Plug-in module for a rail-mounted device, and rail-mounted device

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug-in module for a DIN rail mounting device and a corresponding DIN rail mounting device. State of the art

[0002] There are numerous electrical DIN rail devices that feature removable electrical plug-in modules, typically of narrow width, arranged side by side. These types of DIN rail devices often require increased pulling forces to detach the plug-in modules.

[0003] This entails a number of disadvantages, u.a. Poor handling occurs with narrow, rectangular plug-in modules that are arranged parallel to each other along their broad sides. There is a risk that several plug-in modules will be unintentionally removed simultaneously along their narrow sides, thus causing unwanted interruptions in adjacent signal circuits.

[0004] In addition, extra tools are often required to disassemble the plug-in modules, and a protective cover must also be removed for disassembly.

[0005] The large amount of finger pressure required to peel off a plug-in module along its narrow side surfaces often necessitates repeated shaking back and forth while simultaneously exerting considerable force to pull a plug-in module out of the base part.

[0006] This also leads to mechanical stress on the components of the entire modular device, such as z.B. the plug contacts and the fastening mechanism on the mounting rail.

[0007] DE 10 2009 004 346 A1 discloses an adapter for mounting single- and multi-pole surge protection devices designed as plug-in modules onto a wiring carrier in an end device. The adapter comprises a base with means for electrically connecting the interchangeable plug-in modules housed in the respective base to the end device application circuitry. The adapter has at least two upwardly open chambers bounded by side walls, from the underside of which at least one mounting and adjustment extension extends, having a cross-sectional shape that is essentially complementary to an opening in the wiring carrier of the end device. Furthermore, connection elements extend outside the chamber area occupied by the respective plug-in module, allowing a direct or indirect electrical connection to the wiring carrier. The chambers have internal contacts and mechanical fastening means for the respective plug-in module.

[0008] WO 99 / 19954 A1 discloses an adapter for busbars, in particular for mounting installation devices in distribution boards, with a base body made of insulating material in which contact means for taking current from busbars are arranged.

[0009] US Patent 2018 / 0206351 A1 discloses a plug-in module with a housing that has a handle which folds out from the top of the housing. The handle is rotatably mounted on the housing and has an actuating surface which, when the handle is pivoted, moves an arm arranged on a side surface of the housing parallel to the side surface. The arm, in turn, actuates a locking hook, causing it to retract from a position projecting from the side surface.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 195 27 757 A1 describes a safety device for connectors, which has a housing with a first axial end section, a second axial end section, and essentially flat side surfaces between the first and second axial end sections. A first axial end section of a resiliently elastic tongue is attached to the housing, while a second axial end section of the tongue is resiliently movable relative to the housing. A first locking lug projects between the first and second axial end sections of the tongue. A force can be exerted on a retaining element fixed to the tongue by means of a finger such that the tongue is bent from an essentially first position to a second position, whereby in the second position the first locking lug is retracted into the housing.

[0011] Since the plug-in modules described above feature surge-current-resistant contacts, the pull-out forces are higher compared to standard plug connections. Consequently, even greater gripping force is required between the index finger and thumb to remove the plug-in module from the base.

[0012] This results in the contact surfaces on the finger widening even more than with normal plug-in modules under normal pulling forces, making not only unintentional contact but also the pulling out of adjacent plug-in modules likely. Therefore, despite high finger pressure, sufficient contact surface area for the index finger and thumb must be available so that an average person can apply the necessary pulling force.

[0013] The problem with known tool-free solutions is that the gripping surfaces on the sides of the plug-in module are not equipped with an undercut for the fingers.

[0014] The already known and common practice of incorporating structures, ridges, etc. into the gripping surfaces to increase friction only slightly reduces the necessary finger pressure for pulling the plug-in module.

[0015] A significant improvement, however, would be a grip surface that is ergonomically well-shaped and offers the necessary surface area for the fingers to grip. z.B. as an undercut. However, known solutions only have flat gripping surfaces without effective undercuts. Due to this unfavorable design, the necessary pulling force must be applied solely by finger pressure to maintain the static friction between the finger and the gripping surface on the plug-in module for pulling.

[0016] However, if a grippy undercut were attached to the plug-in module, the problem would arise that undercut elements that protrude beyond the specified installation dimensions of DIN rail devices would prevent the mounting of a protective cover and would not conform to the standardized outer shell.

[0017] Against this background, there is a need to provide an improved plug-in module for a DIN rail device and a corresponding DIN rail device. Disclosure of the invention

[0018] The present invention relates to a plug-in module for a DIN rail mounting device according to claim 1. 1. The invention further relates to a modular installation device according to claim 1. 8.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0020] The idea of ​​the present invention is to provide the user with an advantageous actuating element, preferably with an undercut formed by the movement, by allowing the at least one actuating element to move from the first position, which is arranged at least partially inside the plug-in module, to the second position, which is arranged at least partially outside the plug-in module, and which advantageously enables selective gripping and pulling of the plug-in module with relatively little effort and without the use of an auxiliary tool.

[0021] Thus, an easily releasable locking mechanism between the plug-in module and the base prevents the module from being lost, for example, due to vibration. The locking mechanism is dimensioned to be robust enough to compensate for forces generated, such as those caused by surge currents, preventing the module from coming loose. Furthermore, the plug-in module can be removed without accidentally unlocking and pulling out adjacent modules, thus avoiding unintentional interruptions in neighboring signal paths.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the majority of essentially flat side surfaces have a first and second narrow side surface and a first and second broad side surface, which are arranged with an essentially rectangular cross-section.

[0023] With such dimensions, a high packing density of several plug-in modules can be achieved in a DIN rail-mounted device.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the plug-in module is further equipped with a second resiliently elastic tongue, which is attached to a second side surface of the housing; wherein the second resiliently elastic tongue has a first axial end section which is attached to the housing, and a second axial end section which is resiliently movable; wherein a second locking lug is formed between the first and second axial end sections, which projects from the second side surface of the housing; a second actuating element movably mounted on the second side, which is movable from a first position arranged substantially inside the housing to a second position in which it is partially located outside the housing and is abutting the second axial end section;wherein in the second position, by applying a substantially lateral force by a user to the second actuating element, the second locking lug can be moved into the housing.

[0025] This increases the stability of the locking mechanism in the DIN rail-mounted device.

[0026] According to another preferred development, the first side surface is the first narrow side surface and the second side surface is the second narrow side surface.

[0027] This further increases the achievable packing density.

[0028] According to another preferred development method, the first and / or locking nose is essentially wedge-shaped.

[0029] This creates a stable and simple locking mechanism.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second actuating element are essentially wedge-shaped, wherein in the respective first position a respective pointed end section of the first and / or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the first axial end section of the housing, and wherein in the respective second position of the first and / or second actuating element the respective pointed end section of the first and / or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the second axial end section of the housing.

[0031] Due to this design, the first and / or second actuating element in the respective second position offers effective undercuts that simplify the removal of the plug-in module in the unlocked state.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second actuating element can be pivoted about a respective pivot axis. Such a feature is easily implemented. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] For a better understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the associated drawings.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic illustrations of the drawings.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a DIN rail mounting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a locked position; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the DIN rail mounting device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in a position ready for unlocking; and Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the DIN rail mounting device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in an unlocked position.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, identical reference numerals denote identical elements of the drawings. Description of exemplary implementations

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a DIN rail-mounted device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a locked position.

[0038] The DIN rail mounting device 1 comprises a base part 20 and at least one electrical plug-in module 10 inserted into the base part 20. The plug-in module 10 includes a housing G, which has substantially rectangular cross-sections in its vertical direction H and its horizontal direction B. A first and second substantially flat narrow side face are designated by reference numerals S1 and S2, and a first and second substantially flat wide side face by reference numerals B1 and B2 (above and below the plane of the drawing, respectively). A first axial end section 10a of the plug-in module 10 is located on an operator side, and a second axial end section 10b of the plug-in module 10 is arranged inside the base part 20.

[0039] For example, operating elements (not shown) are arranged on the first axial end section 10a and electrical contact elements (not shown) on the second axial end section.

[0040] For example, the electrical plug-in module 10 is a surge protection module or a fuse module.

[0041] The base part 20 has a first recess 20a1 formed on a first side 20a for receiving a support rail 22 and a second recess 20b1 formed on a second side 20b arranged opposite the first side 20a for the locked receiving of the at least one plug-in module 10.

[0042] Not shown are the 20 busbars provided inside the base part, which are electrically connected to the contact elements of the plug-in module 10.

[0043] Typically, the base part 20 is designed in such a way that a plurality of plug-in modules 10 can be arranged parallel to each other along the broad side surfaces B1, B2 in the base part 20.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the plug-in module 10 has on the opposite narrow side surfaces S1, S2 a first resiliently elastic tongue 12 with a first wedge-shaped locking lug 12c and a second resiliently elastic tongue 14 with a second wedge-shaped locking lug 14c attached in the plug-in module 10.

[0045] In particular, the first resilient elastic tongue 12 has a first axial end section 12a, which is anchored in the plug-in module 10, and a second axial end section 12b, which is movable. The second resilient elastic tongue 14 has a first axial end section 14a, which is anchored in the plug-in module 10, and a second axial end section 14b, which is movable. Reference numeral A denotes the axial direction of the first and second resilient elastic tongues 12, 14.

[0046] The first locking lug 12c is located near the second axial end section 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12, and the second locking lug 14c is located near the second axial end section 14b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 14. The first and second locking lugs 12c, 14c project laterally from the narrow side surfaces S1, S2.

[0047] A respective short side 12c1, 14c1 of the first and second locking lug 12c or 14c is arranged in the direction of the second axial end section 12b, 14b of the respective elastically springy tongues 12, 14.

[0048] The first locking lug 12c is inserted into a first undercut 24 formed in the base part 20. The second locking lug 14c is inserted into a second undercut 26 formed in the base part 20.

[0049] The first undercut 24 and the first locking lug 12c as well as the second undercut 26 and the second locking lug 14c of the base part 20 are essentially wedge-shaped and complementary.

[0050] The short side 12c1 of the first locking lug 12c of the first spring-elastic tongue 12 lies against a short side 24a of the first undercut 24 of the base part 20 in the locked state of the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20.

[0051] Likewise, the short side 14c1 of the second locking lug 14c of the second spring-elastic tongue 14 lies against a short side 26a of the second undercut 26 of the base part 20 in the locked state of the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20.

[0052] This allows for a stable locking of the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20.

[0053] In the Fig. 1 In the illustrated assembly state of the DIN rail device 1, a protective cover 28 arranged on a surface 20c of the base part 20 has an opening 30. The plug-in module 10 passes through the opening 30.

[0054] The opening 30 of the protective cover 28 is essentially formed with a form fit to the narrow side surfaces S1, S2 of the plug-in module 10. A form fit in the width direction B corresponds to the sum of the widths of the inserted plug-in modules 10.

[0055] Furthermore, the plug-in module 10 has a first actuating element 16 pivotably mounted in the plug-in module 10 on its first narrow side surface S1 and a second actuating element 18 pivotally mounted in the plug-in module 10 on its second narrow side surface S2.

[0056] The first actuating element 16 and the second actuating element 18 are essentially wedge-shaped. In a first position P1 of the first actuating element 16 and in a first position P3 of the second actuating element 18, a first end section 16a of the first actuating element 16 and a first end section 18a of the second actuating element 18 are arranged in the area of ​​tapered side surfaces 16b, 16c of the first actuating element 16 and tapered side surfaces 18b, 18c of the second actuating element 18, respectively, adjacent to the first axial end section 10a of the plug-in module 10.

[0057] In the first position P1 of the first actuating element 16 and in the first position P3 of the second actuating element 18, a short side 16d of the first actuating element 16 and a short side 18d of the second actuating element 18 are directed towards a second axial end section 10b of the plug-in module 10.

[0058] The first and second actuating elements 16, 18 are pivotable and serve to unlock the first spring-elastic tongue 12 with the first locking lug 12c and the second spring-elastic tongue 14 with the second locking lug 14c, as will be explained later.

[0059] A pivot axis SA of the first actuating element 16 is arranged adjacent to the short side 16d of the first actuating element 16 and a side wall 10c in the width direction B of the plug-in module 10. A pivot axis SA' of the second actuating element 18 is likewise arranged adjacent to the short side 18d of the second actuating element 18 and a side wall 10d in the width direction B of the plug-in module 10.

[0060] The pivot axes SA, SA' are located on opposite side walls of the broadside surfaces B1, B2 (in Fig. 1 (not shown) of the plug-in module 10.

[0061] In the Fig. 1 In the depicted state, the first and second actuating elements 16, 18 are in their respective first positions P1, P3, essentially recessed within the plug-in module 10. Thus, they do not impede either the assembly / disassembly of the protective cover 28 or the parallel alignment of plug-in modules 10 along their broad side surfaces B1, B2.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the DIN rail mounting device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in a position ready for unlocking.

[0063] The first actuating element 16 can be pivoted from the first position P1, which is completely located inside the plug-in module 10, to a second position P2, in which the end section 16a of the first actuating element 16 rests against the second axial end section 12b of the first spring-loaded elastic tongue 12.

[0064] In the second position P2, the first actuating element 16 is arranged section by section outside the plug-in module 10, with the side surface 16c forming an undercut due to the wedge shape.

[0065] In the second position P2, by applying a substantially lateral force by a user to the first actuating element 16, the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 can be moved substantially perpendicular to its axial direction A.

[0066] The second actuating element 18 can be pivoted from the first position P3, which is completely located inside the plug-in module 10, to a second position P4, in which the end section 18a of the second actuating element 18 rests against the second axial end section 14b of the second spring-elastic tongue 14.

[0067] In this second position P4, the second actuating element 18 is arranged section by section outside the plug-in module 10, with the side surface 18b forming an undercut due to the wedge shape.

[0068] In the second position P4, by applying a substantially lateral force by a user to the second actuating element 18, the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 can be moved substantially perpendicular to its axial direction A.

[0069] The respective side walls 10c, 10d on the narrow side surfaces S1, S2 each have a cutout 10c1, 10d1. Through the respective cutout 10c1, 10d1, the first actuating element 16 and the second actuating element 18 can be pivoted between the first position P1, P3 and the second position P2, P4 and a third position P5, P6 (see below).

[0070] In the respective second positions P2, P4, the first actuating element 16 and the second actuating element 18 are therefore essentially pivoted by 180° to the respective first positions P1, P3.

[0071] The short side 16d of the first actuating element 16 is directed in the second position P2 of the first actuating element 16 towards the first axial end section 10a of the plug-in module 10.

[0072] Likewise, the short side 18d of the second actuating element 18 is directed in the direction of the first axial end section 10a of the plug-in module 10 in the second position P4 of the second actuating element 18.

[0073] It is advantageous that in this embodiment the second axial end section 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 and the second axial end section 14b of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 extend in axial direction A beyond the protective cover 28 to the outside, so that the unlocking and disassembly of the plug-in module 10 can be carried out without removing the protective cover.

[0074] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the DIN rail mounting device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in the unlocked position.

[0075] To unlock the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20, the first locking lug 12c of the first spring-elastic tongue 12 with the first undercut 24 formed in the base part 20 can be disengaged by applying a substantially lateral force F1 by a first finger 32 of the user to the first actuating element 16, by pressing the first spring-elastic tongue 12 at its second axial end section 12b into the interior of the plug-in module 10 into a corresponding third position P5.

[0076] Likewise, to unlock the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20 by applying a substantially lateral force F2 by a second finger 34 of the user to the second actuating element 18, the locking lug 14c of the second spring-elastic tongue 14 with the second undercut 26 formed in the base part 20 can be moved out of engagement by pressing the second spring-elastic tongue 14 at its second axial end section 14b into the interior of the plug-in module 10 into a corresponding third position P6.

[0077] In this unlocked position, the plug-in module 10 can be pulled out of the base part 20 by the user applying an additional pulling force, the wedge-shaped design of the first and second actuating device 16, 18 providing the user with corresponding undercuts on the sides 16c and 18b, respectively, which facilitate the pulling out.

[0078] Although a specific embodiment has been illustrated and described herein, it is understandable to those skilled in the art that a multitude of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way.

[0079] Although the actuating element(s) in the embodiments described above are depicted as pivotable, the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, linear movements or combined rotary and linear movements of the actuating element(s) are also possible.

[0080] It is also possible that the actuating element(s) are fixed in the first position by detent elements to prevent unwanted movement.

[0081] Instead of the described wedge shape of the actuating elements, any other geometries are possible in principle, e.g. steps, roughened surfaces, recesses, etc.

[0082] In other embodiments, the elastic tongues themselves can also function as movable actuating elements.

[0083] The locking lugs and complementary intersections can also have geometries other than those described above, for example, short sides that are not horizontal but slanted.

Claims

1. Plug-in module (10) for a rail-mounted device (1), comprising: a housing (G) which comprises a first axial end portion (10a) and a second axial end portion (10b); wherein, between the first axial end portion (10a) and the second axial end portion (10b), the housing (G) comprises a plurality of essentially planar side surfaces (S1, S2, B1, B2); a first resiliently elastic tongue (12) which is fitted on a first side surface (S1) of the housing (G); wherein the first resiliently elastic tongue (12) comprises a first axial end portion (12a), which is fitted on the housing (G), and a second axial end portion (12b), which is configured to be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a first latching nose (12c), which protrudes from the first side surface (S1) of the housing (G), is formed between the first and second axial end portions (12a, 12b); a first actuating element (16) which is mounted in a movable manner on the first side surface (S1) and which is configured to be moved from a first position (P1), in which it is arranged essentially within the housing (G), into a second position (P2), in which it is located to some extent outside the housing (G) and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion (12b) of the first resiliently elastic tongue (12); wherein, in the second position (P2) of the first actuating element (16), by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force (F1) to the first actuating element (16), the first latching nose (12c) is configured to be moved into the housing (G).

2. Plug-in module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of essentially planar side surfaces (S1, S2, B1, B2) comprises a first and second narrow side surface (S1, S2) and a first and second broad side surface (B1, B2), which are arranged essentially with a right-angled cross section.

3. Plug-in module according to claim 1 or 2, furthermore comprising a second resiliently elastic tongue (14) which is fitted on a second side surface (S2) of the housing (G); wherein the second resiliently elastic tongue (14) comprises a first axial end portion (14a), which is fitted on the housing (G), and a second axial end portion (14b), which is configured to be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a second latching nose (14c), which protrudes from the second side surface (S2) of the housing (G), is formed between the first and second axial end portions (14a, 14b); a second actuating element (18) which is mounted in a movable manner on the second side (S2) and which is configured to be moved from a first position (P3), in which it is arranged essentially within the housing (G), into a second position (P4), in which it is located to some extent outside the housing (G) and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion (12b) of the second resiliently elastic tongue (14); wherein, in the second position (P4), by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force (F2) to the second actuating element (18), the second latching nose (14c) is configured to be moved into the housing (G).

4. Plug-in module according to claim 3, wherein the first side surface (S1) is the first narrow side surface (S1) and the second side surface (S2) is the second narrow side surface (S2).

5. Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second latching nose (12c, 14c) are / is of essentially wedge-shaped design.

6. Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second actuating element (16, 18) are / is of essentially wedge-shaped design, and wherein, in the respective first position (P1, P3), a respective pointed end portion (16a, 18a) of the first and / or second actuating element (16, 18) is arranged in the direction of the first axial end portion (10a) of the housing (G), and wherein, in the respective second position (P2, P4) of the first and / or second actuating element (16, 18), the respective pointed end portion (16a, 18a) of the first and / or second actuating element (16, 18) is arranged in the direction of the second axial end portion (10b) of the housing (G).

7. Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second actuating element (16, 18) are / is configured to be pivoted about a respective pivot axis (SA; SA').

8. Rail-mounted device (1) comprising a base part (20) and at least one plug-in module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part (20) comprises a first aperture (20a1), which is formed on a first side (20a) and is intended for accommodating a carrying rail (22), and a second aperture (20b1), which is formed on a second side (20b) arranged opposite the first side (20a) and is intended for accommodating the at least one plug-in module (10); wherein the base part (20) comprises a first undercut (24), into which the first latching nose (12c) is configured to be inserted with locking action in the plugged-in state.

9. Rail-mounted device according to claim 8, wherein the plug-in module (10) is designed according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base part (20) comprises a second undercut (26), into which the second latching nose (14c) is configured to be inserted with locking action in the plugged-in state.

10. Rail-mounted device according to claim 9, wherein the plug-in module (10) is designed according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the plug-in modules (10) is configured to be inserted with locking action in parallel with the broad side surfaces (B1, B2) in the base part (20).

11. Rail-mounted device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the plug-in module is designed according to claim 5, and wherein the first and / or second undercut (24, 26) are / is of wedge-shaped design, which is complementary to the first and / or the second latching nose (12c, 14c).

12. Rail-mounted device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the rail-mounted device (1) comprises a protective cover (28), which is fitted on a surface (20c) of the base part (20) and comprises an opening (30), through which the at least one plug-in module (10) is configured to be guided in the respective first position (P1, P3), wherein the protective cover (28) is shape-adapted to the housing (G).

13. Rail-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein a respective third position (P5, P6) of the first and / or the second actuating element (16, 18) is configured to be reached when the protective cover (28) is fitted.

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