DE29916602U1 - Electrical distribution block - Google Patents

Description

Electrical plug-in distribution block

The invention relates to an electrical plug-in distribution block with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.

An electrical plug-in distribution block is known from EP-A-0 627 794. This has a housing with contact part receptacles which are provided with plug parts arranged in levels one above the other and connected to one another. A large number of low-pole lines branch off from this plug-in distribution block and are fed by a "high-pole" input point. The lowest level is designed as a high-pole plug. The levels above each only have contact receptacles corresponding to the number of poles of the branching lines. The housing of the known plug-in distribution block is provided with recesses into which locking hooks can be inserted, by means of which plugs connected to the contact receptacles can be fixed to the housing. The high-pole plug is a five-pole plug which forms a three-phase input which, in addition to the three phases L1, L2 and L3 offset by 120°, has a neutral conductor N and a ground connection PE. The low-pole plugs are three-pole branch plugs, with each plug level being assigned to one of the three-phase phases. This assignment is made within the plug distribution block by cross-connections between the levels. Preferably, this assignment is such that each of the distribution plug levels is

a different phase, so that when all branch connectors are connected, the phase load is as even as possible. The cross connections between the levels can be made by fixed wiring, by a fixed metal distribution plate or by interlaced metal inserts.

Another electrical plug-in distribution block is known from DE-U-93 15 486. This has connections that are already wired together.

EP-Bl-O 471 943 describes a multi-pole appliance connector in which the plug part and the socket part each have a coding and are provided with contact protection sleeves.

An electrical distribution system with programmable distribution devices is known from DE-U-296 05 846. Each distribution device has connections that are already wired together. A phase connection assigned to a consumer is interrupted. The interrupted phase connection can be closed using a programming plug, thus controlling the switching state of the consumer. Due to the fixed wiring of the distribution device, the current phase to which the respective consumer can be connected is fixed. By using different programming plugs, for example switching plugs, switching bridge plugs and bridge plugs, different functions can be implemented.

The invention is based on the object of specifying an electrical plug-in distribution block in which the connection between the contact receiving levels is improved.

This object is achieved by a plug-in distribution block with the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The advantages of the invention are in particular that the connections between the contact levels are not made by means of wiring that depends on the respective application or a fixed metal distribution plate that depends on the respective application or by means of interlaced metal inserts that depend on the respective application, but by using a grid. Such a grid has one and the same structure for a large number of applications and can therefore be manufactured on a large scale for a large number of different applications. The adaptation to the respective application can be carried out in a simple manner after the grid has been manufactured using simple separating tools. This procedure leads overall to a significant reduction in the cost of manufacturing plug-in distribution blocks.

By means of the features specified in claim 2, the contact between the contact pins and the grid is improved, while at the same time manufacturing tolerances and temperature influences during operation are compensated.

Claim 4 specifies an embodiment of the invention which shows the measures by which special connections can be established between contact levels, whereby these connections can also be interrupted again in a simple manner by removing the bridge plug.

The strip-shaped design of the grid specified in claim 5 makes it possible in a simple manner to produce as many grid areas as required from a long grid strip

as they are necessary to create the respective plug-in distribution block. To achieve this separation, it is only necessary to separate the webs between grid areas at the required location.

Claim 7 shows an embodiment which illustrates the versatility of the use of a grid according to the invention.

Claims 9 and 10 specify embodiments in which a desired logic can be implemented using several grids running parallel to one another.

The advantages achieved by means of claim 12 are that the user can freely decide which level he assigns which phase of the three-phase input signal. In contrast to known plug-in distribution blocks, he can assign one and the same phase of the three-phase input signal to all branch levels. This is advantageous, for example, if he wants to supply all the lighting in an area with power from one phase. Furthermore, the invention enables the user to change a selected phase assignment quickly and easily. In particular, this does not require any changes to the wiring inside the housing and does not require any special tools.

By means of the features specified in claim 15, it is achieved that an inserted bridge plug not only determines the desired phase for a level, but at the same time also prevents a short circuit from being caused by improper insertion of a second plug or another object into a recess belonging to another phase.

A flat design of the locking hooks in the sense of claim 17 enables pre-assembly of the locking hooks on the respective housing halves and facilitates the fitting of several levels with connecting elements within the distributor. This makes it easier to integrate special functions into the distributor, for example distribution functions for a changeover circuit or series circuit.

The central arrangement of the higher-pole power feed level according to claim 19 achieves a symmetrical structure of the plug-in distribution block.

If - as stated in claim 22 - the outer contours of different codes are chosen to match, then a new code can be created simply by changing the inner code core in the tool. Furthermore, the entire code is stiffened so that hiding with just one dome can be ruled out.

Using the structure according to the invention, soldering parts with integrated locking, such as those used in many electrical and electronic devices, can also be easily produced. Surge distance bars required in modern soldering systems can also be easily produced, while compatibility with known soldering parts is ensured.

Furthermore, the claimed design of a plug-in distribution block means that it only heats up slightly even at full load. This makes it possible to operate this distributor with higher currents of up to 25 A without damaging friction corrosion occurring. Consequently, new types of distributors with a through-current of 25 A can be produced, which have either 25 α outputs with special coding or standard outputs with up to 16 A.

Further advantageous properties of the invention emerge from the explanation of embodiments based on the figures. It shows:
5

FIG 1 an electrical plug-in distribution block with a centrally arranged five-pole three-phase input and two three-pole symmetrical branch levels,
10

FIG 2 ■ a grid separated from a grid band with five strip-shaped grid areas,

FIG 3 the grid according to Figure 2 after the introduction of interruptions,

FIG 4 the grid according to Figure 3 with inserted bridge plugs and contact pins,

FIG 5 a three-pole distribution plug implementing a changeover switch,

FIG 6 a distribution block realized in the form of a T-piece, and
25

FIG 7 shows a plug-in distribution block in which all contact levels have the same number of poles.

Figure 1 shows an electrical plug-in distribution block with a five-pole, centrally arranged three-phase input level M and two three-pole branch levels 0, U. One of these branch levels is arranged above and the other below the three-phase input level.

The plug-in distribution block has a first housing half 1, which has contact part receptacles on its outer surface, each of which is designed to receive a contact part counter-

piece. The contact part receptacles can be plug-shaped and the contact part counterparts can be socket-shaped or vice versa. Furthermore, the contact part receptacles and counterparts can be provided with coding that prevents accidental incorrect insertion.

After inserting the contact part counterparts into the contact part receptacles, they are locked together using flat locking hooks 5.

The locking hooks each have two locking lugs on their side facing the plug-in distribution block, which are arranged in one plane and, when locked, engage laterally in corresponding counterparts of the plug-in distribution block. When locked, the locking lugs of a locking hook are moved away from each other.

■The second housing half 2 of the plug-in distribution block is designed similarly to the first housing half 1. It also has contact part receptacles on its outer surface 7, each of which is intended to receive a contact part counterpart. If the contact part receptacles provided on the first housing half 1... are plug-shaped, then the contact part receptacles on the second housing half 2 are socket-shaped receptacles and vice versa. The contact part counterparts inserted into the contact part receptacles of the second housing half are also fixed to the housing half by means of locking hooks 8.

Between the two housing halves 1 and 2, a grid 3 is provided which consists of a conductive material with good strength properties, for example a copper alloy. As will be explained below in connection with Figures 2 to 4, contact pins 4 are guided through this grid, the front and rear ends of which, when the housing is assembled, are each inserted into a guide sleeve of the housing with a

ΦΦ Ml«

respective contact part counterpart can be contacted.

The housing's guide sleeves are located in chambers, with the grid inserted into these chambers. The individual current paths are separated from one another by these chambers.

From Figure 1 it can be seen that the grid 3 has a total of five vertically extending strip-shaped grid areas, whereby an electrical connection of individual grid areas can only be made via the crossbars forming the upper and lower edges. Furthermore, from Figure 1 it can be seen that the middle level M of the grid 3 is occupied by a total of five contact pins, while the upper and lower levels are each occupied by only three contact pins. Consequently, two of the circular or circular segment-shaped receptacles of the grid ³ intended for receiving contact pins remain free of contact pins in the upper and lower levels.

In the embodiment shown, the middle '" level M serves as a three-phase input and output, with the five associated poles being assigned to the signals Ll, L2, L3, N and E. Ll, L2 and L3 describe the three phases of the three-phase signal, each shifted by 120° to one another. N designates the neutral conductor and E the ground.

The upper level O and lower level U serve as branch levels, whereby the associated contact part receptacles of the housing of the plug-in distribution block and the corresponding contact part counterparts are each designed with three poles. One of these poles is connected to the neutral conductor N, a second pole to ground E and the third pole to one of the three phase signals of the three-phase current.

This connection of the low-pole output levels 0 and U with the higher-pole input level M is made using the grid 3 provided in the plug-in distribution block, the structure and mode of operation of which is explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 2 to 4.

The grid required for the respective application is cut from a long grid strip using suitable cutting tools. Such a grid cut from a long grid strip is shown in Figure 2. This grid has five vertically running, strip-shaped grid areas of identical structure, which are only connected to one another on their top and bottom sides via an edge web.

Each grid area contains three circular or circular segment-shaped, spring-loaded receiving elements, through which a contact pin can be guided and contacted, as well as areas that are located between these

receiving elements. .....-...·..

As can be seen from Figure 3, depending on the respective application, defined connections within the grid are separated.

By using a bridge plug, as designated in Figure 1 with the reference numbers 6 and 7, desired interrupted connections can be bridged.

In the embodiment shown, this is done for the purpose of deriving a three-pole output signal from the five-pole three-phase input signal, whereby the respective bridge plug can be used to select which of the three phase signals Ll, L2 or L3 is to be forwarded to the respective output.

This selection is made separately for each output level and depends on the respective positioning of the jumper plug.

This is illustrated in Figure 4, which shows the grid according to Figure 3 with bridge plugs and contact pins inserted.

The middle level M in Figure 4 is occupied by a five-pin three-phase input plug, with the poles assigned from left to right as follows:

Ll, N, E, L2, L3.

The middle level M is connected to the upper level O with the neutral conductor N, the earth E and via the inserted bridge plug 6 with the phase connection Ll. The signal conducted via the bridge plug -6 is passed on via the upper edge bar of the grid to the contact pin marked Ll' in Figure 4 and via this

■ .. ·■. at ·. the associated contact part "receptacles of the plug-in connector block. As can also be seen from Figure 4, the poles L2 and L3 of the middle level M serving as the three-phase input are not connected to the upper level. Consequently, in the embodiment shown, the phase L1 of the three-phase input signal for the upper level 0 is selected by means of the bridge plug 6.

If the bridge plug is moved within the corresponding recess in the housing or, if necessary, inserted into another recess in the housing, then phase L2 or L3 can also be selected for the upper level O. The bridge plug used serves to bridge the interruption in the grid associated with the respective phase.

·

The middle level M is connected to the lower level U via the neutral conductor N, the earth E and via the inserted bridge plug 7 to the phase connection L2. The signal conducted via the bridge plug 7 is passed on to the contact pin designated L2' in Figure 4 and is made available via this to the associated contact part receptacles of the plug-in distribution block. As can also be seen from Figure 4, the poles L1 and L3 of the middle level M, which serves as the three-phase input, are not connected to the lower level. Consequently, in the embodiment shown, the phase L2 of the three-phase input signal for the lower level U is selected by means of the bridge plug 7.

This selection can also be changed by moving the bridge plug 7 within the corresponding recess in the housing or, if necessary, inserting it into another recess in the housing. For example, phase L1 of the three-phase input signal can also be selected for the lower level U. In this case, connections to phase L1 of the three-phase input signal can be made via all four output plugs of the "plug-in distribution block".

An advantageous development of the invention consists in forming the bridge plugs 6, 7 each from a web and at least two plug-in parts extending from this web. The plug-in parts mentioned are guided into the interior of the housing when the bridge plug is inserted. One of these plug-in parts is used to bridge an interrupted connection in the grid, as explained above in connection with Figure 4. The other plug-in part has no contact with the grid and is only used to close the respective opening in the housing in order to prevent a second interrupted connection from being accidentally bridged by means of another plug or another pointed object. This prevents short circuits from occurring.

sen and increases the safety of use of the plug-in distribution block.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, due to the fact that the upper and lower output levels 0 and U are only designed with three poles, the two outer pin receptacles of the grid in these levels remain free of contact pins.

Furthermore, it can be seen from Figures 1 and 4 that the strip-shaped grid regions, which run vertically in the embodiment shown, are arranged perpendicular to the contact receiving planes M, O and U.

Figure 5 shows a three-pole distribution plug that implements a changeover switch. This has two grids 3a, 3b that run parallel to one another and are electrically connected to one another to implement the functions of the changeover switch. These connections are made using contact pins that are guided through recesses in an insulator 9. '''■','

In this way, not only changeover switches but also many other logical functions can be realized which can be used in connection with a plug-in distribution block as is the subject of patent claims 1 to 24.

An advantageous development of the invention consists in providing the contact part receptacles of the housing and also the associated contact part counterparts, which are plugs or sockets, with coding. Preferably, the outer contours of the different codings match. This has the advantage that a new coding can be created simply by changing the inner coding core in the tool. Furthermore, the entire coding is stiffened so that even forcible insertion of a

incorrect plug with only one dome is excluded.

Figure 6 shows a distribution block in the form of a T-piece. In this embodiment, too, the connection between the contact receiving levels is made by means of a grid 3, the basic structure of which was described above. In this embodiment, however, the housing 1 is designed to have three levels at the bottom, so that there are several single-pole output levels which together form a three-pole output. The contact level M, which is also the input level, is designed to have three poles and is contacted with the respective counterparts and the output levels Ul, U2, U3 using the grid 3 and the contact pins 4.

The contacting in the output levels themselves is carried out using insulation displacement connections, whereby

a cable is led through each of these connections or through screw connections or through spring force connections . ·■■■■■·■. connections ■·■■■. ■;·.:■· ·-■·.·■■·■■■■■■■-- ...-■:. ■■■■ ..,■-.■„.: . ■■- ■ >.·--.

Figure 7 shows a plug-in distribution block in which all contact levels have the same number of poles, namely three poles each. In this embodiment, three of the vertically running grid areas are required to form the grid 3, with the webs present between these grid areas being separated for manufacturing reasons.

In a similar way, a plug-in distribution block can be created in which all contact levels have a different, identical number of poles. For example, the contact levels can each be four-pole or five-pole.

Claims (24)

1. Electrical plug-in distribution block, which has a housing which has contact part receptacles forming contact receptacle planes on mutually opposite outer surfaces, wherein the contact receptacle planes are designed for the connection of multi-pole contact part counterparts, and wherein the contact receptacle planes are connected to one another within the housing, characterized in that the connection between the contact receptacle planes is made by means of a grid ( 3 ) made of conductive material through which contact pins are guided. 2. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact pins ( 4 ) are guided through circular or circular segment-shaped pin receptacles of the grid ( 3 ), which are designed to be resilient. 3. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the grid ( 3 ) consists of a copper alloy. 4. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the grid ( 3 ) has interruptions and at least one of these interruptions is bridged by an inserted bridge plug ( 6 , 7 ). 5. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the grid ( 3 ) has a plurality of strip-shaped grid regions which are connected to one another via webs running perpendicular to the strip-shaped grid regions. 6. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the strip-shaped grid areas run perpendicular to the contact receiving planes. 7. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the number of circular or circular segment-shaped pin receptacles of the grid ( 3 ) is greater than the number of contact pins of the plug-in distribution block, so that some of the pin receptacles are free of contact pins. 8. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the grid is a grid separated from a grid strip. 9. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a plurality of grids ( 3 a, 3 b) running parallel to one another, which are electrically connected to one another to implement a desired logic. 10. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 9, characterized in that an insulator ( 9 ) having recesses is inserted between two grids running parallel to one another, the connection between the grids ( 3a , 3b ) being made by contact pins which are guided through the recesses. 11. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the contact receiving levels is designed for connecting higher-pole contact part counterparts and the other contact receiving levels are designed for connecting lower-pole contact part counterparts. 12. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the further contact receiving levels (O, U) is assigned a bridge plug ( 6 , 7 ), by means of which a desired phase of the three-phase signal supplied via a higher-pole contact part counterpart can be selected for each of these further contact receiving levels. 13. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 12, characterized in that the bridge plug ( 6 , 7 ) is guided through a recess in the housing ( 1 , 2 ) into the interior of the housing. 14. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the bridge plug ( 6 , 7 ) can be repositioned in the recess to select the desired phase. 15. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the bridge plug ( 6 , 7 ) has a web and at least two plug-in parts extending from this, which are guided through one or more recesses into the interior of the housing, the selection of the desired phase being achieved by means of one plug-in part and the other plug-in part preventing a simultaneous selection of a further phase. 16. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has further recesses which serve to receive locking hooks ( 5 , 8 ). 17. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to claim 16, characterized in that the latching hooks ( 5 , 8 ) are flat and each have two resilient latching lugs which can be moved in a direction parallel to the contact receiving planes (M, O, U) for latching. 18. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has two housing halves ( 1 , 2 ) which are locked together when the housing is closed. 19. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has three contact receiving levels (M, O, U), of which the middle one is provided for the connection of higher-pole contact part counterparts. 20. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the higher-pole contact receiving level is designed with five poles. 21. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 18, characterized in that the low-pole contact receiving planes are designed to be three-pole. 22. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact part receptacles are plugs or sockets provided with codings, the outer contours of different plug codings matching. 23. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 10 or 16 to 22, characterized in that the housing of the plug-in distribution block is T-shaped, the housing extending downwards in three stages and each of these stages corresponding to an output level (U1, U2, U3), and that the contacting in these output levels takes place using insulation displacement connections, screw connections or spring force connections. 24. Electrical plug-in distribution block according to one of claims 1 to 10 or 16 to 22, characterized in that all output levels have the same number of poles.