EP3427347B1 - Electrical plug connection - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrical plug connection, an operating method for an electrical plug connection and a carrier with an electrical plug connection.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

From the DE 20 2006 020 263 U1 an electrical connection system is known. Such connection systems are used for power and data or signal transmission and for this purpose generally have a large number of contact elements which, when the connection system is closed, are connected to corresponding mating contact elements. The contact elements can be arranged in a plug and the mating contact elements in a socket. Magnets that are aligned with one another are used in the plug and in the socket for perfect contacting of the contact elements with the mating contact elements. The magnets in the plug and in the socket attract each other and ensure that the plug connects magnetically to the socket and the contact elements make contact with the mating contact elements. As a rule, two magnets are provided in the plug and two magnets in the socket.

The use of magnets and counter-magnets has proven to be particularly suitable for establishing a secure connection between the contact elements and the counter-contact elements on the one hand and for the connection process on the other to facilitate. Such connection systems can also be self-locating within certain limits.

Although magnets in a plug-in connection make it easier to plug in the individual connectors, it may be necessary to additionally secure the plug-in connection in safety-relevant areas of application or in areas of application with mechanical loads or vibrations.

Various locking mechanisms, such as screws and threads, are known to those skilled in the art for this purpose. However, when plugging in the connectors, this turned out to be expensive.

This is a condition that needs to be improved.

the DE 10 2005 003386 B3 shows an electrical plug connection with a first connector, a second connector and a locking mechanism, wherein the first connector has a first electrical contact element and at least one first magnet, and wherein the second connector has a second electrical contact element and at least one second magnet with one to the first Magnets of reversed polarity, wherein the first and the second contact element are set up to establish an electrical connection between the first and the second connector for power and/or data transmission, and wherein the locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking.

the U.S. 2009/275232 A1 shows an electrical connector.

the WO 2008/068241 A1 shows an electrical connector.

the DE 201 04 862 U1 shows an electrical connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying an improved self-locating electrical plug connection.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an electrical plug connection with the features of claim 1.

In the light of the present invention, the term “lock” is understood to mean that the plug connection cannot be released by an undefined movement of or on the first or second connector or by an undefined force acting on the first or second connector.

The term “unlock” is also to be understood accordingly, namely that a locked connection can only be released by applying a defined force to the first or second connector. This does not have to require a separate direct or indirect actuation of an unlocking mechanism, but can also be an inherent effect of the plug connection.

The idea on which the present invention is based is to provide a particularly user-friendly electrical plug connection by the plug connection Has magnets, which ensure self-finding of the connectors. The magnetic plug connection is also secured by an automatic locking mechanism.

According to the invention, the locking element has a spring which is arranged in the first or second connector, the spring being designed in the shape of a circular arc.

For example, the spring can be C-shaped. The spring can thus be expanded by the latching element during locking until the latching element latches behind a step of the C-shaped spring. Alternatively, the latching element can also be pushed laterally through the opening of the C-shaped spring until it latches behind a step of the spring. To unlock the connector, the latching element is pulled or pushed out laterally (in the opening direction) from the opening in the C-shaped spring. On the other hand, an expansion of the spring due to a pulling on the locking element is blocked.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to spring behind the step of the locking element, which also ensures a widening of the locking element.

According to the invention, the locking element can be elastically deformed from the locking element from a number of closing directions, and the locking element can be released by the locking element in exactly one opening direction or opening position. This ensures that the plug connection cannot be opened and closed in the same way.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lock can be unlocked by moving and/or rotating the first or second connector in a predetermined opening direction. For example, it is conceivable that the connector or a part of the connector must be rotated to a specific position for unlocking. It is particularly advantageous if, for unlocking, a force has to be applied in a predetermined direction, for example by pulling downwards.

Thus, the plug connection is adequately secured against mechanical loads and vibrations that occur. Furthermore, the unlocking described is particularly user-friendly since it can be released "blindly" by the user and with one hand.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism has a locking element in the first or second connector and a latching element in the second or first connector, the locking element and/or the latching element being resiliently deformable in a predetermined first direction and in one of the first direction different second direction, are rigid.

In this way it is ensured that the locking element shuts off due to the action of a force in the second direction and it is not possible to open the plug connection. For example, it is conceivable that Locking element is rigid in a direction perpendicular to the connector plane (hereinafter referred to as z-direction) and is elastic within the connector plane. Consequently, the plug-in connection can be closed from a number of closing directions, but can only be opened from one direction or in one direction.

For example, it is expedient to bevel or round off the locking element or the spring from above and to form it with sharp edges from below. Thus, the contour of the locking element allows the spring to expand due to a force acting from above (closing direction), whereas the spring does not deform due to a force acting from below.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first connector is connected to a first circuit board on the device side and the second connector is connected to a second circuit board and/or to a cable. In this way, the electrical plug connection according to the invention connects an electrical device to a cable for power/data transmission. Alternatively, a connection can also be made between two printed circuit boards by connecting the second printed circuit board to an energy store or data carrier.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first contact element is designed as at least one contact strip and/or the second contact element is designed as at least one contact pin or at least one bent contact. The contact elements mentioned can be manufactured particularly durable and inexpensively.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second contact element each have a plurality of contact elements which are arranged horizontally offset from one another, in particular not one behind the other. This arrangement ensures even wear of the contact elements and thus extends the service life of the connector.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first connector and the second connector each have guide elements for guiding the first or second connector in the opening direction. The guide elements prevent the two connectors from tilting, making operation easier. This ensures that a user can safely unlock the plug connection with one hand.

It is particularly expedient to attach the plug connection according to the invention to a carrier that can be worn on the body. The carrier can be attached to a helmet, for example. Electrical devices such as headlamps, cameras or the like can thus be attached to a helmet in a particularly simple and secure manner.

The carrier is particularly suitable as a carrier for surgical electrical equipment. For example, surgeons often wear metallic "headbands" to which electrical apparatus, such as surgical lamps, surgical microscopes or cameras, are attached.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, insofar as this makes sense. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include those not explicitly mentioned Combinations of features of the invention described above or below in relation to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

einen ersten Verbinder und einem zweiten Verbinder gemäß einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform, unmittelbar vor dem Herstellen einer elektrischen Steckverbindung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer elektrischen Steckverbindung gemäß einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen ersten Verbinders;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer gemäß weiteren einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform elektrischen Steckverbindung während dem Öffnen;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen zweiten Verbinders gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen zweiten Verbinders gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Unteransicht eines ersten Verbinders und eines zweiten Verbinders gemäß einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform, unmittelbar vor dem Herstellen einer elektrischen Steckverbindung;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Verbinders und eines zweiten Verbinders gemäß einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic figures of the drawing. They show:

1

a first connector and a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention immediately before electrical connection is made;

2

a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

3

a perspective view of a first connector not according to the invention;

4

a perspective view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the invention during opening;

figure 5

a perspective view of a second connector according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

6

a perspective view of a second connector according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

7

a bottom perspective view of a first connector and a second connector according to a further embodiment of the invention, immediately before making an electrical connector;

8

14 is a perspective view of a first connector and a second connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the foregoing advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components that are identical, have the same function and have the same effect--unless stated otherwise--are each provided with the same reference symbols.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The drawings are described in the following in a coherent and comprehensive manner.

figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector 100 according to the invention during closing. The connector 100 has a first connector 101, a second connector 201 and a locking mechanism (107, 109, 207).

The first connector 101 can be mounted on a circuit board, for example. The second connector has a printed circuit board 209, which serves as a data memory. These have contact elements 103, 203 for power and data transmission between the two connectors 101, 201.

The connector 100 is designed to be self-locating. The connectors 101, 201 each have a magnet 105, 205 for this purpose.

In figure 1 the connector is closed in direction (-)z. However, the connector cannot be opened in the +z direction.

figure 2 shows an electrical connector 100 according to FIG figure 1 in a closed state. It is shown that the electrical plug-in connections 100 have a particularly compact shape and homogeneous geometry. Thus, in the closed state, only the housings 115, 215 of the two connectors 101, 201 and possible printed circuit board or cable connections of the connectors are accessible. The smooth, flat finish prevents dirt or germs from collecting on the surface of the connector. In addition, the connector is particularly easy to clean and sterilize. The compact shape is therefore particularly advantageous with regard to hygienic aspects.

In figure 2 the second connector 201 can be connected to a cable for power and data transmission via a cable connection (not shown).

In figure 3 a first connector 101 not according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view. The connector 101a includes an electrical contact element 103 with a plurality of stamped contact strips 111. A magnet 105 (not shown) is located under the contact element 103 and is covered by it.

The connector 101 in figure 3 comprises a locking element 107 of essentially rigid design. The locking element 107 has a groove 117 through which a latching element of a second connector can be pushed out (and pushed in). In figure 3 it is shown that the locking element 107 is delimited by a depression in the housing 115 . The limitation gives the locking element 107 rigidity and prevents the locking element 107 from expanding.

The locking element 107 has beveled side surfaces 119 on its upper side. Due to a force or pressure from above, the beveled side surfaces give way slightly downwards. The side surfaces on the inside of the groove 117 are formed at right angles, such that a latching element of a second connector cants with the locking element 107a when pulled from above or in the z-direction.

Furthermore, the connector 101 in figure 3 several Guide elements 113 on. The guide elements 113 guide the first and second connectors, respectively, during the opening of the plug connections. Thus, the guide elements 113 prevent tilting during the opening of the second connector in the locking element 117, in that the latching element of the second connector is guided out laterally or in the y-direction from the locking element 107 during the opening of the guide elements 113 due to the action of a force.

figure 4 shows the plug-in connection 100 during opening by a user shifting the first connector 101 in the Y-direction against the second connector 201.

the Figures 5 and 6 each show a second connector 201 with electrical contact elements 203. In figure 5 the electrical contact elements 203 are designed as contact pins 211 . In figure 6 the electrical contact elements 203 are designed as stamped, bent contacts 212 . A C-shaped latching element 207 is formed around the contact elements 211, 212. A semi-annular magnet 205 is arranged below the latching element 207 .

Referring to figure 3 has already been explained above that the locking element 107 of the connector 101a in figure 3 is essentially rigid. Accordingly, the C-shaped latching element 207 is resiliently deformable, such that a plug-in connection cannot be made solely by laterally pushing the second connector into the first connector, but also by plugging them together from above or below. For this purpose, the C-shaped latching element 207 is spring-loaded from behind in such a way that it can be deformed from the top inwards due to the action of a force. Thus, the latching element 207 forms a spring.

The rear suspension of the locking element 207 is in the Figures 5 and 6 not shown. Expedient rear springing can be achieved by flexible attachment in front of a cavity or, for example, in front of a compressible elastomeric foam.

In order to facilitate the mating of the plug-in connection, the locking element 207 has beveled surfaces on its upper side directed toward the interface. In order to prevent a plug connection from becoming detached due to a train, the latching element 207 is formed at right angles on its underside.

Both connectors 201 are connected to a first connector 101, for example according to FIG figure 3 , compatible. Accordingly, the connectors 201 have guide elements 213 that correspond to the guide elements 113 .

It goes without saying that the selection of the contact elements is not limited to a specific embodiment according to the invention or to the first or second connector, but can be combined as desired.

the Figures 7 and 8 show another alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the Figures 7 and 8 a first connector 101 and a second connector 201 are shown in each case. The connectors 101 and 201 differ from the connectors 101, 201 in their latching element 207 and locking element 107.

In the Figures 7 and 8 it can be seen that the locking element 107 is partially arranged in a recess 119 . Thus, the locking element 107 107c can be due expand by the action of a force from above during the mating of the plug-in connection by the latching element 207. In order to facilitate the expansion of the locking element 107, the locking element 107 and the latching element 207 have beveled surfaces on their upper side.

Due to the sufficient spring-elastic properties of the locking element 107, the latching element 207 is essentially rigid and without spring-elastic properties.

In the Figures 7 and 8 the locking member 107 is of a C-shaped basic structure. Further arc-shaped elements are arranged on the inside of the C-shaped basic structure. Although this is not shown in the figures, it is conceivable for the arc-shaped elements to be spring-backed, similar to that in FIGS Figures 5 and 6 was described with respect to the C-shaped latching element 207 .

In figure 7 is also shown that the semi-circular magnet 205 is reinforced by a magnetic plate 206. Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to them, but rather can be modified in a variety of ways.

Reference List

100

electrical connector

101

first connector according to a general embodiment

103

contact element

105

magnet

107

locking element

109

Feather

111

contact strips

113

guiding elements

115

Housing

117

groove

119

recess

201

second connector according to a general embodiment

203

contact element

205

magnet

206

magnetic plate

207

locking element

208

Feather

209

circuit board

211

faecal pen

212

curved contact

213

guiding elements

215

Housing

Claims (9)

1. An electrical plug connection (100) having a first connector (101), a second connector (201) and a locking mechanism (107, 109, 207), wherein locking is understood to mean that the plug connection cannot be released by an undefined movement of or on the first or second connector or by an undefined force applied to the first or second connector,

   wherein the first connector has a first electrical contact element (103) and at least one first magnet (105), and

   wherein the second connector has a second electrical contact element (203) and at least one second magnet (205) with an opposite polarity to the first magnet,

   wherein the first and the second contact element are configured to establish an electrical connection between the first and the second connector for power and/or data transmission, and

   wherein the locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking and the locking mechanism has a locking element with a spring (109), which is arranged in the first or second connector, characterized in

   that the spring is designed in the shape of a circular arc,

   and that the locking element is elastically deformable coming from a plurality of closing directions by a latching element (207) in the second or first connector, and the latching element can be released from the locking mechanism in exactly one opening direction or opening position.
2. The electrical plug connection according to claim 1, wherein a lock can be unlocked by displacing and/or rotating the first or second connector into a predetermined opening direction (y).
3. The electrical plug connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element and/or the latching element are resiliently deformable in a predetermined first direction and are designed to be rigid in a second direction (z) different from the first direction.
4. The electrical plug connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector is connected to a printed circuit board and the second connector is connected to a printed circuit board (209) and/or to a cable.
5. The electrical connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element (111) is designed as at least one contact strip and/or the second contact element as at least one contact pin (211) or at least one curved contact (212).
6. The electrical plug connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second contact element in each case have a plurality of contact elements, which are offset horizontally with respect to each other, in particular are not arranged one behind the other.
7. The electrical plug connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector and the second connector in each case have guide elements (113, 213) for guiding the first or second connector in the opening direction.
8. A carrier having at least one electrical plug connection (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the carrier can be worn on a body and is designed in particular as a head- or arm ring.
9. The carrier according to claim 8, wherein a surgical apparatus can be attached to the carrier via the electrical plug connection.

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