Security arrangement

Abstract

A locking arrangement comprising an elongated locking strip (1), at least two spaced-apart locking elements (2) held on and projecting from the locking strip (1), and a locking insert (3), wherein the locking insert (3) comprises a base body (5) with two opposing end faces (6, 7) and contact pins (8, 9) projecting from the end faces (6, 7), wherein the base body (5) is positioned longitudinally along the locking strip (1) between the locking elements (2), forming clearances (20, 21) between the base body (5) and the locking element (2) associated with the opposing end faces (6, 7), wherein the locking insert (3) is electrically conductively held on the locking elements (2) via the contact pins (8, 9), and wherein at least one end face (6, 7) of the locking insert (3) is assigned a signal transmitter (25) for indicating a Backup status,wherein a cover (4) at least partially covers the base body (5) of the locking insert (3) and has at least one retaining section (12), wherein the cover (4) is detachably fixed via the at least one retaining section (12) to at least one contact pin (8, 9) of the locking insert (3) and / or to the locking strip (1), and wherein the at least one retaining section (12) projects at least partially into at least one of the free spaces (20, 21) between the base body (5) and the fixing elements (2), characterized in that the base body (5) of the locking insert (3) is cuboid in shape with two tabs (15, 16) projecting on one side opposite the locking strip (1), wherein the side opposite the locking strip (1) is designed as a flat side (29) connecting the end faces (6, 7), and wherein the tabs (15, 16) are connected by two recesses provided in the cover (4). (13,14) are provided for.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security arrangement according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Today's common safety assemblies typically comprise a fuse strip and three fuse links, with each fuse link being electrically contacted and held in place by two retaining elements protruding from the fuse strip. The fuse strip and the three fuse links are covered by a common protective cover to protect against accidental contact. The protective cover is pushed lengthwise onto the fuse strip and secured to the fuse strip, in particular using snap-in fasteners. Although this fuse arrangement has become established in practice, installing the protective cover is comparatively complex. Furthermore, replacing a single fuse link requires removing the entire protective cover, which means that the two remaining fuse links are also unprotected from accidental contact.This is particularly disadvantageous because a signaling device provided on the fuse link to indicate the status of the fuse link is assigned to a surface of the fuse link facing the technician during maintenance work and can be live regardless of the fuse link's status. Likewise, live components of the fuse assembly can be inadvertently touched, particularly in the contact area between the fuse link and the fuse strip.

[0003] DE 76 03 942 U discloses a generic safety arrangement with an NH safety insert, which is positioned between two fixing elements on a safety strip and which has a cover with a holding section.

[0004] DE 197 29 885 A1 discloses a safety arrangement comprising a safety insert and a current outlet covering the safety insert. The current outlet provides a contact element that, similar to a holding section, serves to secure the current outlet and is electrically connected to a contact pin of the fuse insert.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a fuse arrangement in such a way that the ease of assembly increases and the protection against unintentional contact with live components is reduced.

[0006] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of patent claim 1.

[0007] The particular advantage of the invention is that each fuse link is assigned a separate cover, wherein the separate cover is secured to the two contact pins of the fuse link via holding sections. Due to the geometric design of the cover and the way the cover is fastened to the contact pins, the cover engages in the free spaces formed between the base body of the fuse link and the securing elements and fills these spaces at least in sections, with the result that access to electrically contacted, current-carrying components (contact pins or fuse blades) in the area of ​​the free space is prevented or made significantly more difficult. At the same time, by dispensing with the common protective hood and providing one cover for each fuse link, it is possible to remove the cover only from the fuse link that must be made accessible for disassembly or maintenance.In contrast, the fuse links of the fuse arrangement not affected by maintenance access remain unchanged and are protected, in particular, against unintentional contact, by their respective covers.

[0008] The core of the invention is to replace a common protective cover of the fuse arrangement by a plurality of small covers which can be individually mounted or dismounted and at the same time, due to their geometric design, fill a structurally predetermined free space between the base body of the fuse link and the fixing elements of the fuse strip in such a way that intervention in the free space and a resulting unintentional contact of the electrically contacted contact pins of the fuse link is prevented or made more difficult.

[0009] For example, two retaining sections can be formed on the cover on opposite sides, by means of which the cover is held by the opposite contact pins, encompassing the base body of the fuse link. With these retaining sections, the cover engages in both free spaces formed on both sides of the base body between the base body of the fuse link on the one hand and the securing elements held on the fuse strip on the other.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a thickness of the holding section extending in the longitudinal direction of the fuse strip and an internal spacing of the holding sections determined in the longitudinal direction are dimensioned such that a distance extending in the longitudinal direction of the fuse strip between the securing element of the fuse strip and the holding section is less than 12 mm. The fuse assembly advantageously provides protection according to IP2X. The cover is therefore suitable for keeping out human fingers or foreign objects with a diameter greater than 12 mm. The provision of the cover prevents accidental contact with the contact pins.

[0011] The implementation of IP2X protection through the cover is particularly important due to the permissible tolerances for the fuse link on the one hand and the fuse strip on the other. The maximum gap for a fuse link inserted asymmetrically between the securing elements of the fuse strip is 18 mm if the securing elements have the largest permissible distance of 83 mm and the base body of the fuse link simultaneously has the smallest permissible dimension of 65 mm. For example, the thickness of the holding section can be set to 3 mm. In this case, the maximum gap width is reduced by 2 x 3 mm to a maximum of 12 mm and IP2X protection is achieved. For example, the internal distance between the holding sections can be set to 75 mm. This dimension corresponds to the largest permissible longitudinal dimension of the base body. This ensures that the cover can be placed on the fuse link.Since the smallest permissible spacing of the securing elements in the longitudinal direction is 77 mm, the thickness of the retaining sections can be set to 1 mm or less each. This ensures reliable assembly of the securing arrangement. Studies have also shown that, due to the inherent elasticity of the securing arrangement, covers with 1.5 mm thick retaining sections can be installed.

[0012] According to a further development of the invention, the signaling device provided on the front of the fuse link is covered by one of the retaining sections of the cover to indicate the fuse status. Advantageously, the cover also serves as protection against contact with the signaling device, which can potentially be live regardless of the fuse link's status. The cover thus serves a dual function as an IP2X protective element on the one hand and a safety cap for the signaling device on the other.

[0013] According to a further development of the invention, the cover is made of a transparent material, at least in sections. For example, the cover is transparent, particularly in the area of ​​the holding section. Advantageously, by providing a transparent cover, the fuse status of the signaling device can be visually detected without removing the cover. This reduces the effort required to check the fuse links, and safety is maintained when detecting the fuse status.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, at least one retaining arm is formed on the holding section for releasably securing the cover to the fuse link. The retaining arm engages the contact pins or the fuse strip in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections. For example, two opposing holding sections, each with two retaining arms, are provided, with the retaining arms engaging the contact pins from the outside in pairs and thus securing the cover to the fuse link. The provision of two retaining arms per holding section and the securing of the cover on both sides of the fuse link advantageously results in simple and secure positioning. Anti-twist protection is inherently provided. The necessary elasticity can, for example, be realized inherently in the component through the internal compliance or material elasticity with an appropriate shape of the retaining arms.This applies, for example, if the holding sections and, in particular, the holding arms are slim and have a thickness of 3 mm or less, in particular 1.5 mm or 1 mm. The positive locking also provides improved protection against unnoticed, unintentional release.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, the cover is made of an insulating material, in particular a non-conductive plastic. The provision of the insulating material ensures that the cover remains stress-free. In particular, the implementation of the cover using plastic technology results in a cost-effective implementation, which has been proven numerous times even for large quantities. For example, a transparent, non-conductive plastic can be used to create the cover.

[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the cover is designed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the cover, which extends when the cover is mounted on the fuse block. The symmetrical design of the cover advantageously simplifies assembly.

[0017] According to the invention, the base body of the fuse link is cuboid-shaped with two tabs projecting on a side opposite the fuse strip, wherein the side opposite the fuse strip is designed as a flat side connecting the end faces of the base body and wherein the tabs are guided through the cover through two recesses provided in the cover. Advantageously, the provision of the base body with the tabs and the provision of recesses on the cover for the tabs to pass through can allow the disassembly of a structural unit comprising the fuse link and cover. The tabs thus serve as holding tabs by which the structural unit is gripped and removed from the fuse strip. Separate disassembly of the cover in a first step and of the fuse link in a second step is unnecessary.In an analogous manner, the assembly comprising the fuse link and cover can be mounted together, i.e. inserted into the fuse strip and secured to the fixing elements.

[0018] Further advantages of the invention emerge from the further subclaims.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the fuse arrangement with a cover, Fig. 2 the installation of the safety device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a sectional view through the securing arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 an enlargement of the area X according to Fig. 3 with a signal generator in a first signal status (safety status), Fig. 5 the signal generator Fig. 4 in a second backup status, Fig. 6 an alternative embodiment of the cover and Fig. 7 another alternative embodiment of the cover.

[0021] A security arrangement according to the invention according to Fig. 1 comprises a fuse strip 1, securing elements 2 arranged in pairs and spaced apart from one another, a fuse link 3 provided between two securing elements 2 arranged in pairs, and a cover 4 covering the fuse link 3 on a side facing away from the fuse strip 1. Such fuse arrangements are provided, for example, in control cabinets or the like. Typically, a total of three fuse links 3 are provided on the fuse strip 1, with each fuse link 3 being held by two securing elements 2 arranged in pairs, having its own cover 4, and protecting an electrical line (not shown).

[0022] The fuse link 3 is formed by a substantially cuboid-shaped base body 5 with two opposing end faces 6, 7 and two electrical contact pins 8, 9 protruding from the end faces 6, 7. The fuse link 3 is positioned and held on the fixing elements 2 via the contact pins 8, 9. In the assembled state shown, the base body 5 of the fuse link 3 is provided between two mutually assigned fixing elements 2, as seen in a longitudinal direction 10 of the fuse strip 1. The cover 4 completely covers a flat side 29 of the fuse link 3 facing away from the fuse strip 1 with a substantially flat and planar flat section 11 of the cover 4.Two holding sections 12 protrude from the flat section 11 at the edge. In the assembled state of the fuse assembly, the holding sections 12 are provided at least partially between the end faces 6, 7 of the fuse link 3, on the one hand, and the securing elements 2, on the other. The holding sections 12 thus fill a free space 20, 21 formed between the base body 5 and the securing elements 2 due to the dimensioning of the fuse strip 1 and the securing elements 2, on the one hand, and the base body 5 or the fuse link 3, on the other hand.

[0023] Two recesses 13, 14 are provided in the area of ​​the flat section 11 of the cover 4. Two grip tabs 15, 16 serving to handle the fuse link 3, which protrude from the flat side 29 of the base body 5 in the area of ​​the end faces 6, 7, are guided through the recesses 13, 14 of the cover 4.

[0024] To install the safety device, as shown in Fig. 2 - the cover 4 is placed onto the fuse link 3. In this case, two holding arms 17 provided in the area of ​​the holding sections 12 engage the contact pins 8, 9 of the fuse link 3 in pairs in a form-fitting manner. At the same time, the gripping tabs 15, 16 of the fuse link 3 are guided through the recesses 13, 14 of the cover 4. The flat section 11 of the cover 4 is placed against the flat side 29. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cover 4 is designed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis 18, wherein the longitudinal central axis 18 extends in the longitudinal direction 10 of the fuse strip 1 when the fuse arrangement is in the assembled state. Due to the symmetrical design of the cover 4, assembly is simplified.

[0025] Furthermore, the fuse link 3 is secured to the securing elements 2 of the fuse strip 1 via the contact pins 8, 9. The contact pins 8, 9 are inserted into a longitudinal recess 19 of the securing elements 2 and are secured there, particularly via spring-loaded contact elements. The contact pins 8, 9 thus serve to electrically contact the fuse link 3 with the securing elements 2 and the fuse strip 1, on the one hand, and to position and secure the fuse link 3, on the other.

[0026] The fuse assembly can be installed, for example, by first inserting the fuse link 3 into the fuse strip 1 and then clipping the cover 4 onto the fuse link 3. Alternatively, the cover 4 can first be placed onto the fuse link 3 and then a structural unit consisting of the fuse link 3 and the cover 4 can be inserted into the fuse strip 1. The assembly sequence is therefore not predetermined.

[0027] Free spaces 20, 21 are formed between the end faces 6, 7 of the base body 5 on the one hand and the fixing elements 2 provided for fixing the fuse link 3 on the other hand, cf. Fig. 3. The free spaces 20, 21 are, for example, of equal size. In principle, it is possible to position the fuse link 3 asymmetrically between the securing elements 2, resulting in the free spaces 20, 21 being of different sizes. The cover 4, with the retaining sections 12 and the retaining arms 17, extends into the free spaces 20, 21. The retaining sections 12 thus partially fill the free spaces 20, 21.

[0028] To provide contact protection according to IP2X, the cover 4 is dimensioned such that a remaining distance 22, 23, which defines a dimension of the free spaces 20, 21 in the longitudinal direction 10 of the fuse strip 1, is less than 12 mm. A thickness 24 of the retaining section 12 is, for example, 3 mm. This ensures that, with an asymmetrically inserted fuse link 3, the distance 22, 23, 12 mm does not exceed, provided the dimensional specifications for the fuse strip 1 (maximum distance between the securing elements 2 is 83 mm) and the base body 5 of the fuse link 3 (minimum length of the base body 5 is 65 mm) are observed.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment of the cover 4, an internal spacing 30 of the cover 4 can be matched to the maximum permissible length of the base body 5. In the worst case, the base body 5 with a maximum permissible standard length of 75 mm must be positioned between two fixing elements 2 which have the smallest permissible spacing of 77 mm from each other. To ensure reliable installation of the cover 4 in this case too, the internal spacing 30 can be 75 mm and the thickness 24 of the holding sections 12 can be 1 mm or less. With this dimensioning of the cover 4, protection according to IP2X is also achieved, since with an asymmetrically inserted fuse link 3 and the maximum permissible spacing of the fixing elements 2 of 83 mm, a free space 20, 21 with a spacing 22, 23 of a maximum of 6 mm is formed.

[0030] On the base body 5 of the fuse link 3 there is a Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is provided. The signal generator 25 serves to indicate a signal status, whereby in Fig. 4 a first signal status and in Fig. 5 a second signal status of the signal generator 25 is shown.

[0031] The signaling device 25 is designed as an L-shaped signaling device 25 with two legs 26, 28, wherein the legs 26, 28 are connected to one another in an articulated or flexible manner at a connection point. A first leg of the signaling device 25, serving as a guide leg 26, is slidably held in a guide channel 27 of the fuse link 3. The position of the guide leg 26 in the guide channel 27 defines the position of the second signaling leg 28, which is articulated to the guide leg 26. The variable position of the signaling leg 28 simultaneously indicates the fuse status of the fuse link 3. The cover 4 thus covers the signaling device 25, which can be live regardless of the fuse status. The cover 4 thus implements IP2X protection and simultaneously protects against accidental contact with the signaling device.

[0032] An alternative embodiment of the cover 4 according to Fig. 6 also has the flat section 11 with the recesses 13, 14 for the passage of the gripping tabs 15, 16. However, the holding sections 12 protruding from the flat section 11 are larger and extend across the entire width of the end faces 6, 7 of the base body 5, encompass the end faces 6, 7 laterally, and project as far as two opposite connecting sides of the base body 5. By enclosing the corners of the end faces 6, 7, it is prevented that a tool, for example a screwdriver, gets between the end faces 6, 7 of the base body 5 and the holding sections 12. This prevents the contact pins 8, 9 from being touched with a tool in this area. The geometry of the holding section 12, in interaction with the base body 5 of the fuse link 3, defines a labyrinth and increases safety against unintentional electrical contact with the contact pins 8, 9.

[0033] Identical components and component functions are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0034] Another alternative embodiment of the cover 4 according to Fig. 7, as before, has the flat section 11 with the recesses 13, 14 for the gripping tabs 15, 16. Two holding sections 12 projecting from the flat section 11 on opposite end faces are designed such that, when the fuse assembly is assembled, they partially engage in the free spaces 20, 21 formed between the base body 5 of the fuse link 3, on the one hand, and the securing elements 2 held on the fuse strip 1, on the other. The holding sections 12 encompass the corners of the end faces 6, 7 of the base body 5 in a labyrinth-like manner and prevent the contact pins 8, 9 of the fuse link 3 from being touched by a tool.

[0035] To secure the cover 4, holding arms 17 are provided on the holding sections 12, arranged in pairs opposite one another, forming groove-like recesses 31. The geometry and position of the holding arms 17 are designed such that the cover 4 can be secured to the fuse strip 1 by engaging the recesses 31 in a correspondingly designed receptacle of the fuse strip 1. The cover 4 is thus held displaceably on the fuse strip 1, particularly in the longitudinal direction 10 thereof.

[0036] The illustrated embodiments of the cover 4 are merely exemplary. In principle, one, two, or more holding areas 12 can be formed on the cover 4. At least one holding arm 17 can be provided for each holding area, which at least partially encompasses the contact pins 8, 9 or the fuse strip 1. The holding section 12 can extend over a partial area of ​​the end face 6, 7 or completely cover the end face 6, 7 of the base body 5.

Claims

[1] Fuse arrangement with an elongated fuse strip (1), with at least two fixing elements (2) arranged at a distance from one another, held on the fuse strip (1) and projecting from the same, and with a fuse insert (3), wherein the fuse insert (3) comprises a base body (5) with two opposite end faces (6, 7) and contact pins (8, 9) projecting from the end faces (6, 7), wherein the base body (5) is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the fuse strip (1) between the fixing elements (2) with the formation of free spaces (20, 21) associated with the opposite end faces (6, 7) between the base body (5) and the fixing element (2), wherein the fuse insert (3) is held in an electrically conductive manner on the fixing elements (2) via the contact pins (8, 9), and wherein at least one end face (6, 7) of the fuse insert (3) is associated with a signal transmitter (25) for Identification of a security status,wherein a cover (4) is provided which at least partially covers the base body (5) of the fuse link (3) and has at least one holding section (12), wherein the cover (4) is detachably fastened to at least one contact pin (8, 9) of the fuse link (3) and / or to the fuse strip (1) via the at least one holding section (12), and wherein the at least one holding section (12) protrudes at least partially into at least one of the free spaces (20, 21) between the base body (5) and the fixing elements (2), characterized bythat the base body (5) of the fuse link (3) is cuboid-shaped with two tabs (15, 16) projecting on a side opposite the fuse strip (1), wherein the side opposite the fuse strip (1) is designed as a flat side (29) connecting the end faces (6, 7) and wherein the tabs (15, 16) are guided through two recesses (13, 14) provided on the cover (4). [2] Security arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that a thickness (24) of the at least one holding section (12) extending in the longitudinal direction (10) of the securing strip (1) and / or an internal distance (30) of the holding sections (12) determined in the longitudinal direction (10) are dimensioned such that a distance dimension (22, 23) extending in the longitudinal direction (10) of the securing strip (1) between the fixing element (2) and the at least one holding section (12) is less than 12 mm and preferably less than 5 mm. [3] Security arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the signal transmitter (25) provided on the front side of the fuse link (3) is covered by at least one of the at least two holding sections (12) of the cover (4). [4] Security arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the cover (4) is made of an insulating material, in particular of a non-conductive plastic. [5] Security arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by in that for the detachable fixing of the cover (4) to the fuse insert (3) at least one holding arm (17) is provided on the at least one holding section (12), which arm engages around the contact pins (8, 9) and / or the fuse strip (1) in a form-fitting manner at least in sections. [6] Safety arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the cover (4) is made at least in sections from a transparent material. [7] Safety arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the cover (4) has a substantially flat flat section (11), wherein the holding sections (12) project at the edge to the same side from the flat section (11) and / or the flat section (11) of the cover (4) completely covers the base body (5) of the fuse link (3) from a side opposite the fuse strip (1). [8] Security arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the cover (4) is designed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis (18) thereof, which extends in the longitudinal direction (10) of the fuse strip (1). [9] Security arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the recesses (13, 14) of the cover (4) are provided in the region of the flat section (11) of the cover (4). [10] Safety arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the fuse link (3) is designed as an NH2 fuse link and / or the fuse strip (1) is designed as an NH2 fuse strip.

Images