DE102018117723B4 - RECEIVER UNIT FOR CONTACT PIN IN A METER TERMINAL BLOCK AND METER TERMINAL BLOCK AND AN ELECTRICITY METER - Google Patents

Abstract

Receiving unit (110) for a contact pin (210) for a meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200), the receiving unit (110) comprising: a clamping unit (130) which has two separate clamping jaws (132, 134), between which the contact pin (210) can be clamped, - a holding element (120), to which the clamping unit (130) is attached, - a first spring element (140) and a second spring element (150), the two clamping jaws (132, 134 ) are fastened to the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) by means of the first spring element (140), and the second spring element (150) is arranged such that it at least partially encompasses the two clamping jaws (132, 134) and one another too prestressed, and wherein the clamping jaws (132, 134) are designed such that they define a receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210).

Description

The present invention relates to a receiving unit for a contact pin in a meter connection block for connecting an electric meter.

Fixed electricity or energy meters have traditionally been used, but this leads to a lack of flexibility and an excessive amount of time, particularly in the area of assembly and when the electricity meters change due to the cycle.

Detachable electricity meters, in particular so-called “smart meters”, have been developed in recent times, some of which also enable electricity interruption-free replacement.

Such electricity meters generally include contact pins, and the electricity meter is plugged into a meter connection block by means of the contact pins. If an uninterrupted change of meter is to be possible, the contacts must be bridged during the exchange of the electricity meter, which can be achieved with a bridging device.

From the DE 2 256 373 A a receiving unit for a contact pin in a meter connection block is also known, which has a clamping unit with two separate clamping jaws, between which a contact pin can be clamped. This receiving unit further comprises a holding element to which the clamping unit is fastened, and a spring element which is designed and arranged in such a way that it at least partially encompasses the two clamping jaws and biases them towards one another.

Another similar device is from the DE 10 2011 015 697 A1 known.

It is an object of the present invention to improve such a system or parts of such a system, wherein in particular a convenient change of an electricity meter is possible, but at the same time it is also ensured that the electricity meter is arranged safely and reliably in the meter connection block via the contact pins and the electrical contacts are reliable, and should be as convenient as possible.

This object is achieved by a receiving unit for a contact pin for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter according to claim 1, a meter connection block according to claim 15 and an electricity meter with such a meter connection block according to claim 16. Claims 2 to 13 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the receiving unit according to claim 1.

According to the invention, the receiving unit for a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter comprises a clamping unit which has two separate clamping jaws between which the contact pin can be clamped, a holding element to which the clamping unit is fastened, and a first spring element and a second spring element.

The two clamping jaws are fastened to the clamping unit of the receiving unit by means of the first spring element, the second spring element being designed and arranged in such a way that it at least partially encompasses the two clamping jaws and biases them towards one another.

According to the invention, the clamping jaws are designed such that they define a receiving area for the contact pin, which is preferably arranged at least partially between the first and the second spring element.

It should be pointed out at this point that such a recording unit for a meter connection block is provided multiple times in a meter connection block. In a three-phase system, for example, a meter connection block comprises a total of seven such recording units.

A receiving unit according to the invention has the particular advantage that individual functional elements of the receiving unit, which are not produced in one piece, can be easily made from different materials, so that the materials and also the geometry of the individual units can be better adapted to their desired, specific functions , so that, in contrast to one-piece recording units or recording units with fewer units, better performance data can be made possible.

For example, the material for the contact pin can be selected with regard to its main mode of operation, namely conductivity and stability, while the required flexibility, which is required for a clamping action for securely fastening the contact pin, is realized by the spring elements, in particular the second spring element can, with no special requirements of conductivity need to be placed on the spring element.

In particular, the configuration according to the invention of the clamping unit with two separate clamping jaws, in particular in connection with the special fastening of the clamping jaws to the holding element by means of the first spring device and the spring force of the second spring element, has the effect that the separate clamping jaws for inserting or removing a contact pin do not have to be bent over wide areas, as is the case with one-piece clamping units, but, to a certain extent, move independently of one another during operation and, like a hinge, can open or close relative to one another, for example by a light one , relative rotational movement to one another and / or can also move relative to other elements of the receiving unit, in particular relative to the holding element.

For the purposes of this invention, separate clamping jaws are to be understood in particular as clamping jaws which are individual elements, that is to say not a one-piece clamping unit which is formed, for example, by bending a one-piece element two opposing clamping jaws. The individual or separate clamping jaws are also not formed into a substantially one-piece element by soldering or welding or another material connection. In particular, the positioning of the separate jaws is ensured only by the shape of the separate jaws themselves and by the shape of further associated elements and by spring elements.

This has the advantage that the force required to push the two clamping jaws apart for inserting or removing a contact pin is small, so that no great forces have to be used when a bridging device or an element of a bridging device is between the two separate clamping jaws is introduced, while on the other hand a secure attachment of the contact pins is ensured in the clamping unit.

In particular, the fact that a user has to exert lower forces in order to use a bridging device prevents a possible incorrect operation, which could otherwise be caused by applying excessive forces.

Another very important advantage of the receiving unit according to the present invention is the cost-effective production which has only become possible due to the structure. All parts of the receiving unit can be manufactured individually and then assembled, it is not necessary to bend or adapt individual parts in an assembled state. In particular, the fact that the clamping jaws are designed as separate clamping jaws makes it possible for the individual clamping jaws to be produced in a simple manner, for example by shaping a strip and subsequently cutting the strip, which results in great cost savings.

The recording unit according to the invention therefore not only leads to a more reliable function and a longer service life, but also to a simpler and safer operation, in which lower forces need to be used, in particular if the bridging device is used before the electricity meter is changed, but also leads also to a noticeable reduction in production costs and thus the costs of the elements, both the recording unit and the entire meter connection block, which, as mentioned above, comprises several recording units, or also an overall system which comprises one or more electricity meters with one or more meter connection blocks .

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two separate clamping jaws are designed such that they have an identical shape. This has a further particular advantage in production, since only one type of clamping jaw has to be produced, as described above, for example by shaping a strip which can subsequently be cut. The reduction in the number of different parts automatically ensures a noticeable reduction in the total costs, and it also enables the replacement of individual parts with less effort.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the holding element of the receiving unit is designed such that it has a slot into which the two holding jaws can be inserted. In this way, the elements can be used easily and quickly during the manufacturing process, which lowers the manufacturing costs.

It is also possible to replace individual elements on the part of the later user, if necessary, without having exceptional specialist knowledge or requiring special tools, so that simple and inexpensive maintenance of the overall system is possible, which also means the operating costs over the entire service life lowers.

It is particularly preferred that the first spring element at least partially encompasses the holding element, wherein in a further preferred embodiment the first spring element has a slot on one side which is designed such that both holding jaws can be inserted into this slot.

This supports easy handling and assembly because the two holding jaws and the first spring element can simply be pushed onto the holding element.

The second spring element can then also simply be pushed onto the two clamping jaws, for example in a subsequent step, whereby it is alternatively also possible to first secure the two clamping jaws to one another by means of the second spring element and then the unit of the two clamping jaws produced thereby with the to place the second spring element together on the holding element, in particular to insert it into the slot provided in the holding element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the clamping jaws is designed such that it has a foot region which is designed and shaped in such a way that, in the assembled state, it bears against the holding element of the receiving unit, preferably over a large area. As a result, a reliable contact is established in particular.

The first spring element is preferably designed in such a way that it engages around the holding element of the receiving unit on the one hand and the foot elements of the two clamping jaws on the other hand and presses them against one another, so that a secure connection is guaranteed, and the individual elements can also be attached and assembled very easily.

In a further special embodiment, the two clamping jaws are arranged on the holding element in such a way that they are arranged in mirror image to one another. This is particularly advantageous if the two clamping jaws, as already described above, are of identical design.

In a particular embodiment, the two clamping jaws can each have a bulge in the cross-sectional direction, which, when the two clamping jaws are arranged in mirror image to one another, form a receiving area for the associated contact pin.

In a further particular embodiment, the first spring element is designed such that it exerts a force on the holding element and the clamping jaws in a first direction, so that the clamping jaws are held on the holding element, while the second spring element exerts a force on the two clamping jaws in one second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction. This has the advantage that both spring elements can be adapted exactly to their function, and the holding force of the clamping jaws on the holding element can be selected and designed on the one hand by suitable selection of the first spring element independently of the force of the second spring element, which prestresses the clamping jaws towards one another and thus sets a holding force for the contact pin.

The two clamping jaws are particularly preferably made from a first material, while the holding element of the receiving unit is made from a second material that differs from the first material. This makes it possible to select a material that is particularly suitable for the specific function.

It is particularly preferred in particular that the material of the first and the second spring element differs from the material of the two clamping jaws and / or from the material of the holding element, in particular because the functions of the spring elements differ significantly from the other elements and, in particular, conductivity is not required is.

The two clamping jaws and the holding element made of solid electrolytic copper with high electrical conductivity (for example 50 to 60 Siemens, in particular for example 58 Siemens) are particularly preferred.

The clamping jaws and the holding element are particularly preferably galvanically silvered in order to ensure good contact and low power losses.

Since the width of the holding element is limited, it can be adapted to the desired current carrying capacity by choosing different thicknesses.

In the case of a one-piece receiving unit, it is preferred that these consist of a material with spring properties. Alloys with a lower conductivity and, since they are limited in cross section, with a lower current carrying capacity and higher power loss are preferred.

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping jaws are arranged such that they are spaced apart from one another on their end opposite the holding element. This distance is preferably designed such that a bridging element or actuating element can be inserted between the two clamping jaws, as a result of which the clamping jaws can be moved apart against the spring force of the second spring element. As a result, a receiving area for the contact pin, which is formed by the two clamping jaws and between the two clamping jaws, is enlarged, so that the contact pin can be inserted or removed without any significant frictional forces.

The receiving unit is particularly preferably designed in such a way that the holding element of the receiving unit and the two clamping jaws are connected to one another solely by their geometric shape and the two spring elements and their positions are held relative to each other. This has particular advantages during production, since it is not necessary to connect individual elements, for example by welding or soldering.

The receiving unit is preferably designed such that the clamping jaws can be repeatedly removed from the holding element of the receiving unit and put back on and / or reattached. This is also made possible by the structure of the receiving unit described in claim 1, no welding or soldering between these elements being required.

Particularly preferably, the two clamping jaws can be removed from the holding element of the receiving unit after or by loosening and removing the first spring element, in particular can be removed in a linear direction, it also being possible for the two clamping jaws to be removed together with the first before the first spring element is released and removed and / or second spring element are removable. This leads to simple assembly or also easy disassembly, if this should be necessary.

The present invention also relates to a meter connection block for connecting an electricity meter, which comprises at least one recording unit according to one of the preceding claims. Particularly preferably, seven receiving units are provided in a counter connection block, in particular in the case of three-phase systems, which each comprise two connections for the phases L1, L2, L3 and an N connection.

The invention also relates to a system with one or more electricity meters and with one or more meter connection blocks.

• 1 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines Systems mit einem Stromzähler, einem erfindungsgemäßen Zähleranschlussblock und einer Überbrückungsvorrichtung, wobei der Zähleranschlussblock Aufnahmeeinheiten gemäß der Erfindung für einen Kontaktstift umfasst, wobei der Stromzähler an dem Zähleranschlussblock angeschlossen ist;
• 2 zeigt das in 1 dargestellte System, bei dem jedoch das Überbrückungselement in den Zähleranschlussblock eingesetzt ist und der Stromzähler von dem Zähleranschlussblock getrennt ist;
• 3 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch einen Zähleranschlussblock mit Aufnahmeeinheiten gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung und einen Querschnitt durch ein Überbrückungselement, wobei sich die Vorrichtungen und Elemente in der in 1 gezeigten Konstellation befinden;
• 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch einen Zähleranschlussblock mit Aufnahmeeinheiten gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung und einen Querschnitt durch ein Überbrückungselement, wobei sich die Vorrichtungen und Elemente in der in 2 gezeigten Konstellation befinden;
• 5 zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer Aufnahmeeinheit gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in ihrem zusammengesetzten Zustand; und
• 6 zeigt die in 5 gezeigte Ausführungsform der Aufnahmeeinheit in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following drawings, which schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment.

• 1 shows an embodiment of a system with an electricity meter, a meter connection block according to the invention and a bridging device, wherein the meter connection block comprises receiving units according to the invention for a contact pin, wherein the electricity meter is connected to the meter connection block;
• 2nd shows that in 1 System shown, but in which the bridging element is inserted into the meter connection block and the electricity meter is separated from the meter connection block;
• 3rd shows a cross section through a meter connection block with receiving units according to the present invention and a cross section through a bridging element, wherein the devices and elements in the in 1 shown constellation;
• 4th shows a cross section through a meter connection block with receiving units according to the present invention and a cross section through a bridging element, wherein the devices and elements in the in 2nd shown constellation;
• 5 shows an embodiment of a recording unit according to the present invention in its assembled state; and
• 6 shows the in 5 shown embodiment of the receiving unit in an exploded view.

1 shows a system with an electricity meter 200 connected to a meter connection block 100 is connected according to the invention. The system also includes a lock-up device 300 that are in the meter connection block 100 can be used so that the corresponding phase contacts L1 , L2 and L3 can be bridged so that the electricity meter 200 can be exchanged without interruption.

The electricity meter 200 is only shown schematically, it is preferably an electronic electricity meter or a so-called “smart meter”.

2nd shows that in 1 shown system, but in which the bridging device 300 in the meter connection block 100 has been used so that the electricity meter 200 could be removed from the meter connection block and separated from it. In 2nd you can see the pins well 210 of the electricity meter 200 .

3rd shows a cross section through the meter connection block 100 and the bridging device 300 , whereby the devices and elements in the 1 shown constellation.

As in 3rd the meter connection block is clearly visible 100 a total of 7 recording units 110 in which the contact pins 210 are used (in a recording area 136 , please refer 4th ) so that there is contact between the contact pins 210 and the associated clamping units 130 is made. The electricity meter and the meter connection block are therefore in their normal operating position.

3rd also shows a cross section through a bridging device 300 , the total of 3 Bridging elements 320 comprises, which are arcuate, in this embodiment substantially U-shaped, and which when the bridging device 300 in the meter connection block 100 is used, can establish a contact and thus a bridging between two clamping units or receiving units, see here 4th .

4th shows a cross section, as in 3rd is shown, however in the in 2nd shown constellation, in which the bridging unit 300 in the meter connection block 100 is used.

As in 4th shown are the ends of the bridging elements 320 in one clamping unit each 130 between the respective separate jaws 132 and 134 introduced so that the jaws 132 , 134 are moved relative to each other or pushed apart.

The recording room 136 between the two separate jaws 132 and 134 is expanded so that the contact pins ( 210 , please refer 2nd and 3rd ) can be removed easily and without exertion of force from the clamping unit and thus from the receiving unit, so that the electricity meter can be removed and replaced.

As in 4th Contacts L1, L2 and L3 are also clearly visible through the respective bridging elements 320 the bridging device 300 bridged, so that the system behind it can continue to be operated without interruption, without an electricity meter being connected.

5 shows an embodiment of a recording unit according to the invention 110 in their assembled state, whereby 5 also a contact pin 210 shows that in contact with the recording unit 110 and in particular a clamping unit 130 stands.

At the in 5 The embodiment of the receiving unit shown are two line connection terminals 190a and 190b shown, which allow an optional connection option. Depending on the design of the meter distributor, a downward or a rearward connection can be provided, but the receiving unit includes 110 only one of the line connection terminals, which, however, can be arranged differently depending on the geometric arrangement of the overall system and depending on the direction of the associated lines.

The acquisition unit 110 further comprises a holding element 120 that is in electrical contact with the line terminal, either line terminal 190a or line terminal 190b , is in this embodiment, the holding element 120 is angular. Depending on the requirements, differently arranged power connection terminals can also be provided.

The acquisition unit 110 further comprises a clamping unit 130 with two jaws 132 and 134 , with the jaws 132 and 134 by means of a first spring device 140 on the holding element 120 , in this embodiment is attached to a lower foot element, so that there is also contact between the clamping jaws 132 and 134 and the holding element 120 is made.

The jaws 132 and 134 are further by a second spring device 150 held together, a force on the two jaws 132 and 134 exercises so that they are biased towards each other.

The jaws 132 and 134 form a receiving space in which the contact pin 210 is used, and due to the spring action in particular the second spring device 150 is the contact pin 210 with force between the jaws 132 and 134 held so that a safe electrical contact is made.

6 shows the in 5 Embodiment shown in an exploded view, in which you can see the individual elements more clearly.

The two separate jaws 132 and 134 are absolutely identical in shape and arranged in mirror image to each other and opposite, the clamping jaws 132 and 134 are designed so that they each have a bulge 133 and 135 have, so that the clamping jaws, when they are brought together in mirror image, a receiving space for the contact pin 210 form, see in particular 3rd and 4th .

The two jaws 132 and 134 can simply be merged, the second spring device 150 in the assembled state the two jaws 132 and 134 encompasses (see in particular 5 ) so that a clamping unit 130 is formed.

This clamping unit 130 with the jaws 132 and 134 can then into a slot 122 in the holding element 120 be introduced, with the jaws 132 and 134 each have a foot region 137 and 139, which are designed so that in the assembled state, see 5 , on the underside of the holding element 120 contact and make contact, see also here 5 .

The first spring device 140 also has a slot 144 in which the jaws 132 and 134 are at least partially introduced in the assembled state.

6 shows very clearly the individual, separate elements, namely the two separate jaws 132 and 134 that over the spring devices 140 and 150 on the holding element 120 can be attached, the attachment only by the shape of the elements and the spring forces of the first and second spring devices 140 and 150 will be realized. It is therefore not necessary to weld or solder elements.

The identical design of the jaws 132 and 134 leads to a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process since there is only one type of jaw that can always be used.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the drawings can be essential for the realization both individually and in any combination.

Claims (16)

Receiving unit (110) for a contact pin (210) for a meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200), the receiving unit (110) comprising: a clamping unit (130) which has two separate clamping jaws (132, 134), between which the contact pin (210) can be clamped, a holding element (120), to which the clamping unit (130) is attached, a first spring element (140) and a second spring element (150), the two clamping jaws (132, 134) being fastened to the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) by means of the first spring element (140), and wherein the second spring element (150) is arranged such that it at least partially encompasses the two clamping jaws (132, 134) and biases them towards one another, and wherein the jaws (132, 134) are designed such that they define a receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210). Acquisition unit after Claim 1 , characterized in that the two jaws (132, 134) have an identical shape. Acquisition unit after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) has a slot (122) into which the two holding jaws (132, 134) are inserted. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) at least partially surrounds the holding element (120). Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) has on one side a slot (144) which is designed such that both holding jaws (132, 134) are inserted into this slot (144). Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the clamping jaws (132, 134) has a foot region (136, 137) which is designed such that it lies at least partially on the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110). Acquisition unit after Claim 6 , characterized in that the first spring element (140) is designed such that it engages around the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) on the one hand and the foot elements (136, 137) of the two clamping jaws (132, 134) on the other hand and presses them together. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are arranged on the holding element (120) in such a way that they are arranged in mirror image to one another. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (140) is designed such that it exerts a force on the holding element (120) and the clamping jaws (132, 134) in a first direction, so that the clamping jaws (132, 134) are held on the holding element (120), while the second spring element (150) exerts a force on the two clamping jaws (132, 134) in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are made of a first material, while the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) is made of a second material which is different from the first material differs. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are arranged such that they are at a distance from one another on their ends opposite the holding element (120), which is designed such that a Actuating element can be inserted between the two clamping jaws (132, 134), whereby the clamping jaws (132, 134) can be pressed apart against the spring force of the second spring element (150), so that the receiving area (136) for the contact pin (210) is enlarged and / or so that the force acting on a contact pin (210) inserted in the receiving area (136) is reduced. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) and the two clamping jaws (132, 134) are connected to one another and in their positions solely by their geometric shape and the two spring elements (140, 150) be held relative to each other. Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit (110) is designed such that the clamping jaws (132, 134) can be repeatedly removed from the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) and put back on and / or fastened . Receiving unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two clamping jaws (132, 134) can be removed from the holding element (120) of the receiving unit (110) after or by releasing and removing the first spring element (140). Meter connection block (100) for connecting an electricity meter (200) which comprises at least one recording unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably comprising 7 recording units (110) according to one of the preceding claims. Electricity meter (200) with a meter connection block (100) Claim 15 .

Images