DE202015100860U1 - Board-mountable modular surge protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Circuit board-mountable modular overvoltage protection device (1) comprising • an overvoltage protection module (ÜSM1, ÜSM2, ÜSM3) with at least one overvoltage protection element, • a monitoring module (MM1, MM2), • wherein the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM1, ÜSM2, ÜSM3) and the monitoring module (MM1, MM2) are designed such that the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM1, ÜSM2, ÜSM3) can interact with the monitoring module (MM1, MM2), so that monitoring of one or more functions of the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM1, ÜSM2, ÜSM3) is made possible.

Description

The invention relates to a board-mountable electrical surge protection device.

Background of the invention

Surge protection devices are used in many areas of technology today. In this case, overvoltage protection devices generally also have a protective element which, in the event of overloading of the actual overvoltage protection element, either short-circuits the overvoltage protection element (thus causing a back-up fuse to trip, for example) or else disconnects the overvoltage protection element.

The overload is perceived as a thermal quantity, e.g. can lead to the separation of a thermally releasable connection, which in turn leads to separation or shorting. Such mechanisms are usually based on holding a biased (switching) element by means of a thermally softenable / decomposable adhesive (adhesive / solder). If the temperature rises above a certain temperature, the adhesive decomposes and / or softens and the stored energy is released for a switching operation.

There is an increasing need to be able to use such surge protection devices on boards.

However, because of the variety of different required parameters, a wide range of overvoltage protection devices, for example, for different voltage ranges 12V, 24V, 48V, 220V, ... as well as for different voltage systems (DC, single-phase AC, multi-phase AC), etc. to provide ,

At the same time, however, a variety of different monitoring functions is required, which in turn leads to an even greater variety of overvoltage protection devices.

With the variety of devices, however, the production and storage costs increase.

The invention is based on the object to provide a simple low-cost surge protection device that solves a disadvantage or disadvantages of the prior art.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

Show it

1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention,

2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention,

3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention,

4 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention, and

5 a schematic representation of the third embodiment of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention in connection with a circuit board.

The 1 . 2 . 3 and 4 show different exemplary embodiments of an overvoltage protection device according to the invention 1 ,

The overvoltage protection devices according to the invention 1 have at least one overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ , each with an overvoltage protection element. Furthermore, the surge protection devices according to the invention 1 at least one monitoring module MM ₁ , MM ₂ on.

In this case, the overvoltage protection module / the overvoltage protection modules ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ and the monitoring module / monitoring modules MM ₁ , MM ₂ are designed such that the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ can interact with the monitoring module MM ₁ , MM ₂ , so that a monitoring of one or more functions of the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM _{3 is} made possible.

Monitoring is to be understood broadly and can in particular the monitoring of an overvoltage protection element and / or a protective element, such as a thermally controlled separator or a thermally controlled short circuiting, within the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ , monitoring the already made use of and / or load of the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ , a measurement of surge voltages and / or surge currents, etc. relate.

Due to the modular design and the functional separation into a monitoring module MM ₁ , MM ₂ or an overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ , the previous variety of different devices can be reduced to a smaller number, which is now cost and flexibly assembled.

For example, in 1 a first embodiment of an overvoltage protection device 1 shown, in which, as indicated by the arrow, an interaction with a arranged on an end face of the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ monitoring module MM _{1 is} possible. Without loss of generality can also be provided that a ÜSM ₃ arranged on the longitudinal side of the overvoltage protection module monitoring module MM ₃ such as in 4 shown interacts with the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₃ .

In particular, it may also be that an overvoltage protection module interacts with two or more monitoring modules.

For example, in 2 the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ interact both with the monitoring module MM ₁ and with the monitoring module MM ₂ . Preferably, different functions are provided by the monitoring modules MM ₁ and MM ₂ . For example, an aging alarm can be provided by the MM ₁ , while the monitoring module MM ₃ provides an overload.

For example, in 4 the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₃ interact both with the monitoring module MM ₁ and with the monitoring module MM ₂ . Preferably, different functions are provided by the monitoring modules MM ₁ and MM ₂ . For example, a sum alarm can be provided by the MM ₁ , while the monitoring module MM ₂ provides a single alarm.

How out 3 and 4 It can also be seen that a monitoring module MM ₁ can interact with more than one overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ .

The type of interaction can be designed differently. Thus it is possible to provide a mechanical coupling such that e.g. the triggering of a fuse element in the overvoltage protection module is transmitted by means of a lever or a push button on functional units of the monitoring module. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical connection may also be provided, e.g. the current through an overvoltage protection module or the voltage on an overvoltage protection module, e.g. for a recording of use / aging, to capture. Alternatively or additionally, an optical connection can also be provided, so that e.g. through a recess or translucent opening in the respective module housings e.g. the illumination of a discharge in the overvoltage protection module can be detected by means of a photosensitive element within the monitoring module. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetic connection can also be provided. For example, a magnet may be attached to individual elements within the overvoltage protection module whose position change is e.g. indicates the triggering of a fuse element within the overvoltage protection module. This change can then be e.g. be detected within the monitoring module by means of a magnetic field detector, such as a coil or a reed relay. Alternatively or additionally, a thermal coupling can also be provided. For example, a thermal conductor can be used for the connection so as to signal an impermissible heating of an overvoltage protection element by means of thermal heat conduction from the overvoltage protection module into the monitoring module. Although only interaction between the overvoltage module and the monitoring module has hitherto been shown, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the invention may alternatively or additionally be used for remotely switching functionalities in the overvoltage protection module, e.g. targeted to trigger a switching element.

Particularly advantageously, the invention can also be used in connection with overvoltage protection modules ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ , which also have a switching element and a thermal activation point in thermal contact with the overvoltage protection element in addition to an overvoltage protection element, wherein the thermal activation point in an inadmissible heating the Switching element causes switching, wherein the switching element causes a separation or a short circuit of the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ .

Also advantageously, the monitoring modules MM ₁ , MM _{2 may have} an optical status display, so that, for example, a change of the associated overvoltage protection module directly on the overvoltage protection device 1 (active optical (LED) / passive optical (viewing window with color change)) can be displayed. For example, an accomplished separation or short-circuit may be displayed.

Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring modules MM ₁ , MM _{2 may} further comprise a telecommunications interface for status reporting with respect to the overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ . For example, such a carried out separation or short-circuiting can be remotely reported.

In particular, the modular concept allows different overvoltage protection elements to be used. Thus, an overvoltage protection module ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ at least one element selected from a group comprising Transient Voltage Suppressor diode, varistor, positive temperature coefficient resistor, spark gap or gas discharge have.

Particularly advantageous, the modular concept can also be implemented with SMD assembly (Surface Mounted Device). In this case, the overvoltage protection modules ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ as well as the monitoring modules MM ₁ , MM ₂ both individually and as an already assembled surge protection device 1 on a circuit board PCB like in 5 be shown be equipped. Thus, a maximum degree of flexibility is given.

Thus, the invention provides an overvoltage protection device consisting of various modules which fit together 1 provided for installation on a circuit board PCB that allows quick and flexible adaptation to customer requirements, for example by means of prefabrication or allows the user himself to equip PCB PCB with the individual modules so that the desired protection circuit is realized.

In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide the individual modules both with mounting pins and with pad electrodes, so that in addition to an SMD assembly also a classical processing is possible. It can be used for mounting the surge protection device 1 On a circuit board PCB conventional methods, such as wave soldering or reflow can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Surge protection device

ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃

Overvoltage protection module

MM ₁ , MM ₂

monitoring module

PCB

circuit board

Claims (8)

Board-mountable modular overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) comprising: • an overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) with at least one overvoltage protection element, • a monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ), • wherein the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) and the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) are designed so that the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) can interact with the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ), so that a monitoring of one or more functions of the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) is made possible. Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) and the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) interact mechanically and / or electrically and / or optically and / or magnetically and / or thermally with each other , Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) further comprises: • a switching element, • a thermal activation point in thermal contact with the overvoltage protection element, wherein the thermal activation point in an inadmissible heating the Switching element causes switching, wherein the switching element causes a separation or a short circuit of the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ). Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) has an optical status indicator. Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) further comprises a communication interface for status message with respect to the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ). Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overvoltage protection element comprises at least one element selected from a group comprising transient voltage suppressor diode, varistor, positive temperature coefficient resistor, spark gap or gas discharge. Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overvoltage protection module (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) and the monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) are suitable for SMD assembly. Overvoltage protection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a monitoring module (MM ₁ , MM ₂ ) with two or more overvoltage protection modules (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) can interact, with a monitoring of one or more functions of Overvoltage protection modules (ÜSM ₁ , ÜSM ₂ , ÜSM ₃ ) is made possible.

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