprising a base part and a processor part. The base part can be attached to a DIN rail. At least the analog electrical part of the energy measuring device is arranged in the base part, including electrical connections to an electrical supply and an information output device for outputting characteristic information for the supply. In particular, the base part comprises an electrical component, such as resistors, coils, or the like, while the processor part comprises the digital part of the energy measuring device.

[0006] However, energy measuring devices in the control cabinet must be replaced depending on the application, either at long intervals to comply with calibration periods or because the energy measurement is only required for a short time - for example during installation.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a technology that enables the replacement of an entire measuring unit without time-consuming or even error-causing rewiring in the control cabinet. This object is achieved by the features of each of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention, which can be optionally combined with one another, are disclosed below with partial reference to the figures.

[0009] A first aspect relates to an electrical measuring device. The measuring device comprises mutually parallel plug contacts on a first side of the measuring device, which are plugged or pluggable into sockets of at least one terminal block for measuring an electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block. The measuring device further comprises a measuring circuit designed to measure the electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block via the plug contacts. The measuring device further comprises a supply circuit designed to supply the measuring circuit with electrical energy absorbed via the plug contacts. The measuring device further comprises an output interface designed to output a measurement result based on the electrical measurement variable measured via the plug contacts.

[0010] The plug contacts (e.g., contact pins) can be used to establish electrical connections for measuring the electrical quantity, and preferably to mechanically connect the measuring device to the at least one terminal block. The measuring circuit can measure the electrical quantity via the plug contacts, with the supply circuit supplying the measuring circuit (and, for example, the output interface) with electrical energy, preferably exclusively via the plug contacts. The output interface outputs the measurement result based on the measured electrical quantity.

[0011] In contrast to the prior art, embodiments of the measuring device allow the use of existing terminal blocks for pluggable installation or temporary measurement. For example, the plug contacts can be plugged into the sockets for optional bridging of terminal blocks. In contrast, the prior art (especially the one mentioned above) requires a base part specific to the energy measuring device to be mounted on the DIN rail and wired. Even then, a quick replacement of only the processor part, but not the entire measuring device, is possible.

[0012] The measuring device versions do not require any additional space along the mounting rail. These and other measuring device versions can be swapped out quickly thanks to the plug-in connection with the existing terminal blocks. For example, the measuring device can be quickly and completely replaced with a newly calibrated measuring device to comply with a calibration period.

[0013] Because the measuring device can be plugged into existing terminal blocks, this additional installation effort is eliminated compared to a conventional wired measuring device. If the measuring device is used temporarily, these embodiments allow the measured and tested wiring status to be released for operation after the measurement (for example, after successful measurement or testing of the control cabinet and its load) simply by replacing the plugged-in measuring device with a jumper, without reconnecting the wires.

[0014] Optionally, the same measuring device can be used for recurring tests or when converting multiple control cabinets, for example, by having the installer carry the measuring device while the terminal blocks are already in the control cabinet and remain there. In contrast, a conventional wired measuring device that remains in the control cabinet (for example, unread) would be a waste of space in the control cabinet and resources after installation or testing.

[0015] The supply circuit for supplying electrical energy can be designed to feed the measuring circuit and / or the output interface with electrical current. Accordingly, the supply circuit can be referred to as a feed circuit. The supply circuit can deliver the electrical energy absorbed via the plug contacts to the measuring circuit directly or in a stored form (for example inductively, capacitively or electrochemically). Alternatively or additionally, the supply circuit can be designed to supply the output interface with electrical energy absorbed via the plug contacts. Each terminal block can comprise an insulating housing and at least two connection terminals (i.e. clamping points). The terminal blocks can be used in control cabinets or circuit distributors in order to connect conductors clearly.The terminal blocks can be mounted or mountable side by side on a mounting rail (e.g., with a DIN width of 35 mm and / or a top-hat rail). Depending on the (e.g., standardized) width, the plug contacts can be spaced longitudinally along the mounting rail. For example, the insulated housing has a recess that is or can be mechanically (preferably reversibly) connected to the edges of the mounting rail. Here, the term "conductor" can refer to a wire with insulation.

[0016] When plug contacts are described herein as being "plugged" or "pluggable" into sockets, this may include the plug contacts being "plugged" or "pluggable" into the sockets at the same time (i.e., simultaneously). For example, the pluggability mentioned may exclude multiple plugging or replugging.

[0017] The plug contacts can serve for the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the measuring device to the at least one terminal block. The plug face of the measuring device can be determined by a number, an arrangement, different contact sizes, and / or by different structural designs of the plug contacts. For example, structural designs of the plug contacts or sockets can include cutouts or recesses. Complementarily, the sockets or plug contacts can include corresponding locking nubs that engage in the cutouts or recesses when assembled. This advantageously further increases the mechanical holding force of the plug connection consisting of plug contacts and sockets.

[0018] The plug contacts can be arranged on the first side of the measuring device. The plug contacts can be designed to mechanically connect the measuring device to the at least one terminal block when plugged in. Alternatively or additionally, the plug contacts can be designed (for example, via the sockets) to each establish an electrically conductive connection to at least one current bar of the at least one terminal block.

[0019] The current bar can be a busbar within the terminal block (especially within the terminal block's insulating housing). Establishing the electrically conductive connection can also be referred to as contacting.

[0020] The mechanical connection can be frictional or positive. In the plugged-in state, the measuring device can be mounted exclusively via the plug contacts (e.g., mechanically connected exclusively to the at least one terminal block). The plugged-in state of the measuring device can also be referred to as the mated-together state (of the measuring device and the at least one terminal block).

[0021] The plug contacts can contact two sockets of the same terminal block.

[0022] Each of at least two of the plug contacts, which are parallel to each other, can be arranged on the first side of the measuring device. These at least two plug contacts can each be plugged or pluggable into a different one of at least two of the sockets of the at least one terminal block.

[0023] At least two of the plugs can be arranged on the first side in such a way that they are plugged or can be plugged into different sockets (e.g. simultaneously).

[0024] The terminal block can comprise at least two current bars. The at least two sockets can each be electrically connected to a different one of the at least two current bars (i.e., the sockets can be connected to different ones). In other words, the (or at least two of) the mutually parallel plug contacts on the first side of the measuring device can each be configured to establish an electrically conductive connection to a different one of the at least two current bars.

[0025] For example, the terminal block can be a multi-level terminal block, with the current bars arranged (e.g., in sections) at different levels. Each of the current bars can be electrically connected to (e.g., at least) one of the sockets. For example, a first current bar can be connected to a first socket via an insulated conductor, with the insulated conductor crossing a second current bar within the insulating housing.

[0026] The plug contacts can contact sockets of different (e.g., adjacent) terminal blocks. The measuring device can have at least two parallel plug contacts on the first side. These plug contacts can be plugged or pluggable into the sockets of at least two terminal blocks arranged adjacently on a mounting rail.

[0027] The sockets can be arranged on a first side (e.g., face width) of the at least one terminal block. The support rail can be attached (e.g., releasably) to a second side of the at least one terminal block, opposite the first side.

[0028] The plug contacts can be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail according to a distance between the sockets of adjacent terminal blocks and / or according to a width of one or each terminal block on the first side.

[0029] For example, the adjacent terminal blocks can be single-level terminal blocks, with (at least) one socket per terminal block being electrically connected to the current bar of the terminal block.

[0030] In each embodiment, the sockets can be bridge sockets designed to accommodate plug contacts of a jumper, for example, to electrically connect current bars of different terminal blocks to one another, particularly for an equipotential connection. The jumper can be a potential equalization busbar.

[0031] The measuring device can measure a voltage. The electrical measurement variable can comprise an electrical voltage between the aforementioned at least two plug contacts.

[0032] The electrical measurement value can be an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage can be measured between at least two of the plug contacts. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical voltage can be measured between several plug contacts, for example, with one of the plug contacts as a common reference potential.

[0033] The at least two plug contacts can contact different phases (e.g., a two- or three-phase alternating current). Alternatively or additionally, the at least two plug contacts can contact a neutral conductor and a phase (i.e., a phase conductor). The measuring device can measure a current. The electrical measurement variable can comprise a current flowing between the aforementioned at least two plug contacts.

[0034] The electrical measurement quantity may include a current flowing between two of the plug contacts.

[0035] The current can be conducted through the measuring device, in particular through the measuring circuit, via the two plug contacts. For example, the current can be conducted via a shunt resistor in the measuring circuit. The shunt resistor can have a (preferably small) resistance. The measuring circuit can be designed to measure the current as a voltage drop across the resistor. The result of the measurement can be the current determined on the basis of the measured voltage drop and the resistance (according to Ohm's law). Alternatively or additionally, the measuring circuit can comprise a Hall sensor (i.e., Hall effect sensor) designed to measure a magnetic field generated by the current (for example, as a voltage signal). In particular, the measured variable can be a direct current. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring circuit can comprise a Rogowski coil arranged around a conductor carrying the current.The change in the magnetic flux (e.g., an alternating current) generated by the conductor can induce a voltage in the coil. The measurement result can be determined by integrating this voltage to obtain the current. Alternatively or additionally, the current can flow through the primary side of a transformer, inducing a voltage proportional to the current on the secondary side. The measurement result can be determined by integrating this voltage to obtain the current.

[0036] The two plug contacts, between which the electrical current flows for measurement, can be arranged to contact the sockets of different terminal blocks. For example, the two plug contacts can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail.

[0037] The plug contacts can project from the first side of the measuring device. Alternatively or additionally, the output interface can be arranged on a second side (interface side) of the measuring device, facing away from the first side (plug side). The output interface can have a display. The display can be configured to display the electrical measurement variable and / or the result.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the transverse dimension of the electrical measuring device can be larger than the transverse dimension of the first side (front side) of the at least one terminal block, which has the sockets. For example, the transverse dimension of the electrical measuring device can be larger than the transverse dimension (i.e., the length) of the display of the output interface.

[0039] The first side of the measuring device (and / or the transverse dimension of the measuring device) and the front side of the terminal block (and / or the transverse dimension of the front side of the terminal block) can be parallel to each other (for example in the plugged-together state) and / or transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail and / or transverse (preferably perpendicular) to a plug-in direction (for example a longitudinal direction) of the plug-in contacts.

[0040] The end face can be a section of the respective terminal block (e.g., a contact surface). The measuring device can rest against the end face (or section) when plugged in (e.g., flatly).

[0041] Since incoming and outgoing conductors are connected or can be connected to the measuring device's connection terminals before the measuring device is mounted (i.e., plugged in), the measuring device (e.g., the measuring device's display) can extend across the entire transverse dimension of the measuring device. For example, the measuring device (e.g., the display) can be built over the connection terminals and / or cover operating elements (push buttons, opening levers, or release elements) of the connection terminals. This allows embodiments to provide a larger display than one-piece measuring devices, for example, conventional measuring devices with connection terminals for conductors.

[0042] The electrical measuring device (optionally one or two of the plug contacts) can be designed to interrupt a current bar in the at least one terminal block when plugged in. When unplugged, the current bar electrically connects two terminal blocks. Alternatively or additionally, when plugged in, each of the two plug contacts can be electrically connected to a different one of the two terminal blocks.

[0043] Each of the two plug contacts can be connected to another of the connection terminals via a part of the separate current bar.

[0044] The two plug contacts can be referred to as a pair of plug contacts.

[0045] The measuring device can have one or more such pairs. For example, each pair can separate a current bar. For example, three different pairs of plug contacts can be plugged or pluggable into three different (e.g., adjacent) terminal blocks. When plugged in, the respective current bar can be separated. For example, the currents of three phases can each be looped through the measuring device and measured by the measuring circuit.

[0046] The interruption can be reversible. For example, the current bar can comprise two parts. Each part can be electrically connected to one of the terminals at an outer end. Each part can comprise a movable section and a mechanical biasing element at an inner end (e.g., within the insulating housing of the terminal block). The inner ends of the two parts can face each other.

[0047] The mechanical preload element can be designed to generate a mechanical preload that brings or maintains the movable sections in electrically conductive contact. This contact allows the (two-part) current bar to electrically connect the two terminals when unplugged.

[0048] When plugged in, the two plug contacts can separate the movable sections in the plugging direction and / or against the bias voltage, with each section contacting a different one of the two plug contacts. This allows an electrical current to flow from one terminal via one of the two plug contacts, through the measuring device, and via another of the two plug contacts to the other terminal.

[0049] The supply circuit can be designed to receive electrical energy via plug contacts. One of the plug contacts can be electrically connected to a neutral conductor. Another of the plug contacts can be electrically connected to an outer conductor.

[0050] To absorb the electrical energy, an operating voltage can be applied between the plug contacts and / or an operating current can flow through the plug contacts. The at least two plug contacts for measuring the electrical voltage can encompass the two plug contacts for absorbing the electrical energy or be identical to them.

[0051] Two of the plug contacts can be electrically connected to the supply circuit for receiving electrical energy, and two of the plug contacts can be electrically connected to the measuring circuit for measuring an electrical voltage as the electrical measurement variable. Alternatively or additionally, two of the plug contacts can be electrically connected to the supply circuit, which includes a voltage regulator for providing an operating voltage (e.g., for the output interface). The voltage regulator can (e.g., as a functional part of the measuring circuit) provide an (analog or digital) signal that indicates an electrical voltage between the two plug contacts as the electrical measurement variable.

[0052] The result of the measurement may include an electrical power and / or energy (for example, summed over a certain time or since an initial plug-in) based on a measured current and a measured voltage as the electrical measurement quantity.

[0053] The measuring circuit can be configured to measure the electrical voltage between a first plug contact and a second plug contact of the plug contacts. The measuring circuit can be configured to measure the electrical current between the first plug contact and a third plug contact of the plug contacts that is different from the second plug contact.

[0054] The first plug contact can correspond to a neutral conductor. The second plug contact can correspond to a phase conductor (phase), for example, a power source. Furthermore, the third plug contact can correspond to a phase conductor of a load.

[0055] The measuring device can have two, three, four, or more plug-in contacts. The measuring device can have two plug-in contacts in one plane, or three plug-in contacts in one plane or in an L-shaped arrangement, or four plug-in contacts in one plane or in a rectangular (i.e., 2 by 2, optionally square) arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can be plugged onto the terminal blocks in two orientations rotated by 90 degrees, for example, to selectively measure the current flowing through a terminal block (whose current bar is preferably interrupted within the terminal block) or a current flowing between two terminal blocks.

[0056] The first plug-in contact and the second plug-in contact can be plugged or inserted into a first terminal block. The third plug-in contact can be plugged or inserted into a second terminal block that is different from the first terminal block.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in contact and the third plug-in contact can be plugged or inserted into a first terminal block. The second plug-in contact can be plugged or inserted into a second terminal block that is different from the first terminal block.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the first plug contact, the second plug contact and the third plug contact can be arranged in an L-shape on the first side (plug side).

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, a fourth plug contact of the plug contacts can be a protective contact.

[0060] In the plugged-in state, the measuring device can be configured to measure the current between the first plug contact and the third plug contact (for example, the first terminal block and the second terminal block). In the unplugged state, the first plug contact and the third plug contact can be electrically connected via a jumper, for example, if the first plug contact and the third plug contact belong to different terminal blocks or to a terminal block that is internally open without a jumper, i.e., has electrically isolated connection terminals.

[0061] The protective contact can be a grounding contact. The measuring device can be grounded to the protective contact. A housing of the measuring device can be permanently electrically connected to the protective contact. The L-shaped arrangement of the plug contacts can allow the measuring device to contact more than one terminal block.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the measuring device can comprise a sealing device for sealing the measuring device to the at least one terminal block, to the mounting rail, or to a housing of the control cabinet in which the measuring device is or will be installed. The sealing can be implemented as a mechanical seal. For example, a through-hole can be provided in a housing of the measuring device, through which a secure connection is established using a sealed sealing wire. For this purpose, the terminal block can also have a through-hole.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing device can be implemented as a digital seal. For example, the sealing device can be configured to send an identifier (e.g., a random number generated using a pseudo-random number generator) when the measuring device is initially plugged onto the at least one terminal block, for example, via the plug contacts to a memory in the terminal block and / or via the output interface to the central detection system. Upon re-plugging, a new identifier (e.g., a different random number) is then sent, thereby detecting the tampering.

[0064] In a variant of each embodiment, the communication (e.g., regarding the identifier and / or the data packets containing the measurement results) between the output interface and the central acquisition device may comprise encrypted communication. For example, the sealing device may comprise a public key / private key pair.

[0065] The measuring device and / or the at least one terminal block can be arranged or installed in a control cabinet. The control cabinet can include a mounting rail for this purpose.

[0066] The at least one terminal block can be arranged or can be arranged on the mounting rail. The terminal block can have an insulating housing. At least one current bar can extend within this insulating housing. The or each of the current bars can each have at least one socket for receiving the plug contacts.

[0067] A second aspect relates to an electrical measuring system (short: system). The measuring system comprises at least one terminal block arranged or capable of being arranged on a mounting rail, having an insulating housing in which extends at least one current bar with sockets for receiving plug contacts. Furthermore, the measuring system comprises an electrical measuring device with parallel plug contacts that are plugged or capable of being plugged into the sockets of the at least one terminal block for measuring an electrical measured variable of the at least one terminal block.

[0068] The measuring system can comprise at least two electrical terminal blocks arranged or capable of being arranged on the mounting rail. Furthermore, the measuring system can comprise at least one detachable jumper for electrically connecting adjacent terminal blocks, which are electrically insulated from one another by at least one insulating housing partition and each have at least one current bar extending parallel to the insulating housing partition with sockets for receiving plug contacts of the detachable jumper.

[0069] One or each terminal block of the measuring system can have at least two terminals per current bar. The sockets of the at least one terminal block can be arranged between the at least two terminals of the respective terminal block. For example, two sockets per block are each electrically connected to a terminal block via a portion of the current bar (at least when unplugged).

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one terminal block can comprise a switching contact between parts of one (or each) current bar or between two current bars. This switching contact can electrically connect the two parts or the two current bars if no plug contact is inserted into the sockets. If a plug contact is inserted into at least one of the sockets, the switching contact can electrically separate the two parts or the two current bars. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical measuring system can comprise any feature (e.g., functional or structural) according to one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0071] "Each terminal block" can refer to each of the at least one terminal block. One or each of the at least one terminal block can have two terminal blocks per current bar. Incoming and outgoing conductors can be connected or connectable to the terminal blocks. Thus, each terminal block can be designed, for example, via the current bar, to establish an electrically conductive connection between the incoming and outgoing conductors and to wire them clearly.

[0072] One or each of the sockets can be arranged between a pair of terminal blocks of the at least one terminal block. The terminal blocks can be arranged laterally between the first side (which has the sockets) and the second side (for mounting the mounting rail).

[0073] The sockets of each terminal block can be electrically connected to one or all of the terminal blocks' connecting terminals via one or more of the terminal blocks' current bars. For example, each socket can be connected to a pair of connecting terminals. The or each current bar can extend transversely to the plug-in direction. Multiple current bars can be insulated from one another and spaced apart in different planes (e.g., parallel to the first and / or second side of the terminal block, i.e., "multi-level").

[0074] The terminal block can be a connecting terminal or (at least when unplugged) a through terminal.

[0075] The jumpers can be referred to briefly as bridges or cross connectors.

[0076] The plug contacts of the electrical measuring device can be plugged into the sockets of the at least two terminal blocks in the plugged-in state (e.g., in an installation or test mode), for example, instead of at least one of the jumpers. Alternatively or additionally, in an operating mode, the plug contacts of the at least one jumper can be plugged into the sockets, for example, instead of the (e.g., looped-through) plug contacts of the measuring device. Each of the terminal blocks can have at least one connection terminal, which is electrically connected to at least one of the sockets via the at least one current bar.

[0077] The terminals can be located at opposite ends of the respective terminal block. The plugged-in measuring device can cover the terminals and / or the length of the display can correspond to the distance between the opposite ends.

[0078] The at least one terminal block or one of the at least two terminal blocks can each have a connecting terminal at two opposite ends, each of which is electrically connected to a socket via a portion of a current bar. The measured variable can comprise the current flowing between these two sockets via the measuring device.

[0079] A load-side outer conductor or a power source-side outer conductor can be connected to each of the two connection terminals. This allows the current between the two connection terminals to be measured using the plugged-in (low-resistance) measuring device.

[0080] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments which can be optionally combined with one another.

[0081] They show:

[0082] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measurement variable of a terminal block according to a first embodiment,

[0083] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measurement variable of a terminal block according to a second embodiment,

[0084] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of terminal blocks on a mounting rail, which can be combined with an embodiment of the measuring device in one embodiment of a measuring system, Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measured variable of a terminal block according to a third embodiment,

[0085] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measurement variable of a terminal block according to a fourth embodiment in an unplugged state,

[0086] Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measurement variable of a terminal block according to a fourth embodiment in a plugged-in state,

[0087] Fig. 7 is a schematic connection side view of an example of a terminal block that can be combined with an embodiment of the measuring device in any embodiment of the measuring system,

[0088] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of the first side of the example of a terminal block which can be combined with an embodiment of the measuring device in each embodiment of the measuring system,

[0089] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the example of a terminal block that can be combined with an embodiment of the measuring device in each embodiment of the measuring system,

[0090] Fig. 10 is a schematic partition side view of the example of a terminal block that can be combined with an embodiment of the measuring device in each embodiment of the measuring system,

[0091] Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device for measuring an electrical measurement variable of a terminal block according to a fifth embodiment,

[0092] Figs. 12 to 15 are schematic block diagrams of the measuring system in successive states of the measuring device according to a three-pole configuration of each embodiment of the measuring device with two conductors,

[0093] Figs. 16 to 19 are schematic block diagrams of the measuring system in successive states of the measuring device according to a four-pole configuration of each embodiment of the measuring device with two conductors, and

[0094] Figs. 20 to 23 are schematic block diagrams of the measuring system in successive states of the measuring device according to an eight-pole configuration of each embodiment of the measuring device with four conductors.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an electrical measuring device according to the first aspect, which is generally designated herein by the reference numeral 100.

[0096] Mutually parallel plug contacts 110 are arranged on a first side 102, namely the plug-in side, of the measuring device 100. The plug contacts 110 preferably project out on the first side 102. The plug contacts are designed for electrical and mechanical connection to sockets 210 of at least one terminal block 200. For this purpose, the plug contacts 110 can be plugged into the sockets to measure an electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block 200. A measuring circuit 112 of the measuring device 100 is designed to measure the electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block 200 via the plug contacts 110. A supply circuit 114 of the measuring device 100 is designed to supply the measuring circuit 112 with electrical energy received via the plug contacts 110.An output interface 116 of the measuring device 100 is designed to output a result of the measurement based on the electrical measurement variable measured via the plug contacts 110.

[0097] When we refer to the electrical measurement quantity in the singular, this can include several individual measurement quantities, such as voltage and current.

[0098] Optionally, the output interface 116 is arranged on a second side 104 opposite the first side or on another side that is visible or accessible when plugged in.

[0099] The measurement result can be output via a cable, for example, via an optical fiber or Ethernet, in particular Single Pair Ethernet, or wirelessly, for example, via a radio interface or free-space optical communication (FSO). The radio interface can be configured to establish a data connection with a base station, for example, with a 3G base station or Node B (NB), a 4G base station or eNodeB (eNB, for evolved NB), an SG base station or gNodeB (gNB, for next-generation NB) of a cellular mobile network, or with an access point (AP) of a Wi-Fi network or with a network controller, e.g., according to Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Z-Wave.

[0100] Embodiments of the measuring device 100 can acquire the electrical measured value in a decentralized manner and forward it to a central acquisition system via the output interface 116. For example, the forwarded measurement results are protected against misuse by a signature or encryption, so that the delivered values ​​are trustworthy. The measuring device 100 itself can meet a certification that attests to a particular trustworthiness, for example, in accordance with Directive 2004 / 22 / EC or its successor Directive 2014 / 32 / EU on measuring instruments, also known in technical terms as the "Measuring Instruments Directive" (MID). Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device 100 and / or data packets sent via the output interface 116 can, for example, meet a national approval in accordance with the type examination certificate of the determined rules and findings of the Rule Determination Committee pursuant to Section 46 of the Measurement and Verification Act, Chapter 6.2.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, a possible embodiment of the output interface 116 can comprise a display capable of displaying the measurement result based on the electrical measurement variable measured via the plug contacts 110. This display 116 is designed to visualize the measurement result directly on its surface. The display 116 can be configured to show the result in the form of text, numbers, or graphics. For example, the display 116 can comprise an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an LED display (for example with organic light-emitting diodes, OLEDs). The display 116 can be attached directly to the measuring device 100 or connected to the measuring device 100 via a connection, such as a cable connection or a wireless connection.Alternatively or additionally, the display 116 may use numbers, letters, symbols, or other forms of visualization to represent the measured data. This display 116 may additionally have customizable settings to vary the way measurement result data is displayed or to provide additional information, such as measurement ranges, tolerances, or units.

[0102] A conventional wired measuring device must provide connection terminals for wiring at opposite ends. In contrast, in a variant of each embodiment described herein, the plug-on measuring device 100 overlies connection terminals 212, 214 (e.g., operating elements for opening or closing the connection terminals 212, 214) on a first side 202 (front side) of the at least one terminal block 200. Thus, the measuring device 100 can have a larger display area 116 than directly wired conventional measuring devices, which require space for connection terminals or their operating elements to the side next to a display. For example, a transverse dimension 118 of the measuring device 100 is larger than a transverse dimension of the front side of the at least one terminal block 200.

[0103] The device 100 is a measuring device (preferably for current, optionally also for voltage, power, or energy) that can be plugged onto one or more terminal blocks. The at least one terminal block 200 can be mechanically (preferably reversibly) connected or connectable to a support rail 208 (e.g., a top-hat rail) on a second side 204 (e.g., the support rail side) opposite the first side 202 (e.g., the socket side on which the sockets 210 are arranged). For example, the second side 204 has a recess in which the support rail 208 is or can be arranged. The recess can have at least one latching edge or a locking mechanism for positive connection to edges of the support rail 208.

[0104] Preferably, the plug contacts 110 of the measuring device 100 fit into the sockets (for example, existing bridge sockets for bridging using plug-in bridges) of terminal blocks 200, which can be mechanically fastened to a support rail 208, for example, a top-hat rail (and, if necessary, also electrically connected to the support rail 208 for grounding). This means that an embodiment of the measuring device 100 according to the invention is advantageously plugged or pluggable into the sockets 210 of the terminal blocks provided for bridging adjacent terminal blocks 200. The at least one terminal block can be designed, for example, according to German patent DE 10 2006 052894 B4.

[0105] By using at least two (preferably adjacent) terminal blocks, at least three poles can be contacted by the plugged-in measuring device 100. For example, a pair of two plug contacts 110 can be plugged or pluggable into a terminal block. In particular, two pairs, each with two plug contacts 110, can each contact two terminal blocks. The current to be measured can flow via a first pair of the two pairs. The measuring device 100 can tap a reference potential at a first plug contact 110 of the second pair for measuring the voltage (for example, at one of the plug contacts 110 of the first pair). The second plug contact 110 of the second pair can be a protective contact of the measuring device 100.

[0106] An alternating voltage can be applied to the plug contacts 110 or an alternating current can flow through the plug contacts 110, for example as the measured variable. The supply circuit 114 can comprise a rectifier. Alternatively or additionally, the supply circuit 114 can comprise a transformer power supply or a switched-mode power supply, which is electrically connected on the input side to at least two of the plug contacts 110 and / or is electrically connected on the output side to the measuring circuit and / or the output interface. The switched-mode power supply can be a buck converter (step-down converter), a boost converter (step-up converter), a buck-boost converter (for example, an inverse converter), a flyback converter (flyback converter), or a forward converter (single-ended forward converter). The switched-mode power supply of the supply circuit can comprise an oscillating circuit and a switch switched by the oscillating circuit (for example, a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor, MOSFET).The switch of the supply circuit 114 can be switched at a frequency that is several times greater than the frequency of the alternating voltage or the alternating current.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, the supply circuit 114 comprises a rectifier circuit that generates a constant DC voltage from an AC voltage source applied to at least two of the plug contacts 110, followed by a capacitor-filter circuit and a voltage regulator for an operating voltage of the measuring circuit 112.

[0108] The rectifier circuit can comprise a bridge rectifier with four diodes that convert the negative half-wave of the AC voltage into a positive one. This pulsed DC voltage still contains peaks and valleys, which are smoothed by the capacitor-filter circuit. A capacitor placed after the rectifier can serve as such a filter.

[0109] The voltage regulator is connected to the output of the capacitor-filter circuit to ensure a stable DC output voltage as the operating voltage. The voltage regulator operates by automatically regulating the amount of energy fed into the measuring device 100 to generate a constant operating voltage, independent of fluctuations in the input voltage or load, via the measuring circuit 112 and / or the output interface 116. The regulation of the voltage regulator can generate a signal that indicates the input voltage as the measured variable. In particular, the voltage regulator or other parts of the supply circuit 114 can also be part of the measuring circuit 112.

[0110] By using the terminal block 200 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1, an embodiment of a measuring system 100, 200 according to the second aspect results.

[0111] A corresponding measuring system 100, 200 comprising terminal blocks 200 and the measuring device 100 according to the first device aspect can be installed quickly and in a space-saving manner. For example, the mounting rail 208 (e.g., a top-hat rail) is equipped with at least one terminal block 200. This enables structured, labeled, and clear wiring of the necessary conductors via the at least one terminal block 200. The conductors are wired using the at least one terminal block or its current bars 206. Preferably, a control cabinet accommodating the measuring system 100, 200 is already functional in this state, with bridge rails possibly electrically connecting those current bars 206 in or between the terminal blocks 200 that are looped through the measuring device when the measuring device 100 is plugged in.In the next step, an embodiment of the measuring device 100 (e.g., one suitable for the application) is provided. The measuring device 100 is plugged onto the at least one terminal block 200. The measuring device 100 is now ready for operation and can operate after being switched on.

[0112] The example of the terminal block 200 shown in Fig. 1 comprises two current bars 206 extending in different, mutually parallel planes (preferably parallel to the mounting rail 208). Such terminal blocks 200 are also technically referred to as multi-level terminal blocks 200. Each current bar 206 electrically connects a pair 212, 214 of the connection terminals at opposite ends of the current bar 206.

[0113] In a first variant of the first embodiment, the measuring device 100 is designed to measure the current flowing between the current bars 206. In a second variant of the first embodiment, the measuring device 100 is designed to measure the voltage present between the current bars 206.

[0114] The terminal blocks 200 can each provide a label in spatial association with each terminal 212, 214 or have a label recess 216 for attaching a label. Optionally, the measuring device 100 can be installed over this label or label recess to facilitate a long display 216.

[0115] According to a first design option of each terminal block 200, in one variant of the first design option, the pairs of terminals 212, 214 are permanently electrically connected via the current bar 206 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 1). In another variant of the first design option, the pairs of terminals 212, 214 are electrically connected via the current bar 206 when no measuring device 100 is plugged in, and electrically separated when the measuring device 100 is plugged in (as shown, for example, in Fig. 6).

[0116] According to a second design option of each terminal block 200, which can be combined with the first design option, different sockets 210 are electrically connected to different current bars 206 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 1). In another variant, two (or more) of the sockets 210 are electrically connected to the same current bar 206 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 4 or 5).

[0117] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the measuring device 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment. While in the first exemplary embodiment the plug contacts 110 are arranged linearly, i.e., straight in a row, in the second exemplary embodiment the plug contacts 110 are arranged in two or more such rows. For example, each row of plug contacts 110 can correspond to a terminal block 200. This allows contact to be made with several terminal blocks 200 (for example, arranged adjacently on the mounting rail 208).

[0118] In a variant of the second embodiment, not all plug contacts 110 are arranged on a rectangular grid, or not all plug contacts 110 are present at all points within a rectangular grid. An L-shaped arrangement is an example of the latter.

[0119] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of an arrangement of several terminal blocks 200 on a support rail 208, which can be combined with embodiments of the measuring device 100 to form a measuring system 100, 200.

[0120] Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the measuring device 100 according to a third exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment illustrates the features of a single-level terminal block, for example, with only one current bar 206. Due to the lower overall height relative to the mounting rail 208, the overall height of the measuring system 100, 200 can be sufficiently low, for example, so that only the output interface 116 protrudes through a panel of the control cabinet.

[0121] Furthermore, the third embodiment shows by way of example the feature of two sockets 210, both of which are permanently electrically connected to the same current bar 206 and the same pair of connection terminals 212, 214.

[0122] Figs. 5 and 6 each show a schematic block diagram of the measuring device 100 according to a fourth embodiment, with Fig. 5 showing an unplugged state and Fig. 6 showing a plugged-in state of the measuring device 100. The same reference numerals may refer to the same, interchangeable, or functionally equivalent features of the other embodiments.

[0123] The at least one terminal block 200 can be a measuring terminal block or a test terminal block. A conductor (for example, an outer conductor or a neutral conductor) can be electrically connected via such a terminal block 200 when the measuring device 100 is not plugged in, and when the measuring device 100 is plugged in, the conductor can be looped through the measuring device to measure the current through the conductor.

[0124] As a result, compared to the use of two conventional terminal blocks 200 with a permanent electrical connection of the two sockets 210 (for example, as shown in Fig. 4), in which the current to be measured flows between the adjacent terminal blocks 200, a single measuring terminal block 200 is sufficient to measure the current (for example, one phase). This means that only half the installation space is required on the mounting rail 208 compared to conventional terminal blocks 200.

[0125] When the measuring device 100 is plugged in, the direct connection of the current bar 206 between the pair of connection terminals 212, 214 is interrupted by a switching contact, so that the current flows through the measuring device 100 via the two sockets 210 (i.e., the pair of sockets 210) of the same terminal block. When the measuring device 100 is removed, the sockets 210 (for the plug contacts 110 of the measuring device 100) can be electrically connected again within the measuring terminal block 200 by the (e.g., pre-tensioned) switching contact. For example, the electrical measuring system comprising the measuring terminal block 200 and the measuring device 100 can transition from a test mode (plugged-in state) to an operating mode (unplugged, i.e., removed state).

[0126] In the case of long-term measurements, after the measuring device 100 has been plugged in, as shown in Fig. 6 only by way of example using the fourth exemplary embodiment, the measuring device 100 can be sealed. For this purpose, a housing of the measuring device 100 has a hole 120 for a sealing wire. Accordingly, the terminal block 200 has at least one sealing hole 220 for the sealing wire to pass through. The sealing wire guided through the holes 120 and 220 of the measuring device 100 and the terminal block 200 is secured by a seal. The sealing holes 120 and 220 are preferably adjacent to the plug contacts 110 and the sockets 210, respectively, to secure their plug connections.

[0127] In each embodiment, the arrangement of the plug contacts 110 can be adapted to the spacing between sockets 210 (e.g., the jumper sockets) on the at least one terminal block 200 (e.g., in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support rail 208). For multiple terminal blocks 200, the arrangement of the plug contacts 110 is adapted to the spacing or width of the terminal blocks (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the support rail 208), i.e., adapted to the spacing between sockets of different (e.g., adjacent) terminal blocks 200.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, in each embodiment, the number of plug contacts 110 can be application-specific, for example, depending on the number of phases to be measured. Optionally (for example, also for a single-phase measurement), at least four (e.g., rectangularly arranged) plug contacts 110 form the plug face of the measuring device 100 in order to achieve the required mechanical holding forces and tilting moments for secure installation of the measuring device 100.

[0129] Preferably, a pair of plug contacts 110 is looped through the measuring circuit 112 for direct measurement (e.g., for each phase to be measured). Direct measurement is therefore based on a galvanic contact (i.e., a galvanic coupling) in contrast to an inductively coupled measurement (e.g., using a Rogowski coil).

[0130] While the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 can be used to measure voltage, two such (e.g., adjacent) terminal blocks 200 can supply or discharge the current to be measured. In other words, the current of a conductor (e.g., an outer conductor) between adjacent terminal blocks 200 can be looped through the measuring device 100 and measured, for example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. For this purpose, two conventional terminal blocks 200 can be used unconventionally on one side only, for example, by wiring the first terminal block 200 to only one connection terminal 212 (e.g., from "above") and wiring the second terminal block 200 to only the opposite connection terminal 214 (e.g., from "below").

[0131] The measuring device (e.g., measuring circuit 212) may use one pole of the neutral conductor for its own power supply. For example, the neutral conductor may conventionally be connected by a busbar between terminal blocks 200 and not accessible via a receptacle (i.e., for the jumpers or the measuring device 100). In this example, terminal block 200 may be wired so that the neutral conductor, normally connected at a level closer to the support rail 208 ("lower"), is placed on the level accessible via a receptacle 210.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing is implemented as a digital sealing. For this purpose, information about the digital sealing is stored in a memory in the measuring device 100. Corresponding information is stored in a memory of the terminal block 200. The sealing can be based on an exchange of an identifier of the module and / or an identifier of the terminal block, for example, during initial plugging. If the received identifier does not match the identifier previously stored (e.g., during initial plugging), the measuring device (e.g., a microcontroller) can be configured to discontinue operation, for example, interrupt the looped conductors and / or output a warning message via the output interface 116 (e.g., to the central recording system). These identifiers can be specially protected against changes, for example, by upstream authentication.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device 100 is MID-compliant (for Measuring Instruments Directive). Accordingly, at least one (for example, time-integrated) energy quantity (for example, in kWh) is displayed on the display at the output interface 116, and the current power (for example, in kW) is output via a pulse LED at the output interface 116. The pulses can be proportional to the output power. The pulse LED and the display can be checked externally by a user. The display, the pulse LED, and any control elements are components of the output interface 116 of the measuring device 100. Alternatively, they can also be separate components, for example, an application ('app') executed by a portable mobile device.

[0134] Fig. 7 shows a schematic connection side view of an example of a terminal block 200, which can be combined with any embodiment of the measuring device 100. A conductor is connected to one of the connection terminals (Fig. 7 shows the connection terminal 214).

[0135] As shown schematically in the top view of Fig. 8, the terminal block 200 can have operating elements (here push buttons marked with an X) for opening one of the connection terminals 212 and 214 on the first side of the terminal block 200.

[0136] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the example of the terminal block 200, showing the connection terminal 214 and one of the sockets 210. Labeling locations 216 are provided at the lateral ends of the first side. Fig. 10 schematically shows the example of the terminal block 200 viewed perpendicularly toward the partition wall, where several terminal blocks 200 can be adjacent to one another.

[0137] Fig. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of the measuring device 100 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. The housing of the measuring device 100 has locking elements that can interact with recesses in the housing of the terminal block. For example, the locking elements of the measuring device can be designed to interact with the labeling recesses 216 of the terminal block 200, for example, for a releasable positive connection. This makes it possible to achieve a tilt-stable mechanical connection between the measuring device 100 and the at least one terminal block 200, for example because the locking elements located at a distance from the plug connection 110, 210 at the edge of the first side 102, 202 can transmit a high tilting moment.

[0138] Figs. 12-15, 16-19, and 20-23 each schematically show exemplary embodiments of a sequence of the disconnected state of the current bars 206 in the at least one terminal block 200 and the plugged-in state of the plug contacts 110 of the measuring device 100. The schematically shown plug contacts 110 are preferably arranged in different planes. For example, a maximum of two plug contacts 110 are arranged in each plane.

[0139] A first embodiment of Fig. 12-15 relates to a system with a measuring device 100 and at least one terminal block 200, i.e. a measuring device-terminal block plug-in system, for single-phase monitoring with 3-pole contacting, i.e. with 3 plug-in contacts 110. The first embodiment enables measurement of the current and the voltage (and thus the power) for one phase (PH), i.e. for 2 conductors (W for "Wire") or 2 current bars, namely an outer conductor L and a neutral conductor N. The network form (also: network type) in this case is "1 PH2W11" for 1 phase (PH), 2 conductors (W) and 1 current measurement (I).

[0140] A second embodiment of Figs. 16-19 relates to a 4-pole contact (in the plugged-in state of Fig. 18), i.e., with 4 plug-in contacts 110. The second embodiment enables the measurement of the current (I) (and the voltage, and thus the power) for 1 phase (PH) in each of the 2 conductors (W) or current bars, namely in one outer conductor L and one neutral conductor N. The network configuration in this case is "1 PH2W2I" for 3 phases (PH), 2 conductors (W), and 2 current measurements (I). Optionally (due to the complete current measurement in the measuring device 100), the measuring device 100 is configured to monitor a fault current, for example, as the difference between the magnitudes or the correct-sign sum of the two currents in the outer conductor L and the neutral conductor N. This offsetting of the currents can be part of the measuring principle, for example, by superimposing the magnetic fields of the two currents.

[0141] A third embodiment of Fig. 20-23 enables the monitoring of three phases. In principle, in polyphase systems, e.g., three phases (L1, L2, L3) based on four conductors or four current bars (namely, three outer conductors L and one neutral conductor N), different numbers of monitoring points can be tapped by the measuring device 100 or looped through the measuring device 100. For example, the measured variable can comprise the three measured currents of the three phases. The network configuration in this case is "3PH4W3I" for three phases (PH), four conductors (W), and three current measurements (I). Alternatively, in the "3PH4W4I" network configuration with additional measurement of the current in the neutral conductor, the measuring device 100 can be configured to monitor a fault current. Furthermore, alternatively, for a symmetrical three-phase load (e.g., a three-phase motor), the current and / or power measurement can be reduced to one of the phases.The network configuration in this case is "3PH4W11" for 3 phases (PH), 4 conductors (W) and 1 current measurement (I).

[0142] The states schematically shown in the figures of each of the three exemplary embodiments are states of the measuring device-terminal-block plug-in system as a finite state machine (FSM) or steps of a method for mounting the measuring device 100 on the at least one terminal block 200.

[0143] In an initial state (for example Fig. 12, 16 or 20) of the respective embodiment, the current bars 206 between each pair of the connection terminals 212 and 214 are continuously electrically conductive, ie the respective current bar 206 connects the associated connection terminals 212 and 214 in an electrically conductive manner.

[0144] In a preparatory state (e.g., Fig. 13, 17, or 21) of the respective exemplary embodiment, the current bars 206 between each pair of connection terminals 212 and 214, whose current is to be measured directly (i.e., conducted by the measuring device 100), are manually or automatically separated (i.e., not electrically conductive). This is also referred to as opening the terminal block 100. For example, the separation is between two sockets 210, which each contact the current bar 206. In other words, each of the two sockets 210 is electrically conductively connected to one of the two connection terminals 212 and 214 via the part of the current bar 206 created by the separation.

[0145] In one operating mode (i.e., the plugged-in state, for example, Fig. 14, 18, or 22) of the respective exemplary embodiment, the plug contacts 110 are plugged into the sockets 210. Thus, for each pair of plug contacts 110, one of the plug contacts 110 is electrically connected to one of the two connection terminals 212 and 214 via the respective socket 210 and the part of the current bar 206.

[0146] In a variant of each embodiment, the separation process from the preparation state and the plugged-in state for the operating mode can occur in one step, for example, by opening the movable portions 207 of the current bar 206 (for example, as shown in Fig. 6) from the pair of plug contacts 110. In such a variant, the separation is, for example, between two plug contacts 110, each of which contacts the current bar 206. In other words, each of the two plug contacts 110 is electrically connected to one of the two connection terminals 212 and 214 via the part created by the separation.

[0147] If the measurement is temporary, the measuring device 100 can be removed from the at least one terminal block 200. This allows the initial state to be reached again (for example, according to Figs. 15, 19, or 23), if necessary after manually switching the at least one terminal block 200 from the disconnected state of the current bar 206 to the connected state.

[0148] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular measurement situation or terminal block arrangement or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0149] List of reference symbols

[0150] 100 Electrical measuring device

[0151] 102 First page of the measuring device

[0152] 104 Second side of the measuring device

[0153] 110 plug contacts

[0154] 112 measuring circuit

[0155] 114 Supply circuit

[0156] 116 Output interface

[0157] 118 Cross dimension of the display

[0158] 120 Through-hole in measuring device for sealing wire

[0159] 200 terminal blocks

[0160] 202 First side (front side) of the terminal block

[0161] 204 Second side of the terminal block

[0162] 206 current bars

[0163] 208 mounting rail, for example top hat rail

[0164] 210 terminal block sockets

[0165] 212 Supply terminal

[0166] 214 Outgoing connection terminal

[0167] 216 Label recess

[0168] 218 Cross dimension of the front side (first side) of the terminal block

[0169] 220 Through-hole in terminal block for sealing wire

Claims

Patent claims 1. An electrical measuring device (100), comprising: mutually parallel plug contacts (110) on a first side (102) of the measuring device (100), which are plugged or pluggable into sockets (210) of at least one terminal block (200) for measuring an electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block (200); a measuring circuit (112) designed to measure the electrical measurement variable of the at least one terminal block (200) via the plug contacts (110); a supply circuit (114) designed to supply the measuring circuit (112) with electrical energy absorbed via the plug contacts (110); and an output interface (116) designed to output a measurement result based on the electrical measurement variable measured via the plug contacts (110).

2. Electrical measuring device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mutually parallel plug contacts (110) on the first side (102) of the measuring device (100) are designed to mechanically connect the measuring device (100) to the at least one series terminal (200) in the plugged-in state and / or to each establish an electrically conductive connection to at least one current bar (206) of the at least one series terminal (200).

3. Electrical measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of at least two of the mutually parallel plug contacts (110) on the first side (102) of the measuring device (100) is plugged or pluggable into a different one of at least two sockets (210) of a terminal block (200).

4. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two of the mutually parallel plug contacts (110) on the first Side (102) of the measuring device (100) are plugged or pluggable into the sockets (210) of at least two terminal blocks (200) arranged adjacently on a support rail (208).

5. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical measurement variable comprises an electrical voltage between at least two of the plug contacts (110).

6. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrical measurement variable comprises a current flowing between two of the plug contacts (110).

7. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plug contacts (110) project on the first side (102) of the measuring device (100) and the output interface (106) has a display on a second side (104) of the measuring device (100) facing away from the first side (102), which display is designed to display the electrical measurement variable of the measurement and / or wherein a transverse dimension (118) of the electrical measuring device (100), optionally a display of the output interface (116), is greater than a transverse dimension (218) of an end face (202) of the at least one terminal block (200) having the sockets (210).

8. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical measuring device (100), optionally one or two of the plug contacts (110), is or are designed to, in the plugged-in state, form a current bar (206) in the at least one series terminal (200). interrupt, which in the unplugged state electrically connects two connection terminals (212, 214), optionally wherein in the plugged state each of the two plug contacts (110) is electrically connected to a different one of the two connection terminals (212, 214).

9. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supply circuit (114) is designed to receive the electrical energy via the plug contacts (110), wherein one of the plug contacts (110) is connected to a neutral conductor and another of the plug contacts (110) is electrically conductively connected to an outer conductor.

10. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein two of the plug contacts (110) are electrically conductively connected both to the supply circuit (114) for receiving the electrical energy and to the measuring circuit (112) for measuring an electrical voltage as the electrical measurement variable, or wherein two of the plug contacts (110) are electrically conductively connected to the supply circuit (114), which comprises a voltage regulator for providing an operating voltage, wherein the voltage regulator, as a functional part of the measuring circuit (112), provides a signal which indicates an electrical voltage of the two plug contacts (110) as the electrical measurement variable.

11. Electrical measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the result of the measurement comprises an electrical power or energy based on a measured current and a measured voltage as the electrical measurement quantity, optionally wherein the measuring circuit (112) is designed to measure the electrical voltage between a first plug contact (110) and a second Plug contact (110) of the plug contacts (110) and to measure the electrical current between the first plug contact (110) and a third plug contact (110) of the plug contacts (110) different from the second plug contact (110).

12. Electrical measuring device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the first plug contact (110) and the second plug contact (110) are plugged or can be plugged into a first terminal block (200) and the third plug contact (110) are plugged or can be plugged into a second terminal block (200) different from the first terminal block (200), and / or wherein the first plug contact (110) and the third plug contact (110) are plugged or can be plugged into a first terminal block (200) and the second plug contact (110) are plugged or can be plugged into a second terminal block (200) different from the first terminal block (200), and / or wherein the first plug contact (110), the second plug contact (110) and the third plug contact (110) are arranged in an L-shape on the first side (102), and / or wherein a fourth plug contact (110) of the plug contacts (110) is a protective contact.

13. Electrical measuring system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the measuring device (100) comprises a sealing device for sealing the measuring device (100) to the at least one terminal block (200), wherein the sealing comprises a mechanical sealing, optionally with a through-hole in a housing of the measuring device (100) for establishing a secure connection by means of a sealed sealing wire, and / or wherein the sealing comprises a digital sealing, optionally wherein the sealing device is designed to send an identifier to the at least one terminal block or via the output interface (116) when the measuring device (100) is plugged onto the at least one terminal block (200).

14. An electrical measuring system (100, 200), comprising: at least one terminal block (200) arranged or arrangeable on a support rail (208) with an insulating housing in which at least one current bar (206) with sockets (210) for receiving plug contacts (110) extends; and an electrical measuring device (100) with mutually parallel plug contacts (110) that are plugged or pluggable into the sockets of the at least one terminal block (200) for measuring an electrical measured variable of the at least one terminal block (200).

15. The electrical measuring system (100, 200) according to claim 14, wherein one or each terminal block (200) has at least two connection terminals (212, 214) per current bar (206), and wherein the sockets (210) of the at least one terminal block (200) are arranged between the at least two connection terminals (212, 214) of the respective terminal block (200); and / or wherein the at least one terminal block (200) comprises a switching contact between parts of a current bar (206) or between two current bars (206), which, when no plug contact (110) is plugged into the sockets (210), electrically connects the two parts or both current bars (206), and which, when a plug contact (110) is plugged into at least one of the sockets (210), electrically separates the two parts or both current bars (206); and / or wherein the electrical measuring device (100) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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