RS51748B - SWITCH - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a switchgear (1), preferably a circuit breaker, especially a fault-current circuit breaker and/or a line safety switch. Said switchgear comprises a housing (19) with at least one clamping opening (20) and/or at least one clamping screw opening (21). The aim of the invention is to reduce the costs of manufacture and storage of such a switchgear. For this purpose, a locking element (22), preferably comprising an insulating material, is arranged in the clamping screw opening (21) and at least partially fills the clamping screw opening.

Description

Description of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a switch, that is, to a current switch, i.e. to a residual current switch and/or to a miniature current switch that contains a housing with at least one connection hole and/or at least one connection hole that contains threads, then contains at least one connection terminal that contains a connection or connection region with at least one main terminal that preferably has a rectangular cross-section, i.e. that the cross-section of the contacts on the busbar is rectangular, then it contains a fastening element that is composed of an insulating material and is made to rest on the connecting hole containing threads to prevent the unscrewing and/or separation of the connected elements.

[0002] It should be noted that the connection terminals that are part of switches such as miniature current switches and/or residual current switches have identical functionalities. In addition, switches may contain screw terminals or spring terminals. Such switches, which have mutually identical functionalities, have differently shaped housings due to the specific appearance of the connection terminals, and therefore their production price increases depending on the shape of the switch housing.

[0003] In the document US 4,928,080 A, fastening elements are described, which close connection openings containing threads as well as outlets for gases located in the region where the connection opening contains threads, whereby gases are generated during the operation of the switch itself.

[0004] FR 2 579 016 A describes an electromagnetically controlled switch in which connection openings containing threads are closed by means of connected plates.

[0005] The document DE 19 32 284 U describes a switch where the connecting terminals are located in open chambers where the covers are made of insulating materials to prevent access to the connecting threads.

[0006] In the document DE 31 41 362 Clje describes a terminal for connection with a spring containing a bus which is fixed to the housing and to the movable frame.

[0007] EP 1 213 792 A describes a bistable electrical terminal for connection to a movable grating which is pressed by a spring in relation to a plate which is fixed to the housing.

[0008] In the document US 3,304,392 A a switch is described which contains a terminal for connection with connecting threads and a spiral spring. The connection terminal contains a C-shaped frame that is fixed to the housing and to the movable yoke.

[0009] US 5,739,467 A describes a liftable terminal that includes a non-threaded connection.

[0010] The document DE 71 27 086 U describes an apparatus for receiving and attaching a fuse cartridge.

[0011] The document EP 0 978 914 A describes a circuit protection block and series circuit breaker protection.

[0012] Document DE 81 28 037 Ul describes a switch with connection terminals and with connection openings containing threads, wherein the switch also includes a closing cover.

[0013] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide the switch that is described above and that does not contain the mentioned defects, whereby the procedure of manufacturing and storing the switch would be as cheap as possible, especially the procedure of manufacturing and storing the switch housing.

[0014] This can be achieved according to the invention because the fastening elements comprise connectors located below at least one terminal connection region, where no terminal is connected to the connection region.

[0015] As a result we have that it is possible to use switches with housings that have threads for connecting the terminals, and they can also be connected to terminals that do not require an opening that contains threads, for example. Such openings can be found close to the fastening element according to the invention, thereby preventing unwanted access to foreign bodies such as metal particles, insects and/or dirt. In this regard, we have that previously used switches can be used regardless of what terminal is connected to it, which significantly reduces the costs that would be required to manufacture a new housing, especially if housings containing a mold are required. In addition, in this case, the flexibility related to the production and storage of one case to which several different terminals or other accessories can be connected is increased.

[0016] From this, it can be concluded that the connection hole is open to a certain limit in order to simplify the insertion of the main part, especially the contact bus, that is, to reduce the pressure during the above-mentioned processes.

[0017] By further developing the invention, it can be ensured that the fastening elements contain at least one projection of the connecting opening, which at least partially rests on at least one connecting opening. In this way, it is possible to use a housing to which the terminals are connected by means of threads and which contain a region with connection openings that are not covered, thus preventing unauthorized access. In the case of housings to which the terminals are connected, which have several connection openings, it is practiced to close one connection opening while the other connection openings can remain open or partially closed.

[0018] By further developing the invention, it can be ensured that the terminals to be connected contain at least one spring that exerts pressure on the connection region that was previously closed. In that case, the main parts, especially the busbar and its contacts, can lean and be fixed in a safety position, making it difficult for them to fall apart, without using a special tool for connecting terminals and switches. In this way, a quick and simple installation of switches that connect to the bus is ensured.

[0019] By further developing the invention, it can be ensured that the spring is in the form of a spiral. This ensures a simple and cheap production process because it is possible to ensure the mass production of a spiral spring where no special treatment or production method is required.

[0020] By further developing the invention, it can be ensured that the terminals, which are connected to the switch, are fixed to the switch and thus connected have the shape of a rectangular box, whereby the connecting element is located between the primary and secondary regions of the box while at the same time the connecting region is surrounded by the primary region of the box and the primary connecting side element, while on the other hand we have a spring that is located between the secondary region of the box and the secondary connecting side element and is located opposite the primary connecting element. In this way, the standard screw terminal, which is also known as the lifting terminal, can be attached to the switch without changing the structure, while at the same time maintaining the low cost of the switch production, because the existing housing and the molds on the switch can be used, which also contains the threads through which the terminals are attached, and the terminals containing the threads can also be attached with the help of a spring. Such individual savings enable flexible production, which enables quick and easy adaptation to customer requirements.

[0021] One of the variants of the invention may relate to the area of the primary region of the box where the connection with the connecting region of the box is avoided. This prevents water from entering the space behind the connected terminal.

[0022] By further developing the invention, it can be ensured that the connecting elements form a rectangular structure and that the secondary region of the box is located between the primary frame containing the primary and secondary connecting side elements and between the secondary frame with which it is parallel. In this way, the spring is protected and damage to the connected terminal is prevented, especially during the production process. In addition, in this way, the terminal that connects and contains the threads can be used in the manner previously described whereby the existing housing and molds can be used as well as the existing terminals that connect with the help of a spring. This results in increased flexibility and reduced cost of production and storage of the previously mentioned elements.

[0023] The following embodiment of the invention allows the secondary frame to contain at least one recess. Such an indentation can previously be located on the terminal to be connected and which can also contain a thread, whereby the mentioned indentation will enable better attachment to the safety element.

[0024] In this embodiment, we have found that the fastening element contains a connecting projection that rests on the recess of the second region, whereby the connecting region is free. In this way, it is ensured that the joint region is free so that the main part can simply fit on it, while at the same time the fitting pressure will be reduced.

[0025] In the following, the invention will be described in detail with the help of the corresponding drawings where the embodiments of the invention are shown, where: Figure 1 represents the first embodiment of the terminal that is connected to the switch;

Figure 2 represents another embodiment of the terminal that connects to the switch;

Figure 3 represents an embodiment of the invention, in accordance with Figures 1 and 2, with two buses;

Figure 4 represents an embodiment of the invention, in accordance with Figures 1 and 2, where the connection takes place in the connecting regions;

Fig. 5 represents a part of the switch, according to the invention, which relates to another embodiment of the terminal to be connected and where a part of the cross section of the terminal to be connected is visible;

Fig. 6 represents a part of the switch, according to the invention, related to the first embodiment of the terminal to be connected and where a part of the cross-section of the terminal to be connected can be seen;

Fig. 7 is a top view of a part of a switch according to the invention;

Figure 8 represents a part of the switch, in accordance with Figure 7, where a part of the cross-section is visible;

Figure 9 represents a switch, in accordance with Figure 7, side view;

Fig. 10 represents a switch, in accordance with Fig. 7, showing an axonometric view with the upper part of the housing raised;

Figure 11 represents the raised upper part of the switch housing, in accordance with Figure 10, and

Figure 12 presents two axonometric views of a fastening element according to the invention.

[0026] Figures 5 to 11 show the switch 1 or parts of the switch 1, that is, the circuit breaker, i.e. residual current circuit breaker and/or miniature current circuit breaker which contains a housing 19 with at least one connecting hole 20 and/or at least one connecting hole containing threads 21, then contains a fastening element 22 which is made of insulating material and which is made to rest on the connecting hole 21, wherein the fastening element partially rests on the connecting hole 21.

[0027] In order to ensure the further use of the housing 19 of the switch 1, in accordance with the invention, we have that the housing 19 of the switch 1 contains threads for fixing the terminals, as well as a connecting hole that contains threads 21 and connecting holes 20, that is, additional connecting holes 24, which are also called cable connectors, so that the fastening element 22, which is made of insulating material, can fit on the connecting hole that contains threads 21. In addition, it is possible to use the existing housing 19, whereby there is a low probability of unauthorized access to the connection hole containing the threads 21. In this way, savings can be made, since it will not be necessary to make a mold on the new housing 19.

[0028] Switches 1, in accordance with the invention, can refer to any switch 1. They are most often current switches, ie. residual current circuit breakers and/or miniature circuit breakers.

Figures 5 to 8 show a switch 1 with a preferred embodiment of the fastening element 22. Figures 10 and 11 show axonometric views of the switch 1 and part of the housing 19 of the switch 1 with a preferred embodiment of the fastening element 22. Two axonometric views of the preferred embodiment of the fastening element 22 are presented in Figure 12. It is desirable that the fastening element 22 be of such a shape that it can fill a certain space freed by the connecting threads.

[0030] It can be ensured that the fastening element 22 contains a projection of the connecting opening 23, which partially rests on the connecting opening 20. In this way, it is possible for the connecting openings 20, which ensure the cable connection, to be found between the top of the connecting thread and the connecting element 9, which prevents the access of foreign bodies, that is, the appearance of dirt. In addition, contact with living components, penetration of dirt, liquid or insects into the switch is prevented, which will result in an increase in air gaps between the parts of the switch 1. This type of switch 1 ensures high reliability and durability. For example, special fuse boxes are not used in America. The corresponding circuit breakers can be disturbed in operation, for example, it is not unusual for the switches to be covered with paint when painting the walls of the building, which can cause damage, ie. improper operation of the switch because the color penetrates the switch 1, which can be prevented by providing the fastening elements 22 that contain the projection of the connection hole 23, which enables long-term and correct operation of electrical installations under different circumstances.

[0031] Figures 1 to 9 show different versions of switch 1 with details, ie. parts of switch 1, i.e. circuit breaker, i.e. residual current switch and/or miniature current switch, which contains at least one connecting terminal 2 with the connecting region 3 that rests on the main part 4 having a rectangular cross-section, or on the contact 5 of the bus 6, where the connecting terminal 2 contains at least one spring 7 that provides a certain pressure in the direction in which the connecting region 3 is closed.

[0032] As a result we have that this kind of connection terminal, which is connected via the main part 4, i.e. via the busbar 6 and via the contacts 5, it can fit properly and be fixed in the appropriate position so that no tools are used when connecting the terminal 2 to the switch 1. In this way, a simple installation of the switch 1, which is mounted on the mounting rail, is ensured.

[0033] The spring 7 that provides the contact pressure can be e.g. in the form of a bent spring, a disc-shaped spring and/or in the form of a coil 8, or in the form of some combination thereof so that it can exert constant pressure. It is especially recommended to use the so-called compressed springs.

[0034] The switches 1, according to the invention, can be connected to the main terminal 4 via round wires, flat wires and/or plugs. They are especially used together with the so-called busbars 6. Such busbars 6, as shown in Figure 3, contain the connected main parts of the terminal 4 at predefined distances, wherein said distances are chosen to correspond to the distances of the connection openings 20, i.e. the connection regions 3 from the corresponding parts of the switch 1, so that a predefined number of parts of the switch 1 can be quickly and easily connected into one unit. The connected main parts 4 of the bus usually have a rectangular cross-section where they can be recessed or beveled in the region where the terminal to be connected 2 enters.

[0035] The switches 1, in accordance with the invention, preferably contain at least one connection terminal 2 which in turn contains at least one connection region 3. The two connected terminals 2 in particular enable each switch to be turned on/off, and it is not necessary for the two terminals to be connected in the same way. It can be ensured that the differently connected terminals 2 contain the corresponding connecting threads and the corresponding springs 7 so that the corresponding couplings can be added. This is particularly used in certain parts of the switch 1 to which the terminal 2 is connected, where the arrangement of the corresponding parts in the switch 1 can be identical.

[0036] The connecting region 3 of the connecting terminal 2 can contain at least one region with a spring 7 or it can be only one region with a spring 7. Also, it is possible for the connecting terminal 2 to be in the form of a bent spring that is in the shape of the Greek letter omega (Q), whereby the connecting region 3 is represented as a narrow opening that is also in the shape of the Greek letter omega (£2).

[0037] In order to simplify the connection of the main part of the terminal 4, it is necessary that the connecting region 3 is partly open. In this way, the connection of the main terminal 4 is simplified, and for this it is not necessary to use great force. Namely, it is enough for the connecting region 3 to be open from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. This ensures that the cross-section of the opening of the connection region 3 is approximately 10% to 60% of the cross-section of the main terminal 4 that is connected to the switch 1. The basic information that is required for each switch 1 is to enable the conduction/interruption of current, while also taking into account the cross-section of the conductor.

[0038] It is preferable that the spring 7 exerts pressure in the direction of closing the connection region 3. The connection element 9 and the movable box 10 constitute the connection region 3 which is described in the first and second embodiment of the connecting terminal 2, 26, 27, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Both embodiments, both the first embodiment of the connecting terminal 2, 26 in accordance with Figure 1 and the second embodiment of the terminal which connects 2, 27 in accordance with Figure 2, refers to standard terminals containing threads are also known as grid connectors with threads or lifting terminals. The spring 7 exerts the necessary pressure in the desired first and second version of the connecting terminal 2, 26, 27, which on the other hand is made possible with the help of connecting threads.

[0039] The preferred first and second embodiment of the connecting terminal 2, 26, 27 contains a connecting element 9 that is fixed to the switch 1 and to the rectangular box 10, wherein the connecting element 9 is located between the primary region 11 and the secondary region 12 of the box 10 and is limited with the primary region of the box 11 and with the primary connecting god element 13, then with the spring 7 that is located between the secondary region 12 of the box 10 and the secondary connecting side element 14 opposite the primary connecting side element 13.

[0040] In the first preferred embodiment of the terminal to be connected 2, 26, the connecting element 9 is in the form of a real tin strip and it is preferable that it contains steel, copper and/or some copper alloy, for example brass, and that it occupies a fixed position in the switch 1, i.e. to be located in the region of the connecting tunnel, such as connector located on the inner walls of the connecting tunnel.

[0041] As can be noted, the box 10 is rectangular in shape and consists of metal strips that are bent approximately 90° in four places, wherein the strips contain steel, copper and/or copper alloys such as, for example. brass. Also, it is preferable that the box 10 also contains a folding area. In addition, it is necessary for the box 10 to be connected and thus connected to form a torsionally rigid unit that can be welded or riveted, especially in the folding part.

[0042] As can be noted, in the second preferred embodiment of the connecting terminal 2, 27 we have that the connecting element 9 is rectangular in shape 16 and that the secondary region 12 of the box 10 is located between the primary frame area 17 which contains the primary side 13 and the secondary side 14 element and between the secondary frame area 18 with which it is parallel. As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, and particularly in Figures 5 and 8, the frame 16 contains a strip which is bent by 90° in three places. The connecting element 9 is slightly extended and surrounds the movable box 10 as well as the frame 16, the cross-section of which is rectangular. The frame 16 is turned in relation to the box 10 at an angle of 90° and forms one unit with it. As with the first embodiment of the connecting terminal 2, 26, the connection region 3 is limited by the exemplary box region 11 and the primary connection side element 13, the connection side element 13 being part of the space occupied by the primary frame area 17.

[0043] In order to prevent connecting the main terminal 4 and/or accidentally leaving the tool behind the connecting terminal 2, a welded plate 15 is provided in the primary region of the box 11, which is located opposite the connecting region 3 in the box 10 and which forms a single unit.

[0044] As explained earlier, the advantage of the connection region 3 of the terminal to be connected 2 is that said region is not completely closed, thus facilitating the connection of the main terminal 4. Also, it is ensured that the fastening element 22 contains a connection projection 25 located below at least one connection terminal 2, with the connection region 3 not connected to the main terminal and which is partially open when connecting the connection projection 25 and the terminal.

[0045] It can be ensured that the switch 1 contains a connecting terminal 2 whose secondary frame area 18 contains at least one recess 24 and that the fastening element 22 contains a connecting projection 25 that rests on the recess 24 on the secondary region 2 of the box 10 that does not contain the recessed region of the connecting projection, and on which the connecting region 3 rests. Figure 8 shows such a structure where the connecting region is pressed by recesses 24 of the box 10 and thereby opens the connection region, which simplifies the process of connecting the main terminal.

Claims (9)

1. Switch (1), i.e. circuit breaker, i.e. residual current circuit breaker and/or miniature current circuit breaker comprises a housing (19) with at least one connection opening (20) and/or with at least one connection opening containing threads (21), and with at least one terminal that connects (2) to the connection region (3) to connect the main part of the terminal (4) having a rectangular cross-section, as well as the contact (5) and the busbar (6), with the fastening element (22) for which preferably made of some insulating material and which rests on the connection opening (21) via the connection opening with threads (21) at least in one part and which is secured in such a way that easy unscrewing and/or displacement with respect to the connection region (3) is prevented is indicated by the fact that the fastening element (22) contains a connection projection (25) which is located against at least one region of the terminal to be connected (2), the connection region being free at least in one part before to the joint projection (25) fits the terminal that connects to (2). 2. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the fastening element (22) contains at least one connecting projection (23) which at least partially rests on the connecting opening (20). 3. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claims 1 and 2, is characterized by the fact that the connecting terminal (2) contains at least one spring (7) that exerts pressure in relation to the connecting region (3). 4. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claim 3, is characterized by the fact that the spring (7) is in the form of a coil. 5. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claims 1 and 2, is characterized by the fact that the connecting terminal (2) contains a connecting element (9) that is fixed to the switch (1) and to the rectangular box (10), wherein the connecting element (9) is located between the primary region of the box (11) and the secondary region of the box (12), where the connecting region (3) is separated from the primary region of the box (11) and where a primary connecting side region (13) characterized in that the spring (7) is located between the secondary region of the box (12) and the secondary connecting side element (14) located opposite the primary connecting side element (13). 6. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claim 5, is characterized by the fact that the primary region of the box (11), i.e. the welded plate (15) is located opposite the connecting region (3) of the box (10), with which it forms an integral unit. 7. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claims 5 and 6, is characterized by the fact that the connecting element (9) is located inside the rectangular frame (16) and that the secondary region of the box (12) is located between the primary frame area (17) in which the primary and secondary connecting side elements (13, 14) are located and the secondary frame area (18) with which it is parallel. 8. The switch (1), according to claim 7, is characterized in that the secondary frame area contains at least one recess (24). 9. The switch (1), in accordance with patent claim 8, is characterized in that the fastening element (22) contains a connecting projection (25) which abuts on the recess (24) of the secondary region of the box (12) which is located opposite the connecting projection (25) when the connecting region (3) abuts.