AU2018203535B2

AU2018203535B2 - Locking clip for fixing low voltage power distribution terminal product to supporting device

Info

Publication number: AU2018203535B2
Application number: AU2018203535A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ming Chen; Shaofan Li; Weibing Qiu; Yan Zhou
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2017-05-23
Filing date: 2018-05-18
Publication date: 2020-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-18
Also published as: GB201808046D0; HK1245005A2; AU2018203535A1; GB2564003A; GB2564003B; CN207053967U

Abstract

Disclosed is a locking clip, for fixing a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a supporting device, comprising a body and a protrusion, wherein at least a part of the protrusion is surrounded and clamped by the locking clip when the locking clip is mounted to the product, and wherein the locking clip is movable with respect to the protrusion between a locked position in which the product is locked to the supporting device and a released position in which the product is removed from s supporting device. Such locking clip is easy to use, spacing-saving and reliable, and can indicate whether or not the product is securely locked. @1 Fig.l1A

Description

LOCKING CLIP FOR FIXING LOW VOLTAGE POWER DISTRIBUTION TERMINAL PRODUCT TO SUPPORTING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present application relates to a locking clip, particularly to a locking clip for fixing a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a supporting device.

BACKGROUND [0002] Locking clips can be used to attach industrial electrical products to a base or DIN rail. Currently prior art locking clips have following disadvantages and defects.

[0003] Traditional locking clips are housed inside the product housing features. An addition of a quick pluggable metal part would be very difficult in design.

[0004] Locking clips on market are relatively short, which make them hard to be removed or installed.

[0005] Current locking clips on market only have a locking function. A user cannot know whether the product has been completely assembled after installation.

[0006] The existing locking clips occupy a large space at bottom of the product, which limits a design of other components.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an alternative locking clip that can address at least one of the problems above.

SUMMARY [0008] In view of above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present application proposes a new locking clip, which allows a user to conveniently and reliably attach the low voltage power distribution terminal product onto a base or reserved DIN rail and automatically lock it. The user can also confirm that the lock is secure via an indicating window. When the user needs to disassemble the product, it can be easily removed by a handle of the locking clip.

[0009] A locking clip for fixing a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a supporting device is disclosed, the product comprising a body and a raised platform raising

2018203535 18 May 2018 therefrom, wherein at least a part of the raised platform is surrounded and clamped by the locking clip when the locking clip is installed to the product, and wherein the locking clip is movable with respect to the raised platform between a locked position in which the product is locked to a supporting device and a released position in which the product is removed from the supporting device.

[0010] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, the locking clip comprises a through-hole delimiting a space through which the raised platform passes when the locking clip is installed to the product.

[0011] Preferably, the locking clip further comprises a window adjacent to a tail end of the locking clip and a handle extending obliquely outward from the tail end.

[0012] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, the locking clip has a mark for indicating lock status of the product which can be observed from above the window.

[0013] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, an outer surface of the raised platform and an inner surface of the through-hole fit with each other when the product is installed to the product.

[0014] Preferably, the product comprises at least a pair of claws and at least one tab projecting out from an upper surface of the raised platform.

[0015] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, the supporting device is a DIN rail.

[0016] According to another preferable embodiment of the application, the supporting device is a base.

[0017] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, the locking clip can be attached to the base.

[0018] Preferably, the base is provided with a slot for receiving the tab of the product, openings for engaging with the claws of the product and a hook for engaging with the locking clip.

[0019] Preferably, the locking clip comprises a groove which can engage with the hook of the base, and the groove is arranged to be in communication with the window such that the hook can be inserted into the groove of the locking clip and observed from above the window when the locking clip is installed to the base.

2018203535 10 Dec 2019 [0020] Preferably, a tip end of the hook and the groove have inclined end faces opposite to each other and suitable in shape, so that the locking clip can be easily fitted into the base. [0021] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, the locking clip is provided with a mark for indicating lock status of the product and operating direction for the user, wherein the mark is covered by the hook when the product is securely locked and is visible when the product has not been securely locked for instructing the user to push the locking clip along the direction indicated by the mark until the product is securely locked. [0022] According to a preferable embodiment of the application, plurality of pairs of inclined guide faces and stop end faces provided on the outer surfaces of the raised platform, and plurality of pairs of protrusions provided face-to face on the inner surface of the through hole, enable the raised platform and the locking clip to fit with each other and create clamp force.

[0022a] According to a further aspect, there is provided a locking clip for fixing a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a supporting device, the product comprising a body and a raised platform rising from the body, wherein at least a part of the raised platform is surrounded and clamped by the locking clip when the locking clip is installed to the product, wherein the locking clip is movable with respect to the raised platform between a locked position in which the product is locked to the supporting device and a released position in which the product is removed from the supporting device; wherein the supporting device being a DIN rail and a base which is provided with a hook for engaging with the locking clip; and wherein the product comprises at least one pair of claws, being electrical contacts, and at least one tab protruding from inside of the product, the claws and the tab protruding from an upper surface of the raised platform and being able to be fitted to the base. [0023] Such locking clip is easy to use, spacing-saving and reliable, and can indicate whether or not the product is securely locked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present application with reference to attached drawings, in which:

2018203535 10 Dec 2019 [0025] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a locking clip of the present application locking a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a base.

[0026] FIG. IB is a schematic perspective view of a locking clip of the present application locking a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a guide rail.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a locking clip according to the present application, showing a low voltage power distribution terminal product, a locking clip, and a base in an exploding manner.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing mating features of a locking clip and a low voltage power distribution terminal product.

3a

2018203535 18 May 2018 platform of the low voltage power distribution terminal product in different states, wherein FIG. 4A shows that the locking clip is fitted to the low voltage power distribution terminal product, FIG. 4B shows a state of the locking clip when it is in default setting or not in use, Fig. 4C shows the locking clip is in a locked position, and Fig. 4D shows the locking clip is in a released position.

[0030] FIGS. 5 A to 5C show views of the locking clip in a locked position from various perspectives, wherein FIG. 5 A is a schematic perspective view of the locking clip in the locked position observed from the side, FIG. 5B is a front view of the locking clip in the locked position, and FIGS. 5C is a schematic perspective view of the locking clip in the locked position when the low voltage power distribution terminal product is inverted.

[0031] FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate a partial enlarged schematic views of a locking clip according to the present application.

[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views of a locking clip according to the present application when a low voltage power distribution terminal product is not securely locked and when it is securely locked.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a locking clip according to the present application when a low voltage power distribution terminal product is securely locked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0034] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present application will be clearly apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. Directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as: up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., are simply directions with reference to the drawings. Therefore, the directional terms are used to illustrate and not to limit the present application. In addition, in all the embodiments, same reference numbers denote same elements.

[0036] The application provides a locking clip for installing and locking a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a base or a DIN rail. FIG. 1A is a schematic

2018203535 18 May 2018 perspective view of a locking clip of the present application according to the present application showing the locking clip 3 is locking a low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 to a base 4; FIG. IB is a perspective view a locking clip of the present application according to the present application showing the locking clip 3 is locking a low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 to a guide rail 2. FIG. 2 shows a low voltage power distribution terminal product 1, a locking clip 3, and a base 4 in an exploding manner. [0037] The low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 comprises a body 11 and a raised platform 12 projecting outward from one end of a bottom of the body 11. At least one pair of claws 13 and at least one tab 14, protruding from inside of the product 1, emerge out from a lower surface of the raised platform 12, which are used to electrically connect with bus bars in a distribution cabinet.

[0038] The locking clip 3 has a window 31 disposed adjacent to a tail end 34 of the locking clip, and a through hole 32 disposed adjacent to the other end opposite the tail end 34. When the locking clip 3 is assembled to the product 1, at least a part of the raised platform 12 can be surrounded and clamped by the locking clip 3, and the raised platform 12 passes through a space defined by the through hole 32. The locking clip 3 also has a handle 30 that extends obliquely outward from the tail end 34 of the locking clip 3 in a direction away from the locking clip, the surface of the handle 30 being marked with text of PULL or PULL UP. The locking clip 3 can be made of plastic material.

[0039] Such configuration reduces space occupied by the bottom of the body of the low-voltage power distribution terminal product so as to spare space for FE terminals (functional ground terminals) and a neutral line board.

[0040] The base 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 42 and slots 41. The openings 42 can be engaged with the claws 13 of the raised platform 12 so that the product 1 can be mounted on the base 4. The slot 41 is used to receive the tab 14 of the raised platform 12. [0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the raised platform 12 of the product 1 preferably has several pairs of inclined guide surfaces and stop end surfaces on its outer surface, and the inner surface of the through hole 32 of the lock clip 3 is preferably provided with several pairs of protrusions disposed face-to-face. When the locking clip 3 is assembled to the product 1 by the raised platform 12, these features on the outer surface of the raised platform 12 and the

2018203535 18 May 2018 inner surface of through hole 32 of the locking clip 3 cooperate with each other to provide a clamping force for locking the product.

[0042] As the locking clip 3 slides with respect to the raised platform 12 in a direction away from the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1, relative positions and fitting relationships, between the protrusions of the locking clip 3 and the inclined guide surfaces and the stop end surfaces of the raised platform 12, change. FIG. 4A shows the locking clip 3 is assembled together with the raised platform 12 of the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1, wherein a part of the raised platform 12 is surrounded by the locking clip 3 and the raised platform 12 passes through the through hole 32 of the locking clip 3. FIG. 4B shows a state of the locking clip 3 at the time of shipment or not in use. FIG. 4C shows a state of the locking clip 3 when it is in the locked position, i.e., the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 is mounted to the base 4 and is securely locked to the base 4 . FIG. 4D shows a state of the locking clip 3 when the user operates the locking clip 3 to move it to its released position, i.e., the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 is removed from the base 4 .

[0043] Similarly, in case where the product 1 is locked to a DIN rail 2 by the locking clip 3, the locking clip 3 is in a locked position when the product 1 is attached to the guide rail 2 and securely locked; when a user operates the locking clip 3 to enable the product 1 to be removed from the guide rail 2, the locking clip 3 is in a released position.

[0044] FIGS. 5A to 5C show the locking clip 3 which is in a locked position from various perspectives. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the locking clip 3 in the locked position as viewed from the side. FIG. 5B is a front view of the locking clip 3 in the locked position. FIG. 5C is a schematic perspective view of the locking clip 3 in the locked position as viewed from the side when the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1 is inverted.

[0045] As can be seen from FIG. 6A, the tail end 34 of the locking clip 3 is longer than the product 1, and therefore, the locking clip 3 as a whole has a relatively long protruding portion, enabling the user to disassemble and install the product safely and quickly. Moreover, the tail end 34 of the locking clip 3 is ergonomically designed to facilitate the user's hand-held operation.

2018203535 18 May 2018 [0046] As shown in FIG. 6C, in case where the product 1 is attached to the base 4, the base 4 has a hook 43 that extends upward from one end of the base 4 and then bends and extends outward. The hook 43 can also be seen from FIGS. 2 and 8. The tail end 34 of the locking clip 3 is provided with a groove 33 open towards the product 1, said groove 33 being in communication with the window 31 of the locking clip 3 such that when the locking clip 3 is mounted to the base 4 downwards with the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1, a part of the hook 43 can protrude into the window 31 and be observed from above the window 31 of the locking clip 3. Preferably, a tip of the hook 43 and the groove 33 have inclined end surfaces facing to each other and matchable in shape, which facilitates the user to snap the locking clip 3 into the base 4 , so that the product can be a stably installed status for use.

[0047] The locking clip according to the present application has a function of indicating whether the product is securely locked, specifically referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are top views of the locking clip according to the application when the low voltage power distribution terminal product is not locked and is securely locked respectively. From this perspective view, it is possible to see a bottom surface 311 of the window 31 marked with text LOCK and an arrow pointing to the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1. After the locking clip 3 is mounted to the base 4, if the product 1 is locked, a considerable part of the hook 43 of the base 4 will protrude into the window 31, covering the aforementioned arrow, instructing the user that the product has been locked; if the product is not installed in place or unlocked, the arrow of the locking clip 3 will be visible, instructing the user to push the locking clip in the direction of the arrow (i.e., towards the low voltage power distribution terminal product 1) to lock the product. This novel design with a lock indication function allows the user to confirm whether the installation is firm and secure via the window for indicating after the installation.

[0048] The locking clip of the application can be applied to the Fishbon type cabinets used in many countries and the DIN rail type cabinets used in China.

[0049] Although the present application has been described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings on the basis of the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are only preferred

2018203535 18 May 2018 embodiments. The present application is not limited to the above embodiments. Of course, the embodiments shown in the drawings of the present application are preferable embodiments, which may have outstanding substantive features and significant progress compared to other alternatives or variant embodiments not shown.

[0050] Finally, it is to be understood that some technical features in the embodiments may not be necessary to solve specific technical problems, so that these technical features may be omitted or omitted without affecting the solution of technical problems or the formation of technical solutions; and features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be combined, incorporated, or otherwise appropriately cooperated with features, elements, and/or functions of one or more other embodiments, unless such combination, incorporation, or cooperation is expressly impracticable.

[0051] It will be understood that the term “comprise” and any of its derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which it refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

2018203535 10 Dec 2019

1. A locking clip for fixing a low voltage power distribution terminal product to a supporting device, the product comprising a body and a raised platform rising from the body, wherein at least a part of the raised platform is surrounded and clamped by the locking clip when the locking clip is installed to the product, wherein the locking clip is movable with respect to the raised platform between a locked position in which the product is locked to the supporting device and a released position in which the product is removed from the supporting device;

wherein the supporting device being a DIN rail and a base which is provided with a hook for engaging with the locking clip;

and wherein the product comprises at least one pair of claws, being electrical contacts, and at least one tab protruding from inside of the product, the claws and the tab protruding from an upper surface of the raised platform and being able to be fitted to the base.
2. A locking clip according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking clip comprises a through-hole delimiting a space through which the raised platform passes when the locking clip is installed to the product.
3. A locking clip according to Claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a window adjacent to a tail end of the locking clip and a handle extending obliquely outward from the tail end.
4. A locking clip according to Claim 3, characterized in that the locking clip has a lock status mark for indicating lock status of the product which can be observed from above the window.
5. A locking clip according to Claim 1, characterized in that an outer surface of the raised platform and an inner surface of the through-hole fit with each other when the product is installed to the product.

2018203535 10 Dec 2019
6. A locking clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base is provided with a slot for receiving the tab of the product and openings for engaging with the claws of the product.
7. A locking clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking clip comprises a groove which can engage with the hook of the base, and the groove is arranged to be in communication with the window such that the hook can be inserted into the groove of the locking clip and observed from above the window when the locking clip is installed to the base.
8. A locking clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a tip end of the hook and the groove have inclined end faces facing to each other and matchable in shape, so that the locking clip can be easily fitted into the base.
9. A locking clip according to Claim 7, characterized in that the lock status mark is provided with on a bottom of the window for indicating lock status of the product and operating direction for a user, wherein the lock status mark is covered by the hook when the product is securely locked and is visible when the product has not been securely locked for instructing the user to push the locking clip along the direction indicated by the lock status mark until the product is securely locked.
10. A locking clip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of pairs of inclined guide faces and stop end faces are provided on the outer surfaces of the raised platform, and plurality of pairs of protrusions are disposed face-to-face on the inner surface of the through hole, enable the raised platform and the locking clip to fit with each other and create a clamp force.