Crushing coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a breakaway coupling (12) with a first coupling piece (1) having several contact pins (1.1) and with a second coupling piece (2) to be connected, having corresponding contact sockets (2.1), wherein the first coupling piece (1) is designed as a coupling shoe and has a circumferential rim (1.2) that defines a recess (1.3) within which the contact pins (1.1) are arranged in a contact surface (1.4), wherein the second coupling piece (2) is designed as a coupling plug and has a shoulder (2.2) with a circumferential guide surface (2.3), wherein the shoulder (2.2) defines a plugging surface (2.4) in which the contact sockets (2.1) are arranged.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a breakaway coupling with a first coupling piece, with several contact pins and with a second coupling piece to be connected with corresponding contact sockets, wherein the first coupling piece is designed as a coupling shoe and has an at least partially circumferential rim that defines a recess within which the contact pins are arranged in a contact surface, wherein the second coupling piece is designed as a coupling plug and has a shoulder with a circumferential guide surface, wherein the shoulder defines a plugging surface in which the contact sockets are arranged.

[0002] A breakaway coupling is already known from DE 10 2010 011 271 B4 with two axially interlocking and axially overlapping partial housings, in the ends of which connecting cables are received.

[0003] DE 94 00 329 U1 describes a breakaway coupling for a ten-pole connection of flexible electrical cables.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of designing and arranging a breakaway coupling in such a way that a wider range of applications is possible.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by providing a sealing element that can be brought into operative contact with the respective coupling piece when the two coupling pieces are connected. The sealing element ensures protection of the contacts against water and moisture. The necessary application or shaping of the sealing element when connecting the coupling pieces to achieve the sealing effect requires an additional force V, which must be applied. An additional force T is also necessary when separating the coupling pieces. In addition to a force L for releasing the contact pins from the contact sockets, the force T is primarily determined by an initial static friction component between the sealing element or its sealing surface and the coupling piece moving relative to it, or between the coupling piece and its inner surface.

[0006] According to the invention, this static friction component is taken into account when determining and defining the refractive force, so that a tolerance for the refractive force can be maintained.

[0007] According to the invention, the problem is also solved by a coupling piece of a breakaway coupling. a) with a connecting cable for an electronic component_A and / or b) with a connecting cable and an electronic component_A connected to it and / or c) mounted on a housing of a connected electronic component_B.

[0008] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a) the sealing element is arranged on the flange and can be pressed against the guide surface to create a seal when the two coupling pieces are connected; or b) the sealing element is arranged on the guide surface and can be pressed against an inner surface of the flange to create a seal when the two coupling pieces are connected. The guide surface and the inner surface are the central surfaces that move relative to each other. The arrangement of the sealing element in this area minimizes the internal volume of the coupling that needs to be sealed.

[0009] It can also be advantageous if the sealing element has a bearing surface and a sealing surface, whereby a) the sealing element has a triangular cross-sectional shape, wherein the bearing surface and the sealing surface enclose an acute angle_α1 or b) the sealing element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, wherein an obtuse angle_α2 is enclosed between i) the guide surface and the plug-in surface or ii) the inner surface of the board and the contact surface.

[0010] This ensures that when the coupling is released, the sealing element or its sealing surface is immediately lifted from the opposite surface, so that the influence on the force_T required to separate the coupling only comes into play initially.

[0011] It can also be advantageous if the sealing element is designed as an O-ring and is placed within a groove on the inner surface of the flange or within a groove in the guide surface. An O-ring is a very simple and inexpensive solution. However, it can be subject to compression deformation, which can lead to leaks. Furthermore, it has poor tensile and shear strength. Therefore, it is unsuitable, or only conditionally suitable, for these types of applications involving high mechanical loads.

[0012] It can be advantageous to use a breakaway coupling with a central axis_m0 that runs parallel to the guide surface or the edge, or perpendicular to the mating surface or contact surface, wherein opposing sections of the guide surface have the same distance_a0 from the central axis_m0, wherein some of the contact pins are designed as retaining pins and some of the contact sockets are designed as retaining sockets, wherein at least four retaining pins and four retaining sockets are provided, which are positioned along the central axis_m0. This results in an increase in the holding force, which is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the contact force of the sealing element. This, in turn, leads to an improved sealing effect. In particular, temperature differences between the environment and the interior to be sealed can lead to air exchange and thus to moisture ingress if the sealing effect is insufficient.

[0013] Of particular importance for the present invention is the provision of an axis_s1 arranged parallel to the central axis_m0, which has a distance_a1 from the section of the guide surface, where a1 < a0, wherein at least five contact pins or contact sockets are provided, which are positioned along the axis_s1. The axis_s1 runs through the center of each contact pin or contact socket. Thus, the breakaway torque is based on a defined force that remains virtually constant multiple times, up to 2,000 times.

[0014] In connection with the design and arrangement according to the invention, it can be advantageous to provide an axis_s2 that is arranged parallel to the central axis_m0, which has a distance_a2 to the section of the guide surface, with a2 > a0, wherein at least six contact pins or contact sockets are provided that are placed along the axis_s2. The axis_s2 runs through the center of the respective contact pin or contact socket. A different number of contacts along the two axes_s1,_s2 results in an asymmetrical distribution of the holding force when the breakaway clutch is opened by tilting about the respective tilting axis.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if at least two contact pins or contact sockets, positioned along the same axis m0, s1, s2, are offset relative to this axis by a dimension v. This results in an optimal wall thickness between the contact pins on the one hand and the contact sockets on the other.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the sealing element has a sealing surface, where the sealing surface is profiled. The profiling ensures a higher contact pressure of the sealing element in the area of ​​a local profiled elevation.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the sealing surface has circumferential grooves and / or circumferential lamellae with respect to a longitudinal axis. The lamellae have a similarly advantageous sealing principle as a shaft seal.

[0018] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in the claims and the description and illustrated in the figures. Figures 1a, 1b a perspective view of a breakaway coupling in the closed and open states; Figure 2 a perspective view of both coupling pieces from the front; Figure 3a , 3b a schematic diagram of the respective coupling piece in a front view; Figures 4a - 4c a perspective sectional view of both coupling pieces in the semi-closed or closed state; Figures 5a, 5b a sectional view of the sealing element; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of two electronic components with a cable connection and breakaway coupling.

[0019] The in Figure 1aThe illustrated breakaway coupling has a first coupling piece 1 and a second coupling piece 2, which are connected to each other. Each coupling piece also has a connecting cable 4 (not shown) and a strain relief 4.1 permanently attached to the respective coupling piece. There are several ways to open the coupling. One way is to pull both coupling pieces 1 and 2 apart along the longitudinal axis 7, i.e., along the two oppositely pointing arrows 7.1 and 7.2, so that the two coupling pieces 1 and 2 are separated as shown in the diagram. Figure 1b They are shown separately.

[0020] As an alternative to this method of pulling apart along the longitudinal axis 7, it would also be possible to open the breakaway coupling by a pivoting movement. In this case, both coupling pieces could be pivoted downwards (pair of arrows U) or upwards (pair of arrows O), as indicated by the circular arrows, each about the respective pivoting axis 8.1, 8.2 of the respective coupling piece 1, 2.

[0021] In the separate position according to Figure 1b The front of the second coupling piece 2 is designed as a coupling plug, showing a mating surface 2.4 within which the various contact sockets 2.1 (not shown here) are located. Each coupling piece 1, 2 consists of several housing parts that are coupled together via a connecting screw 5 or a pair of connecting screws 5.

[0022] In the front view Figure 2The first coupling piece 1, designed as a coupling shoe, and the second coupling piece 2, also designed as coupling elements, are shown. The coupling shoe 1 is characterized by a rim 1.2, which extends around its circumference as a housing wall segment and defines a recess 1.3, which in turn is bounded internally by a contact surface 1.4. Several contact pins 1.1 are arranged within the contact surface 1.4 and are connected to the cable (not shown) inside the coupling shoe 1. Each contact pin has a mushroom-shaped base and is used for insertion into the respective contact socket 2.1 of the coupling plug 2. The coupling plug 2 has a mating surface 2.4, which is shown here from the front. Several plug sockets are arranged within the mating surface 2.4. The mating surface 2.4 is bounded around its circumference by a shoulder 2.2, on which a circumferential sealing element 3 is provided. A total of 15 contact sockets 2.1 and, correspondingly, 15 contact pins 1.1 are provided.

[0023] After Figure 3a The distribution of the contact sockets or contact pins on the plug-in surface 2.4 can be seen. The various contact sockets 2.1 are arranged along three axes: a central axis m0 and two further axes s1 and s2. The central axis m0 leads to a guide surface 2.3, which defines the circumference of the plug-in surface 2.4. Figure 2The sealing element is arranged as follows. More precisely, the central axis_m0 has a distance_a0 to a section 2.3a of the guide surface, while axis_s1 has a smaller distance_a1, and axis_s2 has a distance_a2 that is greater than distance_a0. Four contact bushings are arranged side by side on the central axis_m0, five contact bushings are arranged side by side on axis_s1, and six contact bushings are arranged on axis_a2. The contact bushings are approximately equidistant from each other with respect to their arrangement on the respective axis_m0, _s1, and _s2. The distance between the outermost contact bushing on each axis and a right or left section 2.3c of the guide surface 2.3 is significantly greater than the distance between the contact bushings for axes _m0 and _s1. On axis_s2, the distance to this section_2.3c on the right and left is approximately the same as the relative distance between the contact bushings.

[0024] According to the embodiment Figure 3b Regarding the distribution on the respective axes m0, s1, and s2, some of the contact sockets are arranged offset. On axis m0, the two middle sockets are shifted upwards by an offset V. On axis s1, the three middle contact sockets are shifted upwards by the offset V, and on axis s2, the two middle sockets are also shifted upwards by the offset V. The positioning of the corresponding contact pins of the coupling shoe is, of course, identical, ensuring that the contact pins and contact sockets mesh coaxially.

[0025] In the sectional view according to Figure 4aThe coupling plug 2 and the coupling shoe 1 below are visible. The inner surface 1.5, together with the contact surface 1.4, forms an obtuse angle α2. The sealing element 3 is arranged on the guide surface 2.3 of the coupling plug. According to the embodiment Figure 4a In the left half of the image, the plugging surface 2.4 and the guide surface 2.3 form a right angle. The sealing element, on the other hand, has a triangular cross-sectional shape 3.4, in which a bearing surface 3.2 and a sealing surface 3.3 are formed according to the exemplary embodiment. Figure 5a, 5b enclose an acute angle_α1. The sum of said right angle and acute angle_α1 in turn leads to an orientation of a sealing surface 3.3 of the sealing element 3 at an obtuse angle_α2, such that the orientation of the sealing surface 3.3 corresponds to the alignment of an inner surface 1.5 of the clutch shoe 1.

[0026] In another way, according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 4a, right side, the angle of the sealing element or its sealing surface 3.3 is reached. In contrast to the left half of the image, the circumferential guide surface 2.3 is angled and forms the aforementioned obtuse angle α2 with the plug-in surface 2.4. The sealing element 3 has, according to the exemplary embodiment, Figure 5c has a rectangular cross-sectional shape 3.4, so that the sealing surface 3.3 has the same orientation as the inner surface 1.5 which surrounds the longitudinal axis 7.

[0027] The aforementioned positioning ensures that the sealing element 3 only comes into contact with the inner surface 1.5 at the very last moment of the insertion movement when connecting the two coupling pieces 1, 2. The same applies when disconnecting the breakaway coupling. With the first moment of a release movement in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 7, the contact between the sealing element 3.4, or rather its sealing surface 3.3, and the inner surface 1.5 is broken, so that no friction of the sealing element 3 influences the release force L between the contact pins 1.1 and the contact bushings 2.1.

[0028] Example of implementation Figure 4b The coupling plug 2 is fully inserted into the coupling shoe 1. At this moment, the sealing element 3, or rather its sealing surface 3.3, is in sealing contact with the inner surface 1.5 (not shown).

[0029] Example of implementation Figure 4cThe angle of attack of the guide surface 2.3 and the angle of attack of the sealing surface 3.3 are perpendicular. A pair of O-rings is suitable as a sealing element, which, according to the embodiment shown in the left half of the image, are arranged in a groove 3.1 of the guide surface 2.3 of the coupling plug, while in the embodiment Figure 4c , right half of the image, the O-rings are arranged in a groove 3.1 of the inner surface 1.5 of the coupling shoe 1 or of the rim 1.2.

[0030] According to the sealing architecture as per the exemplary embodiment Figures 4a-4c The sealing element 3 can also be provided on the coupling shoe 1 and the sealing surface on the coupling plug 2.

[0031] In both Figures 5a, 5b The triangular cross-sectional shape 3.4 of the sealing element 3 can be seen. According to the exemplary embodiment. Figure 5aThe sealing surface 3.3 of the sealing element 3 has circumferential ridges 3.5 which, in the form of a protrusion, have a significantly smaller contact zone with the inner surface 1.5. This increases the contact pressure for the same plug force. According to the exemplary embodiment Figure 5b The sealing element 3 has lamellae 3.6 that protrude beyond the sealing surface 3.3. The same applies (not shown) to sealing elements 3 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape 3.4 according to Figure 5c , in which the sealing surface 3.3 is aligned parallel to the bearing surface 3.2.

[0032] Example of implementation Figure 6An electronic component_A, such as a speech unit, and an electronic component_B, such as a communication console, are provided. Electronic component_A is connected to a first coupling piece 1 via a connecting cable 4. The second electronic component_B has a second coupling piece 2, which is mounted on a housing 6 of component_B. Thus, component_A can be connected to component_B by means of the breakaway coupling 12 and disconnected by applying a corresponding tensile force or tilting moment. Reference symbol list

[0033] 1. First coupling piece, coupling shoe 1.1 Contact pin, retaining pin 1.2 Rim 1.3 Recess 1.4 Contact surface 1.5 Inner surface 2. Second coupling piece, coupling plug 2.1 Contact socket 2.2 Shoulder 2.3 Guide surface 2.3a Section 2.3b Section 2.3c Section 2.4 Plug-in surface 3. Sealing element 3.1 Groove 3.2 Bearing surface 3.3 Sealing surface 3.4 Cross-sectional shape 3.5 Bead 3.6 Lamella 4. Connection cable 4.1 Strain relief 5. Connecting screw 6. Housing of component_B 7. Longitudinal axis 7.1 Arrow 7.2 Arrow 8.1 Tilt axis 8.2 Tilt axis 12. Breakaway coupling O Arrow pair U Arrow pair Nomenclature

[0034] a0Distance_a0 a1Distance_a1 a2Distance_a2 AComponent_A BComponent_B LForce_L m0Centeraxis_m0 s1Axis_s1 s2Axis_s2 TForce_T vDimension_v VForce_V α1Angle_α1, pointed α2Angle_α2, blunt

Claims

1. Breakaway coupling (12) comprising a first coupling piece (1) with several contact pins (1.1) and a second coupling piece (2) to be connected with corresponding contact sockets (2.1), wherein the first coupling piece (1) is designed as a coupling shoe and has an at least partially circumferential rim (1.2) that defines a recess (1.3) within which the contact pins (1.1) are arranged in a contact surface (1.4), wherein the second coupling piece (2) is designed as a coupling plug and has a shoulder (2.2) with a circumferential guide surface (2.3), wherein the shoulder (2.2) defines a plugging surface (2.4) in which the contact sockets (2.1) are arranged, and wherein the shoulder (2.2) of the coupling plug (2) can be inserted into the recess (1.3) of the coupling shoe (1) in the direction of a common longitudinal axis (7). characterized by the fact thata sealing element (3) is provided which can be brought into operative contact with the respective coupling piece (1, 2) when connecting both coupling pieces (1, 2).

2. Breakaway coupling (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a) the sealing element (3) is arranged on the rim (1.2) and can be pressed against the guide surface (2.3) in a sealing manner when connecting both coupling pieces (1, 2) in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (7); or b) the sealing element (3) is arranged on the guide surface (2.3) and can be pressed against an inner surface (1.5) of the rim (1.2) in a sealing manner when connecting both coupling pieces (1, 2) in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (7).

3. Breakaway coupling (12) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatthe sealing element (3) has a bearing surface (3.2) and a sealing surface (3.3) wherein a) the sealing element (3) has a triangular cross-sectional shape (3.4) wherein the bearing surface (3.2) and the sealing surface (3.3) enclose an acute angle_α1 or b) the sealing element (3) has a rectangular cross-sectional shape (3.4) wherein an obtuse angle_α2 is enclosed between i) the guide surface (2.3) and the mating surface (2.4) or ii) the inner surface (1.5) of the flange (1.2) and the contact surface (1.4).

4. Breakaway coupling (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sealing element (3) is designed as an O-ring and is placed within a groove (3.1) of the inner surface (1.5) of the rim (1.2) or within a groove (3.1) in the guide surface (2.3).

5. Breakaway coupling (12) according to one of the preceding claims, with a central axis_m0 arranged perpendicular to the plugging surface (2.4) or perpendicular to the contact surface (1.4), wherein opposing sections (2.3a, 2.3b) of the guide surface (2.3) have the same distance_a0 to the central axis_m0, wherein a portion of the contact pins (1.1) are designed as retaining pins and a portion of the contact sockets (2.1) are designed as retaining sockets, wherein at least four retaining pins (1.1) and four retaining sockets (2.1) are provided, which are placed along the central axis_m0.

6. Breaking coupling (12) according to claim 5, with an axis_s1 arranged parallel to the central axis_m0, which has a distance_a1 to a section (2.3a) of the guide surface (2.3), with a1 < a0, wherein at least five contact pins (1.1) or contact sockets (2.1) are provided which are placed along the axis_s1.

7. Breaking coupling (12) according to claim 5 or 6, with an axis_s2 arranged parallel to the central axis_m0, which has a distance_a2 to the section (2.3a) of the guide surface (2.3), with a2 > a0, wherein at least six contact pins (1.1) or contact sockets (2.1) are provided which are placed along the axis_s2.

8. Breaking coupling (12) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that at least two contact pins (1.1) or contact sockets (2.1) which are placed along the same axis_m0, _s1, _s2, are offset relative to this axis_m0, _s1, _s2 by a dimension_v.

9. Breakaway coupling (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (3) has a sealing surface (3.3), wherein the sealing surface (3.3) is profiled.

10. Breakaway coupling (12) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the sealing surface (3.3) has circumferential beads (3.5) and / or circumferential lamellae (3.6).

11. Coupling piece (1, 2) of a breakaway coupling (12) according to one of the preceding claims a) with a connecting cable (4) for an electronic component_A and / or b) with a connecting cable (4) and an electronic component_A connected thereto and / or c) mounted on a housing (6) of a connected electronic component_B.

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