EP0339492A2 - Device for facultatively connecting electrical lines - Google Patents

Abstract

Isolating strips for the facultative connection of electrical lines to contacts and to isolating connectors which separate the mutually touching contacts with an isolating tongue are known. An overvoltate protection connector is also known in this context. In order to be able to match individually the overvoltage protection to the circuits which are respectively present and are connected to the isolating strip, to be precise while maintaining the advantages of quick, easy handling of such switching connections, the invention provides that the overvoltage protection connectors be designed in the manner of an isolating connector of such isolating strips (1) and as four-pole networks, two terminals of the four-pole network being provided as contacts on one side and the further two terminals of the four-pole network being provided as contacts on the other side of the isolating tongue (17) of the overvoltage protection connector. The contact pairs of the overvoltage protection connector match the contact pairs (3, 4) of the isolating strip and are dimensioned such that when the overvoltage protection connector is plugged in, its contact pairs are positioned between two contact pairs of the isolating strip and make an electrical contact thereto. The overvoltage protection connectors are inserted from the same narrow side of the isolating strip as the isolating connectors into the said isolating strip, and hence assume their inserted position. Inside the respective overvoltage protection connector there are housed means of overvoltage protection which are electrically connected to its contacts. Out of the overvoltage protection connector there projects its earth terminal, or its earth terminal is accessible as a terminal. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to the optional connection of electrical lines an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. In these known arrangements, the electrical lines to the respective connection points of the isolating strip or isolating strips (for the sake of simplicity only the single "isolating strip" is mentioned below , although this also covers an arrangement of several separating strips). They are in conductive connection with one another via the electrical contacts of the isolating strip. In order to quickly disconnect and restore this connection, the disconnect plugs that are only to be pushed on or removed again are provided.

In known designs of such arrangements, the overvoltage protection consists of a plug-in strip, the length of which is equal to the length of a specific isolating strip, the overvoltage protection having as many separating points as the separating strip has contact points. Unfortunately With this overvoltage protection, all contacts or connections of such a isolating strip are inevitably interrupted and placed on the overvoltage protection. If conductors with different voltages (e.g. 12, 24 or 60 V) are present at the contacts or connection points of a isolating strip, these may not be provided with the same surge protection. The known surge protection is also limited to use with isolating strips, the number of contact points of which corresponds to the number of its isolating points. If only one circuit of the surge protection is defective, the entire surge protection must be replaced. The manufacturing costs or replacement costs of such a large surge protection are relatively high.

From DE-OS 35 09 523 a cable termination unit with rows of contacts for isolating and test plugs or the like on the one hand and a further, separate row of contacts for a magazine containing a surge arrester on the other hand is known. The magazine, possibly also individual surge arrester plugs, can thus be inserted into a row of contacts which does not match the row of contacts or rows of contacts for the isolating and test plugs or the like. Thus, this prior publication does not relate to the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1. Moreover, the aforementioned individual surge arrester plugs are not explained in more detail in DE-OS 35 09 523. In addition, only gas discharge arresters are provided as surge arresters, which have a pole to the respective continuous line between two terminals are connected and grounded with their other pole. The features and advantages of the invention explained in detail below cannot be found in this prior publication. In addition, the requirements of a separate row of contacts for the surge arrester magazine disadvantageously increases the manufacturing costs and also the space requirement of such a cable termination unit.

From DE-PS 32 12 013 it is known to provide a single protective plug which contains current fuses and surge arresters. It is inserted with the help of a so-called switch-off spring on one side of the arrangement, while the isolating plugs can be inserted on the opposite, other narrow side of the arrangement. This is cumbersome and, above all, a lot of space is required for this, but this is usually not available.

In contrast, the object of the invention is seen in an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 cited at the beginning to design the overvoltage protection in such a way that it can be individually adapted to the circuits or circuits present on the isolating strip, without the advantages of quick and easy Handling of such switching connections by means of isolating strip and isolating plug according to the arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

The solution to this problem is seen, starting from the preamble of claim 1, in the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Usually owns each isolating plug has a separating tongue that separates two pairs of contacts or contact points with their insertion, each pair consisting of two opposing contact points or contacts. These two pairs are in contact with each other. The features of claim 1 are used for overvoltage protection of such 2 x 2 contact points. The 2 x 2 poles of this four-pole connector can be accommodated without problems on the two sides of the isolating tongue or the like of the overvoltage protection plug. The invention thus creates an electrical connection between the corresponding contacts or contact points of such contact pairs via these overvoltage protection means. The electrical and mechanical coupling of these surge protective plugs to the isolating strip is thus possible in a particularly simple form. One can start from the standardized isolating strips according to the preamble of claim 1 and does not require a separate lower part or a separate row of contacts for the attachment of the overvoltage protection. Another advantage is that the overvoltage protection plugs have the same insertion position and thus also the functional position as the isolating plugs, in which they open the previously closed lines and also insert the overvoltage protection in the form of a four-pole connector. Since the surge protective plugs are inserted into the isolating strip from the same narrow side as the isolating plugs, space is saved and the replacement of surge protective plugs, or the replacement of isolating plugs with surge protective plugs and vice versa compared to the prior art according to DE-PS 32 12 013 much simplified.

In addition, the advantages of a four-pole overvoltage protection circuit have been combined with the advantages of trained and usable overvoltage protection plugs and their four-pole connections, which lead to the corresponding two pairs of contacts of the isolator bar fit. It is possible to use this overvoltage protection individually only at that point or at those points where surge protection between the incoming and outgoing conductors is required. This can be done, for example, in the case of a separating strip which has 10 contacts or contact points on each side of the separating slot, which are opposite each other (together 10 contact pairs), only on one of these contact pairs or also on two or more contact pairs. Only on the respective contact pair or on the respective contact pairs, when the overvoltage protection plug is inserted, are they disconnected and at the same time are they connected to the overvoltage protection means in the plug. If the surge protective plug is pulled out, then the previous operating position, ie direct switching connection of the contacts, or contact points of the relevant contact pair or the relevant contact pairs is given. This avoids the inevitable separation of the contact pairs or contact points of the entire isolating strip with the interposition of an overvoltage protection which extends over the entire length and all contacts or contact points of the isolating strip according to the prior art explained at the outset, if not for all contact points or contact pairs is desired. If conductors of different voltages are connected to a isolating strip, different overvoltage protection plugs adapted to the respective voltage can be provided individually according to the invention. If an overvoltage protection plug according to the invention is defective, only it has to be replaced, but not a complete overvoltage protection strip. Individual surge protection plugs can be manufactured with significantly less manufacturing effort than surge protection strips. The known advantages of such a separating strip arrangement, which can be implemented in the so-called insulation displacement technology, including the advantages of using so-called shunting distributors and a very high packing density are retained. Another advantage of the invention is that these individual surge plugs, which have the function of a module, can be used with isolating strips of every number of connections that occur, ie they are not bound to strips with a specific number of connections.

The means of claim 2 are also to be accommodated in the housing of the surge protection plug and interconnectable with their contacts.

Space-saving configurations of the surge protection means according to claim 3 are also preferred embodiments of the invention.

In order to be able to ground the overvoltage protection plug provided on a isolating strip in such a way that a separate earth line does not have to be provided for each overvoltage protection plug, the features of claims 4 and 5 are provided.

The features of claim 6 make it possible to provide overvoltage protection between contacts of one isolating strip and contacts of another isolating strip. The features of claims 7 to 10 are advantageous embodiments of an arrangement according to claim 6.

Claim 11 contains a further embodiment of the invention, which has a surge protection plug according to the invention with a connection cable Combined connector.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is the subject of claim 12. This can be used to form a complete row from individual surge protection plugs, e.g. a row of 10 surge protection plugs, the row as a unit, be it from the factory or it can be prefabricated by the fitter, after which it can be inserted over the respective isolating strip of the arrangement. It is essential that the positive and / or non-positive connection is only present in the longitudinal direction of this row, whereby the aforementioned cohesion is made possible, but that such a positive or non-positive connection is not provided in the direction of insertion perpendicular to it. This means that you can only pull out one or more of their surge protective plugs and replace them with other plugs when the row is plugged into the isolating strip. If necessary, these can also be isolating plugs that are not provided with surge protective devices.

In the likewise preferred embodiment according to the features of claim 13, the operating or assembly advantages explained above are added as a further advantage that all overvoltage protection plugs can be joined laterally to form a unit and can be inserted into the separating strip in this common laterally correct position. The structure of the existing separating strips is namely such that each plug can be inserted into the separating strip both in a first rotational position and in a second rotational position rotated by 180 ° about its longitudinal axis. A surge protector has like that Embodiment to be explained later, in particular the associated FIG. 8 of a four-pole, show a so-called valve characteristic. This means that those connection terminals of the surge protection plug which the surge arrester or surge arresters are connected directly to or must be connected to the input side of the arrangement which is at risk of surge voltage. However, this would no longer be the case if the surge protection plug were inserted the wrong way round. The features of claim 13 and the following claims now provide the advantage that when assembling the surge protection plug to be combined into a unit, due to the arrangement of the non-positive or positive connection means on opposite side surfaces of the surge protection plug, all input sides of the surge protection plug are inevitably located on one side of the unit . The fitter inserting this unit into the separating strip therefore only needs to take one more time, namely when inserting it, that he uses this unit in a sideways manner. this is a significant relief. Even when replacing one or more of the overvoltage protection plugs of such a unit, it is no longer necessary to pay attention to the correct position for reinserting a new or repaired overvoltage protection plug, since this inevitably results from the above-mentioned arrangement of the connecting means, for example tongue and groove. This is also a significant simplification of assembly.

Possible designs of the shapes according to claim 13 can be found in claims 14 to 17.

In addition, can be provided according to a holding device according to claim 18, which further serves to hold together the surge protective plug of a row.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is the subject of claim 19. The individual surge protection plugs are plugged into this frame, ie are surrounded by it, and the frame with the row of surge protection plugs located therein is inserted over the respective isolating strip. Such a frame is particularly handy and can also be stored as a unit with the surge protection plugs in it until there is a need for further use.

According to claim 20, the frame itself can have the means for arranging the plugs laterally within the frame.

According to claim 21, the frame can also be used for grounding. For this purpose, a preferred arrangement which favors the assembly of the plug is provided in claim 22.

The invention further relates to a design and arrangement of the electrical components of the overvoltage protection plug that avoids connection inductances. This can also be referred to as a so-called "sandwich" design.

The features of claim 26 enable this "sandwich" construction to be combined with the latching of an earth contact of the overvoltage protection plug into a frame which, according to the above statements, surrounds the series of overvoltage protection plugs.

If, in the foregoing, for the sake of simplicity, only overvoltage protection plugs in a row were ever mentioned, this includes the possibility already mentioned that one or more of the plugs of such a row are only isolating plugs which have no overvoltage protection means or other overvoltage protection means than in FIG 11 of the description of the figures.

Furthermore, the handling of a connector row composed of isolating plugs and / or surge protection plugs is to be facilitated. For this purpose, the features of claim 27 are provided. As an alternative to the above-mentioned replacement of individual plugs, the entire row of plugs can be pulled off or inserted into the separating strip as a unit. The replacement of an entire connector row or unit with another connector row or unit is also possible in a simple and quick manner. The ease of assembly achieved with this is considerable.

The features of claim 28 represent a structurally particularly simple embodiment of the invention.

With the features of claim 29 it is ensured that on the one hand in the plug and pull position for the entire plug row the handle is with its supporting part above the connector strip, while on the other hand after folding the handle to the side the plug row from above for the replacement of individual Connector is freely accessible.

• Fig. 1: eine Anordnung nach der Erfindung in der Draufsicht,
• Fig. 2: eine Seitenansicht gemäß der Linie II - II in Fig. 1,
• Fig. 3: eine Ansicht gemäß dem Pfeil III in Fig. 2,
• Fig. 4 bis 6: in vergrößertem Maßstab verschiedene Ausführungen einer Leiterplatte des Überspannungsschutzsteckers mit den Überspannungsschutzmitteln,
• Fig. 7: einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie VII-VII in Fig. 4,
• Fig. 8: das zugehörige Schaltungsbeispiel des vierpoligen Überspannungs­schutzes,
• Fig. 9: in einer Draufsicht eine weitere Ausführung der Erfindung mit zwei Überspannungsschutzsteckern und einem diese verbindenden Kabel,
• Fig. 10: das Verbindungskabel mit Über­spannungsschutzsteckern für sich,
• Fig. 11 und 12: mit Verbindungskabeln nach der Er­findung und entsprechender Stecker­ausbildung erreichbare Schaltungen,
• Fig. 13: ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer nach der Erfindung gebildeten Reihe von Überspannungsschutz­steckern, einschließlich schema­tisch dargestellter Trennleisten in der Draufsicht,
• Fig. 14 bis 16: weitere Ausführungsmöglichkeiten von Reihen, die aus Überspannungs­schutzsteckern nach der Erfindung zusammengesetzt sind, ebenfalls in der Draufsicht jedoch ohne Trenn­leisten,
• Fig. 17: in der Draufsicht ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer nach der Erfindung zusammengesetzten Reihe von Überspannungsschutzsteckern mit Rahmen,
• Fig. 18: einen in die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 17 eingesetzten Überspannungsschutz in einer Ansicht gemäß dem Pfeil XVII, jedoch im gegenüber Fig. 17 kleineren Maßstab,
• Fig. 19: ein Schnitt gemäß der Linie XIX in Fig. 17, d.h. mit in den Rahmen ein­gesetztem Überspannungsschutzstecker, jedoch in einem gegenüber Fig. 17 kleineren Maßstab,
• Fig. 20: eine Anordnung nach der Erfindung mit zwei über Trennleisten gesteckten Rahmen und Überspannungsschutzsteckern gemäß Fig. 17, ebenfalls in der Drauf­sicht,
• Fig. 21: eine Schaltung eines Ausführungs­beispieles der im Überspannungsschutz­stecker vorgesehenen Überspannungs­schutzmittel mit Anschlüssen,
• Fig. 22: eine zur Schaltung nach Fig. 11 ge­hörende Bauweise der Überspannungs­schutzmittel mit Platinen in der Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 23: eine Stirnansicht gemäß dem Pfeil XXIII in Fig. 22,
• Fig. 24: ein Ausführungsbeispiel in der Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 25: die zu Fig. 24 gehörige Stirnan­sicht gemäß dem Pfeil XXVI in Fig. 24 mit der Handhabe in Steck- und Ziehstellung, jedoch einer anderen Höhenlage der Erdschiene,
• Fig. 26: eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 25, jedoch mit seitlich abgeklappter Handhabe,
• Fig. 27: ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Schnitt gemäß der Linie XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 28,
• Fig. 28: eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles XXVIII in Fig. 27.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the further subclaims, as well as from the following description and the associated drawing of possible embodiments according to the invention. The drawing essentially shows schematically:

• 1: an arrangement according to the invention in plan view,
• 2: a side view along the line II - II in Fig. 1,
• 3: a view according to arrow III in Fig. 2,
• 4 to 6: on an enlarged scale different versions of a circuit board of the surge protection plug with the surge protection means,
• 7: a section along the line VII-VII in Fig. 4,
• 8: the associated circuit example of the four-pole overvoltage protection,
• 9: a top view of a further embodiment of the invention with two overvoltage protection plugs and a cable connecting them,
• 10: the connection cable with surge protection plugs for themselves,
• 11 and 12: Circuits achievable with connecting cables according to the invention and corresponding plug design,
• 13: an exemplary embodiment of a row of surge protection plugs formed according to the invention, including a schematically illustrated isolating strip in plan view,
• 14 to 16: further design options of rows which are composed of surge protective plugs according to the invention, but also in plan view but without isolating strips,
• 17: a top view of a further exemplary embodiment of a row of overvoltage protection plugs with frames assembled according to the invention,
• 18: an overvoltage protection used in the arrangement according to FIG. 17 in a view according to arrow XVII, but on a smaller scale compared to FIG. 17,
• 19: a section along the line XIX in FIG. 17, ie with an overvoltage protection plug inserted in the frame, but on a smaller scale than FIG. 17,
• 20: an arrangement according to the invention with two frames and overvoltage protection plugs according to FIG.
• 21: a circuit of an exemplary embodiment of the overvoltage protection means with connections provided in the overvoltage protection plug,
• 22: a side view of a construction of the surge protection means with circuit boards belonging to the circuit according to FIG. 11,
• 23: an end view according to arrow XXIII in FIG. 22,
• 24: an embodiment in side view,
• 25: the front view belonging to FIG. 24 according to the arrow XXVI in FIG. 24 with the handle in the plug and pull position, but at a different height of the earth rail,
• 26: a view according to FIG. 25, but with the handle folded down to the side,
• 27: another embodiment of the invention in section along the line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 28,
• 28: a view in the direction of arrow XXVIII in FIG. 27.

The example of FIG. 1 shows isolating strips 1 with a row of contact points or contacts 3, 3 'on the one hand and a further row of contacts or contact points 4, 4' on the other hand, between which there is a separating slot 18. In the normal operating position, the spring force of the contacts or contact points (hereinafter only referred to as "contacts") bridges this slot (as shown in FIG. 1 by connecting lines between the lateral forehead edges of the associated contacts 3, 4 is indicated), so that opposing contacts 3 and 4 of a pair of contacts are electrically conductively connected to one another. Two adjacent contact pairs form a four-pole unit, to which the isolating plugs, surge protective plugs and connecting plugs, which will be explained in more detail below, fit. For example, 20 contacts can be provided in each row of a separating strip, which together with the contacts of the opposite row of this separating strip form 20 contact pairs. Fig. 1 and also Fig. 9 further show that several such dividing strips 1 can be provided side by side.

To hold the dividing strips and also for the grounding to be explained in detail below, a support plate 5 is provided, on which the dividing strips 1 are applied. With the upwardly bent side flaps 6 of the support plate 5, supports 7 are connected to a strut 8 running above the separating strips and parallel to the latter. The strut 8 is preferably made with a bend at its ends 9 and the supports 7 from a metal part and thus forms a one-piece grounding strip. The supports 7 are placed with fork-like brackets 10 over the side plates 6 of the support plate 5. On the overvoltage protection plug 11 to be explained in more detail, an earth connection 12 is provided on the top side, to which a pivotable earth contact 13 is connected. In the swiveled-out position, this earth contact is pushed over the strut 8 with a bracket 14. Since here the strut 8 is provided on the side next to the respective surge protection plug 11, on the other hand but the bent-up tabs 6 of the support plate 5 are approximately in alignment with the respective separating strip, the distance between the parts 8 and 7 present in the horizontal is bridged by the bends 9 according to this exemplary embodiment. The earthing strip is therefore preferably designed so that it is easily detachable (pluggable) and that it is possible to replace or insert intermediate modules of such surge protection plugs even with the earthing bump installed with the aid of the setting pliers already present in such separating strips.

The contacts 3, 4 already mentioned are shown in FIG. 1 as small black bars which connect adjacent line connections 15 on one side of the separating strip to line connections 16 on the other side of the separating strip 1. If the overvoltage protection plug 11, which is designed as a module, is plugged on with its isolating tongue 17, it comes into the isolating slot 18, ie between the contact pairs 3, 4 and bends them apart into the positions shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and with 3 ', 4' are numbered. The previous switching connection is thus interrupted. In their place there is a connection of the line connections via the overvoltage protection, which forms a four-pole according to the invention and of which an example is shown in circuit form in FIG. 8. It consists on the input side of the two connections 19, which are in conductive connection with the contacts 3 'of the isolating strip after insertion into the isolating strip, a surge arrester, preferably a gas discharge arrester 20 as coarse protection, a varistor or one Suppressor diode or the like 21 as fine protection, a series resistor 22 (inductance or ohmic resistance) and the two further connections 23, which are in conductive contact with the contacts 4 'of the separating strip after insertion into the isolating strip. The connection 12 is used for grounding. The arrangement of the earth connection 12 on the upper side of the overvoltage protection plug 11 leads the interference currents there, and advantageously this point has the greatest possible distance from the contacts or conductor tracks of the isolating tongue, ie the opposite end of this plug. In addition, the earth connection 12 at the upper end of the plug 11 is best accessible for the attachment of earth lines, for example the earth contacts 13. However, the invention is not limited to this.

In the position of use, the separating tongue 17 protrudes downward from the housing 24 of the surge protection plug 11. The housing dimensions are such that the overvoltage protection plugs can be fitted as individual modules to the connections and dimensions of the isolating strip 1 on or in these. The housing dimensions of the surge protective plugs are preferably the same as those of the disconnect plugs belonging to such isolating strips.

Options for designing the separating tongue with contacts in the form of conductor tracks and surge protective devices can be found in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 to 7. The separating tongue 17 is formed by the lower “prongs” 25 of a “fork”-like printed circuit board 26. On the surface of the printed circuit board 26 visible in FIGS. 4 to 6, conductor tracks 27 are provided which correspond electrically to the connections 19 in FIG. 8 and together with a further conductor track 28, which forms the earth connection 12, also serves as a carrier or for switching on the surge protection means 20, 21 and 22 explained with reference to FIG. 8. These components are integrated in the above-mentioned housing 24 of the surge protection plug. 4, holes for holding the wired component 20, 21 and 22 are provided in the conductor tracks 27, 28. 5, the aforementioned bores can be omitted. The components 20 ', 21' and 22 'are executed without wiring in SMD technology and attached. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the design of the component 20˝, 21˝ and 22˝ takes place in so-called hybrid technology and bonding on a ceramic substrate carrier 26 'with vapor-deposited conductor tracks.

7 shows the conductor tracks 27, 28 on the left and the side or surface of the circuit board 26, 26 'not visible in FIGS. 4 to 6' with further conductor tracks 29 which correspond to the connections 23 of FIG. 8, wherein the position of these conductor tracks 29 is congruent with the position of the conductor tracks 27 (if you look at the circuit board 26, 26 'in the direction of arrow 30). With the insertion of such a separating tongue 17 into a separating strip, the lower regions of the conductor tracks 27, 28 come into contact with the contacts 3 and 4 of the separating strip, so that the surge protection means are connected between them (contacts 3 'and 4'). The conductor tracks 29 on the right in FIG. 7, which correspond to the connections 23 in FIG. 8, are connected to the overvoltage protection means in accordance with the circuit diagram in FIG. 8, but this is not shown in FIG. 7.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 shows schematically two isolating strips 1, each with an overvoltage protection plug 11 ', 11˝ and a connecting cable 31 connecting them, also only shown schematically. The overvoltage protection plug 11' and 11˝ can be designed to bring about the circuit options according to FIG. 11 be that they have mating contacts on only one side. This is shown by the example of such surge protection plugs according to FIG. 10. The separating tongue 17 is provided on one side only with the mating contacts or conductor tracks 27, while on the surge protection plug 11 not visible on the surge protection plug 11 ′ or on the other hand in FIG. 10 rotated surge protection plug 11 ˝ has no mating contacts on the right side of the separating tongue 17.

11 schematically shows these two surge protective plugs 11 'and 11 und and their connecting lines 31st

The line circuit I belongs to the separating strip shown on the left in FIG. 9 and the line circuit II belongs to the separating strip shown on the right in FIG. 9. In the rotational position of the surge protective plug 11 'and 11' according to FIG. 11, the contacts a and b of the circuit I are connected to the contacts a 'and b' of the circuit II. However, one could also connect a, b with a ‴, b ‴, or from a˝, b˝ with a ′, b ′ or also from a˝, b˝ with a ‴, b ‴ by corresponding rotational positions of the Surge protection plug 11 'and / or 11˝ reach. In the circuit example of Fig. 11, the previous connections of the line circuits I (aa˝, bb˝) and II (a'-a ‴, b'-b ‴) are each interrupted. At these points, the separating tongues of the surge protection plug 11 'and 11˝ and their surge protection means.

Each of the aforementioned surge protection plugs 11 'and 11 und can be designed with surge protection means according to the preceding embodiments. But it is also possible that in the overvoltage protection plug 11 'only the coarse protection (gas discharge arrester 20) and possibly the series resistor 22, in contrast, in the overvoltage protection plug 11˝ the fine protection (varistor or the like 21) is accommodated. The latter version is not shown in the drawing.

Either earthing strips according to FIGS. 1 to 3 are also provided here, or the earth contacts 12 of the surge protection plug 11 ', 11' are connected to earth via a separate earth cable 32.

In the exemplary embodiment of a circuit according to FIG. 12, the line circuits I and II are again provided with the lines aa˝, bb˝, a'-a ‴ and b'-b ‴. The contacts a to b on the one hand and a˝ - b˝ on the other hand of the line circuit I are connected by an overvoltage protection plug 11 in the embodiment according to FIGS. 4-7, ie in the manner of a four-pole system, these being electrical Connection is made via the explained surge means. For this purpose, line circuit II is connected in parallel via connecting line 31. It is assumed in this exemplary embodiment that the line circuit I is an external circuit which must be provided with overvoltage protection in accordance with the aforementioned overvoltage protection plug 11; while line II is an internal circuit that does not require surge protection. In this case, it is sufficient if the contacts a 'and a ‴, as well as b' and b ‴ in the circuit II are connected to one another by a connector 33, the shape of which is the same as the shape of the isolating connector and surge connector explained, and which is a direct electrical connection between the aforementioned contacts. However, if the line circuit II were also an external circuit, an overvoltage protection plug would have to be provided instead of the connector 33, for example in the configuration according to the overvoltage protection plug 11 in FIGS. 4 to 7.

On the basis of the above exemplary embodiments, it is shown that the invention can be implemented in various ways due to the individual design and possible uses of such surge protective plugs. In addition, the number and arrangement of the counter contacts on the isolating tongue and the design of the surge protection means in the housing of the surge protection plug can be modified. Overall, there is a very large number of possible uses and combinations of surge protection plugs according to the invention.

Fig. 13 shows a separating strip 1 according to FIG. 1 with a number of contact points or contacts 3, 3 'on the one hand and a further series of contacts or contact points 4, 4' on the other hand, between which there is a separating slot 18. In particular, reference is made to the explanation of FIGS. 1 to 3, including the description of the support plate 5, the strut 8, the line connections 15, 16, the overvoltage protection plug 11, which is designed as a module, with a separating tongue 17 and its function when plugging in or out from the dividing bar.

As shown in FIG. 13 below, overvoltage protection plugs denoted by 11a are formed here according to the invention and put together in a row in such a way that recesses 36 and projections 37 which can be inserted into the recesses extend over the length of the abutting side surfaces 34, 35 are provided. All surge protection plugs in this series have the shape of their side surfaces explained above. 13 by plugging the projections 37 into the recesses 36 to form a coherent row, the overvoltage protection plugs with their separating tongues protruding downwards, as described above, between the contacts 3, 4 can be inserted.

13 lower half shows a positive connection of the overvoltage protection plug 11a by means of dovetail-like projections and recesses, this idea of the invention, the individual overvoltage Provide protection plugs with means for their mutual connection to a row by means of positive and / or non-positive connection in the longitudinal direction of this row, can also be realized in a different way. 14 shows a series of overvoltage protection plugs 11b in which the connection is based on the tongue and groove principle, namely by inserting springs 38 into grooves 39. Here, too, these connecting means are located on the respective abutting side surfaces 34, 35. A similar arrangement is shown in FIG. 15, with the difference that here the grooves 39 'and springs 38' of the surge protection plug 11c are not rectangular in cross section but approximately circular in cross section are. In the example in FIG. 16, the surge protection plugs 11d are provided with obliquely running, also abutting side surfaces 34 ', 35', the angular position of this side surface being identical to one another.

In all of the aforementioned cases, there is a corresponding cohesion and an unmistakable pluggability of the respective row in its longitudinal direction, which is equal to the dash-dotted longitudinal central axis 40. However, it is ensured that the individual plugs can be removed from this row in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing or inserted back into them, since the aforementioned shapes of the side surfaces extend over their entire height.

With the row installed (see Fig. 13), you can remove individual plugs and replace them with other plugs without having to disassemble the row yourself. However, the surge protective plugs can be combined into groups (function blocks) without having to give up the advantage of pluggability, interchangeability and so on of the individual plugs.

If desired or necessary, a holding device can be provided which at least partially surrounds the individual surge protection plugs 11a to 11d of a row and holds them together in the row. This is particularly advantageous in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 in order to hold the surge protective plugs 11b to 11d together in the longitudinal direction 40, e.g. by a clamping device, not shown in detail, which exerts a compressive force on this row according to arrows 41 and 41 '.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 17 to 20, a frame 42 is provided with a substantially rectangular inner opening, into which a row of surge protection plugs 11e can be inserted, which is held together by the frame 42. The length of the inner opening corresponds to the length 1 of the row composed of the plugs 11e and the width b of the inner opening corresponds to the width of the large side surface of the plugs. The frame 42 (see the schematic illustration in FIG. 20) can be plugged together with the plugs 11e over the respective separating strip 1. One inside longitudinal wall 43 of the frame is provided with projections 44, while the plugs 11e have recesses 46 on their short side surface 45, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the projections 44. Protrusions 44 and recess 46 extend over the entire height of the frame and plug, so that the plugs can also be inserted with their recesses 46 sliding along the protrusions 44 into the operating position perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. In this case, frame 42 and connector 11e can be locked together in the respective operating position. This can be done, for example, by a resilient earth contact 47 which has a latching lug 48 and, when the plug is inserted, hereby engages in recesses 49 on the other inner wall 50 of the frame and engages therein. This engagement is shown in section according to FIG. 19. By inserting a tool, for example a small screwdriver, into the recess 49, this or the latching lug 48 can be disengaged by pressing on the resilient earth contact 47 and the relevant plug 11e can then be pulled out of the frame again. However, it would also be possible to hold the plug 11e on the frame by means of another releasable lock. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame 42 is made of metal and is grounded or connected to ground, which provides for grounding of all ground contacts 47, 48 of the inserted plugs 11e. It should also be mentioned that the plugs 11e are inserted from above and into the locking position of the grounding contact 48, provided that the grounding contact 47, 48 is pressed into the plug 11e in the direction of arrow 51 with the entire tool. The frame 42 thus serves both the grounding and the cohesion of the plug 11e, wherein in this exemplary embodiment as well (as in the other exemplary embodiments), the input sides of the isolating tongues of all surge protection plugs are inevitably on one common side and the output sides of the isolating tongues are all located on the other side. Here too, as already explained, the installation direction of the overvoltage protection plug will inevitably always be the same, even if a plug is replaced. In Fig. 20, one of the frames is rotated 180 ° relative to the other frame, both frames being arranged parallel to one another. The earth contacts are located opposite one another on the inside (see L3 in FIG. 21 and the line connections L1, L2 on the input side which are subject to interference (see also FIG. 21). On the other hand, on the other hand, are on the outside, ie in FIG lower longitudinal side of the lower frame, the line connections L1 ′, L2 ′, which are limited in voltage by the overvoltage protection (see also FIG. 21), to which the consumers to be protected are connected 20. The arrangement according to Fig. 20 can be expanded as desired by placing modules above and / or below it according to Fig. 20. There are long sides of the frames with projections 44 and long sides of the frames with each Cutouts 49 opposite.

21, L1, L2 are the input-side and L1 'and L2' the output-side line connections. L3 corresponds to earthing or is an earthed conductor. On the input side, ie between L1 and L2 on the one hand and L3 on the other hand, a surge arrester 20, preferably a gas discharge arrester, is provided in each case. The series resistors 22 in the lines L1 - L1 'and L2 - L2' are usually ohmic or inductive. On the output side, a varistor or a suppressor diode 21 is provided between L1 'and L2' on the one hand and L3 or earth on the other hand.

A structural design of the circuit according to the invention, according to FIG. 21, which is located within the housing of the isolating plug and only protrudes therefrom with the isolating tongue 17, is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The structure consists of two boards 52, 53 between which the individual parallel components 20, 21 according to FIG. 9 are arranged or soldered. The circuit board 52 preferably consists of an electrically conductive material, into which the resilient earth contact 47 with the latching lug 48 is simultaneously incorporated. The circuit board 53 is an insulating material plate, which preferably consists of a glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin with copper conductors applied or etched through a special manufacturing process from a corresponding base material. These conductor tracks represent the electrical connections of the components in the course of L1, L2 or L1 ', L2', while the conductor track L3 is produced or formed by the circuit board 52 according to FIG. 21. The series resistors 22 are also attached to the underside of the circuit board 53. This "sandwich" design is not only space-saving but also avoids connection inductances between parallel components.

The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 24 to 28 only show the parts that are essential for understanding the present invention. Thus, in the example of FIGS. 24 to 26, the isolating strip 1 indicated by a dash-dotted line is shown with four isolating plugs or surge protection plugs plugged onto it, for which the number 11 used for the surge protection plug in FIG. 1 is provided. The plugged-in isolating plugs or overvoltage protection plugs 11 together form a unit in the form of a row of plugs 54. Instead of the four plugs 11 mentioned above, the row of plugs 54 can also consist of a different number of plugs 11, for example the usual number of ten plugs 11. The plugs 11 can be inserted with the separating tongues 17 into the separating strip 1 and can be pulled out of these slots again. A common grounding rail 55 with contact tongues 56 is provided for each plug row or unit 54. The earth rail 55 engages under the plug 11 and can be detachably attached to the opposite parts of the separating strip 1 with bagel-like plug-in parts 57 provided at its ends. According to this exemplary embodiment, a handle in the form of a bracket is articulated at the outer ends of the earth rail 55 above the fork-like plug-in parts 57, which consists of the two legs 58 and as a supporting part the approximately horizontally extending web 59. The legs 58 run close and parallel to the narrow end faces 54˝ of the row of connectors. Their free ends are articulated via the joints 60 to the grounding rail 55 in such a way that the brackets 58, 59 can be pivoted either into the plug-in and pull-out position according to FIG. 25 or into a position folded away to the side as shown in FIG. 26. In the plug and pull position press knobs, projections or the like 61 provided on the underside of the web 59 into corresponding recesses or a groove 62 on the top of the plug 11. The plug 11 are thus firmly clamped between the grounding rail 55 and the knobs or protrusions 61. Then the entire unit 54 can be removed from the separating strip 1 by means of the handle upwards according to arrow 63 or inserted again therein, the plugs 11 being held firmly. Since the knobs or protrusions 61 hold each of the plugs 11 clamping for themselves, the handle 58, 59 can also be used to move a row of plugs or units 54 in which not all the slots are occupied by one plug, but for one reason one or more plug positions were not occupied. This also applies to the embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28, as will be explained in more detail below.

As already mentioned, the invention is not limited to the number of ten plugs 11, which are per se common in practice, to form a unit 54. The invention is also not limited to the illustrated embodiment of an earth rail with contact tongues 57, on which the earth contacts 64 of the plugs 11 come into contact. Rather, the earth rail can also be constructed differently, in particular it could also be embodied in the embodiment which is illustrated and described in detail on the basis of the exemplary embodiments explained above. 24 on the one hand and FIGS. 25, 26 on the other hand show that the earth rail 55, 56 can be positioned at different heights in relation to the plugs 11. At the A handle 65 is attached to the top of the web 59. If necessary or desired, two of these handles 65 can also be provided there.

The connection points on the isolating strip and the contacts of the isolating strip and the plug are not shown in detail. The same applies to the means of surge protection, which are located within the housing of the relevant connector 11. Here too, reference is made to the descriptions and the drawings relating to the exemplary embodiments explained above.

If the handle is not to be used, it is pivoted from the position according to FIG. 25 into the position according to FIG. 26, in which its web 59 is no longer located above the plug 11. Rather, the space 66 above the connector 11 is then free to pull out the respective connector in the direction of arrow 63 or to insert it into the separating strip 1 in the opposite direction.

The embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28 show within a frame 67 a row or unit 54 'from in this example in turn ten plugs, or overvoltage protection plugs 11'. The connector 11 'are held in the frame 67 with such a friction or clamping fit that they are taken as a unit when pulling out the frame 67 in the direction of arrow 63. Here, as indicated above, it is not necessary to provide all ten plugs. Rather, one or more of the spaces provided for plugs can remain unoccupied. In this embodiment it is shown that the handle 58, 59 according to para. 60 'vertically above the separating tongues 17 the frame 67 is articulated. This makes it easier to pull out the separating tongues from the corresponding slots in the separating strip 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the articulation of the handle could be located elsewhere, for example at the point on the frame designated by 60. If necessary, knobs and recesses can also be made here according to para. 61, 62 of the previous exemplary embodiment, and one or two handles 65 may be provided.

The frame 67 is made of metal. In recesses 68 of the frame there are projecting earth contacts 69 of the respective plug 11 ', which are connected to the corresponding locations of the surge protection means in the inside of the plug. The frame 67 merges at 70 into the earthing rail and can be plugged onto the isolating strip 1 with fork connectors.

All of the features shown and described, as well as their combinations, are essential to the invention. In one of the exemplary embodiments, features shown or described can also be provided in the other exemplary embodiments.

Claims (35)

1. For the optional connection of electrical lines serving arrangement with at least one isolating strip, the connection points for the lines and thus electrically connected with each other in contact electrical contact points or contacts (hereinafter only called contacts), wherein isolating plugs are provided which are connected to a separating points having separating tongue or the like can be pushed into the separating strip between the stationary contact with each other contacts and further comprising an overvoltage protection is provided in the form of individual overvoltage protection plug, characterized in that the overvoltage safety plug (11, 11 ', 11˝, 11a-e) in type a isolating plug of such isolating strips (1) and is designed as a four-pole, or are, two connections (19) of the four-pole as contacts (27) on one side and the further two connections (23) of the four-pole as contacts (29) on the other side of the separating tongue (17, 25) of the surge protection plug v are provided that the contact pairs (27, 29) of the surge protective plug are suitable for the contact pairs (3, 4) of the isolating strip and are dimensioned such that when the surge protective plug is plugged in, its contact pairs are positioned between two contact pairs of the isolating strip and are in electrical contact with this, the surge protection plug from the same narrow side of the isolating strip Here are plugged in as the isolating plug and thus their insertion position that within the respective surge protection plug with its contacts in electrically connected surge protection means (20-22, 20'-22 ', 20˝-22˝) are housed and that from the Surge protection plug whose earth connection (12, 28, 47, 48, 64, 69) protrudes, or is accessible as a connection. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the overvoltage protection means have a coarse protection on one pole pair (19) and a fine protection on the other pole pair (23) of the connections. 3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surge protection means in SMD technology (20'-22 ') or in hybrid technology (20˝-22˝) are executed. 4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a common grounding strip (7 - 9) is provided for the surge protective plug of a isolating strip (1), which is bow-shaped with a strut (8) extending above the isolating strip and with itself this strut down to the support plate (5, 6) extending and attachable, preferably attachable (10) supports (7) is formed, and that for all earth connections (12) of the four-pole contact connections to the grounding strip are provided, the ground connections of the surge protective plug are preferably located at their upper end opposite the separating tongue. 5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the contact connections (13) from the ground connections (12) to the grounding strip (7-9) are pivotable. 6. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an overvoltage protection plug (11 ', 11 Übers) is attached to the ends of a connecting cable (31). 7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that one or both of the overvoltage protection plugs (11 ', 11 bzw.) is or are only provided on one side of the separating tongue with counter contacts, on the other hand, the separating tongue has no counter contacts, or exhibit. 8. Arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the overvoltage protection means on both overvoltage protection plugs (11 ', 11˝) of the connecting cable (31) are distributed. 9. Arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the overvoltage protection means are in one of the plugs (11 ', 11˝) of the connecting cable (31). 10. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the overvoltage protection plug (11 ', 11˝) are connected to earth via separate earth cables or earthing clips. 11. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 11, characterized in that at one end of a connecting cable (31) an overvoltage protection plug (11) and at the other end of this cable a the contact pairs (a'-a ‴, b ' -b ‴) directly connecting connector (33) is provided. 12. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the individual surge protective plugs (11a to 11e) have means for their connection to a row with form and / or non-positive connection in the longitudinal direction (40) of this row, while in the plugging direction no shape - or frictional connection between the individual surge protection plugs. 13. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized by a mutual connection of the individual surge protection plugs (11a-11d) by means of a shape of one side surface (34) and a matching shape of the other side surface (35) adjacent to it, these shapes being based on the height extend the side surfaces. 14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by shapes in the form of groove (39; 39 ') and tongues (38; 38'). 15. The arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by shapes in the form of undercuts (36) of the one side surface (35) and engaging therein, from the undercuts in the above-mentioned longitudinal direction (40) of the row held projections (37) of the other side surface (34). 16. The arrangement according to claim 15, characterized by undercuts and projections in dovetail shape. 17. The arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the two abutting side surfaces (34 ', 35') of the plug (11d) extend at the same angle obliquely to the longitudinal direction (40) of the row of plugs. 18. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized by a holding device which compresses the overvoltage protection plugs (11a to 11d) in a row in the longitudinal direction (40) and holds them together. 19. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that an elongated frame (42) which is approximately rectangular in plan view is provided with a substantially rectangular inner opening, the inner length (1) of which is equal to the length of the plugs (11e) formed row and its width (b) is equal to the width of the wide side surfaces of these connectors (11e) that the frame surrounds the row of connectors and is designed so that it can be plugged into the respective separating strip (1). 20. The arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that an inner longitudinal wall (43) of the frame with projections (44), or a corresponding recess and the adjacent narrow side surface (45) of the plug (11e) is provided with a matching recess (46) or a corresponding projection, the projection (45) and recess (46) being able to slide against one another in the plug-in direction of the plug until the plug has reached the operating position. 21. The arrangement according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the frame (42) is at least partially, preferably entirely metallic, the metallic part on the one hand with earth contacts (47, 48) of the inserted surge protection plug (11e) and on the other hand with the earth connection of the Arrangement is connected or connectable. 22. The arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that the frame (42) on the other inner wall (50) with recesses (49) for the resilient, in the operating position therein ground contact (47, 48) and a latching recess for engaging a projection (48) of the earth contact is provided, at least this region of the frame being metallic and being connectable to the earth connection of the arrangement. 23. The arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that the recesses (49) of the frame on the top for the insertion of a tool for moving the earth contact (47) are open and accessible. 24. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the electrical elements of the overvoltage protection within the housing of the overvoltage plug (11a to 11e) have two mutually spaced and parallel boards (52, 53) on which the connection contacts ( L1, L2, L3, L1 ', L2') are applied that these boards carry the other components of the surge protection and are spaced apart from one another by the surge arresters (20) and / or varistors (21). 25. The arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the one, first board (52) carries the connection contact for earth (L3), while the other, second board (53) carries the connection contacts (L1, L2, L1 ', L2') the input and output side of the live cables. 26. Arrangement according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the first circuit board (52) on the outside carries the earth contact (47, 48) for engagement and optionally latching with the frame (42), which is in conductive connection with the associated one Connection contact (L3) of this board is. 27. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the respective row of isolating and overvoltage protection plugs (11, 11 ') is formed as a coherent, transportable unit (54, 54') and that a handle on this unit (58, 59) for inserting or removing the unit in or out of the separating strip (1). 28. The arrangement according to claim 27, characterized in that as a handle a bracket (58, 59) is provided and connected to the unit (54, 54 ') in the region of their ends (54˝) and is dimensioned so that it with its supporting part (59) is in the plug and pull position above the row of plugs. 29. Arrangement according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the handle is hinged to the longitudinal side of the plug core row (54, 54 ') hinged to this (60, 60'). 30. Arrangement with a common grounding rail for all plugs, which runs parallel to the row of plugs, according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the handle (58, 59) is articulated in the region of the ends of the grounding rail (55). 31. Arrangement according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the handle (58, 59) is hinged to a frame (67). 32. Arrangement according to one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the respective articulation (60 ') in the pull-off direction (63) is located approximately above the separating tongues (17). 33. Arrangement according to one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that the bracket (58, 59) is approximately U-shaped, the web (59) of the "U" parallel to the top of the row of plugs and the legs (58) of the "U" run next to the front of the connector row. 34. Arrangement according to one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that the handle, in particular the bracket (58, 59), is provided on the upper side with one or more handles (65). 35. Arrangement according to one of claims 27 to 34, characterized in that the part (59) of the handle lying on the underside in the plug-in and pull-out position above the plug row has projections, knobs or the like (61) with a clamp fit on the top of the plug (11, 11 ') abut, in particular engage in recesses (62) of this top.

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