Abstract
The invention relates to an isolating element for a toroidal core inductor, comprising a first isolating web part and a second isolating web part, which isolating web parts are provided with latching apparatuses which match one another and in each case with at least one retaining projection, wherein the retaining projections, in the mounted state of the isolating element, rest on a respective top side of the toroidal core inductor, and wherein, in the mounted state of the isolating element, the two isolating web parts extend at least in sections into a passage opening in the toroidal core inductor.
Claims
1. An isolating element for a toroidal core inductor, comprising a first isolating web part; and a second isolating web part, wherein the first and second isolating web parts are provided with latching apparatuses which match one another and in each case with at least one retaining projection, further wherein the retaining projections, in the mounted state of the isolating element, rest on a respective top side of the toroidal core inductor, and yet further wherein, in the mounted state of the isolating element, the two isolating web parts extend at least in sections into a passage opening in the toroidal core inductor.
2. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching apparatuses can be latched into one another by means of a relative movement of the two isolating web parts, wherein the relative movement takes place parallel to a centre axis and/or about a centre axis of the passage opening in the toroidal core inductor.
3. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first isolating web part has a length which corresponds at least to the length of the passage opening in the toroidal core inductor, and in that the first isolating web part has an isolating wall section without apertures, which isolating wall section, in the mounted state, is arranged within the passage opening in the toroidal core inductor.
4. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first isolating web part has a receiving channel for the second isolating web part.
5. Isolating element according to claim 4, characterized in that a latching apparatus of the first isolating web part is arranged within the receiving channel.
6. Isolating element, according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving channel extends over the entire length of the first isolating web part.
7. Isolating element according to claim 6, characterized in that the receiving channel has a rectangular cross section.
8. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first isolating web part and/or the second isolating web part have/has a main body which is in the form of a straight strip, wherein the two free end regions of the strip each form a retaining projection, wherein the retaining projections, in the mounted state of the isolating element, rest on a top side of the toroidal core inductor.
9. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first isolating web part and/or the second isolating web part have/has a main body which is in the form of a straight strip, wherein the two free end regions of the strip each form a retaining projection, wherein the retaining projections, in the mounted state of the isolating element, rest on a top side of the toroidal core inductor.
10. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that two latching arms are provided, the said latching arms forming a U-shaped arrangement and each being provided with a latching projection and/or a latching recess.
11. Isolating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first isolating web part and/or the second isolating web part are of slightly elastically deformable design at least in the region of the respective retaining projections, and therefore the respective retaining projections, in the mounted state of the isolating element, rest on the respective top side of the toroidal core inductor with a prestressing force.
12. Isolating element to claim 1, characterized in that the latching apparatuses are formed on the first isolating web part and on the second isolating web part such that the latching apparatuses, in the latched-in state, cannot he disconnected from one another without being destroyed.
13. Toroidal core inductor comprising an isolating element according to claim 1, wherein a toroidal core of the toroidal core Inductor has a central passage opening, and wherein the isolating element is inserted into the passage opening between different windings on the toroidal core.
14. Toroidal core inductor according to claim 13, characterized in that the isolating element has retaining projections which rest on the top sides of the toroidal core.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Further features and advantages of the invention can be found, in the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a view of an isolating element according to the invention in line with a preferred embodiment in the inserted state, wherein boundary lines, which are actually concealed, are illustrated using dashed lines for explanatory purposes,
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the isolating element of FIG. 1, wherein boundary lines, which are again actually concealed, are illustrated using dashed lines for explanatory purposes,
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a side view along sectional plane III-III in FIG. 2,
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a view of the first isolating web part of the isolating element of FIG. 1 in a view obliquely from above,
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first isolating web part of FIG. 4,
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a view of the second isolating web part of the isolating element of FIG. 1 obliquely from above,
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second isolating web part of FIG. 6,
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a view of a toroidal core inductor according to the invention comprising the isolating element of FIG. 1 in a view obliquely from above, and
[0044] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the toroidal core inductor of FIG. 8.
[0045] The illustration of FIG. 1 shows an isolating element 10 according to the invention which, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, is intended to be inserted into a passage opening in a toroidal core inductor in order to achieve potential isolation between different windings on the toroidal core of a toroidal core inductor in this way.
[0046] The isolating element 10 has a first isolating web part 12 and a second isolating web part 14, which isolating web parts are inserted one into the other in the state of FIG. 1. This is shown in FIG. 1 merely by way of the latching arms 16, 18, illustrated using dashed lines, of the second isolating web part, which latching arms extend into a receiving channel 20, likewise illustrated using dashed lines, in the first isolating web part 12. As a result, the second isolating web part 14 is latched to the first isolating web part 12. As a result, the two isolating web parts 12, 14 form an isolating element with an H-like shape.
[0047] The first isolating web part 12 has a strip-like main body, wherein the two free ends of the strip each form a retaining projection 22, 24 which, in the mounted state of the isolating element, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, rest on a top side of the toroidal core of a toroidal core inductor.
[0048] An isolating wall section 26, which surrounds the receiving channel 20, starts from the main body with the retaining projections 22, 24. A length of the isolating wall section 26 corresponds, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, to the length of a passage opening in a toroidal core inductor for which the isolating element 10 is provided. As a result, a continuous isolating wall without apertures, which reliably isolates the different windings on the toroidal core inductor from one another, can be realized within the passage opening in the toroidal core inductor by means of the isolating wall section 26.
[0049] The second isolating web part 14 likewise has a main body in the form of a strip, the free ends of the said strip forming retaining sections 28, 30. The shape of the retaining sections 28, 30 corresponds to the shape of the retaining sections 22, 24 and, in the state in which they are latched one in the other, the retaining sections 22, 28 and the retaining sections 24, 30 are situated opposite one another.
[0050] In the mounted state of the isolating element 10, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the retaining sections 22, 24 of the first isolating web part 12 rest on a first surface of the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor, and the retaining sections 28, 30 rest on the opposite top side of the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor. As a result, reliable isolation between different windings of the toroidal core inductor can be realized both in the region of the two top sides of the toroidal core and also within the passage opening in the toroidal core by means of the isolating element 10. The two isolating web parts 12, 14 are each integrally produced from plastic, in particular by means of plastic injection moulding.
[0051] The illustration of FIG. 2 shows the isolating element 10 of FIG. 2 in a side view. Once again, boundary lines, which are actually concealed, are illustrated using dashed lines and therefore can also be seen in the side view of the receiving channel 20 and the latching arms 16, 18 which extend into the receiving channel. The isolating wall section 26 lies between the main bodies of the isolating web parts 12, 14. The retaining sections 22, 28 and, respectively, 24, 30 have facing boundary areas which are each of planar design. As a result, the retaining sections 22, 28 and, respectively, 24, 30 can rest flat on the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor by way of these boundary areas, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. A differing design of these areas is expedient, for example, when the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor does not have any planar top sides.
[0052] The illustration of FIG. 3 shows a sectional view along sectional plane III-III in FIG. 2. It can clearly be seen in this sectional view that the two latching arms 16, 18 of the second isolating web part 14 extend into the receiving channel 20 of the first isolating web part 12. The two latching arms 16, 18 are arranged parallel to one another and have a U-shaped recess between them. As a result, the latching arms 16,
[0053] 15 can spring slightly inward, that is to say toward one another. Each of the latching arms 16, 18 is provided with a latching apparatus in the form of a latching projection 32 and, respectively, 34. In the state of FIG. 3, in which the second isolating web part 14 is pushed completely into the receiving channel 20 of the first isolating web part 12, the latching projections 32, 34 each engage behind a latching projection 36 and, respectively, 38 on the first isolating web part 12, wherein the latching projections 36, 38 protrude into the free cross section of the receiving channel 20.
[0054] The latching projections 32, 34 each have, in the direction of the free end of the latching arms 16, 18, a run-on bevel 40 and, respectively, 42. However, on the opposite side of the latching projections 32, 34, the said latching projections have a stop face which runs perpendicular to the respective latching arm 16, 18. Therefore, when the second isolating web part 14 is pushed into the receiving channel 20 of the first isolating web part 12, the run-on bevels 40, 42 reach the region of the latching projections 36, 38 in the receiving channel 20. When the second isolating web part 14 is advanced further into the receiving channel 20, the latching arms 16, 18 are deflected inwards, that is to say towards one another, as a result. The latching projections 32, 34 can be pushed past the latching projections 36, 38 of the receiving channel 20 until the latching projections 32, 34 on the latching arms 16, 18 are behind the latching projections 36, 38 of the receiving channel 20. The latching arms 16, 18 then immediately spring open, so that they assume the position illustrated in FIG. 3. The second isolating web part 14 is then reliably secured on the first isolating web part 12. In this case, the prestress of the latching arms 16, 18 is selected to be such that, starting from the latched state in FIG. 3, the first isolating web part 12 and the second isolating web part 14 cannot be detached from one another again without being destroyed. In this case, a distance of the latching lugs 32, 34 on the latching arms 16, 18 from the main body 44 of the second isolating web part or a distance of the latching projections 36, 38 of the first isolating web part from the main body 46 of the first isolating web part 12 is such that, in the mounted state of the isolating element 10, see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the retaining projections 22, 24, 28, 30 each rest on the respective top side of the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor with a prestress. As a result, tolerances of the isolating element 10, of the toroidal core of the toroidal core inductor and also temperature-related changes in size of the individual components can be compensated for. In order to maintain a prestress of this kind, the first isolating web part 12 is of slightly spring-elastic design in the region of the retaining sections 22, 24 and the second isolating web part 14 is of slightly spring-elastic design in the region of the retaining projections 28, 30.
[0055] It can also be seen from the illustration of FIG. 3 that the receiving channel 20 extends over the entire length of the first isolating web part 12. As a result, the second isolating web part 14 can be pushed into the receiving channel 20 from the opening in the receiving channel 20 which is situated at the top in FIG. 3. Visual checking as to whether the two latching arms 16, 18 are correctly snapped behind the latching projections 36, 38 in the receiving channel 20 can then be performed from the opposite side of the receiving channel 20, which is situated at the bottom in FIG. 3. As a result, it is possible to visually check in a simple manner whether the second isolating web part 14 is correctly fastened to the first isolating web part 12. In addition to a visual check, a check of this kind could also be made, for example, by means of a mechanical sensor which then extends into the recess between the two latching arms 16, 18.
[0056] It is essential that checking for correct latching between the first isolating web part 12 and the second isolating web part 14 can actually be performed and that checking for correct latching of this kind can also be performed in a fully automated manner.
[0057] The illustration of FIG. 4 shows the first isolating web part 12 in a view obliquely from above. Boundary lines, which are actually concealed, are once again illustrated using dashed lines. It can be seen that the isolating section has a bone-like cross-sectional shape. A height of the isolating wail section 26 is constant in the region of the opening, which faces the viewer in FIG. 4, of the receiving channel 20. The height of the isolating wall section 26 then respectively increases in the direction of the opposite ends of the isolating wall section 26. It can also be seen that the receiving channel 20 has a rectangular cross section and that the free cross section of the receiving channel 20 is constricted by the two latching projections 36, 38. The first isolating web part 12 can advantageously be produced from plastic, for example by means of plastic injection moulding.
[0058] The illustration of FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first isolating web part 12 of FIG. 4.
[0059] The illustration of FIG. 6 shows the second isolating web part 14 in a view obliquely from above. The approximately U-shaped arrangement of the two latching arms 16, 18 and the design of the latching projections 32, 34 on the respective latching arm 16, 18 can be seen in the said figure.
[0060] The illustration of FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second isolating web part 14 of FIG. 6.
[0061] The illustration of FIG. 8 shows a toroidal core inductor 50 according to the invention in a view obliquely from above, wherein boundary lines, which are again actually not visible, are illustrated using dashed lines. The toroidal core inductor 50 has a toroidal core 52 which is in the form of a tubular section with planar top sides 54, 56, also see FIG. 9. The toroidal core 52 has a central passage opening 58 into which the isolating element 10 is pushed in. As a result, the isolating element 10 is fastened to the toroidal core 52 with a slight prestress when the first isolating web part 12 and the second isolating web part 14 are pushed one into the other and are latched to one another. As a result, the isolating element 10 ensures reliable potential isolation between a first winding 60, only schematically illustrated in FIG. 8, and a second winding 62, likewise only schematically illustrated, on the toroidal core 52 of the toroidal core inductor 50.
[0062] The illustration of FIG. 9 shows the toroidal core inductor 50 of FIG. 8 in a side view. The isolating element 10 is secured in the passage opening 58 in the toroidal core 52 of the toroidal core inductor 50, and the retaining sections 22, 24 of the first isolating web part 12 rest flat on the top side 56 of the toroidal core 52, and the retaining sections 28, 30 of the second isolating web part 14 rest flat on the opposite top side 54 of the toroidal core 52. As a result, reliable isolation between the two windings 60, 62, which are not illustrated in FIG. 9 for reasons of clarity, is also achieved in the region of the two top sides 54, 56.
[0063] As a result, very reliable potential isolation between windings 60, 62 of a toroidal core inductor 50 can be achieved by virtue of the invention, wherein the isolating element 10 provides a continuous isolating wall without apertures in the region of the passage opening 58 of the toroidal core 52. Particularly reliable and simple mounting of the isolating element 10 can be achieved since the isolating element 10 consists of two .isolating web parts 12, 14 which are latched, one into the other. Correct latching of the two isolating web parts 12, 14 with respect to one another can also be checked in an automated manner in the mounted state.
