Connection device for connecting two functional parts in order to form a functional unit, functional unit, and glasses comprising such a connection device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023720913
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-28
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Conventional connecting devices, such as eyeglass hinges, face challenges in maintaining stability and reliability due to low gap tolerance and ease of disconnection, especially when manufacturing tolerances or contamination occur, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high functional reliability and stability.
A connecting device featuring a first and second magnet device with specific magnetic pole arrangements and engagement spaces, allowing for easy release without tools while maintaining stability by increasing attractive force with small gaps, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.
The solution provides a stable and reliable connection that is easy to release without tools, maintaining attractive force even with small gaps, addressing the limitations of conventional connecting devices in terms of stability and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] OBE GmbH & Co. KG
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] Connecting device for connecting two functional parts to a functional unit, functional unit and glasses with such a connecting device
[0004] The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting two functional parts to form a functional unit, a functional unit with such a connecting device and glasses with such a connecting device.
[0005] Connecting devices, such as eyeglass hinges, are typically not easy to remove, especially if they have a screw as the hinge axis or are screwed in some other way. A temple, for example, can only be removed from the middle part of a pair of glasses with some effort if it needs to be replaced, for example, for design reasons.Connecting devices that comprise magnets that attract each other at the end face can be removed quickly and easily, but they have the disadvantage of a small gap tolerance. This means that the force of attraction between the magnets decreases significantly if even a small gap occurs between the two connected functional parts, whether due to manufacturing tolerances, contamination, carelessness, or even deliberate manipulation - for example, when pivoting a pair of glasses arms between a resting position and a wearing position - so that the connection can easily be accidentally released. Therefore, such a connecting device is not suitable for applications that require a high degree of functional reliability and stability. The problems described here are by no means limited to the field of eyeglasses; they are mentioned merely as examples for clarification.
[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connecting device for connecting two functional parts to form a functional unit, a functional unit with such a connecting device, and a pair of glasses with such a connecting device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages do not occur. This object is achieved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims and the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.
[0007] The object is achieved in particular by providing a connecting device for connecting two functional parts to form a functional unit. The connecting device has a first connecting part with a first magnetic device. The first magnetic device encompasses an imaginary connecting axis of the connecting device at least in segments along an imaginary circumferential line, wherein the first connecting part, in the region of the imaginary connecting axis, has an engagement space encompassed by the first magnetic device with a clear width of at most 10 cm. The first magnetic device has at least two different first magnetic poles arranged one behind the other along the imaginary connecting axis.The connecting device further comprises a second connecting part with a second magnetic device, wherein the second magnetic device has at least two different second magnetic poles arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the second magnetic device. The second magnetic device is matched to the first magnetic device and configured to engage into the engagement space along the imaginary connection axis with its longitudinal axis aligned in the direction of the imaginary connection axis, while the first magnetic poles and the second magnetic poles are oriented relative to one another in such a way that when the second magnetic device approaches the first magnetic device along the imaginary connection axis, a repulsive force must be overcome in order to insert the second magnetic device into the engagement space.The engagement space is designed such that the second magnetic device can engage in the engagement space at least far enough for an attractive force to act between the first magnetic poles and the second magnetic poles. This advantageously provides a connecting device that can be released easily and quickly, in particular without having to use a tool such as a screwdriver. It is simply sufficient to pull the second magnetic device out of the engagement space against the holding force. Due to the arrangement of the first magnetic poles and the second magnetic poles relative to one another specifically proposed here, the connection is at the same time very stable, since the attractive force between the magnetic devices does not immediately decrease when a small gap occurs between the functional parts, but rather initially increases.In the context of the present technical teaching, a clear width is understood to mean, in particular, a diameter, an edge length, or a smallest distance between two edges of the engagement space. In particular, the clear width is a measure of the dimensions an object, in particular the second magnetic device, may have in order to still be able to be inserted into the engagement space.
[0008] In the context of the present technical teaching, two different magnetic poles of a magnetic device are understood in particular to mean the two poles of a magnet with different names, which must always occur together due to the non-existence of magnetic monopoles. In particular, the two different magnetic poles of a magnetic device are, on the one hand, a magnetic north pole and, on the other hand, a magnetic south pole. Thus, every magnetic device has at least one north pole and at least one south pole.It is possible for at least one magnetic device, selected from the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device, to have a plurality of such pole pairs of north pole N and south pole S, in particular a plurality of pole pairs arranged one behind the other along the associated axis, selected from the imaginary connecting axis and the longitudinal axis, - spaced from one another or directly following one another - for example, in the case of three pole pairs, the sequence NSNSNS.
[0009] In particular, the two different first magnetic poles are arranged directly one behind the other along the imaginary connecting axis. In particular, the two different second magnetic poles are arranged directly one behind the other along the longitudinal axis.
[0010] In particular, the second magnetic device is matched to the first magnetic device and configured to engage the engagement space along the imaginary connection axis with its longitudinal axis coinciding with the imaginary connection axis. This means, in particular, that the second magnetic device is inserted into the engagement space such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the imaginary connection axis.
[0011] In one embodiment, the first magnetic device has a permanent magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, or is designed as a permanent magnet, in particular as a permanent magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the second magnetic device has a permanent magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, or is designed as a permanent magnet, in particular as a permanent magnet. In particular, the connecting device has exactly two connecting parts, i.e. only two connecting parts. Furthermore, the connecting device has, in particular, exactly two magnetic devices, i.e. only two magnetic devices. The connecting device is therefore very simply constructed overall and comprises only a few parts. This makes it easy to operate at the same time. The connection of the connecting parts to one another to form the functional unit is based, in particular, exclusively on the magnetic attraction force of the two magnetic devices.Any other magnetic properties of other components of the connecting parts—besides the magnetic devices—in particular magnetizability or magnetization, are preferably irrelevant to the connecting function of the connecting device. In particular, in one embodiment, the connecting parts do not have any other magnetic or magnetizable parts or elements apart from the two magnetic devices.
[0012] In the context of this technical teaching, an axial direction is always—depending on the specific context—a direction in which the connecting axis and / or the longitudinal axis points. A circumferential direction encompasses the axial direction concentrically. A radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0013] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the first connecting part has a first contact surface, wherein the second connecting part has a second contact surface, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are matched to one another and arranged to lie against one another.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first contact surface and the second contact surface limit the engagement depth of the second magnetic device into the engagement space when the second magnetic device engages the engagement space. In particular, the second magnetic device cannot penetrate further into the engagement space when the second contact surface abuts the first contact surface. In this way, a defined position of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device relative to one another is advantageously provided, so that, in particular, the attractive force effective in the connected state is also defined.
[0015] Alternatively, in one embodiment, a gap remains between the first contact surface and the second contact surface when connected. In this case, the second magnetic device essentially floats within the first magnetic device. A certain amount of play remains between the two connecting parts.
[0016] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the first contact surface and the second contact surface are matched to the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device in such a way that a first separation plane between the first magnetic poles and a second separation plane between the second magnetic poles have a finite distance from one another when the first contact surface and the second contact surface abut one another, wherein an attractive force acts between the first magnetic poles and the second magnetic poles, which force urges the first contact surface and the second contact surface against one another.In particular, the first contact surface is arranged relative to the first magnetic device, and the second contact surface is arranged relative to the second magnetic device, such that the first separation plane between the first magnetic poles and the second separation plane between the second magnetic poles are at a finite distance from one another when the first contact surface and the second contact surface abut one another, wherein an attractive force acts between the first magnetic poles and the second magnetic poles, pressing the first contact surface and the second contact surface against one another. The offset of the separation planes advantageously ensures that the attractive force prevails even in the connected state and ensures a defined and stable contact of the contact surfaces against one another.The two magnetic devices are not allowed to assume their energetically minimum position relative to each other; rather, reaching this position is hindered by the contact surfaces being in contact with each other.
[0017] In contrast, in a configuration in which a gap still exists between the contact surfaces in the connected state, the separation planes are aligned with each other, and the second magnetic device floats force-free within the first magnetic device. In this case, although there is no longer any attractive force between the magnetic devices in the connected state, the connecting parts can only be separated by leaving the energetically minimum position of the magnetic devices relative to each other. In the event of a deflection of the separation planes from the aligned position, an attractive force immediately takes effect, which counteracts the release of the connecting device and must be overcome to separate the connecting parts.
[0018] In the context of the present technical teaching, a separation plane is understood in particular to be an imaginary plane by which the two different poles of a magnetic device are separated from one another, i.e. in particular an imaginary plane between the north pole and the south pole of a magnetic device. If the separation planes of the two magnetic devices are aligned with one another, this also means that the north pole of the first magnetic device is arranged axially exactly at the level of the south pole of the second magnetic device, whereby the south pole of the first magnetic device is also arranged axially exactly at the level of the north pole of the second magnetic device. If, on the other hand, the separation planes are offset from one another when an attractive force is present, the north pole of the first magnetic device, for example, still partially overlaps with the north pole of the second magnetic device, so that the energetically minimum position has not yet been reached.
[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the first contact surface surrounds the imaginary connection axis in a ring-shaped manner in the circumferential direction, the second contact surface surrounds the longitudinal axis in a ring-shaped manner in the circumferential direction, and at least one contact surface selected from the first contact surface and the second contact surface, preferably both contact surfaces, is arranged radially outside the respectively associated first and second magnetic poles. "Radically outside" here means that the contact surfaces are at a greater radial distance from the respective axis than the magnetic poles. In particular, the two contact surfaces are designed as flanges or shoulders of the respective connecting part.
[0020] Alternatively, it is provided that the first contact surface surrounds the imaginary connection axis in a ring-shaped manner in the circumferential direction, wherein the second contact surface surrounds the longitudinal axis in a ring-shaped manner in the circumferential direction, and wherein at least one contact surface selected from the first contact surface and the second contact surface, preferably both contact surfaces, is arranged radially within the respectively associated first and second magnetic poles. "Radically within" means that the contact surfaces have a smaller radial distance from the respective axis than the magnetic poles. In particular, the two contact surfaces are designed as flanges or shoulders of the respective connecting part.
[0021] According to a further development of the invention, at least one contact surface selected from the first contact surface and the second contact surface has a sealing device, in particular an elastic one. In particular, a sealing device, in particular an elastic one, is arranged on at least one contact surface selected from the first contact surface and the second contact surface. In this way, the connection between the connecting parts can advantageously be designed to be tight, in particular fluid-tight or media-tight, in particular gas-tight or liquid-tight. The connecting device can then be designed in particular to conduct fluids or media, in particular gases, liquids or flowable granular materials such as powders.Alternatively, the connecting device can be designed for fluid-tight or media-tight storage of substances or objects, in particular gases, liquids, or granular materials such as powders. It is also possible, in particular, for the sealing device to form one of the contact surfaces, or for one of the contact surfaces to be arranged on the sealing device.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the first contact surface and the second contact surface are electrically conductive. The connecting device can then be configured, in particular, as an electrical connecting device, wherein electrical contact can be established via the two contact surfaces. In one embodiment, the magnetic devices are additionally electrically conductive and preferably electrically contacted. When the connecting device is connected, they are then in mechanical contact with one another in order to establish a second electrical contact in addition to the first electrical contact between the contact surfaces.
[0023] If the connecting device is designed as a hinge or has a hinge function, the connecting parts are rotatable relative to each other, in particular about the imaginary connecting axis.
[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the first contact surface and the second contact surface have corresponding locking elements for defining predetermined angular positions of the first connecting part relative to the second connecting part around the imaginary connecting axis. Particularly if the connecting device is designed as a hinge or has a hinge function, certain angular positions can advantageously be predefined in this way.
[0025] In one embodiment, one contact surface selected from the first contact surface and the second contact surface has at least one recess or depression as a first locking element, while the other contact surface selected from the second contact surface and the first contact surface has at least one elevation or at least one projection as a second locking element. It is possible to provide a plurality of mutually corresponding projections or elevations on the one hand and recesses or depressions on the other.
[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the first contact surface and the second contact surface may comprise corresponding stop elements for limiting the rotation of the first connecting part relative to the second connecting part about the imaginary connection axis. Particularly if the connecting device is designed as a hinge or has a hinge function, defined stops for limiting the rotation can be advantageously provided in this way.
[0027] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces each have a step as the respective corresponding stop elements.
[0028] According to a further development of the invention, the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that they do not come into mechanical contact with one another when the second magnetic device engages the engagement space. This advantageously prevents friction and thus friction-related wear in the area of the magnetic devices, which is particularly advantageous when the connecting device is designed as a hinge or has a hinge function. Advantageously, the manufacturing tolerances of the magnetic devices are also less critical for the proper functioning of the hinge.
[0029] In particular—but not limited to—when the connecting device is configured as a hinge, a defined friction is preferably provided by the acting magnetic forces in the region of the contact surfaces, in particular to regulate the movement of the hinge, in particular to adjust the ease or stiffness of the hinge. Particularly when used as a spectacle hinge, this advantageously prevents a temple connected to a central part of the spectacles via the connecting device from falling uncontrollably from a wearing position to a resting position.
[0030] According to a further development of the invention, the first magnetic device is designed as a ring that is closed in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the first magnetic device comprises a plurality of magnetic segments.
[0031] Further alternatively, it is provided that the first magnetic device is designed as a plate with at least one recess forming the engagement space at least in part.
[0032] In one embodiment, at least one first electrical contact is arranged in the engagement space encompassed by the first magnetic device, which first electrical contact is in particular designed to be electrically connected to a second electrical contact of the second connecting part, in particular in the region of the second magnetic device.
[0033] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the second magnetic device is designed as a bar magnet.
[0034] Alternatively, it is provided that the second magnetic device is designed as a ring closed in the circumferential direction.
[0035] Further alternatively, it is provided that the second magnetic device has a plurality of magnetic segments.
[0036] In one embodiment, at least one second electrical contact is arranged radially within the second magnetic device, which is configured as a circumferentially closed ring or has a plurality of magnetic segments. Alternatively, the at least one second electrical contact extends through the second magnetic device, which is configured as a circumferentially closed ring or has a plurality of magnetic segments. The at least one second electrical contact is configured, in particular, to be electrically connected to the first electrical contact of the first connecting part, in particular in the region of the first magnetic device.
[0037] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one magnetic device, selected from the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device, is produced using a metal powder injection molding process. Advantageously, the at least one magnetic device can be produced very flexibly in this way with the desired shape, wherein in particular strong permanent magnets can also be obtained. According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the clear width of the engagement space is at most 9 cm, in particular at most 8 cm, in particular at most 7 cm, in particular at most 6 cm, in particular at most 5 cm, in particular at most 4 cm, in particular at most 3 cm, in particular at most 2 cm, in particular at most 1.5 cm, in particular at most 1 cm, in particular at most 5 mm, in particular at most 4 mm, in particular at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm.
[0038] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the connecting device is designed as an element selected from a group consisting of: a hinge, a fluid line coupling, in particular a hose coupling, in particular for connecting two sections of a vacuum or negative pressure line, a plug connection, in particular an electrical plug connection, a closure, in particular for a lid, in particular for a pivotable lid, and a clip connector, in particular for clipping on a carrying strap.
[0039] According to a further development of the invention, the first magnetic device is mechanically connected to a first base body of the first connecting part. Alternatively or additionally, the second magnetic device is mechanically connected to a second base body of the second connecting part. In this way, the connecting parts can be handled in one piece, so that operation of the connecting device is very simple and straightforward. In particular, the connecting device only has the two connecting parts that can be handled in one piece and can be connected to one another. Therefore, no additional parts are required to establish the connection between the connecting parts.
[0040] The object is also achieved by creating a functional unit comprising a first functional part, a second functional part, and a connecting device according to the invention or a connecting device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, wherein the first connecting part is arranged on the first functional part, and wherein the second connecting part is arranged on the second functional part. In connection with the functional unit, the advantages already explained above in connection with the connecting device arise in particular.
[0041] In particular, the first connecting part is mechanically connected to the first functional part - detachably or permanently. In particular, the first connecting part and the first functional part form a one-piece, manageable first connecting element. Alternatively or additionally, the second connecting part is mechanically connected to the second functional part - detachably or permanently. In particular, the second connecting part and the second functional part form a one-piece, manageable second connecting element. In particular, the functional unit comprises only the two one-piece, manageable connecting elements that can be connected to one another to form the functional unit. Therefore, in particular, no additional parts are required to produce the functional unit from the connecting elements.
[0042] In particular, the first connecting element and the second connecting element together form the functional unit.
[0043] The object is also achieved by providing a pair of glasses that has at least one connecting device according to the invention or at least one connecting device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In connection with the glasses, the advantages already explained above in connection with the connecting device or the functional unit are particularly evident.
[0044] In particular, the spectacles are a functional unit according to the invention or a functional unit according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. For example, the middle part can be the first functional part and the temples the second functional part.
[0045] In particular, in a first embodiment of the glasses, the connecting device is designed as a hinge between a temple and a middle part of the glasses.
[0046] In particular, the spectacles comprise two connecting devices according to the invention or two connecting devices according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. A first connecting device of the two connecting devices is designed as a hinge between a first temple and the center part of the spectacles, and a second connecting device of the two connecting devices is designed as a hinge between a second temple and the center part of the spectacles.
[0047] In a second embodiment of the glasses, the connecting device is designed in particular as a plug-in connector or clip connector for connecting an additional device, for example a camera, in particular a so-called head-cam, to the glasses. The plug-in connector is arranged in particular on the temples or the middle part of the glasses.
[0048] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a connecting device;
[0050] Figure 2 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a connecting device;
[0051] Figure 3 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a functional unit with a third embodiment of a connecting device;
[0052] Figure 4 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a functional unit with a fourth embodiment of a connecting device;
[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a functional unit with a fifth embodiment of a connecting device;
[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a functional unit with a sixth embodiment of a connecting device;
[0055] Figures 7A, 7B show a schematic detailed representation of a first embodiment of a pair of glasses as a functional unit with a seventh embodiment of a connecting device, and a modification thereof, and
[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of glasses as a functional unit with an eighth embodiment of a connecting device.
[0057] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a connecting device 1. The connecting device 1 is designed to connect two functional parts 3 to form a functional unit 5 - see, for example, Figure 3. The connecting device 1 has a first connecting part 7 with a first magnetic device 9, wherein the first magnetic device 9 surrounds an imaginary connecting axis A of the connecting device 1 at least in segments along an imaginary circumferential line lying in a plane perpendicular to the image plane. In the region of the imaginary connecting axis A, the first connecting part 1 has an engagement space 11 encompassed by the first magnetic device 9 with a clear width of at most 10 cm. The first magnetic device 9 has at least two different first magnetic poles 13, which are arranged one behind the other along the imaginary connecting axis A, namely a first magnetic north pole 13.1 and a first magnetic south pole 13.2. A magnetic north pole is always designated N in the figures, and a magnetic south pole is designated S accordingly. The connecting device 1 also has a second connecting part 15 with a second magnetic device 17, wherein the second magnetic device 17 has at least two different second magnetic poles 19, which are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis L of the second magnetic device 17, namely a second magnetic north pole 19.1 and a second magnetic south pole 19.2.The second magnetic device 17 is matched to the first magnetic device 9 and configured to engage into the engagement space 11 along the imaginary connecting axis A with the longitudinal axis L aligned in the direction of the imaginary connecting axis A, while the first magnetic poles 13 and the second magnetic poles 19 are oriented relative to one another in such a way that when the second magnetic device 17 approaches the first magnetic device 9 along the imaginary connecting axis A, a repulsive force must be overcome in order to insert the second magnetic device 17 into the engagement space 11. The engagement space 11 is designed in such a way that the second magnetic device 17 can engage into the engagement space 11 at least far enough for an attractive force to act between the first magnetic poles 13 and the second magnetic poles 19.
[0058] Preferably, the first magnetic device 9 and the second magnetic device 17 are designed as permanent magnets, in particular as permanent magnets.
[0059] In particular, when inserting the second magnetic device 17 into the engagement space 11 and thus into the first magnetic device 9, the repulsive force of the magnetic poles of the same name, which initially face one another along the connecting axis A, must first be overcome; in the example specifically illustrated here, this is the repulsive force between the second magnetic south pole 19.2 and the first magnetic south pole 13.2. Only when the second magnetic device 17 engages sufficiently deeply into the engagement space 11 does an attractive force become effective; in the example specifically illustrated, between the second magnetic south pole 19.2 and the first magnetic north pole 13.1 on the one hand, and between the second magnetic north pole 19.1 and the first magnetic south pole 13.2 on the other.The two magnetic devices 9, 17 strive for an end position in an energetic minimum - or equivalently potential minimum - where a first separation plane 21 between the first magnetic poles 13 and a second separation plane 23 between the second magnetic poles 19 are aligned with each other.
[0060] In the first exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the first connecting part 7 has a first contact surface 25, and the second connecting part 15 has a second contact surface 27. The first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 are matched to one another and configured to abut one another and, in particular, to limit the engagement depth of the second magnetic device 17 into the engagement space 11 when the second magnetic device 17 engages the engagement space 11.
[0061] The first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 are matched to the first magnetic device 9 and the second magnetic device 17 in such a way that the first separation plane 21 between the first magnetic poles 13 and the second separation plane 23 between the second magnetic poles 19 are at a finite distance from one another when the first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 abut one another. The attractive force between the first magnetic poles 13 and the second magnetic poles 19 pushes the first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 against one another. The contact surfaces 25, 27 therefore prevent the magnetic devices 9, 17 from reaching their energy minimum position. Thus, the attractive force remains even when the connecting parts 7, 15 are connected.
[0062] In particular, the first contact surface 25 surrounds the imaginary connection axis A in a ring shape, and the second contact surface 27 surrounds the longitudinal axis L in a ring shape.
[0063] In the first embodiment shown here, both contact surfaces 25, 27 are arranged radially outside the respectively associated first and second magnetic poles 13, 19.
[0064] The first magnetic device 9 and the second magnetic device 17 are particularly designed and coordinated with one another such that they have no mechanical contact with one another when the second magnetic device 17 engages the engagement space 11. Preferably, the first magnetic device 9 is designed as a ring closed in the circumferential direction. In another embodiment, not shown, it is also possible for the first magnetic device 9 to be designed as a plate with at least one recess that forms the engagement space 11 at least in part.
[0065] In the first embodiment shown here, the second magnetic device 17 is designed as a bar magnet. In another embodiment not shown, however, it is also possible for the second magnetic device 17 to have a plurality of magnet segments.
[0066] Preferably, at least one magnetic device 9, 17, selected from the first magnetic device 9 and the second magnetic device 17, is manufactured in a metal powder injection molding process.
[0067] Preferably, the clear width of the intervention space 11 is at most 9 cm, in particular at most 8 cm, in particular at most 7 cm, in particular at most 6 cm, in particular at most 5 cm, in particular at most 4 cm, in particular at most 3 cm, in particular at most 2 cm, in particular at most 1.5 cm, in particular at most 1 cm, in particular at most 5 mm, in particular at most 4 mm, in particular at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm.
[0068] In particular, the first magnetic device 9 is mechanically connected to a first base body 29 of the first connecting part 7, and the second magnetic device 17 is mechanically connected to a second base body 31 of the second connecting part 15.
[0069] Fig. 2 shows a representation of a second embodiment of the connecting device 1.
[0070] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.
[0071] In a), the first connecting part 7 and the second connecting part 15 are shown separately from each other.
[0072] In the second exemplary embodiment, the connecting device 1 is designed as a first electrical plug connection 32. The second magnetic device 17 is designed as a ring closed in the circumferential direction. At least one first electrical contact 33—here, three first electrical contacts 33—is arranged in the engagement space 11 of the first connecting part 7, which is particularly configured to be electrically connected to at least one second electrical contact 35 of the second connecting part 15.
[0073] The at least one second electrical contact 35 - here three second electrical contacts 35 - is arranged radially inside the second magnetic device 17 designed as a ring closed in the circumferential direction.
[0074] In b), the connecting parts 7, 15 are shown connected to each other, as explained in connection with Figure 1. Additionally, it is shown that the electrical contacts 33, 35 each have spring-loaded contact pins 37 to ensure a secure electrical connection with tolerance compensation.
[0075] In c), it is schematically shown that the connecting device 1 proposed here advantageously has a high tolerance with respect to a relative tilting of the connecting parts 7, 15 as well as with respect to the formation of a gap between the connecting parts 7, 15, wherein the attractive force between the two magnetic devices 9, 17 is maintained over a wide range, in particular both a wide angular range and a wide tolerance range for the gap. Thus, in particular, accidental or otherwise undesired separation of the connecting parts 7, 15 can be reliably avoided. Due to the loaded contact pins 37, the electrical contact in the exemplary embodiment shown here is also advantageously maintained over a wide range of tilt angles and gap widths.
[0076] Fig. 3 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a functional unit 5 with a third embodiment of a connecting device 1. The functional unit 5 is shown in a) in a separated state and in b) in a connected state.
[0077] The functional unit 5 has, as the functional parts 3, a first functional part 3.1 and a second functional part 3.2. In the illustrated first embodiment, the functional unit 5 is designed as a light, in particular as an LED light, wherein the connecting device 1 is designed as a second electrical plug connection 32'. The first functional part 3.1 is designed as a contacting device, and the second functional part 3.2 is designed as an LED. Advantageously, the LED is freely rotatable in the contacting device. In particular, the first connecting part 7 is arranged on the first functional part 3.1, in particular mechanically connected to the first functional part 3.1. The second connecting part 15 is arranged on the second functional part 3.2, in particular mechanically connected to the second functional part 3.2.
[0078] A first electrical contact between the first functional part 3.1 and the second functional part 3.2 is established via an electrical contact spring 39 arranged in the engagement space 11, on the one hand, and an electrically conductive base plate 41 of the second functional part 3.2, on the other hand. A second electrical contact is established via the magnetic devices 9, 17, which in this case are electrically conductive and touch each other when the connecting device 1 is connected.
[0079] In this third embodiment, the connecting device 1 does not have contact surfaces 25, 27. Instead, the second magnetic device 17 is drawn into the engagement space 11 against the preload force of the electrical contact spring 39 until the elastic restoring force of the contact spring 39 is exactly equal to the attractive force between the magnetic devices 9, 17. Alternatively, it is also possible in this embodiment for the connecting device 1 to have contact surfaces 25, 27.
[0080] In the third embodiment of the connecting device 1, the first magnetic device 9 has a plurality of magnetic segments 43, of which only one is provided with a reference number here for the sake of clarity.
[0081] Fig. 4 shows a representation of a second embodiment of the functional unit 5 with a fourth embodiment of the connecting device 1. A) shows an overall view of the functional unit 5, while b) shows a detailed sectional view. In this second embodiment, the functional unit 5 is designed as a socket 45.
[0082] In the fourth embodiment, the connecting device 1 is designed as a closure 46, in particular for a pivotable lid 47 of the can 45.
[0083] The connecting device 1 has a—in particular elastic—sealing device 49 on at least one contact surface 25, 27, selected from the first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27. In particular, a sealing lip 51 is arranged here on the first contact surface 25 as the sealing device 49. When the can 45 is closed, the sealing lip 51 is compressed by the attractive force of the magnetic devices 9, 17, so that the can 45 is tightly closed.
[0084] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of a functional unit 5 with a fifth exemplary embodiment of a connecting device 1. The functional unit 5 is designed here in particular as a media line, in particular as a hose. The connecting device 1 is designed in particular as a fluid line coupling 48, in particular as a hose coupling.
[0085] In particular, the first connecting part 7 is inserted into the first functional part 3.1, which is designed in particular as a first hose piece, and the second connecting part 15 is inserted into the second functional part 3.2, which is designed in particular as a second hose piece.
[0086] In the fifth embodiment of the connecting device 1 shown here, both contact surfaces 25, 27 are arranged radially within the respective associated first and second magnetic poles 13, 19. In particular, the sealing device 49 is arranged on the first contact surface 25.
[0087] The second magnetic device 17 is, in particular, drawn into the engagement space 11 until the elastic restoring force of the sealing device 49 is equal to the attractive force between the magnetic devices 9, 17. It is possible for the contact surfaces 25, 27 not to abut one another, but rather to be at least slightly spaced apart by the sealing device 49. Alternatively, however, it could also be stated that, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the sealing device 49 forms the first contact surface 25, or that the first contact surface 25 is arranged on the sealing device 49.
[0088] The media transport through the media line takes place in particular through the intervention space 11.
[0089] The connecting device 1, designed in particular as a fluid line coupling 48, preferably serves to connect vacuum hoses to one another or to conduct media under negative pressure. The compressive forces then acting on the connecting device 1 stabilize the connection and further force the magnetic devices 9, 17 into one another or the contact surfaces 25, 27 against one another. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device 1 can serve as a pressure relief valve, since increased pressure occurring in the connecting device 1 can lead to a separation of the magnetic devices 9, 17 from one another if the compressive forces exceed the magnetic holding forces.
[0090] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a functional unit 5 with a sixth embodiment of a connecting device 1. The functional unit 5 is embodied here as a handbag 53. The connecting device 1 is designed in particular as a clip connector 76, in particular for clipping a carrying strap 55 to a bag body 57 of the handbag 53.
[0091] Advantageously, the connecting device 1 allows the carrying strap 55 to be rotated even when attached to the bag body 57.
[0092] In another embodiment not shown, the connecting device 1, in particular the clip connector 76, can also be designed separately from the carrying strap 55, in particular as a tab, rectangular ring, loop or eyelet into which the carrying strap 55 can be threaded.
[0093] Fig. 7A shows at a) a schematic detailed representation of a first embodiment of a pair of glasses 59 as a functional unit 5 with a seventh embodiment of a connecting device 1.
[0094] The connecting device 1 is designed as a hinge 61 between a temple 63 and a middle part 65 of the glasses 59.
[0095] Fig. 7B shows at b) an exploded view of the detail of the spectacles 59 shown at a). The first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 have corresponding stop elements 67 for limiting the rotatability of the first connecting part 7 relative to the second connecting part 15 about the imaginary connecting axis A. In particular, the contact surfaces 25, 27 each have a step 69 as the respective corresponding stop elements 67.
[0096] In c), a modification of the detail of the first exemplary embodiment of the spectacles 59 is shown. The first contact surface 25 and the second contact surface 27 have corresponding locking elements 71 for defining predetermined angular positions of the first connecting part 7 relative to the second connecting part 15 about the imaginary connecting axis A. In particular, the first contact surface 25 has at least one recess 73—here in particular two recesses 73, of which, however, only one faces the viewer—as a first locking element 71.1, while the second contact surface 27 has at least one projection 75—here in particular two projections 75—as a second locking element 71.2.Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment of the spectacles 59 not shown, additional magnets can also be provided, in particular arranged on the one hand in the temple 63 and on the other hand in the middle part 65 or in the connecting parts 7, 15, which interact with one another, in order to define certain angular positions, in particular on the one hand the wearing position and on the other hand the rest position of the temple 63.
[0097] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the glasses 59 as a functional unit 5 with an eighth embodiment of a connecting device 1. In a), the functional unit 5 is shown in the connected state, in b) in the separated state.
[0098] The connecting device 1 is designed here in particular as a plug-in or clip connector 76' arranged on one of the temples 63 for connecting an additional device 77, in particular a head cam, to the glasses 59. Alternatively or additionally, in an initial example not shown here, the connecting device 1 can also be arranged on the central part 65 of the glasses 59.
[0099] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in conjunction with the figures. Rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of configurations and combinations of the described features are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
REQUIREMENTS 1. Connecting device (1) for connecting two functional parts (3) to form a functional unit (5), comprising a first connecting part (7) having a first magnetic device (9), wherein the first magnetic device (9) encompasses an imaginary connecting axis (A) of the connecting device (1) at least segmentally along an imaginary circumferential line, wherein the first connecting part (7) has an engagement space (11) encompassed by the first magnetic device (9) in the region of the imaginary connecting axis (A) with a clear width of at most 10 cm, wherein the first magnetic device (9) has at least two different first magnetic poles (13) arranged one behind the other along the imaginary connecting axis (A), and comprising a second connecting part (15) having a second magnetic device (17), wherein the second magnetic device (17) has at least two different second magnetic poles (19),the second magnetic device (17) is arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis (L) of the second magnetic device (17), wherein the second magnetic device (17) is aligned and configured to engage the first magnetic device (9) with its longitudinal axis (L) oriented in the direction of the imaginary connecting axis (A) along the imaginary connecting axis (A) into the engagement space (11), while the first magnetic poles (13) and the second magnetic poles (19) are oriented relative to each other such that when the second magnetic device (17) approaches the first magnetic device (9) along the imaginary connecting axis (A), a repulsive force must be overcome to introduce the second magnetic device (17) into the engagement space (11), and wherein the engagement space (11) is designed such that the second magnetic device (17) can engage into the engagement space (11) at least to the extent thatthat an attractive force acts between the first magnetic poles (13) and the second magnetic poles (19). TL 2. Connecting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting part (7) has a first contact surface (25), and wherein the second connecting part (15) has a second contact surface (27), and wherein the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) are aligned and arranged to lie against each other and preferably to limit the engagement depth of the second magnetic device (17) into the engagement space (11) when the second magnetic device (17) engages in the engagement space (11).
3. Connecting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) are adapted to the first magnetic device (9) and the second magnetic device (17) such that a first separating plane (21) between the first magnetic poles (13) and a second separating plane (23) between the second magnetic poles (19) have a finite distance from each other when the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) are in contact with each other, wherein an attractive force acts between the first magnetic poles (13) and the second magnetic poles (19), which pushes the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) towards each other.
4. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first contact surface (25) surrounds the imaginary connecting axis (A) in an annular manner, wherein the second contact surface (27) surrounds the longitudinal axis (L) in an annular manner, and wherein at least one contact surface (25, 27), selected from the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27), preferably both contact surfaces (25, 27), - radially outside, or - is arranged radially within the respective assigned first and second magnetic poles (13, 19).
5. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein - at least one contact surface (25, 27), selected from the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27), has a sealing device (49) - in particular elastic - and / or wherein the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) are electrically conductive.
6. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first contact surface (25) and the second contact surface (27) - corresponding locking elements (71) for defining predetermined angular positions of the first connecting part (7) relative to the second connecting part (15) about the imaginary connecting axis (A), or - have corresponding stop elements (67) to limit the rotation of the first connecting part (7) relative to the second connecting part (15) about the imaginary connecting axis (A).
7. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic device (9) and the second magnetic device (17) are designed and coordinated such that they do not have mechanical contact with each other when the second magnetic device (17) engages in the engagement space (11).
8. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic device (9) is designed as a circumferentially closed ring, or has a plurality of magnetic segments (43), or is designed as a plate with at least one recess forming the engagement space (11) at least partially.
9. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic device (17) is designed as a bar magnet, or as a circumferentially closed ring, or has a plurality of magnetic segments.
10. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one magnetic device (9, 17), selected from the first magnetic device (9) and the second magnetic device (17), is manufactured in a metal powder injection molding process.
11. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clear Width of the intervention space (11) not more than 9 cm, in particular not more than 8 cm, in particular not more than 7 cm, in particular not more than 6 cm, in particular not more than 5 cm, in particular not more than 4 cm, in particular not more than 3 cm, in particular not more than 2 cm, in particular not more than 1.5 cm, in particular not more than 1 cm, in particular not more than 5 mm, in particular at most 4 mm, in particular at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm.
12. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (1) is designed as an element selected from a group consisting of: a hinge (61), a fluid line coupling (48), in particular a hose coupling, a plug connection (32, 32'), in particular an electrical plug connection (32, 32'), a closure (46), in particular for a cover (47), in particular for a pivotable cover (47), and a clip connector (76, 76'), in particular for clipping on a carrying strap (55).
13. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic device (9) is mechanically connected to a first base body (29) of the first connecting part (7), and / or wherein the second magnetic device (17) is mechanically connected to a second base body (31) of the second connecting part (15).
14. Functional unit (5), comprising a first functional part (3.1), a second functional part (3.2), and a connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first connecting part (7) is arranged on the first functional part (3.1), in particular is mechanically connected to the first functional part (3.1), wherein the second connecting part (15) is arranged on the second functional part (3.2), in particular is mechanically connected to the second functional part (3.2).
15. Eyeglasses (59), comprising at least one connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the connecting device (1) is designed in particular as a hinge (61) between an eyeglass temple (63) and a central part (65) of the eyeglasses (59) or as a connector or clip connector (76') arranged in particular on the eyeglass temple (63) or the central part (65) of the eyeglasses (59) for connecting an additional device (77) to the eyeglasses (59).