Plug module for rail-mounted equipment and rail-mounted equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug module (10) for a rail-mounted device (1), the plug module having a housing (G), the housing having a first axial end section (10a) and a second axial end section (10b); wherein the housing (G) has a plurality of substantially flat sides (S1, S2, B1, B2) between the first axial end section (10a) and the second axial end section (10b); the plug module has a spring-elastic first tongue (12), the first tongue being arranged on the first side (S1) of the housing (G); wherein the spring-elastic first tongue (12) has a first axial end section (12a) arranged on the housing (G) and a second axial end section (12b) that can move elastically; wherein a first stop pin (12c) is designed between the first and second axial end sections (12a, 12b), the first stop pin protruding from the first side (S1) of the housing (G); the plug module has a first operating element (16) movably supported on the first side (S1), the first operating element being able to move from a first position (P1) arranged substantially inside the housing (G) to a second position (P2), in which second position the first operating element is sectionally outside the housing (G) and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end section (12b); wherein, in the second position (P2), by applying a substantially transverse force (F1) by the user on the first operating element (16), the first stop pin (12c) can be moved into the housing (G).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug module for a rail-mounted device ( or a row-mounted device) and a corresponding rail-mounted device. Background Art

[0002] There are a large number of electrical rail-mounted devices that have removable electrical plug modules (or plug-in modules) that need to be arranged side by side in parallel, and the plug modules generally have a small width. In such rail-mounted devices, increased pulling force is usually required to loosen the removable plug modules.

[0003] This leads to a series of disadvantages, mainly poor operability in narrow plug modules with a rectangular cross-section, which are arranged side by side in parallel along their wide sides. The risk here is that multiple plug modules are inadvertently removed simultaneously along their narrow sides, resulting in unwanted interruptions in adjacent signal circuits.

[0004] In addition, additional tools are usually required to disassemble the plug modules, and the protective covers must be removed for disassembly.

[0005] The relatively large finger pressing force required to remove the plug module along its narrow side usually requires repeated back-and-forth shaking while exerting a relatively large force in order to pull the plug module out of the base part.

[0006] This also causes mechanical loading of the components of the entire rail-mounted device, such as the mechanical loading of the plug contacts and the fixing mechanisms on the carrier rails.

[0007] DE 10 2009 004 346 A * discloses an adapter for mounting single-pole and multi-pole overvoltage protection devices designed as plug modules on a wiring bracket in a terminal device. The adapter includes a base and has two upwardly open cavities defined by side walls. The base has means for electrically connecting a replaceable plug module received in the respective base to the application circuit of the terminal device. At least one mounting and alignment projection extends from the lower side of the cavity, and the cross-sectional shape of the at least one mounting and alignment projection is substantially complementary to the opening in the wiring bracket of the terminal device. In addition, connection members are led out outside the region of the cavity that can be occupied by the plug module, and the connection members enable direct or indirect electrical connection to the wiring bracket. The cavity has internal contacts and fixing means for the respective plug module.

[0008] WO 99 / 19954 A1 discloses an adapter for a busbar, in particular for an installation device in a fixedly mounted distributor, having a base body made of insulating material, in which contact devices for consuming the current of the busbar are arranged.

[0009] Since the aforementioned plug module is a plug module having plug contacts capable of carrying surge currents, the pulling force of the plug module is increased compared to a normal plug connection. This results in a greater gripping force having to be exerted between the index finger and the thumb in order to remove the plug module from the base part.

[0010] This causes the bearing surface at the finger to widen even more than in a normal plug module with normal pulling force and not only makes an undesired touch possible, but also makes it possible to pull out adjacent plug modules. The resulting requirement is that, despite the high finger pressing force, there must be sufficient bearing surfaces for the index finger and the thumb so that a normal person can exert the required pulling force.

[0011] The problem with known tool-free solutions is that the gripping surface is arranged laterally on the plug module and does not have barbs for the fingers.

[0012] Here, the known and common way of providing structures, such as grooves, etc. in the gripping surface to increase the friction only very slightly reduces the finger pressing force required to pull out the plug module.

[0013] Conversely, a significant improvement would result in a gripping surface that is ergonomically shaped well and has the required gripping surface for the fingers, for example designed as barbs (or side recesses). However, the known solutions only have a straight gripping surface without effective barbs. Due to this unfavourable design, the required pulling force must be exerted only by the finger pressing force in order to maintain the static friction for pulling between the finger and the gripping surface on the plug module.

[0014] However, if anti-slip barbs are provided on the plug module, the problem that may arise is that barb elements protruding beyond the preset installation dimensions of the rail-mounted device will hinder the installation of the protective cover and will not conform to the standard housing.

[0015] Against this background, there is a need to specify an improved plug module for a rail-mounted device and a corresponding rail-mounted device. Summary of the Invention

[0016] For this purpose, the present invention provides a plug module for a rail-mounted device, having:

[0017] a housing having a first axial end section and a second axial end section;

[0018] The housing has a plurality of substantially flat sides between a first axial end section and a second axial end section;

[0019] A first spring-elastic tongue, which is arranged on a first side of the housing;

[0020] The first spring-elastic tongue has a first axial end section arranged on the housing and a second axial end section that can move elastically;

[0021] A first stop pin is designed between the first and second axial end sections, and the first stop pin protrudes from the first side of the housing;

[0022] A first operating element movably supported on the first side, which can move from a first position substantially arranged inside the housing to a second position, in which the first operating element sectionally protrudes outside the housing and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end section of the first spring-elastic tongue;

[0023] In the second position of the first operating element, the first stop pin can be moved into the housing by a substantially lateral force applied by the user on the first operating element.

[0024] The invention further provides a rail-mounted device having a base member and at least one plug module according to the invention, wherein

[0025] The base member has a first recess designed on a first side for receiving a carrier rail and a second recess designed on a second side arranged opposite to the first side for receiving at least one plug module;

[0026] The base member has a first barb, and the first stop pin is locked and inserted into the first barb in the inserted state.

[0027] The concept of the invention is that at least one operating element can move from a first position at least sectionally arranged inside the plug module to a second position at least sectionally arranged outside the plug module. The mobility of the at least one operating element provides a user-friendly operating element, which preferably has a barb formed by the movement. The operating element enables selective grasping in a user-friendly manner without using auxiliary tools and pulling out of the plug module with relatively little force.

[0028] Thus, the simply releasable locking structure between the plug module and the base member can prevent the loss of the plug module due to, for example, vibration loads. The locking structure can be dimensioned so stably that the forces generated, for example, can be compensated by the transfer of inrush currents and the loss of the plug module is not caused. It is also possible to pull out the plug module without inadvertently unlocking it and co-pulling adjacent plug modules to avoid inadvertently interrupting adjacent signal paths.

[0029] According to a preferred expansion design, the plurality of substantially flat sides include first and second narrow sides and first and second wide sides arranged substantially in a rectangular cross-section.

[0030] In this dimensional design, a higher packing density of a plurality of plug modules in a rail-mounted device can be achieved.

[0031] In other preferred expansion designs, the plug module is further equipped with a spring-elastic second tongue, which is arranged on the second side of the housing; wherein the spring-elastic second tongue has a first axial end section arranged on the housing and a second axial end section that can move elastically; wherein a second stop pin (or locking lug) is designed between the first and second axial end sections, and the second stop pin protrudes from the second side of the housing; the plug module is further equipped with a second operating element movably supported on the second side, and the second operating element can move from a first position substantially arranged inside the housing to a second position, in which the second operating element sectionally protrudes outside the housing and is arranged in contact with the second axial end section; wherein, in the second position, by applying a substantially lateral force by the user on the second operating element, the second stop pin can be moved into the housing.

[0032] This improves the stability of the stop (or locking) in the rail-mounted device.

[0033] According to other preferred expansion designs, the first side is the first narrow side and the second side is the second narrow side.

[0034] This further improves the achievable packing density.

[0035] According to other preferred expansion designs, the first and / or stop pin is designed substantially wedge-shaped.

[0036] This enables stable and simple stopping.

[0037] In other preferred extended designs, the first and / or second operating element(s) is / are designed substantially wedge-shaped, where in a respective first position, the respective pointed end section of the first and / or second operating element(s) is arranged in the direction of the first axial end section of the housing, and where in a respective second position of the first and / or second operating element(s), the respective pointed end section of the first and / or second operating element(s) is arranged in the direction of the second axial end section of the housing.

[0038] Due to this shape design, the first and / or second operating element(s) provides / provide an effective barb in the respective second position, which simplifies the pulling out of the plug module in the unlocked state.

[0039] According to other preferred extended designs, the first and / or second operating element(s) can be flipped about a respective axis of rotation. This design can be easily achieved. Description of the Drawings

[0040] To better understand the present invention and its advantages, the following description is now made with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0041] The present invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter based on exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic views of the drawings.

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device in a locked position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device in a position ready for unlocking according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0045] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device in an unlocked position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] If not otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device in a locked position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] The rail-mounted device 1 has a base member 20 and at least one electrical plug module 10 embedded in the base member 20. The plug module 10 includes a housing G which has a substantially rectangular cross-section in its height direction H and in its width direction B. The first and second substantially flat narrow sides are denoted by the reference signs S1, S2, and the first and second substantially flat wide sides are denoted by the reference signs B1, B2 (above and below the drawing plane). The first axial end section 10a of the plug module 10 is located on the operator side, and the second axial end section 10b of the plug module 10 is arranged inside the base member 20.

[0049] For example, operating elements (not shown) are arranged on the first axial end section 10a and electrical contact elements (not shown) are arranged on the second axial end section.

[0050] For example, the electrical plug module 10 is an overvoltage protection module or a fuse module.

[0051] The base member 20 has a first cutout 20a1 designed on the first side 20a for receiving the carrier rail 22 and a second cutout 20b1 designed on the second side 20b arranged opposite to the first side 20a for locking the reception of at least one plug module 10.

[0052] A bus bar provided inside the base member 20 is not shown, and the contact elements of the plug module 10 are placed in electrical connection with the bus bar.

[0053] The base member 20 is typically designed such that a plurality of plug modules 10 can be installed in the base member 20 arranged side by side in parallel along the wide sides B1, B2.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the plug module 10 has a spring-elastic first tongue 12 fixed in the plug module 10 and a spring-elastic second tongue 14 fixed in the plug module 10 on the opposite narrow sides S1, S2. The spring-elastic first tongue 12 has a wedge-shaped first stop pin 12c, and the spring-elastic second tongue 14 has a wedge-shaped second stop pin 14c.

[0055] In particular, the spring-elastic first tongue 12 has a first axial end section 12a fixed in the plug module 10 and a movable second axial end section 12b. The spring-elastic second tongue 14 has a first axial end section 14a fixed in the plug module 10 and a movable second axial end section 14b. Here, the reference sign A denotes the axis of the spring-elastic first and second tongues 12, 14.

[0056] The first stop pin 12c is located near the second axial end section 12b of the first spring-elastic tongue 12, and the second stop pin 14c is located near the second axial end section 14b of the first spring-elastic tongue 14. The first and second stop pins 12c, 14c project laterally from the narrow sides S1, S2.

[0057] The respective short sides 12c1, 14c1 of the first and second stop pins 12c and 14c are arranged in the direction of the second axial end sections 12b, 14b of the respective spring-elastic tongues 12, 14.

[0058] The first stop pin 12c is embedded in a first barb 24 designed in the base part 20. The second stop pin 14c is embedded in a second barb 26 designed in the base part 20.

[0059] The first barb 24 of the base part 20 and the first stop pin 12c, as well as the second barb 26 and the second stop pin 14c, are designed to be substantially wedge-shaped and complementary for this purpose.

[0060] The short side 12c1 of the first stop pin 12c of the first spring-elastic tongue 12 abuts against the short side 24a of the first barb 24 of the base part 20 in the locked state of the plug module 10 in the base part 20.

[0061] Similarly, in the locked state of the plug module 10 in the base part 20, the short side 14c1 of the second stop pin 14c of the second spring-elastic tongue 14 abuts against the short side 26a of the second barb 26 of the base part 20.

[0062] Thus, a stable locking of the plug module 10 in the base part 20 can be achieved.

[0063] In Figure 1 In the assembled state of the rail-mounted device 1 shown, the protective cover 28 arranged on the surface 20c of the base part 20 has an opening 30. The plug module 10 passes through the opening 30.

[0064] The opening 30 of the protective cover 28 is designed to be substantially form-fitting with the narrow sides S1, S2 of the plug module 10. The form fit in the width direction B corresponds to the sum of the widths of the inserted plug module 10.

[0065] In addition, the plug module 10 has a first operating element 16 pivotally supported in the plug module 10 on its first narrow side S1 and a second operating element 18 pivotally supported in the plug module 10 on its second narrow side S2.

[0066] The first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18 are basically designed as wedges. In the first position P1 of the first operating element 16 and the first position P3 of the second operating element 18, the first end section 16a of the first operating element 16 and the first end section 18a of the second operating element 18 are arranged adjacent to the first axial end section 10a of the plug module 10 in the region of the tapered and constricted sides 16b, 16c of the first operating element 16 or the tapered and constricted sides 18b, 18c of the second operating element 18.

[0067] In the first position P1 of the first operating element 16 and the first position P3 of the second operating element 18, the short sides 16d of the first operating element 16 and the short sides 18d of the second operating element 18 point in the direction of the second axial end section 10b of the plug module 10.

[0068] The first and second operating elements 16, 18 are pivotable and are used to unlock the spring-elastic first tongue 12 with the first stop pin 12c and the spring-elastic second tongue 14 with the second stop pin 14c, as will be explained later.

[0069] The pivot axis SA of the first operating element 16 is arranged adjacent to the short side 16d of the first operating element 16 and the side wall 10c in the width direction B of the plug module 10. The pivot axis SA' of the second operating element 18 is likewise arranged adjacent to the short side 18d of the second operating element 18 and the side wall 10d in the width direction B of the plug module 10.

[0070] The pivot axes SA, SA' are fixed to the opposite side walls of the wide sides B1, B2 of the plug module 10 (not shown in Figure 1 ).

[0071] In Figure 1 the state shown, the first and second operating elements 16, 18 are substantially sunk into the interior of the plug module 10 in the respective first positions P1, P3. Thus, they do not interfere with the assembly / dismantling of the protective cover 28 or the parallel alignment of the plug modules 10 along their wide sides B1, B2.

[0072] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted device in the position ready for unlocking according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0073] The first operating element 16 can be pivoted from the first position P1, which is completely arranged within the plug module 10, to the second position P2, in which the end section 16a of the first operating element 16 abuts against the second axial end section 12b of the spring-elastic first tongue 12.

[0074] In the second position P2, the first operating element 16 is arranged sectionally outside the plug module 10, wherein the side 16c forms a barb due to the wedge shape.

[0075] In the second position P2, by applying a substantially transverse force by the user on the first operating element 16, the spring-elastic first tongue 12 can be moved substantially perpendicular to its axial direction A.

[0076] The second operating element 18 can be flipped from a first position P3 completely arranged within the plug module 10 to a second position P4, in which the end section 18a of the second operating element 18 abuts against the second axial end section 14b of the spring-elastic second tongue 14.

[0077] In this second position P4, the second operating element 18 is arranged sectionally outside the plug module 10, wherein the side 18b forms a barb due to the wedge shape.

[0078] In the second position P4, by applying a substantially transverse force by the user on the second operating element 18, the spring-elastic second tongue 14 can be moved substantially perpendicular to its axial direction A.

[0079] For this purpose, the corresponding side walls 10c, 10d on the narrow sides S1, S2 respectively have cutouts 10c1, 10d1. Through the corresponding cutouts 10c1, 10d1, the first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18 can be flipped respectively between the first positions P1, P3 and the second positions P2, P4 and the third positions P5, P6 (see below).

[0080] In the respective second positions P2, P4, the first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18 are flipped by substantially 180° towards the respective first positions P1, P3.

[0081] The short side 16d of the first operating element 16 points in the direction of the first axial end section 10a of the plug module 10 in the second position P2 of the first operating element 16.

[0082] Similarly, the short side 18d of the second operating element 18 points in the direction of the first axial end section 10a of the plug module 10 in the second position P4 of the second operating element 18.

[0083] Advantageously, in the present embodiment, the second axial end section 12b of the spring-elastic first tongue 12 and the second axial end section 14b of the spring-elastic second tongue 14 extend axially A outwards to the other side of the protective cover 28, so that the unlocking and disassembly of the plug module 10 can be carried out without removing the protective cover.

[0084] Figure 3Shows a cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device in the unlocked position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] To unlock the plug module 10 in the base member 20, by applying a substantially lateral force F1 by the user's first finger 32 on the first operating element 16, the first stop pin 12c of the spring-elastic first tongue 12 can be moved to release the engagement with the first barb 24 designed in the base member 20 in such a way that the spring-elastic first tongue 12 is pressed into the interior of the plug module 10 at its second axial end section 12b to enter the corresponding third position P5.

[0086] Similarly, to unlock the plug module 10 in the base member 20, by applying a substantially lateral force F2 by the user's second finger 34 on the second operating element 18, the stop pin 14c of the spring-elastic second tongue 14 can be moved to release the engagement with the second barb 26 designed in the base member 20 in such a way that the spring-elastic second tongue 14 is pressed into the interior of the plug module 10 at its second axial end section 14b to enter the corresponding third position P6.

[0087] In this unlocked position, the plug module 10 can be pulled out of the base member 20 by applying an additional pulling force by the user, wherein the wedge-shaped design of the first and second operating devices 16, 18 provides the user with corresponding barbs on the sides 16c or 18b, which make the pulling out easier.

[0088] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are numerous alternative and / or equivalent implementations. It should be noted that one or more of the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applicability, or configuration in any way.

[0089] Although one or more operating elements have been shown as flippable in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, linear mobility or a combination of rotational and linear mobility of one or more operating elements is also feasible.

[0090] One or more operating elements can also be fixed in the first position by a stop element to prevent unwanted movement.

[0091] Instead of the described wedge shape of the operating element, any other geometric shape is in principle feasible, such as steps, rough surfaces, cutouts, etc.

[0092] In other embodiments, the elastic tongue itself can also be used as a movable operating element.

[0093] The detent pin and complementary barb may equally well have other geometries different from those described above, for example short sides that are not horizontal but inclined.

Claims

1. A plug module (10) for a rail-mounted device (1), having: a housing (G), the housing having a first axial end section (10a) and a second axial end section (10b); Among them, the housing (G) having a plurality of substantially flat sides (S1, S2, B1, B2) between the first axial end section (10a) and the second axial end section (10b); a spring-elastic first tongue (12), the first tongue being arranged on a first side (S1) of the housing (G); wherein the spring-elastic first tongue (12) has a first axial end section (12a) arranged on the housing (G) and a second axial end section (12b) that can move elastically; wherein a first stop pin (12c) is designed between the first and second axial end sections (12a, 12b) of the spring-elastic first tongue (12), the first stop pin protruding from the first side (S1) of the housing (G); a first operating element (16) movably supported on the first side (S1) of the housing (G), the first operating element being able to move from a first position (P1) of the first operating element (16) arranged substantially inside the housing (G) to a second position (P2) of the first operating element (16), in which second position of the first operating element the first operating element sectionally projects outside the housing (G) and is arranged in contact with the second axial end section (12b) of the spring-elastic first tongue (12); wherein, in the second position (P2) of the first operating element (16), by applying a substantially transverse first force (F1) by the user on the first operating element (16), the first stop pin (12c) can be moved into the housing (G).

2. The plug module according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of substantially flat sides (S1, S2, B1, B2) of the housing (G) include a first and a second narrow side and a first and a second wide side arranged substantially in a rectangular cross-section.

3. The plug module according to claim 2, further having a spring-elastic second tongue (14), the second tongue being arranged on a second side (S2) of the housing (G); Among them, the spring-elastic second tongue (14) having a first axial end section (14a) arranged on the housing (G) and a second axial end section (14b) that can move elastically; wherein a second stop pin (14c) is designed between the first and second axial end sections (14a, 14b) of the spring-elastic second tongue (14), the second stop pin protruding from the second side (S2) of the housing (G); A second operating element (18) which can be movably supported on a second side face (S2) of the housing (G), the second operating element being movable from a first position (P3) of the second operating element (18) which is substantially arranged inside the housing (G) to a second position (P4) of the second operating element (18), in which second position of the second operating element, the second operating element is sectionally outside the housing (G) and is arranged in a manner abutting against a second axial end section (12b) of the spring-elastic second tongue (14); wherein, in the second position (P4) of the second operating element (18), by applying a substantially transverse second force (F2) by the user on the second operating element (18), the second stop pin (14c) can be moved into the housing (G).

4. The plug module according to claim 3, wherein, The first side face (S1) of the housing (G) is a first narrow side face and the second side face (S2) of the housing (G) is a second narrow side face.

5. The plug module according to claim 3, wherein, The first and / or second stop pins (12c, 14c) are designed substantially wedge-shaped.

6. The plug module according to claim 3, wherein, The first and / or second operating elements (16, 18) are designed substantially wedge-shaped, and wherein, in the respective first positions (P1, P3) of the first and / or second operating elements (16, 18), the respective pointed end sections (16a, 18a) of the first and / or second operating elements (16, 18) are arranged in the direction of the first axial end section (10a) of the housing (G), and wherein, in the respective second positions (P2, P4) of the first and / or second operating elements (16, 18), the respective pointed end sections (16a, 18a) of the first and / or second operating elements (16, 18) are arranged in the direction of the second axial end section (10b) of the housing (G).

7. The plug module according to claim 3, wherein, The first and / or second operating elements (16, 18) can be flipped around respective axes of rotation (SA; SA').

8. A rail-mounted device (1), having a base member (20) and at least one plug module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Among them, the base member (20) has a first recess (20a1) designed on a first side face (20a) of the base member (20) for receiving a carrier rail (22) and a second recess (20b1) designed on a second side face (20b) of the base member (20) arranged opposite the first side face (20a) of the base member (20) for receiving at least one plug module (10); wherein, the base member (20) has a first barb (24), and the first stop pin (12c) is locked and inserted into the first barb in the inserted state.

9. The rail-mounted device according to claim 8, wherein, The plug module (10) is constructed as the plug module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, the base member (20) has a second barb (26), and the second stop pin (14c) of the plug module (10) is locked and inserted into the second barb in the inserted state.

10. The rail-mounted device according to claim 9, wherein, The plug module (10) is constructed as the plug module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a plurality of plug modules (10) can be locked and inserted into the base member (20) in parallel with the wide side of the housing (G).

11. The rail-mounted device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The plug module (10) is constructed as the plug module according to claim 5, and the first and / or second barbs (24, 26) are designed in a complementary wedge shape with the first and / or second stop pins (12c, 14c) of the plug module (10).

12. The rail-mounted device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The rail-mounted device (1) has a protective cover (28) with an opening (30) provided on the surface (20c) of the base member (20), and at least one plug module (10) can pass through the opening in the corresponding first positions (P1, P3) of the first operating element (16) or the first and second operating elements (16, 18), wherein the protective cover (28) is designed to be in form fit with the housing (G).

13. The rail-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein, The corresponding third positions (P5, P6) of the spring-elastic first tongue (12) and / or the spring-elastic second tongue (14) can be achieved when the protective cover (28) is installed. In the third positions, the spring-elastic first tongue and / or the spring-elastic second tongue are placed inside the plug module (10) at their second axial end sections (12b, 14b).

Images