PLUG-IN MODULE FOR A RAIL-MOUNTED DEVICE, AND RAIL-MOUNTED DEVICE

Abstract

The invention provides a plug-in module (10) for a rail-mounted device (1), comprising a housing (G), which has a first axial end portion (10a) and a second axial end portion (10b); wherein, between the first axial end portion (10a) and the second axial end portion (10b), the housing (G) has a plurality of substantially planar side surfaces (S1, S2, B1, B2); also comprising a first resiliently elastic tongue (12), which is fitted on a first side surface (S1) of the housing (G); wherein the first resiliently elastic tongue (12) has a first axial end portion (12a), which is fitted on the housing (G), and a second axial end portion (12b), which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a first latching nose (12c) is formed between the first and second axial end portions (12a, 12b) and protrudes from the first side surface (S1) of the housing (G); and further comprising a first actuating element (16), which is mounted in a movable manner on the first side surface (S1) and can be moved from a first position (P1), in which it is arranged substantially within the housing (G), into a second position (P2), in which it is located partly outside the housing (G) and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion (12b); wherein, in the second position (P2), the first latching nose (12c) can be moved into the housing (G) by a user applying a substantially lateral force (F1).

Claims

1. A plug-in module for a rail-mounted device: having a housing, which has a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion; wherein, between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion, the housing has a plurality of essentially planar side surfaces; having a first resiliently elastic tongue, which is fitted on a first side surface of the housing; wherein the first resiliently elastic tongue has a first axial end portion, which is fitted on the housing, and a second axial end portion, which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a first latching nose is formed between the first and second axial end portions and protrudes from the first side surface of the housing; and having a first actuating element, which is mounted in a movable manner on the first side surface and can be moved from a first position, in which it is arranged essentially within the housing, into a second position, in which it is located to some extent outside the housing and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion; wherein in the second position, by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force to the first actuating element, the first latching nose can be moved into the housing.

2. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of essentially planar side surfaces have a first and second narrow-side surface and a first and second broad-side surface, which are arranged essentially with a right-angled cross section.

3. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 1, also having a second resiliently elastic tongue, which is fitted on a second side surface of the housing; wherein the second resiliently elastic tongue has a first axial end portion, which is fitted on the housing, and a second axial end portion, which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a second latching nose is formed between the first and second axial end portions and protrudes from the second side surface of the housing; and having a second actuating element, which is mounted in a movable manner on the second side and can be moved from a first position, in which it is arranged essentially within the housing, into a second position, in which it is located to some extent outside the housing and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion; wherein in the second position, by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force to the second actuating element, the second latching nose can be moved into the housing.

4. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first side surface is the first narrow-side surface and the second side surface is the second narrow-side surface.

5. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and/or latching nose are/is of essentially wedge-shaped design.

6. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and/or second actuating element are/is of essentially wedge-shape design, and wherein, in the respective first position, a respective pointed end portion of the first and/or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the first axial end portion of the housing, and wherein, in the respective second position of the first and/or second actuating element, the respective pointed end portion of the first and/or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the second axial end portion of the housing.

7. The plug-in module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and/or second actuating element can be pivoted about a respective pivot pin.

8. A rail-mounted device having a base part and at least one plug-in module, wherein the plug-in module is equipped: with a housing, which has a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion; wherein, between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion, the housing has a plurality of essentially planar side surfaces; with a first resiliently elastic tongue, which is fitted on a first side surface of the housing; wherein the first resiliently elastic tongue has a first axial end portion, which is fitted on the housing, and a second axial end portion, which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a first latching nose is formed between the first and second axial end portions and protrudes from the first side surface of the housing; and with a first actuating element, which is mounted in a movable manner on the first side surface and can be moved from a first position, in which it is arranged essentially within the housing, into a second position, in which it is located to some extent outside the housing and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion; wherein in the second position, by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force to the first actuating element, the first latching nose can be moved into the housing; wherein the base part has a first aperture, which is formed on a first side and is intended for accommodating a carrying rail, and also has a second aperture, which is formed on a second side, arranged opposite the first side, and is intended for accommodating the at least one plug-in module; wherein the base part has a first undercut, into which the first latching nose has been inserted with locking action in the plugged-in state.

9. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of essentially planar side surfaces have a first and second narrow-side surface and a first and second broad-side surface, which are arranged essentially with a right-angled cross section.

10. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plug-in module is also equipped: a second resiliently elastic tongue, which is fitted on a second side surface of the housing; wherein the second resiliently elastic tongue has a first axial end portion, which is fitted on the housing, and a second axial end portion, which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a second latching nose is formed between the first and second axial end portions and protrudes from the second side surface of the housing; a second actuating element, which is mounted in a movable manner on the second side and can be moved from a first position, in which it is arranged essentially within the housing into a second position, in which it is located to some extent outside the housing and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion; wherein in the second position, by virtue of a user applying an essentially lateral force to the second actuating element, the second latching nose can be moved into the housing; wherein the base part has a second undercut, into which the second latching nose has been inserted with locking action in the plugged-in state.

11. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first side surface is the first narrow-side surface and the second side surface is the second narrow-side surface.

12. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 11, wherein a plurality of the plug-in modules can be inserted with locking action in the base part with the broad-side surfaces parallel.

13. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and/or latching nose are of essentially wedge-shaped design and the first and/or second undercut are/is of complementary wedge-shaped design.

14. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and/or second actuating element are/is of essentially wedge-shape design, and wherein, in the respective first position, a respective pointed end portion of the first and/or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the first axial end portion of the housing, and wherein, in the respective second position of the first and/or second actuating element, the respective pointed end portion of the first and/or second actuating element is arranged in the direction of the second axial end portion of the housing.

15. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rail-mounted device has a protective cover, which is fitted on an upper surface of the base part and has an opening, through which the at least one plug-in module can be guided in the respective first position, wherein the protective cover is shape-adapted to the housing.

16. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the respective third position can be reached with the protective cover fitted.

17. The rail-mounted device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and/or second actuating element can be pivoted about a respective pivot pin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To give a better understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference will now be made to the following description in conjunction with the associated drawings.

[0032] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to exemplary embodiments which are indicated in the schematic figures of the drawings, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the locked position;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in a position in which it is ready for unlocking; and

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in the unlocked position.

[0036] Unless indicated to the contrary, like reference signs denote like elements in the drawings.

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

[0038] The rail-mounted device 1 has a base part 20 and at least one electrical plug-in module 10 inserted into the base part 20. The plug-in module 10 comprises a housing G, which has essentially rectangular cross sections in its height direction H and in its width direction B. A first and a second essentially planar narrow-side surface are denoted by reference signs S1, S2 and a first and a second essentially planar broad-side surface are denoted by reference signs B1, B2 (above and beneath the drawing plane). A first axial end portion 10a of the plug-in module 10 is located on an operator's side, and a second axial end portion 10b of the plug-in module 10 is arranged in the interior of the base part 20.

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

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

[0041] The base part 20 has a first aperture 20a1, which is formed on a first side 20a and is intended for accommodating a carrying rail 22, and also has a second aperture 20b1, which is formed on a second side 20b, arranged opposite the first side 20a, and is intended for accommodating the at least one plug-in module 10 with locking action.

[0042] Not illustrated in the figures are busbars which are provided in the interior of the base part 20 and are connected electrically to the contact elements of the plug-in module 10.

[0043] The base part 20 is typically configured such that a plurality of plug-in modules 10 can be accommodated in the base part 20 in an arrangement in which they are in a parallel state one beside the other along the broad-side surfaces B1, B2.

[0044] In the case of the present embodiment, the plug-in module 10 has, on the opposite narrow-side surfaces S1, S2, a first resiliently elastic tongue 12, which is fastened in the plug-in module 10 and has a first wedge-shaped latching nose 12c, and a second resiliently elastic tongue 14, which is fastened in the plug-in module 10 and has a second wedge-shaped latching nose 14c.

[0045] In particular, the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 has a first axial end portion 12a, which is anchored in the plug-in module 10, and a second axial end portion 12b, which can be moved. The second resiliently elastic tongue 14 has a first axial end portion 14a, which is anchored in the plug-in module 10, and a second axial end portion 14b, which can be moved. Reference sign A here denote the axial direction of the first and second resiliently elastic tongues 12, 14.

[0046] The first latching nose 12c is located in the vicinity of the second axial end portion 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12, and the second latching nose 14c is located in the vicinity of the second axial end portion 14b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 14. The first and second latching noses 12c, 14c protrude laterally from the narrow-side surfaces S1, S2.

[0047] A respective short side 12c1, 14c1 of the first and second latching noses 12c and 14c, respectively, is arranged in the direction of the second axial end portion 12b, 14b of the respective elastically resilient tongues 12, 14.

[0048] The first latching nose 12c is inserted into a first undercut 24, which is formed in the base part 20. The second latching nose 14c is inserted into a second undercut 26, which is formed in the base part 20.

[0049] For this purpose, the first undercut 24 and the first latching nose 12c, and also the second undercut 26 and the second latching nose 14c, of the base part 20 are of essentially complementary wedge-shaped design.

[0050] With the plug-in module 10 in the locked state in the base part 20, the short side 12c1 of the first latching nose 12c of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 butts against a short side 24a of the first undercut 24 of the base part 20.

[0051] Likewise, with the plug-in module 10 in the locked state in the base part 20, the short side 14c1 of the second latching nose 14c of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 butts against a short side 26a of the second undercut 26 of the base part 20.

[0052] This makes it possible to achieve stable locking of the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20.

[0053] In the assembled state of the rail-mounted device 1, which is shown in FIG. 1, a protective cover 28, which is arranged on an upper surface 20c of the base part 20, has an opening 30. The plug-in module 10 is guided through the opening 30.

[0054] The opening 30 of the protective cover 28 is essentially shape-adapted to the narrow-side surfaces S1, S2 of the plug-in module 10. Shape adaptation in the width direction B corresponds to the sum of the widths of the plug-in modules 10 which have been plugged in.

[0055] The plug-in module 10 also has, on its first narrow-side surface S1, a first actuating element 16, which is mounted in a pivotable manner in the plug-in module 10, and, on its second narrow-side surface S2, a second actuating element 18, which is mounted in a pivotable manner in the plug-in module 10.

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

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

[0058] The first and second actuating elements 16, 18 can be pivoted and serve to unlock the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 with the first latching nose 12c and the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 with the second latching nose 14c, as will be explained at a later stage in the text.

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

[0060] The pivot pins SA, SA′ are fastened on opposite side walls of the broad-side surfaces B1, B2 (not illustrated in FIG. 1) of the plug-in module 10.

[0061] In the state which is illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second actuating elements 16, 18 are incorporated, in the respective first position P1, P3, essentially within the plug-in module 10. Therefore, they do not prevent either the mounting/dismounting of the protective cover 28 or the arranging of plug-in modules 10 parallel one beside the other along their broad-side surfaces B1, B2.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in a position in which it is ready for unlocking.

[0063] The first actuating element 16 can be pivoted from the first position P1, in which it is arranged entirely within the plug-in module 10, into a second position P2, in which the end portion 16a of the first actuating element 16 butts against the second axial end portion 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12.

[0064] In the second position P2, the first actuating element 16 is arranged to some extent outside the plug-in module 10, wherein, on account of the wedge shape, the side surface 16c forms an undercut.

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

[0066] The second actuating element 18 can be pivoted from the first position P3, in which it is arranged entirely within the plug-in module 10, into a second position P4, in which the end portion 18a of the second actuating element 18 butts against the second axial end portion 14b of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14.

[0067] In this second position P4, the second actuating element 18 is arranged to some extent outside the plug-in module 10, wherein, on account of the wedge shape, the side surface 18b forms an undercut.

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

[0069] For this purpose, the respective side walls 10c, 10d on the narrow-side surfaces S1, S2 each have a cutout 10c1, 10d1. By way of the respective cutout 10c1, 10d1, in each case the first actuating element 16 and the second actuating element 18 can be pivoted between the first position P1, P3 and the second position P2, P4 and a third position P5, P6 (see text below).

[0070] In the respective second position P2, P4, the first actuating element 16 and the second actuating element 18 are thus pivoted essentially through 180° in relation to the respective first position P1, P3.

[0071] In the second position P2 of the first actuating element 16, the short side 16d of the first actuating element 16 is directed toward the first axial end portion 10a of the plug-in module 10.

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

[0073] It is advantageous, in the case of this embodiment, that the second axial end portion 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 and the second axial end portion 14b of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 extend outwards in the axial direction A to the far side of the protective cover 28, and this means that the plug-in module 10 can be unlocked and dismounted without the protective cover being removed.

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

[0075] For the purpose of unlocking the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20, by virtue of the user using a first finger 32 to apply an essentially lateral force F1 to the first actuating element 16, the first latching nose 12c of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 can be disengaged from the first undercut 24, which is formed in the base part 20, by the second axial end portion 12b of the first resiliently elastic tongue 12 being pushed into the interior of the plug-in module 10, and into a corresponding third position P5.

[0076] Likewise, for the purpose of unlocking the plug-in module 10 in the base part 20, by virtue of the user using a second finger 34 to apply an essentially lateral force F2 to the second actuating element 18, the latching nose 14c of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 can be disengaged from the second undercut 26, which is formed in the base part 20, by the second axial end portion 14b of the second resiliently elastic tongue 14 being pushed into the interior of the plug-in module 10, and into a corresponding third position P6.

[0077] In this unlocked position, by virtue of the user applying an additional pulling force, the plug-in module 10 can be pulled out of the base part 20, wherein the wedge-shaped configuration of the first and second actuating devices 16, 18 provides the user with corresponding undercuts on the respective sides 16c and 18b, these undercuts making the pulling-out operation easier.

[0078] Although it is a specific embodiment which has been illustrated and described here, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that there are a large number of alternative and/or equivalent implementations in existence. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments is/are only examples and does/do not serve to limit the scope, the applicability or the configuration in any way.

[0079] Although the actuating element or elements in the above-described embodiments have been illustrated as being capable of pivoting, the invention is not restricted thereto. Rather, it is also possible for the actuating element or elements to be capable of linear movement or combined rotary and linear movement.

[0080] It is also possible for the actuating element or elements to be fixed in the first position by latching elements, in order in this way to prevent undesired movement.

[0081] Instead of the wedge shape described for the actuating elements, basically any other desired geometries are possible, e.g. stepped formations, roughened surfaces, apertures, etc.

[0082] In the case of further embodiments, it is also possible for the elastic tongues themselves to function as movable actuating elements.

[0083] The latching noses and complementary overlaps can likewise have geometries other than those described above, for example slanting, rather than horizontal, short sides.