EP3507818A1

EP3507818A1 - Holding adapter for fixing control and signalling devices and also arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP3507818A1
Application number: EP17768706.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luetfiye DOENOGLU; Joerg Schaefer; Deepak SANAN; Artur Wiese
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-05
Filing date: 2017-09-05
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-05
Also published as: WO2018042045A1; PL3507818T3; DE102016116518A1; US10790102B2; EP3507818B1; US20190198268A1; CN109643614A

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding adapter (9) for fixing control and signalling devices (2), in particular pushbuttons, on a front plate (3), the holding adapter having - a housing (11) with a first recess (14), and - a mounting plate (12) which is mounted in the housing (11) and has a second recess (15); wherein -- the second recess (15) is arranged in alignment with the first recess (14), so that a control or signalling device (2) can be guided through the two recesses (14, 15) in an axial direction (R), and -- the mounting plate (12) can be moved relative to the housing (11) in the axial direction (R) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2), so that, when a control or signalling device (2) is fixed to the front plate (3), vertical compensation can be achieved depending on a thickness (23) of the front plate (3). The invention also relates to an arrangement (1).

Description

description

Holding adapter for the fixation of command and signaling devices as well as arrangement

The invention relates to a retaining adapter for the fixation of command and signaling devices, in particular of push buttons, on a front panel. The invention also relates to an arrangement with a command or signaling device and such a holding adapter.

From the prior art installation systems for

Building or facilities known that often have command or signaling devices. Such command or signaling devices are, for example, switches or buttons, such as pushbuttons, which optionally have a display functionality. The command or signaling devices are typically in control panels,

Control panels, switch cabinet doors or housing covers mounted. To fix the command or signaling devices on a front panel, such as a panel or a wall, typically holding adapters are used.

Typically, such command or signaling devices are modular, they consist of about an actuator and a threaded fastener. For assembly, the command or signaling device is usually performed from a front through a hole in the front panel and mounted from the back by means of a fastener, such as a ring nut. The command or signaling devices are actuated and act on a controller. An electrical connection of the command or signaling device with the controller is typically via terminals. - -

An object underlying the invention is to provide a concept for a holding adapter, which contributes to a flexible assembly of command and signaling devices.

According to one aspect, a holding adapter for the fixation of command and signaling devices, in particular of push buttons, disclosed on a front panel. The retaining adapter has a housing with a first recess and a mounting plate mounted in the housing with a second recess. The second recess is arranged in alignment with the first recess, so that a command or signaling device can be guided in an axial direction through the two recesses. Next is the mounting plate between a first

End position and a second end position in the axial direction relative to the housing displaceable, so that when fixing a command or signaling device on the front panel, a height compensation function of a thickness of the

Front panel is achievable.

The retaining adapter may also be called a fastening device or adapter device. A command or signaling device is attached to the front panel via the retaining adapter. The front panel is typically a sheet or wall of a cabinet or the like.

The mounting plate is set up to interact mechanically with the command or signaling device during fixing. For example, the command or reporting device through the front panel and through the holding adapter, so the

Mounting plate and the housing, guided. Subsequently, the device is fixed via a fastening element against the retaining adapter, for example against the housing, and thus against the front panel. In this case, the command or signaling device is combined with a base body with the mounting plate. For example, the main body strikes against the mounting plate. Latter - - Is mechanically mounted in the housing, so that the force applied by the fastener holding force is transmitted through the housing to the front panel.

When fixing, such as screwing, the device against the

Front panel will now be the mounting plate depending on a thickness of the front panel relative to the housing

postponed. This gives a quick fixation of the

Holding adapters on the front panel as well as a variable

Storage facility realized. This flexibility makes it possible to compensate for a thickness of the front panel. Typical front panel thicknesses are in the range of 1 to 6 mm. The retaining adapter thus enables a stroke compensation for different thicknesses of the front panel.

Another advantage is that the retaining adapter with only a few turns of a fixing or

Fastening, such as a ring nut, tighten. A tedious balance of the front panel thickness by long rotation of the fixative is therefore no longer necessary. Another advantage is that through use

various mounting plates consideration can be taken on various command or signaling devices. It is not necessary to provide different holding adapters for different commanding or signaling devices, in particular different housings. It is sufficient, for example, to adapt the mounting plate accordingly.

The mounting plate is for example by means of a

Locking mechanism mounted in the housing, that is

held captive in the housing displaceable. For example, the mounting plate is guided between two stops in the housing. The mounting plate can continue by means of

Guide elements such as ribs or the like to be guided displaceably. - -

According to one embodiment, the housing has a

Locking mechanism, which cooperates with the mounting plate for height compensation. In such a

Locking mechanism is, for example, a ratchet mechanism. The mounting plate thus locked relative position relative to the housing. The displacement and locking of the mounting plate can be done before the fixation on the front panel but also during the fixation, such as fastening by means of the fastener. In other words, for example

Tightening and screwing the message or

Command device on the front panel, the mounting plate locked in a corresponding position.

According to a further embodiment, a spring element is mounted in the housing, which with the mounting plate

cooperates, so that the mounting plate from the first

End position against a spring force of the spring element in the axial direction is displaceable relative to the housing. In other words, the spring element is arranged and supported in the housing so that it exerts a force on the mounting plate, which acts in the direction of the first end position. If no additional force acts on the mounting plate, for example through cooperation with the command device, the mounting plate is pressed into the first end position. In this unassembled or original state, the mounting plate is thus held in the first position by means of the spring element on the housing. The mounting plate can also be referred to as a spring plate.

According to a further embodiment, the spring element is designed as a compression spring. - -

Optionally, two or more spring elements may be mounted in the housing. As a result, for example, a uniform force distribution can be realized.

According to a further embodiment, the housing has an anti-rotation nose for positive engagement with the front panel, which is selectively removable. In other words, the anti-rotation nose can be removed such that it no longer cooperates with a corresponding recess in the front panel. Typically, the anti-rotation lug is used to prevent rotation of the retaining adapter with respect to the front panel in mounted or fixed

Condition of the control or signaling device. In this case, the anti-rotation lug engages in a corresponding recess in the front plate form fit, so that at least one movement of the holding adapter is blocked in a plane parallel to the front panel in the assembled state. Because of that

Rotational protection nose is formed removable, depending on the configuration of the front panel, a customer can rely on the anti-rotation nose or on a

dispense with positive twist protection.

The anti-twist nose can be, for example, a metallic nose or a nose made of plastic, for example by means of injection molding. The

Verdrehschutznase example, formed integrally with the housing or arranged and attached as a separate element on this.

According to one embodiment, the anti-rotation nose

breakable or elastic against a spring force

formed bendable. In the case of breakable variant, for example, a predetermined breaking point or the like is provided. This makes it possible to cancel the anti-rotation nose manually. Alternatively, the anti-rotation nose can also - - Be designed to be canceled by means of a tool. In the case of the bendable variant, the

Anti-rotation nose, for example, folded or

be withdrawn or bent back. For example, a spring element may be provided, which with the

Anti-twist nose cooperates. Alternatively, the

Verdrehschutznase formed elastically or elastically disposed on the housing. Such anti-rotation lug contributes to the fact that depending on the design of a front panel on the form-fitting anti-rotation protection can be used or omitted, without the need for an extra holding adapter or housing would be necessary.

According to one embodiment, the anti-rotation nose is formed as a separate part to the housing and in a

corresponding recess locked in the housing.

For example, the recess is positively inserted into the corresponding recess of the housing and locked therein.

It should be mentioned at this point that the removable

Verdrehschutznase may also be provided independently of the previously described embodiments of the retaining adapter.

For example, the anti-rotation nose also at

Holding adapters are provided which do not allow height compensation of a front panel.

According to a further embodiment, the housing

at least one retaining pin, which at least for

frictional interaction with the front panel

is trained. The holding mandrel is understood to mean an element which has a pointed shape or a shape tapering to a point. In the fixed state of a command or signaling device, a holding force acts on the housing and the retaining pin on the front panel. - -

For example, the retaining pin drills into the front panel. In other words, when setting the command or annunciator, a force on the retaining pin on the

Front plate are transferred, which ensures that the holding adapter frictionally and / or at the same time

is positively secured to the front panel. As a result, a twist protection is realized analogous to above.

According to one embodiment, the retaining pin is made of a

Metal material or manufactured as an injection molded part.

According to a further embodiment, the retaining pin is a screw, formed as a rotating part or formed by bending a metal sheet. For example, edges of a sheet are bent to form the retaining mandrel.

According to a further embodiment, two or more retaining pins may be provided. This contributes to a more even force distribution when fixing the command or annunciator.

According to a further embodiment, a material hardness of the retaining mandrel is greater than a material hardness of the front panel. This will contribute to the adhesion. In particular, it is ensured that when applying a corresponding holding force of the rotation is ensured.

According to a second aspect, there is disclosed an assembly comprising a command or reporting device, a front panel having an opening, and a retaining adapter according to any of the previously described embodiments. The arrangement may also be referred to as an installation system or installation unit. The command or signaling device is of a

Front side of the front panel led through the opening of the front panel and over the retaining adapter on a back of the - -

Front panel attached. The command or signaling device interacts with the displaceable mounting plate of the retaining adapter such that a height compensation depending on a thickness of the front panel is made.

The arrangement essentially allows the aforementioned advantages and functions. For example, the command or reporting device through the opening of the front panel and through the holding adapter, so by the mounting plate and the

Then, a fastening means such as a ring nut is screwed onto a base body of the command or signaling device, which exerts a force on the retaining adapter and this against the

Front panel bolted from the back. The main body of the command or signaling device has a further stop, which abuts in the assembled state or when mounting against the mounting plate so that it relative to the thickness of the front panel relative to the housing of the

Holding adapter is moved. Thus, regardless of a thickness of the front panel, the command or signaling device can be easily mounted without different holding adapter would be needed for different thicknesses.

According to a further embodiment, the rear side of the front panel is provided with a coating of an elastic and / or foamed material in a region in which the front panel interacts with a holding mandrel of the housing at least in a force-fitting manner. As a result, a frictional force or adhesive force is increased when the retaining adapter is fixed non-positively on the retaining mandrel on the housing. As an alternative, this can also be achieved by providing the front panel in the said area and / or the housing for non-positive cooperation with a material or a coating having increased surface roughness. The roughness is compared to the front panel itself or - - Increased the housing. For example, an emery paper is applied to the front panel and / or on the housing.

Further advantageous embodiments and functions are described in the following, detailed description of

Embodiments disclosed.

The embodiments are described below with the aid of the appended figures. Similar or identically acting elements are provided across the figures with the same reference numerals.

- -

In the figures show:

1 and 2 are two perspective, schematic views of an arrangement with a command device and a holding adapter according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of

Holding adapter

Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of

assembled holding adapter,

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the assembly in the assembled state and

Figure 6 is a sectional view of an assembly in the assembled state according to another embodiment.

Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded view of a

1 shows a front view with a view of a front side 4 of the front panel 3, while FIG. 2 shows a rear view with a view of a rear side 5 of FIG

Front panel 3 represents.

The front panel 3 is a wall of a housing, such as a control cabinet. Alternatively, it may also be another wall, such as a building or a plant.

The command device 2, which in the embodiment a

Pushbutton is, has a rosette 6 and an adjoining cylindrical base body 7. Of the

Basic body 7 can again be divided functionally and / or mechanically as shown in the embodiment. - -

In particular, the main body 7 has a

Male thread section for screw mounting on the front panel 3.

For attachment of the command device 2 on the front panel 3, the command device 2 via a corresponding, the

Command device 2 with respect to a shaping adapted opening 8 of the front panel 3 in a holding adapter 9 along an axial direction R out. The holding adapter 9 is also suitably adapted in terms of shaping to the command device 2, such as the base body 2, and is adapted to receive the command device 2 and set securely on the front panel. The holding adapter 9 has the further function that other command or signaling devices can be set on the front panel, regardless of the design of the front panel 3 itself.

Finally, the command device 2 from the back with a fastener 10, screwed in the embodiment, a ring nut or a threaded ring, against the retaining adapter 9 and above against the front panel 3. As a result, the command device 2 (see Figures 5 and 6) is securely fastened to the front panel 3. By means of the holding adapter 9 and the

Fastener 10, it is possible to set the command device 2 also with a predefined torque. The retaining adapter 9 contributes particularly to a flexible attachment of command devices on a front panel, as described in more detail below.

Figure 3 shows in detail an exploded view of

Retaining adapter 9. The retaining adapter 9 has a housing 11 in which a mounting plate 12 is slidably mounted and sprung by means of two spring elements 13. The

Mounting plate 12 may also be referred to as a spring plate. The housing 11 is open to one side thereof, - - That the mounting plate 12 can be inserted into the housing 11. The mounting plate 12 is guided in such a form-fitting manner within the housing 11 that it is displaceable or movable along the axial direction R. For the

positive guidance offer various design options, such as guide ribs, guide pins and / or a corresponding vote of the outer shape (contour) of the mounting plate 12 to an inner shape of the housing 11. The housing 11 has a first recess 14 and the mounting plate 12 has a second recess 15, which are arranged in the mounted state in alignment with each other, so that the command device 2 by the two recesses 14, 15 is feasible for mounting (see Figures 5 and 6).

The housing 11 further comprises one or more stop elements 16, which prevent falling out of the mounting plate 12 from the housing 11. In addition, the stop elements 16 serve to ensure that the mounting plate can be clicked 12 in the manner of a snap or latch connection ^¬ into the housing. 11 By means of the spring elements 13, the mounting plate 12 is spring-loaded, so that it is pressed along the axial direction against the stop elements 16.

Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the assembled

Holding adapter 9, wherein the mounting plate 12 is shown in a first end position PI in the housing 11. The first

End position PI describes the original, relaxed state of the mounting plate 12 with respect to the housing 11 in which it has the smallest distance to a mounting side 17 of the housing 11. The mounting side 17 is assigned to the back 5 of the front panel 3. In other words, the mounting side 17 of the front panel 3 is opposite in the assembled state of the command device 2. The first end position PI defines a planar position of the mounting plate 12 parallel to the

Mounting side with respect to the axial direction R. Die - -

Mounting plate 12 is against a spring force of

Spring elements 13 along the axial direction R within the housing 11 to a second end position displaceable, as will be described later.

Furthermore, it can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 that in the housing 11, three retaining pins 18 are arranged, which as

Screws are formed. The retaining pins 18 are screwed into the housing 11 such that at least a small part of a tip of the retaining pins 18 protrudes on the mounting side 15. The holding mandrels 18 can also be designed differently, for example as mentioned above, and / or arranged on the housing 11.

Furthermore, in Figures 3 and 4 a Verdrehschutznase 19 is shown, which is formed in one piece with the housing 11 in the embodiment (see also Figure 1). The

Anti-rotation lug 19 is formed as a projection to positively engage in a state fixed to the front panel 3 in a corresponding recess 20 of the front panel 3 (see Figures 1 and 2).

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement 1 in an assembled state in a schematic cross-sectional view. In this case, the command device 2 is fixed to the front panel 3 and screwed by a counterpart against the front panel 3. In this case, the fastening element 10 is screwed via the threaded portion of the base body 7 with the command device 2, wherein the fastening element 10 abuts against the retaining adapter 9, that is, the housing 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 11 has one or more housing stops 21 for the positive abutment of the fastener 10. By screwing the front panel 3 between the retaining adapter 9 and the command device 2, in particular the rosette 6, clamped and thus attached to the front panel 3. - -

Furthermore, the main body 7 of the command device 2, a stop element 22, which is annular. In the mounted state or already during assembly, the stop element 22 abuts against the mounting plate 12. In

Dependence of a thickness 23 of the front panel 3, the mounting plate 12 is now moved when tightening more or less relative to the housing 11 or against the spring force of the spring elements 13. This can regardless of the thickness 23 of the front panel 3, a height or stroke compensation by means of Holding adapter 9 can be achieved.

In FIG. 6, a front plate 3 which is thicker in comparison with FIG. 6 is shown, wherein it can be seen that the mounting plate 12 is pressed against the housing 11 against the spring force of the spring elements 13. In this case, the mounting plate 12 is in a second end position P2, which defines a maximum impressions of the mounting plate 12 in the axial direction R. It should be noted that no spring element 13 can be seen in FIG.

Furthermore, it can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 that the

Holding adapter 9 is screwed against the front panel 3, that the retaining pins 18 with the back of the 5

Front panel 3 interact. As a result, in addition, a force and positive connection of the retaining adapter 9 with the

Front panel 3 reached.

Optionally, a material of the retention mandrels 18 may be harder than a material of the faceplate.

Optionally, the back 5 of the front panel 3 in the

Area in which the retaining pins 18 cooperate with the front panel 3 and are in operative connection, with a - -

Be coated coating, such as with an elastic or foamed material, in particular plastic material.

In the described embodiments, the

Anti-rotation nose 19 removably formed. For example, the anti-rotation lug 19 or the housing 11 has a predetermined breaking point, so that it can be broken off if necessary. This allows the holder adapter 9 with

Front panels are used, which are not appropriate

Recess 20 have. Alternatively, the anti-rotation lug 19 can also be sprung or elastically bendable.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the main body 7 of the

Command device 2 also another, optional

Anti-rotation lug 24 has (see Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6), which with a further recess 25 (see Figure 3) of the

Mounting plate 12 cooperates analogously to above to effect a twist.

- -

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 arrangement

2 command device

3 front panel

4 front side

5 back side

6 rosette

7 basic body

8 opening

9 holding adapter

10 fastener

11 housing

12 mounting plate

13 spring element

14 first recess

15 second recess

16 stop element

17 mounting side

18 thorn

19 twisting nose

20 recess

21 housing stop

22 stop element

23 thickness

24 Protective nose

25 more recess

PI first end position

P2 second end position

R axial direction

Claims

claims

1. holding adapter (9) for the fixation of command and

Signaling devices (2), in particular of push buttons, on a front panel (3), the holding adapter having

- A housing (11) with a first recess (14), and

- One in the housing (11) mounted mounting plate (12) with a second recess (15);

in which

- The second recess (15) is arranged in alignment with the first recess (14), so that a command or signaling device (2) in an axial direction (R) through the two recesses (14, 15) can be guided; and

- The mounting plate (12) between a first

End position (PI) and a second end position (P2) in the axial direction (R) relative to the housing (11) is displaceable, so that when fixing a

Command or signaling device (2) on the front panel (3) a height compensation in dependence of a thickness (23) of the front panel (3) can be achieved.

2. holding adapter (9) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (11) has a Verrastmechanismus, with the

Mounting plate (12) cooperates for height compensation.

3. holding adapter (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the housing (11) a spring element (13) is mounted, which cooperates with the mounting plate (12), so that the mounting plate (12) from the first end position (PI). against a spring force of the spring element (13) in the axial direction (R) relative to the housing (11) is displaceable.

4. retaining adapter (9) according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the housing (11) an anti-rotation nose (19) for positive interaction with the

Front plate (3), which is optionally removable.

5. holding adapter (9) according to claim 4, wherein the

Verdrehschutznase (19) abbrechbar or formed elastically bendable against a spring force.

6. holding adapter (9) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the

Anti-rotation nose (19) is formed as a separate part to the housing (11) and is locked in a corresponding recess in the housing (11).

7. retaining adapter (9) according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the housing (11) at least one

Holding mandrel (18) which, for at least

frictional interaction with the front panel (3) is formed.

8. holding adapter (9) according to claim 7, wherein a

Material hardness of the retaining pin (18) is greater than a material hardness of the front panel (3).

9. Arrangement (1), comprising

- A command or reporting device (2);

- A front plate (3) with an opening (8);

a holding adapter (9) according to one of the preceding claims,

in which

- The command or reporting device (2) from a front side (4) of the front panel (3) through the opening (8) of the

Front panel (3) is guided and fixed on the retaining adapter (9) on a rear side (5) of the front panel (3); and

- The command or signaling device (2) with the

sliding mounting plate (12) of the holding adapter (9) cooperates in such a way that a height compensation in

Dependence of a thickness (23) of the front panel (3) is made.

Arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the back (5) of the front plate (3) in an area in which the

Front plate (3) with a retaining pin (18) of the housing (11) cooperates at least non-positively, is provided with a coating of an elastic and / or foamed material.