DE102006059384B4 - Device with a current transformer for detecting a current flowing through a current conductor and terminal / current transformer module for such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for detecting a current (i) flowing through a current conductor (3), comprising a housing (4) having an input-side and an output-side electrical connection (5, 6) for connecting the respective ends (31, 32) of the current conductor (3) a current transformer (7) for detecting the current (i) and an evaluation unit (8) connected to the current transformer (7), the device comprising a device-side current measuring conductor (9) guided through the current transformer (7), characterized in that the housing (4) is designed to accommodate a terminal / current transformer module (25), wherein the module (25) has the current transformer (7) and an electrical connection (6), - that the current measuring conductor (9) into device-side and in a module-side current measuring conductor piece (9a, 9b) is divided, - that the electrical connection (6) to a first end (91) of the module-side current sense conductor piece (9b) is connected, - that a second end (92) of the module side Current measuring conductor piece (9b) a first, in the region of a passage opening (DO) of the ...

Description

The invention relates to a device for detecting a current flowing through a current conductor. The device has at least one housing with an input-side and an output-side electrical connection for connecting the respective ends of the current conductor. Furthermore, the device has a current transformer for detecting the current, an evaluation unit connected to the current transformer and a device-side current measuring conductor guided by the current transformer.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a terminal / current transformer module, which is receivable by such a device.

From the German patent application DE 10 2004 058 452 A1 For example, a current detecting device having a non-rectangular cross-section current conductor for conducting a current to be detected is known. The current conductor and the connecting conductor are connected to each other in the region of a connecting portion of the conductor to form a conductor arrangement. The current detection device has a current transformer with an opening, wherein the current conductor is guided through the opening. In the region of the connecting section, the current conductor has a flattened, in particular rectangular, cross section. A flat surface of the connection portion of the current conductor is connected to a flat surface of the connection conductor.

In the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 101 19 458 A1 is a switching device unit, in particular a motor starter, described. It has a contactor and a circuit breaker as short-circuit protection. The overload protection function which is furthermore provided for the switchgear unit is integrated with a current transformer in a separate overload switch from the circuit breaker. Its components preferably extend into free spaces, which are formed by the arrangement of the contactor and the circuit breaker as standard units on a support.

The devices considered z. B. current detection devices, switching devices, soft starters or the like. The device is preferably an electrical, in particular an electronic device. Usually, such devices have a housing made of plastic. The viewing devices may continue to be designed to detect DC currents and / or AC currents. They can also be designed for current detection of two, three or more conductors.

In the case of a three-phase network, such. B. a 50 Hz / 400 V three-phase network, one speaks instead of the conductor of a phase conductor. Such devices have per phase on an input and output electrical connection.

The respective current intensity to be detected is preferably in the two-digit or in the low three-digit ampere range. Frequently, such devices have a current transformer instead of a current measuring resistor with its comparatively high power loss.

A current transformer is a special, usually ring-shaped transformer, preferably for measuring large alternating currents. The current transformer has only one or a few primary windings through which the current to be measured flows. The current transformer may have one or more secondary windings. Frequently, the primary winding is formed by the current transformer guided conductor - corresponding to a turn. The current to be measured is proportionally reduced by the ratio primary winding number to secondary winding number. A connected to the secondary winding, the current measurement serving resistance is referred to as a burden. The voltage applied to the load can be further processed with available measuring instruments or electronic circuits.

Alternatively or additionally, the current transformer can be designed to measure direct currents. Such current transformers have components based on transducers or Hall sensors for magnetic field measurement. The data acquisition itself is based on the principle of compensation of magnetic fields. A measuring current required for compensation is then proportional to the current flowing in the current conductor. Known current transformers for detecting direct currents and / or alternating currents are supplied, for example, by LEM Holding SA.

In the considered devices, it may be z. B. act switching devices. Such switching devices are in particular low-voltage switchgear, such as a contactor, a circuit breaker or a compact starter. Such a switching device can be designed for switching direct currents and / or alternating currents. It has a switching means for switching the current conductor, such as an electromechanical relay or a semiconductor device.

The switching devices usually have an electronic evaluation unit for evaluating the detected by the current transformer and flowing through the conductor DC or AC current. In the case of a detected overcurrent and / or a short-circuit current, the Evaluation unit to control the switching means for interrupting the flow of current in the conductor.

Such a device can also be designed with multiple poles for switching a plurality of current conductors or phase conductors, such. B. two- or three-pole. It therefore has per phase on an input and output side electrical connection.

In the devices described above, the current transformer is preferably arranged in the region of the respective output-side electrical connection. Usually, the electrical connection is a terminal. It preferably has a screw over which by means of a screwdriver inserted between the terminal and the screw cable end of the conductor can be clamped. The cable end is typically a solid conductor, especially copper. The cable end is an centimeter-wide end exposed from the conductor insulation of the conductor.

Based on the above-mentioned prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a device which can be easily manufactured, mounted and repaired in the case of a power converter defect easier.

It is another object to provide a clamp / power converter module for such a device.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in claims 2 to 15. In claim 16, a terminal / current transformer module for receiving by an inventive device according to one of claims 1 to 15 is given. Advantageous embodiments of the terminal / current transformer module are mentioned in the dependent claims 17 to 20.

According to the invention, the housing is designed to receive a terminal / current transformer module. The module has the current transformer and an electrical connection. The current measuring conductor is divided into a device-side and a module-side current measuring conductor piece. The electrical connection is connected to a first end of the module-side current measuring conductor piece. A second end of the module-side current measuring conductor piece has a first coupling piece arranged in the region of a leadthrough opening of the current transformer. A second coupling piece formed geometrically on the first coupling piece is arranged in a device-side module receiving region in such a way that the first and second coupling pieces can be coupled to one another when the terminal / current transformer module is received.

The particular advantage of this embodiment is that the manufacture and assembly of such a device can be considerably simplified.

Another advantage is that in the event of a CT failure, only the terminal / CT module and not the entire unit needs to be replaced. This is especially the case when the device is mounted between several other devices on a DIN rail.

The inventive arrangement of the coupling point of the first and second coupling piece in the region of the feedthrough opening of the current transformer an otherwise manual required mounting of the usually bent running current measuring conductor through the feedthrough opening is no longer required. This can be done automatically by the two coupling pieces of the current measuring conductor are coupled together when plugging the terminal / current transformer module to the housing of the device.

According to one embodiment, the first coupling piece is designed as a socket or plug. In a corresponding manner, the second coupling piece is designed as a plug or socket.

As a result, a reliable electrical contacting of the two coupling pieces is possible. Preferably, the socket has a funnel-shaped receiving collar for the plug to be coupled. As a result, the clutch is advantageously centered during the coupling process and thus more reliable.

In particular, the terminal / current transformer module has first signal contacts which are connected to signal lines of the current transformer. In the device-side module receiving area, second signal contacts are formed geometrically on the first signal contacts and can be electrically coupled to one another when the terminal / current transformer module is received.

As a result, the signal lines of the current transformer are advantageously contacted automatically with the sliding of the terminal / current transformer module to the device housing and electrically connected to the device-internal evaluation. The signal lines of the current transformer are connected in particular to the two ends of the secondary winding of the current transformer.

Another advantage is that a previous soldering of the signal lines of the current transformer to corresponding terminals in the device is not required.

Alternatively, instead of the continuation of the signal lines from the module into the device, a wireless signal transmission of a measured value corresponding to the secondary-side induced current-converter measuring current can be used. This can be done, for example, inductively coupled paths between the device and the terminal / current transformer module. As a result, contact-based continuation of the signal lines of the current transformer can be dispensed with.

According to a further embodiment, the terminal / current transformer module has a module housing, which terminates in the received state of the terminal / current transformer module at least almost flush with the housing of the device.

As a result, the device according to the invention after receiving the terminal / current transformer module essentially the same structural dimensions as conventional devices.

In an advantageous embodiment, the terminal / current transformer module has a module housing which can be latched to the housing of the device.

This simplifies the installation of the terminal / current transformer module. The module or the device have, for example, mutually corresponding latching lugs and latching openings.

In particular, the module-side electrical connection and the device-side electrical connection for connecting the conductor are terminals.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, one of the electrical connections, the module-side current measuring conductor piece, the second signal contacts and optionally the switching means are arranged on a printed circuit board in the housing. This reduces the production costs for such a device again.

According to one embodiment, a measurement signal output for outputting a current value corresponding to the detected current is present. In particular, the measurement signal output has two contacts, such. B. terminal, socket or plug contacts to which the voltage induced in a secondary winding is applied. Preferably, a load resistor is already applied to the two secondary winding ends.

The measurement signal output can advantageously z. B. be connected to an external switching device which evaluates the corresponding current measurement signal and in response to one or more switching means on or off.

According to another embodiment, the measuring unit is followed by a comparison unit for comparing a currently detected current value with a predeterminable overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value. The housing has a switching signal output for outputting a switching signal in the event of an overcurrent and / or short-circuit current.

The switching signal can advantageously be used directly for switching one or more external switching devices or as a digital signal for further processing by a higher-level control center or a monitoring device or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the switching signal can trigger a device-internal relay, whose potential-free switching contacts then abut the switching signal output.

According to a particular embodiment, the device has switching means for switching on or off the current flowing through the current conductor. In this case, the device according to the invention can be regarded as a switching device. By means of such a switching device can be connected to an electrical load such. As an electric motor, on or off.

Preferably, the switching means according to an embodiment of the device by the drive unit can be controlled when the current flowing through the current conductor exceeds a predetermined overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value. As a result, damage or destruction of the electrical load connected to the switching device can be prevented.

According to a further embodiment, the device has a housing arranged on the control input for switching on or off of the switching means. The control input can z. B. connected to a plant control, with a monitoring device or with a process computer. The control input can z. B. a socket, a plug or a terminal. Preferably, the switching means can be controlled by means of a digital control signal. The query of the control input and the control of the switching means is preferably carried out by the drive unit of the switching device. Alternatively or additionally, the control input as a bus interface, such. B. as a Profibus interface, be formed.

According to one embodiment, the switching means is an electromechanical switching means, such. B. a relay or a contactor. As a result, a load connected to the output-side electrical connection of the switching device can be isolated from the input-side electrical connection in a potential-free manner.

Alternatively, the switching means may be an electronic semiconductor device, such as. As a switching transistor, a semiconductor relay or a triac.

In particular, the switching device is designed to switch off or interrupt the flowing current in the event of a short circuit immediately, that is to say in a time range of a few microseconds, in order to avoid damage to the load and of the switching means itself. Shutdown times in the microsecond range can be achieved in particular with a semiconductor switch. In the case of an electromechanical relay, however, the turn-off time may be a few milliseconds. In overcurrent case, the shutdown times are relatively larger, such. B. by a factor of 3 to 10. The corresponding off times may also be dependent on the amount of overcurrent. That is, the higher the overcurrent, the shorter the associated overcurrent tripping time.

According to a preferred embodiment, the input and output side electrical connection terminals. The electrical connection may alternatively be a socket, a plug or the like.

According to a further embodiment, the electrical connections, the device-side conductor, possibly the switching means and optionally the current transformer are arranged on a circuit board. This simplifies the manufacture of such a device.

Finally, the object of the invention is achieved by a terminal / current transformer module, which is receivable by an inventive device. The clamp / current transformer module has a current transformer, an electrical connection and a module-side current measuring conductor piece with a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the electrical connection. The second end has a second, arranged in the region of a passage opening of the current transformer coupling piece, which is tuned geometrically to a first coupling piece in a device-side module receiving area of the device. In particular, the module-side electrical connection is a terminal.

Such a terminal / current transformer module according to the invention can advantageously be connected to devices according to the invention with different technical equipment. The device can be, for example, an exclusive current detection device or a switching device with a switching means.

Another advantage is that the terminal / current transformer module can be made easier due to the few number of components in terms of manufacturing technology.

According to one embodiment, the terminal / current transformer module has first signal contacts, which are connected to signal lines of the current transformer. The signal contacts are geometrically matched to the first signal contacts of the device.

The signal lines can be soldered to the signal contacts, for example, or preferably clamped with those in the sense of a crimp or clamp connection. The signal contacts may be formed, for example, as so-called "pads", which are contacted by corresponding movable contacts on a device-side printed circuit board. In particular, the pads are formed in the edge region of a module-side printed circuit board of the terminal / current transformer module.

As already described above, the terminal / current transformer module has a matched to the shape of the housing of the device module housing. As a result, the device according to the invention after receiving the terminal / current transformer module essentially the same structural dimensions as conventional devices.

Preferably, the terminal / current transformer module has a module housing with latches for latching with the housing of the device.

The invention and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following figures. Show it

1 the structure of an exemplary apparatus for detecting a current according to the prior art,

2 the structure of an exemplary switching device according to the prior art,

3 a sectional view of an exemplary device according to the prior art in a constructive representation,

4 a sectional view of an exemplary device according to the invention in a constructive representation,

5 1 is a sectional view of an exemplary device with a terminal / current transformer module according to the invention in a constructive representation,

6 an exploded view of the exemplary device according to 4 in a detailed constructive representation and

7 an embodiment for contacting the signal lines of the terminal / current transformer module and the device according to the invention.

1 shows the structure of an exemplary device 1 for detecting a current i according to the prior art.

The device 1 is in particular an electronic power detection device for detecting the by a conductor 3 flowing current i. The device 1 has a housing 4 with an input-side and an output-side electrical connection 5 . 6 for connecting the respective ends 31 . 32 of the conductor 3 on. Furthermore, the device 1 a ring-shaped current transformer 7 for detecting the current i and one with the current transformer 7 connected evaluation unit 8th on. The current transformer 7 also has a number of secondary turns 71 in which, in the case of an alternating current i to be measured, a measuring current is induced. With the reference number 72 is a load resistance referred to at which a measuring current proportional to the measuring voltage drops. In the example of 1 is the evaluation unit 8th a measuring amplifier. This outputs a corresponding to the detected current i current value MW. The current value MW is present as an analog voltage value at a measuring signal output 10 at.

The evaluation unit 8th is an example of a comparison unit 11 for comparing a currently detected current value MW with a predeterminable overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value downstream. The comparison unit 11 In the present example, this is a comparator which supplies the analog voltage value corresponding to the current value MW with a predefinable constant reference voltage 13 compares. At the housing 3 is still a switching signal output 12 present at which a switching signal S in the case of an overcurrent and / or short-circuit current can be output. An exemplary transistor 14 allows z. B. the direct switching one at the switching signal output 12 applied load, such. B. a control magnet of an external switching device.

2 shows the structure of an exemplary switching device 1 According to the state of the art.

The switching device shown 1 has a switching means 15 to turn on or off the by the conductor 3 flowing current i up. The conductor 3 is in turn by a current transformer 7 led, which is another evaluation unit 8th' is downstream. The further evaluation unit 8th' is a combined evaluation / comparison unit. It controls a switching means 15 on when passing through the conductor 3 flowing current i exceeds a specifiable overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value. In the example of 2 is the switching means 15 an electromechanical switching means, that is a relay with an excitation coil 16 and a switching contact 17 for switching the current on or off i.

3 shows a sectional view of an exemplary device 1 according to the prior art in a constructive representation.

The exemplary device 1 is designed for receiving on a DIN rail not shown. The reference HA indicates a corresponding recess on a rear side RS of the reference numeral 4 designated housing of the device 1 shown. In the upper part of the 3 is an input-side electrical connection 5 in the form of a clamp in which a first end 31 of the conductor 3 is attached. In the lower part of the 3 is an output side electrical connection 6 also shown in the form of a clamp in which a second end 32 of the conductor 3 is attached. Between the two connections 5 . 6 is for example a circuit board 19 in the case 4 arranged. On it are among other things a switching means 15 and not further specified components arranged. The circuit board 19 With the components can also be used as a power module 20 to be viewed as.

The switching means 15 is in the example of 3 an electronic semiconductor device, such as. As an IGBT switching transistor or a triac. An IGBT switching transistor is particularly suitable for switching direct currents, while a triac is particularly suitable for switching alternating currents. A triac essentially consists of two anti-parallel connected thyristors. Alternatively or additionally, an electromechanical switching means, such as. B. a relay to be used to switch the current i.

If the device is an exclusive power collection device, so can between the two electrical connections 5 . 6 a continuous conductive connection be present, such. B. a device internal conductor.

In the lower part of the 3 is a current transformer 7 between the output side electrical connection 6 and an associated receiving opening AO on an outer side of the device housing 4 arranged adjacent. Furthermore, in the housing 4 dashed through recesses SO shown, which of a respective terminal screw of the input and output terminals 5 . 6 horizontally to the right to a front FS of the device housing 4 run. The recesses SO serve to receive and guide a screwdriver not shown. With it, the terminal screws for connecting the respective Ends of the conductor 31 . 32 in the terminals 5 . 6 be attracted.

As the 3 shows, the bottom conductor must be 3 . 32 for mounting or for clamping by the current transformer shown 7 through to the terminal behind 6 guided and then "blind" mounted or screwed. The cable end of the lower conductor 3 . 32 must pass through the receiving area AO in the housing 4 and further through a passage or insertion opening DO of the annular current transformer 7 be passed. The connection mounting of the conductor 3 . 32 can then optically, such as. B. by an electrician, not be controlled because the terminal itself is not visible from the outside.

In the example of 3 can the device 1 additional printed circuit boards 19 exhibit. In the middle area is an example of an evaluation module 21 shown. It has a small transformer 81 to supply the evaluation unit 8th on. The evaluation unit 8th can z. As a microcontroller and, if not already integrated in the microcontroller, analog components, such as amplifiers, A / D converter, etc. have.

In the right part of the 3 is an example of a control and connection module 22 to see. It has a printed circuit board 19 as well as a button 82 for resetting the switching device 1 and a switching input 18 for external control of the switching means 15 on. The operating and connection module 22 In addition, unspecified terminals for connecting power supply lines, including the electrical supply of the small transformer 81 , exhibit. The modules 20 to 22 are preferably adjacent to each other via pin or connector strips for exchanging the signals and for passing the power supply lines. You can alternatively use a cable, such. As a ribbon cable to be interconnected.

4 shows a sectional view of an exemplary device 1 according to the invention in a constructive representation.

This in 4 shown device according to the invention 1 is different from that in the 3 shown by the fact that it is a device-side current measuring conductor 9 which, through the current transformer 7 is guided.

This can be compared to the device 1 according to 3 the electrical connection 5 . 6 that means closer to the current transformer 7 arranged connection 5 . 6 , closer to the corresponding receiving opening AO for the current conductor to be connected 3 to be ordered. In the example of 4 is an example of the output side electrical connection 6 now closer to the at the bottom US of the device 1 recessed receiving opening AO arranged. This can advantageously be connected to a cable end 31 . 32 of the conductor 3 easier and more reliable to be connected.

As the 4 further shows is an exemplary bow-shaped device-side current measuring conductor 9 through the current transformer 7 guided. The one end of the current measuring conductor 9 is with the shown clamp 6 and the other end with a trace not further shown on the circuit board 19 electrically connected, such. B. by means of a soldering. It is advantageous if the electrical connections 5 . 6 , the device internal current measuring conductor 9 , optionally the switching means 15 and optionally the current transformer 7 on a circuit board 19 are arranged. In the example of 4 are all the aforementioned components 5 . 6 . 7 . 9 . 15 on the circuit board 19 arranged.

Advantageously, the device-side current measuring conductor 9 as well as the clamp 6 realized as the only component, in particular as a sheet metal part. Preferably, the single component is folded bow-shaped from a sheet metal strip. One end of the sheet-metal strip may have an opening, in particular a bore or a circular cut-out for receiving the clamping screw.

Alternatively, in the case of an exclusive current detection device 1 only the current measuring conductor 9 be present, which is the two terminals 5 . 6 electrically connects and which also through the feedthrough opening DO of the current transformer 7 is guided. The current transformer signal lines can then directly with the evaluation module 21 be connected.

5 shows a detail of a sectional view of an exemplary device 1 with a terminal / current transformer module 25 according to the invention in a constructive representation.

Compared to the previous one 4 points the device 1 in the area of the back RS and the bottom US a recess in the housing 4 for receiving a terminal / current transformer module 25 on. With the reference number 4a is the module housing of the terminal / current transformer module 25 , with the reference symbol MA denotes a module receiving area MA. The dashed line in the area of the recess shows the outer contour of the module housing 4a in the absorbed state of the terminal / current transformer module 25 at. The module housing 4a closes at least almost flush with the housing 4 of the device 1 that is the terminal / current transformer module 25 indicates the shape of the device housing 4 matched module housing 4a on.

The terminal / current transformer module 25 indicates the current transformer 7 and an electrical connection 5 . 6 , in particular a clamp on. The previously in the example of 4 shown current measuring conductor 9 is now in a device-side and in a module-side current measuring conductor piece 9a . 9b divided. The electrical connection shown 6 is with a first end 91 of the module-side current measuring conductor piece 9b connected. Furthermore has a second end 92 of the module-side current measuring conductor piece 9b a first, in the region of the passage opening DO of the current transformer 7 arranged coupling piece 26a on. A geometrically tuned to this second coupling piece 26b is arranged in the device-side module receiving area MA such that the first and second coupling piece 26a . 26b when receiving the terminal / current transformer module 25 can be coupled with each other.

In the example of the present 5 is still the first coupling piece 26a exemplified as a socket with a funnel-shaped collar. The collar is advantageously used for centered coupling of the second coupling piece 26b , which is designed as a plug and which after receiving the terminal / current transformer module 25 in the first coupling piece 26a inserted or inserted.

Alternatively, the first coupling piece 26a a plug and the second coupling piece 26b to be a socket. There are also other known from general electrical detachable connection techniques conceivable. The two coupling pieces 26a . 26b are not necessarily massive perform such. B. of copper. You can z. B. alternatively sleeve or tubular.

In the example of 5 is the first coupling piece 26a arranged almost flush on one of the module receiving opening MA side facing. The first coupling piece 26a may alternatively also in the axial center of the cylindrical passage opening DO or flush on the module receiving opening MA side facing away from the current transformer 7 be arranged.

The particular advantage is that in the context of the manufacture of such a device 1 a manual threading through the otherwise one-piece bow-shaped current measuring conductor 9 is not required. This is made possible by the axial possible contacting of the two bracket halves, each automated separately in the device 1 or in the terminal / current transformer module 25 can be arranged.

Advantageously, the module-side current measuring conductor piece 9b , the first coupling piece 26a as well as the clamp 6 realized as the only component, in particular as a sheet metal part. Preferably, this component is folded from a piece of sheet metal. A first end of the piece of sheet metal may have an opening, in particular a bore or a circular cut-out for receiving the clamping screw. An opposite end of the piece of sheet metal, which for arrangement in the region of the passage opening DO of the current transformer 7 is provided, may be laterally rolled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the passage opening DO, so that a sleeve or a piece of pipe is formed. The longitudinal axis of symmetry and the longitudinal axis of the passage opening then coincide in the assembled state of the piece of sheet metal. The sleeve thus formed forms the first coupling piece 25a , Depending on the folding, the first coupling piece 26a a socket or a plug.

Furthermore, the terminal / current transformer module 25 first signal contacts 27 on, which with signal lines of the current transformer 7 are connected. In the device-side module receiving area MA are geometrically on the first signal contacts 27 trained second signal contacts 28 arranged, which when receiving the terminal / current transformer module 25 are electrically coupled together. The first signal contacts 27 are preferably a protruding edge piece of a printed circuit board 19 with flat trained contact surfaces.

6 shows an exploded view of the exemplary device according to 4 in a detailed constructive representation.

In the upper part of the 6 is the device according to the invention 1 , in the lower part, the terminal / current transformer module according to the invention 25 shown. The housing 4 of the device 1 consists of a housing back for easy installation 42 and from a front housing part 41 ,

In the example of the present 6 is the device 1 a switching device. The power module 20 has a circuit board 19 on, on which one or more semiconductor devices 15 can be arranged. Because of the possible high heat development by the switching means 15 During operation, the printed circuit board shown 19 a so-called DCB (for direct copper bonding). A DCB is a sandwich consisting of two copper layers or copper layers and an intermediate ceramic layer. Such a DCB can be compared to conventional circuit boards, such. As epoxy boards, much higher temperatures for the components to be supported.

The back of the housing 42 points in comparison to the housing front part 41 on its underside a recess for receiving the terminal / current transformer module 25 on. The area of the module receptacle is designated by the reference symbol MA. The assembly of the parts shown is done so that first the terminal / current transformer module 25 on the back of the housing 42 is plugged. On both parts 25 . 42 then the housing front part 41 with the intermediate power module 20 , the evaluation module 21 as well as the operating and connection module 22 plugged and locked. The terminal / current transformer module 25 points to the module housing 4a corresponding locks 29 for locking with the housing 4 of the device 1 on.

In the example of 6 are the first and second coupling piece 26a . 26b coaxial, wherein the first coupling piece 26a a coaxial socket and the second coupling piece 26b a coaxial connector is.

Furthermore, in the example of 6 the first signal contacts 27 to see. They are designed as flat pads and electrically with those in the 6 invisible signal lines of the current transformer 7 contacted.

7 shows an embodiment for the contacting of the signal lines 33 of the terminal / current transformer module 25 and the device 1 according to the invention.

In the right part of the 7 is the terminal / current transformer module 25 to see whose case 4a with the housing 4 of the device 1 is locked. By attaching the terminal / current transformer module 25 the two-dimensional push as first signal contacts 27 trained pads under a contact spring 28a , which in each case in a cup-shaped second signal contact 28 are included. The second signal contacts 28 can turn with the circuit board 19 of the device 1 be electrically connected, such. B. soldered.

The second signal contacts 28 Alternatively, via a pressure contact with the circuit board 19 in particular be releasably connected.

A further alternative releasable electrical connection between the previously described contact spring 28a and the circuit board 19 is a puncture of one end of the contact spring 28a in a so-called "tin pad", which is on the circuit board 19 is applied. The tin pad is essentially a lenticular, on a printed circuit board of the circuit board 19 applied drop of solder.

Claims (20)

Device for detecting a current through a conductor ( 3 ) flowing stream (i), which is a housing ( 4 ) with an input-side and an output-side electrical connection ( 5 . 6 ) for connecting the respective ends ( 31 . 32 ) of the conductor ( 3 ), a current transformer ( 7 ) for detecting the current (i) and one with the current transformer ( 7 ) associated evaluation unit ( 8th ), wherein the device is powered by the current transformer ( 7 ) guided device-side current measuring conductor ( 9 ), characterized in that - the housing ( 4 ) for receiving a terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ), wherein the module ( 25 ) the current transformer ( 7 ) and an electrical connection ( 6 ), - that the current measuring conductor ( 9 ) in a device-side and in a module-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9a . 9b ), - that the electrical connection ( 6 ) with a first end ( 91 ) of the module-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9b ) - that a second end ( 92 ) of the module-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9b ) a first, in the region of a passage opening (DO) of the current transformer ( 7 ) arranged coupling piece ( 26a ) and - that a geometrically on the first coupling piece ( 26a ) formed second coupling piece ( 26b ) is arranged in a device-side module receiving area (MA) such that the first and second coupling pieces ( 26a . 26b ) after receiving the Klermmen- / Stromwandler module ( 25 ) are coupled together. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling piece ( 26a ) is designed as a socket or plug and that the second coupling piece ( 26b ) is designed as a plug or socket. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) first signal contacts ( 27 ), which are connected to signal lines ( 33 ) of the current transformer ( 7 ) and - that in the device-side module receiving area (MA) geometrically to the first signal contacts ( 27 ) formed second signal contacts ( 28 ), which when receiving the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) are electrically coupled together. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) a module housing ( 4a ), which in the recorded state of the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) at least almost flush with the housing ( 4 ) completes the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) a module housing ( 4a ), which is connected to the housing ( 4 ) of the device can be latched. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module-side electrical connection ( 6 ) as well as the device-side electrical connection ( 5 ) for connecting the conductor ( 3 ) Are terminals. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing ( 4 ) a measuring signal output ( 10 ) is present for outputting a current value (MW) corresponding to the detected current (i). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the evaluation unit ( 8th ) a comparison unit ( 11 ) for comparing a currently detected current value (MW) with a predeterminable overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value is connected downstream and - that on the housing ( 3 ) a switching signal output ( 12 ) is present for outputting a switching signal (S) in the case of an overcurrent and / or short-circuit current. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device switching means ( 15 ) to turn on or off the by the conductor ( 3 ) flowing current (i). Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the switching means ( 15 ) by the evaluation unit ( 8th ) is controllable when passing through the conductor ( 3 ) flowing current (i) exceeds a predetermined overcurrent and / or short-circuit current value. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the device has a housing ( 4 ) arranged control input ( 18 ) for switching the switching means on or off ( 15 ) having. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the switching means ( 15 ) is an electromechanical switching means. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the switching means ( 15 ) is an electronic semiconductor device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device-side electrical connection ( 5 ), the device-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9a ) and the second signal contacts ( 28 ) on a printed circuit board ( 19 ) in the housing ( 4 ) are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the device is a switching device. Terminal / current transformer module, which is powered by a device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal / current transformer module is a current transformer ( 7 ), an electrical connection ( 6 ) and a module-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9b ) with a first end ( 91 ) and a second end ( 92 ), wherein the first end ( 91 ) with the clamp ( 6 ) and wherein the second end ( 92 ) a first, in the region of a through opening (DO) of the current transformer ( 7 ) arranged coupling piece ( 26a ), which geometrically on a second coupling piece ( 26b ) in a device-side module receiving area (MA) of the device ( 1 ) is tuned. Terminal / current transformer module according to claim 16, characterized in that the terminal / current transformer module first signal contacts ( 27 ), which are connected to signal lines ( 33 ) of the current transformer ( 7 ) and which are geometrically connected to second signal contacts ( 28 ) of the device ( 1 ) are tuned. Terminal / current transformer module according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the terminal / current transformer module on the shape of the housing ( 4 ) of the device ( 1 ) matched module housing ( 4a ) having. Terminal / current transformer module according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the terminal / current transformer module ( 25 ) a module housing ( 4a ) with locks ( 29 ) for latching with the housing ( 4 ) of the device ( 1 ) having. Terminal / current transformer module according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the module-side electrical connection ( 6 ), the module-side current measuring conductor piece ( 9b ), the first signal contacts ( 28 ) as well as the current transformer ( 7 ) on a printed circuit board ( 19 ) in the module ( 25 ) are arranged.

Images