Fastening element and switchgear arrangement

Abstract

Fastening element (1) for fastening a switching device (10) to a rail (11) comprising a slide (2) and at least a first leaf spring (31) and at least a second leaf spring (32), wherein the slide (2), the first leaf spring (31) and the second leaf spring (32) are formed in one piece, wherein the slide (2) is movable relative to the switching device (100) along a direction of movement (20), and wherein the first and second leaf springs (31, 32) exert forces for fastening which act in the direction of movement (20) towards the rail (11).

Description

A fastening element is specified. Furthermore, a switching device arrangement is specified. One of the problems to be solved is to specify an improved fastening element with which, in particular, a switching device can be attached to a rail. Furthermore, another problem to be solved is to specify a switching device arrangement in which, in particular, a switching device is attached to a rail using such a fastening element. These tasks are solved by the items having the features of claims 1 and 6, respectively. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. In at least one embodiment, the fastening element is designed to attach a switching device to a rail. The fastening element comprises a slide and at least one first leaf spring and at least one second leaf spring. The slide, the first leaf spring, and the second leaf spring are formed in one piece. The slide is movable relative to the switching device along one direction of movement. For fastening, the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring exert forces that act in the direction of movement toward the rail. The switching device is, for example, a contactor, a circuit breaker, or similar. The rail is, for example, a DIN rail, which can be used, for instance, in a control box or cabinet for switching devices. Specifically, the switching devices are typically attached to such a rail when installing them in an existing electrical system and then connected to the electrical system. A reliable and permanent mounting of switching devices to such a rail is therefore desirable. The slide and the leaf springs are formed as a single piece. This means, in particular, that the slide, the first leaf spring, and the second leaf spring are made from the same material and produced in a single manufacturing process. For example, the slide, the first leaf spring, and the second leaf spring are stamped from a sheet of metal, such as a steel sheet, and then bent to achieve the geometric shape of the fastener. Traces of a stamping process are therefore visible at the edges of the fastener. One principal plane of extension of the slide, for example, is perpendicular to the principal planes of extension of the first and second leaf springs. For fastening, the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring exert forces that act in the direction of movement towards the rail. Specifically, the leaf springs push the fastening element towards the rail. This direction of movement is perpendicular to the main extension of the rail. The fastening element can be positioned on a mounting surface of the switching device. For example, the fastening element can be inserted into a guide structure that defines the direction of movement and / or into a holding structure. The forces exerted by the leaf springs then fix the switching device and the rail to each other via the fastening element. The slider can preferably be arranged on an outer edge of the mounting surface. In particular, the direction of movement is perpendicular to this outer edge, as viewed from the mounting surface. The rail can, for example, be positioned in a central area of ​​the mounting surface so that the rail covers the center point of the mounting surface. The forces exerted by the leaf springs then act in the direction of this center point. The fastening element described herein is based, among other things, on the following technical considerations. A permanently secure fastening of switching devices to rails or mounting rails is desirable for many applications of switching devices in electrical systems. For example, switching devices such as contactors or circuit breakers can be used in industrial applications, such as motor control, or in household applications, such as a home electrical network. In these applications, the switching devices are typically mounted on a rail and then connected to the electrical system via wiring. Typically, springs, such as coil springs, are used in combination with sliders to attach and secure the switching device to the rail. The spring then exerts a force that fastens the switching device to the rail. However, separate components are conventionally used for the slider and the spring. This increases the installation effort, as the slider and spring must first be correctly positioned relative to each other and then attached to the switching device. Furthermore, both components must be manufactured individually. Alternatively, plastic mounting systems can be used, where, for example, the switching device is attached to the rail using a plastic clip. Such approaches are characterized primarily by their low manufacturing costs. However, this option has the disadvantage that plastic clips lose their clamping force over time due to stress relaxation and therefore do not provide a permanent and reliable fastening. The fastening element described herein is based, among other things, on the idea of ​​manufacturing it as a single piece, i.e., from one material. This reduces the number of individual parts, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying the installation process. According to at least one embodiment, the fastening element or slider and the first and second leaf springs comprise steel, in particular spring steel. For example, any spring steel material such as 1.4310, 1.4568, 1.1200 (EN 10270-1) or similar can be used as the material for the fastening element. Such spring steels are very well suited for resilient fastening elements subjected to load over extended periods due to their very high tensile strength and excellent stress-strain behavior. According to at least one embodiment, the fastener is made of spring steel grade 1.1200 or 1.4310. For example, the fastener is stamped from such spring steel and then bent into shape. The fastener may therefore show traces of a stamping process. According to at least one embodiment of the fastening element, the first leaf spring and / or the second leaf spring has an acute angle to the direction of movement of the slide. According to at least one embodiment of the fastening element, the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring are connected to each other via a connecting area. The first leaf spring and the second leaf spring are preferably connected to the slide via this connecting area. The connecting area is, in particular, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slide. The connecting section is shorter than either the first or second leaf spring. The length of the curved sections allows for further adjustment of the stiffness of the leaf springs and / or the fastening element. Thus, the length of the leaf springs provides a way to adjust the forces exerted by them. The connection area, for example, has a length corresponding to the length of the slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. In particular, the leaf springs are connected to the slide in the connection area. For example, at a transition from the connection area to the slide, the fastening element has an angle of approximately 90°. In this transition area, the fastening element may be bent so that the connection area and the leaf springs can be distinguished from the slide. Preferably, the leaf springs can be inserted into a retaining structure at opposite ends. The retaining structure is preferably arranged on the mounting surface of the switching device and is formed integrally with the switching device or a housing of the switching device. The retaining structure can comprise one or more grooves. Preferably, the slide engages in a guide structure of the switching device. The guide structure is, for example, a rail or the like in the form of a recess or other structure on the mounting surface of the switching device. The guide structure is preferably formed integrally with the switching device or its housing. In particular, the guide structure defines the direction of movement of the slide and ensures that the forces exerted by the leaf springs or the fastening element are directed towards the rail. Preferably, the guide structure at least partially encloses the slide, for example, at edges or corners of the slide parallel to the direction of movement. According to at least one embodiment of the fastening element, the principal extension planes of the first and second leaf springs are each perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the slide. Preferably, the principal extension plane of the connection area is also perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the slide. Furthermore, a switching device arrangement is specified. The switching device arrangement includes, in particular, a fastening element described herein. That is to say, all features disclosed for the fastening element are also disclosed for the switching device arrangement and vice versa. In at least one embodiment, the switching device arrangement comprises a switching device, a rail, and a fastening element described herein. The switching device is attached to the rail by means of the fastening element. The switching device is, for example, a contactor, a circuit breaker, or the like. The rail is, for example, a DIN rail. According to at least one embodiment, the fastening element is arranged at an edge region of a mounting surface of the switching device. The rail is arranged in a central region of the mounting surface and, in particular, covers a center point of the mounting surface. The edge region of the mounting surface preferably borders an outer edge of the mounting surface. The fastening element is preferably arranged at this outer edge, particularly in relation to the mounting surface. The first and second leaf springs exert forces on the slider, acting along the direction of movement towards the central area. This results in forces acting on the slider towards the rail. For example, the slider is directly adjacent to the rail, so the exerted forces press the slider against the rail, thus securing the switching device to the rail. According to at least one embodiment, the slider engages at least part of the rail in the area of ​​the slider. Such engagement allows for secure fastening. It is possible that part of the rail, which is at least partially engaged by the slider, may become deformed or distorted. According to at least one embodiment, the slider comprises at least one locking element which at least partially engages the rail or a part of the rail. The locking element can be hook-shaped. The part of the rail, for example an outer edge of the rail, can be shaped such that the locking element engages in this part. It is possible that the locking element deforms or distorts the part of the rail that it at least partially grips. In particular, the locking element is pressed against the rail by the forces exerted by the leaf springs. This secures the switching device to the rail. The locking element and the slider, and thus the locking element and the fastening element, are preferably formed in one piece. According to at least one embodiment of the switching device arrangement, the switching device has a guide structure. The guide structure is arranged, in particular, on the mounting surface, preferably in the edge region of the mounting surface. For example, the guide structure borders the outer edge where the fastening element can be arranged. In the guide structure, the fastening element is movably arranged along the direction of movement. Thus, the guide structure dictates the direction of movement of the fastening element. Preferably, the fastening element is fixed to the mounting surface by means of the fixing structure in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement relative to the switching device. This means, in particular, that the fastening element is only movable within the fixing structure along the direction of movement. The fastening element cannot therefore be lifted in any direction, for example, perpendicular to the mounting surface. The fastening element is, for example, inserted into the guide structure, which then partially surrounds the fastening element, at least at one edge. Since the guide structure allows the fastening element to move only in the direction of movement, and since the leaf springs exert forces on the fastening element that act along the direction of movement towards the rail, reliable fastening of the switching device to the rail using the fastening element is possible. The guide structure is preferably formed in one piece with the switching device or a housing of the switching device. According to at least one embodiment, the switching device has a retaining structure, wherein the ends of the first and second leaf springs of the fastening element engage in the retaining structure. The retaining structure is preferably formed integrally with the switching device or a housing of the switching device. The retaining structure may have one or more grooves. The ends of the leaf springs are preferably arranged opposite the fastening element. According to at least one embodiment of the switching device arrangement, which includes a retaining structure, the retaining structure is arranged on opposite outer edges of the mounting surface. The outer edges are, in particular, parallel to the direction of movement. That is to say, the outer edges on which the retaining structure is arranged are perpendicular to an outer edge on which the fastening element is arranged. For example, the holding structure includes two grooves. In this case, one of the grooves is preferably arranged on each of the aforementioned outer edges. According to at least one embodiment of the switching device arrangement, the fastening element is flush with an outer surface of the switching device that runs perpendicular to the mounting surface. This means, in particular, that the fastening element does not protrude beyond any outer contour of the housing. For example, when viewed from the mounting surface, the fastening element does not project beyond the mounting surface. It is also possible that the fastening element is recessed into the housing of the switching element. This means, in particular, that the fastening element has a distance from the outer surface in the direction of the rail. For example, when viewed from the mounting surface, the fastening element has a distance from the outer edge to which it is attached. According to at least one embodiment, the switching device or a housing of the switching device has a recess. The slider, for example, has a corresponding recess. The recess is accessible, for example, via a front surface opposite the mounting surface or an outer surface oriented transversely to the mounting surface. This means, in particular, that the recess of the slider can be accessed from the front or outer surface with a tool via the recess. This allows the slider to be moved in the direction of movement by applying force, for example, to release the switching device from the rail. This is achieved, for example, by moving the fastening element away from the rail in the direction of movement, in particular by overcoming the forces exerted by the leaf springs.In this case, the fastening element or slider detaches from the rail and the switching device can be removed from the rail. If the elastic deformation of the leaf springs is not exceeded during this process, the fastening element can advantageously be reused when the switching device is reinstalled. In at least one embodiment, when mounting the switching device on the rail, for example in a first step the fastening element is inserted into the fixing structure and / or the holding structure of the switching device. In a further step, the fastening element is moved in the direction of movement, for example so that the slider protrudes from the mounting surface when viewed from the mounting surface. In a further step, the switching device is attached to the rail and the fastening element is pressed down towards the rail. The slider or the locking mechanisms then enclose the rail or at least part of it. It is possible that the forces exerted by the leaf springs alone may cause the fastening element to protrude from the outer surface of the switching element housing, rather than being flush with it. In this case, a force can be applied to the fastening element to countersink it into the housing of the switching element. This can bend or deform the leaf spring. Such deformation is preferably elastic. Advantageously, this allows the switching device to be permanently and securely attached to the rail using a relatively simple assembly process. Further advantages and beneficial designs and developments of the fastening element and the switching device arrangement will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments presented below in conjunction with schematic drawings. Identical, similar, and functionally equivalent elements are designated with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or better understanding. Figures 1, 2 to 3 show different views of a fastening element according to one embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates the arrangement of a fastening element described herein on a switching device in a perspective view. Figure 5 shows a switching device arrangement according to one embodiment described herein in a perspective view. Figure 6 illustrates the arrangement of a fastening element on a switching device and a rail in a top view. Figure 7 shows a switching device arrangement according to another embodiment described herein in a top view. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a fastening element 1 described herein according to an exemplary embodiment. The fastening element 1 comprises a slide 2, a first leaf spring 31, and a second leaf spring 32. Fig. 2 shows a top view of the fastening element 1, in particular a view of a principal extension plane of the slide 2. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the fastening element 1, in particular a view of a plane perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the slide 2. The slide 2 and the first and second leaf springs 31, 32 are formed in one piece. The slide 2 and the leaf springs 31, 32 comprise steel, in particular spring steel such as spring steel 1.1200 or spring steel 1.4310. The fastening element 1 is, for example, stamped from a sheet of steel and subsequently bent into the shape shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The principal planes of extension of the first and second leaf springs 31, 32 are perpendicular to the principal plane of extension of the slide 2. The slide 2 has locking elements 21 which can at least partially engage the rail 11 for fastening a switching device to it, as illustrated, for example, in Fig. 7. The locking elements 21 are bent perpendicular to the slide 2. The slide also has a recess 22 into which, for example, a tool can be inserted to move the slide 2. In a connection area 33, the first leaf spring 31 and the second leaf spring 32 are connected to each other. Furthermore, in this connection area, the leaf springs 31 and 32 are connected to the slide 2. At a transition between the connection area 33 and the slide 2, the fastening element 1 is bent, for example, substantially by 90°, as can be seen in Fig. 3. The first and second leaf springs 31, 32 each have an obtuse angle with respect to the connection area 33, as can be seen in Fig. 2. As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 4, the leaf springs 31, 32 have an acute angle with respect to a direction of movement 20 of the fastening element 1 during assembly of the fastening element 1. In particular, the leaf springs 31, 32 are bent in the same direction, for example, towards the locking elements 21. One end 34 of the first leaf spring 31 and one end 35 of the second leaf spring 32 can be arranged in a holding structure 14 of a switching device 14 in order to tension the leaf springs 31, 32, as shown, for example, in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7. The ends 34, 35 are located, in particular, opposite the connection area 33. The fastening element 1 can be arranged on a mounting surface 12 of a switching device 10. Fig. 4 illustrates how the fastening element 1 can be arranged on the mounting surface 12. The slider 2 of the fastening element 1 can be inserted into a guide structure 13. The guide structure 13 defines a direction of movement 20 for the fastening element 1. For example, the guide structure 13 comprises two guide rails into which the slider 2 is inserted, so that movement is only possible in the direction of movement 20. This means, in particular, that the fastening element 1 cannot move in directions perpendicular or transverse to the direction of movement 20 when it is inserted into the guide structure 13. For example, the fastening element 1 cannot be lifted in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 12 when the fastening element 1 is arranged in the guide structure 13. The guide structure 13 is formed integrally with the switching device 10 or a housing of the switching device 10. The guide structure can partially encompass the fastening element 1, in particular the slider 2, in an edge region. Fig. 5 shows a switching device arrangement 100 described herein. The switching device arrangement 100 comprises a switching device 10, which is attached to a rail 11 by means of a fastening element 1 described herein. The fastening element 1 is, in particular, a fastening element 1 according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. The switching device 10 is, for example, a contactor or a circuit breaker that can be installed in an electrical system, for example, for motor control or the like. The rail 11 is, for example, a DIN rail or another standardized rail, so that the fastening element 1 can be easily adapted to the rail 11. Fig. 6 illustrates the mounting of the switching device 10 on a rail 11 using the fastening element 1. The fastening element 1 is inserted into the guide structure 13 and moved along the direction of movement 20 so that, in a top view of the mounting surface 12, the fastening element 1 projects beyond the mounting surface 12. In doing so, the end 34 of the first leaf spring 31 and the end 35 of the second leaf spring 32 are inserted into a retaining structure 14. The retaining structure 14 comprises two opposing grooves arranged on the outer edges 15 of the mounting surface 12. The retaining structure 14 is formed integrally with the switching device 10 or a housing of the switching device 10. The outer edges 15 are, in particular, parallel to the direction of movement 20 and perpendicular to an outer surface 16 that borders the mounting surface 12 and on which the fastening element 1 is arranged. Furthermore, the outer edge 15 is perpendicular to an outer edge on which the fastening element 1 is arranged. This outer edge connects the mounting surface 12 and the outer surface 16. The fastening element 1 is, in particular, arranged at an edge region that borders this outer edge. The switching device 10 is then attached to a rail 11, and the fastening element 1 is moved towards the rail 11, as illustrated in Fig. 7. The locking elements 21 of the fastening element 1 engage the rail 11 at least partially, or at least a portion of it, so that the rail is firmly connected to the switching element 10. Simultaneously, the leaf springs 31, 32 exert forces in the direction of movement 20 towards the rail 11. This pushes the fastening element 1 towards the rail 11, thus firmly connecting the rail 11 to the switching element 10. On one side of the rail 11 opposite the fastening element 1, the switching device 10 has a fastening structure 18 which at least partially engages the rail 11. The fastening structure 18 can be hook-shaped. Preferably, the fastening structure 18 is formed integrally with the switching device 10 or a housing of the switching device 10. Furthermore, the movement of the fastening element 1 in directions transverse or perpendicular to the direction of movement 20 is restricted by the guide structure 13. Thus, the forces of the leaf springs 31, 32 and the fastening structure 18 ensure a permanently secure fastening of the switching device 10 to the rail 11. In the present embodiment, the fastening element 1 is flush with the outer surface 16, which runs transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting surface 12. That is, when viewed from the mounting surface 12, the fastening element 1 does not protrude beyond the mounting surface 12, as illustrated in Fig. 7. In other embodiments not shown, the fastening element 1 may not be flush with the outer surface 16. The switching device 10, or a housing of the switching device 10, has a recess 17 that corresponds to the recess 22 of the slide 2. For example, the recess 22 is accessible via a front surface (not shown) facing away from the mounting surface 12 or via an outer surface 16 extending transversely to it. This allows, for example, a tool to be inserted into the recess 22 to move the slide or the fastening element 1 in the direction of movement 20. For example, by applying a force greater than the forces exerted by the leaf springs 31, 32, the fastening element 1 can be moved away from the rail 11 in the direction of movement 20 to remove the switching device 10 from the rail 11. Subsequently, it is possible to reattach the switching device 10 to the rail 11 or another rail using the same fastening element 1. The invention is not limited to the description provided by the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any new feature, as well as any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the claims, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 Fastening element 2 Slider 10 Switching device 11 Rail 12 Mounting surface 13 Guide structure 14 Retaining structure 15 Outer edge 16 Outer surface 17 Recess 18 Fastening structure 20 Direction of movement 21 Locking element 22 Recess 31 First leaf spring 32 Second leaf spring 33 Connection area 34 End of first leaf spring 35 End of second leaf spring 100 Switching device arrangement

Claims

Fastening element (1) for fastening a switching device (10) to a rail (11) comprising a slide (2) and at least a first leaf spring (31) and at least a second leaf spring (32), wherein the slide (2), the first leaf spring (31) and the second leaf spring (32) are formed in one piece, wherein the slide (2) is movable relative to the switching device (100) along a direction of movement (20), and wherein the first and second leaf springs (31, 32) exert forces for fastening which act in the direction of movement (20) towards the rail (11). Fastening element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the slider (2) and the first and second leaf spring (31, 32) comprise steel, in particular spring steel. Fastening element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leaf spring (31) and / or the second leaf spring (32) has an acute angle to the direction of movement (20) of the slide (2). Fastening element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first leaf spring (31) and the second leaf spring (32) are connected to each other via a connecting area (33) and are connected to the slide (2), wherein the connecting area (33) is perpendicular to the direction of movement (20) of the slide (2), and wherein the connecting area (33) has a shorter length than each of the first and second leaf springs (31, 32). Fastening element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the principal extension planes of the first and second leaf spring (31, 32) are each perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the slide (2). Switching device arrangement (100) comprising a switching device (10), a rail (11) and a fastening element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (10) is fastened to the rail (11) by means of the fastening element (1). Switching device arrangement (100) according to claim 6, wherein the fastening element (1) is arranged on an edge region of a mounting surface (12) of the switching device (10), wherein the rail (11) is arranged on a central region of the mounting surface (12), wherein the first and second leaf springs (31, 32) exert forces on the slide (2) which act along the direction of movement (20) towards the central region. Switching device arrangement (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening element (1) in the area of ​​the slide (2) at least partially surrounds at least a part of the rail (15). Switching device arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the slider (2) comprises at least one locking element (21), wherein the locking element (21) at least partially surrounds at least a part of the rail (15). Switching device arrangement (100) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the switching device (10) has a guide structure (13) in which the fastening element (1) is movably arranged along the direction of movement (20) and which specifies a direction of movement (20) of the fastening element (1). Switching device arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein the fastening element (1) is fixed by means of the guide structure (13) in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement (20) relative to the switching device (10). Switching device arrangement (100) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the switching device (10) has a retaining structure (14), wherein ends (34, 35) of the first and second leaf springs (31, 32) of the fastening element (1) engage in the retaining structure (14). Switching device arrangement (100) according to claim 12 in conjunction with claim 7, wherein the retaining structure (14) is arranged on opposite outer edges (15) of the mounting surface (12), and wherein the outer edges (15) are parallel to the direction of movement (20). Switching device arrangement (100) according to one of claims 6 to 13 in conjunction with claim 7, wherein the fastening element (1) terminates flush with an outer surface (16) of the switching device (10) extending transversely to the mounting surface (12).

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