Component for overvoltage protection device, overvoltage protection device and method for producing component

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for an overvoltage protection device (10), comprising a separating device (18) having a spring arm (20) with an end-side contact point (24) and a holder (22). The holding part (22) and the contact point (24) lie opposite each other in an initial position of the component (11). A heat-softening material (26) is arranged between the holding part (22) and the contact point (24), which mechanically and electrically connects the spring arm (20) to the holding part (22). The assembly (11) has a communication contact (50) with a mechanical separation point (48). The spring arm (20), the holder (22) and the communication contact (50) are produced from a common stamped plate (14). The stamping plate (14) is at least partially overmolded with a plastic material which forms the frame (16). The invention further relates to an overvoltage protection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a structural component for an overvoltage protection device and to an overvoltage protection device. The invention also relates to a method for producing the structural component. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use overvoltage protection devices in order to protect electrical components from overloads whenever they are operated outside their rated operating range.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known, for example, to provide a thermal disconnection point, which is triggered if its contacts heat up due to an overload, for example due to a corresponding current. Due to the thermal load that occurs here, for example, a heat-softenable material that is part of the thermal disconnection point softens, thereby interrupting the electrical connection. Such an arrangement is known, for example, from document DE 10 2011 100 437 B4, but a large number of components are required, which must be connected to one another in order to provide the corresponding functions. As a result, the production and assembly are correspondingly more complicated, which in turn leads to higher costs.

[0004] In any case, the thermal disconnection point ensures that in the event of a thermal overload the component to be protected is disconnected within a correspondingly short time.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to form separately constructed separation points of a communication circuit by means of two gold sheet contacts, which, however, results in correspondingly high costs due to the materials used. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an overvoltage protection device having a corresponding disconnecting device which can be produced cost-effectively.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a structural component for an overvoltage protection device, which comprises a disconnecting device, which has a spring arm with an end-side contact point and a retaining member. The retaining member and the contact point are opposite each other in the initial position of the structural component, wherein a heat-softenable material is provided between the retaining member and the contact point, which connects the spring arm to the retaining member not only mechanically but also electrically. The structural component has a communication contact with a mechanical disconnecting point. The spring arm, the retaining member and the communication contact are manufactured from a common stamped plate. The stamped plate is at least partially injection-molded with a plastic material, which forms a frame.

[0008] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a disconnecting device of simple design which can be integrated into an overvoltage protection device. At the same time, the communication contact is designed to have a mechanical disconnecting point. This is possible because the holder, the spring arm and the communication contact are manufactured from one material part, that is, from a common stamped sheet metal, so that at least these three components, that is, the spring arm, the holder and the communication contact, are formed from one part.

[0009] It is therefore no longer necessary to provide a plurality of separately manufactured components which must be assembled individually, resulting in correspondingly high assembly or manufacturing costs. The assembly according to the invention can thus be manufactured more simply, more quickly and therefore more cost-effectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the stamped plate, i.e. the components formed from it, can be directly overmolded with plastic material, thereby forming a frame on which corresponding functional components can be arranged, which are necessary for the working principle of the separating device. This also results in cost advantages, since the frame made of plastic material can directly have the required functional components, so that these components do not have to be manufactured separately and then assembled. In other words, the number of required components can be reduced, thereby correspondingly reducing the production and assembly costs.

[0011] The plastic material is used in particular to hold the various components made from stamped sheet metal, namely the communication contacts with the mechanical separation points, the holder and the spring arms with the contact points. This is achieved by the components made from a common stamped sheet metal being at least partially embedded in the frame, namely being overmolded with the plastic material, which forms the frame.

[0012] This allows cost-effective production, particularly in large quantities.

[0013] In particular, a punched grid is provided. The punched grid corresponds to an electrical conductor system which is produced from a metal strip, for example a stamped sheet metal. In this respect, the punched grid is similar to a printed circuit board.

[0014] That is, the punching plate is pre-processed into a punching grid, in particular before the plastic material is injection-molded. In addition, the punching plate can be pre-shaped and / or punched, so as to obtain a three-dimensional punching grid.

[0015] Additionally, the stamped sheet metal, in particular the electrical conductor, can be at least partially electroplated, for example the corresponding surface.

[0016] In addition to the three aforementioned components of the assembly made from stamped sheet metal, namely the spring arm, the holder and the communication contact, two contacts for the electrical connection disconnect device and electrodes for the electrical component can also be formed from the stamped sheet metal.

[0017] Therefore, the stamped sheet provides a large number of components of the structural assembly, in particular up to seven different components. For example, this large number of components is formed by components that are individually formed and obtained from the stamped sheet. Here, a component can also include more than one component.

[0018] The first plug-in contact can be formed integrally with the spring arm. The holding element can be formed integrally with one of the electrodes for the electrical component. Furthermore, the second electrode for the electrical component can be electrically conductively connected to the second plug-in contact in the assembled state.

[0019] The communication contacts may be formed independently of the other components, but even then may be held by a frame formed from a plastic material.

[0020] In the initial state, current flows via the first plug-in contact and the spring arm formed integrally with the first plug-in contact to the holder, since the connection between the contact point and the holder is closed, i.e. the thermal disconnection point is closed. The holder is formed integrally with a first electrode for the electrical component, so that current then flows from the first electrode through the electrical component to the second electrode, which can be formed by a contact plate, wherein the second electrode is electrically conductively connected to the second plug-in contact, so that current can flow through the second plug-in contact.

[0021] The communication contacts may be present in a communication loop through which current flows. Once the structural assembly is triggered, not only is the current interrupted via the thermal disconnection point, but also the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contacts is mechanically disconnected, thereby interrupting the current through the communication loop.

[0022] In principle, a heat-softenable material can ensure a materially bonded connection between the holding element and the contact point of the spring arm in the initial position of the assembly.

[0023] When assembling the structural component, it can be provided that the heat-softenable material is first applied to the holder, so that the spring arm is subsequently shaped, in particular bent, so that the contact point contacts the heat-softenable material at the end of the spring arm. The mechanical and electrical connection can then be produced by means of, for example, an inductive soldering process.

[0024] In particular, the heat-softenable material is applied after the component formed from the stamped sheet metal has been embedded in the plastic material, ie in the frame.

[0025] In one aspect, it is provided that a thermal separation point is formed between the holder and the contact point by means of a heat-softenable material. The mechanical connection and the electrical connection between the contact point of the spring arm and the holder can thus be thermally separated as soon as the heat-softenable material heats up. Thus, if the heat-softenable material heats up, in particular exceeds a defined temperature, the state of the heat-softenable material changes.

[0026] The heat-softenable material is, for example, solder. Thus, a soldered connection is provided between the holder and the contact point.

[0027] Alternatively, an electrically conductive adhesive may be provided which is temperature-sensitive and softens when it heats up.

[0028] The spring arm can have a projection which projects into an opening provided in the holder, in particular in the region of the contact point. The projection can also be referred to as a tab. The projection can have a height which is greater than the material thickness of the holder. The projection thus penetrates the holder. A greater surface contact can be achieved, for example on at least two mutually perpendicular surfaces, namely the surface of the spring arm protruding from the projection and the side surface of the projection which is associated with the edge of the opening in the holder.

[0029] On the other hand, it is provided that the assembly has a lever for mechanically separating the mechanical separation point of the communication contact and / or for a defined disconnection of the connection between the holder and the contact point. The lever is therefore also provided for disconnecting the electrical and mechanical connection between the holder and the contact point in a defined manner. Due to its shape, the lever arm ensures that when the connection between the holder and the contact point is disconnected, the spring arm moves to such an extent that no arc occurs between the contact point and the holder. This can be understood as a defined disconnection of the thermal disconnection point.

[0030] Furthermore, the lever can be provided with a mechanical disconnection point for mechanically disconnecting, ie mechanically interrupting, the communication contacts.

[0031] In particular, both are achieved (essentially) simultaneously, ie the mechanical interruption of the mechanical disconnection point and the (defined) disconnection of the thermal disconnection point. The lever acts here not only (indirectly via the spring arm) on the thermal disconnection point but also (directly) on the mechanical disconnection point.

[0032] The lever can have a first lever arm, which cooperates with the preload. The preload can be an elastic preload, such as a spring element. The preload applied to the first lever arm by the preload is converted into a lever force acting on the spring arm based on the shape of the lever, whereby the separation force acts on the connection between the retaining member and the contact part. If the separation force is greater than the holding force generated by the heat-softenable material, the connection is separated accordingly. However, this is only possible in the following case, that is, the holding force of the heat-softenable material arranged between the retaining member and the contact part weakens due to thermal action (heating). The preload and lever design ensure that there is a limited lever force acting on the spring arm. The spring arm is designed so that the limited separation force acts on the heat-softenable material. In other words, the separation force can be set via the design of the preload, the lever and the spring arm. The design is implemented so that the holding force generated by the heat-softenable material in the initial state is not exceeded by the separation force at first.

[0033] The elastically prestressed preloading element is thus pressed onto the first lever arm of the lever, whereby a preloading force acts on the first lever arm, which preloading force is also transmitted via the lever to the heat-softenable material.

[0034] The lever can have a second lever arm, which is opposite to the first lever arm. In principle, a spacing can be provided between the end of the second lever arm and the spring arm, thereby ensuring that the thermal disconnection point and the communication contact are separated first.

[0035] The second lever arm can act on the spring arm via at least one section to assist disconnection or to hold the spring arm in the disconnected position.Thus, the lever force can be set via the design of the lever, in particular the two lever arms, which the preload member generates by means of the lever.

[0036] Furthermore, the separation force acting on the heat-softenable material can be adjusted via the design of the spring arm, on which the second lever arm acts.

[0037] The lever can have reinforcing ribs or a truss structure, thereby ensuring that the lever does not twist. Due to the reinforcing ribs or the truss structure, the lever can have a low weight for the achieved rigidity, in particular compared to a lever with the same rigidity made of solid material.

[0038] On the other hand, it is provided that a bolt is provided on the lever, which bolt interacts with the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contact. The bolt can protrude laterally from the base body of the lever. For this purpose, the bolt extends in a direction that is (substantially) perpendicular to the direction of extension of the two lever arms of the lever. As soon as the lever passes from its initial position into the triggering position, which can also be referred to as the end position, the bolt arranged on the lever moves with the lever, whereby the bolt disconnects or interrupts the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contact.

[0039] The bolt can therefore be called a swing bolt, because the bolt performs a swinging movement when the lever transitions from the initial position to the trigger position. In its end position assigned to the trigger position, the bolt also ensures that the separated section of the communication contact cannot move back to its initial position again. This ensures air and leakage paths.

[0040] The lever itself can also be an injection-molded part.

[0041] The frame formed from plastic material can have a bearing for the lever. The bearing defines the axis of rotation of the lever, about which the lever can be rotated as soon as the assembly is triggered and transitions into the triggered state. Since the bearing for the lever is formed by the plastic material itself, no separate bearing need be provided, which first has to be fastened to the support. This simplifies assembly and production. In particular, the lever can be simply placed on the bearing formed from plastic material during assembly.

[0042] Furthermore, the frame formed from the plastic material can have a stop for the first lever arm, on which the first lever arm stops in the trigger position, i.e. the end position. This ensures that if the heat-softenable material loses its mechanical strength, i.e. the holding force weakens, the lever performs a defined movement, thereby causing a rotation due to the preload force of the preload element. The stop then ensures that the lever only performs a defined rotation, for example a rotation of 40°. Since the stop is formed by the plastic material itself, the structural assembly can be formed accordingly simply, since a separately formed stop is not required. This ensures that if the release device is in the trigger position or the end position, the spring arm occupies a defined end position.

[0043] On the other hand, it is provided that the frame forms a base plate which is substantially parallel to a main section of the stamped sheet metal. The main section of the stamped sheet metal is in particular a section of the stamped sheet metal which has not been machined, ie has not been modified, in particular has not been bent. For example, the main section of the stamped sheet metal corresponds to a first electrode for an electrical component.

[0044] The base plate thus forms the basis for a frame made of plastic material, from which structures project in order to form functional components of the separating device, for example a support for a lever, a stop for a first lever arm or another functional component.

[0045] In particular, the base plate has a recess in which a bolt of the lever is movably accommodated. The recess can therefore limit the maximum possible range of motion of the lever, since the lever can only move in the same way as the bolt can move within the recess.

[0046] In particular, at least one edge of the recess forms a stop for the bolt, against which the bolt can stop in the triggered position. This results in a further stop for the lever, in particular its bolt, whereby the movement of the lever in the triggered state is limited, for example to a rotation angle of 40°. This position corresponds to the technical end position of the lever.

[0047] Furthermore, the structural assembly can have an electrical component. The electrical component can be electrically connected to the holder, so that there is an electrical connection to the electrical component via the holder. For this purpose, a solder connection can be provided, for example in the form of a solder paste, between the stamped sheet, in particular the first electrode formed by the stamped sheet, and the electrical component. The solder connection is advantageous in terms of the thermal function of the separation device.

[0048] In principle, the electrical component can be in thermal contact with the stamped sheet, for example via a holder or generally via a main section of the stamped sheet, which forms a first electrode for the electrical component. The heating of the electrical component leads to a heating of the stamped sheet, in particular the first electrode, which in turn leads to a corresponding heating of the holder, which can be manufactured integrally with the first electrode from a common stamped sheet and contacts a heat-softenable material, whereby the heat-softenable material softens. The disconnecting device thus reacts to the heating of the electrical component, whereby it is triggered and the thermal disconnection point is separated. In this case, the lever presses the spring arm into the technical end position, i.e. the triggering position, due to the preload force of the preload element.

[0049] The bolt arranged on the lever interrupts the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contacts simultaneously or (directly) successively, thereby signaling the triggering of the assembly. Preferably, the bolt interrupts the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contacts shortly after the thermal disconnection point is opened. This means that the lever or bolt has traveled a certain distance until the bolt interrupts the mechanical disconnection point of the communication contacts.

[0050] The electrical component can be arranged on a side of the stamped plate, in particular a first electrode formed by the stamped plate for the electrical component, which side points away from the spring arm. This results in a compact design, since the mechanical moving part is arranged on one side of the stamped plate, in particular on one side of the first electrode, and the electrical component is arranged on the opposite side of the stamped plate or the first electrode. In particular, the moving parts and the electrical component are separated from each other by the base plate of the frame.

[0051] On the other hand, it is provided that a contact plate is provided on the electrical structural part, from which a contact section leaves, and the contact section extends through an opening in a frame formed by a plastic material. The contact plate constitutes a second electrode for the electrical structural part. The electrical structural part can be electrically contacted via the contact plate and the contact section, so that a current can be passed through the electrical structural part. The contact section protrudes in particular vertically from the contact plate. The opening provided in the frame formed by the plastic material further ensures that a defined arrangement of the contact plate with respect to the structural component can be achieved. A second plug-in contact is partially provided in the opening, so that the second plug-in contact is contact-conductive. The contact section establishes electrical contact with a second plug-in contact of the structural component in the frame in the region of the opening, and the second plug-in contact is also formed by a stamped sheet.

[0052] The contact plate can be fastened electrically and mechanically to the electrical component by means of a solder connection, in particular a solder paste. In principle, the solder connection can also be realized by a soldering pad. Alternatively to the solder connection, a welded connection or a mechanical connection, such as a riveted connection, can also be provided.

[0053] The electrical component is, for example, a varistor, in particular a metal oxide varistor.

[0054] A gas discharge tube (GDT) may also be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, the frame can form a receptacle for the electrical component. The receptacle ensures that the electrical component is securely received in the frame, so that the electrical component has a defined position on the frame. The receptacle can also ensure a mechanical form fit for the electrical component.

[0056] In particular, the receiving portion can have a snap connection for mechanically fastening the electrical component to the frame, thereby providing mechanical protection for the electrical component, thereby eliminating the need for additional connectors, thereby further simplifying the assembly of the overvoltage protection device.

[0057] A corresponding snap-in connection can be formed by injection-molding the stamped plate with a plastic material.

[0058] According to another aspect, the spring arm transitions at its end opposite the contact point via a tapered pivoting point into a connection section, which is produced from a common stamped sheet metal, wherein the spring arm can pivot about the tapered pivoting point. The tapered pivoting point ensures that the force applied by the lever does not have to be too great in order to pivot the spring arm about the pivoting point. At the same time, the prestressing element can thereby be designed with reduced prestressing force, thereby placing less stress on the electrical and mechanical connection produced via the heat-softenable material. The tapered pivoting point has, for example, an opening, thereby producing a tapering.

[0059] The connecting section can be produced by local reshaping of the stamped sheet metal.

[0060] The spring arm can have a first section and a second section, which extend at an angle different from 0° or 180° relative to one another, wherein the second section has the contact point. A correspondingly designed spring arm ensures a compact design, in which a working surface that is as large as possible for the lever is nevertheless provided, so that the spring arm can be easily pivoted.

[0061] The two sections of the spring arm can be oriented relative to each other in such a way that a bend is formed in the spring arm. A corresponding bend is produced based on the two sections.

[0062] The contact point of the spring arm can have a window, into which a connecting piece bent at an angle is inserted and which is welded to the edge of the window.

[0063] In addition, an outer shell can be provided, which at least accommodates the frame. The outer shell particularly surrounds all components of the separating device, so that these components are protected from the outside. In addition, the outer shell ensures that air and creepage paths are followed.

[0064] In particular, the housing is designed in the form of a cover. The housing is placed on a frame which has two (substantially) parallel contact surfaces for the housing and a support surface perpendicular to the two (substantially) parallel contact surfaces. This ensures that the housing is guided during placement, thereby producing a defined position. The assembly of the overvoltage protection device is thus simplified.

[0065] In particular, the snap connection is formed on an edge section of the frame, which simultaneously provides a support surface. The corresponding edge section can be elastically formed in order to ensure the snap connection.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for the elastically embodied edge section to be embodied on a side perpendicular to the support surface.

[0067] In principle, the punched sheet metal, in particular the punched grid, can have contacts for electrical connection, for example contact pins, contact plugs, etc. As a result, the component can be connected, in particular welded or plugged, to another component.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the invention, an overvoltage protection device is provided which has a component part of the type described above.

[0069] An overvoltage protection device can be an overvoltage arrester, ie a device or component for limiting dangerous overvoltages in electrical lines and devices.

[0070] The invention also relates to a method for producing a structural component for an overvoltage protection device. The method comprises the following steps:

[0071] - Provide stamping plates,

[0072] - the communication contacts are formed from stamped sheet metal and have a mechanical separation point,

[0073] - a spring arm formed from a stamped sheet metal with an end-side contact point,

[0074] the holding element is formed from a stamped sheet metal, so that the holding element and the contact point are located opposite each other in the initial position of the component,

[0075] - a heat-softenable material is arranged between the holder and the contact point, which connects the spring arm to the holder both mechanically and electrically, and

[0076] The punched plate is at least partially injection-molded with a plastic material so that a frame is formed.

[0077] That is, the communication contacts, the spring arms and the retaining element are manufactured from a common stamped sheet metal, whereby the manufacturing costs can be correspondingly reduced. That is, it is provided that the communication contacts are manufactured from the same material as the spring arms and the retaining element.

[0078] In particular, the communication contacts, the spring arms and / or the holding element are produced by reshaping the stamped sheet metal, for example by bending the stamped sheet metal.

[0079] When forming the communication contact, the mechanical separation portion of the communication contact can be produced by material tapering, for example by a connecting piece having at least one end portion. It can also be provided that the mechanical separation portion receives a cutout when forming the communication contact portion.

[0080] Furthermore, the spring arm can be produced accordingly in a desired manner during the formation of the spring arm, ie during the reshaping of the stamped sheet metal, so that the spring arm has, for example, a pivoting region with a material taper.

[0081] Furthermore, a lever can be provided, in particular a lever having a first lever arm and a second lever arm, which is arranged on a support, in particular a support formed by the frame.

[0082] That is, the method can be used to manufacture the structural component of the above type.

[0083] The advantages and properties described above with regard to the assembly apply analogously to the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Further advantages and features of the present invention are derived from the following description and the accompanying drawings to which reference is made. In the drawings:

[0085] Figure 1 A perspective view of the overvoltage protection device according to the invention showing the assembly according to the invention in an initial position;

[0086] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 an overvoltage protection device in the triggered position;

[0087] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Another perspective view of the overvoltage protection device in FIG.

[0088] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Front view of the overvoltage protection device in;

[0089] Figure 5 Shown in perspective Figure 1 Exploded view of the overvoltage protection device in;

[0090] Figure 6 Another perspective view Figure 5 Exploded diagram of

[0091] Figure 7 A front view showing the communication contacts in a starting position according to a first embodiment;

[0092] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Detailed picture of

[0093] Fig. 9 Show Figure 7 a communication contact in a triggered position;

[0094] Fig.10 Show Fig. 9 Detailed picture of

[0095] Fig.11 A front view showing a communication contact in an initial position according to a second embodiment;

[0096] Fig.12 Show Fig.11 Detailed picture of

[0097] Fig.13 Show Fig.11 a communication contact in a triggered position;

[0098] Fig.14 Show Fig.13 Detailed picture of

[0099] Fig.15 A front view showing a communication contact in an initial position according to a third embodiment;

[0100] Fig.16 Show Fig.15 Detailed picture of

[0101] Fig.17 Show Fig.15 a communication contact in a triggered position;

[0102] Fig.18 A front view showing a communication contact in an initial position according to a fourth embodiment;

[0103] Fig.19 Show Fig.18 Detailed picture of

[0104] Fig. 20 Show Fig.18 a communication contact in a triggered position;

[0105] Fig.21 Show Fig. 20 Detailed picture of

[0106] Fig. 22 A side perspective view of a communication contact according to an embodiment variant is shown;

[0107] Fig.23 Show Fig. 22 Partial view of;

[0108] Fig.24 A side perspective view of a communication contact according to another embodiment variant is shown;

[0109] Fig.25 Show Fig.24 Partial view of;

[0110] Fig.26 Show Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an overvoltage protection device in FIG.

[0111] Fig. 27 Show Fig.26 Detailed picture of

[0112] Fig.28 Show Fig.26 a side view of a view of;

[0113] Fig.29 Show Fig.28 Detailed drawings of

[0114] Fig.30 Show Fig.29 perspective view of the. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] exist Figures 1 to 10 2 shows an overvoltage protection device 10 which is provided for protecting electronic components and has an assembly 11 .

[0116] The assembly 11 has an outer housing 12 which (completely) surrounds the overvoltage protection device 10 or the inner components of the assembly 11 .

[0117] In particular, the outer housing 12 is constructed in a cover-like manner, such as by Figure 5 and 6 This is because the outer housing 12 has only open side faces 13 .

[0118] Furthermore, the subassembly 11 has a stamped sheet metal 14 , from which a plurality of components of the overvoltage protection device 10 or of the subassembly 11 are formed, as will be explained in greater detail below.

[0119] The punched sheet metal 14 or the component formed from the punched sheet metal is at least partially overmolded with a plastic material which forms the frame 16 .

[0120] The punched sheet metal 14 is machined by, for example, reshaping, in particular bending, the sections and contacts. This is a punched grid which has a three-dimensional shape, as can be seen in the figures.

[0121] Furthermore, the assembly 11 comprises a separating device 18 which is composed of a plurality of components. The separating device 18 has in particular a spring arm 20 which has a first section 20a and a second section 20b which extend at an angle to one another, thereby forming a bend 21 between the two sections 20a, 20b.

[0122] Furthermore, the separating device 18 comprises a holding element 22 which cooperates with the spring arm 20 , as will be explained in greater detail below.

[0123] The spring arm 20 and the retaining member 22 are both manufactured from a common stamping plate 14 by stamping and / or reshaping corresponding regions of the stamping plate 14 to form the components. That is, the spring arm 20 and the retaining member 22 are produced by stamping and / or reshaping the stamping plate 14.

[0124] Furthermore, further components are formed from the stamped sheet 14, in particular the punched grid, which serve for the electrical connection of the disconnecting device 18, namely a first contact point 23a and a second contact point 23b, wherein the two contact points 23a, 23b are designed, for example, as contact pins, contact plugs, etc. The contact points 23a, 23b can also be produced by punching and / or shaping the stamped sheet 14.

[0125] For example, the first contact point 23 a is formed in one piece with the spring arm 20 , so that the two parts are stamped out together and are formed accordingly by shaping.

[0126] The second contact point 23 b can be punched out of the punched sheet 14 as a separate component.

[0127] The spring arm 20 has a contact point 24, which is formed at the free end of the spring arm 20. The contact point 24 is in the initial position of the component 11, which is Figure 1 , 34 and 5 —is located opposite the holder 22 , wherein a heat-softenable material 26 , for example solder, is provided between the holder 22 and the contact point 24 .

[0128] The heat-softenable material 26 ensures both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the contact point 24 and the holder 22 , which connection is nevertheless detachable. To this extent, the heat-softenable material 26 forms a thermal disconnection point 27 .

[0129] The spring arm 20 transitions via a pivoting region 28 , in which the material tapers, into a first contact point 23 a .

[0130] The tapered pivoting portion 28 is provided at the end of the spring arm 20 opposite the contact portion 24, wherein the spring arm 20 can pivot about the corresponding tapered pivoting portion 28 as soon as the component 11 transitions into the triggered state, as will be explained below. For example, it is provided in the tapered pivoting portion 28 that it has an opening 29, whereby the pivoting properties of the spring arm 20 about the pivoting portion 28 are correspondingly improved.

[0131] Furthermore, the spring arm 20 has a knurling 30

[0132] The embossing 30 can be provided on the first section 20a in order to reinforce the spring arm 20. In this respect, the embossing 30 forms a reinforcing rib in the first section 20a.

[0133] In the second section 20b (likewise), at least one embossing 30, in particular two embossings 30, can be provided in the region of the contact point 24 in order to form a spacer. This makes it possible to ensure a defined distance between the contact point 24 and the holder 22 in order to set the thickness of the heat-softenable material 26 provided between the contact point 24 and the holder 22.

[0134] Basically, the assembly 11 also has a lever 32 which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a first lever arm 34 and a second lever arm 36 , via which the lever 32 cooperates with a preload element 38 , in particular an elastic preload element, such as a spring or spring arm 20 .

[0135] The preload element 38 generates a preload force which acts on the first lever arm 34 , whereby the lever 32 is intended to be rotated about the rotation axis D. Due to the preload force, the second lever arm 36 is pressed onto the spring arm 20 which is mechanically fastened to the holder 22 via the contact point 24 by means of the heat-softenable material 26 .

[0136] The lever 32 (in particular the two lever arms 34, 36), the spring arm 20, the heat-softenable material 26 and the preload element 38 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the mechanical connection of the heat-softenable material 26 generates a sufficiently high holding force so that the lever 32 is initially held in place. Figure 1 , 3 and the initial position shown in 4.

[0137] When the heat-softenable material 26 heats up, which is achieved, for example, by an increased current flow through the electrically conductive connection established by the heat-softenable material 26 and / or by thermal coupling due to a thermal component, the heat-softenable material 26 can soften, whereby the mechanical connection generates a smaller holding force, so that the preload element 38 adjusts the lever 32. In this case, the lever 32 is rotated about an axis of rotation D, which extends through a bearing 40 for the lever 32, which is provided by the plastic material of the frame 16.

[0138] During assembly of the assembly 11 , the lever 32 can be placed onto the support 40 , whereby the lever 32 can be mounted on the frame 16 in a simple manner.

[0139] When the lever 32 is rotated, the second lever arm 36 acts on the spring arm 20, so that the spring arm is pivoted about the material tapering pivoting portion 28, so that there is no longer a mechanical and electrical connection between the contact point 24 and the holder 22, as in Figure 2 As shown in .

[0140] The spring arm 20 therefore pivots due to the prestressing force of the prestressing element 38 as soon as the heat-softenable material 26 , which forms the thermal separation point 27 , no longer generates a sufficiently high holding force.

[0141] The preload element 38 is designed here so that the spring arm 20 reliably reaches its end position when triggered, thereby ensuring that no arc is formed between the contact point 24 and the retaining element 22. For this purpose, it can also be provided that the lever 32 partially covers the retaining element 22 when in the end position.

[0142] The frame 16 formed from plastic material furthermore forms a stop 41 for the first lever arm 34 of the lever 32, as shown by Figure 2 It turns out that the maximum movement or rotation of the lever 32 is therefore limited by the frame 16 .

[0143] The respective stop 41 is therefore formed integrally with a base plate 42 of the frame 16 , which base plate is substantially parallel to a main section 43 of the punched plate 14 which is not mechanically deformed.

[0144] In the base plate 42, a recess 44 is also provided, into which a bolt 46 of the lever 32 extends, wherein the bolt 46 is movably received in the recess 44. The edge of the recess 44 can form a stop for the bolt 46, thereby limiting the freedom of movement of the lever 32 again.

[0145] The bolt 46 is used in principle to disconnect the mechanical disconnection point 48 of the communication contact 50 when the assembly 11 passes from the initial position into the tripping position, ie the end position. The communication contact 50 can be part of a communication circuit 52 via which the state of the assembly 11 or the overvoltage protection device 10 is reported.

[0146] As already described above, lever 32 moves due to the softening of heat-softenable material 26 and the prestressing force from prestressing element 38 , so that bolt 46 performs a pivoting movement and thereby interrupts mechanical disconnection point 48 of communication contact 50 , thereby interrupting communication circuit 52 .

[0147] The mechanical separation point 48 is formed by a connecting piece 54, which in the first embodiment ( Figure 4 and 7 10) has two end regions 56. The two end regions 56 are each formed by being cut into the connecting piece 54 from both sides, ie the material thickness of the connecting piece 54 tapers from both sides.

[0148] Furthermore, it can be provided that one of the two end locations 56, in the present case the end location 56 shown at the bottom in the drawing, has at least one embossing, thereby ensuring that the first end location 56 serves as the axis of rotation, while the second end location 56 is separated. The embossing reduces the cross section and is therefore a weakening point. This ensures that the air and leakage paths are sufficient and that a reliable end location is also achieved.

[0149] Figures 7 to 10 It is shown that when the lever 32 is pivoted, the bolt 46 moves relative to the connecting piece 54, thereby separating the mechanical disconnection point 48 in the region of at least one of the two end points 56. If the lever 32 is moved further in the direction of the end point along with the bolt 46, the remaining part of the connecting piece 54 can be pivoted about the other of the two end points, such as Fig. 9 and 10 However, when the mechanical separation part 48 is separated, separation can also take place at these two end parts 56. In any case, the connecting piece 54 is destroyed by the bolt 46.

[0150] Figure 7 and 9 The rear side of the punched sheet metal 14 is shown, in particular the main section 43 which forms a first electrode 58 for an electrical component 60 .

[0151] The stamped plate 14, in particular the main section 43, is embedded in the frame 16, as shown by Figures 26 to 30 It turns out that the frame 16 is shown in a partially cutaway manner.

[0152] Further components produced from the stamped sheet metal 14 can also be at least partially embedded in the frame 16 , in particular comprising sections of the first contact point 23 a , the second contact point 23 b and / or the communication contact 50 .

[0153] Figure 5 and 6 An electrical component 60 is shown which is designed as a varistor, for example.

[0154] The electrical structure 60 is disposed on the side of the stamped plate 14 that points away from the lever 32, such as in Figure 5 and 6 As explained in .

[0155] This ensures that the mechanically moving parts of the separating device 18 are arranged on one side of the stamped sheet metal 14 , in particular the main section 43 , while the electrical components 60 are located on the opposite side of the stamped sheet metal 14 .

[0156] The electrical component 60 is in electrical contact with the holder 22 via the first electrode 58. The electrical component 60 is also thermally coupled to the first electrode 58 and thus to the holder 22.

[0157] The thermal and electrical connection of the electrical component 60 to the first electrode 58 formed by the stamped sheet 14 is ensured, for example, via a solder connection, in particular by means of a solder paste or a soldering molding, such as a soldering pad. Alternatively, an electrically conductive adhesive may be provided. A welded connection or a mechanical connection, such as a riveted connection, may also be provided.

[0158] This ensures, in particular, that the heating of the electrical component 60 causes a heating of the holder 22, which is produced from the stamped sheet metal 14. In this respect, heat is introduced into the thermal disconnection point 27, as a result of which the heat-softenable material 26 heats up. The heating of the electrical component 60 during operation of the overvoltage protection device 10 thus causes a heating of the heat-softenable material 26, as a result of which the heat-softenable material 26 can be triggered.

[0159] Furthermore, a second electrode 62 formed by a contact plate is provided on the electrical component 60. A contact section 64 protrudes from the contact plate or the second electrode 62, which extends through an opening in the frame 16 formed of plastic material. The contact plate or the second electrode 62 can also be fastened to the electrical component 60 by means of a solder connection, for example a solder paste or a soldering molding, such as a soldering pad, in order to ensure an electrical connection. Alternatively, an electrically conductive adhesive can be provided. A welded connection or a mechanical connection, for example a riveted connection, can also be provided.

[0160] The second electrode 62 is electrically conductively connected to the second contact point 23 b by means of a contact section 64 .

[0161] In this regard, Figure 1 , 3 In the initial state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a continuous electrical path is generated from the first contact point 23a to the second contact point 23b, wherein the current flows from the first contact point 23a and the spring arm 20 formed integrally therewith via the conductive thermal separation point 27 to the holder 22, which is integrally connected to the first electrode 58. The current flows via the first electrode 58 via the electrical component 60 to the second electrode 62, in particular to the contact section 64, which is electrically conductively connected to the second contact point 23b.

[0162] Additionally, current can flow through the communication contact 50 , whereby the communication loop 52 is closed.

[0163] If the assembly 11 or the overvoltage protection device 10 passes from the initial position to the tripping position, i.e. from the starting position to the end position, the thermal disconnection point 27 disconnects due to the heating, wherein the lever 32 moves the spring arm 20 to the end position. At the same time, the bolt 46 arranged on the lever 32 disconnects the mechanical disconnection point 48 of the communication contact 50 by destroying the connecting piece 54. The current flow through the disconnecting device 18 is thus interrupted and a signal is simultaneously generated via the communication circuit 52.

[0164] The frame 16 has in principle a receptacle 66 for the electrical component 60 so that the electrical component 60 can be inserted into the frame 16 formed from plastic material and connected thereto. The frame 16 thus serves as an insertion aid in order to ensure air and creepage paths.

[0165] Furthermore, the receiving portion 66 can have a snap connection, via which the electrical component 60 can be mechanically fastened to the frame 16. To this end, the electrical component 60 is inserted into the receiving portion 66 of the frame 16, wherein the snap connection forms a corresponding form fit in order to fasten the electrical component 60 to the frame 16.

[0166] Furthermore, the plastic material from which the frame 16 is formed ensures that the frame 16 has two (substantially) parallel contact surfaces 68 and a support surface 70 perpendicular thereto, which serves for guiding and abutting the outer housing 12 .

[0167] The cover-shaped outer housing 12 can thus be placed onto the frame 16 , wherein the inner side of the outer housing 12 is slid along the contact surface 68 and guided until the inner side of the outer housing 12 opposite the open side 13 of the outer housing 12 rests on the support surface 70 .

[0168] exist Figures 11 to 14, a second embodiment of a communication contact 50 is shown, in which a connecting piece 54 has two end regions 56 which are designed in that the connecting piece 54 is cut into only on one side in the region of the end regions 56 , but starting from opposite sides.

[0169] In this embodiment, a defined end region 56 is again provided which serves as the axis of rotation, while the other end region 56 is weakened, for example by at least one embossing, so that it can be separated.

[0170] exist Figures 15 to 17 , a third embodiment of a communication contact 50 is shown, in which a connecting piece 54 has two terminal areas 56, which are formed in such a way that the connecting piece 54 is cut in only on one side in the region of the terminal areas 56, but is cut in from the same side, in particular from the side of the connecting piece 54 that points away from the bolt 46 in the initial position.

[0171] In this embodiment, a defined end region 56 is again provided which serves as the axis of rotation, while the other end region 56 is weakened, for example by at least one embossing, so that it can be separated.

[0172] exist Figures 18 to 21 , a third embodiment of a communication contact 50 is shown, in which the connecting piece 54 is tapered relative to the joining material, so that the connecting piece 54 can be severed when the bolt 46 is pivoted.

[0173] For example, the connecting piece 54 can be formed by an applied metal wire having terminal regions which are pressure-welded, soldered or welded.

[0174] Fig. 22 and 23 A further embodiment variant is shown, in which the connecting piece 54 additionally has a cutout 72 .

[0175] In particular, the cutouts 72 are provided on two opposite sides of the connecting piece 54, which are perpendicular to the side from which at least one cutout is formed for each end point 56 in the connecting piece 54. In this respect, the cutouts 72 can be provided in addition to the at least one cutout.

[0176] exist Fig.24 and 25 Another embodiment variant is shown in FIG. 5 , in which the connecting piece 54 additionally has a cutout 72 which is larger than the cutout according to Fig. 22 and 23 A single cutout of the two cutouts 72 of the embodiment variant.

[0177] Due to the injection molding of the stamped plate 14 with plastic material, it is ensured that the overpressure protection device 10 or the structural component 11, in particular the disconnecting device 18, has fewer individual parts that need to be assembled in a complex manner in order to form the disconnecting device 18, because the thermal disconnecting point 27 is formed by the heat-softenable material 26 and the contact point 24 of the holder 22 and the spring arm 20.

[0178] Since the spring arm 20, the holder 22, the communication contact 50, the contact points 23a, 23b and the electrodes 58, 62 are manufactured from the stamped sheet metal 14 by stamping and / or forming the corresponding regions of the stamped sheet metal 14, a simple construction is produced. It is not necessary to provide separate components and to connect these components to one another in order to form the thermal isolation point 27.

[0179] The plastic material injected around the stamped plate 14 also provides further components required for the functioning of the disconnect device 18 , such as a support 40 for the lever 32 , a receptacle 66 for the electrical component 60 and a stop 41 for the lever arm 34 of the lever 32 .

[0180] Furthermore, a communication contact 50 is provided with a mechanical disconnection point 48, which is broken by means of a lever 32, in particular a pin 46 arranged on the lever 32. The mechanical disconnection point 48 has a web 54, which is severed by the pin 46. Furthermore, the web 54 can have a taper, for example an end point 56 and / or a notch 72.

[0181] The lever 32, in particular its movement, ensures that the thermal disconnection point 27 and the mechanical disconnection point 48 are disconnected or separated in a defined time sequence. Preferably, this occurs briefly one after the other, ie continuously in time.

[0182] As a result, the assembly of the individual components is greatly simplified, so that the production and assembly costs can be reduced.

[0183] In principle, the illustrated assembly 11 can be formed by a method for producing an assembly configured as follows.

[0184] The method comprises the following steps:

[0185] - providing a stamping plate 14,

[0186] - forming the communication contact 50 from the stamped sheet metal 14, wherein the communication contact 50 has a mechanical separation point 48,

[0187] a spring arm 20 with an end-side contact point 24 formed from a stamped sheet metal 14,

[0188] the holding element 22 is formed from the stamped sheet metal 14 , so that the holding element 22 and the contact point 24 are located opposite each other in the initial position of the component 11 ,

[0189] a heat-softenable material 26 is arranged between the holder 22 and the contact point 24, which connects the spring arm 20 to the holder 22 both mechanically and electrically, and

[0190] The punched plate 14 is at least partially injection-molded with a plastic material, so that a frame 16 is formed.

[0191] That is, the communication contacts 50, the spring arms 20 and the holders 22 are manufactured from a common stamped sheet 14. In particular, the communication contacts 50, the spring arms 20 and / or the holders 22 are manufactured by reshaping a single stamped sheet 14, for example by bending the stamped sheet 14.

[0192] When forming the communication contact 50 , its mechanical separation region 48 can be produced by material tapering, for example by a connecting web 54 which has at least one end region 56 and / or a cutout 72 , as already described above.

[0193] Furthermore, a lever 54 is arranged on the support 40 , which is formed in particular by the frame 16 .

[0194] This means that in particular a component 11 according to the configuration discussed above can be produced using this method.

Claims

1. A component for an overvoltage protection device (10), comprising a disconnecting device (18), the disconnecting device having a spring arm (20) with an end-side contact portion (24) and a retaining member (22), the retaining member (22) and the contact portion (24) being disposed opposite each other in an initial position of the component (11), and a heat-softenable material (26) being provided between the retaining member (22) and the contact portion (24), the heat-softenable material connecting the spring arm (20) to the retaining member (22) both mechanically and electrically, the component (11) having a communication contact (50) with a mechanical disconnecting portion (48), the spring arm (20), the retaining member (22) and the communication contact (50) being manufactured from a common stamped sheet (14), and the stamped sheet (14) being at least partially injection-molded with a plastic material, the plastic material forming a frame (16).

2. The structural assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that A thermal separation point (27) is formed between the holder (22) and the contact point (24) by means of the heat-softenable material (26).

3. The structural assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat-softenable material (26) is solder.

4. The structural component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The assembly (11) has a lever (32) for mechanically separating a mechanical separation point (48) of the communication contact (50) and / or for defined disconnection of a connection between the holder (22) and the contact point (24).

5. The structural assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that The lever (32) has a first lever arm (34), which cooperates with a preload element (38), in particular, the preload element (38) is an elastically preloaded preload element, in particular, the lever (32) has a second lever arm (36), which is opposite to the first lever arm (34), wherein the second lever arm (36) acts on the spring arm (20).

6. The structural assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A latch (46) is provided on the lever (32) and interacts with a mechanical decoupling point (48) of the communication contact (50).

7. The structural assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The frame (16) formed of plastic material has a bearing portion (40) for the lever (32) and / or the frame (16) formed of plastic material has a stop portion (41) for a first lever arm (34) of the lever (32), on which the first lever arm (34) can stop in the triggering position.

8. The structural component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The frame (16) forms a base plate (42) which is substantially parallel to the main section of the stamping plate (14).

9. The structural assembly according to claim 8 as dependent on claim 7, characterized in that The base plate (42) has a recess (44) in which a bolt (46) of the lever (32) is movably received, in particular at least one edge of the recess (44) forms a stop for the bolt (46), at which the bolt (46) can stop in the triggering position.

10. The structural component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The assembly (11) has an electrical component (60), in particular the electrical component (60) is arranged on a side of the stamping plate (14) pointing away from the spring arm (20).

11. The structural assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that A contact plate is arranged on the electrical structure (60), from which a contact section (64) extends, the contact section extending through an opening in the frame (16) formed of plastic material.

12. The structural assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The electrical structural component (60) is a varistor.

13. The structural component according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The frame (16) forms a receiving portion (66) for the electrical structural component (60), and in particular the receiving portion (66) has a snap connection for mechanically fastening the electrical structural component (60) to the frame (16).

14. The structural component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring arm (20) transitions at its end opposite the contact point (24) via a material tapering pivot point (28) into a connecting section, which is produced from the common stamped sheet metal (14), wherein the spring arm (20) is pivotable about the material tapering pivot point (28).

15. The structural component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring arm (20) comprises a first section (20a) and a second section (20b), the first section and the second section extending at an angle different from 0° or 180° relative to each other, wherein the second section (20b) comprises the contact point (24), in particular the two sections (20a, 20b) of the spring arm (20) are oriented relative to each other such that a bend (21) is formed in the spring arm (20).

16. The structural component according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that An outer shell (12) is provided, which at least accommodates the frame (16).

17. The structural assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that The outer housing (12) is designed in a cover-like manner and is placed on the frame (16), which has two substantially parallel contact surfaces (68) for the outer housing (12) and a support surface (70) perpendicular to the two substantially parallel contact surfaces (68).

18. Overvoltage protection device comprising a component (11) according to one of the preceding claims.

19. The overvoltage protection device according to claim 18, characterized in that The overvoltage protection device (10) is an overvoltage arrester.

20. A method for producing a structural component (11) for an overvoltage protection device (10), comprising the following steps: Providing a stamping plate (14), The stamped plate (14) forms a communication contact (50), wherein: The communication contact (50) has a mechanical separation point (48), A spring arm (20) having an end-side contact point (24) is formed by the stamped plate (14). The retaining element (22) is formed by the stamped plate (14) so ​​that the retaining element (22) and the contact point (24) are located opposite each other in an initial position of the assembly (11). A heat-softenable material (26) is arranged between the holder (22) and the contact point (24), the heat-softenable material connecting the spring arm (20) to the holder (22) both mechanically and electrically, and The punched plate (14) is at least partially injection-molded with a plastic material so that a frame (16) is formed.

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