CN216872851U

CN216872851U - Overvoltage protection device

Info

Publication number: CN216872851U
Application number: CN202121082455.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赫尔诺特·菲尼斯; 马库斯·菲利普
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-05-20
Filing date: 2021-05-20
Publication date: 2022-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-20
Also published as: DE202020102889U1

Abstract

The utility model relates to an overvoltage protection device (100) comprising: -a carrier (130) for pluggably receiving at least two modules; -an overvoltage protection module (110) plugged or pluggable onto the carrier (130); and-a protection module (120) plugged or pluggable onto the carrier (130), wherein the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) are connected in series.

Description

Overvoltage protection device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an overvoltage protection device, for example for lightning protection.

Background

Overvoltage Protection devices are known from the prior art, which comprise an overvoltage Protection module, for example an SPD (english "hot Protection Device"), with integrated thermal disconnection means.

Under certain network conditions, there may be unprotected areas, so-called "blind areas," outside the response of the thermal separation device and outside the response of the upstream or set pre-fuse. This means, for example, that the switching capacity of the thermal disconnection apparatus may not be sufficient to reliably interrupt an occurring fault current (e.g. free-wheeling) in the current range. On the other hand, the fault current may be too small to trigger the upstream safety device quickly or completely enough.

In order to avoid this, an additional switch can be used as a disconnector, which is characterized by a relatively low triggering current and a high breaking capacity in comparison with a thermal disconnection device integrated in the overvoltage protection module. Furthermore, the additional switch may be designed to be able to carry high impulse currents (e.g. lightning currents) without being triggered by these impulse currents themselves. The additional switch may be, for example, an SSD (english "SPD-Specific disconnect") and/or an SCB (english "Special Circuit Breaker"). These additional switches are typically constructed such that they are triggered in the event of a fault current from 3A. They can typically be used for protecting overvoltage protection modules in electrical networks with an expected short-circuit current of 25kA or 35kA up to 100 kA.

In the prior art, such an additional switch is connected in series with the overvoltage protection module and the thermal disconnection device in a known manner. The relative arrangement of the overvoltage protection module, the disconnection device and the additional switches and their wiring to the series circuit, however, requires significant installation space.

Furthermore, multiple transmissions of the derived current through the additional switch may lead to degradation and failure of the additional switch and/or the overvoltage protection module. This can result in that reliable overload-failure behavior of the series circuit, for example a reliable interruption of an occurring fault current, consisting of the additional switch and the overvoltage protection module with the integrated thermal disconnection device is no longer ensured.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The object of the utility model is to provide an overvoltage protection device which has a more compact design and can be installed more quickly than existing overvoltage protection devices, preferably for easier replacement of aged or damaged components, overvoltage protection modules with thermal disconnection devices or additional switches. Alternatively or additionally, an overvoltage protection device should be provided which has better overload failure characteristics than existing overvoltage protection devices.

This object or these objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and advantageous refinements of the utility model are specified in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below, in part, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to one aspect, an overvoltage protection device is provided. The overvoltage protection device comprises a carrier for pluggably accommodating at least two modules. The overvoltage protection arrangement further comprises an overvoltage protection module which is plugged or pluggable onto the carrier. Furthermore, the overvoltage protection device comprises a protection module which is plugged or can be plugged onto the carrier. The overvoltage protection module and the protection module are connected in series.

The protection module may be configured to protect the overvoltage protection module, preferably in a voltage and/or current range in which the overvoltage protection module does not have a disconnection capability or does not have a sufficient disconnection capability. For example, the overvoltage protection module may be a so-called "surge protector" (SPD), and the protection module may be a so-called "SPD-only circuit breaker" (SSD).

Embodiments of the utility model enable a more compact construction and/or a faster installation, preferably a modular construction, of the overvoltage protection means. The modular design allows easy installation of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module by means of a plug-in connection with the carrier and/or easy replacement of a damaged overvoltage protection module and/or protection module.

The pluggable accommodation can comprise a pluggable mechanical connection (also fixed) and/or a pluggable electrical connection (also interface, for example at least one contact or a clamp for an electrical connection).

The carrier (e.g., base element or plug element) may comprise a clamp. These clamps may be configured for fixing the carrier to the support rail and/or connecting at least one electrical conductor (e.g. a ground or power bus) to the carrier. These clamps may be threaded clamps, tension spring clamps, direct-plug clamps, and/or quick-connect clamps. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier can have a mounting base for fastening to the support rail.

The clamp and/or the mounting base can be configured for mechanically and/or electrically connecting the carrier to the support rail. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier can be releasably fixed to the mounting rail, for example by means of latching projections (which preferably engage or can engage with the edges of the mounting rail) or by means of a releasable locking mechanism (for example in the mounting base).

Alternatively, the carrier may be or comprise a support rail. The overvoltage protection module and the protection module can be fixed directly or in the immediate vicinity in a pluggable manner or can be fixed to the mounting rail.

The overvoltage protection module can, for example, act as a closer to the series circuit in response to voltages above a predetermined limit value. The protection module may for example act as a disconnector of the series circuit in response to a current larger than a predetermined limit value.

The overvoltage protection module and the protection module can be constructed or arranged separately in a respective housing. Alternatively, the overvoltage protection module and the protection module can be constructed or arranged in one housing. Furthermore, the overvoltage protection module, the protection module and the carrier can alternatively or additionally be constructed or arranged in a housing.

In order to accommodate at least two modules in a pluggable manner, the carrier can comprise a corresponding number of at least two plug-in positions. Each plug-in position can be designed to mechanically connect or fix a plug-in-receiving module.

The overvoltage protection module and the protection module can be connected in series by means of a carrier. Each plug-in position can also be designed for electrically connecting a module that can be accommodated in a plug-in manner. For example, the carrier may include back connections between the plug locations that are configured to connect the plugged modules in series.

The overvoltage protection module and the protection module can be placed against each other on corresponding contact surfaces. This may also be referred to as an arrangement abutting one another. The contact surface of the overvoltage protection module can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and/or the plug direction of the overvoltage protection module. The contact surfaces of the protection modules can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and/or the plug-in direction of the protection modules.

The arrangement of the two modules against one another makes it possible to achieve a compact arrangement of the overvoltage protection (for example, as small a volume or as small a construction space as possible).

The overvoltage protection module and the protection module can each have an abutment surface, for example a side surface. The contact surfaces can be mechanically connected to each other or can be connectable. For example, the contact surfaces can have tongues or grooves which are designed for dovetail connection of the modules which are to be placed against one another.

The overvoltage protection module can include a first terminal. The protection module may include a second terminal. The overvoltage protection module and the protection module may be connected in series by the first terminal and the second terminal.

The overvoltage protection module can comprise in its contact surface an interface of the first terminal. The protection module may comprise an interface for the second terminal in its contact surface. In the arrangement of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module abutting each other, the first terminal and the second terminal can be connected in an electrically conductive manner by means of a corresponding interface, preferably for connecting the overvoltage protection module and the protection module in series.

In one embodiment, the overvoltage protection module can comprise an interface with a first terminal in its contact surface. The protective module can comprise an interface with a second terminal in its contact surface. In the arrangement of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module abutting each other, the interface with the first terminal and the interface with the second terminal can be electrically conductively connected.

Embodiments enable an electrical connection between the overvoltage protection module and the protection module, preferably for a series connection, to be realized at the time of plugging or as a result of plugging (e.g. plugging) two modules onto the carrier, preferably without additional wiring (e.g. cabling) being established for the series connection.

The overvoltage protection module can also comprise a third terminal which can be electrically conductively connected to the first terminal in the conductive state of the overvoltage protection module. Alternatively or additionally, the third terminal can be electrically disconnected from the first terminal in the insulating state of the overvoltage module and/or in the open state of the disconnection device. Alternatively or additionally, the protection module may also comprise a fourth terminal, which may be connected in an electrically conductive manner to the second terminal in the closed state of the protection module. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth terminal may be electrically separated from the second terminal in the open state of the protection module.

The closed state of the protection module may correspond to an operating state of the overvoltage protection device. Alternatively or additionally, the open state of the protection module can correspond to a fault state of the overvoltage protection device. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive state of the overvoltage protection module can correspond to a fault state of the overvoltage protection device. Alternatively or additionally, the insulation state of the overvoltage protection module can correspond to an operating state of the overvoltage protection device.

The load protected by the overvoltage protection device can be connected or connectable to the third terminal and the fourth terminal. The overvoltage protection device may be connected in parallel with the load. The overvoltage protection device can be connected between a live conductor (e.g. live line, L) and a discharge potential (e.g. ground potential PE or neutral line, N).

The overvoltage protection module can have an overvoltage protection component. The overpressure module can furthermore have a thermal disconnection device. The thermal disconnection device can be designed to electrically disconnect the overvoltage protection component from the first terminal and/or the third terminal in the event of a fault, for example.

The overvoltage protection component can be configured to transition to a conductive state when a voltage (e.g., between the first terminal and the third terminal or between the third terminal and the fourth terminal) is greater than a predetermined response voltage (i.e., a lower limit of the transition range). The transition of the overvoltage protection component from the insulating state to the conducting state may be irreversible.

The overvoltage protection component and the thermal disconnection device can be connected in series to interrupt the current through the overvoltage protection component.

The thermal disconnection device can have an electrically conductive predetermined breaking point (for example a soldered connection) between the overvoltage protection component and the movable connection in the spring-biased state. The predetermined breaking point can be designed as a defined constriction of the connecting cross section of the overvoltage protection component. Furthermore, the predetermined breaking point can have a defined melting integral value of the power loss, at which the predetermined breaking point opens.

The thermal separating device can respond when the overvoltage protection component heats up gradually, for example due to ageing or due to a small overpressure. The predetermined breaking point can be melted by heating, as a result of which the connecting element, which is in the spring-preloaded state, is moved away from the overvoltage protection component and the electrical connection of the overvoltage protection component is interrupted at the location of the predetermined breaking point.

The overvoltage protection component can selectively conductively connect the first terminal and the third terminal. The thermal disconnection device can be designed to disconnect the overvoltage protection component in the event of a continuous current flow between the first terminal and the third terminal.

The overvoltage Protection component may be or comprise an SPD (english "surgery Protection Device") or a (functional) part of an SPD. Preferably, the overvoltage protection component can be or comprise a varistor, a gas-filled overvoltage arrester, a suppressor diode or a spark gap. Alternatively or additionally, the overvoltage protection component can be used as a heat source for the thermal disconnection apparatus and/or as a heat source in thermal contact with the thermal disconnection apparatus.

The protection module can have a protection switch. For example, the protection module may comprise a triggering unit configured to open the protection module in case the current and/or power through the protection module exceeds a limit value.

The protection switch may be connected between the second terminal and the fourth terminal.

The protection module may be an SSD (english "SPD-Specific disconnect") and/or an SCB (english "Special Circuit Breaker"). Preferably, the protection switch may be a mechanical switch and/or a melting switch.

Preferably, the protection switch or its triggering unit is insensitive to pulsed currents. Alternatively or additionally, the protective switch or its triggering unit can be designed to open the protective switch if the current through the protective switch exceeds a fault current limit of the protective switch component. Preferably, the fault current limit of the protection switch (e.g. 3A) is smaller than the fault current limit of the overvoltage protection module (e.g. 5A).

The fault current limit of the protection switch may be less than the fault current limit of the thermal separating device. This means that the fault current limit of the protective switch can be selected such that the protective switch opens before the predetermined breaking point of the thermal separating device opens (for example melts). The protective switch can therefore advantageously be triggered (i.e. opened) before the thermal disconnection device electrically disconnects the overvoltage protection component.

The protective switch can interrupt the occurring fault current (e.g. free-wheeling) by selecting a fault current limit of the protective switch, which can preferably occur in a possible "dead zone", i.e. above the switching capacity of the thermal disconnection device and below the protection range of the upstream or set front fuse.

The overvoltage protection module may also have a status indicator. The status indicator of the overvoltage protection module can be designed to indicate the status of the overvoltage protection component and/or of the thermal disconnection device, for example a functional, defective and/or replacement-recommended status, for example to indicate the conductive state of the overvoltage protection component and/or the open state of the thermal disconnection device. Alternatively or additionally, the protection module can furthermore have a status indicator. The status indicator of the protection module can be designed to indicate the status, for example closed and/or open, of the protection switch and/or its trigger unit.

The status indicator may be a light indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode), a mechanical indicator, an acoustic indicator, and/or a display screen. Alternatively or additionally, the overvoltage protection module and/or the status of the protection module can be transmitted to the communication unit.

The thermal disconnection means of the overvoltage protection module and the protection switch of the protection module can be coupled to one another by means of a mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling may include linear motion (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the abutting face). Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical coupling may be designed to open the protective switch on the basis of a linear movement, for example when the thermal separating device is in the open state or is switched to the open state.

Alternatively or additionally, the thermal disconnection device of the overvoltage protection module and the protection switch of the protection module can be coupled to one another by means of an electrical, thermal, optoelectronic and/or optical coupling. The coupling may be configured to open the protection switch when the thermal separating device is in an open state or is switched to an open state.

Based on this coupling, the protection switch can be actuated (or "triggered" in the generic term) by a thermal disconnection of the overvoltage protection module. For example, the protection switch can also be triggered as soon as the thermal separating device is in operation. This makes it possible to reliably control downstream, even by the action of the protective switch, fault states which may require too high a shut-down capability of the thermal disconnection device. By means of the first response of the thermal disconnection device and the resulting (e.g. substantially simultaneous) triggering of the protection switch, a high turn-off capability in the series path of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module can always be achieved.

For example, it is possible for the thermal disconnection device to not interrupt the current after the first disconnection movement (and preferably the corresponding linear movement) and/or for the predetermined breaking point to not melt completely when the thermal disconnection device is disconnected and thus for the current supply in the series path of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module not to be interrupted by the thermal disconnection device. The coupling element can trigger the protective switch during the first separating movement and/or when the separating device has not yet completely melted, so that the coupling element ensures that the current flow through the overvoltage protection module is interrupted and thus a high shutoff capability of the overvoltage protection device.

In one embodiment, the contact surfaces of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module can each have a through-opening. The through holes can be aligned with one another in an abutting arrangement. The overvoltage protection module can comprise a tappet which is mounted so as to be movable perpendicular to the contact surface.

The free end of the tappet can be designed to open a protection switch of the protection module.

In a first variant of this embodiment, the tappet can be arranged outside the through-opening in the closed state of the thermal disconnection device, for example inside a housing of the overvoltage protection module. Alternatively or additionally, the tappet or the free end thereof projects through the through-opening in the open state of the thermal disconnection device, for example into a housing of the protection module.

The free end of the tappet can open the protection switch by entering the free end of the tappet into the protection module via the through hole.

In a second variant of this embodiment, the tappet can be arranged outside the through-opening in the open state of the thermal disconnection device, for example inside a housing of the overvoltage protection module. Alternatively or additionally, in the closed state of the thermal disconnection apparatus, the tappet or the free end thereof can pass through the through-opening, for example, into a housing of the protection module.

For example, the free end of the tappet may open the protection switch by pulling the free end of the tappet out of the protection module through the through hole.

Alternatively, the tappet can fix the arrangement of the overvoltage protection module and the protection module abutting against one another in the closed state of the thermal disconnection device (preferably in the operating state). For example, the overpressure protection module or the individual removal of the protection module can be prevented in the operating state by a tappet which passes through the through-opening.

In the closed state of the thermal disconnection apparatus, the tappet can be pretensioned by a spring (for example, a compression spring or a tension spring), preferably for movement through the through-opening, for example, in a first variant for moving the free end into the housing of the protection module or in a second variant for moving the free end into the housing of the overvoltage protection module. The spring or the tappet can be held against the pretensioning force by means of a locking element. The locking member may release the spring or the tappet when the thermal separating apparatus is in the open state or is switched to the open state.

Drawings

The utility model is explained in detail below according to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

The figures show:

fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of an overvoltage protection device according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of an overvoltage protection device according to a second embodiment;

fig. 3A shows a schematic view of a first exemplary mechanical coupling between a thermal disconnection device of an overvoltage protection module and a protection switch of the protection module, wherein the thermal disconnection device is in a closed state;

fig. 3B shows a schematic view of a first exemplary mechanical coupling between a thermal disconnection device of the overvoltage protection module and a protection switch of the protection module, wherein the thermal disconnection device is in an open state;

fig. 4A shows a schematic view of a second exemplary mechanical coupling between a thermal disconnection device of the overvoltage protection module and a protection switch of the protection module, wherein the thermal disconnection device is in a closed state;

fig. 4B shows a schematic view of a second exemplary mechanical coupling between a thermal disconnection device of the overvoltage protection module and a protection switch of the protection module, wherein the thermal disconnection device is in an open state; and

fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a conventional overvoltage protection device of the prior art.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically shows a first exemplary embodiment of an overvoltage protection device, which is designated as a whole by reference numeral 100, in a top view.

The overvoltage protection arrangement 100 comprises a carrier 130 for pluggably accommodating at least two modules. Furthermore, overvoltage protection device 100 comprises an overvoltage protection module 110 which is plugged or pluggable onto carrier 130 and a protection module 120 which is plugged or pluggable onto carrier 130.

The overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection module 120 bear against one another on corresponding bearing surfaces 140.

The overvoltage protection module 110 comprises a first terminal 118 and the protection module 120 comprises a second terminal 126, wherein the overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection module 120 are connected in series via the first terminal 118 and the second terminal 126.

In the present embodiment, the first terminal 118 and the second terminal 126 are connected to each other by a connection wire. Alternatively, it is also possible for the overvoltage protection module 110 to comprise an interface with the first terminal 118 in its contact surface 140 and for the protection module 120 to comprise an interface with the second terminal 126 in its contact surface 140. In an alternative embodiment, the interface with the first terminal 118 and the interface with the second terminal 126 are connected in an electrically conductive manner in the arrangement of the overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection module 120 abutting against one another.

The overvoltage protection module 110 further comprises a third terminal 119, which is electrically conductively connected to the first terminal 118 in the conductive state of the overvoltage protection module 110. The protection module 120 further comprises a fourth terminal 128, which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the second terminal 126 in the closed state of the protection module 120. A load (not shown) to be protected by the overvoltage protection device 100 is connected or can be connected in parallel to the third terminal 119 and the fourth terminal 128.

The overvoltage protection module 110 has an overvoltage protection component 112 and a thermal disconnection device 114. The thermal separating means 114 is configured to open the overvoltage protection component 112 preferably in case the current through the overvoltage protection component 112 exceeds the fault current limit of the overvoltage protection module 110.

The protection module 120 has a protection switch 122.

The overvoltage protection module 110 furthermore optionally has a status indicator 116, which is designed to indicate the status of the overvoltage protection component 112 and/or the thermal disconnection device 114, preferably a properly functioning, faulty and/or replacement-recommended status. Furthermore, the protection module 120 optionally comprises a status indicator 124, the status indicator 124 being configured to display the status, preferably closed or open, of the overload protection switch 122.

Fig. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an overvoltage protection device 100. The second embodiment may be implemented independently or as a modification of the first embodiment.

The overvoltage protection 100 according to the second embodiment preferably comprises all the components of the overvoltage protection 100 according to the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the thermal disconnection device 114 of the overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection switch 122 of the protection module 120 are coupled to one another by means of a mechanical coupling 150. The mechanical coupling 150 has a linear motion perpendicular to the abutment surface 140. The force F is optionally transmitted, for example, by means of a connecting rod (preferably a tappet).

The mechanical coupling 150 is configured to open the protection switch 122 based on a linear motion or force F when the thermal separating apparatus 114 is in or transitions to an open state.

Fig. 3A and 3B schematically show a first example of a mechanical coupling 150 between the thermal separating means 114 of the overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection switch 122 of the protection switch module 120. The first example can be used in any embodiment of the overvoltage protection device 100.

Fig. 3A shows a first example of a mechanical coupling 150 with the thermal separating apparatus in a closed state (i.e., a conductive state).

The contact surfaces 140 of the overvoltage protection module 110 and of the protection module 120, on which the two

modules

110 and 120 contact each other, each have aligned through-openings 142. The overvoltage protection module 110 comprises a tappet 152 for the coupling 150, which tappet is mounted so as to be movable perpendicularly to the contact surface 140.

In the illustrated closed state of the thermal separating device 114, the tappet 152 is arranged outside the through-opening 142. The tappet 152 is prestressed by means of a compression spring 154. In the closed state of the thermal separating device 114, the compression spring 154 can be held in a prestressed state by a closed compression spring lock 156.

Fig. 3B shows the mechanical coupling 150 with the thermal separating apparatus 114 in an open state.

In the open state of the thermal separating device 114, the pressure-spring latch 156 is likewise open. Here, a release mechanism is triggered by the open thermal release device 114, which opens (i.e., unlocks) the compression spring latch 156.

The compression spring 154 relaxes (i.e., expands) and moves the tappet 152 through the through-hole 142 in a linear motion perpendicular to the abutment surface 140. The free end 158 of the tappet 152 is designed to open the protection switch 122 of the protection module 120. To this end, the free end 158 transmits the linear movement and/or the force F (preferably directly) of the tappet 152 to the protection switch 122.

Fig. 4A and 4B schematically show a second example of a mechanical coupling 150 between the thermal separating means 114 of the overvoltage protection module 110 and the protection switch 122 of the protection module 120. The second example can be used in any embodiment of the overvoltage protection device 100.

Fig. 4A shows the mechanical coupling with the thermal separating apparatus 114 in a closed state.

In the illustrated closed state of the thermal separating device 114, the tappet 152 is arranged inside the through-opening 142. The tension spring 154 is in a pre-tensioned (e.g., extended) state.

The free end 158 of the tappet 152 is configured to hold the protection switch 122 of the protection module 120 in a closed state. For example, the free end 158 transfers (preferably directly) the linear motion of the tappet 152 and/or the force F to the protection switch 122.

The blocking element 156 is configured to hold the tension spring 154 in a pretensioned state in the closed state of the thermal disconnection apparatus 114, for example, by the blocking element 156 blocking the tappet 152 connected to the movable end of the tension spring 154 in the closed state of the thermal disconnection apparatus 114.

Fig. 4B shows the mechanical coupling with the thermal separating apparatus 114 in an open state.

In the open state of the thermal separating apparatus 114, the tension spring 154 is in a relaxed state. To this end, the mechanism is triggered by the open thermal release device 114, which relaxes (e.g., contracts) the tension spring 154 and/or opens the locking element 156.

The tension spring 154 contracts and moves the tappet 152 in a linear movement perpendicular to the contact surface 140 through the through-opening 142 in the overvoltage protection module 110, so that the tappet 152 is located only in the overvoltage protection module 110 outside the through-opening 142. By moving the tappet 152 with the free end 158 backwards, the protection switch 122 is opened. The tappet 152 can be arranged or mounted in a longitudinally movable manner in the overvoltage protection module 110 or in the protection module 120.

In addition, according to a second example of a mechanical coupling, the tappet 152 may function as a locking pin. The tappet may be configured as a locking pin for preventing the respective mechanically coupled

module

110 and 120 from being pulled out in the operating state, that is to say when the thermal separating device 114 is in the closed state.

In each embodiment, the separation device 114 may be integrated into the overvoltage protection module 110.

In each embodiment, the overvoltage protection module 110 may include an SPD. Alternatively or additionally, the protection module 120 may include an SSD.

Further, each embodiment may include one or two of the following embodiments. In the first embodiment, the SPD 110 and the SSD 120 may be plugged in a carrier 130 as a base element. In the second embodiment, the SSD 120 may include a switch configured to manually switch the SSD 120 between the closed state and the open state.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a conventional overvoltage protection device 10 according to the prior art.

The overvoltage protection module 11 and the protection module 12 are connected in series in a known manner and therefore do not have contact surfaces, on which the two

modules

110 and 120 contact one another.

Furthermore, the overvoltage protection module 11 and the protection module 12 are designed to be non-pluggable, so that overvoltage protectors according to the prior art do not have a carrier.

Finally, in the overvoltage protection 10 of fig. 5, there is also no mechanical coupling between the thermal disconnection device and the protection switch.

While the utility model has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Therefore, it is intended that the utility model not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but that the utility model will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Description of the reference numerals

Overvoltage protection device 100

Overvoltage protection module 110

Overvoltage protection component 112 of an overvoltage protection module

Thermal separating device 114 of overvoltage protection module

Status indicator 116 for overvoltage protection module

First terminal 118

Third terminal 119

Protection module 120 for protecting an overvoltage protection module

Protection switch 122 of protection module

Status indicator 124 of protection module

Second terminal 126

Fourth terminal 128

Carrier 130

Contact surface 140 of an overvoltage protection module or protection module

Overvoltage protection module or through-hole 142 of protection module

Mechanical coupling 150

Tappet 152

Springs, e.g. compression or tension springs 154

Locking member 156

Free end 158 of tappet

Conventional overvoltage protection device 10

Conventional overvoltage protection module 11

A conventional protection module 12.

Claims

1. An overvoltage protection device (100) comprising:

-a carrier (130) for pluggably receiving at least two modules;

-an overvoltage protection module (110) plugged or pluggable onto the carrier (130); and

-a protection module (120) plugged or pluggable onto the carrier (130),

characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) are connected in series.

2. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) bear against one another on respective bearing surfaces (140).

3. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (110) comprises a first terminal (118) and the protection module (120) comprises a second terminal (126), wherein the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) are connected in series via the first terminal (118) and the second terminal (126).

4. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the overvoltage protection module (110) comprises an interface of the first terminal (118) in its contact surface (140) and the protection module (120) comprises an interface of the second terminal (126) in its contact surface (140), and wherein, in the arrangement of the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) in contact with each other, the first terminal (118) and the second terminal (126) are conductively connected by means of a respective interface for connecting the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection module (120) in series.

5. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 4,

characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (110) further comprises a third terminal (119) which is electrically conductively connected to the first terminal (118) in the conductive state of the overvoltage protection module (110) and/or is electrically disconnected from the first terminal (118) in the insulating state of the overvoltage protection module (110),

and/or wherein the protection module (120) comprises a fourth terminal (128) which is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal (126) in the closed state of the protection module (120) and/or is electrically disconnected from the second terminal (126) in the open state of the protection module (120),

the load protected by the overvoltage protection device (100) is connected in parallel or connectable to the third terminal (119) and the fourth terminal (128).

6. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (110) has an overvoltage protection component (112) and a thermal disconnection device (114), wherein the thermal disconnection device (114) is designed to interrupt the current through the overvoltage protection component (112) in the event of a current through the overvoltage protection component (112) exceeding a fault current limit of the overvoltage protection module (110).

7. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 6,

characterized in that the overvoltage protection component (112) comprises a varistor, a gas-filled overvoltage arrester, a suppressor diode or a spark gap,

and/or wherein the overvoltage protection component (112) is in thermal contact with the thermal disconnection device (114) as a heat source.

8. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the protection module (120) has a protection switch (122),

a triggering unit is provided, which is designed to open the protective switch (122) if the current and/or the power through the protective switch (122) exceeds a limit value.

9. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the protection switch (122) is configured to open if the current through the protection switch (122) exceeds a fault current limit of the protection switch (122), wherein the fault current limit of the protection switch (122) is smaller than the fault current limit of the overvoltage protection module (110) and/or the protection switch (122) or its triggering unit is insensitive to pulsed currents.

10. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (110) further has a status indicator (116) of the overvoltage protection module, which is configured to display the status of the overvoltage protection component (112) and/or the thermal disconnection device (114),

and/or wherein the protection module (120) further has a protection module status indicator (124) which is designed to indicate the status of the protection switch (122) and/or its trigger unit.

11. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the state of the overvoltage protection component (112) and/or the thermal disconnection device is a functional state, a defective state and/or a state recommending replacement of the overvoltage protection component (112) and/or the thermal disconnection device (114), and/or a conductive state of the overvoltage protection component (112) and/or an open state of the thermal disconnection device (114).

12. The overvoltage protection device (100) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the state of the protection switch (122) and/or its trigger unit is a closed and/or open state.

13. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the thermal disconnection device (114) of the overvoltage protection module (110) and the protection switch (122) of the protection module (120) are coupled to one another by means of a mechanical coupling (150), wherein the mechanical coupling (150) has a linear movement transverse to the contact surface (140) and/or is configured to open the protection switch (122) on the basis of the linear movement when the thermal disconnection device (114) is in or transitions into the open state.

14. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the contact surfaces (140) each have a through-opening (142) which are aligned with one another in an abutting arrangement, and wherein the overvoltage protection module (110) comprises a tappet (152) which is mounted so as to be movable transversely to the contact surfaces (140), wherein a free end of the tappet (152) is designed to open a protection switch (122) of the protection module (120).

15. Overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the tappet (152) is arranged outside the through-holes (142) in the closed state of the thermal disconnection means (114) and passes through the through-holes (142) in the open state of the thermal disconnection means (114).

16. Overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the tappet (152) is arranged outside the through-holes (142) in the open state of the thermal disconnection means (114) and passes through the through-holes (142) in the closed state of the thermal disconnection means (114).

17. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that in the closed state of the thermal disconnection device (114) the tappet (152) is pretensioned by means of a spring (154) for movement through the through-openings (142), and the spring (154) or the tappet (152) is held against the pretension by means of a blocking element (156), and wherein the blocking element (156) releases the spring (154) or the tappet (152) when the thermal disconnection device (114) is in the open state or is switched into the open state.

18. The overvoltage protection device (100) according to claim 17, wherein the spring is a compression spring or a tension spring.