Mounting of command or signaling devices

Abstract

Mounting device (7) for a command or signaling device (1) with - a hook-shaped locking device (14, 15), characterized in that - the locking device (14, 15) has a first sliding element (26) which extends in a first plane (xz), - the locking device (14, 15) has a second leg element (28) on an edge of the first leg element (26), which extends from the first leg element (26) in a substantially perpendicular direction to the first plane (xz), second plane (xy), and - the locking device (14, 15) has a third leg element (21) projecting from the first leg element (26) and the second leg element (28), which extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to the first (xz) and second (xy) planes, and third (yz) plane.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device for a control or signaling device with a hook-shaped locking device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a plug-in assembly with the fastening device and a corresponding locking device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control or signaling device with such a fastening device or a locking device.

[0002] Installation systems for buildings or facilities often feature so-called command and signaling devices. Such command and signaling devices include switches or push buttons, which may also have a display function. A specific example of such a switch would be an "emergency stop switch," but a simple toggle switch or key switch could also be used.

[0003] Typically, control and signaling devices are mounted on walls or enclosures. This is best achieved by means of locking mechanisms. For example, the device snaps into a holder, which serves as an adapter and can also be referred to as a device. This allows different devices to be locked into the holder. It is desirable that the locking mechanism can be easily established and released without the use of additional tools.

[0004] Furthermore, the control and signaling devices and their operating units may be subjected to higher loads. However, these high loads must not impair the device's functionality. Furthermore, the devices in a group should be able to be secured to one another as precisely as possible. This also helps prevent functional or operating errors.

[0005] Until now, secure contact between devices, or between a device and a holder (adapter), was ensured by additional, movable, metallic components and springs. One example of this is the Schneider Electric / Telemecanique ZB4BZ101 system (frame plus contact element, 1 NO contact).

[0006] These components typically use a combination of positive and frictional engagement. However, this has significant disadvantages. Firstly, it requires the use of additional components. Secondly, it increases assembly and storage costs, as well as the required precision of the components, because multiple parts are engaged to fulfill their function. Another disadvantage is the different wear patterns between metal and plastic parts. Plastic parts, in particular, wear faster and therefore require larger dimensions.

[0007] Previously known locking systems often use straight locking lugs. Locking lugs with a slight undercut of up to 2° are also known. This generally ensures that the control or signaling devices are secured positively in only one direction, while in the other directions there is only a frictional connection. Therefore, additional stops would be required for securing the device in the other two directions.

[0008] In comparable applications, two devices, or a device and a holder, were secured together using screw or pin connections. Assembly and disassembly in such cases is only possible with auxiliary tools.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a fastening device which enables a positive fixing in three spatial directions and preferably ensures tool-free assembly and disassembly.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a fastening device for a command or signaling device with a hook-shaped locking device, wherein the locking device has a first leg element which extends in a first plane, the locking device has a second leg element on an edge of the first leg element which projects from the first leg element and extends in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the locking device has a third leg element which projects from the first leg element and the second leg element and extends in a third plane substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.

[0011] Advantageously, a hook-shaped locking device is provided to enable simple assembly. The locking device has three leg elements that extend in three orthogonal spatial directions and thus enable a positive fit in all three spatial directions. Each of the leg elements extends in one of three mutually perpendicular planes, so that each leg element forms a stop for movement perpendicular to the respective plane. This ensures a positive fit in three spatial directions. Depending on the geometry of a corresponding locking device, a positive fit in six spatial directions can also be achieved by the locking device of the fastening device, since each leg element has a certain extent, so that a positive fit in several spatial directions is possible for each individual leg element.Due to the desired simplicity of plugging and locking a control or signaling device, for example with a holder, each leg element preferably offers a form-locking option for only one or two directions.

[0012] According to a further development, the second leg element has an undercut in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. This means that the locking device not only has a straight locking lug, but actually a notch or undercut that can be used for further positive locking.

[0013] The third leg element can be arranged in the middle of the first and second leg elements. It thus forms a rib or web that can be used not only for a positive connection perpendicular to the rib, but also to stabilize the first and second leg elements against each other.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is formed as a single piece from a plastic. The locking device can thus be manufactured as a single injection-molded part. However, it can also be formed as a single piece together with other locking devices.

[0015] Preferably, the fastening device has a first group of several locking devices of the above-mentioned type, which are arranged next to one another with the same orientation. This not only allows the forces generated to be distributed across several locking devices, but also counteracts tilting moments whose tilting axes are perpendicular to the direction in which the locking devices are arranged next to one another or one behind the other.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the fastening device further comprises a frame to which the first group of the plurality of locking devices is rigidly fastened and to which a second group of a plurality of locking devices of the above-mentioned type, which are also arranged next to one another with the same orientation, is pivotably fastened, wherein the locking devices of one of the groups can each be equipped without a third leg element. A clamp-like fastening can be achieved with the fixed and the pivotable group of locking devices. In this case, it is sufficient under certain circumstances if the locking devices of one of the groups of locking devices each have a third leg element. These locking devices without a third leg element then only contribute to achieving a positive connection in two directions and, if necessary, in opposite directions.

[0017] The second group can be held in a locking position by a spring element when unloaded. Otherwise, if the second group is loaded, for example, by finger pressure, the second group of locking devices can be pivoted out of the locking position, so that the fastening device is released from the corresponding locking device.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the fastening device can have a bolt-like fixing device whose axis extends parallel to the first and third planes. Such a bolt-like fixing device can absorb additional forces transverse to its axis, so that not only the respective leg elements of the locking devices are subjected to the resulting forces. Overall, a more stable fixation can be achieved.

[0019] According to the present invention, a plug-in assembly is also provided with a locking device that is locked to a fastening device of the type mentioned above in a locked state and that has a hook that engages the undercut of the fastening device, wherein a predetermined gap exists between the tip of the hook and the second leg element in the region of the undercut. The purpose of the gap is to ensure that no over-determination occurs once the fastening device is locked to the locking device.

[0020] The plug-in arrangement just presented can be further developed by having the fastening device include a spring element that presses the hook of the locking device into the undercut of the fastening device when engaged. The spring element interlocks the hook and the corresponding locking device more forcefully, so that the resulting connection can absorb greater forces.

[0021] As already indicated above, a control or signaling device can be equipped with the fastening device described above or the locking device also mentioned above. Such a control or signaling device can then be locked onto a holder without tools, for example, if the holder has corresponding locking means. Preferably, the fastening device or the locking device is formed integrally with a housing of the control or signaling device, whereby, if appropriate, the pivotable group of locking devices is also considered to be formed integrally with the frame or the first group.

[0022] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 an emergency stop switch when mounted; Fig. 2 the fastening device and the locking device of the arrangement of Fig. 1 in dissolved state; Fig. 3 the locking device from the holder of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a locking device in perspective view and Fig. 5 a section through a locking device of the fastening device and a hook of the locking device.

[0023] The exemplary embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the individual features can be realized not only in the combinations described, but also in isolation or in other technically reasonable combinations.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an installed emergency stop switch. The actual switch 1 is coupled to a bracket 2. The bracket 2 serves to attach the entire assembly to a wall 3. An operating button 4 of the emergency stop switch is located on the side of the wall 3 opposite the switch 1.

[0025] The switch 1 has a housing 5, which in this case has a connection interface 6 on its rear side, facing away from the control button 4. This allows the switch 1 to be connected, for example, to a cable or a bus. This allows the switch 1 to be connected, for example, to a control circuit.

[0026] On the contact surface 17 opposite the rear side (cf. Fig. 2) of the housing 5, against which the housing 5 rests in the locked state on the holder 2, there is a fastening device 7, which serves to fasten the switch 1 to the holder 2. The fastening can be carried out without tools. Likewise, the switch 1 can be separated from the holder 2 again without tools. Fig. Figure 1 shows the locked state of switch 1 (first device) on holder 2 (second device). A locking mechanism 9, which can be pivoted about a shaft 8, is in a locked position. The locking mechanism 9 has an operating lever 10, which can be pushed toward the housing 5 and pivots from the locked position into a released position. In the released position of the locking mechanism 9, the switch 1 can be removed from the holder 2.

[0027] The holder 2 serves as an adapter for attaching the switch 1 to the wall 3. Instead of the switch 1, other devices can also be attached to the wall 3 using the holder 2.

[0028] The holder 2 has a complementary locking device which can interact with the fastening device 7 such that the switch 1 is rigidly but releasably fastened to the holder 2.

[0029] Wall 3 may be a building wall. Furthermore, wall 3 may also be part of a housing or, for example, a control cabinet or the like of a system.

[0030] Here, a typical emergency stop button is attached to switch 1 as the control button 4. However, numerous other control elements can also be attached to a corresponding device using the fastening technology according to the invention. Typical examples of control elements would be toggle switches, key switches, push buttons, or other switches. The control elements can also be provided with display functions. Instead of a control button 4, only a display element can be provided, which is connected to a corresponding device (instead of switch 1), which in turn is attached to the holder 2. In this way, a wide variety of control and / or signaling devices can be implemented.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the switch 1 released from the holder 2. The fastening device 7 is formed integrally with the housing 5 of the switch 1. "Integrity" also means that the locking means 9 is pivotably attached to the housing or the fastening device. The fastening device 7 is thus the mechanical interface for locking onto the locking device 11 of the holder 2 or a corresponding additional device.

[0032] The fastening device 7 is arranged on one side of the housing 5, namely the contact surface 17 of the switch 1. The switch 1 is placed perpendicularly to this contact surface on the holder 2 and locked there.

[0033] In the example chosen here, the fastening device 7 has two groups 12 and 13 of hook-shaped locking devices 14 and 15, respectively, which are attached, for example, to a common frame which is formed integrally with the housing 5 here. The two groups 12 and 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 5 so that maximum tilt stability is achieved. Each of the two groups 12 and 13 has three locking devices 14 and 15, respectively. The number of locking devices per group can, however, also be one, two, four or more. It is also not absolutely necessary for the fastening device 7 to have two groups of locking devices. Rather, only one group or, for example, four groups can be provided.

[0034] While the Fig. 2 right group 12 of the locking devices 14 is firmly connected to the housing 5 or the fastening device 7, the group 13 with the locking devices 15 is attached to the pivotable locking means 9, thus movable about the shaft 8 or its axis on the housing 5. By pressing the wedge-shaped operating lever 10 onto the housing 5, the locking devices 15 of the group 13 can thus be released from the Fig. 2, pivot outward, away from the other group 12. This allows the switch 1 to be released from the holder 2.

[0035] The fastening device 7 also has bolt-like fixing devices 16. Their longitudinal axes extend in the Z direction and thus protrude perpendicularly from the contact surface 17 of the housing 5, which extends in an XY plane of an orthogonal XYZ system. Accordingly, the bolt-like fixing devices 16 serve to restrict the X and Y degrees of freedom, since correspondingly precisely fitting recesses are provided in the locking device 11 of the holder 2.

[0036] Furthermore, the fastening device 7 has spring elements 18. In the present example, four such spring elements 18 are located at the four corners of the contact surface 17 of the housing 5. The spring elements 18 serve to press hooks of the locking device 11 of the holder 2 into the hook-shaped locking devices 14 and 15 of the fastening device 7, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 now shows a perspective view of the holder 2, which here is formed in one piece with the locking device 11. The locking device 11 has hooks 19, which, when the switch 1 is locked to the holder 2, engage with the hook-shaped locking devices 15 of the fastening device 7. Each of these hooks 19 has a groove 20, in which, in the locked state, a third leg element 21 of the respective locking device 15 (cf. Fig. 4) is inserted as a stiffening and positioning rib.

[0038] In the assembled state, a part of the device (e.g., the switch 1, the control element 4, or the like) that is to be held by the holder 2 protrudes through a central receptacle 22. With respect to the receptacle 22, on the opposite side of the hooks 19 are further hooks 23 that, when the holder 2 and switch 1 are locked, engage with the hook-shaped locking devices 14 of the fixed group 12 of the fastening device 7. These hooks 23 can also have grooves 24 into which corresponding positioning ribs can be inserted to limit the X-degree of freedom.

[0039] The grooves 24 in the hooks 23 would not need to be present if, for example, the grooves 20 are present in the hooks 19. Conversely, only the hooks 23 can have such grooves 24. This depends on which of the locking devices 14 or 15 have corresponding third leg elements 21, i.e., positioning ribs.

[0040] In addition, the locking device 11 has recesses 25 into which, when the switch 1 is locked to the holder 2, the bolt-like fixing elements 16 (see Fig. 2) are inserted with a positive fit with respect to the X and Y degrees of freedom. Consequently, these recesses 25, in addition to the hooks 19 and 23, can absorb forces in the X and Y directions.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of a hook-shaped locking device 15 of the fastening device 7. The locking devices 14 of the fixed group 12 could also have this shape, even if in the example of Fig. 2 are shown without the third leg element 21.

[0042] The locking device 15 has a first leg element 26, which has a plate-like shape and extends essentially in the XZ plane of the orthogonal XYZ system. The first leg element 26 is connected on a proximal side 27 to the rest of the fastening device 7 (in one piece), in particular to the locking means 9. On the opposite distal side, a second leg element 28 is arranged essentially orthogonally to the first leg element 26. This second leg element 28 extends mainly in the XY plane. It has an undercut 29 in the Y direction, which here directly borders the wall of the first leg element 26. The undercut 29 can be seen as a shallow groove extending in the X direction.

[0043] In the middle of the first leg element 26 and the second leg element 28, the third leg element 21 extends perpendicular to these two leg elements and essentially parallel to the YZ plane. This third leg element 21 therefore serves to restrict the degree of freedom 30 in the X direction.

[0044] The locking device 15 has a hook-shaped configuration with its leg elements 26 and 28. The third leg element 21, which is preferably connected to the other two leg elements as one piece, thus serves not only as a positioning rib with respect to the X-direction but also as a stiffening rib. Advantageously, the locking device is a one-piece injection-molded element.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-section of the locking device 15 of the fastening device 7 together with a corresponding hook 19 of the locking device 11. This figure shows the undercut 29 of the second leg element 28, which is marked here at its lowest point in the Z direction. The highest point of the second leg element 28 with respect to the Z direction represents a contact surface 31 (see also Fig. 4).

[0046] The hook 19 has a shape that approximately corresponds to the tip of the locking device 15. This means that it has a surface 32 parallel to the contact surface 31. Both surfaces 31 and 32 are in contact with each other when the switch 1 and holder 2 are locked. The distal end of the hook 19 forms a tip 33, which engages in the undercut 29 when locked. This means that the tip 33 lies below the contact surface 31 with respect to the Z direction. As a result, the locking device 15 and the hook 19 are interlocked or hooked with each other with respect to the Y direction 34 in this state. This interlocking can be stabilized by a spring element 18 (cf. Fig. 2) the fastening device 7 presses the hook 19 in the locked state into the undercut 29 (Z-direction), so that it does not slip out of the undercut so easily when pulled in the Y-direction. The Y-degree of freedom 34 is thus restricted. The Z-degree of freedom 35 is restricted by the second leg element 28 engaging under the hook 19. As already shown above with reference to Fig. As explained in Figure 4, the third leg element 21 inhibits the X degree of freedom. Thus, all three translational degrees of freedom X, Y, and Z (30, 34, and 35) are restricted by the locking device 15 and the corresponding hook 19.

[0047] The combination of the interlocking geometries of the fastening device and the locking device results in better force distribution between the connected devices. This improved fixation results in reduced wear on the individual components due to the smaller tolerances and less play. In addition to the hook-shaped fixing elements, bolt-like fixing devices can also be provided, which absorb or transmit additional forces. This effectively prevents relative acceleration between the devices.

[0048] The entire fastening device as well as the locking device can be made of plastic. A plastic spring can also be provided under the operating lever 10 of the pivoting locking device 9, which allows the required travel for locking and actively moves it back to its original position.

[0049] The new geometry of the interlocking locking lugs 14, 15 and 19 underlying the invention provides significant improvements in force distribution and in the fixation of degrees of freedom at the respective locking devices, as well as a significant improvement in the maximum achievable holding force of the mounted devices when exposed to high external forces (shocks, vibrations). The locking lugs 14, 15 and 19, which are mounted on different levels (with respect to Fig.5) Horizontal surfaces 31 and 32 determine the Z degree of freedom 35. At the same time, the hook 19 and the undercut 29 are dimensioned to avoid static overdetermination. The resulting inclined surfaces determine the Y degree of freedom 34. These bevels are preferably designed for a more efficient interlocking effect of the interlocking hooks when an external force acts on the devices. The webs formed "perpendicularly" on the locking devices 15 (third leg elements 21) determine the last, namely the X degree of freedom 30. These third leg elements are preferably dimensioned so that they do not jam in the counterpart and the position of the devices relative to each other is not statically overdetermined.

[0050] The geometric elements significantly reduce the relative acceleration of the interlocking devices when subjected to external forces. This allows the devices to absorb much higher forces, as they dissipate them into the housings of the individual modules. The angled surfaces of the hooks act as barbs.

[0051] Advantageously, all parts of the fastening device and the locking device can be made of plastic. This eliminates the need for additional metal components. The locking mechanism described allows for easy assembly and disassembly without tools. This also results in improved holding force of the locking or snap-hook connection in both dry and moist plastic. Plastic, such as polyamide, loses a significant amount of rigidity when absorbing moisture. The geometry of the locking devices or hooks is therefore of exceptional importance. The geometry of the locking devices presented according to the invention not only proves advantageous for this purpose, but also allows all degrees of freedom to be restricted in the smallest of spaces, which leads to a reduced installation space for the fastening device or locking device. List of reference symbols 1 switch 2 holders 3 Wall 4 control knob 5 housings 6 Connection interface 7 Fastening device 8 Wave 9 Resting means 10 control levers 11 Locking device 12, 13 groups 14, 15 Rest areas 16 fixing devices 17 contact surface 18 spring elements 19, 23 hooks 20, 24 grooves 21 third leg element 22 recording 25 recesses 26 first leg element 27 proximal side 28 second leg element 29 undercut 30 X-degree of freedom 31, 32 contact surfaces 33 lace 34 Y-degree of freedom 35 Z degrees of freedom

Claims

[1] Fastening device (7) for a control or signaling device (1) with - a hook-shaped locking device (14, 15), characterized by , that - the locking device (14, 15) has a first leg element (26) which extends in a first plane (xz), - the locking device (14, 15) has a second leg element (28) on an edge of the first leg element (26), which extends from the first leg element (26) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane (xz), second plane (xy), and - the locking device (14, 15) has a third leg element (21) projecting from the first leg element (26) and the second leg element (28) and extending in a third plane (yz) substantially perpendicular to the first (xz) and second plane (xy). [2] Fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the second leg element (28) has an undercut (29) with respect to a direction (Y) perpendicular to the first plane (xz). [3] Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third leg element (21) is arranged in the middle of the first (26) and the second leg element (28). [4] Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (14, 15) is formed in one piece from a plastic. [5] Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first group (12) of several locking devices (14, 15) of the type mentioned in the preceding claims, which are arranged side by side with the same orientation. [6] Fastening device according to claim 5, comprising a frame to which the first group (12) is rigidly fastened and a second group (13) of several locking devices (14, 15) of the type mentioned in claims 1 and 4, which are arranged next to one another with the same orientation, is pivotally fastened, wherein the locking devices of one of the groups can each also be equipped without a third leg element (21). [7] Fastening device according to claim 6, wherein the second group (13) is held in a locking position by a spring element in the unloaded state. [8] Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a bolt-like fixing device (16) whose axis extends parallel to the first (xz) and third (yz) plane. [9] Plug-in arrangement with a locking device (11) which is locked in a locking state with a fastening device (7) according to one of claims 2 to 8 and which has a hook (19, 23) which engages in the undercut (29) of the fastening device (7), wherein a predetermined gap exists between the tip (33) of the hook (19, 23) and the second leg element (28) in the region of the undercut (29). [10] Plug-in arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the fastening device (7) has a spring element (18) which presses the hook (19, 23) of the locking device (11) in the locking state into the undercut (29) of the fastening device (7). [11] Control or signaling device (1) which is equipped with a fastening device (7) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or plug-in arrangement with a locking device (11) according to one of claims 9 and 10.

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