Locking system for the releasable joining of two components of a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking system (10) for detachably connecting two components of a system. This system (10) comprises an insertion device (12) with a ball-locking pin system (16) and a receiver device (14) that receives the insertion device (12). The receiver device (14) is designed to receive the insertion device (12) so that the latter can be locked into the receiver device (14) by means of the ball-locking pin system (16) upon insertion. The insertion device (12) is operatively connected to a first component, and the receiver device (14) is operatively connected to a second component. By means of an electrically actuated release unit (60), the insertion device (12) can be unlocked in the receiver device (14) for removal from the receiver device (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system for the detachable connection of two components of a system.

[0002] Connection systems are an important component of many technical systems, enabling the linking of separate and independent subsystems. Since the type of connection is often of secondary importance, it should be as easy to use as possible and implementable without significant costs.

[0003] Simple connection systems, for example, have an intuitive user interface and can be used without major effort to provide the desired secure connection.

[0004] Therefore, various plug connection systems are already known in the state of the art, which, according to their purely mechanical operation, exhibit the previously desired criteria.

[0005] US 2016 / 017905 A1 describes a magnetically actuated locking mechanism that incorporates a permanent magnet to attach a lockable rod to the magnetic locking mechanism.

[0006] GB 2 444 933 A describes an electromagnetically operated lock with a fixed element and a movable element. The fixed element consists of a magnet with an open frame.

[0007] For certain applications, purely mechanical ball locking bolt systems have proven practical. An example from the prior art is described in more detail below.

[0008] A ball lock pin is disclosed as known in EP 1 707 826 B1. The disclosure shows a ball lock pin for releasable attachment to an object having an opening with an undercut, comprising a locking pin with a guide receptacle, which is provided with a handle and has at least one locking element at its free end opposite the handle, which is adjustable by means of a plunger that is displaceable relative to the locking pin in the guide receptacle against the force of a spring supported on the locking pin from a locked position blocking the passage of the locking pin through the opening to a release position allowing passage and extending into a recess in the plunger.The plunger is guided out of the guide recess through the handle and out of the fixing bolt, with the spring being formed by an elastically deformable bridge of the handle that rests against the end of the plunger protruding from the guide recess.

[0009] Most purely mechanical connection systems are limited in their application to simple tasks. They therefore lack the flexibility for interactive use with the systems they connect. With the increasing networking and digitalization of objects and work processes, there is a growing need for solutions that can be integrated into this development as seamlessly as possible. This applies equally to connection systems.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a locking system that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages described above.

[0011] According to the invention, a locking system according to claim 1 is provided. Further embodiments of the invention are described in claims 2 to 11.

[0012] According to the invention, a locking system is provided for the detachable connection of two components of a system. Such a locking system comprises an insertion device with a ball locking pin system and a receiving device for receiving the insertion device. The receiving device is designed to receive the insertion device in such a way that, when inserted into the receiving device by means of the ball locking pin system, the insertion device can be moved into a locked state within the receiving device. The insertion device is connected to a first component and the receiving device to a second component of the system. By means of an electrically operated release unit of the locking system, the locked state of the insertion device in the receiving device can be released, so that the insertion device can be removed from the receiving device.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to provide a locking system that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of purely mechanical systems described above.

[0014] This clear structuring of the locking system ensures that even during rapid locking processes, the two components to be locked—namely, the insertion device and the receiving device—always achieve the desired locking. These components are, for example, coupled to the respective systems to be connected or even essentially arranged on them, perhaps at least partially and reversibly attached. Permanently fixing these components to the respective systems to be connected using suitable fasteners is also conceivable. The presented locking system offers sufficient flexibility for this due to its essentially modular design.

[0015] The force required to release the lock is applied exclusively by the electrically operated release unit. This means that the process can be initiated simply by applying a corresponding electrical voltage. The presented locking system is designed so that, due to the specific mechanical design of the connection mechanism, there is no other way to release the connection. The advantage lies in a very easy-to-use system, which, thanks to the electrically operated release unit, also offers a wide range of coupling options to other functions of the components being connected. Furthermore, the presented locking system is compact and allows for flexible design using a variety of materials, depending on the application.The unique advantages of the ball lock pin system are advantageously utilized to transform them into a significantly more complex and surprisingly novel system in an unprecedented way. The design of the release mechanism, combined with the benefits of the ball lock pin system, also offers the advantage of a particularly wear-resistant locking system. Furthermore, the surprisingly effective connection of the individual components is achieved cost-effectively, thus enabling a cost-efficient locking system. Depending on the properties of the selected materials, the presented system can also withstand higher connection forces. The individual components are flexibly dimensioned, and the functionality of the electrically operated release unit can be further customized, for example, using a suitable electronic circuit.However, the basic functionality provided by the presented locking system remains the same even in the most diverse variations with regard to a dimension suitable for the respective application.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a system is provided which includes a locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The aforementioned advantages also apply, insofar as they are transferable, to the presented system.

[0017] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the electrically operated release unit comprises at least one electromagnetic device, in particular a solenoid device.

[0019] The aforementioned advantages can thus be achieved particularly well and effectively. The positioning of the components mentioned must always be such that the desired functionality with regard to a defined unlocking process is guaranteed by means of the electrically operated release unit. Depending on the holding forces to be applied, the dimensioning and material selection of the force-absorbing components must be considered. Accordingly, the lifting magnet, which must generate the force for reliable unlocking, must also be dimensioned. This condition seamlessly connects to the previous disclosure and is therefore to be regarded as a clearly implementable teaching.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the electrically operated release unit is designed to release the locking mechanism after receiving a release signal, after a user-defined adjustable time interval and / or after reaching a user-defined condition.

[0021] The release signal can be provided, for example, by a control element designed for this purpose. For instance, a simple push button can be used, which sends a signal to the electronics, so that the electrically operated release unit initiates the desired unlocking process.

[0022] Achieving a user-defined condition could, for example, take the form of successfully verified access permissions. It's also conceivable that the user-defined condition could be the result of a successful release process, such as for a data carrier.

[0023] Instead of a push button, any other alternatives are conceivable which are suitable for technically realizing the claimed teaching.

[0024] In this context, the release signal is, for example, the result of a previous unlocking process. Initially, at least one unlocking request is made. The unlocking prerequisites are then checked. Depending on the result of this check, a release signal is generated, which ultimately leads to a successful unlocking process or not. An unlocking request can be made manually or automatically. A manual unlocking request can be made, for example, by a button, a switch, a mechanical or electronic key, or similar devices. An automatic unlocking request can be triggered, for example, by an external process.

[0025] The verification of unlocking prerequisites can vary depending on the specific use case. For example, it might involve checking the authorization of a requesting person, such as someone using an electronic key. Alternatively, it could be possible to verify whether a system state required for unlocking exists within a system in which the described locking system is integrated. Such a system state might exist, for instance, when all write operations to a data carrier are complete.

[0026] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the electrically operated release unit is designed to release the locking mechanism after receiving a release signal and depending on a user-defined adjustable condition detected by a system-internal or system-external unlocking device.

[0027] Such a detected status is designed, for example, to trigger a general activation of the electrically operated release unit based on the position of a higher-level switch. In other words, it can be determined whether unlocking is possible at all. The user-defined condition can, for example, be linked to a prior safety check of the electrically operated release unit.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the invention, the ball lock pin system comprises two spring elements and a ball receiving element positioned between these spring elements, with at least one ball element and with respective spring receiving areas, which are arranged together in a guide cylinder element of the ball lock pin system with at least one ball opening area, so that, by means of the two spring elements and without further external force influences and / or force influences caused by the release unit, the ball receiving element can be moved to a starting position for an unlocked state of the insertion device.

[0029] The advantage lies in the fact that the two separate spring elements are designed in such a way that a defined starting position can always be achieved when desired. For this purpose, the components of the system that are to be locked together simply need to be held in a neutral state. Uncomplicated readiness and easy-to-use functionality are thus always guaranteed. The ball element can, for example, be spherical or cylindrical. It is also conceivable that the ball element itself is a sphere or a cylinder. The ball element in its various forms can also be generally referred to as a locking element. In other words, locking elements are provided that resist the shear forces occurring during an attempt to remove the component, thus preventing removal or unlocking.The spherical element or locking element must be rotationally symmetrical in at least one dimension so that it can roll on the boundary surfaces. Therefore, it is advantageous for the spherical element to be spherical or cylindrical. The geometries of the elements interacting with the locking elements must be designed to correspond to the geometries of the locking elements.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ball-receiving element and the spring-receiving areas are provided as a single piece. This form of a single unit results in a simpler and therefore more cost-effective version of the presented locking system. This also promotes greater stability in this area, which is crucial for the locking process. In this way, it can be ensured particularly effectively that these two components are connected to form an essentially rigid unit.

[0031] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the ball receiving element and the respective spring receiving areas are provided as interchangeable and modularly assemblable components of the insertion device.

[0032] This allows for a particularly flexible locking system that can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted to specific applications. For example, it is conceivable that the ball mounting element could be selected based on the size of the required ball elements to be stored there. Compatibility with the modular spring mounting areas is always a prerequisite. Alternatively, corresponding inserts for the spring mounting areas are also possible, allowing the modular system to be expanded as needed.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the ball locking bolt system comprises a cap element which is designed to receive a first spring element and a first spring receiving area of ​​a ball receiving element, so that during a receiving process of the insertion device into the receiving device, a defined displacement process of the ball receiving element for the purpose of locking can be effected due to contact between the cap element and an inner wall area of ​​the receiving device.

[0034] This cap element is thus positioned essentially at the frontmost point of the insertion mechanism. Contact with a front portion of this cap element causes it to compress for a certain length due to the integrated spring element. The dimensions of the first spring element, in conjunction with the first spring mounting area, define the limits of this movement. This allows for convenient and precise locking, with the functionality of the existing ball-lock pin system providing the aforementioned advantages in this context.

[0035] This inventive combination of otherwise separate tasks results in a compact, inexpensive locking system that also features the aforementioned operating method for the unlocking process.

[0036] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the cap element is arranged to be reversibly movable within a through-opening of a guide cylinder element of the ball lock pin system, so that the cap element can be moved from a position projecting beyond the outer dimensions of the guide cylinder element to a position at least partially immersed in the guide cylinder element. The aforementioned advantages are thus even more readily achievable.

[0037] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the guide cylinder element is arranged essentially between the cap element and the electrically operated release unit, so that displacement processes of the ball receiving element, which is movably mounted in the guide cylinder element, can be carried out either due to an action of the cap element on the ball receiving element or due to an action of the electrically operated release unit on the ball receiving element.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that an unlocking process using the electrically operated release unit can only be carried out after a previously detected authorization check with a user-defined result.

[0039] For example, it's conceivable that a fingerprint scanner could be used to define a user profile, i.e., a fingerprint, as a necessary condition for triggering the desired locking process after a successful scan. Entering a code, using voice control, or scanning a face are also possible. A specific sequence of pressure pulses, such as short, short, long, or similar, could also be pre-configured by the user, resulting in a locking system that is as easy to operate as possible.

[0040] Finally, in a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving device and the electrically operated release unit are each designed such that the electrically operated release unit can be substantially recessed into the receiving device during an insertion process of the insertion device into the receiving device, or wherein the electrically operated release unit is mounted in a guideable manner in the receiving device during an insertion process of the insertion device into the receiving device.

[0041] The electrically operated release unit can thus be positioned in a surprisingly simple way to ensure reliable operation of the locking system at all times. Furthermore, the electrically operated release unit can be kept well protected from external influences, such as unauthorized operation, in a surprisingly simple way, thus also ensuring reliable operation of the locking system at all times.

[0042] The presented locking system is suitable for any essentially separate components that need to be locked together in a suitable manner, or reversibly connected. This connection, which can also be described as a locking mechanism, provides a surprisingly simple and user-friendly unlocking process, offering cost-effective and reliable functionality. For example, a wide variety of components within an information technology architecture can be reversibly locked together or connected in this way.

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and accompanying drawings. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a locking system in an unlocked state; Figure 2 shows another schematic sectional view of the locking system of Figure 1 shortly before a locked state; Figure 3 shows another schematic sectional view of the locking system of Figure 1 in a locked state; Figure 4 shows a perspective detail view of another locking system; Figure 5 shows another perspective detail view of the locking system of Figure 4 Figure 6 shows various schematic representations of an SSD insertion system with a locking system; Figure 7 shows various schematic representations of a system with a locking system.

[0044] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a locking system 10 in an unlocked state. This locking system 10 is shown with a plug-in device 12 and a receiving device 14 that receives the plug-in device 12. The plug-in device 12 is operatively connected to a first component and the receiving device 14 to a second component; these components can be detachably connected to each other to form a system. Figure 6 and 7 Specific details are addressed. The insertion device 12 is shown with a ball locking bolt system 16.

[0045] The ball locking bolt system 16 is shown with a locking slide element 18, which includes a ball receiving element 20 and respective spring receiving areas 22, 24.

[0046] The first spring mounting area 22, shown on the right relative to the image plane, accommodates a first spring element 26. The second spring mounting area 24, shown on the left relative to the image plane, accommodates a second spring element 28. The spring elements 26 and 28 are in equilibrium, allowing the balls to enter the ball mounting element 20 and leaving the system in the unlocked state.

[0047] The ball receiving element 20 shows two ball elements 30, 31. In an embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable, for example, that at least two such essentially identical ball elements 30 are provided.

[0048] The ball receiving element 20 has a recessed area 32 essentially in its center, which is bordered by ramp areas 34 and 36. The ramp areas 34 and 36 are integrally joined directly to the recessed area 32.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking slide element 18 is provided as a single piece. However, in an embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable that this locking slide element 18 is constructed in multiple parts and designed modularly according to a building block principle.

[0050] The locking slide element 18, with its respective components, is designed as a rotationally symmetric body along its longitudinal axis. This is also the intended design in the modular construction, which is not shown in detail. In other words, the ball receiving element 20 is essentially designed as a cylindrical body with corresponding sections that vary in diameter.

[0051] The respective spring receiving areas 22, 24 have the same diameter as the recessed area 32. In an embodiment not shown in detail, however, this is not strictly necessary. The spring receiving areas only need to provide sufficient space for the spring elements. The recessed area depends on the diameter of the respective ball element, and the recessed area must allow the ball elements to fully immerse in the guide cylinder.

[0052] In one embodiment (not shown in detail), it is conceivable that these diameters could each be individually and differently defined. It is also conceivable that, in another embodiment (not shown in detail), the spring mounting areas 22, 24 and the recess area 32 could be combined into a single, essentially cylindrical body, which would then be modularly extended to form the final locking slide element 18 by means of attached elements (ramp areas / end areas). These elements would then be immovably connected to the cylindrical body. Force-induced movements of the cylinder would result in corresponding movements of the ramp and end areas.

[0053] The first ramp section 34 is shown to the left of the recessed area 32 with respect to the image plane, and the second ramp section 36 is shown to the right of the recessed area 32 with respect to the image plane. End elements 38 and 40 are attached to the outside of each ramp section 34 and 36. The first and second end elements 38 and 40 each have the same diameter, which is dimensioned such that the locking slide element 18 is guided in a guide cylinder element 42 of the ball lock bolt system 16 in a substantially snug and substantially friction-free manner.

[0054] The guide cylinder element 42 has respective ball opening areas 44 and 46. The first ball opening area 44 is shown at the top of the image plane. The second ball opening area 46 is shown at the bottom of the image plane. In an embodiment not shown in detail, however, it is conceivable that at least two such opening areas are provided, the number depending on the number of ball elements provided.

[0055] The illustrated ball opening areas 44, 46 are designed to allow the ball elements 30, 31 to exit at least partially upwards and downwards or outside the guide cylinder element 42.

[0056] On the right side of the image plane, a cap element 48 is shown as part of the insertion device 12. The cap element 48 is designed to receive the first spring receiving area 22 and the first spring element 26. For this purpose, it has a circular opening area 50, which in this illustration has a diameter that essentially corresponds to that of the first spring element 26, so that the latter is not only at least partially received in it, but is also guided by it.

[0057] The cap element 48 is shown to be mounted, at least partially, in a through-opening 52 of the guide cylinder element 42. In other words, this through-opening 52 is designed to accommodate the cap element 48 in such a way that it can be moved left and right through this through-opening 52 with respect to the plane of the image.

[0058] The second spring element 28 is shown held to the left of the image plane by a stop element 54. In other words, this second spring element 28 is shown in its rest position between the stop element 54 and the ball-receiving element 20. The stop element 54 is shown essentially seamlessly attached to the guide cylinder element 42 and has a guide opening 56 essentially in its center. A plunger element 58 of an electrically operated release unit 60 projects through this guide opening 56.

[0059] In this unlocked state, which can also be referred to as the initial position, the locking slide element 18 is in a position where the ball elements 30, 31 are located in the area of ​​the locking slide element 18 with the smallest outer diameter, allowing them to fully engage in the guide cylinder element 42. In other words, the ball elements 30, 31 are shown mounted in the recessed area 32. For this to occur, the two spring elements 26, 28 must either be in force equilibrium in precisely this position of the locking slide element 18, or the locking slide element 18 must be pressed against a suitably positioned stop by the second spring element 28. The fixing components of the receiving device 14 are not yet in a position required for the locking process in this illustration. No further forces act on the cap element 48.

[0060] The illustrated receiving device 14 is designed to accommodate the insertion device 12 and the electrically operated release unit 60 within an internal area 62. In other words, the receiving device 14 has a substantially cylindrical hollow body 64, which is designed to accommodate the insertion device 12 and the electrically operated release unit 60 within its internal area 62. This cylindrical hollow body 64 is bounded on the right side of the image plane by a termination element 66, against which the cap element 48 rests in this illustration.

[0061] The cylindrical hollow body 64 has two guide rail elements 68, 70 on its inner walls. These guide rail elements 68, 70 each have guide sections 72, 74. With respect to the plane of the image, the guide rail elements 68, 70 are bounded to the left by these guide sections 72, 74, which start at a diameter of the cylindrical hollow body 64 and extend into the inner area 62 to the maximum extent of the respective guide rail elements 68, 70. On the right, these respective guide rail elements 68, 70 are each bounded by step elements 76, 78.

[0062] The maximum extensions of the respective guide rail elements 68, 70 into the interior area 62 together ensure that the guide cylinder element 42 can be moved further into the receiving device 14 in a defined manner by means of these guide rail elements 68, 70, which, for example, can also be provided at least partially around the interior area 62 as a single, integral section. In this respect, these guide rail elements 68, 70 ensure that the guide cylinder element 42 is first positioned on the guide rails by means of the respective guide sections 72, 74 and then, due to their maximum extensions, can be moved further inside the receiving device 14 in a defined position.The ball elements 30, 31 are prevented from moving outwards through the ball opening areas 44, 46, as they are prevented from doing so by the guide rail elements 68, 70 or by the respective areas of these that project maximally into the interior.

[0063] In other words, when the receiving device 14 is placed onto the insertion device 12 from the right (relative to the image plane), the ball elements 30, 31 are initially blocked from the outside by the area with the small inner diameter of the receiving device 14.

[0064] The presented arrangement (inner area of ​​the receiving device 14, outer area of ​​the insertion device 12) is preferably rotationally symmetrical. Thus, the guide areas 72, 74, the guide rail elements 68, 70, the step elements 76, 78, the ramp areas 34, 36 and the recess area 32 are preferably circumferential areas.

[0065] Figure 2 shows another schematic sectional view of the locking system 10 of Figure 1 shortly before a locked state. The following apply: Figure 1 The reference marks that have been introduced are no longer needed, so they will not be reintroduced at this point.

[0066] As the receiving device 14 moves further to the left, the cap element 48 also moves to the left. Initially, the locking slide element 18 cannot move relative to the guide cylinder element 42 until the ball elements 30, 31 reach the area of ​​the receiving device 14 with the largest inner diameter.

[0067] Figure 3 shows another schematic sectional view of the locking system 10 of Figure 1 in a locked state. The following apply: Figure 1 The reference marks that have been introduced are no longer needed, so they will not be reintroduced at this point.

[0068] Now, due to the force of the highly compressed first spring element 26, which can also be called the locking spring element, the locking slide element 18 can move to the left by overcoming the smaller force acting in the opposite direction from the second spring element 28, which can also be called the unlocking spring element. In doing so, the ball elements 30, 31 are pushed outwards so that they protrude from the guide cylinder element 42 and are held in this position by the locking slide element 18 in the Figure 3 The position shown is blocked by means of the step elements 76, 78, which at the same time permanently blocks the receiving device 14.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiments, this electrically operated release unit 60 comprises a solenoid device. The plunger element 58 is an integral part of the electrically operated release unit 60. To unlock, the solenoid device is actuated, causing the plunger element 58 of the electrically operated release unit 60, or the solenoid device, to exert a suitably dimensioned force to the right on the locking slide element 18. As long as the sum of the rightward-acting pressure force of the solenoid device and the force in the same direction from the second spring element 28 exceeds the current leftward-acting force of the first spring element 26, the locking slide element 18 moves to the right. In the end position of the locking slide element 18, the ball elements 30, 31 can re-engage in the guide cylinder element 42, and the fixation of the receiving device 14 is released.As a result, the tensioned first spring element 26 pushes the receiving device 14 to the right via the cap element 48, thus completing the unlocking process and allowing the receiving device 14 to be pulled off the insertion device 12 to the right.

[0070] The functionality of the described arrangement requires suitable dimensions. This includes, for example, the distance the receiving device 14 travels from the initial contact with the cap element 48 until it is fully secured. It also includes, for example, the distance the locking slide element 18 must travel between the unlocking and locking positions. Furthermore, it includes, for example, the lengths, spring constants, and, if applicable, the preloads of the two spring elements 26 and 28. Finally, it includes, for example, the compressive force, stroke, and holding time of the solenoid of the solenoid device.

[0071] The settings and the resulting effects can be readily achieved by a person skilled in the art, according to the information disclosed so far, using suitable experiments and the disclosed technical instructions. Therefore, detailed descriptions of implementation variations are omitted here. For example, the spring elements 26 and 28 can be of the same dimensions and each have an initial length of 14 mm, with the respective spring rate R being 0.926 N / mm.

[0072] Figure 4 Figure 10 shows a perspective detail view of another locking system. This is a perspective detail view of the system described in the Figures 1 to 3 The locking system shown in section 10 applies. Figure 1 The reference marks that have been introduced are no longer needed, so they will not be reintroduced at this point.

[0073] Figure 5 shows another perspective detail view of the locking system 10 of Figure 4The following apply: Figure 1 The reference marks that have been introduced are no longer needed, so they will not be reintroduced at this point.

[0074] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows various schematic representations of an SSD (Solid-State Drive) slot system 80 with a locking system 10. A hard disk component 81 is equipped with the mounting device 14. A higher-level housing 83 is equipped as a second component with the insertion device 12.

[0075] Figure 7Figure 1 shows various schematic representations of a general system 82 with a locking system 10. It is thus conceivable that the presented locking system 10 is integrated into a higher-level system 82, with a locked state shown on the left and an unlocked state on the right, relative to the plane of the image. Depending on the application, different degrees of integration are conceivable, and the possibilities are not significantly limited at this point. A first component 84 can be detachably connected to a second component 86 of the locking system 10 via the locking system 10. Components 84 and 86 can be any parts, assemblies, or the like that can be connected to each other. Reference sign

[0076] 10 Locking system 12 Insertion device 14 Receiving device 16 Ball lock bolt system 18 Locking slide element 20 Ball mounting element 22 First spring mounting area 24 Second spring mounting area 26 first spring element 28 second spring element 30 first ball element 31 second ball element 32 Recessed area 34 First ramp area 36 Second ramp area 38 First end element 40 Second end element 42 Guide cylinder element 44 First ball opening area 46 Second ball opening area 48 Cap element 50 Round opening area 52 Through opening 54 Stop element 56 Guide opening 58 Plunger element 60 Release unit 62 Interior 64 Hollow body 66 End element 68 First guide rail element 70 Second guide rail element 72 First guide area 74 Second guide area 76 first stage element 78 second stage element 80 SSD slot system 82 system 84 first component 86 second component

Claims

1. A locking system (10) for releasably connecting two components of a system, comprising an insertion device (12) with a ball lock bolt system (16) and a receiving device (14) that accommodates the insertion device (12), wherein the receiving device (14) is designed to receive the insertion device (12) in such a way that, when inserted into the receiving device (14), the insertion device (12) can be moved into a locked state in the receiving device (14) by means of the ball lock bolt system, the insertion device (12) is operatively connected to a first component and the receiving device (14) is operatively connected to a second component of the system, the locked state of the insertion device (12) in the receiving device (14) can be released by means of an electrically operable release unit (60) of the locking system (10), so that the insertion device (12) can be removed from the receiving device (14), characterized in that the ball lock bolt system (16) comprises two spring elements (26, 28) and a ball receiving element (20) positioned between these spring elements (26, 28) with at least one ball element (30, 31) and with respective spring receiving areas (22, 24) which are arranged together in a guide cylinder element (42) of the ball lock bolt system (16) with at least one ball opening area (44, 46) so that, by means of the two spring elements (26, 28) and without further external forces and / or forces caused by the release unit (60), the ball receiving element (20) can be moved to a starting position for an unlocked state of the insertion device (12).

2. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically operable release unit (60) comprises at least one electromagnetic device, in particular a lifting magnet device.

3. Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically operable release unit (60) is configured, after receiving a release signal, in particular a release signal from a system-internal or system-external unlocking device, to release the lock after a user- definable adjustable time interval and / or after a user-defined condition has been reached.

4. Locking system (10) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the electrically operable release unit (60) is configured to release the lock after receiving a release signal and depending on a status of a user-definable condition detected by a system-internal or system-external unlocking device.

5. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ball receiving element (20) and the spring receiving areas (22, 24) are provided commonly integrated.

6. Locking system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ball receiving element (20) and the respective spring receiving areas (22, 24) are provided as interchangeable and modularly assemblable components of the insertion device (12).

7. Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ball lock bolt system (16) comprises a cap element (48) which is designed to receive a first spring element (26) and a first spring receiving area (22) from a ball receiving element (20) so that, during an insertion process of the insertion device (12) into the receiving device (14), a defined displacement process of the ball receiving element (20) for the purpose of locking can be effected due to contact between the cap element (48) and an inner wall region of the receiving device (14).

8. Locking system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the cap element (48) is arranged in a guide cylinder element (42) of the ball lock bolt system (16) in a through opening (52) of the guide cylinder element (42) so that the cap element (48) can be moved from a position protruding beyond the outer dimensions of the guide cylinder element (42) to a position at least partially immersed in the guide cylinder element (42).

9. Locking system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the guide cylinder element (42) is arranged substantially between the cap element (48) and the electrically operable release unit (60) so that displacement movements of the ball receiving element (20) movably mounted in the guide cylinder element (42) can be performed due to an action of the cap element (48) on the ball receiving element (20) or due to an action of the electrically operable release unit (60) on the ball receiving element (20).

10. Locking system (10) according to one of the previous claims, wherein an unlocking operation by means of the electrically operable release unit (60) can only be performed after a previously detected authorization check with a user-defined result.

11. Locking system (10) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the receiving device (14) and the electrically operated release unit (60) are each designed such that the electrically operated release unit (60) can essentially be retracted into the receiving device (14) during insertion of the insertion device (12) into the receiving device (14), or wherein, during insertion of the insertion device (12) into the receiving device (14), the electrically operable release unit (60) is guidedly mounted in the receiving device (14).

12. System (82) comprising a locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

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