Surge Protection Devices and Modular Surge Protection Systems

Abstract

The surge protection device includes at least one interrupting device (34), at least one actuating device (36), an indicator device (40), and a shaft (38) that can be rotated between at least a first position and a second position. The at least one actuating device (36) can be changed between a first setting and a second setting. The shaft (38), the indicator device (40), and the actuating device (36) are designed in such a way that, in the first position, the actuating device (36) is secured to the at least one interrupting device (34) with a preload on the actuating device, such that the actuating device (36) is released when the interrupting device (34) is triggered and triggers the indicator device (40) via the shaft (38). The present invention also relates to a modular surge protection system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to surge protection devices, particularly to Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or a combination of Types 1, 2, and 3, and to modular surge protection systems, particularly to Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or a combination of Types 1, 2, and 3. [Background technology]

[0002] Type 1 surge protection devices are used, for example, to protect buildings from lightning strikes. Type 1 surge protection devices are known which are of compact design, i.e. constitute a cohesively installed unit or are constructed from a multi-pole base part and several plug-in modules.

[0003] Further type 2 and type 3 surge protection devices are placed within the building, which may also be of compact or modular design.

[0004] Such surge protection devices may be equipped with an indicating device, a so-called group display, ie a visual indicator regarding the state of the device, and a remote signaling switch.

[0005] However, a drawback of such compact surge protection devices is that as soon as a fault occurs, e.g. after an overload, replacement of the entire unit is always necessary. Furthermore, known mechanisms for triggering the group display and / or remote signaling switches are prone to failure and have low resistance to bumps and shocks.

[0006] Surge protection devices consisting of a multi-pole base section and a single-pole plug-in module typically have a remote signaling indicator mounted on the base section and each plug-in module has a fault indicator.

[0007] The disadvantage in this case is that in case of malfunction / damage only the defective plug-in module will show up as faulty and be replaced, but pre-existing malfunctions in neighbouring modules cannot be ruled out and their replacement will still be recommended. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surge protection device and modular surge protection system that is capable of activating both / or group displays and remote signaling switches, while having high crash and impact resistance and being scalable to any desired number of activating devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a surge protection device, in particular a multi-pole surge protection device, for example of type 1, type 2, type 3 or a combination of types 1, 2 and 3, comprising at least one interruption device, in particular one operated by electrothermality, at least one actuation device, an indication device and a shaft mounted to rotate at least between a first position and a second position. In this case, the at least one actuation device is movable between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, the manner in which the shaft, the indication device and the actuation device are formed and the manner in which the actuation device is fixed and preloaded to the at least one interruption device when in the first position is such that the actuation device is released when the interruption device is triggered and triggers the indication device via the shaft, in particular the actuation device is released when the interruption device is triggered and releases the indication device, thereby triggering the indication device via the shaft. In this way, the actuation device and the shaft constitute a transmission mechanism capable of transmitting the interruption caused by the interruption device to the indication device. The shaft here offers a particularly simple and space-optimized solution for the transmission mechanism, which makes it possible to provide a particularly compact surge protection device that is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism is extremely resistant to shocks and collisions, so that a particularly reliable surge protection device can be guaranteed and which can accommodate almost any number of interruption devices.

[0010] To enable a reliable and safe interruption, the at least one interrupting device may have a spark gap and the housing may enclose the spark gap, for example a horn gap.

[0011] Shut-off devices and actuation devices for such shut-off devices are known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2018 116 354 A1.

[0012] In particular, the actuation device, the shaft and the indicating device operate purely mechanically, i.e. there is no electrical actuation of the actuation device, the shaft and the indicating device, in which case a simple and reliable function indication and / or remote signaling indication of the surge protection device can be ensured. Therefore, the actuation device, the shaft and / or the indicating device do not need to include any conductive material, and thus more cost-effective and easier to manufacture materials, such as plastic, can be used.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the blocking device is triggered, the at least one actuation device is released and moves to the second position, whereby the shaft is arranged in relation to the at least one actuation device such that the shaft is in the first position when the at least one actuation device is in the first position and the shaft is in the second position when the at least one actuation device is in the second position. In this case, the indicating device is held in a locked position by the shaft in the first position and released in the second position. In this way, a change in the state of the indicating device can be realized in a simple manner when a change in the position of the shaft is made.

[0014] For example, the actuation device and / or the indication device are preloaded against the shaft, which allows for instant actuation and therefore a short response time.

[0015] In one embodiment, the surge protection device may include a spring that preloads the actuating device and / or the indicating device.

[0016] In particular, the shaft is rotatable between a first position and a second position, preferably about its longitudinal axis. The rotational movement makes it possible to ensure a particularly space-efficient and robust transmission means between the actuation device and the indicating device.

[0017] The locking of the at least one actuation device to the shut-off device may be configured such that when a predetermined temperature is exceeded in the actuation device, at least the actuation device becomes at least partially decoupled from the shut-off device and releases the actuation device. In this way, it is possible to utilize the heat generation of the shut-off device to release the actuation device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the shaft has at least one circumferential engagement surface at least in multiple axial zones, to which the actuation device and / or the indicator device can engage, i.e. they can be tensioned, for example, by pressing against the engagement surface, or multiple engagement surfaces can be provided in the axial direction, one of the engagement surfaces being associated with the actuation device and another of the engagement surfaces being associated with the indicator device, which engage the devices in their initial position, preventing triggering of the indicator device.

[0019] In particular, the shaft is formed as a camshaft including a plurality of axially spaced cams, one cam associated with at least one actuation device and another cam associated with a support device, where the cams each have an engagement surface, the cams providing a simple and space-efficient option for forming the engagement surfaces.

[0020] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the actuation device comprises an actuation element which is in a first position when the actuation device is in a first position and which is in a second position when the actuation device is in a second position. In this case, the actuation element has an actuation area which is constructed and arranged to engage the shaft, in particular one of the cams, at least temporarily between the first and second positions of the actuation element to rotate the shaft. The actuation element serves to transmit the blocking to the shaft.

[0021] In particular, the actuating element is rotatably secured to the shutoff device such that rotation of the actuating element from its first position to its second position effects transmission of the shutoff to the shaft.

[0022] The actuating element is prestressed, for example, in particular by a spring, against the shaft, due to which a direct actuation and thus short response times are achieved.

[0023] Optionally, the operating area of ​​the operating element contacts the shaft only in the first position or only in the second position, such that a tolerance zone, e.g. a gap, is formed between the operating element and the shaft before or after blocking.

[0024] Alternatively, the working area of ​​the actuating element is always in contact with the shaft, i.e. in the first position, in the intermediate position and in the second position, this arrangement preventing play between the shaft and the actuating element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the indicating device comprises an indicating element, in particular an indicating slider, and a blocking element, in particular a blocking slider, each movable, in particular displaceable, between a first position and a second position. The blocking element and the indicating element are then arranged such that in the first position the blocking element is preloaded against the shaft, in particular a cam of the shaft, and the indicating element is preloaded against the blocking element. In this case, the first position corresponds to the locked position and the second position corresponds to the triggered position. This arrangement of the indicating element and the blocking element relative to each other makes it possible to release the indicating element by a simple mechanical chain reaction and thus indicate the blocking.

[0026] For example, the indicator element is prestressed, in particular by a spring, against the blocking element and / or the blocking element is prestressed, in particular by a spring, against the shaft, in particular against a cam of the shaft. Prestressing makes it possible to achieve instantaneous actuation and thus short response times.

[0027] The blocking element and the actuating element may be preloaded against different cams on the shaft, resulting in greater versatility in the arrangement of the blocking element and the actuating element relative to one another in the surge protection device.

[0028] According to a further aspect, the indication device comprises an indication area, a first indication surface fixed in the indication area, in particular having a first color, and a movable second indication surface, in particular having a second color different from the first color. The second indication surface is movable between a locked position, in particular a first position, in which the second indication surface covers the first indication surface, and a tripped position, in particular a second position, in which the second indication surface is offset from the first indication surface. In this way, a change, in particular a color change, occurs in the indication area when the movable second indication surface is moved from its locked position, in particular its first position, to its triggered position, in particular its second position. In this way, a visual feedback of the performed interruption is provided.

[0029] In particular, the second indicating surface is formed on the indicating element, which is locked in a first position by a spring and preloaded towards a second position in which it is unlocked by the blocking element. This arrangement of the indicating element and the blocking element relative to each other makes it possible to release the indicating element by a simple mechanical chain reaction, which in turn makes it possible to indicate blocking in particular by a colour change.

[0030] The axis of rotation of the shaft and the longitudinal axis, particularly the axis of displacement of the indicator element, may be parallel to one another. In this manner, the shaft and indicator element require only a small amount of space laterally from their axis of rotation or longitudinal axis.

[0031] In particular, the longitudinal axis, in particular the axis of displacement of the blocking element and / or the longitudinal axis of the actuating element, may be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and the longitudinal axis, in particular the axis of displacement of the indicating element. In this way, a simple and reliable blocking of the shaft and of the indicating element by the actuating element or the blocking element may be achieved.

[0032] The axis of rotation of the shaft and the axis of rotation of the actuating element may optionally be parallel to each other, so that only a small number of components are required and a simple transmission means between the actuating element and the shaft can be formed.

[0033] In an embodiment, it is realized that the surge protection device includes a plurality of tripping devices, each having at least one actuation device adapted to trigger an indication device independently of each other via a shaft. According to this, the shaft is a shared shaft for all tripping devices associated with their respective actuation devices. Here, the tripping by at least one tripping device is conveyed as a logical OR operation through the shaft to the indication device. In response, the indication device configures a group display for all tripping devices, and visual feedback is preliminarily given at the indication device if only one tripping device has completed the tripping. Any desired number of tripping devices can be targeted or captured by the shaft.

[0034] For example, the shutoff devices are arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction of the shaft, which allows for a particularly space-efficient arrangement of the shutoff devices in relation to the shaft.

[0035] In particular, each actuation device is associated with its own engagement surface, in particular with a cam on its own shaft, in this way allowing independent actuation of the shafts by the shutoff devices or, more precisely, by the actuation devices associated with the shutoff devices.

[0036] Still further, the object is achieved according to the invention by a modular surge protection system, comprising a base part, in particular a multi-pole base part, and a surge protection device of the above-mentioned type, in particular a multi-pole surge protection device, the base part comprising a receptacle for the surge protection device. The base part and the surge protection device are in this case two separate components, which together constitute the surge protection system. The surge protection device can be inserted into and removed from the base without the need for any particular tools, so that the surge protection device is easily replaceable, for example after a lightning strike.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the surge protection system includes a switch that partially projects into the receptacle and is preloaded against the shaft, in particular a cam on the shaft, when the shaft is in a first position, and is actuated when the shaft is in a second position. In this case, in addition to constituting a transmission mechanism between the interrupting device and the indicating device, the actuating device and the shaft also constitute a transmission mechanism from the interrupting device to the switch. In general, the above discussion regarding the relationship between the at least one interrupting device, the at least one actuating device, the shaft, and the indicating device also applies to the relationship between the at least one interrupting device, the at least one actuating device, the shaft, and the switch.

[0038] The switch can be, for example, a remote signaling switch that, when actuated, can interrupt or close an electrical circuit to trigger signaling, thus providing further feedback about the interruption being performed in addition to visual feedback.

[0039] The switch and the actuating element may be preloaded against different cams on the shaft, resulting in greater versatility in the positioning of the switch and the actuating element relative to one another.

[0040] Basically, the release of the indicating element of the indicating device is therefore effected in such a way that the actuating device, in particular the actuating element of the actuating device, is triggered by the blocking device so that it actuates the shaft, for example rotating the shaft or applying an impact to the shaft which rotates the shaft.

[0041] This disengages the blocking element of the indicating device from the shaft, in particular from the associated cam of the shaft. In this respect, the blocking element is then no longer resting pressed against the engagement surface of the associated cam, since the latter is now being moved, in particular rotated, together with the shaft. As a result, the blocking element can now be moved in particular vertically, i.e. perpendicularly to the axis of the shaft. This is called the release of the blocking element.

[0042] The (vertical) movement of the blocking element ensures that it does not further block the indicating element of the mechanically preloaded indicating device, so that the indicating element can move horizontally, i.e. orthogonal to the direction of movement of the blocking element and therefore parallel to the axis of the shaft. This is also called releasing the indicating element.

[0043] Accordingly, a release mechanism is provided that releases the indicator element so that it can move to indicate blocking. In this regard, the release mechanism comprises an active chain that includes an actuation device and a shaft and that effects release of a blocking element that blocks the indicator element to allow the indicator element to move.

[0044] The above-mentioned advantages and features of the surge protection device according to the present invention apply equally to the surge protection system, and vice versa.

[0045] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a modular surge protection system according to the present invention having a surge protection device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an inner part of a surge protection device of the surge protection system according to FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of individual components of the surge protection device according to FIGS. 1 and 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a modular surge protection system 10 including a multi-pole base portion 12 and a multi-pole surge protection device 14 .

[0048] The surge protection system 10 is modular, which has the advantage that the surge protection device 14 can be removed from the base portion 12 and replaced, for example, after a lightning strike.

[0049] The base portion 12 has a housing 16 with terminals 18 and receptacles 20 .

[0050] The surge protection device 14 may be inserted and held in the receptacle 20 in an insertion direction R, and the surge protection system 10 is ready for operation.

[0051] A remote signaling switch 22 (RS switch) is provided within the housing 16 .

[0052] Surge protection device 14 includes a device housing 24 and contacts 26 that are not covered by device housing 24. When surge protection device 14 is inserted into receptacle 20, surge protection device 14 is electrically connected to terminals 18 of base portion 12 by contacts 26.

[0053] 2 shows the surge protection device 14 with the device housing 24 removed for greater clarity, so that the interior of the surge protection device 14 is visible. Also shown is a remote signaling switch 22 on the base portion 12, by way of example.

[0054] The remote signaling switch 22 comprises a microswitch 28 having a trigger 30 that can be incorporated into a building service control system, a switch cabinet control system, or the like to indicate the status of the surge protection system 10 or the surge protection device 14 .

[0055] The surge protection device 14 has a frame 32 , a plurality of shutoff devices 34 , in this case three, a plurality of actuating devices 36 each associated with a shutoff device 34 , a shaft 38 , and a support device 40 .

[0056] Of course, it is also conceivable to provide just one, two or more than three shutoff devices 34 .

[0057] The frame 32 serves in particular as the base of the surge protection device 14, to which the contacts 26, the interrupting device 34, the actuating device 36, the shaft 38 and the supporting device 40 are fixed or guided.

[0058] The frame 32 is in direct contact with the bottom of the receptacle 20 and is complementary in shape to the receptacle 20 .

[0059] The interruption devices 34 are each received between two post-like structures of the frame 32. The post-like structures extend in an upward direction H of the surge protection device 14 or surge protection system 10.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the upward direction H of the surge protection device 14 or the surge protection system 10 is intended to be opposite to the insertion direction R in which the surge protection device 14 is inserted into the base portion 12. This is for illustrative purposes only and corresponds to the orientation of the figures. On the other hand, in the orientation in which the surge protection system 10 is normally installed, the upward direction H is horizontal.

[0061] The directional terms "up" and "down" refer to the orientation shown in the figures.

[0062] Orthogonal to the upward direction H, the surge protection device 14 has a lateral direction Q and a longitudinal direction L, which correspond to the directions of the shorter and longer side edges of the surge protection device 14, respectively.

[0063] The shutoff devices 34 each include a housing 42, which is shown in dashed lines for one of the shutoff devices 34 in FIG.

[0064] Also disposed within each of the housings 42 is at least one overvoltage limiting component, such as a spark gap or varistor.

[0065] In this exemplary embodiment of interruption device 34 , a spark gap (not shown), such as a horn gap, is formed in each of the housings 42 .

[0066] The blocking device 34, or more precisely the housing 42, extends primarily in an upward direction H and a lateral direction Q and is arranged aligned front to back in a longitudinal direction L.

[0067] The actuating devices 36 are arranged in front of the corresponding shutoff devices 34 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L and are fastened to the frame 32 and / or to the shutoff devices 34 assigned thereto.

[0068] The actuation devices 36 each comprise a base plate 44 extending substantially in an upward direction H and a lateral direction Q. In the longitudinal direction L, the base plate 44 and the blocking device 34 or the housing 42 are arranged in front-to-back alignment.

[0069] Furthermore, the actuation device 36 includes a trigger element 46 and an actuation element 48, each mounted for rotational movement on the base plate 44. The rotation axes of the two elements (46, 48) may be parallel to each other and point in the longitudinal direction L.

[0070] The trigger element 46 has, for example, a star-like shape and forms a stop for the actuating element 48 in a first position of the actuating device 36, as shown in FIG.

[0071] The trigger element 46 is fixed in place on a corresponding component of the shutoff device 34 locking the trigger element 46 in the first position shown.

[0072] For example, the component may be temperature sensitive and release the trigger element 46 when a certain temperature is exceeded.

[0073] In alternative embodiments, the trigger element 46 may cooperate with the corresponding shutoff device 34 in other manners.

[0074] The actuating element 48 is shaped, for example, in a lever-like manner and, in the first position of the actuating device 36 as shown in FIG. 2, is in a first position which corresponds to an initial position.

[0075] In the first position, the actuating element 48 is preloaded against the trigger element 46 by a spring 50 which engages the actuating element 48 at an upper portion thereof, such that the actuating element 48 is supported against the trigger element 46 .

[0076] The spring 50 may be, for example, a helical spring.

[0077] At its lower portion, the actuating element 48 has an actuating portion 52 which at least sometimes engages the shaft 38 .

[0078] A shaft 38 is mounted in the lower part of the surge protection device 14 so that it can rotate in a first position and in a second position. The axis of rotation of the shaft 38 is in this case oriented in the longitudinal direction L and can be parallel to the axes of rotation of the two elements (46, 48).

[0079] The shaft 38, in this case in the form of a camshaft, has a plurality of axially spaced cams 54, each of which has an engagement surface.

[0080] The shaft 38 has different types of cams 54, which can be clearly seen in FIG.

[0081] A first type of cam 54 a is assigned to each individual actuation device 36 , or more precisely to each individual actuation element 48 .

[0082] Here, the engagement surface 55a of the cam 54a is oriented in the circumferential direction of the shaft 38. In particular, the engagement surface 55a extends substantially radially and axially of the shaft 38.

[0083] The engagement surface 55a is, for example, on the side of the cam 54a facing the actuating portion 52 of the actuating element 48.

[0084] The second type of cam 54b is assigned to the remote signaling switch 22 and has smaller dimensions than the first type of cam 54a, in particular in the radial direction.

[0085] For example, the cam 54b may simply be shaped as a fairly small bulge.

[0086] Here, the engagement surface 55b of the cam 54b is oriented in the radial direction of the shaft 38. In particular, the engagement surface 55b extends in the circumferential and axial directions of the shaft.

[0087] The engagement surface 55b is provided, for example, on the side of the cam 54b facing the remote signaling switch 22 and presses against it to preload the remote signaling switch 22, or more specifically the trigger 30.

[0088] The third type of cam 54c is assigned to the indicating device 40 and has smaller dimensions than the first type of cam 54a, in particular in the radial direction.

[0089] For example, the cam 54c may simply be shaped as a fairly small bulge.

[0090] Here, the engagement surface 55c of the cam 54c is oriented in the radial direction of the shaft 38. In particular, the engagement surface 55c extends in the circumferential and axial directions of the shaft 38.

[0091] A portion of the indicator device 40 is disposed on top of the surge protection device 14 , i.e., above the shutoff device 34 , and a portion of it is disposed within the frame 32 .

[0092] The pointing device 40 includes a blocking element 56 , a pointing area 58 , a base plate 60 , and a pointing element 62 movable relative to the base plate 60 .

[0093] The blocking element 56 is mounted in the frame 32 so as to be displaceable perpendicularly to the upward direction H and can assume a first position and a second position, in which the blocking element 56 is a blocking slider.

[0094] 2, the blocking element 56 is supported substantially perpendicularly in the radial direction of the shaft 38 on an engagement surface 55c of a cam 54c of the shaft 38. For this purpose, the engagement surface is provided, for example, on a side of the cam 54c which is arranged in the radial direction of the shaft 38 and faces away from the blocking element 56.

[0095] Optionally, the blocking element 56 may be biased against the shaft 38 by a spring so as to be preloaded towards the second position.

[0096] A support element 62 is attached to the upper surface of the column-like structure of the frame 32 for horizontal displacement with respect to the longitudinal direction L, which can assume a locking position and a release position. In this case, the support element 62 is a support slider.

[0097] The support element 62 includes a guide section 64 and a main section 66 within the support area 58. The guide section 64 and the main section 66 are located at opposite ends of the support element 62.

[0098] The guide section 64 is mounted like a carrier on the support structure of the frame 32 .

[0099] A spring 68 , which may be a helical spring, for example engages the support element 62 , or more precisely the guide section 64 .

[0100] The device housing 24 of the surge protection device 14 may additionally include a viewing window 70 within the indication area 58 to allow the indication area 58 to be viewed.

[0101] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the base plate 60 is formed by the top surface of one of the columnar structures of the frame 32. This means that the base plate 60 is part of the columnar structure of the frame 32.

[0102] The portion of the base plate 60 that lies within the support area 58 forms a fixed first support surface, the color of which is, for example, red.

[0103] Within the indication area 58, a main section 66 of the indication element 62 has a second indication surface, which is also correspondingly movable.

[0104] A second support surface is provided at the end of the main section 66 facing away from the guide section 64.

[0105] The second indicating surface, and in particular the indicating element 62 as a whole, is green in color.

[0106] In the locked position shown in FIG. 2, the second indicating surface of the indicating element 62 covers the first indicating surface of the base plate 60 so that the green second indicating surface is visible through the viewing window 70 .

[0107] Furthermore, the indicator element 62 is pressed against the blocking element 56 by a spring 68, so that it is preloaded towards the tripping position.

[0108] In summary, in the surge protection system 10, the actuating device 36 is operatively coupled to the indicating device 34 and to the remote signaling switch 22 by means of the shaft 38. In this case, the actuating device 36, or more precisely the actuating element 48, is assigned a corresponding cam 54a, the remote signaling switch 22, or more precisely the trigger 30, is assigned a cam 54b, and the indicating device 40, or more precisely the blocking element 56, is assigned a cam 54c.

[0109] In FIG. 3, the actuation device 36 , shaft 38 , indicating device 40 and remote signaling switch 22 are depicted without the shutoff device 34 , base plate 44 and frame 32 .

[0110] 2 and 3, the change in display by the indication device 40 and the triggering of the remote signaling switch 22 upon interruption by one of the interruption devices 34 will be considered.

[0111] In the situation shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger element 46 and the actuation element 48 of the actuation device 36 are in the first position, the shaft 38 is in the first position, and the blocking element 56 and the indicator element 62 are in the locked position.

[0112] The actuating elements 48 of the actuating device 36 are each prestressed, in this case by a corresponding spring 50, against the associated trigger element 46, the blocking element 56 is supported - optionally assisted by a spring force - on a cam 54c of the shaft 38, and the indicating element 62 is prestressed in the longitudinal direction L against the blocking element 56 by a spring 68. In this state, only the green second indicating surface can be seen through the viewing window 70.

[0113] This is the operational state of the surge protection device 14 when all of the shutoff devices 34 are operational.

[0114] When using surge protection system 10 or surge protection device 14, lightning or other overvoltages are dissipated by at least one overvoltage limiting component, such as a spark gap and / or a varistor.

[0115] In the event of a particularly large high-energy overvoltage, one or more of the overvoltage limiting components loses its / their functionality and is then safely disconnected by the corresponding disconnection device 34, which is communicated by the indicating device 40 and the remote signaling switch 22. For this purpose, both the indicating device 40 and the remote signaling switch 22 are triggered.

[0116] In case of an overload of an overvoltage limiting component, e.g. a spark gap or a varistor, a large amount of heat is generated which is detected by the shut-off device 34 via a temperature sensitive component or which triggers the shut-off device 34. The shut-off device 34 then shuts off the overloaded voltage limiting component.

[0117] As soon as one of the temperature-sensitive components in one or more of the shutoff devices 34 reaches a predetermined temperature, in this case determined by the melting point of the temperature-sensitive component, the temperature-sensitive component is destroyed so that the trigger element 46 is no longer locked in position.

[0118] Once the trigger element 46 is disengaged from the temperature sensitive component, it can no longer hold the actuating element 48 in the locked position against the spring force of the spring 50 .

[0119] The trigger element 46 and the actuating element 48 will then rotate counterclockwise until they are stopped at one or more stop points on the base plate 44. The trigger element 46 and the actuating element 48 are then each in their second positions.

[0120] Of course, it can also be envisaged that the actuation device 36, or more precisely the trigger element 46, is released in some other way.

[0121] During rotation of the actuating element 48, or while it is already in the first position, the actuating portion 52 of the actuating element 48 rests in abutment against an engagement surface of a cam 54a of the shaft 38 assigned to the actuating element 48. When the actuating element 48 is rotated, it engages the cam 54a in the circumferential direction and generates a torque on the shaft 38, thereby rotating the shaft 38 in a clockwise direction, in particular towards its second position.

[0122] Rotation of the shaft 38 to its second position moves a cam 54b, which is associated with the remote signaling switch 22 and against which the trigger 30 is pressed, essentially radially of the shaft 38, away from the trigger 30 in the circumferential direction of the shaft 38.

[0123] This causes the trigger 30 to be released, for example when the shaft 38 reaches the second position, and to move radially towards the shaft, particularly in a spring-loaded manner, thereby actuating the microswitch 28 .

[0124] Actuation of the remote signaling switch 22 causes a circuit to be broken or closed and remote signaling occurs.

[0125] It can also be envisaged that rotation of the shaft 38 to its second position will move the cam 54b against the trigger 30 of the remote signalling switch 22, thereby causing the trigger 30 to retract to a certain extent, thereby activating the microswitch 28.

[0126] When the shaft 38 is rotated to its second position, the cam 54c assigned to the indicating device 40 and on which the blocking element 56 is supported substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the shaft 38 is simultaneously moved in the circumferential direction of the shaft 38 such that the cam 54c moves away from the blocking element 56.

[0127] As a result, the blocking element 56 is from a certain point in time no longer supported on the cam 54c, for example when the shaft 38 reaches the second position, from which point on the blocking element 56 is released - optionally assisted by a spring force - and displaced downwards along the upward direction H to its tripped position.

[0128] The movement of the blocking element 56 unlocks the indicating element 62 in the longitudinal direction L. The indicating element 62 then moves - driven by the spring 68 - in the longitudinal direction L to its tripped position.

[0129] In the tripped position, the second support surface or main section 66 is offset from the first support surface or base plate 60 so that the first support surface is no longer covered.

[0130] In other words, only the first indication surface is still positioned within indication area 58 so that the red surface is visible through viewing window 70 .

[0131] A red first indicating surface indicates a malfunction of at least one of the shutoff devices 34, in which case the surge protection device 14 must be replaced.

[0132] In this way, as soon as one of the shut-off devices 34 becomes faulty, both the remote signaling switch 22 and the indicating device 40 are activated. The shaft 38 therefore functions here as a logical OR operation between the shut-off devices 34 or associated actuation devices 36 on the one hand, and between the remote signaling switch 22 and the indicating device 40 on the other hand. The remote signaling switch 22 constitutes in this case a group annunciator and the indicating device 40 constitutes a group display.

[0133] The operating process downstream of the shutoff device 34 or from the trigger element 46 is purely mechanical and therefore much more reliable than other transmission mechanisms.

[0134] In this case, both the indicating device 40 and the remote signaling switch 22 are triggered and actuated by the same shaft 38, thereby avoiding mismatched indications.

Claims

1. A surge protection device comprising at least one interrupting device (34), at least one actuating device (36), an indicating device (40), and a shaft (38) mounted for rotation between at least a first position and a second position, The at least one actuation device (36) is movable between a first position and a second position; A surge protection device, wherein the shaft (38), the indicating device (40), and the actuating device (36) are formed and the actuating device (36) is secured and preloaded to the at least one shutoff device (34) when in the first position such that the actuating device (36) is released when the shutoff device (34) is triggered and triggers the indicating device (40) via the shaft (38).

2. A surge protection device as described in claim 1, wherein the actuating device (36) is released when the blocking device (34) is triggered, releasing the indicating device (40), thereby triggering the indicating device (40) via the shaft (38).

3. when the shutoff device (34) is triggered, the at least one actuating device (36) is released and moves to the second position, and the shaft (38) is disposed relative to the at least one actuating device (36) such that the shaft (38) is in a first position when the at least one actuating device (36) is in the first position, and such that the shaft (38) is in a second position when the at least one actuating device (36) is in the second position; 3. A surge protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the first position the indicating device (40) is held in an untriggered position by the shaft (38) and in the second position the indicating device (40) is released.

4. The surge protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fixing of the at least one actuating device (36) to the shut-off device (34) is configured such that, when a predetermined temperature is exceeded in the actuating device (36), at least the actuating device (36) becomes at least partially decoupled from the shut-off device (34) and releases the actuating device (36).

5. A surge protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shaft (38) has at least one circumferential engagement surface in at least a plurality of axial zones.

6. A surge protection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the shaft (38) is formed as a camshaft including a plurality of cams (54) spaced apart in the axial direction, one cam (54a) being associated with the at least one actuating device (36) and another cam (54c) being associated with the indicating device (40).

7. The surge protection device of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating device (36) includes an actuating element (48) that is in a first position when the actuating device (36) is in the first position and that is in a second position when the actuating device (36) is in the second position, the actuating element (48) having an actuating portion (52) constructed and arranged to at least temporarily engage the shaft (38) between the first and second positions of the actuating element (48) to rotate the shaft (38).

8. A surge protection device as described in claim 7, configured and arranged to at least temporarily engage one of the cams (54a) between the first position and the second position of the actuating element (48) to rotate the shaft (38).

9. The surge protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the indicating device (40) comprises an indicating element (62) and a blocking element (56), each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, the blocking element (56) and the indicating element (62) being arranged such that the blocking element (56) is prestressed against the shaft (38) when in the first position, and the indicating element (62) is prestressed against the blocking element (56).

10. A surge protection device as described in claim 9, wherein the first position is pre-loaded by being pressed against a cam (54c) on the shaft (38).

11. The surge protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the indication device (40) includes an indication area (58), a first indication surface fixed within the indication area (58), and a movable second indication surface, the second indication surface being movable between a locked position in which the second indication surface covers the first indication surface, and a tripped position in which the second indication surface is offset from the first indication surface.

12. The surge protection device of claim 11 , wherein the locked position is the first position and the tripped position is the second position.

13. A surge protection device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the second indicating surface is formed on an indicating element (62), the indicating element (62) being locked in the first position by a spring (68) and preloaded towards the second position, and in the second position the locking of the indicating element (62) being released by a blocking element (56).

14. A surge protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation of the shaft (38) and the longitudinal axis of the actuating element (48) are parallel to each other.

15. A surge protection device as described in claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis is the axis of displacement of the supporting element (62).

16. A surge protection device as described in claim 15, wherein the axis of displacement of the blocking element (56) and / or the longitudinal axis of the actuating element (48) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis of the shaft (38).

17. A surge protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation axis of the shaft (38) and the rotation axis of the actuating element (48) are parallel to each other.

18. The surge protection device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of interrupting devices (34) each having at least one actuating device (36) adapted to independently trigger the indicating device (40) via the shaft (38).

19. A modular surge protection system comprising a base portion (12) and a surge protection device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the base portion (12) including a receptacle (20) for the surge protection device (14).

20. 20. The modular surge protection system of claim 19, wherein the surge protection system (10) includes a switch (22) that partially protrudes into the receptacle (20) and is preloaded against the shaft (38) when the shaft (38) is in the first position, and that is activated when the shaft (38) is in the second position.

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