KR20230110101A - Connection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a coupling device, which includes: a first coupling module having a first body, a first connection pin, and a linear movement unit which is capable of reciprocating linear movement forward and backward, and in which the first connection pin is selectively received or withdrawn; and a second coupling module which is detachably coupled to the first coupling module, includes a second body, and a second connection pin disposed on the second body and electrically connected to the first connection pin when coupled to the first coupling module. Therefore, the first connection pin can be protected by preventing damage to the first connection pin which may occur before coupling or during storage.

Description

Connection apparatus {Connection apparatus}

The present invention relates to devices, and more particularly to coupling devices.

In general, a procedure using an endoscope is to insert an endoscope equipped with a camera and a surgical tool through a small hole without making a large incision in the body, and then perform the procedure while examining the affected part of the patient through an image taken by the endoscope in the body. In particular, the endoscopic procedure starting from laparoscopic surgery has advantages in that the incision area is smaller than that of open surgery, so the scar area is also small, and the patient's recovery time after the procedure is fast because there is little blood loss.

Conventional conventional endoscopes are composed of an insertion unit inserted into the human body and an operation unit controlling the insertion unit in one body, and a plurality of channels and guides are built-in through the inside of each unit. Accordingly, in line with the trend of strengthening the sanitary function of medical endoscopes, various types of detachable endoscopes are being used in which an insertion unit inserted into the body and a control unit for manipulating the insertion unit can be connected to each other or stored separately from each other.

On the other hand, in the case of a detachable endoscope, by coupling a universal joint with a pogo pin electrically connected to the pogo pin of the operation unit to the operation unit, an electrical signal such as a video signal captured through a photographing device of the insertion unit is transmitted and received with the outside. In this case, there is a need for a coupling device capable of easily detachably coupling the universal joint to the operating unit of the endoscope. In addition, in the prior art, since the pogo pins installed in the endoscope manipulation unit are always exposed to the outside, there is a problem in that the pogo pins may be damaged due to external impact before coupling to the universal joint or during storage.

A technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a coupling device capable of protecting a connection pin provided in each device while detachably coupling two different devices.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body, a first connection pin, a first coupling module having a linear movement capable of linear movement back and forth and selectively receiving or withdrawing the first coupling pin, and a second coupling module including a second coupling module having a second body and a second coupling pin disposed on the second body and electrically connected to the first coupling module when coupled to the first coupling module. there is

In one embodiment of the present invention, the linear moving unit has an accommodation space formed concavely inward in the longitudinal direction at one end, and a protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction from the end, and when the first coupling module and the second coupling module are coupled, one end of the second coupling module may be inserted into the accommodation space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first coupling module is formed to protrude into the accommodation space, is disposed to be movable along the radial direction, and selectively locks or unlocks the reciprocating linear movement of the linear movement unit. It may further include a locking portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second coupling module may further include a pressing portion protruding radially outward from the one end and pressing the engaging portion when the one end is inserted into the accommodating space.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first coupling module, doedoe projecting radially inward from the inner surface of the outer end of the first coupling module, may be provided with a locking protrusion disposed movably along the radial direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second coupling module is concave radially inward from the outer surface of the second coupling module, extends along the circumferential direction of the second coupling module, and has a locking groove into which the locking protrusion is inserted. It may be provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking groove portion may include an inclined surface portion, a flat portion continuous with the inclined surface portion and extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second body, and a V-shaped groove portion concave radially inwardly of the second body and continuous with the flat portion.

Coupling devices according to embodiments of the present invention may combine or separate two devices by using a first coupling module and a second coupling module installed in different devices and detachably coupled to each other. In addition, the first coupling module has a linear moving unit capable of selectively receiving or withdrawing the first coupling module so that the first coupling module is exposed to the outside only when coupling with the second coupling module is required, thereby protecting the first coupling pin by preventing damage to the first coupling pin that may occur before coupling or during storage.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the description of the present invention or the configuration of the invention described in the claims.

1 is a perspective view showing a first coupling module and a second coupling module provided in a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 (a) shows one end of the second coupling module, Figure 2 (b) is a perspective view showing one end of the first coupling module.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the coupling device of Figure 3;
5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process in which a first coupling module and a second coupling module are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing one state of the coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another state of the coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and, therefore, is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected (connected, contacted, coupled)" with another part, this includes not only the case of being "directly connected" but also the case of being "indirectly connected" with another member interposed therebetween. In addition, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

Terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but it should be understood that the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded in advance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing a first coupling module and a second coupling module provided in a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) shows one end of the second coupling module, Figure 2 (b) is a perspective view showing one end of the first coupling module. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the coupling device of Figure 3, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of coupling the first coupling module and the second coupling module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 5, the coupling device 10 may be a device for connecting two separate devices (or units) to each other. For example, the coupling device 10 may be a device for coupling a connector (eg, a universal joint) to a control unit of an endoscope. At this time, the coupling device 10 may include a first coupling module 100 and a second coupling module 200 .

The first coupling module 100 may be disposed in any one of two devices coupled to each other (hereinafter, a first coupling object) (not shown), wherein the first coupling object may be a manipulation unit (or operation unit) provided in an endoscope device. At this time, the first coupling module 100 may include a first body 110, a linear moving part 120, a hooking part 130, and a first connecting pin P1. In addition, the first coupling module 100 may further include a locking part 140 .

The first body 110 may have a linear moving part 120, a hooking part 130, and a first accommodating space A1 in which the first connection pin P1 is accommodated. The first accommodating space A1 may be formed through both ends of the first body 110 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

The first accommodating space A1 may include a first diameter portion A11, a second diameter portion A13, and a stepped portion A12. The first diameter portion A11, the stepped portion A12, and the second diameter portion A13 may be sequentially formed from one end of the first body 110 (hereinafter referred to as a first coupling end) toward the inside in the longitudinal direction (-Y axis direction) and in communication with each other. Accordingly, the second diameter portion A13 may communicate with the outside of the first body 110 through the stepped portion A12 formed to be continuous with the second diameter portion A13 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and the first diameter portion A11.

The first diameter portion A11, the stepped portion A12, and the second diameter portion A13 may have different diameters. Specifically, the first diameter portion A11 may have a larger diameter than the second diameter portion A13. Also, the stepped portion A12 may be formed to have a larger diameter than the first diameter portion A11 and the second diameter portion A13.

The first connection pin P1 may be, for example, a pogo pin for transmitting a control signal generated by an external endoscope control system (not shown) to the second connection pin P2. A plurality of first connection pins P1 are provided, and the plurality of first connection pins P1 may be disposed to be inserted through the first body 110 .

The linear moving unit 120 may selectively accept or withdraw the first connection pin P1. The linear moving unit 120 may include a second accommodating space A2 and a protrusion 121 .

In the second accommodating space A2, when the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, one end E of the second coupling module 200 may be inserted. The second accommodating space A2 may have a shape of a groove concavely formed from one end (hereinafter referred to as an insertion end) of the linear moving unit 120 to the inside in the longitudinal direction (-Y axis direction). Here, the insertion end may be an end facing the second coupling module 200 among both ends of the linear moving part 120 disposed along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

The protruding portion 121 may protrude outward in the radial direction from the insertion end of the linear moving portion 120 . In addition, the protrusion 121 may have a ring shape extending along the circumferential direction of the insertion end, and both ends meeting each other.

The protrusion 121 may have through-holes HH formed through both ends in its thickness direction (Y-axis direction). A first connection pin P1 may be inserted into the through hole HH. The same number of through holes HH may be provided in plurality to correspond to the plurality of first connection pins P1. At this time, each of the plurality of through holes HH may have a first connection pin P1 inserted therethrough, and these through holes HH may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the protruding portion 121. Can be arranged.

The linear moving unit 120 may perform a reciprocating linear motion along the front and rear (B1). Here, the front and rear B1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first body 110 (or the longitudinal direction of the first connecting pin P1), and is directed outward in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) and inward in the longitudinal direction. It may be a direction including a direction (-Y axis direction). At this time, the linear moving unit 120 may be disposed within the first accommodating space A1. Specifically, the linear movable part 120 may be arranged such that the protruding part 121 is inserted into the stepped part A12 of the first accommodating space A1, and the rear end of the linear movable part 120 is inserted into the second diameter part A13. Here, the rear end of the linear movable part 120 may be an end opposite to the insertion end.

The protruding part 121 can linearly move along the front and rear B1 with its outer end 121E inserted into the stepped part A12, and as a result, the linear moving part 120 can linearly reciprocate along the front and rear B1. Accordingly, the protruding part 121 and the linear moving part 120 are linearly reciprocating within a length range obtained by subtracting the 'thickness of the protruding part 121' from the 'length of the stepped part A12' based on the front and rear parts B1.

A first elastic member S1 may be disposed between the linear moving unit 120 and the first body 110 . At this time, the first elastic member (S1) may be disposed between the rear end of the linear moving unit 120 and the inner support member (SU) of the first body (110). In this case, the first elastic member S1 may provide elastic force to the linear moving part 120 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the first elastic member S1 may be compressed and deformed as the linear moving unit 120 is pressed and linearly moved backward (in the -Y axis direction) during the coupling process between the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module. Thereafter, in the process of separating the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200, when the pressure on the linear moving unit 120 is released, an elastic restoring force is provided forward (Y-axis direction) to return the linear moving unit 120 to its original position.

In this way, as the linear moving part 120 linearly moves back and forth, the tip of the first connecting pin P1 may be drawn out of the through hole HH in a state where the body of the first connecting pin P1 is inserted through the through hole HH of the protrusion 121, or may be completely inserted into the through hole HH and not exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the first connection pin P1 is not used (for example, before or after coupling the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200), the first connection pin P1 is accommodated in the through hole HH. As a result, damage to the first connection pin P1 due to external factors can be prevented.

The locking part 130 may selectively lock or unlock the reciprocating linear movement of the linear moving part 120 . The hanging part 130 may be disposed on the first body 110 .

As one embodiment, the hooking part 130 may be disposed in the first insertion hole provided in the first body 110 . The first insertion hole may be disposed radially outside the second accommodating space A2 in the first body 110 . The first insertion hole may extend radially inward of the first body 110 toward the second accommodating space A2 and communicate with the second diameter portion A13. In this case, the upper end of the hooking part 130 may be disposed inside the first insertion hole. At this time, the second elastic member (S2) may be disposed between the upper end of the hooking portion 130 and the first insertion hole. When the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, the second elastic member S2 may provide elastic force to the hooking portion 130 .

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 4 , the lower end of the hooking part 130 may protrude into the second diameter part A13 of the second accommodating space A2 and contact the rear end of the linear moving part 120 . In this way, in a state of contact with the lower end of the hooking part 130, the linear movement of the linear moving part 120 backward (in the -Y axis direction) is blocked by the hanging part 130, and accordingly, the linear movement of the linear moving part 120 may be locked. However, when the locking portion 130 is pressed and moved upward by the pressing portion 221 to be described later, the locked state by the holding portion 130 is released, and the linear movement portion 120 is linearly moved backward (-Y axis direction). Although it may be possible, a detailed description of this will be described below.

The hooking part 130 may include an inclined surface at the lower end of which the protruding distance increases toward the rear (-Y axis direction). At this time, the inclined surface of the hooking part 130 may be at least partially formed in a streamlined shape, and the pressing part 221 to be described later may slide along the streamlined inclined surface while pressing the hooking part 130 outward in a radial direction.

As an example, a plurality of hooking parts 130 may be provided. At this time, a plurality of first insertion holes may also be provided to correspond to the plurality of hooking parts 130 . In addition, the hooking part 130 and the second elastic member S2 may be disposed inside each of the first insertion holes. In this case, as described above, the plurality of first insertion holes are disposed inside the first body 110, radially outside the second accommodating space A2, along the circumferential direction of the second accommodating space A2. It may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. For example, the plurality of first insertion holes are spaced apart at equal intervals, and accordingly, the plurality of hooking parts 130 may also be spaced apart at equal intervals along the circumference of the second accommodating space A2.

When the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, the coupling locking unit 140 may specify a coupled position of the second coupling module 200 to the first coupling module 100 . In addition, the coupling locking unit 140 locks the coupling state of the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 after the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, thereby preventing them from being separated from each other. At this time, the coupling locking part 140 may include a locking protrusion 141, an elastic part 142, and a rotation locking part 143.

When the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, the locking protrusion 141 may be inserted into a lock groove 230 provided in the second coupling module 200 to be described later. At this time, the locking protrusion 141 may be disposed at the first coupling end of the first body 110 .

The locking protrusion 141 may be disposed to pass through the first coupling end. At this time, the first body 110 is provided with a second insertion hole formed by penetrating the first coupling end in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the locking protrusion 141 may be inserted through and disposed into the second insertion hole. Accordingly, the upper end of the locking protrusion 141 may be disposed outside the first body 110, and the lower end of the locking protrusion 141 may protrude into the first diameter portion A11 of the first accommodating space A1.

At this time, the lower end of the locking protrusion 141 may be formed in a hemispherical shape, for example. In addition, at the top of the locking protrusion 141, a bent portion 141a bent in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the locking protrusion 141 is provided, and at this time, the bending direction of the bent portion 141a is the first coupling end. It may be toward the rear (-Y axis direction).

The locking protrusion 141 may be disposed to be reciprocally movable along the radial direction B2. Here, the radial movement direction B2 may include a radially outward direction and a radially inward direction of the first body 110 . In this case, the locking protrusion 141 may rise outward in the radial direction or descend inward in the radial direction based on the radial movement direction B2 in a state in which the central portion is inserted into the second insertion hole.

The elastic part 142 may provide elastic force to the locking protrusion 141 when the locking protrusion 141 moves up and down. The elastic part 142 may be coupled to the first coupling end simultaneously with the locking protrusion 141 through a single fixing member PP installed on the outer surface of the first coupling end (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Accordingly, in the process of coupling the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200, the lock protrusion 141 is compressed and deformed as the lock protrusion 141 is pressed outward in the radial direction, and then, when the press on the lock protrusion 141 is released, an elastic restoring force may be provided in a direction opposite to the pressing direction.

The rotation locking part 143 is disposed at the first coupling end, and can selectively lock or unlock the lifting and lowering of the locking protrusion 141 . At this time, the rotation locking unit 143 may include a rotation cover 143a and a rotation locking member 143b.

The rotary cover 143a may be formed in a ring shape extending along the circumferential direction of the first coupling end and having both ends meeting each other, so as to completely cover the circumference of the first coupling end. At this time, an inner space is provided inside the rotating cover 143a, and the locking protrusion 141, the elastic part 142, the fixing member PP, and the rotation locking member 143b can be accommodated in this inner space.

The rotation locking member 143b may be rotatably disposed within the inner space of the rotation cover 143a. More specifically, the rotation locking member 143b may be rotatably connected to a radially outer side of the first coupling end about the central axis C of the first body 110 .

The rotation locking member 143b extends along the circumferential direction of the first coupling end and may be formed in a ring shape with both ends meeting each other. In this case, the rotation locking member 143b may have a ring shape having a diameter smaller than that of the rotation cover 143a. In this case, the rotation locking member 143b may have a partial protrusion 143ba protruding forward (Y-axis direction) at one end. One end of the rotation locking member 143b on which the partial protrusion 143ba is disposed may be an end facing the locking protrusion 141 among both ends of the rotation locking member 143b disposed along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). At this time, the partial protrusion 143ba may protrude from one end of the rotation locking member 143b toward the locking protrusion 141.

The partial protrusions 143ba extend along the circumferential direction of the rotation locking member 143b and may be provided in plurality so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, between the plurality of partial protrusions 143ba, there may be a portion (hereinafter referred to as a partial concave portion) 143bb in which the partial protrusion 143ba is not formed. As an example, a pair of partial protrusions 143ba may be provided. In this case, the pair of partial protrusions 143ba are disposed to face each other, and a pair of partial concave portions 143bb may be respectively disposed between the pair of partial protrusions 143ba.

The rotating cover 143a may be rotatably disposed around the central axis C of the first body 110 . In addition, one side of the rotation locking member 143b is connected to the rotation cover 143a, and can rotate together when the rotation cover 143a rotates.

For example, as the rotating cover 143a and the rotating locking member 143b rotate, at least one partial protrusion 143ba may be positioned on the bent portion 141a of the locking protrusion 141 (refer to the enlarged view of FIG. 7 ). In this case, the lower surface of the partial protrusion 143ba is positioned to face the upper surface of the bent portion 141a to prevent the locking protrusion 141 from rising outward in the radial direction (that is, the locking protrusion 141 is locked). As another example, as the rotating cover 143a and the rotating locking member 143b rotate, at least one partial concave portion 143bb may be positioned to face the bent portion 141a of the locking protrusion 141 (refer to the enlarged view of FIG. 6). In this case, the partial protrusion 143ba does not interfere with the movement of the locking protrusion 141, so that the locking protrusion 141 can rise outward in the radial direction (that is, the unlocked state of the locking protrusion 141).

On the other hand, a handle HD may be provided on the outside of the rotary cover 143a, and the user grips the handle HD to rotate the rotary cover 143a and the rotation locking member 143b connected thereto, thereby selectively locking or unlocking the lifting and lowering of the locking protrusion 141. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotary cover 143a may be rotated through the operation of a drive motor (not shown) and a rotation gear (not shown) connected thereto.

As described above, the second coupling module 200 may be disposed in the other one (hereinafter, the second coupling object) (not shown) of the two coupling target devices. Here, the second coupling object may be a joint unit connected to a manipulation unit provided in the endoscope device, and the joint unit may be electrically connected to an endoscope control and management system (not shown).

The second coupling module 200 is detachably coupled to the first coupling module 100, thereby coupling or separating the first coupling object and the second coupling object. At this time, the second coupling module 200 may include a second body 210, an insertion portion 220, a locking groove portion 230, and a second connection pin P2.

In the second body 210 , the second connection pin P2 and the insertion part 220 may be disposed. When combined with the first coupling module 100, one end (hereinafter referred to as a second coupling end) of the second body 210 may be inserted into the first accommodating space A1 of the first body 110. At this time, the second coupling end may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the inner shape of the first diameter portion A11 of the first accommodating space A1. In the second body 210, the second connection pin P2 is inserted through, and the second coupling end may have an insertion portion 220 protruding outward in the longitudinal direction (-Y axis direction).

The second connection pin P2 may be electrically connected to the first connection pin P1. In this case, it may be a pogo pin for transmitting an image signal captured during an endoscopic procedure to the first connection pin P1. A plurality of second connection pins P2 are provided, and the plurality of second connection pins P2 may be arranged to be inserted through the second body 210 .

The insertion part 220 may be inserted into the second diameter part A13 of the first accommodating space A1 when the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled. At this time, the insertion portion 220 may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the inner shape of the second diameter portion A13. For example, the insertion portion 220 may have a shape similar to a cylinder having a slightly smaller diameter than the second diameter portion A13.

The insertion part 220 may include a pressing part 221 . The pressing portion 221 is a portion that presses the hooking portion 130 when combined with the first coupling module 100, and may have a protruding shape protruding outward in the radial direction from the front end of the insertion portion 220.

A plurality of pressing parts 221 may be provided to correspond to the hanging part 130 . In this case, the plurality of pressing parts 221 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the front end of the insertion part 220 . In this case, the distance between the plurality of pressing parts 221 may be the same as the distance between the plurality of hooking parts 130 . Accordingly, when the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, all of the clasps 130 may be simultaneously pressed by the pressing portions 221 .

When the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, the locking protrusion 141 provided in the first coupling module 100 may be inserted into the locking groove 230 . The locking groove 230 may be disposed at the second coupling end of the second body 210 . At this time, the locking groove 230 may be formed concavely inward in the radial direction on the outer surface of the second coupling end. In addition, the locking groove 230 may be a ring-shaped groove that extends along the circumferential direction of the second coupling end and is formed by meeting both ends.

Specifically, the locking groove portion 230 is disposed so that the inclined surface portion 231 faces the first coupling module 100, and then along the direction (Y-axis direction) toward the rear end of the second body 210, the flat portion 232 and the V-shaped groove portion 233 may be sequentially and continuously disposed. In this case, when coupled with the first coupling module 100, as the second coupling module 200 is inserted into the accommodating spaces A1 and A2, the locking protrusion 141 first moves along the inclined surface portion 231, passes through the plane portion 232, and then is inserted into the V-shaped groove portion 233 to be inserted and coupled into the lock groove portion 230, which will be described in detail below.

Again, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 , a method in which the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled may be as follows.

First, the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 may be arranged so that their respective central axes C are positioned on the same line. At this time, the first coupling end of the first coupling module 100 may face the second coupling end of the second coupling module 200 . Then, the second coupling module 200 may be moved toward the first coupling module 100 along the coupling direction (-Y axis direction). Here, the coupling direction (-Y axis direction) is parallel to the central axis C and may be a direction toward the rear end of the first coupling module 100 (see FIG. 3).

Next, the second coupling end may be inserted into the first accommodating space A1 of the first coupling module 100 . Specifically, the insertion portion 220 provided at the second coupling end may pass through the first accommodating space A1 and be inserted into the second accommodating space A2 provided in the linear movement part 120 .

At this time, the pressing part 221 provided in the insertion part 220 is inserted into the lower end of the first insertion hole extending along the longitudinal direction (-Y axis direction) of the second accommodating space A2, and then guided toward the hooking part 130 by the lower end of the first insertion hole. Thereafter, as the second coupling module 200 moves in the coupling direction (-Y axis direction), the pressing part 221 contacts the lower end of the hooking part 130, and then maintains contact with the hooking part 130. While sliding along the streamlined inclined surface of the hooking part 130, the pressing part 221 can simultaneously press the hooking part 130 outward in the radial direction.

In this case, the hooking part 130 that blocks the linear motion of the linear moving part 120 in the rear (-Y axis direction) moves outward in the radial direction, so that an empty space (before pressing, the space where the lower end of the hooking part 130 was located) may be created at the rear of the linear moving part 120. As the pressing unit 221 continues to move in the coupling direction (−Y axis direction), the linear moving unit 120 may linearly move backward (−Y axis direction) through the aforementioned empty space. Accordingly, the tip of the first connection pin P1 accommodated in the through hole HH provided in the protrusion 121 of the linear movement unit 120 is drawn out from the through hole HH and exposed to the outside of the protrusion 121. Can be. At this time, the locking protrusion 141 provided on the inside of the first coupling end moves along the inclined surface portion 231 and the plane portion 232 of the lock groove portion 230 provided at the second coupling end, and may be in a state 'just before being inserted into the V-shaped groove portion 233 [see Fig. 5 (a)].

Next, further moving along the coupling direction (-Y axis direction) of the second coupling module 200, the first connection pin (P1) and the second connection pin (P2) can be electrically connected by contacting each other.

Specifically, the insertion part 220 of the second coupling module 200 is completely inserted into the second accommodating space A2, and the pressing part 221 can contact the rear end of the streamlined inclined surface of the hooking part 130 (ie, the part protruding most toward the inside of the second accommodating space A2 or its periphery on the streamlined inclined surface).

In this case, the second coupling end is brought into close contact with the protrusion 121 of the linear moving part 120, and as described above, the tip of the first connection pin P1 drawn out of the protrusion 121 contacts the tip of the second connection pin P2 disposed in an exposed state through the second coupling end, and can be electrically connected to each other. can be electrically connected to At this time, the locking protrusion 141 provided inside the first coupling end passes through the inclined surface portion 231 and the flat portion 232 of the locking groove 230 provided at the second coupling end, and may be 'inserted' into the V-shaped groove 233 (see FIG. 5 (b)).

On the other hand, the locking protrusion 141 is pressed radially outward in a state of contact with the inclined surface portion 231 and the flat portion 232, and sliding along the inclined surface portion 231 and the flat portion 232, the elastic portion 142 may be compressed and deformed in the pressing direction. Then, as the locking protrusion 141 moves toward the V-shaped groove 233, the elastic part 142 is released, thereby providing elastic restoring force to the fixing member PP in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. As a result, the locking protrusion 141 connected to the fixing member PP receives the elastic restoring force and returns to the original position, and is inserted into the V-shaped groove 233, so that the locking protrusion 141 can be caught in the locking groove 230.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing one state of the coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another state of the coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , after the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200 are coupled, a method of locking the coupling may be as follows.

As described above, in a 'locked state' in which the insertion part 220 is completely inserted into the second accommodating space A2 and the locking protrusion 141 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 233, the rotary cover 143a can be rotated about the central axis C. As such, when the rotation cover 143a rotates, the rotation locking member 143b connected to the rotation cover 143a may rotate together and in the same direction.

Accordingly, the partial protrusion 143ba provided in the rotation locking member 143b may be positioned above the bent portion 141a of the locking protrusion 141 . In this case, the lower surface of the partial protrusion 143ba is disposed to face the upper surface of the bent part 141a, and there is almost no play between the lower surface and the upper surface, so that the locking protrusion 141 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 233, and the locking protrusion 141 cannot rise outward in the radial direction. As such, the second coupling module 200 may not be separated from the first coupling module 100 as the locking protrusion 141 cannot come out of the V-shaped groove 233 .

Meanwhile, when the second coupling module 200 is separated, the rotating cover 143a may be rotated in the opposite direction. At this time, the rotation locking member 143b rotates together with the rotation cover 143a, moving away from the bent portion 141a of the partial protrusion 143ba, so that the partial concave portion 143bb faces the bent portion 141a of the lock protrusion 141. Can be positioned. Accordingly, the partial protrusion 143ba does not interfere with the movement of the locking protrusion 141, so that the locking protrusion 141 can rise outward in the radial direction again and come out of the V-shaped groove 233. Can be. Thereafter, when the user pulls the second coupling module 200 in the opposite direction (Y-axis direction) to the coupling direction (-Y axis direction), the locking protrusion 141 is pulled out from the V-shaped groove portion 233 and moves along the plane portion 232 and the inclined surface portion 231, thereby separating the second coupling module 200 from the first coupling module 100.

As described above, the coupling device 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention is installed in different devices and is detachably coupled to each other through the first coupling module 100 and the second coupling module 200, It is possible to couple or separate the two devices. In addition, the first coupling module 100 has a linear moving unit 120 capable of selectively receiving or withdrawing the first coupling module 200, and exposes the first coupling pin P1 to the outside only when coupling with the second coupling module 200 is necessary, thereby preventing damage to the first coupling pin P1 that may occur before coupling or during storage and protecting the first coupling pin P1.

The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art may understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

10: coupling device
100: first coupling module
200: second coupling module

Claims (7)

A first coupling module having a first body, a first connection pin, and a linear movement unit capable of reciprocating and linear movement in forward and backward directions and selectively receiving or withdrawing the first connection pin; and
A second coupling module that is detachably coupled to the first coupling module and has a second body and a second coupling module disposed on the second body and electrically connected to the first coupling pin when coupled to the first coupling module. According to claim 1,
The linear moving unit has an accommodation space formed concavely inward in the longitudinal direction at one end and a protrusion formed protruding outward in the radial direction at one end,
When the first coupling module and the second coupling module are coupled, one end of the second coupling module is inserted into the receiving space. According to claim 2,
The first coupling module is formed to protrude into the accommodation space, is disposed to be movable along the radial direction, and further includes a locking portion for selectively locking or unlocking the reciprocating linear movement of the linear movement unit. According to claim 3,
The second coupling module is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction from the one end, and the coupling device further includes a pressing portion for pressing the engaging portion when the one end is inserted into the accommodation space. According to claim 2,
The first coupling module, doedoe projecting radially inward from the inner surface of the outer end of the first coupling module, having a locking protrusion disposed movably along the radial direction, the coupling device. According to claim 5,
The second coupling module is concave radially inward from an outer surface of the second coupling module, extends along a circumferential direction of the second coupling module, and includes a locking groove into which the locking protrusion is inserted. According to claim 6,
The locking groove,
A coupling device comprising: an inclined surface portion; a flat portion continuous with the inclined surface portion and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second body; and a V-shaped groove portion continuous with the flat portion and concave radially inward of the second body.