DE202006021210U1 - Plug-in device combination for protection against overvoltages - Google Patents

Abstract

Pluggable device combination for protection against overvoltages, comprising a socket-like U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module, wherein acting between the plug-in module and the base-like base locking means are provided which formed on opposite end faces of the plug-in module on a prestressed hinge joint comprise first means, which cooperate in each case latching with associated second means on the plug-in module, wherein the latching connection can be canceled by pressure on the hinge joint at the end sides of the plug-in module, characterized in that the respective hinge joint (1) in the transition region between the top (2) and the respective end face (3) of the plug-in module (14), wherein the hinge joint (1) merges into an actuating surface (5) directed towards the base-like lower part (4).

Description

The invention relates to a pluggable device combination for protection against overvoltage, comprising a socket-like U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module, wherein acting between the plug-in module and the base-like base locking means are provided which on opposite end sides of the plug-in module to a lower Preload hinge hinge formed locking lugs comprise, which each engage in an associated latching recess on the base part, wherein the latching connection can be canceled by pressure on the hinge joint on the end faces of the plug-in module, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Overvoltage protection devices of the prior art are in many cases designed as pluggable device combinations comprising a lower part and a plug-in module.

In the lower part of terminals for contacting the electrical conductors are arranged and appropriate receptacles for the plug-in module to be used. Furthermore, the lower part receives elements that surround one or more plug contacts of the plug-in module, so that the desired mechanical and electrical contact and the corresponding hold of the plug-in module is provided in the lower part.

The plug-in module contains the actual overvoltage protection elements, eg. As spark gaps, varistors, gas arresters or the like. The lower parts are formed in many cases as a U-shaped body, wherein the open legs of the U-shaped body laterally engage around the plug-in module and wherein the plug-in module rests on the connecting leg of the U-shaped part. Furthermore, the lower part has on its mounting side receiving elements that allow a so-called DIN rail mounting.

The advantage of the briefly explained function separation between lower part and plug-in module is that during inspection or maintenance work, the plug-in module can be removed without having to open the terminals or the corresponding system must be de-energized.

The removed plug-in module can then be examined outside the electrical system with the aid of special test equipment and optionally replaced or reused.

With respect to the prior art, for example, the DE 36 39 533 C2 , the DE 295 19 313 U1 , the DE 100 01 667 C1 and the DE 20 2004 006 227 U1 directed.

As a problem in the design of the plug-in contact arrangement between the lower part and plug-in module is to be noted that this is interpreted constructive for the surge in the case of them flowing surge current of the waveform 10/350 microseconds and 8/20 microseconds or power frequency short-circuit currents.

Especially with overvoltage lightning arresters, as required by the market, significant surge currents of up to 100 kA must be conducted almost free of burns and wear over the corresponding contacts. Corresponding tests are anchored in the product standards for surge protection devices.

Depending on the contact force between the contact elements, the plug-in modules can be removed without tools or only with the aid of a tool. If no additional measures are provided, there is the danger that under the influence of the electrodynamic force effects during the surge current operation, it may come to an unwanted jumping out of the plug-in module from the lower part, so that a proper overall function of the device is not given without further protective measures.

From the WO 95/12905 a solution is previously known, which also comprises a U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module and wherein acting between the plug-in module and the base-like base locking means are provided. On the opposite end faces of the plug-in module formed on a hinge joint locking lugs are present, which each engage in an associated latching recess on the plug-in module, wherein the latching connection by pressure on the hinge joint, which acts on the end faces of the plug-in module, can be canceled.

The hinge joint of the previously known solution is located at the bottom of the plug-in module and the pressure surface is located by a small amount above the locking lugs on the end faces of the module. In order to be able to act on the latching lugs or the pressure surfaces with a compressive force, it is necessary to provide recesses in the region of the U-shaped lower part. The pressure surfaces of this prior art are very small and the necessary recesses or depressions in the lower part is a very disadvantageous, heavy gripping the plug-in module required. Due to the arrangement of the actual hinge on the lower side of the plug-in module, a very large pressure path is required to cancel the latching. Furthermore, the locking surface of the locking lug on the plug-in module and run the recess in the lower part parallel, so that there is the possibility of unwanted cancellation of the latching when vibration or vibration.

From the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a further developed pluggable device combination for protection against overvoltage, comprising a socket-like U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module, wherein a constructive and effective side improvement between the plug-in module and the base-like base acting latching means to be created.

The object of the invention is achieved by the feature combination according to the teaching of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

The pluggable device combination for protection against overvoltages, comprising a base-like U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module has a special Rastmittelausgestaltung in which the respective hinge joint is located in the transition region between the top and the respective end face of the plug-in module.

The hinge joint is in each case in a directed to the base-like base actuating surface, which is designed much larger compared to the prior art.

At the lower end of the actuating surface is ausgestaltend a hook-shaped locking lug formed whose locking surface forms an angle of less than 90 ° with the actuating surface.

Finally, the U-legs of the lower part each have a hook-shaped, undercut latching recess, which is designed to be complementary to the latching lug.

Due to the position of the hinge joint with a rotary or pivot point in the upper region of the plug-in module when pressing the lateral actuating surfaces in a very light manner, the necessary pressure force for canceling the latching connection can be generated. In addition, the unlocked plug-in module can be easily pulled out of the U-shaped lower part by the very large extent of the actuating surface.

Due to the structural arrangement of the hinge also only a lesser pressure path is required to, as mentioned above, cancel the catch for pulling the module.

The latching surface on the plug-in part and the surface on the recess in the lower part have opposite directions obliquely extending surfaces, so that the latching nose and the return interlock each other and thus a self-locking the latching connection is given. To improve the handling when pulling the plug-in module, the surfaces of the respective actuating surface have a structuring.

The lower ends of the plug-in module have converging, front side sections running on each other, so that an easier insertion of the module can be done even under unfavorable installation conditions.

The inner sides of the legs of the U-shaped base-like base have a shape complementary to the conical end portions.

In the region of its point of articulation, the hinge joint has a weakening section which improves the operability and which can be formed as a groove on the inside of the hinge.

For the purpose of easier insertion of the plug-in module into the lower part, in particular in the region of the resulting latching, the hook-shaped latching nose has a wedge-shaped sliding surface.

The wedge angle of the sliding surface is less than or equal to the locking surface angle, d. H. the angle between the locking surface and the actuating surface.

At the respectively directed to the plug-in module, a part of the recess forming legs of the lower part beyond a radius of curvature is formed to facilitate the insertion of the module in the lower part.

The actuating surfaces are freely accessible even in the plugged, latched state of the plug-in module. The provision of any depressions or recesses on the lower part is not required.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

1 a side view of a plug-in module with partially broken representation in the region of the actuating surface and the latching lug;

2 a detailed view of the hinge joint and the latch and the Locking recess in the locked state, ie when the plug-in module is completely and correctly in the lower part, and

3 an overall view of the located in the lower part, fully inserted and latched plug-in module.

The plug-in module 14 according to the figurative representations consists of a housing, the housing inside surge protection elements, eg. B. receives varistors. In the lower part known plug contacts and a guide or coding pin are formed.

The front ends 3 of the plug-in module 14 have actuating surfaces 5 on that in a hinge joint 1 pass. The respective hinge joint is located in the area of the top 2 of the plug-in module 14 ,

At the bottom of the actuating surface, which is an extended section of the hinge joint 1 represents, is a hook-shaped latch 6 available.

The locking surface 7 the latch 6 closes with the surface of the actuating surface an angle of preferably less than 90 °.

To improve handling, the actuating surface 5 a surface structuring 9 on.

To the compressive forces acting on the actuating surface 5 are to exercise to release the locking connection, reduce, is in the hinge joint 1 formed a joint inside groove as a targeted weakening.

Like from the 2 can be seen, the hook-shaped locking latches 6 in a recess 8th of the lower part 4 when the plug-in module 14 in the correct, inserted state.

To facilitate engagement, has the hook-shaped locking lug 6 a wedge-shaped sliding surface 11 on. Likewise, in the area of the recess 8th a rounding radius 12 educated.

When inserting the plug-in module 14 comes the wedge-shaped sliding surface 11 with the surface of the radius of curvature 12 in contact. As a result, shifts the hook-shaped locking lug 6 under stress of the actuating surface 5 and the hinge joint 1 starting from the illustration according to 2 to the left. Then, if the recess 8th is reached, the hook-shaped locking lug jumps back and there is a mutual hooking the opposite surfaces, ie the locking surface 7 and the corresponding surface of the recess 8th instead of. From these remarks it becomes clear that the hinge joint 1 is biased, for example due to appropriate selection of a plastic material of the corresponding housing part or a housing cap, which the hinge joint 1 , the catch area 5 and the catch 6 as an integral element.

As shown 3 has the plug-in module 14 on its underside conical end portions on to a slight insertion and a secure fit in the correspondingly complementarily shaped U-shaped lower part 4 to effect. The representation after 3 makes it especially clear that the respective actuating surfaces 5 also in the plugged and locked state of the plug-in module 14 are freely accessible in order to be able to transmit enough forces after the detent connection by lateral pressure to the plug-in module 14 to extract from the U-shaped base-like base.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hinge

2

Top plug-in module

3

Front side plug-in module

4

base-like base

5

actuating surface

6

hook-shaped detent

7

Rest area

8th

recess

9

structuring

10

joint inside groove

11

wedge-shaped sliding surface

12

rounding radius

13

conical face sections

14

plug-in module

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3639533 C2 [0007]
• DE 29519313 U1 [0007]
• DE 10001667 C1 [0007]
• DE 202004006227 U1 [0007]
• WO 95/12905 [0011]

Claims (10)

Pluggable device combination for protection against overvoltages, comprising a base-like U-shaped lower part for receiving at least one, an overvoltage protection element receiving plug-in module, wherein acting between the plug-in module and the base-like base locking means are provided which formed on opposite end faces of the plug-in module on a hinged hinge hinge comprise first means, which interact in each case latching with associated second means on the plug-in module, wherein the latching connection can be canceled by pressure on the hinge joint at the end sides of the plug-in module, characterized in that the respective hinge joint ( 1 ) in the transition region between the top ( 2 ) and the respective end face ( 3 ) of the plug-in module ( 14 ), wherein the hinge joint ( 1 ) in a socket-like lower part ( 4 ) directed actuating surface ( 5 ) passes over. Pluggable device combination according to claim 1, characterized in that at the lower end of the actuating surface ( 5 ) a hook-shaped detent ( 6 ) is formed, the locking surface ( 7 ) an angle of less than 90 ° with the actuating surface ( 5 ) and the U-legs of the lower part ( 4 ) each have a hook-shaped, undercut recess ( 8th ), which to the detent ( 6 ) is formed complementary. Pluggable device combination according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface of the actuating surface ( 5 ) a structuring ( 9 ) having. Pluggable device combination according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that the underside ends of the plug-in module ( 14 ) converging, conical end sections ( 13 ). Pluggable device combination according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner sides of the legs of the U-shaped base-like lower part ( 4 ) one of the conical end sections ( 13 ) have complementary shape. Pluggable device combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge joint ( 1 ) has an operability improving weakening section, which is used as a joint inside groove ( 10 ) is trained. Pluggable device combination according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the hook-shaped locking lug ( 6 ) a wedge-shaped sliding surface ( 11 ) having. Pluggable device combination according to claim 7, characterized in that the wedge angle of the sliding surface ( 11 ) is less than or equal to the locking surface angle. Pluggable device combination according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that on each of the plug-in module ( 14 ), a part of the recess ( 8th ) forming legs of the lower part ( 4 ) a rounding radius ( 12 ) is shaped. Pluggable device combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective actuating surfaces ( 5 ) are freely accessible even in the plugged, locked state of the plug-in module.

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