Circuit breaker module

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit breaker module (8) having a housing (10) in which a circuit breaker (50) is located, and having a fuse (38) electrically connected in series thereto and being located in an opening (36) in the housing (10). The invention also relates to an assembly (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Circuit breaker module

[0003] The invention relates to a circuit breaker module with a housing in which a circuit breaker is arranged. The invention further relates to an assembly with a circuit breaker module.

[0004] Systems such as industrial plants usually have one or more actuators which are used to carry out an activity. In an industrial plant, for example, the actuator is used to create and / or process a workpiece. An electrical cable is used to supply power. The system usually comprises several such actuators and, to simplify installation, all electrical cables are routed into a distribution cabinet in which electrical contact is made between all electrical cables and a main cable. In the event of a fault, such as an overcurrent or short circuit, it is necessary to cut off the power supply to the actuator in order to prevent damage to the actuator or the electrical cable used to supply power. This also safely shuts down the actuator, thus preventing any danger to the surrounding area.

[0005] To interrupt the current supply, a fuse is used, for example, such as a glass tube fuse that is electrically connected in series with the respective electrical line. If the electrical current exceeds a certain level for a certain period of time, which is specified using a characteristic curve of the fuse, part of the fuse melts and the current flow is interrupted. The advantage of this is that susceptibility to errors is comparatively low. The disadvantage is that subsequent changes to the characteristic curve specified during production are not possible. Furthermore, once the fuse has blown, it is damaged, meaning that the fuse must be replaced before the actuator can be put back into operation. In addition, diagnosis, for example when or why the electrical current flow was interrupted, and checking the current status of the fuse is not possible.

[0006] Therefore, a circuit breaker is preferably used for interrupting the circuit. This circuit breaker has a switching element that is designed, for example, mechanically or electrically and thus comprises a relay or a semiconductor switch. The switching element is actuated, for example, by means of a switch lock or a control system, by means of which an electrical current currently carried by the circuit breaker is measured and / or an applied electrical voltage is checked. Such a design enables dynamic adaptation to different installation situations, even during operation. Furthermore, after the electrical current flow is interrupted, the circuit breaker is not damaged, so that it can be put into operation again. With a suitable design of the circuit breaker, it is also possible to put it into the electrically conductive state using the control system, so that manual operation is not necessary.The circuit breakers are usually located in the distribution cabinet, and each (electrical) line is assigned one of the circuit breakers.

[0007] In order for the distribution cabinet to be used in the American and Canadian markets, it must meet the requirements prevailing there, such as UL 508A. This requires that either a so-called "branch circuit breaker" approved according to UL 489 or a Class CC fuse according to UL 248-4 is assigned to each line. To enable flexible adaptation here too, a circuit breaker is also assigned to at least part of the line, thus providing additional protection. The tripping characteristic of each circuit breaker is selected to depend on that of the assigned fuse, so that the fuse only serves as a fallback if the circuit breaker malfunctions. The advantage of this type of design is that the UL 508A requirement is met, provided the circuit breaker meets UL certification.This provides a comparatively high degree of flexibility in protecting the actuator, allowing for remote checking of the circuit breaker's switching status and, if necessary, remote resetting. However, the disadvantages are the increased space required in the distribution cabinet and the comparatively high installation effort, particularly for the wiring of the circuit breaker and any reconfiguration.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable circuit breaker module and a particularly suitable assembly, wherein assembly is advantageously simplified and wherein, in particular, safety is increased.

[0009] With regard to the circuit breaker module, 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 8. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] In its assembled state, the circuit breaker module is, for example, a component of a system by means of which a specific function is carried out. The circuit breaker module is preferably suitable, expediently provided, and configured for this purpose. In particular, the system is an industrial system and is used, for example, to manufacture and / or process a specific workpiece. For this purpose, the system has, in particular, an actuator. The actuator is, for example, an electric motor, which is, for example, a rotating electric motor or a linear motor. Expediently, the electric motor is a stepper motor. Alternatively, the actuator is, for example, an electrically operated valve. In a further alternative, the system is, for example, a communications system or a data center.

[0011] The circuit breaker module is suitable, in particular designed, for interrupting or establishing an electrical current flow. The electrical current that is normally carried, and in particular corresponds to the rated current, is preferably between 0.5 A and 200 A, between 1 A and 100 A, or between 10 A and 50 A. Preferably, a rated voltage of the circuit breaker module, which is applied thereto in particular when the circuit breaker module is not electrically non-conductive, is between 12 V and 60 V and, for example, equal to 12 V, 24 V, 36 V, or 48 V. In particular, the electrical voltage is a direct voltage.

[0012] The circuit breaker module has a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker serves to protect against a fault, in particular an overcurrent, a residual current, or a short-circuit current. The circuit breaker is suitable, in particular intended, and configured for this purpose. In summary, the circuit breaker serves to protect against a fault. The circuit breaker is preferably a miniature circuit breaker, also known as a miniature circuit breaker. Alternatively, the circuit breaker is a device circuit breaker.

[0013] The circuit breaker has a switching element through which an electrical current is normally expediently conducted, which is suitably used to energize an actuator that is electrically connected to the circuit breaker module. For example, the circuit breaker is designed mechanically or electrically. Alternatively, the circuit breaker is formed by a combination of these. For example, the switching element is a relay or a semiconductor switch. In particular, the circuit breaker has several such switching elements, which are, for example, electrically connected in series and / or parallel.

[0014] The circuit breaker expediently has a control unit by means of which the switching element(s) are actuated, in particular as a function of an event such as a fault. The circuit breaker expediently comprises one or more sensors by means of which the electrical current conducted by the circuit breaker and / or the applied electrical voltage is detected. The sensor is expediently connected to the control unit, if any. For example, the control unit has a data input or the like, by means of which actuation of the switching element is also possible. In the assembled state, the data input is connected in particular to a higher-level control system. Alternatively or in combination with this, a query of a switching state of the switching element and / or a resetting / closing of the switching element is possible via the data input.

[0015] In particular, the circuit breaker module has one or more terminals to which an electrical line or the like is connected in the assembled state. For example, at least one of the terminals is designed like a terminal. The circuit breaker is electrically connected between the two terminals, and an electrical current is conducted between the terminals if the circuit breaker is electrically conductive.

[0016] In particular, the circuit breaker, and thus also the circuit breaker module, serves to protect a device and / or an electrical line, which is connected in particular to one of the terminals. The tripping characteristic / characteristic curve of the circuit breaker, i.e., when it is activated / opened, is preferably adapted to the application.

[0017] The circuit breaker is arranged in a housing of the circuit breaker module. The housing is preferably made of a plastic, thus ensuring electrical insulation of the components arranged within the housing, in particular the circuit breaker. This also provides protection against accidental contact. The housing expediently has one or more contact openings through which electrical contacting of the components arranged within the housing is possible. Preferably, one of the contact openings is assigned to the possible connection. In particular, one of the contact openings is assigned to the possible data input of the control unit.

[0018] The circuit breaker module further comprises a fuse which is electrically connected in series with the circuit breaker. Thus, when the circuit breaker module is in operation, the electrical current is also conducted via the fuse. The fuse serves as an additional safety element, in particular as a fallback if the circuit breaker malfunctions. In particular, the tripping characteristic / characteristic curve of the fuse is such that the circuit breaker is actuated first. In other words, in the event of a fault, the circuit breaker would always be actuated first before the fuse is destroyed. In particular, the fuse is therefore only triggered if the circuit breaker is damaged / has a fault. The fuse is expediently designed as a glass tube fuse. The fuse is arranged in an opening in the housing.In particular, the fuse is located inside the housing and is accessible through the opening. Preferably, the opening is larger than the fuse, so that the fuse is arranged in the opening. In other words, the opening covers the fuse arranged in the housing, so that the fuse is arranged in the opening.

[0019] Because the fuse and circuit breaker are electrically connected in series, safety is increased. If the circuit breaker fails, the fuse interrupts the flow of current, thus increasing safety. The fuse and circuit breaker are arranged in the same housing, so that they, namely the circuit breaker module, can be installed in a single step, particularly in a distribution cabinet. This simplifies installation. Incorrect installation, such as faulty wiring, is also ruled out, which further simplifies installation. In addition, this ensures that the fuse is matched to the circuit breaker, which further simplifies the design of an interconnection with other components and / or reconfiguration.Since the fuse is located in the opening, replacing the fuse is possible and also comparatively easy, which also simplifies the operation of the circuit breaker.

[0020] The fuse expediently meets the specifications of UL 248-4, so that the circuit breaker module can also be used at least partially on the American and / or Canadian markets. For example, the opening is made in a front panel of the housing so that it is essentially always accessible, which simplifies maintenance. Preferably, the housing is suitable, in particular intended and configured, for mounting on a mounting rail and / or top-hat rail. For example, only one circuit breaker is provided. However, the circuit breaker module particularly preferably comprises two or more such circuit breakers, which are, for example, identical in construction. Each circuit breaker is electrically connected in series with the fuse, so that both circuit breakers are protected by the fuse. The circuit breakers are preferably electrically connected in parallel. Thus, one actuator can be protected by each of the circuit breakers.The housing expediently has a number of connections corresponding to the number of circuit breakers.

[0021] For example, the fuse is connected to a cable by means of an attachment. However, the fuse is particularly preferably inserted into a fuse holder so that the fuse is stabilized by the fuse holder. For example, the fuse holder is attached to the housing. However, the circuit breaker particularly preferably has a printed circuit board to which the fuse holder is attached. In particular, the fuse holder is electrically contacted with a conductor track of the printed circuit board. Due to the printed circuit board and the fuse holder, the robustness of the circuit breaker module is increased and production is facilitated. Electrical and / or electronic components are preferably attached to the printed circuit board and expediently interconnected in a suitable manner.Components of the circuit breaker are conveniently connected to the circuit board and connected to each other and / or the fuse holder. This further simplifies the design.

[0022] In particular, the fuse holder has a plurality of spring elements, by means of which the fuse is at least partially encompassed in the assembled state, so that the position of the fuse is stabilized. Suitably, the fuse holder, preferably the spring elements, also electrically contact the fuse. Preferably, the fuse holder meets the UL 4248 standard. In this case, the fuse suitably meets the UL 248-4 standard, which is why the UL 508A standard is met by the circuit breaker module. As a result, there are only minimal specifications regarding the design of the circuit breaker, and it can be adapted to the respective application, which increases safety and convenience. The circuit breaker module also continues to meet the UL 508A standard and can therefore be used on the US and Canadian markets.

[0023] The fuse preferably has a longitudinal direction, i.e., in particular, a direction along which the fuse extends the longest. For example, the fuse is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. If the fuse is substantially cylindrical, the longitudinal axis corresponds to the axis of the cylinder. In other words, the fuse has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the fuse is thus associated with the longitudinal direction.

[0024] For example, a mechanism is inserted into the opening by means of which the fuse can be removed from the opening. The insertion direction of the fuse is in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fuse. Due to such an arrangement, the opening is comparatively small, so that penetration of foreign particles into the housing is reduced. Preferably, however, the insertion direction into the opening is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, to insert the fuse into the opening, it is moved perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the fuse holder is present and / or once the fuse has been inserted into the opening, its orientation is no longer changed. Advantageously, the (extension of the) opening is larger than the extension of the fuse in the longitudinal direction, and the opening covers the fuse.This allows the fuse to be inserted into the housing, particularly the fuse holder, and removed from it without the need for tools, simplifying operation of the circuit breaker module. Furthermore, no additional mechanics are required, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the design. The susceptibility to errors is also reduced. For example, the opening is closed by a cover when assembled. However, the housing is particularly preferably coverless, so that the opening is not closed by other components of the circuit breaker module. This simplifies production and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0025] Preferably, the housing can be arranged side by side, and the circuit breaker module is thus a side-by-side device. In other words, in the assembled state, another side-by-side device is arranged laterally next to the circuit breaker module, and these are in particular at least partially flush with one another. Preferably, the circuit breaker module and any other side-by-side devices are suitable, in particular designed and configured, for mounting on a top-hat rail.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the opening is formed in one of the side surfaces of the housing. In the assembled state, another device that can be connected in series, if present, preferably rests against the side surface. Thus, the opening is closed by the other device in the assembled state, preventing the ingress of foreign particles. By removing the circuit breaker module from the assembly with the other device that can be connected in series, which together preferably at least partially form an assembly, the opening becomes accessible again, allowing the fuse to be replaced.

[0027] For example, no further function is assigned to the side surface. Suitably, however, the side surface having the opening is assigned a contact element for connection to an adjacent add-on device, preferably the further add-on device. In the assembled state, i.e. when the circuit breaker module is in use, contact is made with the other add-on device via these side surfaces. Therefore, if the circuit breaker module is to be used, the add-on device, via which the electrical contact with the circuit breaker module is made, is always located on this side surface. Therefore, when the circuit breaker module is in use, the opening is always closed with the add-on device, preventing the ingress of foreign particles. No additional cover is required, which reduces weight and manufacturing costs.The opening can also be designed to be comparatively large, which makes it easier to insert the fuse.

[0028] The contact element, in particular, transmits an electrical potential between the circuit breaker module and the adjacent stackable device. In particular, during operation, an electrical current is conducted via the contact element, which is protected, for example, by the circuit breaker module. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the contact element serves as a signaling connection with the adjacent stackable device, and in particular, a bus system or the like is implemented in this way.

[0029] For example, the contact element is a plug that is arranged adjacent to the opening. However, the contact element is particularly preferably a pivoting lever that is mounted on the housing. In this case, the pivoting lever expediently projects at least partially beyond the side surface so that, when pivoted, it engages with corresponding elements of the adjacent stackable device, thus preventing the stackable device from becoming separated from the circuit breaker module. The pivoting lever preferably has a plurality of contact pins, which are made in particular from a metal. The contact pins are preferably fastened to a body of the pivoting lever, which is made in particular from a plastic. Thus, the body ensures electrical contact between the contact pins, thus preventing a short circuit.In particular, at least some of the contact pins are assigned to the adjacent, stackable device when mounted, and these are electrically connected to it. The contact pins are suitable, in particular provided and configured, for this purpose.

[0030] For example, the contact pins are each electrically connected to the circuit breaker by means of a cable, or at least the cables are routed into the interior of the housing. Particularly preferably, however, the housing has a plurality of contact openings, and the lever is designed such that, upon pivoting, one of the contact pins engages each of the contact openings. In particular, the circuit breaker module has a plurality of contact points arranged within the housing, against each of which one of the contact pins rests and is electrically contacted. In other words, each of the contact openings is assigned a corresponding contact point. These contact points are arranged and / or secured on any circuit board, which simplifies construction.

[0031] Preferably, there are more contact pins than contact openings, preferably twice as many contact pins as contact openings. Each contact pin that extends into one of the contact openings of the circuit breaker module is electrically connected to another of the contact pins, which is preferably located outside the housing. The pairs of contact pins formed in this way are expediently each formed by a common electrical conductor, which, for example, is shaped like a clamp.

[0032] When assembled, the contact pins located outside the housing of the circuit breaker module preferably each fit into another contact opening of an adjacent stackable device. Thus, the contact pins stabilize the circuit breaker module and the stackable device relative to each other, increasing robustness.

[0033] The assembly has a circuit breaker module comprising a housing in which a circuit breaker is arranged. The circuit breaker module also has a fuse that is electrically connected in series with the circuit breaker and is arranged in an opening in the housing. The housing can be arranged in series laterally. The assembly also comprises a device that can be arranged in series, which is arranged adjacent to the circuit breaker module. The circuit breaker module and / or the device that can be arranged in series are preferably suitable, in particular intended and configured, for mounting on a mounting rail and / or top-hat rail. The assembly preferably comprises the mounting rail / top-hat rail to which the circuit breaker module and the device that can be arranged in series are fastened. The opening is made in one of the side surfaces of the housing, to which a contact element of the circuit breaker module for connection to the adjacent device that can be arranged in series is also assigned.The adjacent stackable device rests against this side surface, covering the opening so that the fuse is invisible and protected from foreign particles. This also provides electrical insulation for the fuse.

[0034] The contact element is a pivoting lever mounted on the housing, which has a plurality of contact pins. The housing has a plurality of contact openings, and the pivoting lever is designed such that, when pivoted, one of the contact pins engages each of the contact openings. In the assembled state, the pivoting lever is arranged such that one of the contact pins rests in the respective associated contact opening.

[0035] The stackable device has a plurality of additional contact openings, wherein the number of additional contact openings is expediently equal to the number of contact openings. In the assembled state, one of the contact pins is located in each of the additional contact openings, and each contact pin located in one of the contact openings is electrically connected to one of the contact pins located in one of the additional contact openings. In particular, these contact pins are each formed by a common conductor, in particular a metallic clip. Thus, the contact element provides electrical contact between the circuit breaker module and the adjacent stackable device, without the need for cables or the like.It is also advisable to use the swivel lever to operate a mechanical lock, by means of which the circuit breaker module is locked to the top hat rail / mounting rail, if any.

[0036] The adjacently arranged, stackable device, which is also referred to simply as a stackable device, adjacent device, or device, is, for example, also a circuit breaker module, which is expediently designed in the same way. Alternatively, the device is, for example, a communications unit or a distribution unit. The further developments and advantages explained in connection with the circuit breaker module also apply analogously to the assembly, and vice versa.

[0037] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly with a circuit breaker module, Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the circuit breaker module, Fig. 3, 4 shows a perspective view and a side view of the circuit breaker module, which has a housing,

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the circuit breaker module, with part of the housing not shown, and

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a fuse inserted into a fuse holder.

[0041] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly 2 comprising a mounting rail 4 designed like a top-hat rail. The assembly 2 is located in a distribution cabinet (not shown in detail) and serves to supply power to an actuator of an industrial plant. The actuator comprises an electric motor operated with a DC voltage of 12 V, which is provided by the assembly 2.

[0043] Two stackable devices 5 are mounted on the mounting rail 4 and arranged side by side. One of the two stackable devices 5 is a distribution unit connected to a main line extending into the distribution cabinet, via which 12 V is supplied. The other stackable device 5 is a communication unit. Furthermore, a neighboring stackable device 6 is mounted on the mounting rail 4, which is also designed as a communication unit and is arranged next to the other communication unit. The two communication units are structurally identical.

[0044] Next to the adjacent stackable device 6 is a circuit breaker module 8, which is also attached to the mounting rail 4. The circuit breaker module 8 has a housing 10 whose outline perpendicular to the course of the mounting rail 4 is identical to the outline of the stackable devices 5 and the adjacent stackable device 6. The circuit breaker module 8, the adjacent stackable device 6, and the stackable devices 5 are arranged flush with one another.

[0045] A pivot lever 12 is mounted on the housing 10 for rotation about a pivot axis 14, which runs parallel to the mounting rail 4. The pivot lever 12 has a body 16 made of a plastic material, to which several contact pins 18 are connected, as shown in Figure 2 in a sectional view of the circuit breaker module 10 parallel to the pivot axis 14. Each pair of the contact pins 18 is formed by a common conductor 20, which is provided by a metallic clamp.

[0046] In the assembled state, when the pivot lever 12 rests flat against the housing 10, one of the contact pins 18 of the same conductor 20 engages a contact opening 22 of the housing 10. In summary, the pivot lever 12 mounted on the housing 10 has the contact pins 18, wherein the pivot lever 12 is configured such that, upon pivoting, one of the contact pins 18 engages each of the contact openings 22 of the housing 10.

[0047] The remaining contact pin 18 of the same conductor 20 then lies in a further contact opening 24 of the adjacent stackable device 6, which is incorporated in a corresponding housing of the stackable device 6. Different electrical potentials are carried by means of the different conductors 20 of the pivoting lever 12, and the pivoting lever 12 forms a contact element 26 for the electrical and signaling connection with the adjacent stackable device 6. A corresponding contact element 26 is also assigned to the adjacent stackable device 6 and one of the stackable devices 5, namely the communication unit, so that the two communication units are connected to one another in terms of signals and electrically, and the two stackable devices 5 are connected to one another. For this purpose, the stackable devices 5 and the adjacent stackable device 6 also have corresponding contact openings 22 and further contact openings 24.In summary, all of the stackable devices 5, the adjacent stackable device 6 and the circuit breaker module 8 are connected to each other electrically and signal-wise, whereby a bus system is formed by means of the signal-wise connection.

[0048] Each of the contact pins 18 guided through the contact openings 22 of the housing 10 rests against a respective contact point 28, which is provided by a socket connected to a printed circuit board 30 arranged in the housing. Each contact opening 22 is assigned to one of the contact points 28, and the printed circuit board 30 is arranged perpendicular to the profile of the mounting rail 4.

[0049] Adjacent to each contact opening 22, a further contact opening 24 is also provided in the housing 10, so that the circuit breaker module 8 can also be electrically contacted with another, not shown, stackable device by means of its associated contact element 26. A contact point 28 is also assigned to each of the further contact openings 24, but these are arranged on the opposite side of the circuit board 30.

[0050] The circuit board 30 is electrically contacted by a terminal 32 that is incorporated into the housing 10, so that the circuit board 30 can be contacted via the terminal 32 from outside the housing 10. In the assembled state, the electrical line leading to the associated actuator is connected to the terminal 32. As also illustrated in Figure 3 in a perspective view of the circuit breaker module 8 and in Figure 4 in a side view, in which the contact element 26, i.e. the pivoting lever 12, is shown in different positions, an opening 36 is formed in the side surface 34 of the housing 10, which rests against a corresponding side wall of the adjacent device 6 that can be connected in series. Consequently, the openings 36, which are rectangular, are formed in the side surface 34 to which the contact element 26 is assigned for connection to the adjacent device 6 that can be connected in series.

[0051] A fuse 38 is arranged within the opening 36. This fuse is a glass tube fuse and complies with UL248-4 certification. The area of ​​the opening 36 is larger than the area (projection) of the fuse 38, and the opening 36 completely covers the fuse 38. The fuse 38 is cylindrical and has a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder. The longitudinal direction 40 is parallel to the side surface 34. For insertion, the fuse 38 is moved into the opening 38 along its longitudinal direction 40, so that the insertion direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 40.

[0052] The fuse 38 is inserted into a fuse holder 42 and detachably connected to it, making electrical contact with it. The fuse holder 42 complies with UL 4248 certification. As shown in Figure 5, which shows the circuit breaker module 8 in a side view but with the side surface 34 omitted, the fuse holder 42 is attached to the circuit board 30 and makes electrical contact with it.

[0053] The fuse holder 42, which is shown in perspective in Figure 6, has a plurality of spring elements 44, by means of which the fuse 38 is encompassed. Half of the spring elements 44 are each fastened to an associated base plate 46. The two base plates 36 and the respectively associated spring elements 44 are electrically insulated from one another and electrically connected only by means of the fuse 38. These are also each designed as a stamped and bent part, and the base plates 46 are soldered to the circuit board 30. Furthermore, a plurality of electrical and / or electronic components 48 are fastened to the circuit board 30, by means of which, as well as the interconnection by means of the circuit board 30, a circuit breaker 50 is formed. This circuit breaker has a switching element provided by one of the components 48, which is, for example, a relay or semiconductor switch.A control unit and a sensor of the circuit breaker 50 are also provided by means of at least one of the components 48.

[0054] The circuit breaker 50 is electrically connected in series with the fuse 38, with the series connection being connected between the terminal 32 and one of the contact points 28. If an excessive electrical current, for example an overcurrent or a short-circuit current, is carried between this contact point 28 and the terminal 32, the circuit breaker 50 trips first, interrupting the electrical current flow. Only if the circuit breaker 50 malfunctions does the fuse 38 trip, whose characteristic curve is selected accordingly. Due to the fuse 38 and the fuse holder 42, the UL 508A certification is achieved, whereby the design of the circuit breaker 50 can be relatively arbitrary. This increases the adaptability of the circuit breaker module 8, with installation on the mounting rail 4 taking place in a single step. Faulty wiring is essentially eliminated, which increases safety.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all 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. List of reference symbols

[0056] 2 assembly

[0057] 4 mounting rail

[0058] 5 additional devices

[0059] 5 stackable devices

[0060] 6 adjacent stackable devices

[0061] 8 Circuit breaker module

[0062] 10 housings

[0063] 12 swivel levers

[0064] 14 Swivel axis

[0065] 16 bodies

[0066] 18 contact pin

[0067] 20 ladders

[0068] 22 Contact opening

[0069] 24 further contact opening

[0070] 26 Contact element

[0071] 28 Contact point

[0072] 30 circuit board

[0073] 32 connection

[0074] 34 side surface

[0075] 36 Opening

[0076] 38 Security

[0077] 40 Longitudinal direction

[0078] 42 fuse holders

[0079] 44 spring element

[0080] 46 Base plate

[0081] 48 component

[0082] 50 circuit breakers

Claims

Claims 1. Circuit breaker module (8) with a housing (10) in which a circuit breaker (50) is arranged, and with a fuse (38) electrically connected in series therewith, which is arranged in an opening (36) of the housing (10).

2. Circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit breaker (50) has a printed circuit board (30) to which a fuse holder (42) is fastened, into which the fuse (38) is inserted.

3. Circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fuse (38) has a longitudinal direction (40), wherein the insertion direction into the opening (36) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (40).

4. Circuit breaker module (8) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (10) can be arranged laterally in series, wherein the opening (36) is made in one of the side surfaces (34) of the housing (10).

5. Circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 4, characterized in that the side surface (34) is assigned a contact element (26) for connection to an adjacent device (6) which can be arranged in series.

6. Circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact element (26) is a pivoting lever (12) mounted on the housing (10) and having a plurality of contact pins (18).

7. Circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (10) has a plurality of contact openings (22), wherein the pivoting lever (12) is designed such that, upon pivoting, one of the contact pins (18) dips into each of the contact openings (22).

8. Assembly (2) with a circuit breaker module (8) according to claim 7 and with an adjacently arranged device (6) which can be arranged in series and which has a plurality of further contact openings (24) in each of which one of the contact pins (18), wherein each contact pin (18) lying in one of the contact openings (22) is electrically connected to one of the contact pins (18) lying in one of the further contact openings (24).

Images