Flexible telecommunications system

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible telecommunications system for a multiple-conductor surge protection system, having a surge protection element for each conductor to be protected, a state signalling element being provided with respect to each of the surge protection elements and being designed to mechanically signal a fault state of the surge protection element in question, four adjacent receptacles into which the surge protection elements are received individually or in a group adjacent to each other, and four telecommunications elements individually or in groups, each of the telecommunications elements mechanically interacting with at least one of the state signalling elements of the surge protection elements, so that a switch contained in the telecommunications element in question changes its switching state, each of the telecommunications elements having a connection region for electrical connection to an electrical telecommunications system, wherein, when a fault state is signalled, the switching state is electrically provided, and wherein the telecommunications elements are each releasably fastened individually or as a group directly to at least one of the four receptacles, irrespective of whether surge protection elements are inserted, and wherein the mechanical signalling is effected through the receptacle.

Description

[0001] Flexible telecommunications system

[0002] background

[0003] It is well known from the state of the art to equip surge protection devices with remote signals. The remote signals are usually located in a base element. The remote signals can be triggered mechanically or electrically.

[0004] Furthermore, a snap-on remote signaling device is known from the prior art, which is part of the applicant's product FLT-SEC-ZP2-3S. The mechanical coupling is located within the product itself.

[0005] However, the known solutions always only provide specific solutions, so that a specific product with the necessary properties must always be provided for a variety of applications and installation cases.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a simple and cost-effective solution that is flexible and allows for a wide range of applications. Another aspect is the reduction of parallel products, allowing for overall cost reduction through higher unit volumes.

[0007] Brief description of the invention

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] Brief description of the characters

[0010] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.

[0011] It shows

[0012] Fig. la-lg schematically show aspects of embodiments according to the invention in a plan view,

[0013] Fig. 2 schematically shows aspects of embodiments according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 3 exemplary perspective views of telecommunication elements of

[0014] Embodiments according to the invention,

[0015] Fig. 4 exemplary perspective views of recordings of embodiments according to the invention,

[0016] Fig 5 exemplary perspective views of surge protection elements in

[0017] Recordings with telecommunication element(s) according to embodiments of the invention, and Fig. 6 exemplary perspective representations of details of telecommunication elements of

[0018] Embodiments according to the invention, and

[0019] Fig. 7 shows an example electrical wiring.

[0020] Detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings

[0021] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0022] It should be noted that different aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. This means that any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention, unless explicitly presented as a mere alternative.

[0023] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally only be made to one entity in the following. Unless explicitly stated, the invention may also comprise several of the entities in question. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "another" is to be understood merely as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0024] Where procedures are described below, the individual steps of a procedure can be arranged and / or combined in any order, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the procedures can be combined with one another, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0025] Numerical values ​​are generally not to be understood as exact values, but also include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0026] References to standards or specifications or norms are to be understood as references to standards or specifications or norms that are / were in effect at the time of the application and / or, if priority is claimed, also at the time of the priority application. However, this does not imply a general exclusion of applicability to subsequent or replacing standards or specifications or norms.

[0027] Figures 1a-1g and Figure 2 show an embodiment of a flexible telecommunications system 1 according to the invention for a multi-conductor overvoltage protection system LI, L2, L3, PE, N, the multi-conductor overvoltage protection system.

[0028] The flexible telecommunications system 1 according to the invention has, in the configuration shown, four overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4.

[0029] For each conductor LI ... L3, PE to be protected - see Figure 7 - one of the four surge protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 is assigned.

[0030] In relation to each of the overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1...ÜSE4, a status signaling element ZI ... Z4 is provided, which is designed to mechanically signal a fault condition of the respective overvoltage protection element ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4.

[0031] Furthermore, the flexible telecommunications system 1 according to the invention in the illustrated configuration has four adjacent receptacles 01 ... 04, wherein the four surge protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 can be accommodated in four adjacent receptacles 01 ... 04 individually or in a group adjacent to one another.

[0032] In the configuration shown, the flexible telecommunications system 1 provides four telecommunications elements FM1 ... FM4 individually or in a group, wherein each of the telecommunications elements FM1 ... FM4 mechanically interacts with at least one of the status signaling elements ZI ... Z4 of the overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4, so that a switch S1 ... S4 located in the respective telecommunications element changes its switching state.

[0033] Each of the remote signaling elements FM1 ... FM4 has a connection area A1 ... A4 for an electrical connection to an electrical remote signaling system, wherein when a fault condition is signaled, the switching condition is provided electrically.

[0034] The remote signaling elements are releasably attached individually or as a group directly to at least one of the four receptacles 01 ... 04, regardless of whether overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 are plugged in, and the mechanical signaling is effected through the receptacle 01 ... 04.

[0035] This achieves a high degree of flexibility, allowing the elements of Telecommunication System 1 to secure a wide variety of circuits and networks. At the same time, the number of elements for these different circuits and networks can be kept to a minimum.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figures 1a and 1f, each receptacle 01...04 (e.g. in a 3-phase network to be protected) can be assigned a specific remote signaling element FM 1... FM4.

[0037] Alternatively, as shown in Figures lb and le, 3 recordings - for example 02..04 - can be assigned to a common telecommunications element FM2, while recording 01 is assigned to a specific telecommunications element FM1.

[0038] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1d and 1g, all recordings can be assigned to a common telecommunications element FM1.

[0039] The same degree of modularity is also provided with regard to the receptacles. For example, as shown in Figures 1a-1c, individual receptacles 01...04 can be used; on the other hand, it is also possible for all receptacles 01...04 to be combined into one module OM, as shown in Figure 1d.

[0040] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1e, 3 recordings - for example 02...04 - can be combined in one module OM, while recording 01 is provided independently.

[0041] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1f and 1g, all recordings can be combined in one module OM.

[0042] As can be seen from the side view of Figure 2, a surge protection element ÜSE1 can be inserted, specifically plugged, into a receptacle 01—either as a single receptacle or as part of a module OM. The same applies to other receptacles 02...04.

[0043] In particular, the receptacle and a surge protection element can be designed to be form-fitting, so that the surge protection element can be safely inserted and held releasably in the receptacle. Each surge protection element has a status signaling element - here ZI - that can act through the receptacle (particularly in the event of a fault) so that at least one switch - here S1 - can be operated in the attached remote signaling element - here FM1. The remote signaling element has a connection option for an electrical remote signaling system - symbolically represented by A1. The connection option can have multiple connections, so that, for example, as shown in Figure 7, a changeover switch S1 changes from a common pole 11 between a contact connection 12 and 14.

[0044] In the case where multiple receptacles are assigned to a specific common signaling element, a collective signaling can (preferably) be provided via the respective signaling element. This means that the signaled fault condition of an assigned surge protection element in one of the assigned receptacles can trigger the remote signaling of the respective signaling element. For example, there are protective circuits in which similar surge protection elements (ÜSE2...ÜSE4) are used for phases L1...L3, while a different surge protection element (ÜSE1) is used for the discharge to the protective conductor (PE).

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of telecommunication elements FM 1...FM4 are shown in Figure 3. In the upper row, a telecommunication element is shown in a first perspective orientation, and in the row below, the respective telecommunication element is shown in a second perspective orientation, so that both a front view and a rear view of the telecommunication elements can be seen. Starting from the left, a telecommunication element FM1 is shown, which can interact with a single surge protection element. In each subsequent "column" to the right, the telecommunication element can interact with one more surge protection element.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments of holders 01..04 or modules OM with holders 01...04 are shown in Figure 4. A first perspective orientation is shown in the upper row and a second perspective orientation is shown in the row below, so that both a front view and a rear view of the holders or the module can be seen.

[0047] Figure 5 then shows an exemplary flexible telecommunications system 1 in an assembled state, analogous to Figure 1g, in two perspectives. In one embodiment of the invention, the telecommunications elements FM1 ... FM4 can also be inserted into the four receptacles 01 ... 04 in a substantially form-fitting manner. It is irrelevant whether the receptacles are provided as individual receptacles or as a module OM for a group of adjacent receptacles.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the switches S1 ... S4 are constructed essentially identically to one another, as shown in Figure 6 above. This allows the exemplary switches S1 ... S4 to be arranged on a circuit board P, so that many identical parts lead to a cost reduction. The same switches can also be used with respect to a remote signaling element that is assigned to only a single surge protection element.

[0049] In another embodiment of the invention, the switches S1 ... S4 are spring-loaded, so that an incorrectly inserted remote signaling element is signaled as an error.

[0050] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the switches S1 ... S4 are spring-loaded, so that an incorrectly inserted overvoltage protection element is signaled as an error.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention - see Figures 1b and 1e by way of example - three remote signaling elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area A1 is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the associated overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE3 is signaled as a fault condition.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the invention - see, for example, Figures 1b and 1e - three remote signaling elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area A1 is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE3 is signaled as a fault condition, wherein the switches as well as the connection area A1 are arranged on a common circuit board P.

[0053] In yet another embodiment of the invention - see, for example, Figures 1c and 1g - four remote signaling elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area A1 is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 is signaled as a fault condition. According to another embodiment of the invention, four remote signaling elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area A1 is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 is signaled as a fault condition, wherein the switches and the connection area are arranged on a common circuit board P - as shown in Figure 6.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical interaction causes the switch to open in a fault condition. The fault condition can be an incorrectly inserted surge protection element or a fault condition of the surge protection element itself. In particular, the switch can be a changeover switch.

[0055] Switching the switch to the fault state can, for example, provide a supply to a local electrical device, in particular a local acoustic and / or visual display, and / or be used to trigger a smart module. The local acoustic and / or visual display can, for example, be operated using the voltage on a remote signaling circuit, so that a galvanically isolated display is possible even in the event of a failure of the network to be protected. The local acoustic and / or visual display can be provided both in a remote signaling element and, with appropriate electrical contact, in the connected receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, switching the switch to the fault state can also activate a (further) output - e.g. connection 14 in Figure 7.

[0056] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the respective connection area A1...A4 on the telecommunications element(s) FM1...FIVI4 is provided as a socket for a plug. In particular, the socket can be designed using quick-connect technology, in particular push-in technology.

[0057] In embodiments of the invention, the status signaling elements Z1...Z4 are designed such that the mechanical signaling also provides a local optical fault indication, in particular on the overvoltage protection element itself.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least three of the four surge protection elements ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 are of the same type. Without limiting the generality, a surge protection element can comprise a varistor and / or a spark gap and / or a gas discharge tube and / or a TVS diode. Additionally, the surge protection element can also comprise a fuse, e.g., in a series or parallel circuit. In particular, the receptacles 01 ... 04 or a receptacle module OM can also be designed such that they can be mounted (preferably detachably) on a mounting rail TS, e.g., a top-hat rail (preferably snap-on).

[0059] It should be noted that the invention was described above with reference to a three-phase network to be protected. In particular, Figure 7 shows a connection to three phases L1...L3, the neutral conductor N, and a protective conductor PE. Without limiting their generality, the elements can also be used for other networks, especially single-phase networks. In this respect, the elements of the invention offer a broad basis for the use of a few components that can be flexibly adapted to the respective situation.

[0060] The invention makes it possible for a remote signaling system to be retrofittable and subsequently added to an existing system without interruption. In particular, a remote signaling element FM1...FIVI4 can be installed without a surge protection element ÜSE1...ÜSE4 being located in a corresponding receptacle 01...04.

[0061] The invention enables the modular pluggable telecommunication elements to be connected to the

[0062] Recordings 01...04 can be combined.

[0063] List of designations

[0064] 1 Flexible telecommunications system

[0065] LI, L2, L3 phases

[0066] PE protective conductor

[0067] N neutral conductor

[0068] ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4 surge protection element

[0069] ZI ... Z4 Status signaling element

[0070] 01 ... 04 Recording

[0071] OM recording module

[0072] FM1 ... FM4 telecommunications element

[0073] S1 ... S4 switch

[0074] Al ... A4 connection area

[0075] P board

Claims

Claims 1. Flexible telecommunication system (1) for a multi-conductor surge protection system (LI, L2, L3, PE, N), comprising the multi-conductor surge protection system • four surge protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4), • where one of the four surge protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) is assigned to each conductor to be protected (LI ... L3, PE), • wherein, in relation to each of the overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1...ÜSE4), a status signalling element (ZI ... Z4) is provided, which is designed to mechanically signal a fault condition of the respective overvoltage protection element (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4), • four adjacent recordings (01 ... 04), • whereby the four surge protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) are accommodated in four adjacent receptacles (01 ... 04) individually or in groups adjacent to each other, • wherein the flexible telecommunications system (1) provides four telecommunications elements (FM1 ... FM4) individually or in a group, • wherein each of the remote signaling elements (FM1 ... FM4) mechanically interacts with at least one of the status signaling elements (ZI ... Z4) of the overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4), so that a switch (S1 ... S4) located in the respective remote signaling element changes its switching state, • wherein each of the telecommunications elements (FM1 ... FM4) has a connection area (A1 ... A4) for an electrical connection to an electrical telecommunications system, wherein when a fault condition is signalled, the switching condition is provided electrically, and • wherein the remote signaling elements are detachably fastened individually or as a group directly to at least one of the four receptacles (01 ... 04), regardless of whether overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) are plugged in, and wherein the mechanical signaling is effected through the receptacle (01 ... 04).

2. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 1, characterized in that the four telecommunications elements (FM1 ... FM4) can be inserted into the four receptacles (01 ... 04) in a substantially form-fitting manner.

3. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switches (S1 ... S4) are constructed essentially identically.

4. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switches (S1 ... S4) are spring-loaded, so that an incorrectly inserted telecommunications element is signaled as an error.

5. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switches (S1 ... S4) are spring-loaded, so that an incorrectly inserted overvoltage protection element is signaled as an error.

6. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three telecommunications elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area (Al) is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE3) is signaled as a fault condition.

7. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three telecommunications elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area (Al) is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE3) is signaled as a fault condition, wherein the switches as well as the connection area are arranged on a common circuit board (P).

8. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that four telecommunications elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area (Al) is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) is signaled as a fault condition.

9. Flexible telecommunication system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that four telecommunication elements are provided in a common module, wherein a common connection area (A1) is provided for the module, wherein a fault condition of one of the assigned Overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) is signaled as a fault condition, whereby the Both the switch and the connection area are arranged on a common circuit board (P).

10. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical interaction causes the switch to open in the fault condition.

11. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 10, characterized in that the switch is a changeover switch.

12. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that switching the switch to the fault state provides a supply to a local electrical device, in particular a local acoustic and / or optical display, and / or for triggering a smart module.

13. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that switching the switch to the fault state activates an output.

14. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective connection area (Al...A4) is provided as a socket for a plug.

15. Flexible telecommunications system according to claim 14, characterized in that the socket is designed using quick connection technology, in particular push-in technology.

16. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the status signaling elements (Z1...Z4) are designed such that the mechanical signaling also provides a local optical error indication.

17. Flexible telecommunications system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three of the four overvoltage protection elements (ÜSE1 ... ÜSE4) are of the same type.

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