Electrical device with a housing, as well as arrangement for collective remote signaling with a plurality of electrical devices

Abstract

Electrical device (1) with a housing (G), wherein the electrical device (1) is enclosed by the housing (G), wherein the electrical device (1) provides at least one light tunnel (T) extending through the housing (G) from a first side to an opposite side, wherein the housing has at least a first housing part (G_1) comprising at least the first side, and a second housing part (G_2) comprising at least the second side, wherein, in the case of several housings (G1, G2, ... GN) arranged side by side, a continuous light tunnel is formed, wherein the light tunnel (T) can be selectively influenced (S) in the housing, wherein the light tunnel (T) through the housing is mechanically closed by at least partially continuous housing material, wherein the housing parts (G_1, G_2) are made of the same housing material.

Description

[0001] Electrical devices that can be arranged side-by-side – for example, on mounting rails – are known from the prior art. These devices often have a local status indicator that can provide information about operation or a malfunction. However, in larger systems, these devices are not always readily accessible. Therefore, systems have been developed in the past that provide remote signaling.

[0002] For example, DE 10 2014 212 628 A1 discloses an optical collective telecommunications device which can be subsequently attached to a plurality of devices that can be connected in series.

[0003] From DE 10 2012 021 341 A1 a retrofittable modular device for evaluating one or more states is known.

[0004] While existing systems allow for retrofitting, they represent an additional element in a control cabinet that obstructs access to connections. In particular, replacing an element involves increased effort, as components of the collective remote signaling system typically also need to be removed.

[0005] From EP 3 157 031 A1 a device with integrated optical fibers, an integrated receiving unit and an integrated transmitting unit is known.

[0006] However, this device has the disadvantage that, in a chain of devices, the failure of a single device interrupts the signal path. Furthermore, the necessity of active components—the transmitter can only send what has been previously received—presents an additional problem, as these active components are also susceptible to failure.

[0007] German patent DE 298 00 372 U1 discloses a device arrangement with an open light tunnel. This light tunnel can be subsequently closed off by adding windows. However, this makes the device susceptible to foreign object ingress. Furthermore, the provision of different elements during development and manufacturing is disadvantageous, as it is both costly and because a large number of components have different physical properties, e.g., regarding strength / expansion, etc., meaning that components can be dislodged, for example, in a vibration-prone environment.

[0008] From DE 100 36 237 A1, an input and / or output group for use in control systems by means of an optical I / O bus system is known. Task

[0009] Starting from this situation, the object of the invention is to provide electrical devices that allow collective remote reporting, that are inexpensive to manufacture and offer a secure enclosure, and that can be replaced without major assembly effort. Brief description of the invention

[0010] The problem is solved by electrical devices according to claim 1 or an arrangement for collective remote signaling with such housings according to claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments are in particular the subject of the dependent claims, figures and the detailed description. Brief description of the characters

[0011] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a first general form of embodiments of the invention, Fig. 2 a second general form of embodiments of the invention, Fig. 3 a third general form of embodiments of the invention in schematic view, Fig. 4 the third general form of embodiments of the invention in schematic side view, Fig. 5 a further aspect of embodiments of the invention and Fig. 6. Another aspect of embodiments of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that different aspects will be described, each of which can be used individually or in combination.

[0013] This means that any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention, unless explicitly presented as a pure alternative.

[0014] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally be made to only one entity at a time. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the invention may also include several of the entities concerned. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "a" should only be understood as indicating that in a simple embodiment at least one entity is used, without excluding the use of multiple entities.

[0015] The invention solves the problem by providing a housing G, G1, ...GN for each electrical device 1. The devices 1 can be of different types. Therefore, only one device 1 will be referenced below as an example.

[0016] Each electrical device 1 is enclosed by the respective housing G, G1, ... GN. Each of the devices 1 or each of the housings G, G1, ... GN provides an internal light tunnel T that extends through the housing G, G1, ... GN from one side to the opposite side.

[0017] The housing is designed in two parts, allowing the respective electrical device to be accommodated within it. The housing comprises at least a first housing part G_1, which has at least one side, and a second housing part G_2, which has at least one side. For example, the first housing part G_1 can be designed as shown in Fig. Figure 6 is shown as a lid for a semi-shell-shaped housing part G_2. The housing parts of a housing enclose the electrical device 1.

[0018] The tunnel is designed in such a way that a continuous light tunnel is formed when several housings G1, G2, ... GN are arranged next to each other.

[0019] A light tunnel is defined as a direct or mirrored free-space path. The housing components are made of the same material.

[0020] Within each housing G, G1, ...GN, the respective light tunnel T can be selectively influenced by an element S.

[0021] The light tunnel T through the housing G, G1, ...GN is mechanically sealed to the outside. This means that the ends of the light tunnel T are sealed, preventing the ingress of dust, gas, and / or moisture.

[0022] However, the housing G has a material at least partially permeable to incident light at the ends E1 and E2 of the light tunnel T. This partial permeability can be achieved through a reduced material thickness and / or the absence of pigments.

[0023] To avoid interference from extraneous light, the housing G, G1, ... GN may otherwise be designed to be less transparent, e.g. made of thicker material or provided with pigments in a print or within the material matrix.

[0024] The element S, which can selectively influence the passage of light through the light tunnel T, can be, for example, a slide made of an optically poorly transparent material, or alternatively, the slide can also be mirrored.

[0025] Of course, it would also be conceivable for the slider to have a section made of optically poorly opaque material and a section that is mirrored. Then, depending on the position of the slider S, either the light tunnel could be interrupted or the light path could be mirrored. Thus, for example, two different states could be signaled.

[0026] The housing G, G1, ...GN can be manufactured, for example, using injection molding and embossing processes. This allows for the production of housings with varying wall thicknesses, so that, for example, the plastic can be thin in the area of ​​the ends of the light tunnel T, yet still protects against the ingress of dust, moisture, and gases.

[0027] This means that enclosures G, G1, ...GN can also be designed to be explosion-proof. Therefore, a mixed operation of explosion-proof and non-explosion-proof devices can easily be implemented side by side.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the material of the housing or housing parts is adapted to specific wavelengths of light, in particular infrared light, such that the specific wavelengths are attenuated as little as possible by the material, preferably infrared light.

[0029] For example, the material is polyamide 6.6. This material is particularly suitable for injection molding / injection molding processes. Furthermore, the optical transmission can be selectively influenced by adding additives such as pigments. For instance, the selectively influencing element S can also be made of plastic and may contain polyamide 6.6 and, if necessary, other additives. While other plastics could theoretically be used, there are often other limitations that preclude the use of polycarbonate, for example. The plastic used for the housing must also meet requirements regarding stability, manufacturing costs, availability, flammability, and so on.

[0030] The selectively influencing element S can also provide a local display.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the incident light has a wavelength of 700 nm or more. In particular, the incident light can be non-visible. For example, the incident light can be infrared light. Such light is otherwise not available—at least not in control cabinets—so interference from ambient light can be avoided. For example, polyamide 6.6 can be easily penetrated with infrared light in the range around 980 nm through several millimeters of material thickness.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall thickness of the housing G at the ends E1, E2 of the light tunnel T is reduced compared to the surrounding area in order to further reduce the light attenuation caused by the housing material.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall thickness of the housing G, G1, ...GN at the ends E1, E2 of the light tunnel T is less than 0.5 mm. Additionally, the wall thickness at other locations of the housing G may be greater than 0.5 mm. For example, for reasons of stability and compliance with other standards, individual sections (e.g., in the vicinity of terminal blocks) may have a greater thickness of up to 3 mm, or stiffening elements, such as ribs (approx. 1-2 mm), may be incorporated. It is particularly preferred to adjust the housing thickness in the region of the ends E1, E2 of the light tunnel T to values ​​below 0.6 mm, e.g., 0.3 mm.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, the device 1 within the housing G, G1, ...GN is a surge protection device. These devices often require a certain degree of encapsulation to prevent damage to other devices in the vicinity in the event of a fault. Therefore, a fully enclosed housing is advantageous for these devices.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing G, G1, ...GN is designed according to IP44 and / or for the explosion-proof area.

[0036] As previously described, the selectively influencing element S can affect the incoming light beam in different ways. For example, the light tunnel T can be interrupted or selectively influenced by a mirror element.

[0037] The housing G, G1, ...GN can readily have elements for mounting on a mounting rail TR, so that the devices can be mounted on a mounting rail TR. Preferably, the light tunnel T is arranged essentially parallel to a mounting rail TR.

[0038] If different or identical devices are arranged side by side in corresponding housings G1, G2, ... GN, a collective remote signal can be easily provided. Below, we will describe the two main modes of operation using the following examples: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Explain.

[0039] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. The system includes a transmitter (TX) that emits light into the interconnected light tunnels (T) and a receiver (RX) that receives light from the interconnected light tunnels (T). Depending on whether light is received or not, the receiver (RX) determines whether a change has occurred in one of the interconnected electrical devices.

[0040] This means that, depending on the configuration, the reception of light can indicate an error or an operating mode. This can depend on the type of device. For example, the absence of radiation through the light tunnel could be interpreted as a malfunction. In that case, the fault can be specifically investigated on-site.

[0041] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1. For example, the transmitter TX can be located on one side of the connected housings G1, G2, ... GN, and the receiver RX on the other side of the connected housings, whereby the light tunnel T can be selectively influenced by interruption S. This configuration is suitable, for example, to indicate an error / change of state by interruption.

[0042] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The transmitter TX and the receiver RX are arranged on one side of the connected housings G1, G2, ... GN, whereby the light tunnel T can be selectively influenced by the insertion of a mirror element S. This configuration is also suitable, for example, to indicate an error / change of state by interruption.

[0043] Obviously, with a suitable design of selectively changing elements, hybrid forms of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 should be provided so that, for example, the interruption indicates a first change of state and the reflection indicates a second change of state.

[0044] In cases where optical feedback is provided by reflection, the reporting device can be identified from a measured time-of-flight difference.

[0045] It should also be noted that the light tunnel – as in Fig. As shown in section 5, the light can also be deflected within the housing G1, G2, ... GN by waveguides / mirror elements or the like. Essentially, a light tunnel T is still provided.

[0046] However, it can also be provided that, for example, two devices in the respective housings G1 and G2 are housed in a base module BM – as in Fig. 3 and Fig.Figure 4 shows the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). Both the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX) can be integrated into the base module (BM) or provided as plug-in components. This allows, for example, a redundant protection function to be provided for particularly critical functions, and a fault can be signaled.

[0047] The transmitter (TX) can be, for example, a conventional LED or laser diode that emits radiation within a specific range. Similarly, the receiver (RX) can be a conventional photodiode, phototransistor, or photoresistor.

[0048] This means the invention enables a collective remote signaling system similar to a light barrier.

[0049] It should be noted that EN 60079-11 requires a minimum separation of 50 mm between the terminals of explosion-proof (Ex) and non-explosion-proof (non-Ex) devices. To allow Ex and non-Ex devices to be placed next to each other without compromising this minimum separation, partitions can be used. Such a partition can be inserted between the Ex and non-Ex devices and will then extend beyond the terminals. This ensures the separation between the terminals required by the standard.

[0050] The invention now makes it possible to design the partition wall as part of the housing wall. This eliminates the need for a separate partition wall, allowing explosion-proof devices (so-called Ex-devices) and non-explosion-proof devices to be used side by side.

[0051] The invention utilizes a light tunnel T with selective influencing S, the housing being provided by a small number of components. Windows are unnecessary because the housing material is at least partially transparent to the signal light.

[0052] The invention enables the production of a light tunnel by arranging closed housings which, in the area of ​​the transmitting and receiving components, have a material that is partially transparent to light, or consist entirely of this material.

[0053] To achieve the required light transmission, a thinning / leaning of the material in the end area of ​​the light tunnel on the housing G may be provided, depending on the wavelength used.

[0054] The advantage is that interruption detection is possible using the light barrier principle, without having to use an open (pollution-prone) housing or to implement the sealing with additional components. List of designations G, G1, G2, ... GN Housing 1 electrical appliance T Light tunnel S selective influence E1, E2 Ends of the light tunnel TR mounting rail TX Transmitter RX receiver BM Basic Module G_1, G_2 Housing part

Claims

[1] Electrical device (1) with a housing (G), wherein the electrical device (1) is enclosed by the housing (G), wherein the electrical device (1) provides at least one light tunnel (T) extending through the housing (G) from a first side to an opposite side, wherein the housing has at least a first housing part (G_1) comprising at least the first side, and a second housing part (G_2) comprising at least the second side, wherein, in the case of several housings (G1, G2, ... GN) arranged side by side, a continuous light tunnel is formed, wherein the light tunnel (T) can be selectively influenced (S) in the housing, wherein the light tunnel (T) through the housing is mechanically closed by at least partially continuous housing material, wherein the housing parts (G_1, G_2) are made of the same housing material. [2] Electrical device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing material is adapted to certain wavelengths of light in such a way that the certain wavelengths are attenuated as little as possible. [3] Electrical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the incident light has a wavelength of 700 nm or more. [4] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the incident light is invisible. [5] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the incident light is infrared light. [6] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall thickness of the housing (G) at the ends (E1, E2) of the light tunnel (T) is reduced compared to the neighborhood in order to further reduce the light attenuation through the housing material. [7] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall thickness of the housing (G) at the ends (E1, E2) of the light tunnel (T) is less than 0.5 mm, while the wall thickness at other points of the housing (G) is greater. [8] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (1) is a surge protection device. [9] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the enclosure (G) is designed according to IP44 and / or for the explosion-proof area. [10] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light tunnel (T) can be interrupted or selectively influenced (S) by a mirror element. [11] Electrical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the electronic device can be mounted on a mounting rail (TR), wherein the light tunnel (T) is arranged substantially parallel to a mounting rail (TR), [12] Arrangement for collective remote signaling with a plurality of electrical devices (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housings (G1, G2, ... GN) are arranged side by side, further comprising a transmitter (TX) which emits light into the connected light tunnels (T), and a receiver (RX) which receives light from the connected light tunnels (T), wherein the receiver (RX) decides, depending on whether light is received or not, whether a change has occurred in one of the connected electrical devices. [13] Arrangement for collective remote reporting according to claim 12, characterized by, that the transmitter (TX) is arranged on a first side of the interconnected housings (G1, G2, ... GN), and that the receiver (RX) is arranged on a second side of the interconnected housings, wherein the light tunnel (T) can be selectively influenced (S) by interruption. [14] Arrangement for collective remote communication according to claim 12, characterized by , that the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX) are arranged on a first side of the interconnected housings (G1, G2, ... GN), wherein the light tunnel (T) can be selectively influenced (S) by the introduction of a mirror element. [15] Arrangement for collective remote communication according to claim 14, characterized by , that a measured difference in runtime can be used to infer the reporting device.

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