ADAPTER FOR MOUNTING SINGLE- OR MULTI-PIN OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION DEVICES THAT ARE DESIGNED AS PLUG-IN MODULES, AND USE OF SUCH AN ADAPTER

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter for mounting single- or multi-pin overvoltage protection devices that are designed as plug-in modules on a wiring carrier, wherein the adapter has a base and at least one chamber that is open upward and bounded by side walls, from the bottom side of which chamber a plurality of mounting protrusions extend, which each have a contour that is substantially complementary to corresponding openings in the wiring carrier. According to the invention, the mounting protrusions have a hook shape in order to engage under the wiring carrier as a result of sliding of the adapter in the plane of the wiring carrier, after the adapter has been inserted into the openings by means of the mounting protrusions, wherein through-holes are formed in the base, the dimensions of which through-holes allow plug-in connections of the plug-in modules to be fed through to the wiring carrier. Furthermore, metallized holes corresponding to the dimensions of the plug-in connections of the plug-in module are formed in the wiring carrier in such a way that the holes are located congruently with the through-holes in the base after the adapter has been inserted and slid, such that self-securing locking of the combination of the adapter, the plug-in module, and the wiring carrier is provided in addition to electrical contacting, after the plug-in module has been inserted.

Claims

1. An adapter for mounting single-pin or multipin overvoltage protection devices that are designed as plug-in modules (10) on a wiring carrier (8), wherein the adapter (1) has a base (2) and at least one chamber (4), which is open on top and delimited by side walls (3), from the lower side (5) of which multiple mounting extensions (6) extend, which are essentially complementary to corresponding openings (7) in the wiring carrier (8), characterized in that the mounting extensions (6) have a hook shape (61; 62), in order, after insertion of the adapter (1) with the mounting extensions (6) into the openings (7), by displacement of the adapter in the plane of the wiring carrier (8), to engage below it, wherein perforations are formed in the base (2), the dimensions of which enable plug terminals (9) of the plug-in module (10) to be led through to the wiring carrier, furthermore metallized recesses (11) are formed in the wiring carrier (8) corresponding to the dimensions of the plug terminals (9) of the plug-in module (10) such that the recesses (11), after insertion of the adapter and the displacement thereof, are located congruently in relation to the perforations in the base (2), so that after insertion of the plug-in module (10), self-securing locking of the composite made of adapter (1), plug-in module (10), and wiring carrier (8) is provided in addition to electrical contacting.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug terminals (9) of the plug-in module (10) are formed U-shaped, wherein a support element (12) is located between the U legs.

3. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that the cross section of the plug terminals (9) has a rectangular shape and the recesses (11) in the wiring carrier (8) have a complementary design.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the recesses (11) in the wiring carrier (8) are formed as electrical through contacts and are connected to corresponding conductor tracks.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that catch means are provided between the side walls (3) of the chamber (4) and the plug-in module (10).

6. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one wiring carrier fastening borehole is provided on the wiring carrier (8) below the base (2), the access to which through the adapter (1) is concealed after the mounting thereof on the wiring carrier (8).

7. The adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that the catch means comprise openings (13) provided in the side walls (3) of the chamber (4), in each of which a catch lug (14) of the plug-in module (10) engages, wherein the respective catch lug (14) is located at the end of a movable actuating surface (15) and has an insertion bevel.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, characterized in that the side walls (3), in the plugged state of the plug-in module (10) and after completed locking thereof, predominantly or completely conceal the actuating surface (15) to preclude non-legitimate manipulations or a removal of the plug-in module (10).

9. A use of an adapter according to claim 1 for the solderless mounting and surge-current-resistant connection of plug-in modules on or to wiring carriers, in particular circuit boards.

Description

[0030] The invention will be explained in greater detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with the aid of figures.

[0031] In the figures:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of the elements wiring carrier, adapter, and plug-in module before the mounting;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of adapter and wiring carrier including mounting extensions in the inserted state, which is not yet locked, however, between adapter and wiring carrier;

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an illustration similar to that according to FIG. 2, but with locking between adapter and wiring carrier by corresponding displacement, wherein the hook-shaped mounting extensions engage below the wiring carrier lower side with the goal of fastening the adapter on the wiring carrier; and

[0035] FIG. 4 shows an arrangement similar to that according to FIGS. 2 and 3, but with latched plug-in module, wherein the plug terminals of the plug-in module are seated in a friction-locked manner in through contact recesses of the wiring carrier and the desired surge current resistance arises as a result in conjunction with the locking between the assemblies.

[0036] The adapter 1 illustrated in the figures consists of a base 2, which forms a chamber 4, which is open on top and delimited by side walls 3.

[0037] Multiple mounting extensions 6 extend from the lower side 5 of the base 2, which mounting extensions have a contour which is essentially complementary to corresponding openings 7 in the wiring carrier 8.

[0038] The mounting extensions 6 have a hook shape, as is apparent from FIGS. 2 to 4. In this regard, an angle 62 adjoins a formation 61 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the adapter 1.

[0039] The angle 62 has dimensions such that by displacing the adapter in the arrow direction (see FIG. 2), the corresponding mounting extension 6 with adapter is fixed in relation to the wiring carrier 8.

[0040] The part 62 of the mounting extension 6 thus engages below the lower side of the wiring carrier 8 to cause the desired locking.

[0041] Perforations (not shown in the figures) are located in the base 2, i.e., in the bottom of the base 2. These are formed so that the dimensions thereof enable plug terminals 9 of the plug-in module 10 to be guided through.

[0042] Metallized recesses 11 corresponding to the dimensions of the plug terminals 9 of the plug-in module 10 are formed in the wiring carrier 8 such that the recesses 11, after insertion of the adapter 1 and the displacement thereof (see arrow direction according to FIG. 2), are located congruently in relation to the passages in the base, so that after insertion of the plug-in module 10, self-secured locking of the composite made of adapter 1, plug-in module 10, and wiring carrier 8 is provided, in addition to electrical contacting.

[0043] As is apparent from FIG. 4, the plug terminals 9 of the plug-in module 10 are formed as U-shaped, wherein a support element 12 is located between the U legs.

[0044] The cross section of the plug terminals 9 preferably has a rectangular shape, wherein the recesses 11 in the wiring carrier 8 also have a complementary rectangular design.

[0045] The recesses 11 in the wiring carrier 8 are formed as electrical through contacts and are connected to corresponding conductor tracks (not shown).

[0046] Catch means are provided between the side walls 3 of the chamber 4 and the plug-in module 10.

[0047] The catch means in the side walls 3 of the chamber 4 comprise openings 13, in which a catch lug 14 of the plug-in module 10 engages.

[0048] The respective catch lugs 14 are located at the end of a movable actuating surface 15.

[0049] As is apparent from FIG. 4, the side walls 3 of the adapter 1 nearly completely conceal the actuating surface 15 in the plugged state of the plug-in module 10 and after completed locking thereof It is therefore no longer possible without effort and/or without the use of tools to move the actuating surfaces 15 in the direction of the center of the plug-in module 10, so that the catch lugs 14 release the openings 13. In this way, the plug-in module 10 is thus secured in the base 1 and with respect to the wiring carrier.

[0050] In the above explanations, it was presumed that a respective opening 13 is provided in the side walls 3, which has an operational connection to a catch lug 14 of the plug-in module 10. Of course, a kinematic reversal of the formation or arrangement of openings/catch lugs is also possible here, without leaving the core of the invention.

[0051] The plug terminals 9 can consist of copper material, which is electroplated using nickel. For example, sheet-metal strips in a width of 6 mm and having a thickness of 0.5 mm can be used here. The metallized recess implemented in the wiring carrier 8 is, for example, in each case a contact opening in the dimensions 9.2 mm2.9 mm corresponding to the above-explained embodiment of the sheet-metal strip plug terminals. The described locking with the aid of the special mounting extensions prevents loosening of the connection in the event of mechanical load, so that overall the required strengths are also provided under surge current conditions.