coupling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (10) for mechanically and electrically coupling a peripheral device (2) to a vehicle (1), having a first coupling element (20) and a second coupling element (30) which are designed to be coupled to one another in a plug-in direction (S), wherein in the coupled state an electrical connection is formed between the first coupling element (20) and the second coupling element (30).This coupling device is characterized in that a coupling means (40) which is arranged so as to be movable along the plugging direction (S) is provided in the second coupling element (30), in that the first coupling element (20) and the coupling means (40) each have at least one electrical contact (67, 67', 65, 65'), wherein the electrical contacts (67, 67', 65, 65') form at least one electrical connection in the coupled state, and in that the first coupling element (20) and / or the second coupling element (30) have at least one magnet (25, 45), by the magnetic attraction force of which, in the coupled state, a fixing of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30) can be effected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with such a coupling device according to claim 14.

[0002] US 8 672 228 B1 discloses a device comprising a device housing having a device surface, a cavity formed in the device housing, the cavity having a lubricating, non-conductive lining between an inner end of the cavity and an outer end of the cavity, and a cylindrical connector element movable within the lubricating, non-conductive lining of the cavity between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0003] Furthermore, a connecting mechanism is known from US 2014 / 0 077 044 A1, which comprises a first component that can be mechanically locked to a second component.

[0004] In addition, US 2018 / 0 122 201 A1 discloses a module for attaching a mobile electronic device.

[0005] Modular vehicle interiors offer a host of advantages. They are easily adaptable to occupant needs, allow for lower-cost maintenance and upgrades, limit development costs to individual components, and support sustainability goals by promoting the longevity of vehicle components and reducing the need to replace entire systems for upgrades or repairs.

[0006] However, a difficulty arises with electronic or electrical peripherals, such as screens, speakers, chargers, or air fresheners, which can be plugged into a holder in the vehicle interior. These devices require an electrical connection to the vehicle's electrical system to be supplied with electrical power and / or to transmit data. Appropriate coupling devices must be provided for this purpose.

[0007] An example of such a coupling device is a 12V or 24V on-board socket or a USB port.

[0008] The plug is secured in the socket of the 12V or 24V vehicle power outlet through a combination of mechanical tension and the shape of the components. The end of the plug usually has a rounded or conical tip with one or more lateral spring elements. These spring elements are easily compressed. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the spring elements expand and create tension in the plug against the inner walls of the socket, which holds the plug in place. The socket and plug are designed to fit together and form a secure connection. For example, a USB charger plug can be inserted into the socket to provide passengers with a way to charge their electronic devices.

[0009] As mentioned, USB connectors can also be used for communication with the on-board electronics. The connector is held securely in place by a slight press fit into the socket.

[0010] The disadvantage is that these friction-based connectors can become loose in the event of an accident or sudden, sharp acceleration. Especially with heavier peripherals, complex locking mechanisms are required. These are often ergonomically unfavorable and difficult and impractical to operate.

[0011] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a coupling device for the mechanical and electrical coupling of peripheral devices to a vehicle, the collision safety of which is increased and which is easier to operate.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by a coupling device according to claim 1.

[0013] A coupling device for mechanically and electrically coupling a peripheral device to a vehicle is provided with a first coupling element and a second coupling element which are designed to be coupled to one another in a plug-in direction, wherein in the coupled state an electrical connection is formed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.This coupling device is characterized according to the invention in that a coupling means is provided in the second coupling element which is arranged so as to be movable along the plugging direction, in that the first coupling element and the coupling means each have at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical contacts form at least one electrical connection in the coupled state, and in that the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element, preferably the coupling means, has at least one magnet, by the magnetic attraction force of which in the coupled state a fixing of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element can be effected.

[0014] Because the electrical connection is established by the coupling means itself when the first coupling element is fixed to the second coupling element by the coupling means, a secure and easy-to-use coupling device for coupling a peripheral device to a vehicle, in particular to a vehicle interior or a vehicle console, is created.

[0015] The coupling device can be arranged anywhere in the vehicle, in particular in a vehicle console. A peripheral device can be, for example, headphones, a screen, a mobile phone, a charger, a fragrance diffuser, or another electrically operated and / or electronic device. An electrical connection can be a data connection and / or a power connection. The coupling means, which is arranged in the second coupling element so as to be movable along the plugging direction, can be designed as a piston that is displaceably arranged in the second coupling element. The first coupling element, the second coupling element, and the coupling means are preferably made of an electrically and magnetically non-conductive material. It can be provided that the second coupling element is formed in two or more parts. It can also be provided that the second coupling element is partially formed by the vehicle console.

[0016] The electrical connection may include - one or more electrical output contacts on the first coupling element for connection to the peripheral device, - one or more electrical input contacts on the first coupling element for connection to an electrical output contact on the coupling means, - an electrical line between each of the output contacts and an input contact on the first coupling element, - one or more electrical output contacts on the coupling means, - one or more electrical input contacts on the coupling means, - an electrical line between one of the output contacts and an input contact on the coupling means, and - one or more electrical output contacts on the second coupling element, - one or more electrical input contacts on the second coupling element, - an electrical line between each of the output contacts and an input contact on the second coupling element.

[0017] The first coupling element can advantageously be plugged onto the second coupling element in the plug-in direction. This provides a very simple and easy-to-use way to connect the peripheral device to the vehicle, making handling the coupling device even easier and safer.

[0018] The at least one magnet is spaced in a direction transverse to the plugging direction from a central axis of the coupling device running in the plugging direction, so that the fixation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element can be released by a rotational movement of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element. Simple release by means of a rotational movement significantly simplifies the operation of the coupling device. If the rotational movement is the only way to release the fixation of the first coupling element using a small force, this advantageously results in an even more secure coupling device.

[0019] Further preferred and advantageous design features of the coupling device according to the invention are the subject of subclaims 2 to 13.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one electrical contact of the first coupling element and the at least one electrical contact of the second coupling element are spaced apart in a direction transverse to the plugging direction from a central axis of the coupling device extending in the plugging direction, so that the electrical connection is designed to be separable by a rotational movement of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element. This advantageously allows the electrical connection to be interrupted in a simple manner. Alternatively, the electrical connection can also be separable by a translational movement of the first coupling element oriented perpendicular to the plugging direction.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the coupling means in the second coupling element is guided in a rotationally secure manner along the plug-in direction. This variant of the invention ensures that the alignment of the at least one magnet and the at least one electrical contact remains constant when the coupling means is displaced along the plug-in direction.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, which can be combined with other embodiments, the first coupling element and the second coupling element have an annular positive connection for guiding the rotational movement of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element in the coupled state. This forms a common plug-in connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. In particular, the coupling means can be arranged so as to be movable relative to the first coupling element and the second coupling element in order to enable fixation. A plug-in connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element can create an easily manageable coupling between the peripheral device and the vehicle.

[0023] Preferably, the annular positive connection is formed on opposite end faces of the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the positive connection can be designed as a plug-in connection with a plug-in bead on the first coupling element and a plug-in groove on the second coupling element, and / or the plug-in connection can comprise a plug-in bead on the second coupling element and a plug-in groove on the first coupling element. The plug-in bead and the plug-in groove advantageously result in a particularly simple design of the plug-in connection. The plug-in bead and the plug-in groove can be designed to complement one another. Furthermore, the plug-in bead can advantageously taper towards the end face in order to advantageously simplify insertion into the plug-in groove. In addition, the plug-in groove can taper towards its groove base in order to advantageously offer more secure guidance for the plug-in bead.

[0025] It is advantageous if the annular form-fitting connection has an annular groove and an annular bead engaging in it.

[0026] Furthermore, the plug connection can be formed on the side of the first coupling element on a limiting shoulder forming a stop for the coupling means in a region of the second coupling element facing the first coupling element. This creates an advantageously compact coupling device whose largest diameter transverse to the plugging direction is advantageously no larger than the outer radius of the second coupling element. A possible support shoulder, described in more detail below, can be an exception to this.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the first coupling element and the coupling means each have at least one magnet which are aligned with opposite poles to each other so that they attract each other by a magnetic force.

[0028] The first coupling element and the coupling means thus form a magnetic closure and fix one another in place. Such a magnetic closure allows for particularly simple and stable fixing of the first coupling element to the second coupling element using the coupling means, provided the coupling means is also fixed to the second coupling element. In its fixing position, the coupling means can be pushed at least partially into the first coupling element by means of a cylinder body. The cylinder body can be a piston. The magnetic closure allows the coupling means to be releasably fixed to the first coupling element. In this case, the fixing can be released by a rotational movement or a translational movement, in particular a shearing movement perpendicular to the magnetic forces.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first coupling element can have two magnets, and the coupling means can have two further magnets assigned to them, wherein the magnets of the coupling element are aligned with opposite poles to the magnets of the coupling means, so that they attract each other in pairs through a magnetic force. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a particularly strong fixation of the first coupling element to the coupling means, whereby the security of the coupling device against accidental release of the fixation is advantageously increased. Advantageously, the attractive magnetic force of the magnets arranged with opposite poles is greater than a counteracting holding force on the coupling means, in particular a weight force of the coupling means and / or a spring tension force of a spring acting on the coupling means, from a certain distance between the magnets of a pair.

[0030] If the polarities of the magnets of two magnet pairs are oppositely aligned, additional electrical reverse polarity protection is created, since the first coupling element can only be brought together with the coupling means in a single angular position around the longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one first magnet on the first coupling element can be aligned and magnetically coupled to the at least one second magnet on the coupling element by a shearing movement of the first coupling element oriented perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force of the opposing magnets, in particular a translational movement and / or rotational movement oriented perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force of the opposing magnets, or can be moved away from the at least one second magnet on the coupling element and magnetically decoupled. A shearing movement perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force and thus to the magnetic holding force advantageously allows for easy release with the application of only low shear forces, while at the same time the magnetic holding force in the shearing direction nevertheless prevents unintentional release.Furthermore, in the magnetic coupling position, there is also advantageously such a large magnetic force parallel to the lines of force of the magnets that even a sudden acceleration such as in an accident or an unintentional strong jerk due to a careless movement by an occupant prevents release and thus the coupling device is securely fixed.

[0032] Preferably, the magnets are arranged on opposite end faces of the first coupling element and the coupling means such that their lines of magnetic force, which cause mutual attraction, run essentially in the plug-in direction. This allows the magnetic coupling to occur virtually automatically when the two coupling elements are plugged together.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with other embodiments, the second coupling element comprises a spring which is arranged between a housing of the second coupling element and the coupling means and which exerts a spring force on the coupling means, which preloads the coupling means into a central cavity of the second coupling element, wherein the spring force is directed counter to the magnetic attraction force. As a result, the coupling means is received in the second coupling element in a rest position and, when the two coupling elements are brought together, is pulled by the at least one magnet of the first coupling element against the first coupling element and into a recess provided on the end face thereof.

[0034] For this purpose, the first coupling element preferably has a central recess which opens on the side facing the second coupling element and which is designed to receive a front section of the coupling means.

[0035] The coupling means can be designed to be prestressed by a spring in or against the plugging direction against the second coupling element, in particular in a direction toward a base of the second coupling element. Particularly preferably, the spring force is directed counter to the magnetic force of the aforementioned magnets and thus serves as a holding force of the coupling means in the second coupling element. A spring can hold the coupling means in a recessed position in the second coupling element when the first coupling element is in a release position or when the first coupling element is removed. This advantageously maintains the movement of the coupling means in a predetermined position without the application of further force by the first coupling element, or restoring forces are applied to the coupling means, so that the coupling device can advantageously be mounted in any spatial orientation.Advantageously, the force of gravity is not required to reset the coupling device. For example, the second coupling element can be arranged in an opening in a vehicle headliner, allowing the coupling device to advantageously serve as an overhead mount. The spring can be a compression spring or a tension spring, depending on where and how the spring is to be used in the coupling device.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring can be a spiral spring, which is preferably arranged externally on the coupling means and surrounds the coupling means, in particular on a cylindrical body of the coupling means. The spiral spring can be a compression spring.

[0037] According to a particularly preferred development, the coupling means can have a base, with the spring being supported at one end against the base, and the second coupling element can have a limiting shoulder in a region facing the first coupling element, with the spring being supported at its other end against the limiting shoulder of the second coupling element. This creates a particularly compact coupling device. At the same time, the spring is held in position by the internal coupling means and can advantageously not slip.

[0038] In a particular development, the first coupling element, the second coupling element, and the coupling means each have a circular cross-section. This creates a particularly stable and easy-to-use coupling device. Preferably, the respective adjacent outer and inner cross-sections are complementary to one another perpendicular to the plug-in direction. Alternatively, the respective cross-sections can be angular or have rounded corners. The respective cross-sections can, in particular, be square, rectangular, or elliptical. The first coupling element, the second coupling element, and the coupling means are preferably arranged coaxially with one another.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the coupling means in the second coupling element can be arranged displaceably in the plugging direction between an open position and a fixing position. In the open position, the coupling means does not fix the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element, and the first coupling element can be separated from the second coupling element. In the fixing position, the coupling means preferably fixes the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element. The first coupling element can advantageously only be separated from the second coupling element by an opening movement or by a very strong force.

[0040] It is also advantageous if the coupling means engages in the first coupling element when the first coupling element is connected to the second coupling element and is fixed relative to the second coupling element.

[0041] The coupling means engages the first coupling element when the first coupling element is connected to the second coupling element and is fixed relative to the second coupling element. This creates a robust coupling of the coupling means to the first coupling element. In particular, an unintentional separation movement or a transverse force acting on the first coupling element can no longer lead to the first coupling element being released from the second coupling element.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, it can further be provided that at least one guide running parallel to the plugging direction, in particular a coupling rail or a coupling groove, is arranged in the second coupling element for rotationally secure guidance of the coupling means in the second coupling element, and that at least one coupling element complementary to the guide, in particular a coupling groove, is arranged on or in the coupling means. This advantageously allows the coupling means to be securely displaced within the second coupling element and the first coupling element to be securely locked to the coupling means. In particular, if the coupling means and the first coupling element are held together by magnets, such a movement lock of the coupling means in the second coupling element can advantageously prevent the lock from becoming loose.

[0043] Furthermore, in an advantageous development, the guide can be formed on an inner wall in the second coupling element. Arranging the guide on an inner wall advantageously creates a secure and space-saving guide for the coupling means. Alternatively, the guide can be positioned in a plug-like manner in the center of the second coupling element and engages in a corresponding groove in the coupling means. Multiple guides can also be provided.

[0044] Furthermore, it can be provided that a rubber element, in particular a rubber plate or a rubber layer, is arranged between the coupling means and the second coupling element in the plugging direction. This advantageously allows noise dampening of the coupling means in the second coupling element to be achieved.

[0045] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a coupling device as described above for electrically connecting a peripheral device to an on-board electrical system, wherein an input contact of the second coupling element is connected to the on-board electrical system and wherein an output contact of the first coupling element is connectable to the peripheral device.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and further advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] It shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in a vehicle in a schematic representation; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention; Fig. 3a a basic position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 3b the basic position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a perspective external view; Fig. 4a shows a fixing position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 4b a fixing position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a perspective external view; Fig. 5a a decoupling position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a sectional view and Fig. 5b a decoupling position of the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in a perspective external view.

[0048] In Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 10 according to the invention in perspective in a vehicle 1, wherein the vehicle 1 is schematically depicted as a rectangle. The components of the coupling device 10, namely a first coupling element 20, a second coupling element 30, and a coupling means 40, are shown one above the other in an exploded view. For the sake of clarity, the coupling means 40 is shown outside the second coupling element 30. As Fig. 3 to 5, the coupling means 40 is arranged in a guided manner in the second coupling element 30 when the coupling device 10 is used.

[0049] The coupling device 10 is arranged in an opening 3 of a vehicle console 2 of a vehicle interior and serves to electrically and mechanically connect a peripheral device 4, which is illustrated for the purpose of illustration as a headset, tablet, or mobile phone, to an electrical system 5 of the vehicle 1. The electrical connection can be a power supply connection and / or a data connection. The coupling device 10 can also be arranged elsewhere in the vehicle 1 if a corresponding opening or receptacle and a connection to the electrical system are provided there. Due to the holding forces described in more detail below, the coupling device can be arranged, for example, in a center console in the rear seat or at the rear of the headrests of the front vehicle seats or in a vehicle headliner, for example for attaching a peripheral device designed as a monitor, instead of being arranged in a vehicle console 2.Storing the coupling means 40 in the second coupling element 30 when the first coupling element 20 is not connected is advantageously possible in any spatial orientation of the coupling device 10 due to restoring forces which will also be explained in more detail below.

[0050] In Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the coupling device 10 according to the invention in the opening 3 of the vehicle console 2 in a sectional view. The components are as in Fig. 1 in an exploded view to provide a better overview of the details of the components. The components, in this case the first coupling element 20, the second coupling element 30, and the coupling means 40, are coaxial with one another, with their corresponding contacting connecting surfaces aligned with one another. Since the components 20, 30, 40 are essentially cylindrical and arranged coaxially with one another, the components 20, 30, 40 have a common central axis A in this case.

[0051] The first coupling element 20 can be plugged onto the second coupling element 30 in a plug-in direction S. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided, additionally or alternatively, that the first coupling element 20 can be at least partially inserted into an interior of the second coupling element 30. The coupling means 40 can also be displaced in the second coupling element 30 along the central axis A in and against the plug-in direction S, as described in more detail below. The second coupling element 30 is permanently installed in the opening 3 of the vehicle console 2.

[0052] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first coupling element 20 is designed as a cylindrical hollow body with a frontal cover 21 at an upper end and a cylindrical side wall 22 of the first coupling element 20 and defines a recess 26 that is open on the end face facing away from the cover 21. The first coupling element 20, which is intended for use by the operator or vehicle occupants, can be plugged onto the second coupling element 30 in the present exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the side wall 22 has an annular plug-in bead 24 designed as an annular bead on an annular end face 23 facing the second coupling element 30 and facing away from the cover 21, which is rounded towards the second coupling element 30.Furthermore, two first magnets 25 are provided in the cover 21 of the first coupling element 20, which, in particular in the present embodiment, are arranged opposite one another in the circular cover 21 with respect to the central axis A of the first coupling element 20.

[0053] The second coupling element 30 is a substantially cylindrical hollow body with a cavity 37, which is received in the opening 3 of the vehicle console 2. The second coupling element 30 has projections and recesses on the inside and outside to enable guidance of the first coupling element 20 and the coupling means 40 and to assume a fixed position in the opening 3 of the vehicle console 2. The second coupling element 30 has a housing 30', in which a peripheral wall 32 extends from a base 31 to an outer edge of the opening 3 in the axial direction. The outer edge of the opening 3 refers to the edge facing into the vehicle interior. In the region of the outer edge of the opening 3, the peripheral wall 32 has an inwardly directed limiting shoulder 33, which also serves as an outer stop for a movement of the coupling means 40.The limiting shoulder 33 represents a cross-sectional reduction inside the cylindrical hollow body of the second coupling element 30. On the outwardly facing end face of the limiting shoulder 33, the second coupling element 30 has an annular plug-in groove 34, which is provided for receiving and guiding the annular plug-in bead 24 of the first coupling element 20. The plug-in groove 34 has a circular cross-section complementary to the plug-in bead 24. Furthermore, a coupling rail 35' serving as a guide 35 extends inside the cylindrical hollow body of the second coupling element 30 from the base 31 to the limiting shoulder 33. This coupling rail serves to guide the coupling means 40 in a rotationally secure manner in or against the plug-in direction S and blocks any rotational movement of the coupling means 40.Furthermore, a radially outwardly directed support shoulder 36 is provided at the upper end of the second coupling element 30 in the region of the outer edge of the opening 3 for resting on or against the vehicle console 2. The support shoulder 36 prevents the second coupling element 30 from being completely sunk into the vehicle console 2 and allows for precise insertion of the second coupling element 30 into the vehicle console 2.

[0054] The coupling means 40 is essentially designed as a cylindrical body 41, wherein the cylindrical body 41 has a foot 42 at an end facing the base 31 of the second coupling element. The foot 42 is designed as a circular, radially outwardly directed annular projection and extends to the inside of the peripheral wall 32 of the cylindrical hollow body of the second coupling element 30. There, with a coupling groove 43' forming a coupling element 43 and running parallel to the central axis A, it surrounds the guide 35 of the coupling means 40, designed as a coupling rail. This allows movement of the coupling means 40 in the second coupling element 30 in or against the insertion direction S, wherein the foot 42 can move from the base 31 to the limiting shoulder 33. The base 31 and the limiting shoulder 33 each serve as a stop in the axial direction for the foot 42.

[0055] On an end face 44 of the cylinder body 41 facing away from the base 42, the coupling means 40 has two second magnets 45 which are arranged with opposite poles to the first magnets 25 and which, through a rotational movement of the first coupling element 20 and a resulting positioning of the first magnets 25 relative to the second magnets 45, bring about a magnetic coupling, so that the coupling means 40 in the second coupling element 30 is moved counter to the plug-in direction S towards the first coupling element 20 and is ultimately held thereon with a very strong magnetic force. The base 42 bears against the limiting shoulder 33 and thus mechanically fixes the components of the coupling device 10 relative to one another. In other words, the first coupling element 20 is thereby fixed to the second coupling element 30.

[0056] The cylinder body 41 of the coupling means 40 is surrounded on its outer side by a spring 50 designed as a spiral spring. The spring 50 is supported at one end 51 against the base 42 and at its other end 52 against the limiting shoulder 33 of the second coupling element 30.

[0057] The spring force of the spring 50 is directed against the magnetic force of the oppositely polarized magnets 25, 45 and causes the coupling means 40 to reset or sink into the second coupling element 30 when the magnetic force is removed or interrupted. In the present embodiment, the magnetic force can be removed or interrupted by a rotational shearing movement of the first coupling element 20, with the plug-in bead 24 in the plug-in groove 34 of the second coupling element 30 serving as a rotational guide. If the oppositely polarized magnets 25, 45 are moved apart by the rotation of the first coupling element 20, the magnetic force decreases and ultimately disappears, so that only the spring force and any, but in this context negligible, weight force of the coupling means 40 acts on the coupling means 40.As a result, the coupling means 40 is pulled into the opening position Q1 and held there and is thus always sunk in its rest position as long as the first coupling element 20 is not arranged on or above the second coupling element 30.

[0058] In the area of the foot 42, a rubber element 55 is also arranged on a circular section of the coupling means 40 facing the base 31. This rubber element advantageously serves to dampen vibrations and noises of the coupling means 40 in the second coupling element 30. The rubber element 55 can, for example, be designed as a rubber plate or rubber layer and be glued to the coupling means 40.

[0059] The components of the coupling device 10 can form an electrical connection 60 between the peripheral device 4 and the vehicle electrical system 5 when the first coupling element 20 is fixed relative to the second coupling element 30 by the coupling means 40. In the present exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection 60 comprises two electrical output contacts 68 on the first coupling element 20 for electrically connecting to the peripheral device 4, and two electrical input contacts 67, 67' on the first coupling element for connecting to an electrical output contact 65, 65' on the coupling means 40. An electrical line 69, 69' on the first coupling element 20 is located between each input contact 67, 67' and an output contact 68, 68'.The electrical connection 60 accordingly comprises two electrical output contacts 65, 65' on the coupling means 40, furthermore two electrical input contacts 64, 64' on the coupling means 40, and two electrical lines 66, 66' between one of the output contacts 65, 65' and one of the input contacts 64, 64' on the coupling means 40. The electrical connection 60 further comprises two electrical output contacts 62, 62' and two electrical input contacts 61, 61' on the second coupling element 30, as well as one electrical line 63, 63' between one of the output contacts 62, 62' and one of the input contacts 61, 61' on the second coupling element 30. This arrangement makes it possible to create a detachable electrical connection 60 between the on-board electrical system 5 and the peripheral device 4 to be connected. From a release position Q1 of the first coupling element 20 (. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b), the first coupling element 20 can be rotated so that it is in a locking position Q2 ( Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b). In this case, the magnets 25, 25', 45, 45' of the first coupling element 20 and the coupling means 40 are aligned with one another and attract one another with a magnetic force that is greater than the spring force of the spring 50 and any acting weight force of the coupling means 40. Due to the spring force of the spring 50, the electrical connection 60 can be interrupted in any orientation of the coupling device 10 in the vehicle 1 by a rotational movement of the first coupling element 20. Simply pulling off or falling off the first coupling element 20, for example during a sudden acceleration of the vehicle 1, is advantageously hardly possible due to the high magnetic forces (significantly higher than the spring force or the sum of the spring force and the weight force of the coupling means).

[0060] The coupling device 10 can thus be moved from a basic position K0, which is in the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, or from a decoupling position K1, which is shown in Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, into a coupling position K2, which is Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b is shown.

[0061] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show the coupling device 10 in the basic position K0, wherein the first coupling element 20 is not yet inserted into the second coupling element 30 or is removed (removed position Q0). In the basic position K0, the magnets 25, 25', 45, 45' do not attract each other or cannot attract each other because they are too far apart and / or not aligned with each other, as can also be seen from the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is explained in more detail. Therefore, in the basic position K0, the orientation of the first coupling element 20 is irrelevant. In the basic position K0, the coupling means 40 is located in the open or rest position P1, in which the coupling means 40 is recessed into the second coupling element 30. The coupling means 40 is held in the open or rest position P1 by the spring force of the spring 50.

[0062] The loose first coupling element 20 can be in this basic position K0 on the second coupling element 30 as in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shown to effect a fixation and to move the coupling device into a coupling position K2. Depending on the orientation of the first coupling element 20 on the second coupling element 30, the first coupling element 20 must still be rotated in order to align the first magnets 25, 25' of the first coupling element 20 with the second magnets 45, 45' of the coupling means 40 and to move the coupling means 40 from the open or rest position P1 into the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b and to fix it to the first coupling element 20. This also brings the electrical contacts 67, 67', 65, 65' of the first coupling element 20 and the coupling means 40, as well as the electrical contacts 64, 64', 62, 62' of the coupling means 40 and the second coupling element 30 into contact in pairs, thereby forming an advantageously robust electrical connection 60 between the input contacts 61, 61' of the second coupling element 30 and the output contacts 68, 68' of the first coupling element 20. If the magnets 25, 25', 45, 45' are not aligned with one another, the coupling device is in a decoupling position K1. The electrical contacts 62, 62', 64, 64', 65, 65', 67, 67' are also released. In the present embodiment, the spring 50 is fully compressed in the coupling position K2.

[0063] In order to release the coupling device 10 again and to transfer it from the coupling position K2 back into the decoupling position K1, only the first coupling element 20 has to be moved, as shown in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, relative to the second coupling element 30 from the locking position Q2 into the release position Q1, so that the magnets 25, 25', 45, 45' are disengaged, whereby the magnetic holding force already decreases significantly after a short rotation and finally the spring force of the spring 50 moves the coupling means 40 into the retracted opening position P1. Fig.5a shows that the first magnets 25, 25' of the first coupling element 20 are no longer arranged above the second magnets 45, 45' of the coupling means 40, but are rotated transversely to them and face a free surface without second magnets 45, 45'. Thus, the oppositely polarized magnets 25, 25', 45, 45' are no longer magnetically connected to one another, and the spring 50 can move the coupling means 40 into the retracted opening or rest position P1.

[0064] The components 20, 30, 40 of the coupling device 10 can generally also have a cross-section that deviates from a circular cross-section. For example, the cross-section could be square or angular. In this case, a translational movement of the first coupling element 20 would be more advantageous than a rotational movement of the first coupling element.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the above embodiment, which merely serves to generally explain the core concept of the invention. Within the scope of protection, the device according to the invention may also take on embodiments other than those described above. In particular, the device may have features that represent a combination of the respective individual features of the claims.

[0066] Reference symbols in the claims, the description and the drawings serve only to improve the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 vehicle console 3 opening in 2 4 Peripheral device 5 On-board network 10 Coupling device 20 first coupling element 21 Ceiling 22 side wall 23 Front side 24 plug-in bead 25 first magnet 25' further first magnet 26 Recess 30 second coupling element 30' housing of 30 31 floor of 30 32 peripheral wall of 30 33 Limiting shoulder 34 plug-in groove 35 leadership, 35' coupling rail 36 Support shoulder for support on the vehicle interior 37 Cavity 40 coupling agents 41 cylinder body 42 feet 43 Coupling element 43' coupling groove 44 Front side of the cylinder body 45 second magnet 45' additional second magnet 50 spring, spiral spring 51 shoulder end of the spring 52 bottom end of the spring 55 rubber element 60 electrical connection 61 electrical contact (input contact in the second coupling element) 61' electrical contact (input contact in the second coupling element) 62 electrical contact (output contact in the second coupling element) 62' electrical contact (output contact in the second coupling element) 63 electrical cable (in the second coupling element) 63' electrical cable (in the second coupling element) 64 electrical contact (input contact of the coupling agent) 64' electrical contact (input contact of the coupling agent) 65 electrical contact (output contact of the coupling agent) 65' electrical contact (output contact of the coupling agent) 66 electrical conduction (of the coupling agent) 66' electrical line (of the coupling agent) 67 electrical contact (input contact of the first coupling element) 67' electrical contact (input contact of the first coupling element) 68 electrical contact (output contact of the first coupling element) 68' electrical contact (output contact of the first coupling element) 69 electrical cable (in the first coupling element) 69' electrical cable (in the first coupling element) P1 Opening position of the coupling agent P2 Fixing position of the coupling agent Q0 first coupling element removed Q1 Release position of the first coupling element Q2 Locking position of the first coupling element K0 Basic position of the coupling device K1 Decoupling position of the coupling device K2 Coupling position of the coupling device S Plug direction A central axis

Claims

[1] Coupling device (10) for mechanically and electrically coupling a peripheral device (4) to a vehicle (1), comprising a first coupling element (20) and a second coupling element (30) which are designed to be coupled to one another in a plug-in direction (S), wherein in the coupled state an electrical connection is formed between the first coupling element (20) and the second coupling element (30), where, a coupling means (40) arranged to be movable along the plug-in direction (S) is provided in the second coupling element (30), that the first coupling element (20) and the coupling means (40) each have at least one electrical contact (67, 67', 65, 65'), wherein the electrical contacts (67, 67', 65, 65') form at least one electrical connection in the coupled state, and the first coupling element (20) and / or the second coupling element (30) has at least one magnet (25, 45), by whose magnetic attraction force in the coupled state a fixing of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30) can be effected. characterized by , that that the at least one magnet (25, 45) is spaced in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction (S) from a central axis (A) of the coupling device running in the plug-in direction (S), so that the fixing of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30) can be released by a rotational movement of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30). [2] Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one electrical contact (67, 67') of the first coupling element (20) and the at least one electrical contact (65, 65') of the second coupling element (30) are spaced apart in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction (S) from a central axis (A) of the coupling device running in the plug-in direction (S), so that the electrical connection is designed to be separable by a rotational movement of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30). [3] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling means (40) is guided in the second coupling element (30) along the plug-in direction (S) in a rotationally secure manner. [4] Coupling device according to claim 3, characterized bythat the first coupling element (20) and the second coupling element (30) have an annular positive connection (24, 34) for guiding the rotational movement of the first coupling element (20) relative to the second coupling element (30) in the coupled state. [5] Coupling device according to claim 4, characterized by that the annular form-fitting connection (24, 34) is formed on opposite end faces of the first coupling element (20) and the second coupling element (30). [6] Coupling device according to claim 5, characterized by that the annular form-fitting connection (24, 34) has an annular groove (34) and an annular bead (24) engaging therein. [7] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first coupling element (20) and the coupling means (40) each have at least one magnet (25, 45) which are oriented with opposite poles to one another so that they attract each other by a magnetic force. [8] Coupling device according to claim 7, characterized by that the magnets (25, 45) are arranged on mutually opposite end faces of the first coupling element (20) and of the coupling means (40) in such a way that their magnetic force lines causing mutual attraction run substantially in the plug-in direction (S). [9] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the second coupling element (30) has a spring (50) which is provided between a housing (30') of the second coupling element (30) and the coupling means (40) and which exerts a spring force on the coupling means (40) which prestresses the coupling means (40) into a central cavity (37) of the second coupling element (30), wherein the spring force is directed counter to the magnetic attraction force. [10] Coupling device according to claim 9, characterized by that the first coupling element (20) has a central recess (26) which opens on the side facing the second coupling element (30) and which is designed to receive a front section of the coupling means (40). [11] Coupling device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized bythat the coupling means (40) has a foot (42), wherein the spring (50) is supported at its one end (51) against the foot (42), and that the second coupling element (30) has a limiting shoulder (33) in a region facing the first coupling element (20), wherein the spring (50) is supported at its other end (52) against the limiting shoulder (33) of the second coupling element (30). [12] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling means (40) engages in the first coupling element (20) when the first coupling element (20) is connected to the second coupling element (30) and is fixed relative to the second coupling element (30). [13] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the second coupling element (30) at least one guide (35) running parallel to the plug-in direction (S), in particular a coupling rail (35') or a coupling groove, is arranged for the rotationally secure guidance of the coupling means (40) in the second coupling element (30), and that on or in the coupling means (40) at least one coupling element (43) designed complementary to the guide (35), in particular a coupling groove (43'), is arranged. [14] Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, with a coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for electrically connecting a peripheral device (4) to an electrical on-board network (5), wherein at least one input contact (61) of the second coupling element (30) is electrically connected to the electrical on-board network (5) and wherein at least one output contact (68) is connectable to the peripheral device (4).

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