Trailer plug with emergency release, plugging system and method for its use

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer plug (1) which has the following features: - a plugging area (11) having a plugging axle (S); - a cable outlet (12), having a cable outlet direction (R); - a central part (3) arranged between the plug area (11) and the cable exit (12); and - two opposing locking levers (32), each having a detent surface (322) facing the cable outlet (12), wherein the locking levers (32) are held rotatably on the central part (3) by spring action.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trailer plug, in particular a truck trailer plug, having an emergency release.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a plug system which has a trailer plug according to claim 1.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for using the plug-in system according to claim 11.

[0004] These types of trailer connectors (also known as "trailer truck connectors") are needed to electrically connect trailers, especially truck trailers, to a vehicle, particularly a truck, to supply the trailer with power. These trailers are typically vehicles that do not have their own propulsion system but may have electrically powered functional units, such as an electrically operated tailgate and / or electric lighting. Emergency release mechanisms are required to disconnect a trailer connector, which is plugged into and locked to a socket, from the socket without causing damage, even if it has not been previously unlocked. This might be necessary, for example, if a truck driver has forgotten to disconnect an electrical cable between the truck and a trailer that has already been detached before driving off. State of the art

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2011 078 348 A1 describes a connector assembly. This connector assembly has a support structure with an elongated shape and an inlet for receiving a charging cable. A fitting element is mechanically engaged with a front end of the support structure to connect the support structure to a vehicle charging socket. The support structure and the fitting element are designed to separate from each other when the connector assembly is subjected to a lateral load exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0006] For the aforementioned trailer connector, however, activating the emergency release with a lateral load is not effective. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to set the threshold value as precisely as possible at the factory, which is currently only inadequately guaranteed with the existing technology. Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a design for an emergency release mechanism for a trailer plug that is inserted into and locked to a mounting socket in one direction, whereby the plug is automatically disconnected from the mounting socket by a release force acting primarily in the insertion direction as soon as the release force exceeds a threshold value. Preferably, the threshold value should be adjustable as precisely as possible, particularly during the manufacture of the trailer plug.

[0008] In this context and in the following, the term "insertion direction" is to be understood vectorially in the sense of "parallel to an insertion axis" and therefore does not include orientation.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] A trailer plug, in particular a truck trailer plug, has at least one plug-in section comprising a plug-in axis and a cable outlet with a defined cable exit direction. Furthermore, the trailer plug has a central section located between the plug-in section and the cable outlet. The trailer plug also has two opposing locking levers, each with a detent facing the cable outlet. The locking levers are – at least partially – spring-loaded and rotatably mounted on the central section.

[0011] In particular, the two locking levers can be arranged opposite each other on the central part.

[0012] A plug-in system has a trailer plug of the aforementioned type and a mounting socket which has a swiveling locking flap.

[0013] This locking flap, when closed (i.e., in its closed position), protects the mounting socket from dust, dirt and moisture.

[0014] When open, the locking flap allows the trailer plug to be inserted into the mounting socket.

[0015] In its locked position, the locking flap secures the inserted trailer plug to the mounting socket. For this purpose, the locking flap has a locking pin on each side, which, when locked, engages the respective detent surface of the locking levers on the cable connection side.

[0016] A method for using a plug-in system of the aforementioned type comprises the following steps: A. Opening the locking flap of the mounting socket from a closed position to an open position; B. Inserting the trailer plug in one direction with the mounting socket; C. Locking the inserted trailer plug to the mounting socket by partially closing the locking flap from the open position into a locked position, thereby automatically engaging the detent surfaces of the locking levers of the trailer plug by means of the locking pins of the locking flap.

[0017] In particular, the following procedural steps may preferably follow: D. Disconnecting the trailer plug from the mounting socket on a cable connected to the trailer plug or at its cable exit with a separating force greater than or equal to the applied spring force, with the locking flap in the locked position; thereby E. Pivoting the locking levers against the spring force in the direction of the plug-in area; thereby F. Unlocking the locking levers from the locking pins of the end cap, which at this time is still in its locked position.

[0018] The removal at point D can be parallel or at least mostly in the direction of the insertion axis, but with a vectorially opposite orientation compared to the insertion process in process step B.

[0019] Preferably, in a further process step G, the closing flap can then close automatically, i.e., automatically return to its closed position. This can be achieved, for example, by a return spring and / or by gravity.

[0020] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0021] Advantageously, the mechanism protects connected components of a plug connection from damage caused by high tensile force when the locking mechanism is not released.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, each of the two locking levers can have an eccentric section by means of which it is rotatably held on the central part. This advantageously allows for a very compact design.

[0023] The middle part can have a circumferential, preferably round - in particular a circular - collar, against which the locking levers each rotatably rest on the inside with their eccentric sections.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, for the aforementioned spring actuation, each of the two locking levers can be connected at a common pivot point to a first end of a spring, which is movable relative to the central part, via a pivot lever rotatably mounted at the respective base pivot point. A second end of the spring can then be fixed to a fixing suspension on the central part.

[0025] For example, such a base pivot point and / or attack pivot point can each be realized by at least one bore and a pivot pin, which is at least partially cylindrical, received therein. The bore can be located on either the locking lever or the pivot lever. The pivot pin can, if necessary, extend through both bores, or it can be attached to the pivot lever and extend through the bore of the pivot lever, or it can be attached to the pivot lever and extend through the bore of the locking lever.

[0026] This ensures particularly easy assembly, depending on the design.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the spring can be linearly movable relative to the central section in the direction of the insertion axis. This can be achieved by guiding the pivot pin of the point of application linearly in the insertion direction, for example in a groove or slot of the central section.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the locking levers can assume a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0029] The locking state can be characterized by the fact that the detent surfaces of the locking levers are perpendicular to the plug axis and, in the unlocking state, are pivoted in the direction of the plug area.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in the locked state the point of attack can be arranged offset by a distance Δ in the direction of the plugging area to a geometric straight line which passes through the base pivot points.

[0031] This is particularly advantageous because it makes it very easy to set a threshold value for the separating force. This threshold value depends on the distance Δ. The smaller this distance Δ, the higher the threshold value for the separating force.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the detent surfaces are arranged pivoted at an angle of at least 10° relative to the locking state when unlocked.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the cable exit is designed as a handle. This is advantageous for ease of handling when manually inserting and removing the cable.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the cable exit to the plug axis can have an angle that is less than 20°, preferably less than 15°, particularly preferably less than 10°, i.e., e.g., less than 7.5° and particularly less than 5°, i.e., in a preferred further development, can run almost or ideally even completely in the plug direction, namely when the said angle is 0°.

[0035] In particular, such a trailer plug can be inserted into a mounting socket of a truck and / or a truck trailer to be electrically connected to the truck and locked to this mounting socket by means of its aforementioned locking arms. Example of implementation

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1a - c a plug-in system in the unplugged, plugged and locked states; Fig. 2a, b the plug system in the locked and emergency unlocked states; Fig. 3a, b an emergency release mechanism in the locked and unlocked states; Fig. 4a the emergency release mechanism with geometric guidelines; Fig. 4b a force-displacement diagram; Fig. 5a, b the emergency release mechanism in an oblique view with and without the cover.

[0037] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary from one representation to the actual object depicted.

[0038] The Fig. Figures 1a, b and c show a plug system comprising a trailer plug 1 and a mounting socket 2, which has a swiveling locking flap 21.

[0039] The trailer plug 1 has a plug area 11, having a plug axis S, a cable outlet 12, having a cable outlet direction R, a central part 3 arranged between the plug area 11 and the cable outlet 12, and two opposing locking levers 32, each having a locking surface 322 facing the cable outlet 12.

[0040] In the Fig. In Figure 1a, the locking flap 21, which pivots about a rotary axis 23, is in a closed position, protecting the mounting socket 2 from dust, dirt, and moisture. The trailer plug 1 is not yet connected to the mounting socket 2. The plug axis S, which defines the plugging direction, and the cable exit direction K are also shown. The angle α exists between these two axes. The trailer plug 1 has an emergency release mechanism located on its central part 3, which is not visible here because it is covered by a closed cover 31.

[0041] In the Fig. In 1b, the locking flap 21 is in an open state, which it is usually brought into by manually operating its handle 27. In this open state, it is possible to connect the trailer plug 1 to the mounting socket 2. In this illustration, the trailer plug 1 is already connected to the mounting socket 2 but not yet locked in place.

[0042] In the Fig. 1c the inserted trailer plug 1 is locked to the mounting socket 2 by the locking flap 21 being folded back into its locking position and thereby engaging the respective detent surface 322 of the locking lever 32 on the cable connection side with locking pins 211 molded on both sides.

[0043] The Fig. 2a is an enlarged representation of the Fig. 1c.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 2b shows an arrangement in which the cover 31 has been removed, thus providing a first view of the emergency release mechanism.

[0045] This emergency release mechanism has two locking levers 32 and a spring 34. The locking levers 32 are held rotatably on the central part 3 by the spring.

[0046] The emergency release mechanism will be explained below using the following as an example. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b will be explained: The locking levers 32 each have an eccentric section 360 by which they are rotatably held on the central part 3. The central part 3 has a circular collar 30 against which the locking levers 32 rotatably rest from the inside with their eccentric sections 360.

[0047] Each of the two locking levers 32 is connected at a common pivot point A to a first end of a spring 34 via a pivot lever 33, which is rotatably mounted at the respective base pivot point B, B'. This first end of the spring 34 is held linearly movable on the central section 3 in the direction of the axis S. A second end of the spring 34 is fixed to the central section 3 by a fixing suspension 340.

[0048] This allows the locking levers 32 to be used both in the Fig. 3a shown locking state as well as one in the Fig. Assume the unlocked state shown in 3b.

[0049] In the locked state ( Fig. 3a) the resting surfaces 322 are aligned perpendicular to the insertion axis S.

[0050] In the unlocked state ( Fig. 3b) the locking surfaces 322 are aligned at least slightly pivoted in the direction of the plugging area 11 relative to the locking state.

[0051] For example, in the unlocked state, the respective detent surfaces 322 can be pivoted by an angle of at least 10° in the direction of the insertion area 11 relative to the locked state. In the present example, they are pivoted by between 20° and 30°, more precisely by about 25°.

[0052] Furthermore, it is evident from the Fig. 4a shows that in the locked state the attack pivot point A is arranged in the direction of the plugging area 11 offset by a distance Δ to a geometric straight line B-B' which passes through the base pivot points B, B'.

[0053] It is easy to imagine that a tensile force pushing the levers 32 upwards at their contact surfaces 322 in the drawing must first exceed a comparatively large threshold value in order to move the locking levers 32 from their locked state to their unlocked state. Furthermore, it is also easy to see that the force previously in the Fig. 3b shows the unlocking state as “quasi-stationary”, i.e., that the levers remain in this position without any further force being applied.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 4b shows a typical force-displacement diagram of the pulling force during emergency release. It is evident that a comparatively high threshold must initially be exceeded.

[0055] In conclusion, the Fig. 5a and Fig.5b the central part 3 with and without cover 31 in a 3D representation. In the embodiment shown here, the locking arms 321 and the hinge levers 33 have through holes at their pivot points A, A', B, through which a connecting pivot pin 320, 330 is inserted and held, namely either a base pivot pin 320 or an attack pivot pin 330, which may be identical but need not be.

[0056] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged. Reference symbol list 1 trailer plug 11 Plug area 12 Cable outlet / handle 2 Mounting socket 21 Locking flap 211 Locking pins 23 axis of rotation 27 Operating handle 3 Middle section 30 collars 31 lids 32 locking levers 320 Base pivot pin 321 Locking arm 322 Rest area 33 Joint levers 330 attack pivot pins 34 spring 340 Fixing suspension 360° eccentric section A pivot point of attack B, B' Base pivots C, C' eccentric pivot points F Fixing suspension point K Cable exit direction S thru axle B, B' Straight through the base pivot points B, B' α Angle between cable exit direction and plug axis Δ Distance of the attack pivot point to a straight line through the base pivot points QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 078 348 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Trailer plug (1) which has the following features: - a plugging area (11) having a plugging axle (S); - a cable outlet (12), having a cable outlet direction (R); - a central part (3) arranged between the plug area (11) and the cable exit (12); and - two opposing locking levers (32), each having a detent surface (322) facing the cable exit (12), characterized by , that the locking levers (32) are spring-loaded and rotatably held on the central part (3). [2] Trailer plug (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking levers (32) each have an eccentric section (360) by means of which they are rotatably held on the central part (3). [3] Trailer plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the middle part (3) has a circumferential collar (30) on which the locking levers (32) with their eccentric sections (360) rotatably rest. [4] Trailer plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that for said spring action each of the two locking levers (32) is connected at a common pivot point (A) to a first end of a spring (34) movable with respect to the middle part (3) via a joint lever (33) rotatably mounted at the respective base pivot point (B, B'), wherein a second end of the spring (34) is fixed to a fixing suspension (340) on the middle part (3). [5] Trailer plug (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first end of the spring is movable linearly in the direction of the stub axis (S) with respect to the middle part (3). [6] Trailer plug (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by, that the locking levers (32) can assume a locking state and an unlocking state, wherein in the locking state the detent surfaces (322) are aligned perpendicular to the plugging axis (S) and in the unlocking state are pivoted relative to the locking state in the direction of the plugging area (11). [7] Trailer plug (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that in the unlocked state the respective detent surface (322) is pivoted by an angle of at least 10° in the direction of the plug-in area (11) relative to the locked state. [8] Trailer plug (1) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized by , that in the locked state the attack pivot point (A) is arranged in the direction of the plugging area offset by a distance (Δ) to a geometric straight line (B-B') which passes through the base pivot points (B, B'). [9] Trailer plug (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable outlet (12) is designed as a handle. [10] Trailer plug (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable exit direction (K) to the plug axis (S) has an angle (α) that is less than 20°. [11] Plug system comprising a trailer plug (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a mounting socket (2) which has a pivotable locking flap (21) which, in a closed state, protects the mounting socket (2) from dust, dirt and moisture, which, in an open state, allows the trailer plug (1) to be inserted into the mounting socket (2), and which, in its locking state, locks the inserted trailer plug (1) to the mounting socket by having a locking pin (211) on each side of the locking flap (21), which, in the locking state, engages behind the respective detent surface (322) of the locking levers (32) on the cable connection side. [12] Method for using a plug-in system according to claim 11, comprising the following steps: A. Opening the locking flap (21) of the mounting bushing from a closed position to an open position; B. Inserting the trailer plug (1) in one direction with the mounting socket (2); C. Locking the inserted trailer plug (1) on the mounting socket (2) by partially closing the locking flap (21) from the open position into a locking position and thereby automatically engaging the detent surfaces (322) of the locking levers (32) of the trailer plug (1) by means of the locking pins (211) of the locking flap (21). [13] Method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps: D. Disconnecting the trailer plug (1) from the mounting socket (2) on a cable connected to the trailer plug (1) or at the cable outlet (12) with a separating force greater than or equal to the applied spring force, whereby the locking flap (21) is in the locking position; thereby E. Pivoting the locking levers (32) against the spring force in the direction of the plug-in area (11); thereby F. Unlocking the locking levers (32) from the locking pins (211) of the end cap (21) which at this time is still in its locked position. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the following method step follows method step F: G. automatic closing of the locking flap (21) into its closed position.

Images