An electromechanical plug-in coupling consisting of a positive and a negative coupling part, and a production method therefor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a positive coupling part of an electromechanical plug-in coupling, which positive coupling part can be releasably locked in a negative coupling part such that a form-fitting and electrical connection can be established between the positive and the negative coupling part, the positive coupling part having the following features: a shaft with a fastening structure at a first axial shaft end, by way of which fastening structure the coupling part can be rigidly fastened to a component, and with a connecting structure at a second axial shaft end, by way of which connecting structure a releasable form-fitting connection can be established with the negative coupling part, an electrical line element which is arranged centrally in the shaft, extends between the first and the second axial shaft end and has a contact end which is arranged adjacent to the first axial shaft end and recessed in the connecting structure in the axial direction, and an electrical connecting end of the electrical line element arranged in the shaft can be electrically connected to a conductor adjacent to the second axial shaft end.

Description

[0001] Applicant: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH

[0002] Our reference: M-15622 PCT

[0003] September 26, 2025

[0004] An electromechanical plug coupling consisting of a positive and a negative coupling part, and a manufacturing method for it.

[0005] 1. Area

[0006] The present invention relates to an electromechanical plug-in connector consisting of a negative connector and a positive connector. The negative and positive connectors form a releasable mechanical latching connection, so that an electrical connection is also established between the two connectors along with the mechanical connection. In addition to the positive and negative connectors to which the present invention relates, the present invention also relates to a manufacturing method for the positive and negative connectors.

[0007] Electrical assemblies, such as illuminated covers or electrically powered panels, each have a load-bearing mechanical connection component, such as a screw connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or the like. An electrical connection is also provided to supply the add-on or cover with electrical energy via, for example, a base component. To separate the add-on from the base component, it is necessary to disconnect both the mechanical and electrical connections each time. This can become quite complex, especially if the electrical connection powers sophisticated electrical circuits or lighting. For example, to attach a simple light to the exterior of a motor vehicle, WO 2020 / 107 095 A discloses a metallic screw bolt with a spherical head.Since this bolt is made of metal, it is possible to supply electrical energy via it, for example, by connecting a negative pulse. The spherical head of the bolt serves to connect a metal contact terminal to the spherical head, thus closing an electrical circuit. For example, a marker light is fitted with this terminal and clipped onto the spherical head, thereby completing an electrical circuit.

[0008] A disadvantage in this context is that a load-bearing, mechanically locking clamp must first be anchored in a component, such as a light fixture. Furthermore, this clamp must be equipped with an electrical contact to complete a circuit. Even if the electrical and mechanical connection between the clamp and the screw bolt with its ball-shaped head can be established without much effort, the production of the clamp itself, which is to be attached to a component, requires complex manufacturing steps.

[0009] US 2006 / 00 294 61 A1 describes a ball joint assembly in which a ball stud is connected to a coupling assembly. Mechanical wear on the ball stud is detected by means of an electrical current. For this purpose, a contact element is provided in the coupling assembly, which engages with the head section of the ball stud before a predetermined degree of wear occurs in the ball joint assembly. The contact element and the head section of the ball stud are separated from each other when a predetermined degree of wear occurs in the ball joint assembly. Before the predetermined degree of wear occurs in the ball joint assembly, an electrical circuit is closed through the contact element and the head section of the ball stud. Based on the function of this assembly, it can be seen that the ball stud used initially interrupts an electrical circuit to the contact element. It is therefore non-conductive.Only when wear on the ball stud or ball pin results in an electrically conductive surface of the ball stud being in contact with the contact element does a current flow occur that can be interpreted for informational purposes. Therefore, this electrical design of ball stud and adapted coupling with contact element cannot be used to supply electrical power to, for example, electrical devices in combination with the coupling. US 10,199,803 B2 describes an electrically conductive ball stud for supplying electrical energy to a removable electrical component in combination with a coupling. The electrically conductive ball stud has a body made of insulating material with an electrically conductive core element. The electrically conductive core element extends to the spherical tip of the ball stud.Depending on the specific design, the spherical free end of the ball stud, with its leading hemisphere, is made of metal and can be electrically connected to a circuit. Since the spherical head provides a large surface area for electrical contact, for example with an electrically conductive coupling, the connection between this ball stud and a suitable coupling facilitates the closing of an electrical circuit.

[0010] A disadvantage of this ball stud design, however, is that the electrical contact surface—that is, the metal spherical half of the stud's ball head—is freely accessible. This accessibility poses a risk of electrical contact with the installer or with the surrounding environment, potentially leading to electric shocks or short circuits caused by moisture. Therefore, this design has the disadvantage of being potentially harmful to the installer's health and also during subsequent use.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose an electromechanical coupling construction with its components which, in addition to a reliable and detachable mechanical connection, can also establish a safe electrical connection.

[0012] 3. Summary of the invention

[0013] The above problem is solved by a positive coupling part according to claim 1, a negative coupling part according to claim 7, a plug-in coupling according to claim 11, and suitable manufacturing methods according to claims 13 and 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the appended claims. The present invention discloses a positive coupling part of an electromechanical plug-in coupling, which can be detachably locked into a negative coupling part, so that a positive-locking and an electrical connection between the positive and the negative coupling part can be established. The positive coupling part has the following features: a shaft with a fastening structure at a first axial shaft end, with which the coupling part can be rigidly attached to a component, and with a connecting structure at a second axial shaft end.with which a detachable, positive-locking connection to the negative coupling part can be established, an electrical conducting element arranged centrally in the shaft, which extends between the first and the second axial shaft ends and which has a contact end which is arranged adjacent to the second axial shaft end and recessed in the axial direction in the connection structure, and an electrical connecting end of the electrical conducting element arranged in the shaft is electrically connectable to a conductor adjacent to the first axial shaft end.

[0014] The present invention discloses an electromechanical plug-in coupling consisting of a positive coupling part and a negative coupling part. In this context, the term electromechanical means that a known and non-destructively releasable mechanical connection between the positive and negative coupling parts can be established using this plug-in coupling. Simultaneously with the establishment of the mechanical connection between the positive and negative coupling parts, an electrical connection between these two coupling parts is also established. This electrical connection is broken again as soon as the mechanical connection between the two coupling parts is released. Therefore, the term electromechanical emphasizes that the positive and negative coupling parts contain both electrical and mechanical components.These components interact in a certain way, since creating a mechanical connection between the two coupling parts closes an electrical circuit that allows an electric current to flow. Switches and relays are also typical electromechanical components of this type; their actuation, based on mechanical processes and the interaction of the mechanical components, closes or opens an electrical circuit.

[0015] The electromechanical plug-in coupling according to the invention has a positive coupling element. This positive coupling element is designed similarly to a known ball stud, with a shaft and a spherical head. In this context, "spherical head" means that a ball head or a differently shaped, thickened head can be used in relation to the shaft geometry or shaft diameter to create a releasable, positive-locking connection with a receiving coupling socket (see below). Thus, at the axial end of the shaft of the positive coupling element, the spherical head mentioned by way of example forms a connection structure to the receiving coupling socket. A fastening structure is provided at the opposite end of the shaft to attach the shaft to a component.In this context, a threaded structure is preferred to allow the shaft or ball stud to be screwed into a suitable threaded opening of a component. For this purpose, the connection structure preferably has an opening with an internal drive feature, allowing a rotating tool, such as a Torx screwdriver or similar, to engage this opening and screw in the ball stud.

[0016] To provide an electrical connection using the positive coupling element, the shaft has an internal channel in which an electrical conductor element is arranged. This conductor element is preferably pin-shaped and projects into the drive opening, but not beyond it. Thus, the conductor element offers an electrical contact point, or a way to close an electrical circuit, without exposing an exposed electrical contact. This design prevents the risk of accidents caused by unintentional short circuits, sparking, or electric shocks. While one end of the conductor extends into the drive opening, the other end of the conductor element, adjacent to the shaft's mounting structure, is electrically contactable to allow for electrical connection.

[0017] Thus, the inventive design of the positive coupling part provides not only a mechanical connection option but also an electrical connection option, with the help of which an electrical circuit can be closed, while at the same time avoiding a risk of short circuit or electrical contact for a user.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the positive coupling part, its shaft consists of an electrically non-conductive material and has a central channel in which the electrical conductor is arranged. As in known designs of a coupling bolt or a bolt with a ball-like head, the positive coupling part according to the invention also preferably consists of an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic. This material can be processed with limited effort and, at the same time, provides a protective function through its material properties, protecting the inner conductor from unintentional electrical contact with a person or another component. If, for example, plastic is used for the manufacture of the positive coupling part, it can be processed by injection molding based on known methods.The injection molding process also offers the possibility of providing an internal channel in the shaft to accommodate the electrical conductor. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical conductor is overmolded with the plastic material used to manufacture the shaft during the injection molding process, enabling its integration. According to a further embodiment, it is also preferred to arrange the conductor in the injection mold, injection mold the shaft and ball-shaped head, while simultaneously allowing the conductor to be replaced within an internal channel.

[0019] Preferably, the contact end of the conductor element of the positive coupling part is pin-shaped and spring-loaded in the direction of the connection structure.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial end of the conductor element projects, under spring tension, into the drive opening in the spherical head of the positive coupling part. The spring-tensioned arrangement has the advantage that an engaging contacting electrical element can be held in contact with the electrical conductor element, since the spring force presses the conductor element against the other element, for example, a contact element from the coupling socket. Furthermore, the spring tension of a preferably pin-like conductor element ensures that the electrical contact can be made with a certain axial tolerance between the two electrical contact elements to be connected.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the positive coupling part, the connection structure is spherical and has an axially concave torque transmission opening in which the contact end is axially recessed. As discussed above, the connection structure of the shaft is spherical. This connection structure, extending over the outer diameter of the shaft, allows the connection structure to be latched into a coupling socket of a negative coupling part that is adapted to or complementary to it. Such combinations of shapes, formed, for example, by a spherical head and a corresponding spherical socket, are known in the art and can be used in the electromechanical coupling presented here. Furthermore, the drive opening for the positive coupling part, which is located in the spherical head, has already been mentioned above.The spherical connection structure features an opening designed to accommodate a rotating tool, such as a cordless screwdriver, screwdriver, or similar implement. This allows the tool's torque to be transmitted to the shaft and thus to the entire positive coupling component. The necessary drive feature is located on the radial inner side of the drive opening, or torque transmission opening. This feature may consist of a hexagonal or Torx-type design, or similar, enabling torque to be introduced into the spherical connection structure and used at the axially opposite mounting structure to secure the positive coupling component.

[0022] The positive coupling part according to one of the above embodiments preferably has a metal threaded foot at the first axial shaft end, which is electrically connected to the conductor element and with which an electrical contact to the conductor element can be established via a fastening threaded connection.

[0023] While the drive opening in the connection structure is used to establish an electrical contact with an electrical element of the coupling socket, the mounting end of the shaft serves for mechanical fastening to a component and also for electrical contacting the electrical conductor. Adjacent to or adjacent to the first axial shaft end, a connection end of the conductor is provided to, for example, connect an externally routed contact to an electrical power source. Similarly, it is preferred to provide the mounting end of the positive coupling part in the form of a metal threaded base. This metallic threaded base simultaneously achieves mechanical fastening to a component via a threaded connection and electrical contacting of the conductor by means of the electrically conductive metallic threaded base.For this purpose, the end of the conductor is electrically connected to the metallic threaded base, while at the same time a receiving nut thread for the threaded base provides a forwarding electrical contact option.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the positive coupling part, the entire shaft and the fastening structure at the first shaft end are made of plastic and have an external electrical contact that is connected to the conductor element inside the coupling part, so that the conductor element can be electrically connected from the outside.

[0025] For electrically contacting the conductor element adjacent to the mounting end of the positive coupling part, it is also preferred to extend an electrical connection to the conductor element adjacent to the mounting end to the outside. This allows the externally routed electrical conductor element to be contacted there, for example, with an electrical connector or a contact lug used in the threaded base. Furthermore, the externally routed electrical end of the conductor element can be equipped with a connecting element, plug, or suitable socket according to various preferred embodiments, so that after the positive coupling part has been mechanically fastened, the electrical connection to the conductor element inside the positive coupling part can be established using this plug or contact element.

[0026] The present invention further discloses a negative coupling part of an electromechanical plug-in coupling in which a positive coupling part can be detachably locked, preferably the positive coupling part according to one of the preceding claims, so that a positive and an electrical connection between the positive and the negative coupling part can be established. The negative coupling part has the following features: a concave coupling socket which defines a receiving volume such that a connecting head of a positive coupling part can be received in the receiving volume and detachably locked there in a positive manner; an electrically conductive contact element which projects into the receiving volume of the coupling socket opposite an inlet opening of the coupling socket.so that an electrical connection can be established with the electrically conductive contact element when a connecting head consisting of electrically non-conductive material and an electrical conducting element recessed axially in the connecting head of the positive coupling part is inserted. The present invention also discloses a negative coupling part whose shape is adapted to the connection structure of the positive coupling part. This adaptation is manifested in a suitably shaped coupling socket in which the connection structure of the positive coupling part can be received in a mechanically non-destructive manner. This design ensures that the mechanical connection between the positive and negative coupling parts can be used in a form-fitting manner, similar to known plug-in couplings, and can be released again. In addition, the coupling socket has an electrically conductive contact element.which projects into the concave receiving volume of the coupling socket. This projecting design of the contact element ensures that a connection structure of the positive coupling part, which is engaged in the coupling socket, can be electrically contacted with its inner conductor element, because the electrically conductive contact element of the negative coupling part engages in the drive opening with the electrical contact element and makes contact there. During this electrical contacting, which naturally presupposes mechanical contact, mechanical tolerances between the conductor element of the positive coupling part and the contact element of the negative coupling part are preferably compensated, since the spring-loaded conductor element can be pressed into the interior of the positive coupling part by the contact element of the negative coupling part. Thus, it is also ensured thatthat after the positive coupling part engages in the coupling socket or after the spherical connecting structure of the positive coupling part engages in the coupling socket, the conductor element and the contact element are pressed against each other in a frictional manner to ensure a current flow between the contact element and the conductor element.

[0027] Preferably, the electrically conductive contact element of the negative coupling part can be electrically connected to an outside of the coupling socket.

[0028] Preferably, according to the invention, the electrical conducting element extends through the wall of the coupling socket in order to be electrically connected or contacted on a radial outer surface of the coupling socket. This ensures that the coupling socket, or the complete negative coupling part, contained, for example, in another component, is not only mechanically held in that component but can also be electrically contacted or connected to a circuit within that component. Another preferred embodiment of the negative coupling part provides that the contact element has a spherical shell-shaped component that is concave in the direction of the inlet opening.

[0029] As mentioned above, the coupling socket is preferably adapted to the shape of the connection structure of the positive coupling part. Accordingly, a combination of a ball stud and a ball socket is preferably used. Similarly, other shapes are known and usable that ensure a locking connection between the positive and negative coupling parts. Thus, the concave coupling socket can be shaped similarly to a spherical shell, an elliptical shape, or the angular shape of the inner surface of a polyhedron.

[0030] Preferably, the contact element protrudes in a pin-like manner beyond the spherical component towards the entrance opening.

[0031] The contact element of the coupling socket of the negative coupling part preferably projects into the volume of the coupling socket in the opposite direction to any insertion or connection direction. This ensures that the conductor element of the positive coupling part can be recessed inside the shaft or drive opening of the positive coupling part. This protective structure, which has already been described above, can be easily electrically connected using the contact element projecting into the coupling socket.

[0032] The present invention further discloses an electromechanical plug-in coupling with a positive coupling part according to one of the above embodiments and a negative coupling part according to one of the above embodiments, in which the positive coupling part can be latched into the negative coupling part, so that a positive mechanical and an electrical connection between the positive and the negative coupling part can be releasably established.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a mechanical and electrical connection between two components with the electromechanical plug connector described above.

[0034] The present invention further discloses a manufacturing method of the positive coupling part described above, which comprises the following steps: injection molding of a ball stud with an inner channel and an opening, preferably a drive opening, in a spherical head of the ball stud which is connected to the channel, arranging and fastening a spring-loaded contact pin in the channel and providing an electrical contact option to the contact pin on a head-away side of the ball stud by means of a metallic threaded base or an externally led electrical contact.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a manufacturing method for a negative coupling part according to one of the embodiments described above, which comprises the following steps: injection molding of a negative coupling part with a concave coupling socket and arranging and fastening an electrically conductive contact element in the negative coupling part, such that the contact element projects into the coupling socket.

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the positive coupling part.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the negative coupling part.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an electromechanical plug connector consisting of a positive coupling part and a negative coupling part, each of which is electrically connected.

[0040] Figure 4 shows the electromechanical plug connector according to Figure 3, in which tolerance compensation possibilities are schematically illustrated.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a manufacturing process for the positive coupling part, Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a manufacturing process for a negative coupling part.

[0042] 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0043] The present invention discloses an electromechanical plug-in coupling 1 consisting of a positive coupling part 10 and a negative coupling part 50. The positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50 can be mechanically connected by means of a positive locking connection. Preferably, this connection can be released non-destructively, so that it can be made and released multiple times.

[0044] The positive coupling part 10 has an electrical conductor element 20. When the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50 are mechanically connected, the electrical conductor element 20 comes into contact with an electrically conductive contact element 60 of the negative coupling part 50, thus establishing an electrical connection between the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50. Since the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50 are preferably each connected to a component A, B, preferably attached to or anchored in / on this component, electrical loads in one or both components A, B can be supplied with electrical energy via the established electrical connection. Such electrical loads are preferably sensors, light sources, information devices such as a display or a loudspeaker, circuitry, or the like.

[0045] The electromechanical plug-in connector 1 thus provides not only a mechanical connection between the coupling parts 10, 50, but also an electrical connection between the coupling parts 10, 50 and the connected components A, B. Releasing the preferred mechanical locking connection between the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50 also releases the electrical connection between the coupling parts 10, 50, without requiring the disconnection of electrical cables, the removal of connections, or the removal of electrical leads Z to the components A, B. This reduces the installation and disinstallation effort required for the mechanical and electrical connection of the two components A, B. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the positive coupling part 10 has a shaft 12 with a fastening structure 14 at a first axial end of the shaft 12.The shaft 12 is made of an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic. Preferably, the positive coupling part 10 is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown, the fastening structure 14 consists of a threaded bolt 16 with a head 18 and a threaded shank 20. The shank 12 is preferably injection-molded onto the head 18, with adhesive connections or thermal forming of the head 18 into the shank 12 also being preferred.

[0047] Preferably, the threaded bolt 16 is made of metal and, due to the electrical conductivity of metals, is used as an electrical connection or lead to an electrical conductor element 30 within the shaft 12 (see below). An electrical connection between the conductor element 30 and the threaded bolt 16 is preferably established by the conductor element 30 being directly or indirectly supported on or in contact with the head 18.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the shaft 12 and the mounting structure 14 are manufactured from a single piece of electrically non-conductive material, for example, plastic. Accordingly, the positive coupling part 10 is preferably injection-molded entirely from plastic. In order to electrically connect the electrical conductor element 30 arranged in the shaft 12, an electrical supply line is preferably led from the inside of the shaft 12 to the outside, adjacent to the mounting structure 14, in conductive connection with the conductor element 30, in order to electrically connect or connect the conductor element 30. The electrical supply line is illustrated by the dashed line at reference numeral 32 in Figure 1.

[0049] At the second axial end of the shaft 12, opposite the mounting structure 14, a connecting structure 22 is arranged. The connecting structure 22, preferably a spherical head or a ball head, preferably extends radially beyond the outer wall of the shaft 12. The connecting structure 22 forms a locking head for detachable engagement in a coupling socket 52 of the negative coupling part 50. Thus, the connecting structure 22 and the coupling socket 52 preferably form a positive-locking connection, and more preferably a positive-locking and force-locking connection. In addition to a spherical head, it is also preferred to use a head that is radially thickened relative to the shaft 12 and is formed by an ellipsoid, a polyhedron, a hemisphere, or a similarly shaped geometric body.

[0050] The connecting structure 22 preferably has an axial opening 24 at the second axial shaft end. This opening 24 is connected to an inner channel 26 of the shaft 12, in which the electrical conducting element 30 is preferably arranged.

[0051] The opening 24 preferably ensures that a free end 34 of the conductor element 30, facing away from the fastening structure 14, is set back from an outer surface 23 of the connecting structure 22 and recessed in this opening 24 in the axial direction of the shaft 12.

[0052] The recessed arrangement of the conductor element 30 ensures that it does not protrude beyond the connection structure 30 or terminate at its outer surface 23. This prevents a worker or any third party from coming into contact with the conductor element 30 and suffering electric shock. Furthermore, the recessed arrangement of the conductor element 30 provides it with at least greater protection against environmental influences such as dust, moisture, and mechanical damage than if the free end 34 were exposed.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide element 30 is pin-shaped. It preferably has a circumferential radial collar 36, so that a spring 38 arranged in the channel 26 can be supported between the radial collar 36 and a base 27 of the channel 26. Preferably, the base 27 is formed by the head 18 of the threaded bolt 16.

[0054] A linear movement of the guide element 30 axially outward toward the opening 24 is limited by a preferred ring closure 40. The ring closure 40, preferably a ring or disc held frictionally in the channel 26, or a similar press fit, compresses the spring 38 between the radial collar 36 and the bottom 27 of the channel 26. Since the guide element 30 is preferably shorter than the channel 26 is long, the guide element 30 can deflect into the interior of the channel 26 when a force is applied to its free end 34. Simultaneously, this arrangement causes the spring 38 to compress the guide element 30 axially outward relative to the channel 26.

[0055] If the conductor 32 or the threaded bolt 16 is connected to a defined electrical potential, this electrical potential is transferred to the conductor element 30 via the electrically conductive spring 38 and the radial collar 36.

[0056] Preferably, a drive feature, such as preferably a Torx structure, a hexagon or the like, is provided on a radial inner side of the opening 24. A torque can be transmitted to the positive coupling part 10 via the drive feature, preferably to screw it into a threaded opening.

[0057] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred electrical connection of the threaded bolt 16 to an electrical potential P. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a contact lug 90 is attached to the threaded bolt 16. This contact lug 90, which is connected to the electrical potential P, is preferably fastened to the threaded shank 20 by means of a nut element 92.

[0058] According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact eyelet 90 is pushed onto the threaded shaft 20, and then the threaded shaft 20 is screwed into a suitable threaded opening G of the component A. Thus, the threaded opening G replaces the function and necessity of the nut element 92.

[0059] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded shaft 20 is screwed into the threaded opening G without a contact lug 90. Since the threaded opening G is preferably connected to the electrical potential P, screwing in the threaded shaft 20 places the conductor element 30 at or connects it to the potential P via the spring 38. A corresponding threaded opening G in component A is shown schematically by dashed lines in Figure 3. When using the threaded opening G, the contact lug 90 would be superfluous because the threaded opening G, consisting of at least one electrically conductive threaded insert, is connected to the electrical potential P.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the negative coupling part 50, which is preferably manufactured as an injection-molded part made of plastic. Such negative coupling parts 50 are known in the prior art for forming a releasable mechanical snap connection with, for example, a ball stud.

[0061] The coupling socket 52 is provided to receive the spherical head or the connecting structure 22. This socket is preferably shaped to be complementary to the connecting structure 22 to be received.

[0062] The coupling socket 52 is held by a circumferential retaining rib 54 with a support collar 56, which is engaged in a component opening or a suitably designed retaining structure of component B in a known manner. Due to the material properties of the coupling material, the retaining ribs 54 spring radially inwards, enabling them to be engaged or disengaged from a component opening.

[0063] An electrically conductive contact element 60 extends from outside the negative coupling upper part 50 into the inner volume of the ball socket 52, in which the connection structure 22, preferably the spherical head, is received. Preferably, the contact element 60 extends along the central longitudinal axis L into the ball socket 52. It is also preferably the case that at least the ball socket 52 is rotationally symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis L.

[0064] The contact element 60 is pin-shaped and extends through a wall 58 of the negative coupling part 50. The contact element 60 has a free terminal end 62 outside the ball socket 52.

[0065] Preferably, the free end 62 is provided with an external thread 64. Using the external thread 64 and a nut element M, the contact element 60 can be attached to the wall 58 of the negative coupling part 50. The threaded connection consisting of the external thread 64 and the nut element M also provides the preferred option of attaching a contact lug 90 connected to an electrical potential P to the contact element 60.

[0066] Alternatively, it is preferred to solder, weld, glue, clamp or otherwise electrically connect the electrical potential supply line to the terminal end 62.

[0067] Opposite the free end 62, an inner end 66 arranged in the ball socket 52 has a support shield 68 which is firmly connected to the contact element 60. The support shield 68 is preferably spherically shaped complementary to the coupling socket 52 in order to bear against the radial inner surface of the coupling socket 52. Thus, the contact element 60 is held against the wall 58 between the nut element and the support shield 68.

[0068] It is also preferred to thermally form or mold the contact element 60 with or without support shield 68 into the wall 58 or to glue it into this opening, or to fix the contact element 60 by overmolding it into the coupling part 50 during the injection molding production of the negative coupling part 50.

[0069] The cross in Figure 2 marks an imaginary center point K of the coupling socket 52. Around this center point K, the negative coupling part 50 and the positive coupling part 10 are preferably pivotable, for example, due to movements of components A and B, either individually or together. This relative pivotability through an arc angle α is illustrated in Figure 4.

[0070] In both the pivoted and non-pivoted states of the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50, and with a mechanical connection established between the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50, the present invention preferably ensures that an electrical connection exists between the positive 10 and the negative coupling part 50 by the engagement of the inner end 66 of the contact element 60 with the free end 34 of the conductor element 30. When the connecting structure 22 engages in the coupling socket 52, the free end 34 of the conductor element 30 and the inner end 66 of the contact element 60 meet adjacent to the center point K and are preferably pressed against each other by the preload of the spring 38. This contact between the conductor element 30 and the contact element 60 ensures the electrical connection between the coupling parts 10 and 50.The preferably linear movement of the conductor element 30 under spring preload for this purpose is illustrated by the arrow in Figure 3.

[0071] To support the mechanical contact between the free end 34 and the inner end 66, which ensures the electrical connection between the coupling parts 10, 50, the free end 34 preferably has a convex tip and the inner end 66 preferably has a concave tip.

[0072] The convex tip of the free end 34 particularly utilizes a radius of curvature of 2 mm. The concave tip of the inner end 66 particularly utilizes a radius of curvature of 3 mm. In this context, the free end 34 preferably has an outer diameter of 2 mm and the inner end 66 an outer diameter of 3 mm.

[0073] The centers of the above-mentioned radii of the ends 34 and 66 are preferably located one above the other in the mechanically locked state of the coupling parts 10, 50.

[0074] This ensures that both coupling parts 10 and 50 have approximately the same pivot point. This guarantees electrical contact even with a tolerance compensation of up to 20° with an angular offset a (see above).

[0075] For protection against the external environment (weather), the plug-in coupling has features for sealing the contact point, such as flexible sealing lips, which also hold the connecting structure 22 of the positive coupling part 10 in position.

[0076] 6. List of reference symbols

[0077] 1 electromechanical plug connector

[0078] 10 positive coupling part

[0079] 12 shaft

[0080] 14 Mounting structure

[0081] 16 threaded bolts 20 threaded shaft

[0082] 22 Connection structure

[0083] 23 Outside of the connection structure

[0084] 24 axial opening

[0085] 26 inner canal

[0086] 30 electrical conductor element

[0087] 32 Electrical supply line / connection from outside to the conductor element 30

[0088] 34 free end of the conductor element 30

[0089] 36 radial collars

[0090] 38 spring

[0091] 40 ring clasp

[0092] 50 negative clutch part

[0093] 52 Coupling pan

[0094] 54 landing stage

[0095] 56 Support collars

[0096] 58 Wall of the negative coupling part

[0097] 60 electrically conductive contact element

[0098] 62 free end of the contact element 60

[0099] 64 External thread at the free end 62 of the contact element 60

[0100] 66 inner end of the contact element 60 in the coupling socket 52

[0101] 68 support umbrella

[0102] 90 electrical contact eyelet

[0103] 92 Mother element

[0104] A, B components

[0105] Z electrical supply line

[0106] P electric potential

[0107] G Threaded opening at electrical potential P

[0108] L Central longitudinal axis

[0109] M mother

[0110] K Center

Claims

Patent claims 1. A positive coupling part (10) of an electromechanical plug-in coupling (1), which can be detachably locked into a negative coupling part (40) so that a positive locking and an electrical connection can be established between the positive (10) and the negative coupling part (40), the positive coupling part (10) has the following features: a. a shaft (12) with a fastening structure (14) at a first axial shaft end, with which the coupling part (10) can be rigidly fastened to a component (A), and with a connecting structure (22) at a second axial shaft end, with which a detachable positive locking connection to the negative coupling part (50) can be established, b.an electrical conducting element (30) arranged centrally in the shaft (12), which extends between the first and the second axial shaft end and which has a contact end (34) which is arranged adjacent to the second first axial shaft end and recessed in the axial direction in the connection structure (22), and c. an electrical connecting end (36) of the electrical conducting element (30) arranged in the shaft (12) is electrically connectable to a conductor adjacent to the first axial shaft end.

2. The positive coupling part (10) according to claim 1, the shaft (12) of which consists of an electrically non-conductive material, which has a central channel (26) in which the electrical conducting element (30) is arranged.

3. The positive coupling part (10) according to claim 2, in which the contact end (34) of the conductor element (30) is pin-shaped and spring-loaded in the direction of the connecting structure (22).

4. The positive coupling part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting structure (22) is spherically shaped and has an axial end-side transmission opening (24) for a torque in which the contact end (34) is arranged axially recessed.

5. The positive coupling part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a threaded foot (20) made of metal at the first axial shaft end, which is electrically connected to the conductor element (30) and with which an electrical contact to the conductor element (30) can be established via a fastening threaded connection.

6. The positive coupling part (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, in which the entire shaft (12) and the fastening structure (22) at the first shaft end are made of plastic and have an external electrical contact (32) which is connected to the conductor element (30) inside the coupling part (10) so that the conductor element (30) can be electrically connected from the outside.

7. A negative coupling part (50) of an electromechanical plug-in coupling (1), in which a positive coupling part (10) can be detachably locked, preferably the positive coupling part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, such that a positive and an electrical connection between the positive (10) and the negative coupling part (50) can be established, the negative coupling part (50) having the following features: a. a concave coupling socket (52) which defines a receiving volume such that a connecting head (22) of a positive coupling part (10) can be received in the receiving volume and detachably locked there in a positive locking manner, b. an electrically conductive contact element (60) which projects into the receiving volume of the coupling socket (52) opposite an inlet opening of the coupling socket (52), such that c.the electrically conductive contact element (60) when inserting a connecting head (22) consisting of electrically non-conductive material and recessed in the axial direction in the connecting head (22) of the positive coupling part (10). an electrical connection can be established between the arranged electrical conductor element (30).

8. The negative coupling part (50) according to claim 7, the electrically conductive contact element (60) of which can be electrically connected to an outside of the coupling socket (52).

9. The negative coupling part (50) according to claim 7 or 8, in which the contact element (60) has a spherical shell-shaped component (68) which is concave in the direction of the inlet opening of the coupling socket (52).

10. The negative coupling part (50) according to claim 9, the contact element (60) of which projects in a pin-like manner beyond the spherical shell-shaped component (68) in the direction of the inlet opening.

11. An electromechanical plug-in coupling (1) with a positive coupling part (10) according to one of claims 1-6 and a negative coupling part (50) according to one of claims 7-10, in which the positive coupling part (10) can be locked into the negative coupling part (50) so that a positive mechanical and an electrical connection between the positive (10) and the negative coupling part (50) can be releasably established.

12. An electromechanical connection comprising a first component in combination with the positive coupling part according to claims 1-6 and a second component in combination with the negative coupling part according to one of claims 7-10, wherein the connection is mechanically producible and non-destructively detachable, while simultaneously establishing or disconnecting an electrical connection between the positive and the negative coupling part.

13. A manufacturing method of a positive coupling part (10) according to at least one of claims 1-6, comprising the following steps: a. Injection molding (A) of a ball stud (10) with an inner channel (26) and an opening (24), preferably a drive opening (24), in a spherical head (22) of the ball stud, which is connected to the channel (26), b. Arranging (B) and securing (C) a spring-loaded contact pin (30) in the channel (26) and c. Providing (D) an electrical contact option to the contact pin (60) on a side of the ball stud (10) away from the head by means of a metallic threaded base (20) or an outwardly extending contact (32).

14. A manufacturing method of a negative coupling part (50) according to at least one of claims 7-10, comprising the following steps: a. Injection molding (S1) of a negative coupling part (50) with a concave coupling socket (52), b. Arranging (S2) and fastening (S3) an electrically conductive contact element (60) in the negative coupling part (50) such that the contact element (60) projects into the coupling socket (52).

Images