AU2013339842A1 - Cable connection module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable connection module (1), comprising an electrically insulating housing (2) and an electrically conductive conducting body (3), which is electrically conductively connectable to cables (9), wherein the conducting body (3) is arranged regionally electrically insulated in the housing (2) and, in respect of the object of configuring and developing a cable connection module in such a way that said cable connection module can be used variably in conjunction with different cables without any problems and safely is characterized in that the conducting body (3) is in the form of a bar, which is held in an accommodating device (4), wherein the accommodating device (4) is accommodated at least regionally in the housing (2), and wherein the bar protrudes out of the housing (2) with a free end (5).

Description

(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Propert Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date W O 2014/067629 A1 8 May 2014 (08.05.2014) WIPO I PCT (51) International Patent Classification: IL, IN, IR, IS. JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, MOIR 3/512 (2006.01) MOIR 13/514 (2006.01) LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, (21) International Application Number: PCT/EP2013/003153 PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH. TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, (22) International Filing Date: 18 October 2013 (18.10.2013) TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. (25) Filing Language: German (84) Designated states (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, (26) Publication Language: German GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, NZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, (30) Priority Data: TM), European (AL., AT, BE, BG, Cl-I, CY, CZ, DE, DK, 10 2012 021 333.6 31 October 2012 (31,102012) DE EE, ES, F), FR, GB, GR, 1IR, HU, IE, IS, IT. LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MINL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI. SK, (71) Applicant: ABB AG [DE/DE]; Kalstadter Str. 1, 68309 SM, TR), OAPI (BF, B. CF, CG, Cl, CM, CA, GN, GQ, Mannhein (DE). GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). (72) inventors: GRAF, Alexander; Wbrthstrasse S. 69115 Declarations under Rule 4.17: Heidelberg (DE). BALIGA, Narasinha; Schiittweg 5, 69198 - asto applicant's entitlement to applyfor and be granted a Schriesheim DE-). patent (Rule 4. 17('ii)) (81) Designated states (unless otherwise indicated. for every kind ofinventorsip (Rule 4.17(v)) ofnationalproecion evadable): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU AZ, BA, BB BGBH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ CA, CH, CL CN, CO CR, CU. CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, - vith international search report (Article 21(3)) EG ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU lD, As printed (54) Title: CABLE CONNECTION MODULE (54) Rezeichnung: KABELVERBINDUNGSMODUL (57) Abstract: The invention relates to a cable connection module (1), comprising an electrically insulating housing (2) and an electrically conductive conducting body (3), which is electrically conductively connectable to cables (9), wherein the conducting body (3) is arranged \regionally electrically insulated in the housing (2) and, in respect of the object of configuring and developing a cable connection module in such a way that said cable connection module can be used variably in conjunction with different cables without any problems and safely is characterized in that the conducting body (3) is in the form of a bar, which is held in an accommodating device (4), wherein the aecormnodating device (4) is accommodated at least regionally in the housing (2), and wherein the bar protrudes out of the housing (2) with a 1 , free end (5). (57) Zusammenfassung: Die Erinmdung betritR ein Kabelverbindungsmodul (1), umfassend ein elektrisch issolierendes Gehiuse (2) und einen elektrisch leitfahigen Leitkdrper (3), der mit Kabeln (9) elektrisch leitend verbindbar ist, wobei der Leitk~rper (3) bereichsweise Fi g.1 elektrisch isolier imo Gehuse (2) angeordnet ist, ist im Hinblick auf die Aufgabe, cin Kabelverbindungsnodul derar auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass dieses problemlos und sicher in Verbindung mit unterschiedlicheni Kabeln variabel einsetzbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Leitkdrper (3) ais Stab ausgebildet ist, welcher in einer Aufiahmeeinrichtung (4) gehalten ist, wobei die Aufnahmeehirichtntg (4) zumindest bereichsweise im Gehause (2) aufgenomien ist und wobei der Stab mit einem freien Ende (5) aus dem Gehsuse (2) herausragt.

WO 2014/067629 - 1 - PCT/EP2013/003153 Cable connection module The invention relates to a cable connection module, comprising an electrically insulating housing and an 5 electrically conductive conducting body which can be electrically conductively connected to cables, wherein the conducting body is arranged in the housing such that it is electrically insulated in regions. 10 DE 20 2005 014 577 U1 has disclosed a cable connection module which has a housing which is composed of an insulating plastic. A clamping body is accommodated in this housing as the conducting body. The clamping body has two clamping screws by means of which a cable and a 15 busbar respectively can be fixed. The cable and the busbar can be electrically conductively connected to one another by the clamping body. Cable connection modules which are already known allow 20 copper bars or cables to be passed through. However, these cable connection modules are often suitable only for bars or cables of a certain size and therefore can be used only to a limited extent. Therefore, some cable connection modules virtually cannot be used in a 25 variable manner. Sometimes, the known cable connection modules are not sufficiently well electrically insulated when bars are used or the cables can be disconnected from the module 30 only with difficulty. The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a cable connection module in such a way that said cable connection module can be 35 used without problems and reliably in a variable manner in connection with different cables. According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a cable connection module having the WO 2014/067629 - 2 - PCT/EP2013/003153 features of patent claim 1. Advantageous designs and developments of the module and also a corresponding arrangement are specified in further claims and the following description. 5 Accordingly, the cable connection module cited in the introductory part is characterized in that the conducting body is in the form of a bar which is held in an accommodating device, wherein the accommodating 10 device is accommodated in the housing at least in regions, and wherein the bar projects out of the housing by way of a free end. According to the invention, it has initially been 15 recognized that a cable connection module which establishes a connection of mount connectors or cable end sleeves is not currently available on the market. Consequently, it has been recognized that a standard 20 housing can be used as the housing when bars are accommodated in suitable accommodating devices. The accommodating devices can continue to have the same external dimensions in order to be inserted into a 25 standard housing, but can have variable internal dimensions in order to accommodate bars of different sizes. Therefore, bars of different dimensions or dimensioning 30 can be inserted into the housing, said bars projecting out of the housing by way of a free end. These bars can be combined with different cables. Therefore, a cable connection module which can be 35 designed in a flexible manner is provided according to the invention. The same cable connection module can be used for several current intensities because it is WO 2014/067629 - 3 - PCT/EP2013/003153 suitable for bars, in particular copper bars, of different dimensions or dimensionings or sizes. Said cable connection module can have at least one, but 5 also several, poles since it comprises independent components which can be combined. A cable connection module which can be used without problems and reliably in a variable manner in 10 connection with different cables is specified in this respect. Therefore, the object cited in the introductory part is achieved. 15 The accommodating device advantageously has two holding shells, in particular plastic shells. The accommodating device particularly preferably comprises two holding half-shells, for example plastic half shells. In this 20 case, provision can advantageously be made for the plastic used to have an electrically insulating effect or to have good electrical insulation properties. The cable connection module ensures a high degree of safety since a plastic labyrinth is used in order to create a 25 relatively large creepage path. The cable connection module provides a degree of protection up to IP40. If a higher degree of protection is required, an additional insert can be inserted. 30 The holding shells, preferably plastic shells, are further advantageously connected to one another by a nut, wherein the bar is accommodated in a sandwich-like manner between the holding shells, in particular the holding shells which are formed from plastic. As a 35 result, the cable connection module requires only a very short fitting time. The cable connection module can be easily fixed by hand. Only one tool is required for fastening purposes.

WO 2014/067629 - 4 - PCT/EP2013/003153 The cable connection module can be assembled in fitting steps which are offset through 900 in each case. 5 The bar is further advantageously produced from copper. Copper is distinguished by excellent electrical conductivity. Copper bars of different thicknesses, in particular with a thickness in the range of from 3 to 10 mm, can be used. A copper bar can be fixed in the 10 cable connection module without a tool. The dimensioning, a diameter of a hole and a number of holes in copper parts can be selected in a variable manner in this case. 15 In one preferred embodiment, the bar is produced from aluminum. Aluminum bars can advantageously be used if necessary. Aluminum is particularly lightweight, and therefore weight can be saved. 20 The bar advantageously has a coating for improving the electrical conductivity and contactability. As a result, the electrical connection to cables can be improved. The type of coating can be selected as suited. A tin or silver coating can be provided. 25 It is possible to limit the bars. If this is necessary, said bars can issue directly into devices in order to avoid unnecessary connections and loss of energy. 30 The bar advantageously has at least one recess. Cables can be connected to the bar through said recess. An arrangement advantageously comprises a cable connection module of the kind described here and at 35 least one or more cables which is/are coupled to the bar and/or connected to said bar. It is possible to fit preferably one to four cables, but if required more cables too.

WO 2014/067629 - 5 - PCT/EP2013/003153 A standard ABB bellows element for, in particular, one to four cables can preferably be used as the housing in order to satisfy the acceptance criteria for sufficient 5 electrical insulation. At least one cable is advantageously fitted with a cable end sleeve. As a result, a cable can be connected to the bar without problems. A passage in the cable end 10 sleeve can be at least partially aligned with a recess in the bar, so that a cable can be easily screwed to the bar. Mount connectors or cable end sleeves can be used for fitting the cable. 15 The cable connection module described here is flexible since it can be fitted with metal layers of different thicknesses, without separate fastening elements being provided. 20 In addition, the costs can be kept low since a bellows element and a nut are standard components and the other plastic parts are not very expensive. The cable connection module described here can be used 25 in electrical installations. The cable connection module is preferably used in low-voltage switchgear assemblies for direct current or alternating current. The multifunctional cable connection module is 30 particularly preferably used in power distribution systems or motor control modules in low-voltage switchgear assemblies or similar installations. The cable connection module is suitable for MNS 35 switchgear assemblies. In particular, said cable connection module can be employed in the ABB "MNS plug in technique" and "fixed" product groups, but also in variants which correspond to these products.

WO 2014/067629 - 6 - PCT/EP2013/003153 The quality of existing arrangements can be considerably improved by the cable connection module described here. The cable connection module can be 5 employed with comparatively little complexity and in large numbers and therefore also in a favorable manner in MNS products. The cable connection module can advantageously be 10 employed in a flexible manner and can be provided with a wide variety of equipment. The further description of the invention and also of advantageous designs and developments is provided with 15 reference to some figures and exemplary embodiments relating to said figures, in which figure 1 is an exploded drawing of a cable connection module, 20 figure 2 shows a side view of a plastic shell, figure 3 shows a plan view of the free end of the bar which is accommodated in a sandwich 25 like manner between two plastic shells, figure 4 shows a further plan view of the free end of the bar which is accommodated in a sandwich- like manner between two 30 plastic shells, and figure 5 is a partial illustration of an arrangement comprising a cable connection module and four cables which 35 bear against the free end of the bar by way of their cable end sleeves.

WO 2014/067629 - 7 - PCT/EP2013/003153 Figure 1 is an exploded drawing of a cable connection module 1 comprising an electrically insulating housing 2 and an electrically conductive conducting body 3 which can be electrically conductively connected to 5 cables 9, not shown, wherein the conducting body 3 is arranged in the housing 2 such that it is electrically insulated in regions. The conducting body 3 is in the form of a bar which is 10 held in an accommodating device 4, wherein the accommodating device 4 is accommodated in the housing 2 at least in regions, and wherein the bar projects out of the housing 2 by way of a free end 5. 15 The accommodating device 4 has two plastic shells 6, 7. Specifically, the plastic shells 6, 7 are designed as plastic half-shells. The plastic shells 6, 7 are connected to one another by 20 a nut 8, wherein the bar is accommodated in a sandwich like manner between the plastic shells 6, 7. The bar is produced from copper. The bar has at least one recess 16. 25 The housing 2 is in the form of a bellows element. The bellows element has an insertion opening 11 into which the accommodating device 4 can be inserted. The bellows element moreover has an outer surface with 30 circumferential peaks 12 and valleys 13. Domes 14 project from the bellows element on that side of the bellows element which is axially averted from the insertion opening 11. 35 Figure 2 shows a plastic shell 6. The plastic shells 6, 7 exhibit stepped surfaces. As a result, the outside diameter of the accommodating device 4 changes along its longitudinal axis.

WO 2014/067629 - 8 - PCT/EP2013/003153 Figures 3 and 4 show that the accommodating device 4 partially projects out of the housing 2. The free end 5 of the bar in turn projects out of the accommodating 5 device 4. The bar has at least one recess 16 which projects out of the accommodating device 4 and is accessible for the connection of cables 9. 10 Figure 5 shows that at least one cable 9 is fitted with a cable end sleeve 10. A cable end sleeve 10 has a respective passage 15 which can be aligned with a recess 16 in the bar. 15 Figure 5 shows an arrangement which comprises a cable connection module 1 of the kind described here and a plurality of cables 9 which are coupled to the bar. Specifically, four cables 9 are connected to the free 20 end 5 of the bar. In this case, the present invention also comprises any desired combinations of preferred embodiments and also individual design features or developments, provided 25 that these are not mutually exclusive.

WO 2014/067629 - 9 - PCT/EP2013/003153 List of ere nce symbols 1 Cable connection module 2 Housing 3 Conducting body 4 Accommodating device 5 Free end 6 Plastic shell 7 Plastic shell 8 Nut 9 Cable 10 Cable end sleeve 11 Insertion opening 12 Peak 13 Valley 14 Dome 15 Passage 16 Recess

Claims (9)

1. A cable connection module (1), comprising an electrically insulating housing (2) and an electrically S conductive conducting body (3) which can be electrically conductively connected to cables (9), wherein the conducting body (3) is arranged in the housing (2) such that it is electrically insulated in regions, 10 characterized in that the conducting body (3) is in the form of a bar which is held in an accommodating device (4), wherein the accommodating device (4) is accommodated in the housing (2) at least in regions, and wherein the bar projects out of the housing (2) by 15 way of a free end (5).

2. The cable connection module as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the accommodating device (4) has two holding shells, in particular plastic shells (6, 20 7).

3. The cable connection module as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the holding shells, in particular plastic shells (6, 7), are connected to one another by 25 a nut (8), wherein the bar is accommodated in a sandwich-like manner between the holding shells, in particular plastic shells (6, 7).

4. The cable connection module as claimed in one of 30 claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bar is produced from copper.

5. The cable connection module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bar is 35 produced from aluminum.

6. The cable connection module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bar has a coating. WO 2014/067629 - 11 - PCT/EP2013/003153

7. The cable connection module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bar has at least one recess (16). 5

8. An arrangement, comprising a cable connection module (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims and at least one or more cables (9) which is/are coupled to the bar. 10

9. The arrangement as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that at least one cable (9) is fitted with a cable end sleeve (10).