EP1851830B1 - Connection system, in particular electrical connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The connection system has a plug and a socket (1) with a bayonet connection with at least one axial insertion channel (8) and at least one peripheral locking channel, whereby the end of the socket for connection to the plug is covered by a cover (10) that is adjustably arranged in the socket so that the opening is exposed when the plug is inserted.

Description

The invention relates to a connection system, in particular an electrical connection system in a vehicle, with a plug and with a socket, wherein a bayonet connection is provided for the connection of plug and socket, according to the closer defined in the preamble of claim 1.

Bayonet connections for a secure connection between a plug and a socket are well known.

From the DE 42 08 479 A1 a connection system with a plug and a socket is known, wherein for the connection of plug and socket a bayonet connection is provided, which has at least one axially extending insertion channel and at least one adjoining circumferentially offset thereto locking position in the socket, wherein the provided for connection to the plug end face of the socket is covered with a cover which is arranged so adjustable in the socket that when placing the plug through the opening for establishing the connection is released, and wherein the locking channel at its end with a detent position is provided.

In vehicle construction, in particular in motor vehicle construction, mechanical and, above all, electrical connection systems are increasingly also desired in the luggage compartment, for example in the boot, in the area of the rear seats and in the cargo area. The known electrical connection systems are due their design unwieldy or represent disturbing elements. This is especially true for the trunk, where possible no protruding parts are desired. When the known electrical connection systems are not in use, in the prior art, the socket is covered by a separate cover member, unless the connection remains completely open. The latter case is special when the cover member is lost.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a connection system of the type mentioned above, which has a relatively small overall depth and does not interfere both in the installed state and when not in use.

According to the invention this object is achieved by the features mentioned in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Due to the design of the bayonet with the axial introduction channel and offset in the circumferential direction lying locking position, a circumferentially extending locking channel, on the one hand creates a secure connection and on the other hand, only a relatively small depth needed. The inventive arrangement of the cover allows the socket when not in use in a disturbing manner in the environment surrounding the socket or adapt it accordingly. For example, it can be installed in a vehicle wall or loading floor. At the same time a dirt-proof Cover for the electrical contacts created so that their operation is not affected even with prolonged use.

By locking position with the ramp-like rise a backup against unintentional release is achieved.

The socket can be installed in a surrounding component so that the surface of the socket together with the cover is at least approximately flush with the surface of the wall part surrounding the socket. This means damage to the socket can be avoided in this way and a cargo space is not affected by protruding parts.

If the contacts are circumferentially arranged in an electrical connection system, a perfect electrical contact is created, with the addition that when carrying out the electrical connection due to the rotational movement of the plug in the socket, the contacts are always freigerieben, whereby oxidation can be avoided.

The adjustability of the cover and the release of the opening of the socket for a connection can be done in various ways. In a simple manner, a spring device can be provided for this purpose, which pushes back the cover during insertion of the plug into the bayonet connection. After removal of the plug can be forced by a spring bias the cover again in front of the free end face.

In addition to being designed as an electrical connection device, the connection system according to the invention can also be provided simultaneously for a mechanical connection. For this purpose, it is only necessary that a correspondingly designed connecting member is provided as a plug, which is provided for example with a hook or an eyelet to hang, for example, tension cables can. Likewise, such a fastening member can also be used as a suspension device.

Advantageous developments and refinements emerge from the remaining subclaims and from the following Based on the drawing principle described embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung der erfindungsge- mäßen Buchse;

Fig. 2

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Buchse nach der Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Steckers als mechanisches Befestigungsglied;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines elektrischen Steckers;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Buchse mit einem elektrischen Stecker;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines elektrischen Steckers mit einem Verbindungsglied für einen Verbraucher;

Fig. 7

einen Querschnitt durch die Buchse nach der Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt nach der Linie VIII-VIII der Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

einen Schnitt entsprechend dem Schnitt nach der Fig. 8 mit einer teilweise eingeschobenen Abde- ckung;

Fig. 10

einen Schnitt nach der Linie X-X nach der Fig. 7;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines Steckers in einer anderen Ausgestaltung;

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Steckers nach der Fig. 11 in zusammengebautem Zustand vor Einfüh- rung in eine Buchse beziehungsweise in eine Profil- bohrung einer Wand;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in die Buchse eingeschobenen Steckers;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in die Buchse eingeschobenen Steckers in Verriegelungsstellung.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the inventive socket;

Fig. 2

an exploded view of the socket after the Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a plug as a mechanical fastening member;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of an electrical connector;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a socket with an electrical connector;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of an electrical connector with a connector for a consumer;

Fig. 7

a cross section through the socket after the Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

a section along the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

a cut corresponding to the cut after the Fig. 8 with a partially inserted cover;

Fig. 10

a section after the line XX after the Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 11

an exploded perspective view of a plug in another embodiment;

Fig. 12

a perspective view of the plug after the Fig. 11 in the assembled state before insertion into a bushing or into a profile bore of a wall;

Fig. 13

a perspective view of the inserted into the socket plug;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the inserted into the socket connector in the locked position.

The connection system has a socket 1 and a plug 2, which may be formed as a mechanical fastening member 2a or as an electrical connector 2b. Like from the Fig. 3 can be seen, the mechanical connector 2a has a thumb wheel 3 on its side facing away from the connection side. In addition, the thumb wheel 3 may be provided with a fixing member in the form of an eyelet or a hook (not shown). An essential feature of both connector types is the training for a bayonet connection with the socket 1. For this purpose, the plug 2 in its front part a round part 4, from the circumferentially opposite two cams or lugs 5 protrude. In the case of the electrical connector 2b 5 contact elements 6 are on the outside or on the circumference of the two lugs arranged in the interior of the plug in a manner not shown to a connecting piece 7 of the plug 2b lead from where corresponding cables not shown lead to a consumer.

To carry out a bayonet connection, the bushing has in its peripheral wall 20 opposite two axially extending insertion channels 8, which are adapted in their width and depth to the protruding lugs 5 of the plug. At the two axial introduction channels 8 close in the circumferential wall 20 extending in the circumferential direction locking channels 9 for a locking position (see FIGS. 7 and 10 ). The locking channels 9 can extend so that at the end of a recess in the form of a detent position results, in which the tabs 5 are in the end position in the indentation with the plug 2. In this way, a detent position against unintentional release is achieved. To release the plug 2, it is then only necessary to depress the plug a little further, so that it can be pulled out of the locking channels 9 and the introduction channels 8 at a corresponding counter-rotating movement again. Such a detent position can also be achieved by a slight oblique guidance of the locking channels 9 in the form of a rising ramp with a sloping end region.

From the Fig. 2 in conjunction with the FIGS. 7 to 10 the structure of the socket 1 is shown in more detail. The exploded view according to Fig. 2 shows a cover 10 with a pin 11 in which a longitudinal slot is arranged. The pin 11 can be inserted through a hole in a rear bottom 12 of the bushing 1, wherein a provided with the longitudinal slot arrow-shaped end 13 of the pin 11 is inserted with a corresponding compression through the hole.

By the arrow-shaped end 13, which has a larger outer diameter than the shank of the pin 11, a retaining member for the cover 10 is provided in conjunction with the longitudinal slot through which the pin 11 can be stuck by squeezing through the bore. The cover 10 is adapted in shape to the shape of the open end face 14 of the bush 1 and thus also has nose-like projections 15 on opposite sides, which are adapted to the recess 8. As in particular from the FIGS. 1 to 5 it can be seen, therefore, the open end face 14 of the socket 1 is covered, wherein the cover 10 is flush with the surface of the socket 1. A spring device 16 in the form of a spiral spring biases the cover 10 against the closed position, wherein the arrow-like end 13 forms a stop on the bottom 12 and prevents falling out of the cover 10. The spring-like device 16 is supported on the bottom 12 of the socket 1. In the peripheral wall 20 of the bushing 1 opposite mating contacts 17 are arranged in the locking channels 9. Of the mating contacts 17 lead from lines not shown to a power source. As shown in the exploded view according to Fig. 2 it can be seen, for assembly reasons, the housing of the bushing 1 in two parts, namely consisting of the peripheral wall 20 and a rear also round bushing part 18, which is inserted into the interior of the peripheral wall 20 and which also has the bottom 12.

As in particular from the FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 it can be seen, the bushing 1 has a relatively small overall depth and can be used completely or almost completely in a wall 19 surrounding the bushing.

As can be seen, the connection system with the socket 1 and the plug 2 can be used both as a mechanical fastening device and as an electrical connection device, depending on the plug type. The socket 1 accommodates both plug types 2a and 2b. In the case of a mechanical connection device with the plug 2a, there is merely no electrical contact connection with the mating contacts 17.

The Fig. 8 shows the socket 1 with the cover 10, in which it is flush with the end face of the socket 1.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 show the position of the cover 10 when the plug 2 (not shown here) is placed on the socket 1.

Instead of a cable connection of the plug via the connecting piece 7 may optionally be placed directly on the electrical connector 2b and a consumer. This is from the Fig. 6 seen. In this case, the plug on its back a knurled nut 21, via which a connection with a consumer 22, not shown. The consumer 22, not shown, may for example be a mobile phone, a charger or even a small screen.

With the connection system according to the invention, it is also possible without much effort to create more than just two electrical contact connections. There are two possibilities for this purpose, namely a plurality of contact elements 6 and mating contact elements 17 arranged one behind the other in the axial direction in the plug 2b and in the socket 1 or even more Distributed on the circumference in the plug 2b and arranged in the socket 1 contact elements 6 and mating contact elements 17th

In an axial arrangement, the lugs 5 are correspondingly extend in the axial direction or according to several rows of lugs one behind the other in the round part 4 to be arranged (not shown). In this case, a plurality of at different axial heights located locking channels 9 are provided accordingly in the socket 1.

In the case of an arrangement in the circumferential direction, the locking channels 9 are to be extended correspondingly in the circumferential direction and likewise to be provided correspondingly with further counter-contact elements 17. In this case, a plurality of lugs 5 corresponding to the same axial height in the circumferential direction accordingly offset from each other to arrange (not shown).

In the FIGS. 11 to 14 an embodiment of the inventive connection system with a plug 2 'is shown in another embodiment.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent parts as in the embodiment described above.

According to Fig. 11 the plug 2 'has a cam carrier 23, on the front end of which the bush 1' faces the round part 4 with the two opposing cams or lugs 5.

On the side facing away from the sleeve 1 'side of the cam carrier 23 is a locking member in the form of a locking ring 24 which is slid onto a cylindrical portion of the cam carrier 23. At the sleeve 1 'facing the front wall portion of the locking ring 24 are opposite two axially protruding from the locking ring 24 locking cam 25. As can be seen, the two locking cam 25 offset by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction to the cams or noses 5. On the of the socket 1 'side facing away is a handle portion in the form of a handle ring 26. Between the handle ring 26 and the locking ring 24, a spring means in the form of a coil spring 27 is arranged.

The handle ring 26 has an inner bore into which a rotary member 28 is inserted with a transverse bore 29, wherein the rotary member 28 relative to the handle ring 26 is rotatable. A fastening member, for example a holding eye 30, is provided with a transverse part 31, which is guided by the transverse bore 29. The holding lug 30 serves for fastening parts which are to be secured, for example, in the trunk of a vehicle. Due to the rotatability of the rotary member 28 while the holding lug 30 can be positioned in any rotational position.

While the grip ring 26 is rigidly connected to the cam carrier 23, the locking ring 24 in the axial direction relative to the cam carrier 23 is displaceable. By the locking cam 25, which protrude into recesses 32 of a peripheral ring 33 of the cam carrier 23, however, a rotation or a common rotation of the cam carrier 23 and locking ring 24 is given.

The operation of the connection system with the plug 2 'after the Fig. 11 is described below based on the descriptions of FIGS. 12 to 14 seen.

In the first step, the plug 2 'is approximated to the bushing 1' so that the introduction channels 8 are aligned with the lugs 5. Due to the bias of the tensioned between the handle portion 26 and the locking ring 24 coil spring 27 of the locking ring abuts the peripheral ring 33 of the cam carrier 23, wherein the locking cam 25 in the direction of the sleeve 1 'forward through the recesses 32 through the peripheral ring 33rd protrude.

The Fig. 13 shows the position of the plug 2 ', in which the cams 5 have been pushed through the insertion channels 8 of the socket 1'. During the passage of the lugs 5 through the insertion channels 8, the locking cams 25 abut with their front sides on a wall 34 of the socket 1 ', which faces the plug 2'. Overcoming the bias by the spring 27, the locking ring 24 is pushed back during the insertion movement of the lugs 5 in the introduction channels 8. Once the lugs 5 are on the back of the wall portion 34 and thus the lugs 5 can be rotated in the circumferential direction, the handle ring 26 and thus also rigidly connected to it cam carrier 23 can rotate by a desired angle in the circumferential direction. The angle of rotation depends on the positioning of the locking cams 25 in relation to the lugs 5. Since the angular difference in the present case is 90 degrees, the handle ring 26 makes a corresponding rotational movement by the operator 90 degrees Degree. After completion of this rotational movement are thus the locking cam 25 in front of the introduction channels 8 and, since these correspond in shape and design to the channel shapes of the introduction channels 8, the locking cam 25 are pressed by the relaxing spring 27 in the insertion channels 8, whereby a lock and at the same time Anti-rotation is given (see Fig. 14 ). The cams 5, which look like from the FIG. 14 can be seen, offset by 90 degrees to the insertion channels 8, ensure that the plug 2 'can not be pulled out of the socket 1' in the axial direction.

To release the plug 2 'from the socket 1', it is only necessary to manually retract the locking ring 24 against the force of the spring 27 of the socket 1 'until the locking cam 25 come free from the introduction channels 8. Subsequently, the lugs 5 are brought back in front of the insertion channels 8 with a reverse rotation by 90 degrees and the plug 2 'can be pulled out.

Of course, the twisting motion in the form of 90 degrees is called only for example. In practice, other values are possible here as well.

The advantage of the embodiment with the plug 2 'with respect to the plug 2 described in the first place is, inter alia, that the socket 1' can be made much simpler. Practically, as a "socket" only a wall 34 is required, which is provided with a profile bore, which has recesses in the form of the introduction channels 8. This means, if a sufficient wall thickness is present, for example of at least 1 to 2 millimeters, The connection system according to the invention can be easily introduced into existing walls, for example in walls of a trunk in a vehicle at any point. If a sufficient wall thickness of the wall 34 is present or if it is correspondingly reinforced, it is also possible to attach heavy loads or secure heavy loads with the connection system according to the invention to the holding eye 30 of the plug 2 '.

Another advantage over the embodiment according to the FIGS. 1 to 10 it is also the fact that by the rotation of the rotary member 28 relative to the handle ring 26 connected to the rotary member 28 retaining eye 30 can remain unchanged in a rotation of the plug 2 'when inserted into the socket 1' to its locking in position. This means that it is not mitverdreht and parts located thereon or provided in place of the holding lug 30 consumers remain in their original position. In the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 to 10 will be in the Fig. 6 illustrated consumer 22 mittwreht when making the bayonet connection, which could lead to problems in the event of the need for a correct position arrangement of the consumer 22, the holding lug 30 or another connected to the holding lug 30 or with the plug 2 'self-connected part.

Cam carrier 23 and handle ring 26 can be rigidly connected to each other in any way. This can be done for example by a screw or gluing.

Claims (13)

1. A connection system, in particular an electrical connection system, in a vehicle, having a plug and having a socket, a bayonet-type connection being provided for connecting the plug and socket, and whereby the plug has at least one lug arranged on its circumference, the lug, for the purpose of producing the bayonet-type connection, being capable of being inserted into at least one axially running insertion channel and at least one adjoining locking channel, which runs in the circumferential direction, of the socket or being capable of being screwed into a locking position lying in the circumferential direction with respect to the at least one insertion channel, offset with respect thereto, characterized in that the front side (14) of the socket (1) which is provided for connection to the plug (2) being covered by a cover (10), which is arranged in the socket (1) displaceably such that, when the plug (2) is positioned, the opening is released by said plug for the purpose of producing the connection, and the locking channel (9) is provided at its end with a latching position, which is formed by a ramp-like incline of the locking channel (9) with a drop at the end or by a depression in the locking channel (9) at the end of the rotary movement.
2. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the lug (5) of the plug (2) has, when the plug (2b) is designed for the electrical connection, in each case at least one electrical contact (6) on its outer circumference, which electrical contact, in the case of a connection, interacts with one mating contact (17) of the socket (1) which is arranged in the locking channel (9) or in the locking position.
3. The connection system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 characterized in that socket (1) is at least approximately flush inserted in a wall (19) surrounding the socket.
4. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized in that the cover (10) is at least approximately flush with a free front side (14) of the socket (1).
5. The connection system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover (10), under prestress, covers the front side (14) of the socket (1).
6. The connection system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that a spring device (16) is tensioned between the rear base (12) of the socket (1) and the rear side of the cover (10).
7. The connection system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover (10) is provided with a restraining element (11, 13).
8. The connection system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the restraining element has at least one pin (11), which can be latched in the socket (1).
9. The connection system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plug (2a) is in the form of a fastening element.
10. The connection system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of contact elements (6) and mating contact elements (17) are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction in the plug (2b) and in the socket (1).
11. The connection system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of contact elements (6) and mating contact elements (17) are arranged distributed over the circumference in the plug (2b) and in the socket (1).
12. The connection system as claimed in claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plug (2b) is provided with a connecting element (21) for direct connection to an electrical load (22).
13. The connection system as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the connecting element is in the form of a knurled nut (21).

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