Device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents

Abstract

Device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, consisting of one, a substantially U-shaped base (1) and at least one pluggable or slidable pluggable module (2) onto the base (1), wherein the base (1) has terminals (3) for connection to the respective network and pluggable contacts (500) connected to the terminals (3), which are complementary to mating contacts or contact tongues (5) of the pluggable module (2), furthermore the pluggable module (2) has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning current and / or surge arresters and the mating contacts or contact tongues (5) penetrate a bottom side of the housing, characterized by the fact that Means are provided for changing the position and distance between the plug contacts (500) and mating contacts or contact tongues (5), wherein, starting from a working position with a closed, surge-current-carrying electrical connection between plug module (2) and socket (1), a parking position can be selected in which the plug contacts (500) and mating contacts or contact tongues (5) are in a release position, with a distance corresponding to the necessary electrical separation distance and the required air and creepage distances, but wherein the plug module (2) is still held or fixed to the socket (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, comprising a base, essentially U-shaped, and at least one plug-in module that can be plugged or slid onto the base, wherein the base has terminals for connection to the respective network and plug-in contacts connected to the terminals, which are complementary to mating contacts or contact tongues of the plug-in module, furthermore the plug-in module has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning current and / or surge arresters and the mating contacts or contact tongues penetrate a bottom side of the housing according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Surge arresters designed as a device combination comprising a base and plug-in parts received by the base, which hold the actual surge arrester elements, have been state of the art for many years.

[0003] For known device combinations with a socket and connector, the design must ensure a secure electrical connection under all operating conditions and over a long period. Conversely, it must be possible to remove the connector and replace it with a new one, ideally without tools, in case of maintenance or a fault.

[0004] For measuring and testing tasks, it is often necessary to remove the plug(s) from the socket and then reinsert them.

[0005] Previously known device combinations with a socket and plug-in part assume that the plug-in part is regularly inserted from above into the opening of the corresponding U-shaped socket and then moved into a locking position.

[0006] However, under certain on-site conditions, free access to the plug-in part from above is not always guaranteed, so there is a fundamental need to be able to insert a plug-in part into a base from the side.

[0007] Furthermore, there is a widespread demand to be able to move the plug-in component into an unlocking position without having to completely remove the plug-in component from the socket.

[0008] A consistently reliable power supply is fundamentally crucial for the operational safety of electrical machines, systems, and equipment. To prevent system downtime or minimize the risk of damage to an electrical network or connected loads, damage to the network and loads caused by overvoltages or overcurrents must be permanently prevented.

[0009] The well-known surge protection devices become active in the event of overvoltages or overloads and are able to divert transient overvoltages or disconnect a faulty circuit.

[0010] As mentioned at the beginning, surge protection devices are often implemented as pluggable device combinations, with a socket forming a lower part and a plug-in module forming a upper part.

[0011] In the event of a fault or overload, a surge or short-circuit current can flow briefly, exceeding the normal rated current of the network several times over. Due to high short-circuit currents, strong magnetic forces occur, which can potentially cause the actual surge protection element to be forced out of its base.

[0012] To address these problems, the plug contacts, mating contacts, or contact tongues can be designed so that, when plugged in, there is not only a force-fit but also a form-fit connection between them. However, the large forces involved in removing the plug module from the socket pose a problem in such a case.

[0013] In this regard, according to the generic DE 10 2008 017 423 A1, it was proposed to further develop a surge protection device in such a way that, while maintaining the previous external dimensions of the base and plug parts, a detachable plug part with a plug connection required for the electrical connection is formed between the base and plug part, and, on the other hand, the detachment of the plug part in the base part is prevented under harsh working conditions, whereby it should be possible to visually check the seat of the plug part.

[0014] In this regard, a fastening device in the form of a rotary latch with a corresponding counter-opening in the form of a groove is proposed, which is arranged in the base part as an easily operable rotary latch that can be released by means of a screwdriver and creates a positive connection and locking between the base and plug part.

[0015] The locking device between the base and connector parts, in the form of a rotary latch, prevents the connector part from being unintentionally pulled out of the base part and also ensures a secure connection between the sockets of the base part and the corresponding pins of the connector part. This secure connection is achieved because, in the locked position, the locking device simultaneously engages both the base and connector parts, thus ensuring a positive fit between the two elements. The head of the rotary latch incorporates a profile suitable for a tool to operate it.

[0016] The solution with the rotary latch according to DE 10 2008 017 423 A1 does allow the plug-in component to be fixed in the base component due to the achieved locking function; however, this locking position is only guaranteed when the plug-in component is in a defined end position relative to the base component. Furthermore, the pull-out forces remain high. The possibility of laterally inserting a plug-in component into a base component is not available with the described prior art solution. Moreover, unlocking is not possible without completely removing the plug-in component.

[0017] Based on the above, the object of the invention is to provide a further developed device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltage or overcurrents, which consists of a U-shaped base and at least one plug-in module that can be plugged or slid onto the base, wherein the device combination should enable a defined disconnection with the plug-in module remaining in the base and, in principle, it is possible to fix the plug-in module in virtually any position in a fully or partially inserted state with respect to the U-shaped base.

[0018] The problem of the invention is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient embodiments and further developments.

[0019] It is therefore assumed that a combination of devices is used to protect electrical networks from overvoltage or overcurrent. This can involve both transient and temporary overvoltages.

[0020] The device assembly consists of a known, essentially U-shaped base and at least one plug-in module that can be plugged or slid onto the base. The base has terminal blocks for connection to the respective power supply and plug-in contacts connected to these terminal blocks.

[0021] These plug contacts are complementary to the mating contacts or contact tongues of the plug module.

[0022] The plug-in module has a housing that accommodates one or more lightning current and / or surge arresters. The mating contacts or contact tongues penetrate a bottom side of the housing in such a way that a secure connection to the plug contacts in the base can be established.

[0023] The components contained in the plug-in module can also be a switch-spark gap combination, so that the device combination can also be operated without a fuse.

[0024] According to the invention, means are provided for changing the position and distance between the plug contacts and the mating contacts or contact tongues.

[0025] These means allow a parking position to be selected from a working position with a closed, surge-current-resistant electrical connection. In this parking position, the plug contacts and mating contacts or contact tongues are in a release position. The necessary electrical separation distance is ensured in this release position. Simultaneously, the required clearance and creepage distances are maintained. However, once the parking position is reached, the plug module is still held or fixed to the base.

[0026] If desired, the plug-in module can be removed and replaced, measured, or inspected with very little mechanical effort, starting from the parked position. Because the electrical contact is already disconnected in the parked position, only the aforementioned minimal force is required to completely remove the plug-in module. This removal can be done without tools.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the plug-in module can be rotated or pivoted about its central axis.

[0028] A swivel or rotation movement allows selection between the working and parking positions. In the working position, the mating contacts or contact tongues of the plug-in module engage with correspondingly designed plug contacts in the socket. The contact configuration, i.e., the shape, can be designed such that electromagnetic forces occurring in the event of an surge current are oriented in a way that increases the contact force between the respective contact elements. By performing a rotation or swivel movement opposite to the working position, the contact connections can be disconnected, while maintaining the aforementioned separation distances and the required clearance and creepage distances.

[0029] Starting from the parked position, the relevant plug-in module is still mechanically fixed in the socket, but can be removed with minimal effort. Depending on the housing design of the plug-in module, removal can be done upwards or by sliding it sideways out of the socket.

[0030] A further embodiment of the invention involves arranging a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated plunger, a correspondingly pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cushion, or a corresponding lever between the plug-in module or its housing and the base in order to change the contact distance, i.e., to select between the working position and the parked position. For example, if a pneumatically actuated cushion is located between the plug-in module and the base, then applying pressure to the cushion can exert a force between the plug-in module and the base, with the result that the plug-in module is removed from the base and essentially lifted out until the intended parked position is reached.As long as the pressure on the cushion, the stamp or the corresponding lever is maintained, it is not possible for the plug-in module to move back into the base unintentionally, which increases electrical safety when working under voltage and thus occupational safety.

[0031] According to the invention, in a supplementary embodiment, a spindle for converting a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement is arranged between the U-shaped base and the plug-in module.

[0032] This arrangement is such that the plug-in module can be moved towards the U-shaped base as well as away from it and is held in a respective position.

[0033] This allows for both a secure electrical connection between the plug contacts and the mating contacts, as well as a defined disconnection through contact separation.

[0034] If unlocking is required, the spindle is set into a rotary motion, causing the plug-in module to move out of the U-shaped socket. This movement continues until a sufficient separation distance is achieved between the plug contacts and their mating contacts or contact tongues. Upon reaching the relevant disconnect or unlocking position, the spindle remains engaged with a threaded bore located in the base of the socket, the thread of which is complementary to the thread of the spindle.

[0035] Only with a further spindle movement does the corresponding spindle end emerge from the threaded bore, and the plug-in module can be easily removed from the base without force.

[0036] According to the invention, the spindle is rotatably mounted in the plug-in module and is accessible from the top of the plug-in module, with the threaded bore already mentioned, which is complementary to the spindle, being arranged in the base.

[0037] In an alternative solution, the spindle can be mounted in the base so that it can rotate freely, with the threaded bore complementary to the spindle being located in the base, i.e., in the underside of the plug-in module.

[0038] According to the invention, at least one of the side surfaces of the plug-in module facing the U-shaped base has a guide groove which is complementary to a guide projection or guide rail on at least one side wall of the U-shaped base.

[0039] In this regard, the side wall that is opposite the plug-in module when it is inserted is considered.

[0040] According to the invention, the guide projection or guide rail is spring-mounted or spring-loaded in the side wall, so that when the plug-in module moves towards the base or upwards from the base, the guide projection or guide rail shifts towards the side wall and, upon reaching a position congruent with the guide groove in the plug-in module, enters this groove. The congruent position preferably corresponds to the necessary separation distance for unlocking the plug-in module relative to the base.

[0041] According to the invention, the change in position of the guide projection or the guide rail is visible in a viewing window in the base.

[0042] When the spindle is rotated, preferably with the aid of a tool, and the plug-in module is moved in the direction of release, the spring-loaded and spring-supported guide rail engages in the corresponding groove in the plug-in module upon corresponding longitudinal movement relative to the base, resulting in a tactile locking action. This engagement point is indicated in the viewing window, for example by a color change, by the movement of the guide rail. The installer or system operator can then easily verify that the plug-in module is in an unlocked state.

[0043] By continuing the rotation and subsequent longitudinal movement until the spindle exits the corresponding threaded bore, the plug-in component can finally be removed from the socket. Inserting the plug-in module into the socket is done in reverse order.

[0044] When the plug-in module reaches a position within the socket that is defined by the entry of the guide projection or guide rail into the guide groove, the desired contact separation occurs.

[0045] In accordance with the invention, using the guide groove and the guide projection or the guide rail, the plug-in module can also be inserted laterally into the U-shaped base and then, by means of the spindle, a movement of the plug-in module towards the base bottom can be carried out for contacting.

[0046] Lateral sliding can be limited by a fixed or removable stop located in or on the base. This stop ensures that the desired, correct position between the plug contacts and mating contacts is reached before the plug module moves towards the base for contact.

[0047] The stop(s) are designed as lateral boundary walls that can be inserted into the base, with the boundary walls in one embodiment having a centering bevel on their upper side to facilitate the insertion of the plug-in module from above towards the base.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, a first viewing window can be formed in the plug-in direction of the plug-in module and a second viewing window in the insertion direction of the plug-in module, in order to be able to recognize, quasi-frontally, whether the plug-in module is in an unlocked state or not.

[0049] Additionally, guide recesses can be provided on the underside of the plug-in module, corresponding to a guide cam or guide lug that extends upwards from the base of the U-shaped base section, i.e., towards the plug-in module. This is intended to prevent the plug-in module from tilting or becoming misaligned when it is inserted into the base.

[0050] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and with the aid of figures.

[0051] This shows: Fig. 1-3 the sequence of inserting the plug-in module laterally onto a socket from the right; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the plug-in module with a view of the underside and the spindle visible there; Fig. 5-7 Illustrations of the insertion process of the plug-in module from left towards the socket; Fig. 8-10 illustrations relating to the case of inserting the plug-in module towards the socket from above with the unlock position ( Fig. 9) and connecting position ( Fig. 10); Fig. 11 a perspective top view of the base with threaded hole 60; Fig. 12 a cross-sectional view through a device combination with a base and a plug-in module that can be fixed in the base and rotated or pivoted about its axis, shown in the working position with closed contact connections, wherein the arrows symbolize the direction of the necessary rotational or pivoting movement to reach the park position, i.e. the release position; and Fig. 13 Representations of a further embodiment of the teaching according to the invention with hydraulically activatable means to effect a change in the contact distance between the relevant elements in the base and in the plug-in module, that is to achieve a change in the working position towards the park position.

[0052] The device combination shown in the figures for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents consists of a base 1 and at least one plug-in module 2 that can be plugged or slid onto the base.

[0053] The base 1 has terminal blocks 3 for connection to the respective network not shown in the figures.

[0054] Furthermore, plug contacts connected to the terminals are present in the base, which are located behind or under slot-shaped openings 4 in the bottom area of ​​the base 1.

[0055] The plug contacts in socket 1 are complementary to the plug-in counterpart contacts of plug module 2, which are designed as contact tongues 5.

[0056] The plug-in module 2 comprises a housing that accommodates one or more lightning current and / or surge arresters inside the housing.

[0057] As can be seen from the figures, the contact tongues 5 penetrate a side section or a side-bottom section of the plug-in module 2.

[0058] A spindle 6 acts between the socket 1 and the plug-in module 2 (see Fig. 4), which serves to convert a rotary motion into a longitudinal motion, such that the plug-in module 2 can be moved towards and away from the base 1 depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle and is held in the respective position.

[0059] This allows for both a secure electrical connection between the plug contacts and the mating contacts, as well as a defined disconnection by separating these contacts.

[0060] In this respect, the spindle 6 is rotatably mounted in the plug-in module 2 and is accessible from the top surface 20 of the plug-in module 2. Furthermore, the spindle can have a screw head, a polygonal head or similar head design 21 on its top surface for receiving a tool.

[0061] The base is according to Fig. 11 in the area between the U-legs, that is, the base 101, a threaded bore 60 complementary to the spindle 6 is arranged.

[0062] It should be noted that in the presented variant according to the exemplary embodiments, it is assumed that the spindle 6 with head 21 is formed in the plug-in part 2 and that the associated threaded bore is arranged in the base 1. In principle, a kinematic reversal in this respect is also possible without departing from the basic concept of the invention.

[0063] At least one of the side surfaces 22 of the plug-in module 2 has a guide groove 7.

[0064] In the examples shown, there are two guide grooves 7 opposite the side walls.

[0065] These guide grooves 7 are complementary to the spring-mounted guide rails 8 in the base in the area of ​​the side walls 100 of the base 1.

[0066] Guide projections or guide rails 8, which are spring-mounted or spring-loaded in the side wall 100, allow the guide rails 8 to shift towards the side wall 100 and at least partially penetrate it when the plug-in module 2 moves towards the base 101 or upwards from the base 101. Upon reaching a congruent position between the guide grooves 7 in the plug-in module 2, the respective guide rails 8 engage in the corresponding groove 7. This secures the plug-in module 2 relative to the base 1, and the change in position of the guide rails 8 is visible in a viewing window 9 in the base 1.

[0067] Upon reaching a position of the plug-in module 2 within the socket 1, which is defined by the entry of the guide rails 8 into the respective guide groove 7, the contacts 5 are in an unlocked position relative to the contacts located in the socket, i.e., a contact separation occurs. This is shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 shown.

[0068] Starting from this contact separation position, a rotary movement can be converted into a linear movement using the spindle 6 with head 21. In this respect, the plug-in module 2 is pulled into the socket 1 and essentially screwed into it. In the final position of the plug-in module 2 relative to the U-shaped socket 1, the desired electrical contact reliability and secure mechanical fixation are achieved.

[0069] In the case of a movement contrary to the direction shown with arrows according to Fig. In the direction of rotation shown in step 3, the plug-in module 2 can be moved out of the U-shaped base 1 again without any effort.

[0070] By establishing the complete contact connection in accordance with the Fig. 3, Fig. 7 and Fig. 10. The display in the viewing window 9 changes, for example from originally green (activated) to red (plug module contacted).

[0071] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a sequence of the possibilities for inserting the plug-in module 2 with reference to the base 1 from the right, using the guide grooves 7 in conjunction with the spring-loaded guide rails 8.

[0072] The lateral insertion of the plug-in module 2 can be limited by a fixed or removable stop 10, which is located in or inserted into the base 1. For the purpose of easier insertion of the plug-in module 2 from above (see Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10) Stops 10 inserted on both sides of the base can have a slanted surface 11 to facilitate the insertion of the plug-in module 2 from above.

[0073] The respective stops 10 can be designed as lateral boundary walls that can be inserted into the base.

[0074] The one in Fig. 1. The indicated lateral insertion of the plug-in module 2 takes place in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 1 to the maximum of 10.

[0075] This allows for the possibility of rotating the spindle 6 (see Fig. 3) to fully secure the plug-in module 2 electrically and mechanically in the base.

[0076] The possible insertion movement of plug-in module 2 from the left takes place in an appropriate manner, as shown in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 illustrated.

[0077] Alternatively, the respective plug-in module 2 can also be inserted classically from above into a plug-in part 1.

[0078] First, the component is inserted from above until the spring-loaded guide rails 8 in the base 1 engage in the corresponding guide grooves 7 in the plug-in module 2, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 is shown. In this case, the unlock position is visible in viewing window 9.

[0079] Following the rotation of the spindle, the plug-in module 2 moves further towards the base 1. During this movement, the spring-loaded guide rails 9 are pressed into corresponding recesses in the side wall 100, ensuring that the screw-in movement of the plug-in module 2 is completed with a secure electrical connection until it reaches its final position. This is then reflected in the viewport 9.

[0080] The viewing window 9 is supplemented by at least one further end-face viewing window 90 in the base 1, so that it can be determined under all circumstances whether the plug-in module is electrically enabled or whether the desired contact connection to the base exists.

[0081] The Fig. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view through a device combination with base 1 and plug-in module 2 which can be fixed in base 1 and rotated or pivoted about its axis, shown first in the working position with closed contact connections between plug contacts 500 designed as spring contacts and contact tongues 5, wherein the arrow symbolizes the direction of the necessary rotational or pivoting movement to reach the park position, i.e. the release position.

[0082] When the release position is reached, a detent locking action occurs. This is achieved by means of detent recesses 100, which are provided on the plug-in part 2, particularly on its housing, in conjunction with spring-loaded detent lugs 101, which are guided on the base. The reaching or leaving of the release position can be detected by switching devices 102 and, if necessary, transmitted to a remote signaling device. Another position switch 102 is located in the lower base area and indicates the operating position.

[0083] In the representation according to Fig. 13 assumes a further embodiment of the teaching according to the invention with, for example, a hydraulically activatable cylinder 200.

[0084] When the cylinder 200 is retracted, the plug part 2 is located in the base, in the working position.

[0085] With cylinder 200 extended (arrow representation and dashed representation according to Fig. 13) The plug part 1 is lifted so that the plug contacts 500 and the contact tongues 5 are disengaged.

[0086] In this release position, the plug-in part 2 is again fixed by means of recesses 100 provided on the plug-in part in conjunction with locking lugs 101. Position switches 102 can also be provided in this embodiment to differentiate between the operating position reached and the release position in effect.

Claims

[1] Device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, consisting of a, a substantially U-shaped base (1) and at least one pluggable or slidable pluggable module (2) onto the base (1), wherein the base (1) has terminals (3) for connection to the respective network and pluggable contacts (500) connected to the terminals (3), which are complementary to mating contacts or contact tongues (5) of the pluggable module (2), furthermore the pluggable module (2) has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning current and / or surge arresters and the mating contacts or contact tongues (5) penetrate a bottom side of the housing, characterized by , that Means are provided for changing the position and distance between the plug contacts (500) and mating contacts or contact tongues (5), wherein, starting from a working position with a closed, surge-current-carrying electrical connection between plug module (2) and socket (1), a parking position can be selected in which the plug contacts (500) and mating contacts or contact tongues (5) are in a release position, with a distance corresponding to the necessary electrical separation distance and the required air and creepage distances, but wherein the plug module (2) is still held or fixed to the socket (1). [2] Device combination according to claim 1, characterized by , that the plug-in module (2) is designed to be rotatable or swiveling, whereby the swiveling or rotating movement allows selection between the working position and the parking position. [3] Device combination according to claim 1, characterized by, that between the plug-in module (2) or its housing and the base (1) a pneumatically or hydraulically activatable plunger, cushion or lever is arranged to effect a change in the contact distance and to achieve a change in position from the working position to the park position. [4] Device combination according to claim 1, characterized by , that a spindle (6) is arranged between the base (1) and the plug-in module (2) to convert a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement, such that the plug-in module (2) is movable towards and away from the base (1) and is held in the respective position in order to achieve both a secure electrical connection between the plug contacts and the mating contacts as well as a defined disconnection by contact separation. [5] Device combination according to claim 4, characterized by, that the spindle (6) is rotatably mounted in the plug-in module (2) and is accessible from the top of the plug-in module (20), wherein a threaded bore complementary to the spindle (6) is arranged in the base (1). [6] Device combination according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by, that at least one of the side surfaces (20) of the plug-in module (2) facing the U-shaped base (1) has a guide groove (7) which is complementary to a guide projection or guide rail (8) on at least one side wall (100) of the U-shaped base (1), wherein the guide projection or guide rail (8) is spring-mounted or spring-loaded in the side wall (100), so that when the plug-in module (2) moves towards the base bottom (101) or upwards from the base bottom (101), the guide projection or guide rail (8) moves towards the side wall (100) and, upon reaching a position congruent with the guide groove (7) in the plug-in module (2), enters this groove (7), wherein the change in position of the guide projection or guide rail (8) is visible in a viewing window (9) in the base (1). [7] Device combination according to claim 6, characterized by, that when the plug-in module (2) reaches a position within the base (1) which is characterized by the entry of the guide projection or the guide rail (8) into the guide groove (7), the contact separation is given. [8] Device combination according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that by means of the guide groove (7) and the guide projection or the guide rail (8) the plug-in module (2) can be inserted laterally into the U-shaped base (1) and subsequently a movement of the plug-in module (2) towards the base bottom (101) can be carried out by means of the spindle (6) for contacting. [9] Device combination according to claim 8, characterized by , that the lateral insertion is limited by a fixed or removable stop (10) which is located in the base (1). [10] Device combination according to claim 9, characterized by , that the stops (10) are designed as lateral boundary walls that can be inserted into the base (1). [11] Device combination according to claim 10, characterized by , that the boundary walls have a centering slope (11) on their upper side to facilitate the insertion of the plug-in module (2) from above towards the base (1). [12] Device combination according to claims 6 and 11, characterized by , that a first viewing window (9) in the plug-in direction of the plug-in module (2) and a second viewing window (90) in the insertion direction of the plug-in module (2) are each formed in the base (1).

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