Overvoltage protection device

Abstract

The invention provides an overvoltage protection device, in particular for information technology and / or communication technology devices, which is equipped with a housing (ST, BT; GT), a first input terminal (E1) for applying a first external voltage signal, a second input terminal (E2) for applying a second external voltage signal, a first output terminal (A1) for outputting the first external voltage signal, a second output terminal (A2) for outputting the second external voltage signal, an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2), which is at least partially arranged on a circuit board (P) arranged in the housing (ST, BT; G), a first current path (ST1) for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal (E1) to the first output terminal (A1) in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2), a second current path (ST2) for guiding the second external voltage signal from the second input terminal (E2) to the second output terminal (A2) in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2), a third current path (ST3) for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal (E1) to the first output terminal (A1) via the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2), a first switching contact arrangement (F1) for opening and closing the first current path (ST1), a first electrical overvoltage protection component (G1) connected between the first and second current paths (ST1, ST2), and a mechanical triggering device (AU; B, S, EF, SL) for opening the first switching contact arrangement (F1) in an untriggered state and for closing the first switching contact arrangement (F1) in a triggered state in the event of a triggering current in the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2) due to an exceeding of nominal parameters and / or due to component degradation for interrupting the third current path (ST3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an overvoltage protection device, in particular for information technology and / or communication technology devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Without being limited thereto, the invention and the problem underlying the invention are explained in detail below by means of an overvoltage protection device for information technology and / or communication technology devices in a series installation embodiment.

[0003] DE 10 2006 034 164 B4 describes a multi-pole lightning current and / or overvoltage arrester in a junction box embodiment for protecting information technology apparatuses and devices, comprising a base part and a plug-in part. A circuit board arrangement comprising an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement is arranged in the plug-in part and can be connected to the base part by means of a contact spring.

[0004] DE 42 41 331 A1 describes a monitoring and / or safety device module, in which a switching element is installed thermally by means of a solder connection and is pre-tensioned by means of a spring force. If the spring force exceeds the holding force of the solder joint when the solder connection melts, the switching element opens and the electrical connection is broken.

[0005] The known overvoltage protection circuit arrangement as an overvoltage protection assembly has a gas discharge arrester on the input side, which typically has a breakdown voltage of several hundred V, and comprises a suppressor diode, for example a Zener diode, on the output end, which typically has a breakdown voltage of several tens of V. A longitudinal decoupling element in the form of a resistor, for example a variable resistor, etc., is usually also provided.

[0006] The following overload behavior of the overvoltage protection assembly is known. The resistor (longitudinal decoupling element) becomes high-ohmic and breaks the signal flow in the event of an overload. The suppressor diode typically shows a low-ohmic behavior (up to short circuit) in the event of an overload or aging. The gas discharge arrester (in particular for data technology applications) behaves like the suppressor diode and goes into short circuit (or becomes low-ohmic) in the event of an overload.

[0007] To date, possible aging or overloading of the above-mentioned overvoltage protection assemblies is observed occasionally and signaled by means of a display device, or the defective component is separated. In the event of an overvoltage protection failure, the active signal circuit is either short-circuited (by means of the suppressor diode or the gas discharge arrester) or broken (resistor high-ohmic), so that a signal break and thus a failure of the complete signal transmission line (signal / data loss) occurs. SUMMARY

[0008] This invention provides an overvoltage protection device, particularly an overvoltage protection device for information technology and / or communication technology equipment.

[0009] The present invention aims to prevent signal transmission line failure when an overvoltage protection device is triggered. To achieve this, a mechanical triggering device is implemented that isolates one or more current paths guiding through the overvoltage protection circuit and provides one or more current paths guiding the one or more external voltage signals from their respective inputs to their respective outputs, bypassing the overvoltage protection circuit. The mechanical triggering device can be designed to respond not only to overload conditions but also to aging conditions.

[0010] According to a preferred further extension, the mechanical triggering device has a conductor circuit connection device mounted on a circuit board using a solder joint or conductive adhesive connection. In the triggered state, the conductor circuit connection device can be melted due to the solder joint or conductive adhesive connection exceeding a predetermined trigger current. In the untriggered state, the conductor circuit connection device bridges a first disconnect point in a third current path. It also has a movable mechanical actuation device for opening a first switch contact device in the untriggered state, closing the first switch contact device in the triggered state, and removing the conductor circuit connection device in the triggered state. Such a conductor circuit connection device, for example configured as a microcircuit board, enables simple and reliable isolation of one or more conductor circuits for decoupling overvoltage protection components.

[0011] In another preferred further extension, a second electrical overvoltage protection component is connected in a fifth current path between the first and second output terminals, and the conductor circuit connection device bridges a third disconnection point in the fifth current path in a non-triggered state. This allows multiple overvoltage protection components to be decoupled simultaneously.

[0012] According to another preferred further development, the overvoltage protection device comprises a fourth current path for guiding a second external voltage signal from a second input terminal to a second output terminal via the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement; second switch contact means for opening and closing the second current path; a third electrical overvoltage protection component connected between the fourth current path and the first electrical overvoltage protection component, wherein the conductor circuit connection means bridge a second disconnection point in the fourth current path in the untriggered state, a ground terminal is provided, and a first node between the first electrical overvoltage protection component and the third electrical overvoltage protection component is connected to the ground terminal, and the mechanical actuating means are designed to open the first and second switch contact means in parallel in the untriggered state and to close the first and second switch contact means in parallel in the triggered state. The overvoltage protection device can thus be expanded to two signal paths.

[0013] According to another preferred further development, a fourth electrical overvoltage protection component is connected between the second output terminal and the second electrical overvoltage protection component, a second node between the second and fourth electrical overvoltage protection components is connected to the ground terminal, and the conductor circuit connection means bridge a fourth disconnection point between the fourth electrical overvoltage protection component and the second output terminal in the fifth current path in the untriggered state. It is thus possible to conduct all fault currents to the ground terminal.

[0014] According to another preferred further development, the mechanical actuating means have a pivotable pivot part which is prestressed towards the conductor circuit connection means by means of a spring device. Such a pivot part can be easily mounted on a circuit board.

[0015] According to another preferred further development, the mechanical actuating means have a tappet which can be deflected by means of the pivot part, the tappet being connected to the first switch contact means or to the first and second switch contact means by means of a link element. It is thus possible to control the first switch contact means or the first and second switch contact means in parallel or synchronously with a simple construction.

[0016] According to another preferred further development, an impedance means, preferably a resistor, is provided in the third and / or fourth current path.

[0017] According to another preferred further development, the first and / or third electrical overvoltage protection component has a gas discharge tube.

[0018] According to another preferred further development, the second and / or fourth electrical overvoltage protection component has a bidirectional Zener diode, for example a TVS diode.

[0019] According to another preferred further development, the first or the first and second switching contact means are designed as resilient spring contacts.

[0020] According to another preferred further development, the housing is designed in one piece and has a basin-shaped lower part which can be closed by means of a cover plate.

[0021] According to another preferred further development, the housing is designed in two parts and has a base part and a plug-in part which can be inserted in a releasably locking manner into the base part, the first and second current paths, the first and second input terminals and the first and second output terminals and the first or the first and second switching contact means being arranged in the base part and the overvoltage protection circuit means, the circuit board and the mechanical actuating means being arranged in the plug-in part.

[0022] According to another preferred further development, a plurality of plug-in contacts for electrically connecting the plug-in part to the base part are arranged on the circuit board, the plug-in contacts protruding from the plug-in part and being introducible into the base part.

[0023] According to another preferred further development, the mechanical actuating means are designed in such a way that the first or the first and second switching contact means are closed when the plug-in part is not inserted into the base part. This enables replacement of a defective plug-in part without signal interruption and without functional disturbance of the device associated therewith.

[0024] According to another preferred further development, the mechanical actuating means have a tappet which can be deflected by means of a pivoting part, the tappet being introducible into the base part in the untriggered state for opening the first or the first and second switching contact means.

[0025] According to another preferred further development, the plug-in part and the base part each have a basin-shaped lower part which can be closed by means of a respective cover plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] For a better understanding of the present application and its advantages, reference should be made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The application is subsequently explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments which are given in the form of schematic drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1a Figures a) to d) show schematic internal plan views of a two-part overvoltage protection device in a separated state according to a first embodiment of the application, and more precisely Figure 1a Figure a) shows the base part,Figure 1b ) shows a base part lower part, Figure 1c ) shows a plug-in part cover, and Figure 1d ) shows a base part cover;

[0029] Figure 2a ), b) shows a schematic housing interior plan view of a two-part overvoltage protection device in an assembled state according to a first embodiment form of the application, and more precisely Figure 2a ) shows in an untriggered state, and Figure 2b ) shows in a triggered state;

[0030] Figure 3a ), c) shows a schematic housing interior plan view of a one-part overvoltage protection device according to a second embodiment form of the application, and more precisely Figure 3a ) shows a lower part in an untriggered state, Figure 3b ) shows a lower part in a triggered state, and Figure 3c ) shows a cover;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary first electrical implementation of an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment form;

[0032] Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary second electrical implementation of an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment form;

[0033] Figure 6 shows a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary third electrical implementation of an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment form; and

[0034] Figure 7a ), b) shows a functional diagram for illustrating an exemplary mechanical electrical implementation of an exemplary mechanical trigger arrangement in an overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment form, and more precisely Figure 7a ) shows in an untriggered state, and Figure 7b ) shows in a triggered state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Where not otherwise given, the same reference signs designate the same elements in the various figures.

[0036] Figure 1a ), d) shows a schematic housing interior plan view of a two-part overvoltage protection device in a separated state according to the first embodiment form of the application, and more precisely Figure 1a ) shows a plug-in part lower part,Figure 1b ) shows the base part lower part, Figure 1c ) shows the plug-in part cover, and Figure 1d ) shows the base part cover.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1a ) the overvoltage protection device according to the first embodiment has a plug-in part ST which has a basin-shaped lower part WST. Inside the basin-shaped lower part WST of the plug-in part ST a circuit board P is arranged on which an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement is formed.

[0038] The overvoltage protection circuit arrangement has a first impedance Rl (for example a first linear resistance) and a second impedance R2 (for example a second linear resistance R2). Furthermore, the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement has a first gas discharge tube G1 and a second gas discharge tube G2, and a bidirectional first Zener diode Zl and a bidirectional second Zener diode Z2.

[0039] On the circuit board P a conductor circuit connection device B is mounted by means of a solder connection or a conductive adhesive connection which can be melted in the triggered state in the presence of a triggering current (leakage current) due to an exceeding of a nominal parameter (overload) and / or due to a component degradation, wherein the respective conductor circuit is opened. The conductor circuit connection device B inter alia connects some of the breaking points in the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement, as will be explained in detail later.

[0040] Furthermore, on the circuit board P a movable mechanical actuating device is provided, which has a rotatable pivot part S which is pre-tensioned towards the conductor circuit connection device B by means of a spring device EF. The reference DA here denotes the rotation axis of the pivot part S. Furthermore, the rotatable pivot part S is in mechanical contact with a tappet SL which in the untriggered state protrudes from the basin-shaped lower part WST and in the triggered state can be pressed into the basin-shaped lower part WST.

[0041] In the lower wall of the basin-shaped lower part WGT a light channel LK is provided which can be closed by a cover device DE when the pivoted pivot part S is in the triggered state, which cover device is connected in one piece with the pivot part S. Additionally, the pivot part S is connected in one piece with a display device AE which can be pivoted in front of the viewing window SI of the basin-shaped lower part WGT when the pivoted pivot part S is in the triggered state in order to thus show the triggered state (for example by a corresponding color marking, for example red).

[0042] Furthermore, the overvoltage protection device according to the first embodiment has a base part BT which likewise has a basin-shaped lower part WBT, as will be explained below with reference toFigure 1b ) as detailed.

[0043] On the side of the plug-in part ST facing the base part BT, there are a plurality of plug-in contacts P1, P2, P1', P2', PM on the circuit board P for the electrical connection of the plug-in part ST with the base part BT.

[0044] The latching protrusions RA1, RA2 arranged on the spring-elastic spring tongues Z1, Z2 serve for the releasable locking of the plug-in part ST with the base part BT when the plug-in part ST is inserted into the base part BT. This locking can be released, for example, with the aid of the torsionable tongue LA1, LA2 in the basin-shaped lower part WST.

[0045] Referring again to Figure 1b ), in the basin-shaped lower part WBT of the base part BT, there are housed a first input terminal E1 for applying a first external voltage signal, a second input terminal E2 for applying a second external voltage signal, a first output terminal A1 for outputting the first external voltage signal and a second output terminal A2 for outputting the second external voltage signal.

[0046] A first current path ST1 is formed in the base part BT and serves for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal E1 to the first output terminal A1 in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement.

[0047] A second current path ST2 is formed in the base part BT and serves for guiding the second external voltage signal from the second input terminal E2 to the second output terminal A2 in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement.

[0048] A first switch contact arrangement F1 serves for opening and closing the first current path ST1 and a second switch contact arrangement F2 serves for opening and closing the second current path ST2. In the present example, the first switch contact arrangement F1 and the second switch contact arrangement F2 are formed as elastic spring tongues which can be deflected by a tappet SL of a mechanical operating device in the plug-in part ST for opening and closing the first current path ST1 or the second current path ST2, as will be detailed later. The first and second switch contact arrangements F1, F2 are coupled by a link KU so that they can be connected in parallel or simultaneously with the tappet SL.

[0049] Furthermore, a branch contact Z1 is formed in the base part BT to a third current path ST3 which is guided by the plug-in contacts P1 and P1' to a further branch contact Z1' for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal E1 to the first output terminal A1 via the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an untriggered state upon insertion of the plug-in part ST.

[0050] Furthermore, a branch contact Z2 is formed in the base part BT to a fourth current path ST4, which is guided via the plug-in contacts P2 and P2' to a further branch contact Z2' for the purpose of guiding a second external voltage signal from a second input terminal E2 to a second output terminal A2 via the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an untriggered state upon insertion of the plug-in part ST.

[0051] The plug-in contact PM is connected upon insertion of the plug-in part ST to a branch contact ZM, which in turn is connected in the plug-in part ST to a ground terminal M, which is arranged on the underside of the basin-shaped lower part WBT of the base part BT.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the underside of the basin-shaped lower part WBT is designed, for example, such that it can be fitted on a groundable fitting rail.

[0053] In the base part BT, there are arranged receptacles corresponding to the plug-in contacts P1, P2, PM, P1 ', P2'. It should also be mentioned here that the arrangement of the plug-in contacts P1, P2, P1 ', P2', PM is intentionally chosen asymmetrically so that fitting can be achieved in a position rotated through 180° in such a way that the first and second switching contact arrangements F1 and F2 are permanently open irrespective of the state.

[0054] Reference is also made to Figure 1c ) shows a cover plate DST of the plug-in part ST, which has corresponding openings for the light channels LK and which has corresponding cover portions PA for the plug-in contacts P1, P2, P1 ', P2', PM and a latching element RA for locking with the basin-shaped lower part WST.

[0055] Similarly, a cover plate DBT for the base part BT is shown in Figure 1d ) which likewise has a latching element RA' for locking the cover plate DBT with the basin-shaped lower part WBT and light channels LK.

[0056] Figure 2a ), b) shows a schematic inside plan view of the two-part overvoltage protection device in the assembled state according to the first embodiment of the application and more precisely Figure 2a ) shows the device in the untriggered state, whereas Figure 2b ) shows the device in the triggered state.

[0057] In Figure 2a) the plug-in part ST is locked in the base part BT. The tappet SL of the mechanical actuating device is pressed onto the link KU and thus the first and second switch contact devices F1, F2 are opened, so that the first and second current paths ST1, ST2 are opened and the first external voltage signal is guided from the first input terminal E1 to the first output terminal A1 via the overvoltage protection circuit device. Likewise, the second external voltage signal is guided from the second input terminal E2 to the second output terminal A2 via the fourth current path ST4. As can also be seen from Figure 2a ) it can be seen that the pivot part S is pre-tensioned towards the welded conductor circuit connection device B and is in an untriggered state.

[0058] According to Figure 2b ) a triggered state is shown, in which the welded or conductive adhesive connection of the conductor circuit connection device B melts after a predetermined trigger current has been exceeded and thus the conductor circuit connection device B is removed from the contact position K, so that the break point is no longer bridged by the conductor circuit connection device B as explained in detail below.

[0059] At the same time, the tappet SL of the mechanical actuating device is deflected upwards after pivoting the pivot part S, so that the first and second switch contact devices F1, F2 are closed on the basis of the elastic spring force for closing the first and second current paths ST1, ST2.

[0060] By removing the conductor circuit connection device B, the third and fourth current paths ST3, ST4 are opened, so that the entire current is guided over the base part BT through the first and second current paths ST1, ST2.

[0061] Figure 3a ) to c) show a schematic top view of the interior of a one-piece overvoltage protection device according to a second embodiment form of the application, and more precisely Figure 3a ) shows the lower part in an untriggered state, Figure 3b ) the lower part in a triggered state, and Figure 3c ) shows the cover.

[0062] According to Figure 3a ) the drawing corresponds to the drawing according to Figure 2a ) in which only the housing GT is designed in one piece with the basin-shaped lower part WGT. The electrical and mechanical components correspond to the components already described with reference to Figure 2a ), b).

[0063] Likewise, in Figure 3b ) for a one-piece housing GT comprising a basin-shaped lower part WGT, the same components are shown as in Figure 2ba similar triggered state in which the pivoting part S is pivoted and the conductor circuit connection means B are removed and the tappet SL is moved upwards, so that the entire current flows through the first and second current paths ST1, ST2.

[0064] With reference to Figure 3c ) a cover plate DGT is shown for the basin-like lower part WGT, which in turn has locking means RA and a light channel LK.

[0065] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary first electrical implementation of an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in an overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment form.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4 , the first current path ST1 extends from the first input terminal El via the first switch contact means Fl to the first output terminal Al. Similarly, the second current path ST2 extends from the second input terminal E2 via the second switch contact means F2 to the second output terminal A2. In the diagram according to Figure 4 , the first and second switch contact means Fl, F2 are open, so that the first external voltage signal extends from the first input terminal El to the first output terminal Al via the third current path and the second external voltage signal extends from the second input terminal E2 to the second output terminal A2 via the fourth current path ST4.

[0067] In the third current path ST3 a first impedance Rl, for example a first linear resistance, is connected. In the fourth current path ST4 a second impedance R2, for example a second linear resistance R2, is connected.

[0068] A series circuit of an overvoltage protection component in the form of a first gas discharge tube Gl and an overvoltage protection component in the form of a second gas discharge tube G2 is connected between a node K0 upstream of the first resistance Rl in the third current path ST3 and a node Kl upstream of the second resistance R2 in the fourth current path ST4, wherein a node KN1 between the first and second gas discharge tubes Gl, G2 is connected to the ground terminal M.

[0069] The first and second gas discharge tubes Gl, G2 typically have a breakdown voltage in the range of 70 volts to 600 volts and thus can lead off an overvoltage present on the first or second input terminal El, E2 towards the ground terminal M.

[0070] A further overvoltage protection component in the form of a bidirectional Zener diode Zl is connected between a node K2 downstream of the first resistance Rl in the third current path ST3 and a node K4 downstream of the second resistance R2 in the fourth current path ST4. A fifth current path ST5 extends through said bidirectional Zener diode Zl.

[0071] If the untriggered state exists, the mechanical trigger device AU, which comprises the conductor circuit connection means B, the pivoting part S, the elastic spring means EF and the tappet SL, bridges the first opening point U1 in the third current path, the second opening point U2 in the fourth current path, the third opening point U1'in the fifth current path ST5 between the third current path ST3 and the bidirectional Zener diode Z1 and the fourth opening point U2' between the bidirectional Zener diode Z1 and the fourth current path ST4, as described above. Likewise, the mechanical trigger device AU opens the first and second switch contact means F1, F2 by means of the tappet SL in the untriggered state.

[0072] If, as described above, a predetermined trigger current flows through the soldered or conductive adhesive connection of the conductor circuit connection means B, the soldered connection or the conductive adhesive connection opens on the respective contact K, which is exemplarily detailed below, and the conductor circuit connection means B is removed by the elastically pre-tensioned pivoting part S.

[0073] This results in the first, second, third and fourth opening points U1, U2, U1 ', U2' no longer being bridged, i.e. being opened, and the tappet SL no longer opening, but releasing the first and second switch contact means F1, F2, and the first and second switch contact means being closed by the elastic spring force, so that the first and second external voltage signals are directly guided from the first input terminal E1 through the first current path ST1 to the first output terminal and the second external voltage signal is directly guided from the second input terminal through the second current path ST2 to the second output terminal, whereby the first and second external voltage signals bypass the voltage protection circuit device.

[0074] In the case of a voltage protection device comprising a two-part housing, which comprises a plug-in part ST and a base part BT, the plug-in part ST can thus be replaced by the voltage protection circuit device and the mechanical trigger device AU, while the signal flow through the first and second current paths ST1, ST2 remains uninterrupted.

[0075] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary second electrical implementation of the voltage protection circuit device in the voltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment.

[0076] According to Figure 5An exemplary second electrical implementation of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement is distinguished from the first implementation by the fact that instead of a single bidirectional Zener diode between the third opening point U1 and the fourth opening point U2, a series circuit between a bidirectional first Zener diode Z1 and a bidirectional second Zener diode Z2 is provided, wherein a node KN2 between the bidirectional first and second Zener diodes Z1, Z2 is likewise connected to the ground terminal M. Overvoltages occurring on the bidirectional first and second Zener diodes Z1, Z2, which can typically have a breakdown voltage of 5 to 500 volts, are likewise discharged to the ground terminal M in this second implementation.

[0077] The mechanical trigger device AU functions in the same way as in the first implementation.

[0078] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram for illustrating an exemplary third electrical implementation of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement in the overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6 , in the exemplary third electrical implementation of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement, only the first external voltage signal is applied to the first input terminal E1 and guided to the first output terminal via the first switch contact device F1. The second input terminal E2 is at ground potential in this implementation and directly connected to the second output terminal A2.

[0080] As already explained above, the third current path ST3 extends via the node K0, the first nonlinear resistance R1, the first opening point U1 and the second node K2 to the first output terminal. The first gas discharge tube G1 is connected between the node K0 and the first current path ST1, and the bidirectional Zener diode Z1 is connected between the node K2 and the second current path ST2, in this implementation, only the first opening point U1 is provided between the first nonlinear resistance R1 and the node K2, and the second opening point U1 is provided between the node K2 and the bidirectional Zener diode Z1.

[0081] In this implementation, the mechanical trigger device AU only acts on the first and second opening points U1, U1 and the first switch contact device F1, the functions being similar to those described above in the first and second implementations.

[0082] Figure 7a ), b) is a functional diagram for illustrating an exemplary mechanical electrical implementation of the mechanical trigger device in the overvoltage protection device according to the first or second embodiment, and more precisely Figure 7a ) shows the untriggered state, and Figure 7b ) shows the triggered state.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7aand 7b) to bridge the three contacts K in the third current path ST3 or in the fourth current path ST4, respectively, in the form of a conductor circuit connection device B of a soldering circuit board comprising the respective conductor circuit section LB1 or LB2.

[0084] In the implementation according to Fig. 7, two bidirectional Zener diodes Z1, Z2 are provided, as in the implementation according to Figure 5

[0085] As shown in Fig. 7b), in the triggered state, the conductor circuit connection device B is removed and, for example, released in the plug-in part ST or in the total part GT and the respective break point is open. Due to the small mass of the conductor circuit connection device B and due to the heat distribution surface mounted on the lower side of the circuit board P and due to the heat distribution surface mounted on the upper side of the circuit board P, the heat generated "on one side" (on the contacts K) is quickly distributed to all remaining soldering points. A simultaneous and uniform heating is thereby achieved. When all soldering points have exceeded the eutectic temperature point, the separation takes place. Figure 7b

[0086] Likewise, in the triggered state, the first and second switch contact devices F1, F2 are closed, so that the first and second external voltage signals flow directly from the first input terminal E1 to the first output terminal A1 or from the second input terminal E2 to the second output terminal A2.

[0087] Although the application is illustrated by means of preferred embodiments, the application is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways. The overvoltage protection device can, for example, not only be provided on a mounting rail (support rail), but also as a terminal device protection fastened on a circuit board by means of a specific base.

[0088] The housing geometry, in particular the arrangement of the input and output terminals, can be arbitrarily varied according to the application. The mechanical triggering device is also not limited to a pivoting part and a conductor circuit connection device, but can additionally be realized by mechanical and electrical components.

[0089] Although an exemplary overvoltage device for the transmission of one or two external voltage signals is described in the above-described embodiments, the application is not limited thereto, but can be used universally for overvoltage devices comprising any number of external voltage signals.​​

Claims

1. Overvoltage protection device, comprising: a housing (ST, BT; GT); a first input terminal (El) for applying a first external voltage signal, a second input terminal (E2) for applying a second external voltage signal, a first output terminal (Al) for outputting the first external voltage signal, a second output terminal (A2) for outputting the second external voltage signal; an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (Gl, Rl, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl, Z2), which is arranged at least partially on a circuit board (P) arranged in the housing (ST, BT; G); a first current path (STl) for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal (El) to the first output terminal (Al) in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (Gl, Rl, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl, Z2); a second current path (ST2) for guiding the second external voltage signal from the second input terminal (E2) to the second output terminal (A2) in the event of a bypassing of the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (Gl, Rl, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl, Z2); a third current path (ST3) for guiding the first external voltage signal from the first input terminal (El) to the first output terminal (Al) via the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (Gl, Rl, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl, Z2); a first switching contact arrangement (Fl) for opening and closing the first current path (STl); a first electrical overvoltage protection component (Gl) connected between the first and the second current path (STl, ST2); and a mechanical triggering device (AU; B, S, EF, SL) for opening the first switching contact arrangement (Fl) in an untriggered state and for closing the first switching contact arrangement (Fl) in a triggered state in the event of a triggering current in the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (Gl, Rl, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl; Gl, G2, Rl, R2, Zl, Z2) due to an exceeding of a nominal parameter and / or due to a component degradation for opening the third current path (ST3). The mechanical triggering device (AU; B, S, EF, SL) has:

2. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, wherein, a conductor circuit connection (B) mounted on the circuit board (P) with a solder connection or a conductive adhesive connection, which can be melted by the solder connection or the conductive adhesive connection in the triggered state in the event of an exceeding of a predetermined triggering current; the conductor circuit connection (B) bridges a first opening point (Ul) in the third current path (ST3) in the untriggered state; and the conductor circuit connection (B) bridges a second opening point (Ul) in the third current path (ST3) in the triggered state. ​ A movable mechanical operating device (S, EF, SL) for opening the first switch contact device (F1) in the untriggered state and for closing the first switch contact device (F1) in the triggered state and for removing the conductor circuit connection device (B) in the triggered state.

3. The overvoltage protection device of claim 2, wherein, A fifth current path (ST5) between the first output terminal (A1) and the second output terminal (A2) is connected with a second electrical overvoltage protection component (Z1), and the conductor circuit connection device (B) bridges a third disconnection point (U1') in the fifth current path (ST5) in the untriggered state.

4. Overvoltage protection device according to claim 2, comprising: a fourth current path (ST4) for guiding a second external voltage signal from a second input terminal (E2) to a second output terminal (A2) via overvoltage protection circuit means (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2); a second switch contact device (F2) for opening and closing the second current path (ST2); a third electrical overvoltage protection component (G2) connected between the fourth current path (ST4) and the first electrical overvoltage protection component (G1); the conductor circuit connection device (B) bridges a second disconnection point (U2) in the fourth current path (ST4) in the untriggered state; a ground terminal (M) is provided and a first node (KN1) between the first electrical overvoltage protection component (G1) and the third electrical overvoltage protection component (G2) is connected with the ground terminal (M); and the mechanical operating device (S, EF, SL) is designed for opening the first and second switch contact devices (F1, F2) in parallel in the untriggered state and for closing the first and second switch contact devices (F1, F2) in parallel in the triggered state.

5. Overvoltage protection device according to claim 3, comprising: a fourth current path (ST4) for guiding a second external voltage signal from a second input terminal (E2) to a second output terminal (A2) via overvoltage protection circuit means (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2); a second switch contact device (F2) for opening and closing the second current path (ST2); a third electrical overvoltage protection component (G2) connected between the fourth current path (ST4) and the first electrical overvoltage protection component (G1); the conductor circuit connection device (B) bridges a second disconnection point (U2) in the fourth current path (ST4) in the untriggered state; A ground terminal (M) is provided, and a first node (KN1) between the first electrical overvoltage protection component (G1) and the third electrical overvoltage protection component (G2) is connected to the ground terminal (M); and The mechanical operating device (S, EF, SL) is designed to open the first and second switch contact arrangements (F1, F2) in parallel in the untriggered state and to close the first and second switch contact arrangements (F1, F2) in parallel in the triggered state.

6. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 5, wherein, A fourth electrical overvoltage protection component (Z2) is connected between the second output terminal (A2) and the second electrical overvoltage protection component (Z1), and a second node (KN2) between the second electrical overvoltage protection component and the fourth electrical overvoltage protection component (Z1, Z2) is connected to the ground terminal (M); The conductor circuit connection device (B) bridges a fourth opening point (U2') in the fourth current path (ST5) between the fourth electrical overvoltage protection component (Z2) and the second output terminal (A2) in the untriggered state.

7. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The mechanical operating device (S, EF; SL) has a pivotable pivot part (S) which is prestressed toward the conductor circuit connection device (B) by means of a spring device (EF).

8. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The mechanical operating device (S, EF; SL) has a tappet (SL) which can be deflected by the pivot part, the tappet being connected to the first switch contact arrangement (F1) or to the first and second switch contact arrangements (F1, F2) by means of a link element (KU).

9. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Impedance devices (R1, R2) are provided in the third and / or fourth current path (ST3, ST4).

10. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first and / or third electrical overvoltage protection component (G1, G2) has a gas discharge tube.

11. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 6, wherein, The second and / or fourth electrical overvoltage protection component (Z1, Z2) has a bidirectional Zener diode.

12. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first switch contact arrangement (F1) or the first and second switch contact arrangements (F1, F2) are embodied as resilient spring contacts.

13. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein, The housing (GT) is constructed in one piece and has a basin-shaped lower part (WGT) which can be closed by means of a cover (DGT).

14. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The housing (BT, ST) is constructed in two parts and has a base part (BT) and a plug-in part (ST), the plug-in part (ST) being releasably lockingly inserted into the base part (BT), the first and second current paths (ST1, ST2), the first and second input terminals (E1, E2), and the first and second output terminals (A1, A2), and the first switch contact arrangement or the first and second switch contact arrangements (F1, F2) being provided in the base part (BT), and the overvoltage protection circuit arrangement (G1, R1, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1; G1, G2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2), the circuit board (P) and the mechanical operating device (S, EF; SL) being provided in the plug-in part (ST).

15. The overvoltage protection device of claim 14, wherein, A plurality of plug-in contacts (P1, P2, P1', P2', PM) for electrically connecting a plug-in part (ST) and a base part (BT) are mounted on a circuit board (P), which project from the plug-in part (ST) and can be introduced into the base part (BT).

16. The overvoltage protection device of claim 14, wherein, The mechanical operating device (S, EF, SL) is designed such that the first or the first and second switch contact device (F1, F2) is closed when the plug-in part (ST) is not inserted into the base part (BT).

17. The overvoltage protection device of claim 14, wherein, The mechanical operating device (S, EF; SL) has a tappet (SL) which can be deflected by a pivoting part, which in the untriggered state can be introduced into the base part (BT) for opening the first (F1) or the first and second switch contact device (F1, F2).

18. The overvoltage protection device of claim 14, wherein, The plug-in part (ST) and the base part (BT) each have a basin-shaped lower part (WST, WBT) which can be closed by means of a respective cover (DST, DBT).

19. The overvoltage protection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The overvoltage protection device is an overvoltage protection device for information technology and / or telecommunications technology equipment.

20. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 9, wherein, The impedance device (R1, R2) is a resistance.

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