Anti-displacement means for a mounting device on a carrier rail

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-displacement means (i) for a mounting device on a carrier rail (100), having an elongate main body (2) that can be plugged onto the carrier rail (100). A plurality of projections (3) is arranged on the main body (2), which projections extend perpendicularly from the main body (2) and are designed such that, in a position of the anti-displacement means (1) plugged onto the carrier rail (100), they are positioned below a collar (101) of the carrier rail (100) and protrude beyond a width (B) of the carrier rail (100) at least in some regions. The invention further relates to a carrier rail (100) having at least one anti-displacement means (1) according to the invention and to a method for attaching a mounting device to a carrier rail (100) by means of an anti-displacement means (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Anti-displacement device for a mounting unit on a support rail

[0002] The invention relates to a sliding protection device for a mounting device on a support rail, comprising an elongated base body that can be attached to the support rail, wherein a plurality of webs are arranged on the base body, extending perpendicularly from the base body. The webs are designed such that, in a position where the sliding protection device is attached to a support rail, they are positioned below a collar of the support rail and project at least partially beyond the width of the support rail. The invention further relates to a support rail comprising at least one sliding protection device according to the invention and a method for attaching a mounting device to a support rail by means of a sliding protection device according to the invention.

[0003] Mounting devices are typically attached to a mounting rail using a clamping mechanism. However, these devices can still be moved slightly. Therefore, anti-slip devices are used to prevent movement, especially lateral movement. Common anti-slip devices require a tool to retract a clamping or locking mechanism, both to clamp and, in particular, to release the devices. Additional securing with screws may also be provided.

[0004] For example, DE 37 32 434 Ai describes a mounting device with a clamping device, so that the mounting device can be removed from the mounting rail independently of other mounting devices. The clamping device comprises a locking jaw and a clamping jaw.

[0005] Since the mounting device can only be engaged via a locking jaw with a certain amount of play between the locking jaw and the support rail, the contact force between the mounting device and the support rail is insufficient to position the mounting device securely. EP 22 00 134 Bi therefore proposes a clamping mechanism with a cam guide to provide increased contact force.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known anti-displacement devices is that they form a single unit with the mounting equipment and are therefore not flexible enough to be used with different mounting devices. Furthermore, they require a tool to release and / or attach the mounting equipment, or the locking and / or clamping mechanisms are technically complex.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a displacement protection device that prevents, in particular automatically, the displacement of a mounting device on the support rail, is flexible and can be used independently of a mounting device and has a low level of technical complexity.

[0008] This problem is solved by a displacement protection device with the features of claim i. Dependent claim 18 relates to a support rail comprising a displacement protection device according to the invention, and dependent claim 20 relates to a method for attaching a mounting device to a support rail by means of a displacement protection device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, it is provided that a displacement protection device for a mounting device on a support rail has an elongated base body that can be attached to the support rail. A plurality of webs are arranged on the base body, extending perpendicularly from it and designed such that, in the position of the displacement protection device attached to a support rail, they are positioned below a collar of the support rail and project at least partially beyond the width of the support rail.

[0010] Because the webs extend beyond the width of the mounting rail, at least in some areas, they allow for the clamping of a mounting device attached to the rail. In particular, the webs can be flexible, so that the clamping force can be adjusted by changing the shape, number, and / or material of the webs.

[0011] A mounting rail, also known as a DIN rail, is a universal support made of a sheet metal or plastic profile. It can be designed, for example, as a top-hat rail with a hat profile. Mounting rails are used in electrical engineering for securing electrical equipment in distribution boxes, control cabinets, junction boxes, and similar installations. The sheet metal profile can be made of materials such as steel, copper, or aluminum. These mounting rails are standardized, for example, in DIN EN 60715.

[0012] In this context, "mounting device" refers to components, particularly electronic components, designed for mounting on DIN rails, for example by sliding or plugging them in. A mounting device can be, for example, a relay, an impulse switch, a timer, a circuit breaker, or a terminal block.

[0013] The term "base body" here refers to the foundation of the anti-displacement device. In its attached state, this base body can extend along a section of a side surface of the mounting rail. Specifically, the base body can be designed to rest against or on a side surface of the mounting rail.

[0014] The term "plugging on" can, but does not necessarily, include a connection that creates a force-fit. A simple contact or resting position is also considered "plugging on." Specifically, "plugging on" here refers to the fixed, i.e., slip-proof, positioning of the anti-displacement device on the mounting rail, particularly on an outer side surface of the mounting rail. Preferably, the anti-displacement device is designed to be detachably plugged on, allowing it to be retrofitted to a mounting rail.

[0015] The collar is understood to be a folded-over, upper section of the support rail onto which the mounting device is attached.

[0016] Partial projection, as used here, means that the webs extend beyond an outer end of the support rail, particularly the collar. This causes the webs to widen the support rail.

[0017] Preferably, the numerous ribs are arranged in a comb-like pattern. This allows the anti-displacement device to clamp various mounting components, including those with irregular shapes. If a mounting component has a protrusion, the ribs in this area are bent more strongly towards a longitudinal axis of the support rail than ribs in an area where the mounting component is flat or even has a recess. Depending on the number and dimensions of the ribs, a very flexible anti-displacement device can be provided. Furthermore, the ribs can be spaced apart from one another. This allows the clamping force to be adjusted, as a greater distance between two ribs results in a lower clamping force due to the increased material recess.Thus, the distance between two webs can essentially correspond to the width of the webs, preferably be less than 75% of the width of the webs, and particularly preferably be less than 50% of the width of the webs.

[0018] The bridges can be arranged along the entire length of the anti-slip device. This allows for the clamping of one or more mounting devices over the largest possible area.

[0019] Preferably, an outer web is wider than an inner web. Only the outermost web can be wider than all the inner webs combined. Alternatively, the web width can increase from the inside out. This allows the clamping force to be adjusted along the length of the anti-displacement device, particularly increasing the clamping force from the inside out. Furthermore, an outer web can be made more robust to prevent breakage and / or other damage, or at least reduce the likelihood of such damage.

[0020] Preferably, the ribs, when attached, are directly adjacent to a lower edge of the collar. This increases the clamping surface in the vertical direction, as the clamping action begins directly below the collar. "Directly adjacent" here means that the ribs just make contact with the lower edge; preferably, the upper surface of the ribs is a maximum of 1 mm away from the lower edge; and most preferably, they do not just make contact with the lower edge.

[0021] The webs can have a square profile. In particular, the profile can be rectangular and have a length greater than its width. However, profiles of other shapes are also possible within the scope of the invention, especially adapted to a side surface of a mounting device facing the anti-slip device. Preferably, the profile can vary along the length of the webs, for example, tapering conically from the base body towards the tip of the webs.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that the webs, when attached, project beyond the width of the support rail by less than 50% of the width of a web profile, preferably by less than 25%, particularly preferably by less than 10%. This allows the clamping force to be adjusted.

[0023] Preferably, the anti-displacement device has at least one projection designed to provide a positive and / or force-fit connection with the mounting rail. This enables the anti-displacement device to be positioned securely, particularly on a side surface of the mounting rail. For example, the mounting rail may have a recess complementary to the projection, into which the projection can engage when attached.

[0024] The projection can have a recess through which it provides the form-fit and / or force-fit connection. For example, the support rail can be designed to have a protrusion complementary to the recess of the projection, which, in an attached position, can engage in the recess of the projection, thus ensuring that the anti-displacement device is held securely in position.

[0025] Preferably, the base body has a projection at an outer and lower end. This projection can be designed to create a positive fit with a lateral profile of the support rail. This allows for improved, and in particular, more secure positioning of the anti-displacement device. Alternatively or additionally, the projection can be designed to support the mounting device and / or to connect the anti-displacement device to a fastening system of the support rail in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

[0026] Furthermore, the base body can have at least one spacer. The positioning of the anti-slip device relative to the mounting rail can be adjusted via this spacer. The spacer can be located, in particular, on the side of the base body facing the mounting rail. The projection of the webs beyond the width of the mounting rail can also be adjusted via this spacer.

[0027] Preferably, at least one spacer is designed to be replaceable or adjustable, so that the distance between the anti-displacement device and the mounting rail, and thus the projection of the webs beyond the mounting rail, can be adjusted. Preferably, the anti-displacement device comprises a metal or a plastic. For example, the anti-displacement device can comprise a polyamide, preferably polyamide 6 or polyamide 6.6. In particular, it can be provided that the anti-displacement device comprises a material that has a higher degree of flexibility than the mounting rail and / or a mounting device. This allows for advantageous clamping, as the webs are flexible relative to the mounting device.

[0028] The invention further relates to a support rail comprising at least one anti-displacement device according to the invention. This enables the support rail to be securely attached to the mounting rail, preventing displacement.

[0029] Preferably, the support rail has two anti-displacement devices according to the invention, which are attached to opposite sides of the support rail. This secures a mounting device attached to the support rail against displacement, particularly automatic displacement, on both sides. Attaching the anti-displacement devices can thus be done without tools.

[0030] In particular, the mounting rail has a raised section or recess that complements a projection of the anti-displacement device. This ensures that at least one anti-displacement device can be securely attached to or onto the mounting rail.

[0031] The invention further relates to a method for attaching a mounting device to a support rail. The method comprises the following steps:

[0032] - Attaching at least one anti-displacement device according to the invention to a support rail and

[0033] - Mounting a device onto the mounting rail.

[0034] This allows a mounting device to be positioned securely on the support rail. The anti-displacement device can be attached, particularly after the support rail has been prepared. Furthermore, it is preferably designed to be detachable and therefore flexible, for example, usable at a different position on the support rail, on a different support rail, and / or for a different mounting device. Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. These show:

[0035] Figure i shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0036] Displacement protection;

[0037] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0038] Support rail with two anti-slip devices according to the invention in perspective view;

[0039] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support rail according to the invention with two anti-displacement devices according to the invention in a view from below; and

[0040] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support rail according to the invention with two anti-displacement devices according to the invention in a top view.

[0041] Figure i shows a displacement guard i for a mounting device on a support rail too. The displacement guard i has an elongated base body 2 that can be attached to the support rail too. For this purpose, the base body 2 has two projections 4 designed to provide a positive and non-positive connection with the support rail 100. In particular, the projections 4 each have a recess 5 through which the projection 4 provides the positive and non-positive connection by engaging protrusions 103 of the support rail in the attached state.

[0042] Furthermore, a plurality of webs 3 are arranged on the base body 2, extending perpendicularly from the base body 2 and designed such that, in a position where the anti-displacement device 1 is mounted on a support rail 100, they are positioned below a collar 101 of the support rail 100 and project at least partially beyond a width B of the support rail 100. Because the webs 3 project beyond the width B of the support rail 100 in a mounted position, they widen the overall width of the support rail 100 and anti-displacement device 1, thus increasing the clamping force acting on a mounting device. The plurality of webs 3 are arranged in a comb-like pattern and are spaced apart from one another. The distance between two webs 3 essentially corresponds to the width of the webs 3.However, in other embodiments not shown, the spacing between the webs 3 may be smaller than the width of the webs 3. Adjusting the spacing allows the flexibility of the multiple webs 3 to be influenced, as more or less material is available to exert a clamping force on the mounting device. Alternatively, the spacing may be irregular.

[0043] The webs 3 are arranged here over the entire length L of the anti-displacement device 1, so that the largest possible area for clamping by the anti-displacement device 1 is provided. However, it is also possible to provide webs 3 only in certain areas on the base body 2 of the anti-displacement device 1. For example, the arrangement of the webs 3 can be adapted to a side profile of a mounting device that is to be contacted by the webs 3.

[0044] The webs 3 have a square profile. In particular, the profile is rectangular, and one length is greater than one width. However, other profiles are also possible, so that, in particular, a side of the webs 3 facing a mounting device can be adapted to a side profile of a mounting device that the webs 3 are intended to contact.

[0045] In the anti-displacement device 1 shown in Figure 1, an outer web 31 is wider than an inner web 32. This allows the outer web 31 to be more stable than the inner web 32, making damage, and especially breakage, more difficult. This is particularly important because the outer web 32 can be subjected to greater stress, especially if a mounting device is not centrally attached and, for example, extends beyond one end of the anti-displacement device 1.

[0046] The base body 2 has a projection 6 at one outer and lower end. This projection 6 allows the base body 2 to form an improved positive fit with a complementary bearing surface 104 of the support rail 100. This enables improved positioning of the anti-displacement device 1. Furthermore, the base body 2 has an inwardly projecting edge section 8. This edge section 8 can, for example, engage behind a fastening system of the support rail 100 provided by rails 110, thus securing the anti-displacement device 1.

[0047] The anti-displacement device 1 also has two spacers 7. These are formed on one side of the base body 2 facing the support rail 100. The spacers 7 allow, in particular, the distance between the anti-displacement device 1 and the support rail 100 to be determined, thus preventing the webs 3 from projecting beyond the width B of the support rail. The clamping force acting on the mounting device can therefore be adjusted. Furthermore, the spacers 7 support secure positioning of the anti-displacement device 1 on the support rail 100 by exerting a counterforce on the recess 5 of the projection 4, thereby preventing or at least reducing any potential play in the connection between the recess 5 and the protrusion 103 of the support rail 100.

[0048] The webs 3 exhibit a certain degree of flexibility for clamping the mounting device, allowing them to yield slightly when the device is attached towards the support rail 100. This makes the anti-displacement device 1 flexible for use with different mounting devices, particularly those with different side profiles that the webs 3 contact, as their flexibility allows them to adapt to different side profiles.

[0049] For this purpose, it is provided that the anti-displacement device 1, in particular the webs 3, comprise a metal or a plastic. Preferably, the anti-displacement device 1 comprises a polyamide. The anti-displacement device 1 shown in Figure 1 is manufactured in one piece from a polyamide 6. Alternatively, the anti-displacement device 1 can also comprise a polyamide 6.6. It is particularly provided that the material of the anti-displacement device 1 has a higher degree of flexibility than the support rail 100 and / or the mounting device. This allows the webs 3 to yield accordingly when the mounting device is attached, so that the webs 3 can advantageously adapt to a corresponding side profile of the mounting device for clamping the mounting device.

[0050] Figures 2 to 4 show an embodiment of a support rail according to the invention, which has two anti-displacement devices 1 according to the invention. The anti-displacement devices 1 are attached to opposite side faces of the support rail 10. Figures 2 to 4 show the anti-displacement devices 1 in a mounted position from different views.

[0051] In the perspective view shown in Figure 2, it can be seen that the webs 3, in the attached position, directly abut a lower edge 102 of the collar 101 of the support rail 100. This allows the mounting device to be clamped vertically directly adjacent to the support rail 100.

[0052] Figure 2 further shows the bearing surface 104 of the support rail 100, on which the base body 2 rests in a form-fitting manner. The projection 6 encompasses the end of the bearing surface 104 and thus provides a stop for simplified insertion of the anti-displacement device 1. The edge section 8 and a supplementary edge section 105 of the support rail 100 are also visible. The two edge sections 8 and 105 have an aligned bearing surface, so that the support rail 100 and the anti-displacement device 1 can be mounted with precise positioning, particularly relative to each other, on a fastening system, for example, rails 110.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the support rail 100 and the anti-slip devices 1 in a bottom view. This clearly illustrates the positive and non-positive insertion of the anti-slip devices 1. The support rail 100 has four projections 103 which, when inserted, engage in the recesses 5 of the two projections 4 of each anti-slip device 1. The anti-slip devices 1 can therefore be secured by simply sliding them onto the support rails 100.

[0054] To simplify sliding, the projections 5 can, for example, be chamfered so that they can slide more easily over the ridges 103. Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 1, the projections 5 have a gripping edge 9 at their end. This simplifies the release of the sliding guards 1, as it facilitates grasping and easily lifting the projections 5, for example, with a finger.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a top view of the support rail 100 and the two inserted anti-displacement devices 1. The rails 110 of a fastening system, onto which the support rail 100 is mounted, are visible. Furthermore, the four edge sections 8 of the anti-displacement devices 1 are partially shown; these engage behind the rails 110 and thus ensure that the anti-displacement devices are inserted securely.

[0056] In particular, Figure 4 shows the partial projection of the webs 3 beyond the width of the support rail 100. Thus, only a portion of the rectangular profile of the webs 3 is visible in the top view. Specifically, less than 50% of the width of a profile of the webs 3 projects beyond the width B of the support rail 100. Preferably, the webs can also project beyond the width B by less than 25%, and more preferably by less than 10%.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the webs 3 have a width of slightly more than one millimeter, so that the webs 3 protrude a maximum of half a millimeter beyond the width B of the support rail 100.

[0058] The projection of the webs 3 is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 4. This results in a total width D of the support rail 100 and both anti-displacement devices 1, which is composed of the width B of the support rail and the projecting section of the profiles of the webs 3 of both anti-displacement devices 1. When a mounting device is attached, the webs 3 are pressed slightly inwards, so that they exert a clamping force on the mounting device and secure it against displacement. The total width D thus decreases when a mounting device is attached.

[0059] The following steps may be required to attach a mounting device to a support rail:

[0060] - Attaching two displacement protection devices 1 according to the invention to a support rail 100, as shown for example in Figures 2 to 4, and

[0061] - Mounting a surface-mounted device onto the 100 mm mounting rail.

[0062] The webs 3, which extend beyond the width B of the mounting rail 100, exert a clamping force on the attached mounting device. The mounting device may also have locking mechanisms against which the webs 3 can engage. This clamping force makes it difficult for the mounting device to shift, and in particular, in vertical installations, it prevents the device from shifting unintentionally. The mounting device can be removed simply by pulling it off; no tools are required, as the clamping action is automatic via the webs 3. The anti-slip devices 1 are also designed to be removable without tools, allowing them to be flexibly used on other mounting rails or with other mounting devices.

[0063] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination.

[0064] Reference symbol list: i Displacement protection

[0065] 2 basic shapes

[0066] 3 Bridge

[0067] 4 lead

[0068] 5 recesses

[0069] 6. Assessment of the displacement protection

[0070] 7 spacers

[0071] 8 Edge section of the displacement protection

[0072] 9 Gripping edge

[0073] 31 Outer Bridge

[0074] 32 Inner web too support rail

[0075] 101 collars

[0076] 102 Lower edge of the collar

[0077] 103 Elevation of the support rail

[0078] 104 contact area

[0079] 105 Edge section of the support rail

[0080] 110 rails

[0081] B Width of the support rail

[0082] D Total width of support rail and webs projecting beyond width B

[0083] L Length of the displacement protection

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Anti-displacement device (i) for a mounting device on a support rail (100), comprising an elongated base body (2) that can be attached to the support rail (100), wherein a plurality of webs (3) are arranged on the base body (2) which extend perpendicularly from the base body (2) and are designed such that, in a position of the anti-displacement device (1) attached to a support rail (100), they are positioned below a collar (101) of the support rail (100) and project at least partially beyond a width (B) of the support rail (100).

2. Displacement protection (1) according to claim 1, in which the plurality of webs (3) are arranged in a comb shape.

3. Displacement protection (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the webs (3) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

4. Displacement protection (1) according to claim 3, wherein a distance between two webs (3) corresponds substantially to the width of the webs (3), preferably is less than 75% of the width of the webs (3), and particularly preferably is less than 50% of the width of the webs (3).

5. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (3) are arranged over the entire length (L) of the displacement protection (1).

6. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer web (31) is wider than an inner web (32).

7. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (3) in the attached position are directly adjacent to a lower edge (102) of the collar (101).

8. Anti-displacement device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (3) have a square profile. 9- Displacement protection (i) according to claim 8, wherein the profile is rectangular and the length is greater than a width.

10. Displacement protection (i) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the webs (3) in the attached position project beyond a width (B) of the support rail (100) by less than 50% of the width of a profile of the webs (3), preferably by less than 25%, particularly preferably by less than 10%.

11. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one projection (4) which is designed to provide a form-fit and / or force-fit connection with the support rail (100).

12. Displacement protection (1) according to claim 11, wherein the projection (4) has a recess (5) through which the projection (4) provides the form-fit and / or force-fit connection.

13. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (2) has a protrusion (6) at an outer and lower end.

14. Displacement protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (2) has at least one spacer (7).

15. Displacement protection (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a metal or a plastic.

16. Displacement protection (1) according to claim 15, comprising a polyamide, in particular a polyamide 6 or polyamide 6.

6.

17. Displacement protection (1) according to one of claims 15 or 16, comprising a material which has a higher flexibility than the support rail (100) and / or a mounting device.

18. Support rail (100) comprising at least one anti-displacement device (i) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Support rail (100) according to claim 18, which has a protrusion (103) or recess complementary to a projection (4) of the displacement protection (1).

20. Method for mounting a mounting device on a support rail (100), comprising the steps: Attaching at least one displacement protection device (1) after one of the Claims 1 to 17 relating to a support rail (100) and Mounting a surface-mounted device onto the mounting rail (100).

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