ES2373534T3 - COUPLING DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL CABLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a connecting part (10) for reversible connection to a complementary part of the complementary coupling device and a cable attachment part (20) to which the cable can be permanently or reversibly attached, whereby the connecting part and the cable attachment part are electrically coupled together and the cable attachment part can be moved relative to the connecting part.

Description

Coupling device for a cable electric.

The invention relates to a device of coupling, in particular to a male plug, a mains plug or a female connector, for an electric cable according to the preamble of the claim 1.

The coupling device has the function to connect electrical cables detachably with, for example, an outlet without the need to use other tools or other similar auxiliary means. A coupling device known is a network plug with which the cable can be connected electrical to a fixed or mobile power outlet. Another example of a coupling device is a female connector that is fixed in the end of the power cord and that can be connected using the mains plug Through the coupling device, the cable Electrical can be connected with another cable. On the device known coupling, the end of the cable is always fixed from permanently

Known coupling devices have the disadvantage that the freedom of movement of mobile electrical appliances connected to the other end of the cable is very limited. In particular, it is not possible to rotate a mobile electrical apparatus around its own axis as many times as necessary. The rotation of a mobile electrical device in many cases causes the cable to twist. Since the electric cable is not very flexible, the twisted area has a spiral extension in the cable. This causes the cable reach to be significantly shortened. In addition, there is a danger that the electrical conductor or electrical insulations inside the cable will be damaged. This can pose a danger to the life and health of the user. In addition, an electrical short circuit can cause a fire due to overheating, which in turn can cause personal injury or property damage.
important.

From US 5,997,310 a plug is known electric with a connecting piece and a fixing part of the cable coupled to each other, in which the cable fixing part it is held mobile in relation to a connection piece.

From DE 298 22 546 U1 an element of contact for radial contact between connection contacts cylindrical

The object of the invention consists in provide a new coupling device for a cable electrical that does not present the mentioned disadvantages previously.

This object is achieved through the concept according to claim 1.

The invention provides that the device of coupling understand the following:

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a connection piece for detachable connection of a part complementary to a complementary coupling device Y

-

a cable fixing piece on which the permanently or detachable cable,

-

at that the connecting part and the cable fixing part are coupled electrically with each other,

-

at that the cable fixing part is held mobile with with respect to the connection piece and

-

the Cable fixing piece consists of two halves of Case.

In the coupling device according to the invention, therefore, one end of the cable is not fixed in permanently in the coupling device, but the cable end is suspended mobile in relation to the True coupling device. In this way the possibilities of movement of the entire cable without there being a danger of damage to electrical conductors or the isolation.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the cable fixing part is suspended so that it can turn in relation to the connecting piece. In this way, the mobile electrical device can perform all movements possible of a circle whose radius corresponds approximately With the cable length. The mobile electrical device can be turned as many times as necessary around its own axis, without The cable is twisted. When turning the mobile electrical device or similar also rotates the entire cable around its axis longitudinal towards the same direction. Therefore, the cable does not suffers a torsional tension. For this reason they cannot be produced. cable damage, electrical conductors or insulation.

Preferably, the connection piece and the part cable fixing are electrically coupled to each other so less by a friction contact system. When using the friction contact system does not warp conductors electrical connections between the connection piece and the cable fixing part. In the relative movement between the connecting piece and the piece of cable fixing only a friction occurs between the two or more contact elements

It can be expected, for example, that each driver electrical has at least one contact system associated with friction. Depending on the mode of use, it may be convenient for a electric conductor has several contact systems assigned by friction.

In addition, it can also be expected that each system contact by friction has at least one driver assigned electric. In particular applications it can also be very it is desirable that, for example, two or more conductors be coupled electrical inside a cable through a single system of friction contact with the connecting piece.

Preferably, the system of friction contact comprises at least one contact of friction and a surface element for friction. Thus, the friction contact and the surface element for the Friction travel relatively relative to each other. In In particular, the friction contact can be driven with a spring force to ensure a sufficient galvanic connection between the friction contact and the surface element for the friction.

Especially, it is planned that the contact of friction can move along a predetermined track of the friction surface element. Because of the definition of a predetermined track, the friction contact can, from from a mechanical point of view, be formed in such a way that it dampens forces that occur because of the relative movement between the friction contact and the surface element for the friction.

With respect to the geometric shape, you can provide that the friction surface element has a disk circular smooth. Thus, the track for the friction contact can Define approximately a circular track. The cavity in the disk circular smooth can be crossed by one or more conductors electrical Since one cable usually has several electrical conductors that cannot be in contact with each other, and as each electric conductor must have at least one assigned friction contact system, geometric problems found can be overcome in this way.

Alternatively or additionally, you can also provide that the contact surface element for friction have a cylindrical lining. In this case there is the possibility of the friction contact pressing against a inner or outer surface of the cylindrical liner by a force driven by a spring. Even with this form of construction, the friction contact system can be formed such that wear is minimal.

Preferably, the contact is provided of friction can move along a circular track on the friction surface element. A circular movement of friction contact in relation to the surface element for friction can be carried out with an effort relatively low construction. In particular, it is very convenient than for a circular smooth disk or a cylindrical liner like surface element for friction, the track is circular.

In addition, it is planned to place two or more surface elements for friction concentrically. Yes The cable has several electrical conductors, each conductor can be associated with a friction contact system Independent. With this placement, the surface elements for the friction can insulate each other sufficiently so that there is no danger of short circuit.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that two or more surface elements for friction are place in series. It is also possible to place the elements of friction surface one after another because it can be advantageous in some geometric conditions. If the elements of surface for friction are formed as a coating cylindrical and / or as circular smooth disk, the other conductors electrical can penetrate the circular smooth disk cavity or of the cylindrical lining. In this embodiment, a electrical insulation is sufficient so that there is no danger of short circuit.

In addition, the element of friction surface is assigned to the connecting piece and the friction contact to the cable fixing part. In this embodiment, the lightest part of the contact system by friction, that is, the friction contact itself, is assigned to the mobile cable. This is advantageous for device mobility. in general.

\hbox{ventajoso, por ejemplo,
que los sistemas de contacto por rozamiento no ocupen mucho
espacio.}

Alternatively, the surface element for friction can be assigned to the cable fixing part and the friction contact to the connection piece. This depends, in each individual case, on the technical and geometric conditions. You can also think of a combination of the two mentioned embodiments. For example, in a first electrical conductor the friction contact can be assigned to the cable fixing part and the surface element for friction to the connection piece, while in a second electrical conductor, the friction contact is assigned to the connection piece and the surface element for friction to the cable fixing part. Can be

 \ hbox {advantageous, for example,
that friction contact systems do not occupy much
space.} 

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the connection piece be a unipolar or multipolar male plug. In this way, for example, an electrical device can be connected mobile to the fixed network socket and the cable can move in relation to The plug, in particular, can be turned. In this way the possibilities of movement for the electrical appliance increase mobile.

Alternatively, it can also be expected that the Connection piece is a single-pole or multi-pole female connector. So there is, for example, the possibility of providing an extension cable, in particular, with a rotating female connector. In this way it can increase freedom of movement even on devices with a connection cable with a normal coupling device.

Finally it can be foreseen that the piece of connection is partly formed as a male plug and partly as female connector. This device can be coupled, for example, with a male plug, a female connector or with a combined form of Male plug and female connector.

In a special embodiment you can provide that the connection piece is formed symmetrically to be able to couple it with another connecting piece in the same way. I also know it can, for example, form a first half of the connecting piece as a male plug and a second half of the connection piece as female connector. Two devices can be attached to this device. devices with very similar or equal form. In this way, it is enough to present a single embodiment of a device of coupling in which each coupling device can engage with another. Thus, on the one hand the effort is reduced constructive and on the other hand the number of connection possibilities

As far as compatibility is concerned, you can provide that the connection piece is formed as a plug standardized standard. This ensures the possibility of connection to the existing electricity network.

Similarly, the connection piece can form as a standardized standard female connector. This too increases the compatibility of the coupling device according to the invention.

Finally it can be foreseen that the piece of Cable fixing present a cable connection clamp. From In this way, the end of the cable can be fixed so much detachable as permanently in the fixing part of the cable. For example, the ends of the cable can be immobilized to through a screw. It is also possible a welded connection or other known connection methods.

For a preferred embodiment of the coupling device can be provided that the connection piece be solid. This contributes to the stability of the piece of Connection.

In addition, it can be provided that the connecting piece It is formed, mainly, of an electrically insulating material. This is achieved, for example, by placing the conductive parts of electricity in an electrically insulating mass. This also Contributes to short circuit protection.

Other features, advantages and ways of Special embodiments of the invention are subject to the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention is detailed in continued with reference to the attached drawings. In these show:

Fig 1 a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 2 an exploded view of a form of preferred embodiment of the invention; Y

Fig 3 a three side view of another form of realization of the invention.

Fig 1 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling device according to the invention. The device coupling comprises a connection piece 10 and a piece of cable fixing 20. The male plug part 10 is solid and It consists mainly of an electrically insulating material. In the outer side, the male plug part has two pieces projections 14 and 14 'conductors of electricity that serve to enter them in the reception area of a network outlet formed of complementary form. In front of the two projecting pieces 14 and 14 ', the male plug part 10 has two elements of surface for friction 12 and 12 '.

Surface elements for friction 12 and 12 'are formed as circular smooth discs. The elements of friction surface 12 and 12 'are positioned in parallel. In addition, the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 ' They have an approximately similar size. The first element of surface for friction 12 is connected through a first electric conductive track 16 with the first projecting part 14. The second surface element for friction 12 'connects to through a second electric conductive track 16 'with the second projecting piece 14 '.

In this same example, the male plug part 10 forms, together with the protruding parts 14 and 14 ', the surface elements for friction 12 and 12' and the electric conductive tracks 16 and 16 'a rigid body. The first surface element for friction 12, the first electrical conductive track 16 and the first projecting part 14, on the one hand, and the second surface element for friction 12 ', the second electrical conductive track 16' and the second part projection 14 ', on the other hand, electrically isolate each other. The electrically insulating material of the male plug part 10 is also between the surface elements for friction 12 and
12 '.

The conductive tracks 16 and 16 'are found completely inside the material electrically insulator of male plug part 10. All surfaces of the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 'which are oriented to the opposite side of the corresponding element of surface for friction 12 and 12 ', respectively, form a part of the outer surface of the male plug part 10 and are accessible from the outside of the male plug part 10. There is a first galvanic connection from the piece of surface for friction 12 through the first track electrical conductor 16 to the first projecting part 14. There is a second galvanic connection from the surface piece to the friction 12 'through the second electric conductive track 16' to the second projecting piece 14 '.

The cable fixing part 20 comprises two housing halves 21 and 21 'that are also formed of a material electrically insulating The cable fixing part 20 It also includes two friction contacts 22 and 22 ', which are detachably fixed on the cable fixing part 20. The friction contacts 22 and 22 'are formed geometrically of such so that they are pressed under the impulse of the spring force, against the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 ', respectively.

The cable fixing part 20 is suspended from rotating shape with respect to the male plug part 10. In the cable fixing piece 20, friction contacts 22 and 22 ' They spin along with her. The coupling device is formed geometrically so that at each angle of rotation a electrical contact between the surface element for the friction 12 and friction contact 22, as well as between the surface element for friction 12 'and the contact of friction 22 '. The cable fixing part 20, therefore, can be turned as many times as necessary in relation to the piece of connection 10.

The friction contacts 22 and 22 ', in addition, are formed in one piece with cable clamps 24 and 24 ', respectively. Cable clamps 24 and 24 ', respectively, they can be fixed at the ends of the electrical conductors of a cable. The ends can, for example, be immobilized or welded in the clamps 24 and 24 '. In addition, the cable fixing part 20 you can provide a cable anti-tension flange so that the immobilized or welded connection on cable clamps 24 and 24 ' Do not suffer any tensile load. The anti-traction flange can be, for example, a clamp, preferably a clamp placed inside the cable fixing part 20. With this device is possible that a cable fixed in the piece of cable fixing 20 can be rotated as many times as necessary in relationship with the male plug part 10 without causing a danger Of damage.

An exploded view is shown in Fig 2 of the coupling device according to Fig 1. In it, it is illustrated particularly the composition of the cable fixing part 20. The cable fixing part 20 consists of two halves of 21 and 21 'housing. In the two housing halves 21 and 21 ', find contacts 22 and 22 'with clamps 24 and 24', respectively. In the housing half 21 is the cavity 26 which is planned for a mechanical reception of the clamp cable 24. The other housing half 21 'has a corresponding 24 'cable clamp cavity. In this way, the 24 and 24 'clamps can be fixed by simple insertion. In addition, inside a housing half 21 there is a anti-tension flange 28 to immobilize the cable. The other half of 21 'housing also presents this corresponding device. From This way, you can fix the cable sufficiently.

The male plug part 10 is solid and It consists mainly of an electrically insulating material. Only the projecting pieces 14 and 14 'are outside the area insulator of the male plug 10. The electrical conductive tracks 16 and 16 'are completely inside the area electrically insulating the male plug part 10. The two 12 and 12 'electric conductive tracks are found, also almost completely, inside the electrically insulating area of the male plug part 10. A circular track of each element of surface for friction 12 and 12 ', respectively, is at discovered outward. These discovered circular tracks They are planned to contact the friction contacts 22 and 22 ', respectively.

In addition, the construction of a device Coupling of this type according to the invention is comparatively pretty simple. Male plug part 10 is formed as part molded including surface elements for friction 12 and 12 'and the electric conductive tracks 16 and 16'. The pieces projections 14 and 14 'are fixed on the electric conductive tracks 16 and 16 '. In this way the entire male plug part 10 is of one single piece In the cable clamps 24 and 24 'the extreme elements of the electrical conductors of the cable. The 24 and 24 'cable clamps are inserted into the housing halves 21 and 21 ', respectively.

Next, the housing halves 21 and 21 ' join around the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 '. In this way, the cable is immobilized through the flange anti-traction 28. The housing halves 21 and 21 'may have, for Example, plastic hard frame shape. The housing halves 21 and 21 'later they can be injected with PVC, alternative plastic, rubber or similar In addition, the housing halves 21 and 21 'can be welded with ultrasound.

Fig 3 is a view from three sides of another embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention. The other embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from the embodiment according to Figs 1 and 2 only because of the fact that the cable penetrates the side wall of the cable fixing part twenty.

Fig 3a is a front view of the device of cut coupling. The male plug part 10 is, mainly solid and preferably molded from a material electrically insulating The largest area of the protruding pieces 14 and 14 'is located outside the male plug part 10. The outgoing pieces 14 and 14 'serve to be received by the female connectors in a network socket formed in a complementary way. The projecting part 14 is connected through the conductive track electric 16 with the surface element for friction 12. The 14 'projecting part is connected through the conductive track electric 16 'with the surface element for friction 12'. The surface elements for friction 12 and 12 'are formed as circular smooth discs that have, in this specific example, a similar size. Thus, the electric conductive track 16 'penetrates by the surface element cavity for friction with circular ring shape 12.

The intermediate space between the elements of surface for friction 12 and 12 'is also filled with the electrically insulating material of the male plug part 10. The sides that are oriented opposite the one with respect to the other of the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 ' They are exposed and form a part of the surface outside of the male plug part 10. The conductive tracks electrical 16 and 16 'are, on the other hand, completely inside the electrically insulating material of the piece of male plug 10. Surface elements for friction 12 and 12 ', the electric conductive tracks 16 and 16' and the parts projections 14 and 14 'are then firmly integrated in the piece male plug 10.

The male plug part 10 is suspended from swivel in the cable fixing part 20. The workpiece Cable fixing 20 comprises the two housing halves 21 and 21 '. A housing half 21 has a support 26 for receiving Mechanical cable clamps 24 and 24 '. The contacts of friction 22 and 22 'are formed together with cable clamps 24 and 24 '. The friction contacts 22 and 22 'are under the impulse of the spring force to be pressed against the surface elements for friction 12 and 12 ', respectively.

In Fig 3b a side view of the coupling device cut. Fig 3b clearly shows the location of clamps 24 and 24 'on bracket 26. The 24 and 24 'cable clamps are inserted, each shaped mechanical, in the cavity of the support 26. Thus, the clamps of 24 and 24 'cable fit in the cavities. In this way, the friction contacts 22 and 22 'can be fixed securely and without additional fixing means on the fixing part of the cable. Fig 3c is a top view of the device cut coupling. Fig 3c illustrates the surface for the circular friction on the surface element for friction 12 '. In addition, it is seen that the cable clamp 24 'has, together with the friction contact 22 ', U-shape. As the contact of friction 22 'is formed as double friction contact, it can be ensure the galvanic connection between the cable clamp 24 'and the surface element for friction 12 '.

The shape of the surface elements for the friction 12 and 12 'is not limited to that of circular smooth disc. The surface elements for friction can be formed, by example, also as cylindrical cladding or tubular section. Thus, the friction contacts can be pressed against the inner and / or outer surface of the cylindrical liner or tubular section, respectively. Surface elements for friction does not have to be placed one behind the other, but which can also be placed concentrically. In this way, a circular smooth disk or smaller circular disk, for example, can be inside the circular smooth disk cavity higher. Also the surface elements for friction formed as cylindrical cladding or tubular section can be placed concentrically.

The examples detailed above have been provided for bipolar cables. Coupling device according to the invention it can also be used, without limitations, to three or more pole cables. The number of contact systems per friction depends on how many electric conductive tracks 16 can penetrate the surface element cavity for the friction 12 or 12 '. Therefore, the device coupling according to the invention can also be formed as a plug male with protective contact or as female connector with contact Three-pole protection. Similarly, plugs can be formed 5-pole force current males. In addition, the device coupling according to the invention is provided for male plugs and female connectors that are formed according to standards, standards and international and national regulations.

List of reference numbers

10

male plug part

12

first surface element for the friction

12 '

second surface element for the friction

14

first outgoing piece

14 '

outgoing second piece

16

first electric conductive track

16 '

second electric conductive track

twenty

cable fixing piece

twenty-one

first half of housing

twenty-one'

second half housing

22

first friction contact

22 '

second friction contact

24

first cable clamp

24 '

second cable clamp

26

cavity

28

anti-traction flange

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References cited in the description

This list of references cited by the applicant has been prepared solely as an aid to the reader. It is not part of the European Patent document. Although much attention has been given to compiling them, mistakes and omissions cannot be avoided, the EPO declining any responsibility in this regard .

Patent documents cited in the description

US 5997310 A [0004]

DE 29822546 U1 [0005]

Claims (22)

1. Coupling device, in particular a male plug, a mains plug or a female connector for a cable electric, which presents, for a detachable connection, a complementary coupling device and comprises what next:

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a connection piece (10) for detachable connection of a part complementary to the complementary coupling device Y

-

a cable fixing piece (20) on which it is fixed or can be fixed the cable permanently or detachable,

-

at that the connection piece (10) and the cable fixing part (20) are electrically coupled to each other,

-

at that the cable fixing part (20) is mounted in such a way that can move with respect to the connection piece (10),

characterized by the fact that the cable fixing part (20) is composed of two housing halves (21, 21 ').

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2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connecting piece (10) and the fixing piece of the cable (20) are electrically coupled through at least one friction contact system (12, 22; 12 ', 22').

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3. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the friction contact system (12, 22; 12 ', 22') comprises at least one friction contact (22, 22 ') and at least one surface element for friction (12, 12 ').

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4. Coupling device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the surface element for friction (12, 12 ') has a circular smooth disk or a coating cylindrical.

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5. Coupling device according to one of the claims 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that two or more surface elements are placed for friction (12, 12 ') concentrically or in series.

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6. Coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

-

the connecting piece (10) and the cable fixing part (20) are electrically coupled by two contact systems by friction (12, 22; 12 ', 22') each comprising at least a friction contact (22, 22 ') and at least one element of friction surface (12, 12 '),

-

at that the surface elements for friction (12, 12 ') of the two friction contact systems (12, 22; 21 ', 22') each one has a circular smooth disk (12, 12 '),

-

at that the friction contacts (22, 22 ') are formed so that press against circular smooth discs (12, 12 ') when apply a spring force and

-

at that the circular smooth discs (12, 12 ') of the two systems of friction contact (12, 22; 12 ', 22') are positioned in parallel and are separated by an electrical insulating material and in the that the contact of the circular smooth discs (12, 12 ') with the friction contacts (22, 22 ') occur respectively on the side opposite of the other circular ring disc (12 ', 12) of the smooth disc circular (12, 12 ').

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7. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the cable fixing part (20) is mounted so that it can be turned in relation to the connection piece
(10)

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8. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that each electrical conductor (24) of the cable has assigned at least one friction contact system (12, 22; 12 ', 22').

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9. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that each friction contact system (12, 24; 12 ', 22') has at least one electric conductor assigned (24) of the cable.

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10. Coupling device according to one of the claims 3 to 9, characterized by the fact that the part or surface pieces for the friction (12, 12 ') are associated with the connecting piece (10) and the friction contact (22) is associated with the piece of cable fixing (20).

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11. Coupling device according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the friction contact (22, 22 ') is fixed detachable form on the cable fixing part (20).

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12. Coupling device according to one of the claims 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the housing parts (21, 21 ') of the piece of cable fixing (20) have cavities (26) to fix the friction contacts (22).

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13. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the connection piece (10) is a plug of a pole or multipolar which, in particular, is formed as a standard plug normalized

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14. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the connection piece (10) is a female connector unipolar or multipolar which, in particular, is formed as a connector standardized female standard.

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15. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the connection piece (10) is formed partially as male plug and partially as connector female.

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16. Coupling device according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the connection piece (10) is formed so symmetric that can be coupled with another connection device similar to the first.

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17. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that the cable fixing part (20) presents by at least one cable connection clamp (24).

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18. Coupling device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that each friction contact (22) has associated a cable connection clamp (24).

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19. Coupling device according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that each friction contact (22) and its corresponding cable connection clamp (24) are formed as a component of a piece.

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20. Device according to claim 19 when it depends on claim 12, characterized by the fact that the components of a piece consisting of a friction contact (22) and a cable connection clamp (24) can be inserted or inserted through the clamp of cable connection (24) positively in the cavities (26) of the housing parts (21, 21 ').

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21. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 20, characterized by the fact that the male plug part (10) is formed solid.

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22. Coupling device according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that the male plug part (10) is composed mainly of an electrical insulating material.