EP1839377B1 - Plug-in combination of devices, especially for overvoltage protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to plug-in combination of devices, especially for overvoltage protection, which comprises a pedestal-type base and one or more plug-in modules, said modules receiving the overvoltage protection elements, and which further comprises contact elements and mating contact elements that are disposed in the base and in the plug-in module, and mechanical detent or snap-in elements that are effective between the respective plug-in module and the pedestal-type base. The detent or snap-in function can be cancelled out for replacing the plug-in module. The invention is characterized in that the plug-in module comprises a support unit having an understructure. A plurality of large-surface contact elements are provided on the understructure. The understructure has a trough-shaped bottom side from where stop edges, stop surfaces and/or stop pins extend downward into the direction of the pedestal-type base. The support unit is enclosed by a cover, said cover having at least one hinge area on at least one side thereof. Said hinge area gradually verges into a pressure plate and actuates a detent insert comprising detent projections or detent knobs.

Description

The invention relates to a pluggable device combination, in particular for protection against overvoltage, comprising a socket-like lower part and one or more plug-in modules, which receive the overvoltage protection elements, and contact elements and contact counter-elements, which are each arranged in the lower part and in the plug-in module, according to the preamble of the patent 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 given in the lower part.

The plug-in module contains the actual overvoltage protection elements, e.g. Spark gaps, varistors, gas arresters or similar.

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, 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 the lower part and plug-in module is that during inspection or maintenance, the plug-in module can be removed without having to open the terminals or the corresponding system must be disconnected from voltage. The removed and separated plug-in module can then be examined outside the electrical system with the aid of special test equipment and optionally replaced or reused.

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

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

In particular, in the case of overvoltage lightning arresters, as required by the market, in some cases considerable surge currents of up to 100 kA must be passed over these contacts almost free of burn-off and wear. Corresponding tests are anchored in the product standards for surge protection devices.

In order to control such large surge currents safely, therefore, the contact force between the individual contact elements must be very large. This has the consequence that the plug-in modules according to the prior art can be removed only with increased effort and in most cases only with the aid of a special tool. So this requires an additional tool and is a significant disadvantage for the application of the devices. Furthermore, there is an additional risk that may occur when handling the tool within the arrester for accidental triggering an arc fault with resulting danger to people and equipment.

In the case when the contact force between the contact elements is designed smaller, while the removal of the plug-in modules can be facilitated, but there is a risk that under the influence of the electrodynamic Force effects during the surge current process may lead 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 PCT WO 95/12905 a combination of a device base and an insert element according to Obergegriff of claim 1 is previously known, wherein the insert element is for example an overvoltage protection device. The local device base has a substantially U-shaped in side view, in which the legs of the U-forming side parts, the terminals for the leads, a terminal for a ground line and other auxiliary contact terminals are provided. On the back of the device base, a device for fixing the same is provided on a mounting rail. The insert element is received between the side parts of the device base and there by provided on both sides of the insert element locking projections, which engage behind all latching projections in the device base set. Furthermore, resilient contacts are provided in the web of the device base, on which provided in the insert element rigid contact tongues abut in verrastendem with the device base insert element.

The previously known construction of the combination of device base and insert element is designed so that the insert element can be replaced without the device base must be removed. Although the latching projections, which according to the described prior art on at least one side wall of the insert element, which faces the inner surface of a side part of the device base are provided, can engage with a mating catch on the device base in latching connection, but the holding forces in an immediate training of Locking lug on a tongue-like resilient part of the insert element is not sufficient. The surge currents occurring in lightning arresters lead to such high forces that even with a locking of the plug-in module with respect to the carrier unit there is a risk that the plug-in module is moved out of the carrier unit.

From the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed pluggable device combination, in particular for protection against overvoltages, specify a socket-like lower part and one or more plug-in modules, the device combination on the one hand can cause the significant surge currents and wear-free and on the other hand, the plug-in base located in the plug-in module is securely locked and fixed easily, ie solved without tools or special tools and removed can.

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

Claim 23 discloses a plug-in module as defined in the claims of the device combination.

Accordingly, the basic idea of the invention is to perform a function separation between the assemblies of the electrical plug-in contact system and the Verrasteinheit, with a special separate locking insert part is used.

The latching unit with latching insert part locks the plug-in module in the desired end position.

In the event that the plug-in module is to be removed, the lock on the Verrasteinheit is canceled by simple manual force. In one embodiment, with the aid of mechanical force released from mechanical energy stores, the plug-in module can then be moved out of the lower part without appreciable tensile forces.

The design of the above-mentioned functional groups can be varied over a wide range and thus optimized. So it is in principle conceivable to interpret the disengagement forces so that the plug-in module is automatically pushed out of the plug contacts. Likewise, the mechanical tuning can be brought about such that only with a significant force, the plug-in modules can be pulled out.

An essential advantage of the invention is that the actual contact system, ie the structural design of the contact elements and contact counter-elements, is optimally designed for the function of surge current dissipation.

In implementing the basic idea according to the invention, an arrangement of special mechanical latching or snap-in elements, which is connected between the respective plug-in module, is thus made functionally separate independently of the forces which hold the contact and contact counter-elements positively and / or non-positively connected and act the base-like base.

The snap-in or snap-in function can be canceled without mechanical aids for the desired replacement or for checking the respective plug-in module.

In one embodiment, a spring-like, mechanical energy storage is provided between the lower part and plug-in module, which is stretched at the onset of the respective plug-in module and releases mechanical energy for releasing the plug-in module from the socket-like lower part when canceling the snap or snap-in function.

The plug-in module comprises a carrier unit with a bottom group, wherein a plurality of large-area contact elements are arranged on the bottom group.

Furthermore, the bottom group has a trough-like underside, from which stop edges, stop surfaces and / or stop pins extend downwards in the direction of the base-like lower part.

The support unit is enclosed by a hood, wherein the hood on opposite sides has a hinge surface, which merges into a pressure plate, at the end of the separate locking insert part is provided with locking lugs or locking cams, which in the inserted state, the snap or snap-in function based on fulfill the lower part.

The hood can be realized as a plastic molded part, wherein the hinge surface may be a so-called foil hinge joint. The hinge surface with pressure plate is usually biased such that the latching lugs or locking cams of the latching insert part occupy a maximum outer position. By a slight force on the pressure plate, the latching inserts with their latches or locking cams toward each other, i. be moved towards the inside of the hood and from complementary recesses, which are located in the base-like base, leak and released.

The aforementioned carrier unit receives the actual overvoltage protection elements. Below the pressure plate of the hood, a movement of the pressure plate limiting surface or edge is formed on the carrier unit.

In the area of the bottom group of the carrier unit locking projections are provided, which engage in complementary recesses of the hood, this locking.

The hood has two respective opposite broad sides and two opposite narrow sides, wherein the pressure plates are located on the narrow sides.

The recesses of the hood are preferably arranged in the lower region of the broad sides.

For easier actuation of the printing plates and for removing the plug-in module from the lower part, the outer surface of the printing plate is structured.

The latching lugs or latching cams of the latching insert part, which are preferably provided in pairs, may have a wedge-shaped sliding surface or bevel, wherein the respective wedge tips are oriented in the insertion direction. During the insertion process, the wedge - shaped sliding surfaces slide on the surface of the along pedestal-like lower part and then snap into provided there recesses with relaxation of the pressure plate.

At the bottom group coding pins and / or a telecommunication contact triggering element may be provided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hood has a wedge shape extending over its width in the lower region. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hood has on its upper side a spherical or arcuate shape.

The lower part of the device combination has a U-shape, wherein in the open legs of the lower part latching or snap-in elements are arranged and the connecting leg optionally recesses for or the spring-like mechanical energy storage and their operation.

Furthermore, the open legs may have longitudinal guide rails for easier insertion of the plug-in module. These guide rails can also have a coding function to allow a defined page correct insertion, so that a mismatch of corresponding lower parts can be avoided.

The connecting leg of the lower part has a complementary shape to the underside of the bottom group, wherein below the connecting leg receptacles may be provided for each spring unit, which include an access for the stop edges, stop pins or stop surfaces of the bottom group.

Preferably, the respective spring units are supported against the bottom of the base-like base. The springs of the spring unit are interchangeable, so that in a uniform constructive design of the lower part in an easy way adaptation to the particular application with respect to the biasing and Ausrückkrafte can be made.

At least one recess for a coding pin or access to a telecommunications contact is provided in the connecting leg.

The snap-in or snap-in elements and ausgestaltend possible mechanical energy storage are provided multiple times and are preferably arranged symmetrically.

The connecting leg of the lower part has on both sides depending on a molded web, which stabilizes the opposite open leg parts, without any drifting apart of these parts is to be feared when inserting the plug-in module.

The respective plug-in module with the hood top and the pressure plates located there is over in the inserted state and thus remains easily accessible for actuating the printing plates for the purpose of removing the plug-in module.

The contact and contact counter-elements, which are located on the one hand in the plug-in module and the other part in the lower part are designed as shock current carrying plug contacts with large contact holding force, but the contact holding force has not primarily or simultaneously to perform a mechanical locking of the plug-in module in the lower part.

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

Fig. 1

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Steck- moduls mit aufgesetzter Haube (linker Bildteil) sowie mit Ansicht der Trägereinheit ohne Haube (rechter Bildteil);

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung des U-förmigen Unterteils mit Detaildarstellung der Federeinheit;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der kompletten steckbaren Gerätekombination mit eingesetztem Steckmodul und Detaildarstellung der mechanischen Energiespeicherung beim im Sockelteil befindlichen, vollständig ein- gesteckem Modul;

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung des Steckmoduls mit Haube und erkennbarem Rast- einsatzteil mit Schräg- oder Keilflächen zum Herstellen der Rastver- bindung bezüglich der Aussparungen im Unterteil;

Fig. 5

eine Detaildarstellung des fixierten Rasteinsatzteils mit teilweise weggebrochener Haube und Druckplatte und

Fig. 6

verschiedene Ansichten des Rasteinsatzteils.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a three-dimensional representation of a plug-in module according to the invention with attached hood (left part of the image) and with view of the carrier unit without hood (right image part);

Fig. 2

a representation of the U-shaped base with detail of the spring unit;

Fig. 3

a representation of the complete plug-in device combination with inserted plug-in module and detailed representation of the mechanical energy storage in the base part located, fully inserted module;

Fig. 4

an illustration of the plug-in module with hood and recognizable latching insert part with inclined or wedge surfaces for producing the latching connection with respect to the recesses in the lower part;

Fig. 5

a detailed view of the fixed locking insert part with partially broken hood and pressure plate and

Fig. 6

different views of the locking insert part.

Like from the Fig. 1 it can be seen, the plug-in module 1 consists of a carrier unit 4 and a hood. 5

Under the hood 5 or on the support unit 4, the actual active components of the surge arrester are located and in electrical connection to the plug contacts 2 standing.

The plug contacts 2 are designed as large-area metallic blocks, preferably arranged symmetrically on the opposite sides.

At the hood 5 are located at the two end faces as printing plates 6 running actuating surfaces 6 '.

These can be inexpensively integrated into the construction of the hood element, since they are movably arranged on the upper side via a mechanically designed hinge surface 7.

With a mechanical force acting on the actuating surfaces 6 ', these are moved inwards, wherein a stop plate 8 of the carrier unit 4 can act as travel limit.

The available way the pressure plate 6 is tuned so that the locking lugs 9 from its counterpart 9 '(see Fig. 2 ), so that the locking is released.

Overall, two locking lugs 9 are provided in the embodiment shown on the front sides, so that the plug-in module 1 has a total of four fixed points and thus balanced accordingly and is held without delay in the desired position.

The surface of the actuating surface 6 'is provided with a structure, so that an easy removal of the plug-in module 1 without excessive force is possible.

Furthermore, the underside of the carrier unit 4, which is designed as a trough-like base group, a coding pin or telecommunications actuation contact 100 have.

Stop edges, stop surfaces or stop pins 10 which extend as pressure points relative to those associated spring unit 11 extend from the underside of the aforementioned bottom group. Fig. 2 ) Act.

The support unit 4 has in the region of the bottom group latching projections 110, which in complementary recesses 111 of the hood 5, this locking, engage.

The locking lugs 9 of the latching insert 200 (see 4 to 6 ) are designed as inclined or sliding surfaces 112, wherein the respective wedge tips are oriented in the insertion direction.

As can be seen from the figurative representation, the hood 5 is designed running wedge-shaped in the lower region, wherein the top of the hood 5 has a spherical or arcuate shape.

Each plug-in module 1 is provided with preferably two or four symmetrically arranged plug contact elements 2. Due to the design of the plug-in contact elements 2 as a moving part or fixed part, it is possible to carry relatively large surge currents almost wear-free on the large-area contact elements. The uniform, distributed at the bottom arrangement of Einzelsteckkontakten ensures a uniform, homogeneous force distribution, so that it does not come to a deformation or tilting of the plug-in module within the lower part, even with large electrodynamic forces.

The lower part of the device combination has as shown Fig. 2 and 3 a U shape. Here, the lower part 12 has two open U-shaped legs 120 and a connecting leg 121.

In the open legs 120 of the lower part 12, the aforementioned recesses 9 'are formed for the latching lugs 9 of the latching insert part 200 of the plug-in module 1.

The connecting leg 121 has recesses 122 for the spring-like or mechanical energy storage and the operation thereof.

The open legs 120 have in one embodiment of the invention guide rails 13 for easier and correct insertion of the respective plug-in module. 1

Furthermore, the connecting leg 121 has on its upper side a complementary to the bottom of the bottom group of the plug-in module 1 shape, below the connecting leg receptacles 123 are provided for each spring unit 11, which include an access for the stop edges 10 of the bottom group of the plug-in module 1 upwards.

Like from the Fig. 2 and 3 can be seen, if appropriate provided respective spring units 11, comprising at least one coil spring, against the bottom of the base-like base from.

Furthermore, at least one recess 124 for a coding pin or as access to a telecommunications contact is provided in the connecting leg 121.

To reinforce and stabilize the overall arrangement of the lower part of the connecting leg 121 on both sides each have a molded web 125.

In the inserted state (see Fig. 3 ) remains the plug-in module 1 with the hood top and the printing plates located there accessible.

During insertion of the plug-in module 1 in the lower part 12, guided by the guide rails, and producing the desired electrical contact between the corresponding plug contacts 2 and counterparts in the lower part, the applied mechanical force is used to the located in the lower part 12 mechanical energy storage. 3 or 11 to bias.

This is realized by the corresponding stop edges, stop pins or stop surfaces and pressure points provided there.

For example, four spring units 11 are preferably integrated in each lower part 12. The number and symmetrical positioning ensure optimum homogeneity of the force.

About the specific structural design of the mechanical energy storage 3, in particular the selection of a suitable spring element and its spring characteristic, the release force to be set and the associated Ausrückweg can vary over a wide range.

When releasing the locking lugs 9 from the recesses 9 'by exerting a compressive force on the pressure plate 6 and the actuating surface 6' come the locking lugs 9 out of contact with the recesses 9 '. As a result, the plug-in module 1 can be easily removed using the stored mechanical energy in the spring units without further mechanical aids or tools.

The structure and operation of the latching insert according to the invention to obtain a particularly secure and mechanically fixed latching connection should be based on the 4 to 6 be explained in more detail.

That in the Fig. 6 In two views, latching insert part 200 has on the front side (right-hand representation) two inclined or wedge surfaces 112, which are arranged on a connecting web 201.

In the space between the inclined or wedge surfaces 112, a recess 202 is provided on the underside of a locking edge 203 is formed, which extends parallel to the connecting web 201 substantially.

The connecting edge has a greater height dimension than the connecting web 201 to the latch insert part 200 as shown in FIGS Fig. 4 and 5 secure to the carrier unit.

Starting from the locking edge 203 on both sides of the recess 202 yielding fixing tabs 204 are located. The fixing tabs 204 have an inclination starting from the rear side surface (left illustration in FIG Fig. 6 ) of the locking edge 203 and a height which is greater than the extent of the inclined or wedge surfaces 112.

The latching insert part 200 is received with its connecting web 201 and the locking edge 203 in a gap 205 of the support unit 4 of the plug-in module 1 and fixed by the hood 5.

The fixing tabs 204 support the latching insert part 200 to the inside of the carrier unit 4, as shown in particular from the illustration Fig. 5 is recognizable.

The pressure plate 6 has in the region of the oblique or wedge surfaces 112 recesses 206 and at least one tongue 207, which engages in the recess 202 of the latching insert part 200 for actuating the same.

With the help of the flexible fixing tabs 204, the latching insert part 200 is held and fixed under prestress in its position in the gap of the side part of the carrier unit 4.

In the region of the recess 202 of the latching insert part 200, a reinforcement 208 may be provided to ensure sufficient mechanical stability.

Preferably, the latching insert part 200 is made in one piece as a plastic injection or -preßteil. In the event that one of the inclined or wedge surfaces 112 is damaged or is, it is possible to replace the latch insert 200 after removal of the hood 5, so that the plug-in module can continue to be used.

Forces on the plug-in module are received by the carrier unit 4 and transferred in the region of the connecting web 201 onto the latching insert part 200 and removed by means of the latching insert part 200 when the latching connection is made to the recesses 9 'in the lower part.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug-in module

2

plug contacts

3

mechanical energy storage

4

support unit

5

Hood

6

printing plate

6 '

actuating surface

7

hinge surface

8th

stop plate

9

locking lugs

9 '

Recess for locking lugs in the lower part

10

Stop edges or pressure points of these

11

spring unit

12

lower part

13

guide rails

100

Coding pin and / or telecommunications contact

110

Locking elements on the bottom group of the carrier unit

111

Recesses in the hood

112

wedge-shaped sliding surfaces of the locking lugs

120

open leg of the lower part 12

121

Connecting leg of the lower part

122

Recess as access to the spring unit

123

Recording for the spring unit

124

Recess for coding pin and / or access to telecommunications contact

125

web

200

Rest insert

201

connecting web

202

return

203

locking edge

204

fixing brackets

205

gap

206

recesses

207

tongue

208

stiffening

Claims (23)

1. Plug-in combination of devices, especially for overvoltage protection, comprising a pedestal-type base and one or more plug-in modules, said modules receiving the overvoltage protection elements, contact elements and mating contact elements that are disposed in the base and in the plug-in module, and mechanical detent or snap-in elements that are effective between the respective plug-in module and the pedestal-type base, wherein the detent or snap-in function can be undone if the replacement of the respective plug-in module is desired, the plug-in module comprises a support unit enclosed by a hood and having an understructure, wherein several large-surface contact elements are disposed on the understructure and the understructure has a trough-shaped lower side,
   characterized in that
   stop edges, stop surfaces and/or stop pins extend downwards from the understructure in the direction of the pedestal-type base, the hood has a hinged surface on one side which merges into a pressure plate so as to actuate an exchangeable detent insert comprising detent projections or detent knobs, wherein the detent insert has two inclined or wedge surfaces which are laterally spaced apart and which are disposed on a connecting web, a recess is provided in the distance area between the inclined or wedge surfaces, on the lower side of which a stop edge is formed which extends substantially parallel to the connecting web,
   starting from the stop edge resilient fixing plates are located on both sides of the recess, and the detent insert with the connecting web and the stop edge is received in a gap of the side part of the support unit and fixed by the hood.
2. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the fixing plates support the detent insert towards the inner side of the support unit.
3. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the pressure plate includes cut-outs in the area of the inclined or wedge surfaces of the detent insert and at least one tongue which engages into the recess of the detent insert for actuating it.
4. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the detent insert is held under prestress in its position in the gap of the side part of the support unit by means of the resilient fixing plates.
5. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   a spring-type mechanical energy accumulator is provided between the base and the plug-in module which, when the respective plug-in module is inserted, is biased and, when the detent or snap-in function is undone, releases mechanical energy for releasing the plug-in module from the pedestal-type base.
6. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the support unit receives the overvoltage protection elements.
7. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   detent projections are provided in the area of the understructure of the support unit, which engage into complementary cut-outs of the hood, locking the same.
8. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the hood has opposite broad sides and narrow sides.
9. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the pressure plate is provided on at least one of the narrow sides.
10. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the outer surface of the pressure plate is patterned.
11. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    a coding pin and/or an element triggering a remote signaling contact is provided on the understructure.
12. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the hood has a wedge shape in the lower portion which extends over the width thereof.
13. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the hood has a spherical or arc shape on its upper side.
14. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of claims 5 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the base is U-shaped, wherein detent or snap-in elements are disposed in the open legs of the base and the connecting leg comprises cut-outs for the spring-type mechanical energy accumulator(s) and the actuation thereof.
15. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 14,
    characterized in that
    the open legs have longitudinally extending guide rails for the easier insertion of the respective plug-in module.
16. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 5 and claim 14 or 15,
    characterized in that
    the connecting leg has a shape that is complementary to the lower side of the understructure, wherein receptacles for one spring unit each are provided underneath the connecting leg, which comprise in an upward direction an access for the stop edges, stop pins or stop surfaces of the understructure.
17. Plug-in combination of devices according to claim 16,
    characterized in that
    the respective spring units are backed against the bottom of the pedestal-type base.
18. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of claims 14 to 17,
    characterized in that
    at least one cut-out for a coding pin or the access to a remote signaling contact is provided in the connecting leg.
19. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the detent or snap-in elements are provided multiple times and are preferably arranged symmetrically.
20. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of claims 14 to 19,
    characterized in that
    the connecting leg comprises a web each formed on both sides, which stabilizes the opposite open leg parts.
21. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the plug-in module with the hood upper part and the pressure plates located therein remains freely accessible in the plugged-in state.
22. Plug-in combination of devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the contact and mating contact elements are constructed as plug contacts capable of carrying surge currents.
23. Plug-in module according to at least one of the preceding claims for the use in a combination of devices according to at least one of claims 1 to 22.

Images