Electrical device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (4) comprising a housing (10) and a functional component (26) which is located therein and comprises a bushing (44). The housing (10) has an opening (38) which covers the bushing (44), with the opening (38) being lined with a sealing element (40). The invention also relates to an assembly (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Electrical device

[0003] The invention relates to an electrical device comprising a housing and a functional component arranged therein. Furthermore, the invention relates to an assembly comprising two electrical devices.

[0004] Distribution boxes or control cabinets are typically used to connect a wide variety of actuators. These usually contain a feed-in module or power supply unit that is connected to a main line that runs into the distribution box. Several electrical devices are then electrically connected to the feed-in module. For this purpose, the distribution box (distribution cabinet) usually contains several busbars to which the corresponding electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, switches, or fuses, are electrically connected. Subcircuits are electrically connected to the main line via the electrical devices, with the actuators being assigned to the subcircuits. The electrical devices enable the electrical current carried by the respective subcircuit to be controlled.The distribution cabinet typically includes a lockable door through which the individual electrical devices located within the cabinet can be installed and / or operated. The door prevents unauthorized access and also provides contact protection. Thus, the requirement for contact protection or similar devices for individual electrical devices is comparatively low.

[0005] If the wiring takes place in a relatively unprotected environment, such as outdoors, it is necessary that it meets a certain protection class, usually IP 65 or IP 67. In this case, the distribution box is usually designed according to the protection class, especially since the elements arranged inside, such as the busbars, are relatively unprotected. It is therefore necessary, on the one hand, to design the individual openings for the main connection and for the secondary circuits according to the respective desired protection class. Furthermore, it is necessary to design the door according to the protection class, for which all-round sealing elements are usually provided. To ensure that the door rests positively against the sealing elements, the door must be designed to be relatively stable, which leads to increased costs and increased weight.The installation of individual electrical devices within the distribution box is also comparatively time-consuming. Furthermore, after opening the door, for example, during maintenance and / or reconfiguration of the wiring, it is always necessary to ensure that the seal is restored.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable electrical device and a particularly suitable assembly, wherein assembly is advantageously simplified and safety is expediently increased.

[0007] With regard to the electrical device, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and with regard to the assembly by the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The electrical device has a housing and a functional component arranged in the housing. The housing is expediently made at least partially from a plastic or a metallic material, and by means of this, protection of the functional component is preferably realized. By means of the functional component, in particular at least one or all of the functions of the electrical device are provided. The functional component is in particular designed such that the corresponding function is realized during operation. The electrical device, in particular the functional component, expediently has one or more electrical / electronic components for this purpose. The functional component suitably has one or more printed circuit boards to which the corresponding components are attached, preferably soldered. This simplifies assembly and increases robustness.

[0009] In summary, an electrical function is preferably performed during operation by the electrical device. For this purpose, the electrical device comprises, for example, one or more electronic components, or expediently comprises only electrical components. In summary, the electrical device serves to perform an electrical function, in particular to influence an electrical current and / or an electrical voltage, for which the functional component is designed accordingly.

[0010] In particular, the electrical device is a circuit breaker or other protective element. The electrical device, in particular the functional component, comprises a switching element that is activated depending on certain conditions, such as a fault current, an overcurrent, and / or an overvoltage. The circuit breaker is, for example, merely mechanically or electrically configured. In particular, the switching element is designed either as a relay or a semiconductor switch. In one further development, the circuit breaker is configured as a combination of a mechanical and an electrical circuit breaker.

[0011] In a further alternative, the electrical device serves to provide functional safety and is thus in particular a so-called “safety component”. In a further alternative, the electrical device is, for example, a feed-in module, a feed-in module, a switched-mode power supply, a relay, a protective element, a switching device, a bus system / communication system component, a buffer component, a potential distributor, a current distributor, a circuit breaker or an I / O module. Depending on the design of the electrical device, the functional component is adapted so that the desired functionality is realized. For example, the electrical device is a stand-alone device which, for example, is designed as a single-pole or multi-pole, particularly when designed as a circuit breaker. In an alternative, the electrical device is designed as a series device which, for example, is single-pole or multi-pole.The electrical device is preferably a series-mounted electrical switching device or a modular device.

[0012] The functional component has a socket. Thus, the socket is arranged within the housing. The socket is, in particular, electrically conductive and suitably electrically contacted with other components of the functional component, expediently the electrical component and / or the printed circuit board, preferably a conductor track of the printed circuit board. In particular, the socket is made of a metal, for example, copper, brass, or aluminum. The socket is, in particular, hollow-cylindrical.

[0013] The housing has an opening that covers the socket. In this case, the socket is expediently designed to be round. In particular, the opening is concentric with an axis of the socket, or at least the axis of the socket pierces the opening. The opening and the socket are expediently offset from one another parallel to the axis. For example, the size of the opening is the same as the size of the socket, or one of them is larger. In summary, the socket and the opening are arranged in such a way that it is possible to insert a contact element into the housing through the opening from outside the housing, wherein the contact element is inserted into the socket upon further movement along the socket's axis.

[0014] The opening is lined with a sealing element. In particular, the sealing element is designed in the manner of an O-ring and expediently is formed by an O-ring or at least comprises one. For example, the sealing element has one or more sealing lips. Suitably, the sealing element is made of a rubber or elastomer, and the sealing element is, in particular, round. Expediently, the sealing element is designed to be circumferential and, for example, mechanically bears directly against the housing.

[0015] The opening allows contact to be made with the socket and thus the functional component from outside the housing, while the arrangement makes it possible to insert the contact element through the opening so that it enters the socket. This makes assembly comparatively simple. The sealing element ensures tightness, preventing the penetration of foreign particles and / or liquids through the opening when assembled. This increases safety. In addition, it is possible to change the wiring of the electrical device with other components by replacing the contact element accordingly, thus making maintenance and reconfiguration easier. Furthermore, the size of the sealing element is comparatively small, and it can be designed to be comparatively compact and lightweight, thus reducing weight and manufacturing costs.Suitably, the electrical device in the assembled state, in particular when the contact element, if any, is mounted, meets the requirements of IP 65 or IP 67. The housing, the sealing element and / or the contact element, if any, are equipped for this purpose.

[0016] In particular, the electrical device has a plurality of such sockets and corresponding openings, each of the openings being lined with a speaking sealing element. In particular, the openings, sockets, and / or sealing elements are structurally identical to one another, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Due to the plurality of openings, it is possible to perform various functions using the electrical device. In particular, the different sockets / openings are at least partially assigned electrical potentials and / or, for example, electrical ground. Alternatively or in combination with this, the socket or at least one of the sockets serves for the signaling connection to one or more additional components.

[0017] Preferably, the contact element is provided and is inserted into the opening. The contact element thus extends from the outside into the housing. For example, the contact element is spaced from the sealing element or rests against it via another component. However, it is particularly preferred that the contact element rests mechanically directly against the sealing element, wherein, for example, the sealing element is at least partially elastically deformed so that a sealing effect is improved. The contact element is suitably located in the socket so that, for example, electrical contact is made with the socket by means of the contact element, in particular if the contact element is at least partially electrically conductive. At the very least, however, the contact element is thus additionally stabilized by means of the socket.

[0018] For example, the contact element is a component of a blind plug, which is in particular electrically non-conductive, either completely or at least the part that is located outside the housing. Expediently, the blind plug is made in one piece and preferably from plastic. The blind plug closes the opening, preventing foreign particles from entering the housing via the opening, even when the socket is not in use. In an alternative, the contact element is, for example, a component of a plug-in bridge that is at least partially electrically conductive. In this case, the electrically conductive part is at least partially embedded in the socket and is led out of the housing via the opening, enabling electrical contact with the functional component from outside the housing.By replacing or adapting the jumper and / or exchanging it for the blind plug, it is possible to change the wiring of the electrical device with other components without requiring a comparatively extensive modification of the device itself. In particular, it is also not necessary to create additional passages through the housing. It is also possible, for example as part of a reconfiguration, to close an opening that is no longer used for electrical contact by means of the blind plug, which comprises the correspondingly designed contact element or is formed by means of it, so that a seal is once again realized, which leads to protection of the functional component. The invention further relates in particular to such a blind plug and to a corresponding jumper.For example, the contact element is designed in several parts and has, for example, a base body that is surrounded on the circumference by a metal casing, particularly in the area of ​​the sealing element. This increases robustness. Preferably, however, the contact element comprises a plastic body that rests against the sealing element. This prevents damage to the sealing element when the contact element is inserted into the opening. For example, the contact element is formed by the plastic body, particularly if this is designed as a blind plug or is a part thereof. If the contact element is a component of the plug-in bridge, a metallic pin, in particular, is at least partially surrounded by the plastic body, with a free end of the pin lying in the socket when assembled.The pin is expediently formed by one end of a U-shaped conductor, with the other end also expediently forming a pin of a further contact element. The plug-in bridge thus has two contact elements, each of which is assigned a part of the conductor. The two free ends of the conductor, namely the respective pins, are each located in a socket of two different corresponding electrical devices, with the conductor being guided through one of the openings in each of the two electrical devices. In particular, the two contact elements of the plug-in bridge are each assigned a plastic body, which are preferably molded onto one another and by means of which the part of the conductor arranged at least outside the two housings is surrounded. The plastic body is expediently electrically insulating, so that contact protection is realized.In an alternative design, instead of the plastic body, a body made of glass or ceramic is used.

[0019] For example, the outer diameter of the contact element, in particular outside the housing, is equal to the diameter of the opening. This reduces weight. However, the contact element particularly preferably has a collar that projects beyond the opening and rests against the outside of the housing. In other words, the diameter of the contact element is larger than the diameter of the opening, at least in the area of ​​the collar. On the one hand, the collar prevents excessive insertion of the contact element into the opening, which could, for example, lead to destruction or damage to the functional component, such as detachment of the socket from any circuit board. On the other hand, the direct contact with the housing provides a type of labyrinth seal, which further increases tightness and reduces the demands on the sealing element. This reduces manufacturing costs.In particular, the collar is a component of the plastic body, which simplifies design and manufacture.

[0020] For example, the contact element simply lies loosely in the socket or opening and is stabilized and held in the desired position, for example, solely by the sealing element. However, the contact element is particularly preferably held on the housing and, in particular, releasably fastened there. In this way, the contact element itself is stabilized by the housing, not just by the sealing element, which increases robustness. This also improves the sealing effect, particularly if the collar or other structural measures are present. The releasable fastening in particular creates a frictional connection between the contact element and the housing or at least another component of the electrical device, which increases tightness. Due to the releasable fastening, it is always possible to subsequently change the wiring of the electrical device with other components.

[0021] For example, the contact element is screwed to the housing. However, the contact element is particularly preferably fixed to the housing. This makes it easier to establish the mechanical connection between them and, in particular, can be done without tools, which reduces assembly time and simplifies assembly. For example, the contact element has a plurality of locking elements. The housing particularly preferably comprises a locking tongue by means of which the contact element is locked. When the contact element is guided through the opening, in particular when it is inserted into the socket, the locking tongue engages behind the contact element, preferably any plastic body, so that a frictional connection is created between the contact element and the outside of the housing. This prevents the contact element from becoming accidentally detached. The engagement behind the contact element simplifies the design of the contact element.Releasing the locking connection is also easier because the locking tongue is essentially freely accessible. Since the housing incorporates the locking tongue, the weight of the contact element is also reduced, thus facilitating installation. Furthermore, it is possible to design the locking tongue relatively robustly and with a relatively large rear grip without compromising the mechanical integrity of the contact element. In one alternative, for example, the contact element has a groove or notch into which the locking tongue rests at the end.

[0022] For example, the sealing element is injected into the housing, and during manufacture of the electrical device a plastic is injected around the sealing element, by means of which the housing is subsequently formed. Alternatively, for example, an inner wall of the opening has a groove or channel into which the sealing element is inserted during manufacture. However, the housing particularly preferably comprises an upper housing part which has a recess. The sealing element is inserted into the recess, and the recess is filled in particular by the sealing element. In addition, the housing comprises a cover element which is expediently made of a plastic, preferably of the same material as the upper housing part. The sealing element is covered by the cover element, and the cover element is fastened to the upper housing part.Thus, the sealing element is located at least partially between the housing upper part and the cover element, and the opening is formed by means of the cover element. On the one hand, the sealing element is protected by the cover element, which increases robustness. On the other hand, there are essentially no restrictions on the design of the sealing element, and it can be relatively inelastic and / or large, while still allowing for relatively simple assembly.

[0023] For example, the cover element is welded to the upper housing part or preferably glued thereto, which facilitates production. Preferably, the locking tongue or another locking element is present, by means of which the contact element is secured in the assembled state. The locking element is expediently fastened to the cover element, preferably molded onto it and formed integrally with it. Thus, if, for example, the locking element such as the locking tongue is damaged, only the cover element needs to be replaced, but not the entire upper housing part. For example, the recess is located on a side of the upper housing part facing the environment, i.e. in particular on the outside. This facilitates production, in particular the attachment of the sealing element and the cover element.Alternatively, the recess and the cover element are arranged on the interior-facing side of the housing top, particularly on the inside. Thus, they are protected by the housing part, which increases robustness.

[0024] For example, the cover element rests on the upper housing part and thus projects beyond it. However, the upper housing part particularly preferably has a depression into which the recess is made. In this case, the cover element lies in the depression. This prevents the cover element from becoming detached, even if the housing comes into contact with other components, and the cover element is at least partially protected. Particularly preferably, the depression is filled by the cover element, which increases robustness and tightness. In particular, the cover element is flush with an upper side of the housing part, which is why damage, such as detachment of the cover element from the upper housing part, is essentially avoided, even if the housing is used improperly.

[0025] If there are multiple openings, for example, a corresponding cover element is assigned to each of the openings. However, it is particularly preferred for all openings and all sealing elements to be assigned the same cover element, with multiple openings thus being formed by means of the cover element. This simplifies production. The depression is preferably present, and all recesses are made in the depression. For example, the housing is designed as a single piece or at least is closed all the way around, and this is manufactured in particular after the functional component has been arranged. However, it is particularly preferred for the housing to comprise a housing shell, which is designed in particular in a pot-shaped manner. The housing shell, in turn, is closed by means of a cover which is fastened to the housing shell.Thus, by removing the cover from the housing shell, or at least before attaching the cover to the housing shell, the functional component can be positioned, which facilitates manufacturing. For example, the cover is permanently connected to the housing shell, e.g., welded, which improves sealing. However, the cover is particularly preferably detachably mounted on the housing shell, allowing subsequent inspection, replacement, and / or repair of the functional component. Preferably, the cover is screwed to the housing shell, for which purpose one or, expediently, several screws are used.

[0026] Suitably, a further sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the cover and the housing shell so that a seal is also achieved despite the detachable connection. In particular, the cover has a circumferential groove into which the O-ring is inserted so that it is not displaced or detached when the cover is mounted on the housing shell. For example, the upper housing part is present, which is formed, for example, by the cover. Particularly preferably, however, the upper housing part is formed by the housing shell, and the upper housing part is formed by the base of the pot-shaped housing shell, or this at least comprises the base. For example, the opening is introduced into the base of the housing shell and / or a side of the housing shell opposite the cover. This simplifies the arrangement of the functional component, particularly if it comprises a printed circuit board.

[0027] The housing shell suitably comprises a power connector or the like, which is incorporated into a wall of the housing shell. The power connector comprises, in particular, a feedthrough into which a cable is inserted or at least plugged. Preferably, the power connector is electrically connected to the functional component, thus enabling electrical contact with the functional component.

[0028] The assembly comprises two electrical devices, each with a housing containing a functional component. Each functional component includes a socket, and the respective housing has an opening that covers the associated socket. Each opening is lined with a sealing element. For example, the functional components of the two electrical devices may be the same or they may be different.

[0029] The functional components are electrically connected by means of a plug-in bridge having two contact elements. Each contact element has a metal pin, each of which is guided through one of the openings. In particular, one of the contact elements is a component of the respective electrical device through whose openings it is guided, wherein the contact element is detachably connected to the other components of the respective electrical device. Each pin is inserted at its end into the associated socket, and the two pins are electrically connected to one another outside the two housings. The pins are preferably formed by a common, essentially U-shaped conductor.The conductor is expediently surrounded by a plastic in the area located outside the housing, which preferably at least partially forms a plastic body for the respective contact element. The plastic body is expediently electrically insulating, thus providing protection against contact. In an alternative, glass or ceramic is used instead of the plastic.

[0030] Preferably, the two electrical devices lie against one another and are expediently stabilized against one another, which increases robustness. Suitably, the electrical devices, preferably their housings, are structurally identical, which is why identical parts can be used. For example, each electrical device has only a single opening. Alternatively, there are several corresponding openings, for example. In this case, a pair is expediently formed from one or more openings in one of the housings and one opening in each of the other housing, each of which is assigned a corresponding plug-in bridge. For example, one or more of the openings is closed off by means of a blanking plug, so that the sockets of the electrical devices assigned to these openings are not in electrical contact with one another.

[0031] For example, the assembly may comprise only the two electrical devices or several electrical devices. In particular, the assembly can be flexibly expanded to include additional electrical devices. To change the wiring, a contact element formed by a dummy plug is replaced by a contact element that is part of a jumper, or vice versa. The assembly preferably forms, at least in part, a power distribution system.

[0032] The further developments and advantages explained in connection with the electrical device are also to be transferred analogously to the assembly / the blind plug / the jumper as well as to each other and vice versa.

[0033] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly with several electrical devices,

[0035] Fig. 2 perspective in an exploded view of one of the electrical

[0036] Devices,

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a blind plug forming a contact element,

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a jumper having two modified contact elements, and

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a section of the assembly.

[0040] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly 2 comprising a total of six electrical devices 4. One of the electrical devices 4 is a feed-in module 6, and the remaining electrical devices 4 are circuit breakers 8. A row is formed by the electrical devices 4, with the feed-in module 6 being arranged essentially centrally. The assembly 2 forms a power distribution system.

[0041] The electrical devices 4 are essentially of similar construction, and Figure 2 shows an exploded view of one of the electrical devices 4, namely one of the circuit breakers 8. The electrical device 4 has a substantially cuboid-shaped housing 10 having a pot-shaped housing shell 12. This is made of a plastic, and the opening of the housing shell 12 is closed by a cover 14. The cover 14 is made of the same plastic and has a circumferential groove 16 on the side facing the housing shell 12. Inserted into the groove 16 is a further sealing element 18, namely an O-ring, which is essentially rectangular in shape and rests against the end face of the opening in the housing shell 12. In an alternative embodiment, the further sealing element 18 is injection-molded into the housing 10.The cover 14 is attached to the housing shell 12 by means of several screws 20. In a variant not shown, other connection techniques, such as a snap connection, are used. In summary, the housing 10 thus has the housing shell 12, which is cup-shaped and thus encloses the opening. In other words, the housing shell 12 has the opening, which, in the assembled state, is closed by the cover 14, which is attached to the housing shell 12 by means of the screws 20.

[0042] A cutout 22 is provided in a wall of the housing shell 12 adjacent to the cover 14, into which a power connector 24 is inserted. The power connector 24 serves to connect a functional component 26 arranged within the housing 10 to an electrical cable (not shown in detail). In the case of the circuit breaker 8, the cable is connected to a secondary circuit, which is protected by the associated circuit breaker 8. In the case of the feed-in module 6, the cable represents a main power connection, via which the secondary circuits are supplied with power.

[0043] In the example shown, the functional component 26 has two printed circuit boards 28 to which several electrical and / or electronic components (not shown in detail) are attached and connected by means of which. The two printed circuit boards 28 are electrically contacted with the power connection 24. The respective function of the electrical device 4 is provided by means of the functional component 26, in particular the connections realized by means of the printed circuit boards 28. In the case of the circuit breaker 8, the printed circuit boards 28 have a switching element that is actuated when a certain electrical current, in particular an overcurrent or a short-circuit current, is exceeded, so that the power connection 24 is electrically separated from other components of the printed circuit board 28. In the case of the feed-in module 6, a power distribution is provided by means of the printed circuit boards 28.

[0044] The side of the housing shell 12 opposite the cover 14, namely the bottom of the housing shell 12, represents an upper housing part 29 that is molded onto the other walls of the housing shell 12. A further opening 30, into which a display element 32 is inserted, is provided in the upper housing part 29. By means of the display element 32, a status of the functional component 26 is signaled to a user during operation, so that the status of the functional component can be queried from outside the housing 10. In a variant not shown in detail, the display element 32 has an actuating element, such as a button, as an alternative to or in combination with the status indicators, thus forming an (integrated) functional element.

[0045] Furthermore, a substantially rectangular depression 34 is formed on the outside of the upper housing part 29, which represents a reduction in wall thickness. A total of eight recesses 36, arranged in two rows, are formed in the depression 34. The recesses 36 are annular and represent a further reduction in wall thickness. The identical recesses 36 each surround an opening 38, each of which is circular. A sealing element 40, namely an O-ring, is inserted into each of the recesses 36. Due to the recesses 36, the upper side of the sealing elements 40 is flush with the bottom of the depression 34.

[0046] A cover element 42 is inserted into the recess 34. This cover element is made of the same plastic as the upper housing part 29 and covers all of the sealing elements 40. The entire recess 34 is filled by the cover element 40, and this is flush with the upper housing part 29 on the outside. In summary, the housing 10, namely the housing shell 12, thus comprises the upper housing part 29 with the recess 34 into which the recesses 36 are made. One of the sealing elements 40 is inserted into each recess 36, and these are covered by the cover element 42, which lies in the recess 34. The cover element 42, in turn, is attached to the upper housing part 29 by means of adhesive. Recesses are also present in the cover element 42, so that the openings 38 are formed by means of it and are congruent with the corresponding parts of the upper housing part 29.

[0047] Each of the openings 38 covers a socket 44 of the functional component 26. The sockets 44 are structurally identical to one another and made of a single metal. Four of the sockets 4 are each attached to one of the circuit boards 28 and electrically connected to the electrical / electronic components arranged thereon. The sockets 44 are essentially hollow-cylindrical and have an axis that, when assembled, protrudes through one of the openings 38, which axis is concentric with the axis. In summary, each of the openings 38 covers one of the sockets 44, and the openings 38 are each lined with one of the sealing elements 40.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a blind plug 46 formed by a contact element 48. The contact element 48 consists of a plastic body 50 and is a plastic injection-molded part. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a plug-in bridge 52 comprising two metallic pins 54 that are parallel to one another and each form a component of a correspondingly configured contact element 48. In other words, the plug-in bridge 52 comprises two contact elements 48, each of which comprises one of the pins 54, as well as the plastic body 50, but which are integral with one another. The two pins 54 are formed by a conductor 56 that is U-shaped and partially embedded in the plastic body 50.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an enlarged section of assembly 2 in a sectional view, specifically a section of two of the electrical devices 4 arranged side by side. Here, one side of each of the two housing shells 12 mechanically abuts one another, and the two housing upper parts 29 are arranged in a common plane. The printed circuit boards 28 of the two electrical devices 4 are arranged parallel to one another, as are the rows of recesses 36 and openings 38.

[0050] One of the pins 54 of the same jumper 52 is inserted into each of the two directly adjacent openings 38 of the adjacent electrical devices 4 and inserted into the respective associated socket 44. Consequently, these sockets 44 of the two electrical devices 4, and thus the two different functional components 26, are electrically connected by means of the respective jumper 52, with a total of four such jumpers 52 being present.

[0051] In summary, one of the pins 54 is guided into each of the four openings 38 of the facing rows and inserted at the end into the respectively associated socket 44. Adjacent electrical devices 4 are each electrically connected by a total of four plug-in bridges 52. For this purpose, each plug-in bridge 52 comprises the U-shaped conductor 56, which is surrounded outside the housing 10 by the plastic bodies 50 of the two contact elements 48. The plastic bodies 50 are designed such that they also extend inside the respective opening 38, so that each plastic body 50 rests against the respectively associated sealing element 40. On the outside of the housing 10, the plastic bodies 50 are widened and each have a projecting collar 58, which rests on the outside of the housing 10, namely the cover element 42.Thus, a labyrinth seal is partially implemented there, and the sealing effect is improved by the respective sealing element 40, which lines the respective opening 38. In the example shown, the electrical devices 4 and thus also the complete assembly 2 meet a protection classification corresponding to IP 65 or IP 67, with the power connections 24 being designed accordingly.

[0052] Each opening 38 is assigned a locking tongue 60, which is integrally formed on the cover element 42. The locking tongues 60 extend perpendicular to the housing upper part 29 and are directed away from it. The locking tongues 60 engage behind the respective contact element 48, so that the respective contact element 48 is secured to the housing 10. Thus, the jumper 52 as a whole is secured to two different housings 10, and the contact elements 48 are each releasably held on the associated housing 10.

[0053] In the example shown, adjacent electrical devices are each connected by means of four jumpers 52, with each of the jumpers 52 carrying a different electrical potential. During operation, the electrical potentials are provided by the feed-in module 6 and are then conducted from there to the adjacent circuit breakers 8 via the jumpers 52. From these circuit breakers 8, the electrical potential is conducted to the other adjacent circuit breakers 8, for which purpose one of the sockets 44 of each circuit board 28 of the same circuit breaker 8 is electrically connected to one another with low resistance.

[0054] One of the eight blind plugs 46 is inserted into each of the openings 38 of the two outer circuit breakers 8, which are located on the outside and to which no other electrical device 4 is assigned. Thus, one of the contact elements 48 is also inserted into each of these openings 38, although here they are each formed solely by the plastic body 50. This likewise bears against the associated sealing element 40 and is inserted into the associated socket 44, so that each blind plug 46 is secured against tilting. These contact elements 48 and thus the blind plugs 46 are also each secured with one of the locking tongues 60, so that the contact element 48 is fastened to the housing 10. These plastic bodies 50 also each have the collar 58, which, due to rust, bears force-fittingly against the cover element 42 by means of the locking tongue 60, so that the labyrinth seal is also present here.Consequently, sealing is also achieved in the openings 38 not used for further wiring thanks to the blind plugs 46. In other words, despite the unused sockets 44, the sealing of the assembly 2 is not compromised. If another electrical device 4 is to be mounted, it is arranged next to one of the previously edge-mounted electrical devices 4, and its blind plug 46 is removed and replaced with a contact element 48 of another jumper 52.

[0055] In summary, in assembly 2, one of the contact elements 48 is inserted into each of the openings 38, which is either a component of one of the blanking plugs 46 or one of the jumpers 52. Each contact element 48, namely the respective plastic body 50, which has a different shape depending on whether the contact element 48 is a component of the blanking plug 46 or the jumper 52, rests against the respective sealing element 40. Each plastic body 50 also has the collar 58 projecting over the respective opening 38, which are structurally identical to one another and which rests on the outside of the respective housing 10. In assembly 2, the functional components 26 of two adjacent electrical devices 4 are electrically connected by means of the four respectively assigned jumpers 52, wherein each of the jumpers 52 has two of the contact elements 48.The contact elements 48 of each jumper 52 each comprise one of the metallic pins 54, which, in the assembled state, are guided into one of the openings 38 and are inserted at the end into the respectively associated socket 44. The pins 54 of the same jumper 52 are formed by means of the same conductor 56 and are thus electrically connected to one another outside the housing 10. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 2 assembly

[0058] 4 electrical device

[0059] 6 feed-in module

[0060] 8 circuit breakers

[0061] 10 housings

[0062] 12 Housing shell

[0063] 14 lids

[0064] 16 grooves

[0065] 18 additional sealing element

[0066] 20 screw

[0067] 22 Breakthrough

[0068] 24 power connection

[0069] 26 functional components

[0070] 28 circuit board

[0071] 29 Upper housing part

[0072] 30 further opening

[0073] 32 display element

[0074] 34 depression

[0075] 36 Deepening

[0076] 38 Opening

[0077] 40 Seal

[0078] 42 Cover element

[0079] 44 socket

[0080] 46 blind plugs

[0081] 48 contact element

[0082] 50 plastic bodies

[0083] 52 jumper

[0084] 54 pen

[0085] 56 ladders

[0086] 58 Bund

[0087] 60 locking tongue

Claims

Claims 1. Electrical device (4) with a housing (10) and a functional component (26) arranged therein, which comprises a socket (44), wherein the housing (10) has an opening (38) which covers the socket (44), wherein the opening (38) is lined with a sealing element (40).

2. Electrical device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that a contact element (48) is inserted into the opening (38) and rests against the sealing element (40).

3. Electrical device (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact element (48) has a plastic body (50) which bears against the sealing element (40).

4. Electrical device (4) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact element (48) has a collar (58) projecting beyond the opening (38) and resting on the outside of the housing (10).

5. Electrical device (4) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the contact element (48) is held on the housing (10).

6. Electrical device (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact element (48) is secured to the housing (10), the housing (10) having a latching tongue (60) by means of which the contact element (48) is engaged behind.

7. Electrical device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing element (40) is inserted into a recess (36) of a housing upper part (29) and is covered with a cover element (42) which is fastened to the housing upper part (29).

8. Electrical device (4) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing upper part (29) has a depression (34) into which the recess (36) is introduced, wherein the cover element (42) lies in the depression (34).

9. Electrical device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing (10) has a housing shell (12) which encloses the opening and which is closed by means of a cover (14) which is fastened to the housing shell (12).

10. Assembly (2) with two electrical devices (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two functional components (26) are electrically connected by means of a plug-in bridge (52) which has two contact elements (48), each comprising a metallic pin (54) which is guided through one of the openings (38) and is inserted at the end into the respectively associated socket (44), and which are electrically connected to one another outside the housing (10).

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