Contact-device lock for a contact device of an automation system, and automation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact-device lock (15) for a contact device (45) of an automation system (10), and to an automation system (10), wherein the contact-device lock (15) comprises a housing (105), a locking mechanism (110), and at least one first conforming element (120), wherein the housing (105) comprises at least a first housing part (130) and a second housing part (135) connected to the first housing part (130), wherein the first housing part (130) and the second housing part (135) are connected to one another by means of a housing hinge (140) so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the first housing part (130) and the second housing part (135) enclose a receiving space (60) extending along an axis (55), wherein, in the closed position, the locking mechanism (110) connects the first housing part (130) to the second housing part (135), wherein the first conforming element (120) is secured to a first inner housing surface (180) of the first housing part (130), and wherein, on its radially inner side relative to the first housing surface (180), the first conforming element (120) has a first conforming surface (205) and projects radially inwards into the receiving space (60).

Description

[0001] Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 1

[0002] Description

[0003] Contact device lock for a contact device of an automation system and automation system

[0004] The invention relates to a contact device lock for a contact device of an automation system and an automation system with a contact device lock and an electrical cable for electrically connecting two participants.

[0005] The patent application claims priority over German patent application 102025 112276.8, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0006] From US patent 10,290,977 B2, a locking device for preventing a cable from being disconnected from a connector is known. The locking device has a first ring section for positioning around a first side of the connector and a second ring section for positioning around a second side of the connector. Furthermore, the locking device has a screw configured to selectively fasten the first ring section to the second ring section, thereby forming a tubular ring. Both the first and second ring sections have an inwardly extending projection. The projection on the first ring section is positioned opposite the projection on the second ring section.Both the projection on the first ring section and the projection on the second ring section are designed to be long enough that part of the inwardly projecting projection remains in a gap in the connector, regardless of the movement of the locking device, thus preventing the connector from being pulled out of the locking device. The projection of the first ring section and the projection of the second ring section form a locating ring that positions the locking device captive on the connector. A corresponding groove must be provided on the connector to allow the locating ring to engage with the contact element.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a contact device lock for a contact device of an automation system, which can be mounted on numerous different geometrically shaped external contact devices without requiring the contact device to be geometrically adapted to the contact device lock. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 2

[0008] The object of the invention is to prevent access to the contact device of the automation system by means of the contact device lock, in order in particular to prevent an unwanted release of the contact device.

[0009] This problem is solved by means of a contact device lock according to claim 1 and by means of an automation system according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] It was recognized that an improved contact device lock for a contact device of an automation system can be provided by the contact device lock comprising a housing, a lock, and at least one first contact element. The housing comprises at least one first housing part and a second housing part connected to the first housing part. The first housing part and the second housing part are pivotably connected to each other between a closed and an open position by means of a housing hinge. In the closed position, the first housing part and the second housing part enclose a receiving space extending along an axis. In the closed position, the lock connects the first housing part to the second housing part opposite the housing hinge. The first contact element is attached to a first inner surface of the first housing part.The first conforming element has a first conforming surface radially inside the first housing interior and projects radially inwards into the receiving space.

[0011] This design has the advantage that, when the contact lock is mounted on the contact device, the first contact element can conform to the outer surface of the contact device with its first contact surface, thus forming a mold to the contact device. This results in the first contact element bearing a particularly large area against the contact device. Furthermore, the first contact element can form a first frictional connection on the outer surface of the contact device, which secures the contact lock to the contact device.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first contact element allows the contact device lock to be connected to the contact device – via friction – essentially within defined tolerances, regardless of the design of the outer contour of the contact device. The first contact element can be pressed against the outer surface of the contact device in such a way that Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 3

[0013] The frictional connection is so large that the contact device lock can only be pulled off the contact device with a high longitudinal force along the plug axis.

[0014] In particular, this allows the contact lock to be mounted on different types of contact devices, which differ especially in their external geometric design. The outer diameter can also vary within a certain range depending on the type. In all cases, the frictional engagement ensures a secure hold of the contact lock.

[0015] Furthermore, this design offers the advantage that the contact lock can be formed largely independently of the precise structural design – especially the outer contour – by simply pressing the first conforming element against the outer surface of the contact device. This allows the contact lock to be designed with a particularly simple geometry.

[0016] In particular, the frictional connection can also be generated on a smoothly designed outer surface of the contact device, so that grooves, recesses or protrusions for fastening the contact device lock can be dispensed with.

[0017] Furthermore, the contact lock can be positioned along the length of the contact device, regardless of its length. For example, the contact device can be fully or partially integrated into the contact lock. In both cases, the contact lock is positioned relative to the contact device, particularly a locking mechanism, in such a way that access to the locking mechanism is prevented. This prevents unauthorized or untrained personnel from unlocking the locking mechanism and prevents the contact device from being unintentionally removed.

[0018] Since the first contact element conforms to the outer surface of the contact device and can be shaped accordingly, the contact device lock can be used for numerous contact devices without requiring any geometric adjustments to the lock and / or the contact device itself. This allows for a reduced number of components and ensures compatibility with numerous types of contact devices, enabling mounting on them. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 4

[0019] This effectively prevents the unintentional removal of the contact device from the mating contact device, for example by untrained personnel, especially when used in an automation system, such as in an industrial plant.

[0020] This avoids complicated troubleshooting (for example, in the case of an unintentional disconnection of the contact device). It also prevents failure or malfunction of the automation system. Furthermore, it avoids mechanical and / or electrical damage caused by disconnecting the contact device during operation – for example, due to incorrect loosening or arcing when the contact device is disconnected under electrical load.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the contact device lock has a second contact element. This second contact element is arranged on a second inner surface of the second housing part, opposite the first contact element. The second contact element has a second contact surface on its radial inner side and projects radially inwards into the receiving space. Due to the opposing arrangement of the second contact element, in the assembled state of the automation system, it can contact the outer surface of the contact device opposite the first contact element, forming a second frictional connection. This second frictional connection ensures, in particular, that the contact device lock can be attached to the contact device with exceptional reliability.

[0022] In another embodiment, the first conforming element is partially ring-shaped and extends circumferentially around the axis. In the open position, the first conforming element has a substantially constant material thickness in the radial direction. It is particularly advantageous if, for example, the material thickness of the first conforming element is between 2 mm and 8 mm, so that the conforming element is sufficiently thick to deform and conform. The constant material thickness of the first conforming element makes its manufacture particularly simple and cost-effective. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 5

[0023] The first contact element can be made, for example, from a solid material or a foam material, in particular a closed-cell foam material. Advantageously, the first contact element also extends over at least 40% to 90% of the maximum extent between a first end face and a second end face of the housing. This ensures that the first contact element is particularly wide in the axial direction with respect to the axis and can thus bear against the contact device with a large portion of its first contact surface.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the housing extends along the axis between a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite the first. The first conforming element is spaced apart from the first end face and / or from the second end face. This design ensures that the first conforming element, even in a deformed state, is completely enclosed by the housing on the outside and does not protrude beyond the first and / or the second end face.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the first housing part has a first receptacle for a contact element on its inner surface. The first contact element is attached to a first receiving base of the first receptacle. The first receiving depth of the first contact element receptacle, measured radially along the axis between the first receiving base and the inner surface of the housing, is less than the first element material thickness of the first contact element in the open position of the housing. This ensures that, even when the first contact element is positioned in the first receptacle, its first contact surface projects into the receiving space, thus guaranteeing secure contact between the first contact surface and the corresponding outer surface of the contact element in the closed position of the housing.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the housing comprises a first material with a first Shore hardness, and the first contact element comprises a second material with a second Shore hardness that is lower than the first Shore hardness of the housing. Preferably, the second contact element comprises a third material with a third Shore hardness that is lower than the first Shore hardness.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second conforming elements are identical. The Shore hardness of the second element is specified in Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 6.

[0028] The Shore hardness of the first and second conforming elements is essentially identical. This ensures that essentially only the first and / or the second conforming element is deformed during conforming, thus largely preventing deformation of the housing.

[0029] For example, the first contact element is designed with the second material in such a way that it reversibly and non-destructively returns to its original, semi-ring-shaped form after having already contacted the contact device at least once. This allows the contact device lock to be attached multiple times, even in different axial positions and / or to different contact devices, with the first contact element conforming to each one. This makes the contact device lock reusable.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous if the second Shore hardness is at least a factor of 2 to 100 lower than the first Shore hardness, and / or if the second Shore hardness has a value within the range of 25 to 35 on the Shore A scale. This softer design of the first contact element compared to the housing ensures that the first contact element deforms when closed, thus preventing unwanted deformation of the housing.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the lock comprises a first lock housing part, a locking element, and an engagement element. The engagement element is arranged on the second housing part and extends circumferentially around the axis of the second housing part. The engagement element has a first locking surface on a side facing the second housing part, which is spaced apart from the second housing part. The first lock housing part is arranged on the first housing part and has a receptacle for the locking element. The locking element is rotatably arranged in the receptacle about an axis of rotation between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the unlocking position, the engagement element can be inserted into the locking element.In the locked position, the locking element engages the engagement element section by section, and the first locking surface of the engagement element rests against the locking element. This design has the advantage that, in particular, a screw or other additional element for clamping the first housing part and the second housing part can be dispensed with, so that especially in Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 7.

[0032] In confined spaces, the locking element can be moved between the locked and unlocked positions by simply rotating it, for example, by a quarter or third of a turn around its axis of rotation. This particularly facilitates locking the contact device lock in confined spaces at the contact device.

[0033] Additionally, the locking element can be designed such that when the locking element is rotated into the locking position, the locking element pulls the engagement element towards it, thereby moving the first housing element and the second housing element towards each other.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the locking element has a tool receptacle, the tool receptacle being arranged on a side of the locking element facing away from the receiving area. The tool receptacle is designed to receive a tool, and a torque can be applied via the tool receptacle to rotate the locking element about the axis of rotation between the locked and unlocked positions. It is particularly advantageous if the tool receptacle is designed to receive a commercially available tool, for example, with a Torx or hexagonal profile. The tool receptacle prevents the locking element from being easily rotated into the unlocked position without a tool, thus preventing unauthorized or untrained personnel from unlocking the lock.Furthermore, the installation of the contact device lock is made easier by the use of a standard tool, as a special tool is not required.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the lock has a second lock housing part, the second lock housing part being arranged on the second housing part. The engagement element is arranged at least partially within the second lock housing part. This design has the advantage that the engagement element is protected by the second lock housing part, and mechanical damage, in particular from the contact lock getting caught on the contact device, for example during assembly, can be avoided.

[0036] In another embodiment, the housing hinge is designed as a foil hinge. The housing hinge, the first housing part, and the second housing part are formed in one piece and from the same material. This embodiment is patented by Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 8.

[0037] The advantage is that the housing can be easily manufactured, for example using 3D printing or injection molding.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the first contact element is bonded to the first housing part. Preferably, the first contact element is glued to the first housing part. Alternatively, the first contact element and the first housing part are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. This design has the advantage that other mechanical fasteners are unnecessary and a secure hold of the contact element, particularly along its axial and radial extent, on the housing part is ensured. In particular, the gluing and / or the two-component injection molding prevents the contact element from detaching unintentionally when the contact lock is slid onto the contact device.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the housing comprises at least one of the following primary materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the primary contact element may comprise at least one of the following secondary materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, foam, thermoplastic elastomer, flexible PVC, rubber, synthetic rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.

[0040] An improved automation system can be provided by incorporating a contact device lock and a contact device. The contact device lock is designed as described above. The contact device has an outer surface with an outer contour. The contact device is arranged at least partially within the receiving space. The first housing part presses the first contact element against the outer surface of the contact device with a first contact force, so that the outer surface of the contact device is frictionally connected to the first contact element.

[0041] This design has the advantage that a reliable initial frictional connection is formed between the contact device and the first contact element at the first contact surface, thereby reliably securing the contact device lock to the contact device. The first contact element conforms to the outer surface of the contact device with its first contact surface, resulting in a particularly good and even initial frictional connection. In particular, for example, the Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 9

[0042] Cover the locking or unlocking surfaces of the contact device to prevent unintentional removal of the contact device.

[0043] In a further embodiment, in the closed position, the first contact surface is shaped, at least partially, according to the outer contour of the contact element's outer surface. The first contact element and the outer surface of the contact element additionally form a positive fit. This design has the advantage that, in addition to the initial frictional fit, the positive fit provides a more secure attachment of the contact element to the contact element.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the second housing part presses the second contact element against the outer surface of the contact device with a second contact force, so that the outer surface of the contact device is frictionally connected to the second contact element opposite the first contact element. The second contact surface is shaped essentially according to the outer contour of the outer surface of the contact device, preferably resulting in a positive fit between the second contact element and the outer surface of the contact device. The opposing arrangement of the first and second contact elements ensures that the contact device lock is frictionally and positively locked to the contact device on both sides. Furthermore, the second frictional connection is particularly well formed by the second contact element's conformal fit to the outer surface of the contact device.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of figures. These show:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automation system;

[0047] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the automation system in a partially assembled state;

[0048] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a contact device lock of the automation system shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a closed position;

[0049] Figure 4 shows a sectional view along a section plane AA shown in Figure 3 through the contact device lock shown in Figure 3; Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC

[0050] Figure 5 shows a section B of the contact device lock shown in Figure 3, marked in Figure 3;

[0051] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the contact device lock shown in Figures 3 to 5 in one of many possible open positions;

[0052] Figure 7 shows a section C of the contact device lock shown in Figure 6, marked in Figure 6;

[0053] Figures 8A, 8B show different perspective views of a locking element of a locking device of the contact device lock shown in Figures 3 to 7;

[0054] Figure 9 shows a sectional view along a section plane DD shown in Figure 1 through the automation system;

[0055] Figure 10 shows a sectional view along a section plane EE shown in Figure 1 through the automation system in its fully assembled state; and

[0056] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a procedure for assembling the automation system.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automation system 10.

[0058] The automation system 10 has a contact device lock 15, an electrical cable 20 and a counter contact device 25 of a first participant 30.

[0059] The electrical cable 20 is partially obscured in Figure 1 by the contact device lock 15 and is shown only in sections for clarity. The electrical cable 20 has an electrical conductor 35 which is electrically connected on the side facing away from the first participant 30 to a second participant of the automation system 10 (not shown). Furthermore, the electrical cable 20 has a contact device 45 which is connected to the electrical conductor 35. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 11

[0060] The first participant 30 can, for example, be protected inside a control cabinet 50, with the mating contact device 25 of the first participant 30 being located on the outside of the control cabinet 50. Alternatively, the control cabinet 50 can be omitted and the mating contact device 25 can be located directly on the first participant 30.

[0061] The first participant 30 and / or the second participant can be configured, for example, as a control unit, industrial PC (IPC), in particular a panel PC or an embedded PC, sensor device, actuator, electric machine, drive system, in particular a planar drive system or a linear drive system, and the mating contact device 25 serves for electrical contacting and connecting the first participant 30 with the second participant.

[0062] Both the mating contact device 25 and the contact device 45 extend along an axis 55, which may, for example, also be designed as a plug-in axis. Along the axis 55, the contact device 45 and the mating contact device 25 are, in particular, plugged into one another in an assembly movement, so that the mating contact device 25 and the contact device 45 make mechanical and electrical contact.

[0063] The contact device lock 15 has a housing 105. When the automation system 10 is installed, the housing 105 is closed. The housing 105 encloses a receiving space 60 radially with respect to the axis 55. At least one first section 65 of the contact device 45 engages in the receiving space 60. Additionally, a second section 70 of the mating contact device 25 can be arranged in the receiving space 60.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the automation system 10 without the contact device lock 15.

[0065] The mating contact device 25 of the first participant 30 has a mating contact housing 75, which is mechanically attached, for example, to the control cabinet 50. Radially on its outer side, the mating contact housing 75 can have a first locking receptacle 90, which extends circumferentially with respect to the axis 55.

[0066] The contact device 45 has a contact housing 80 and a locking device 85. The locking device 85 is mounted on one of the mating contact devices 25. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 12

[0067] The contact housing 80 of the contact device 45 is arranged on the side facing the contact device 45. For example, it connects to the locking device 85 in an axial direction with respect to the axis 55.

[0068] The locking device 85 and the locking receptacle 90 can be designed as a bayonet lock. Alternatively, instead of the bayonet lock configuration, the locking device 85 and the associated locking receptacle 90 can also be designed differently. For example, it would also be possible for the locking device 85 and the locking receptacle 90 to be designed as a rotary lock.

[0069] Of course, the locking device 85 and the locking receptacle 90 can also be omitted. The locking device 85 can, for example, have first locking elements arranged on the inside (concealed in Figure 2) which, in the assembled state, engage in the first locking receptacle 90 of the mating contact housing 75.

[0070] To assemble the automation system 10, for example, the contact device 45 is first inserted into the mating contact device 25 along the axis 55. The contact device 45 then electrically contacts the mating contact device 25 with its respective contact element, establishing an electrical connection between an electrical conductor of the electrical line 35 and the first device 30. After the contact device 45 reaches its end position on the mating contact device 25, the locking device 85 is rotated circumferentially about the axis 55, whereby the first locking elements arranged on the inside of the locking device 85 engage in the first locking receptacle 90. The engagement of the first locking elements in the first locking receptacle 90 prevents the contact device 45 from being pulled away from the mating contact device 25 along the axis 55.

[0071] The contact device 45 has an outer contact device surface 95 with an outer contour 100. The contact device surface 95 extends over both the contact housing 80 and the locking device 85. The contact device surface 95 is profiled, particularly on the outside of the locking device 85, to rotate the locking device 85 about the axis for locking or unlocking. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 13

[0072] The outer surface 95 of the contact assembly can be designed differently on the contact housing 80 than on the locking device 85. For example, the contact housing 80 can be designed without the profiling found on the locking device 85. Furthermore, steps, grooves, indentations, or protrusions can be arranged on the locking device 85 and / or on the contact housing 80 to facilitate particularly easy and straightforward mounting of the contact assembly 45.

[0073] To assemble the automation system 10, the contact device 45 is plugged onto the mating contact device 25 and the locking device 85 is locked, thus securing the contact device 45 to the mating contact device 25. The contact device lock 15 is then mounted onto the contact device 45. The contact device lock 15 covers the contact device 45 and blocks unprotected access to it, particularly to the locking device 85.

[0074] The contact device lock 15 can only be removed with a preferably commercially available tool. In particular, the contact device lock 15 is designed in such a way that unlocking / opening the contact device lock 15 without tools is not possible.

[0075] The contact device lock 15 prevents the locking device 85 from unintentionally releasing from the locking receptacle 90. In particular, the contact device lock 15 prevents, for example, release due to vibration and / or release by unauthorized / untrained personnel.

[0076] Because the locking device 85 is blocked from being released by the contact device lock 15, the contact device 45 cannot be pulled off the mating contact device, and the contact device 45 remains in a contact position on the mating contact device. This prevents, in particular, the contact device 45 from being released / pulled off the mating contact device during operation of the automation system 10 by untrained personnel or by vibrations. Specifically, the contact device lock 15 prevents unintentional release in potentially explosive atmospheres (so-called EX zones).

[0077] For example, if the contact device 45 and the mating contact device 25 are designed for the transmission of electrical power, this can lead to arc formation. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 14

[0078] on contact elements of the contact device 45 and the counter-contact device, so that a resulting thermal overload and / or burn-in on the contact device 45 and / or the counter-contact device 25 can be avoided.

[0079] For example, if the contact device 45 and the mating contact device 25 are designed for data transmission, a complex troubleshooting process to find the unintentionally broken connection between contact device 45 and mating contact device 25 can be avoided.

[0080] In summary, the contact device lock can effectively prevent 15 different types of damage in the automation system 10.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the contact device lock 15 of the automation system shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the closed position.

[0082] The contact device lock 15 comprises, in addition to the housing 105, a lock 110 and a contact arrangement 115 with at least one first contact element 120 and preferably a second contact element 125. The first contact element 120 is indicated in Figure 3 by means of dashed lines, since it is hidden in Figure 3 by the first housing part 130.

[0083] In this embodiment, the housing 105 is preferably manufactured in one piece and from a single material, for example, using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process. The housing 105 comprises at least one of the following first materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic, or thermosetting plastic. The first material has a first Shore hardness.

[0084] The housing 105 has a first housing part 130, a second housing part 135 and a housing hinge 140.

[0085] The housing 105 is essentially hollow cylindrical and extends along the axis 55 between a first end face 145 and a second end face 150. The housing 105 can be essentially flat at the first end face 145 and / or at the second end face 150. Both the first end face 145 and the Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 15

[0086] The second end face 150 can, for example, each extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis 55.

[0087] The first housing part 130, for example, is designed in a semi-shell shape and, in the closed position, is essentially semi-ring-shaped around the axis 55. For example, the first housing part 130 extends circumferentially between a first housing circumferential side 155 and a second housing circumferential side 160, which is offset circumferentially around the axis 55.

[0088] The second housing part 135 can be designed essentially symmetrically about the axis 55. For example, in the closed position, the second housing part 135 preferably extends in a semi-circular shape around the axis 55 between a third housing circumferential side 165 and a fourth housing circumferential side 170 arranged circumferentially offset from the third housing circumferential side 165.

[0089] At least on the first end face 145 and / or on the second end face 150, the first housing part 130 extends between the first housing circumferential side 155 and the second housing circumferential side 160 with a substantially constant first housing material thickness d1 in the radial direction. Similarly, between the third housing circumferential side 165 and the fourth housing circumferential side 170, at least on the first end face 145 and / or on the second end face 150, the second housing part 135 extends with a constant first housing material thickness d1 in the circumferential direction.

[0090] The housing joint 140 is arranged circumferentially between the first housing circumference 155 of the first housing part 130 and the third housing circumference 165 of the second housing part 135. The housing joint 140 connects, for example, the first housing part 130 to the second housing part 135. For example, the first housing part 130 and the second housing part 135 can be pivoted away from each other about a pivot axis 175 at the housing joint 140, starting from the closed position shown in Figure 3. The pivot axis 175 can, for example, be arranged parallel to the axis 55.

[0091] The first housing part 130 has a first inner housing surface 180. The second housing part 135 has a second inner housing surface 185. The first and second housing parts 130 and 135, with their first inner housing surface 180 and second inner housing surface 185, radially define the receiving space 60 on their outer sides. The receiving space 60 is open at the first end face 145 and at the second end face 150. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 16

[0092] The first conforming element 120 is, for example, partially ring-shaped and extends over at least 120° in the circumferential direction around the axis 55. In the axial direction, the first conforming element 120 can extend over at least 60%, at least up to and including 90% of a distance between the first end face 145 and the second end face 150 of the housing 105, wherein preferably in the axial direction with respect to the axis 55 the first conforming element 120 is positioned centrally between the first end face 145 and the second end face 150.

[0093] The first conforming element 120 is, for example, attached to the first inner surface 180 of the first housing part 130, preferably bonded to the first housing part 130. The first conforming element 120 is preferably, for example, glued to the first inner surface 180 of the housing. The first conforming element 120 and the first housing part 130 can also be manufactured using a two-component casting process.

[0094] The first conforming element 120 is, by way of example, shorter in the axial direction with respect to the axis 55 and / or in the circumferential direction than the first housing part 130. By way of example, the first conforming element 120 is arranged at a distance from both the first end face 145 and preferably also from the second end face 150. In the circumferential direction, the first conforming element 120 can also be arranged at a distance from the first housing circumferential side 155 and / or from the second housing circumferential side 160.

[0095] The second conforming element 125 is arranged opposite the first conforming element 120. The second conforming element 125 can be identical to the first conforming element 120. The second conforming element 125 is preferably bonded to the second inner surface 185 of the second housing part 135. In particular, the second conforming element 125 can be glued to the second inner surface 185 of the housing. Alternatively, the second conforming element 125 and the second housing part 135 can be manufactured in a two-component casting.

[0096] The second conforming element 125, like the first conforming element 120, is partially ring-shaped around the axis 55 and is, by way of example, shorter in the axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction than the second housing part 135. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 17

[0097] For example, the second conforming element 125 is also arranged axially spaced from the first end face 145 and / or the second end face 150. The second conforming element 125 also has a circumferential offset from the third housing circumferential side 165 and / or the fourth housing circumferential side 170 of the second housing part 135.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a sectional view along a section plane AA shown in Figure 3 through the contact device lock 15 shown in Figure 3.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing joint 140 is designed as a so-called foil joint. Alternatively, other joint variants, such as a hinge or similar, are also conceivable.

[0100] In the design of the housing joint 140 as a foil joint, the housing 105 is thinned in the area of ​​the housing joint 140, so that the housing 105 at the housing joint 140 has a second housing material thickness d2, which is smaller than the first housing material thickness d1 of the first housing part 130 and / or the second housing part 135. In particular, the second housing material thickness d2 can be reduced by a factor of 2 to 10, especially by a factor of 2 to 5, compared to the first housing material thickness d1.

[0101] The first housing part 130 preferably has a first conforming element receptacle 190. The first conforming element receptacle 190 can be formed section by section corresponding to the first conforming element 120. The first housing material thickness d1 can be reduced at the first conforming element receptacle 190.

[0102] The first locating element receptacle 190 has a first receiving base 195. The first receiving base 195 is arranged radially outward with respect to the axis 55 relative to the first inner housing surface 180. Furthermore, the first receiving base 195 is arranged radially inwardly spaced from a first outer circumferential surface 200 of the first housing part 130, such that the first locating element receptacle 190 is formed as a kind of recess in the first housing part 130, wherein the receiving space 60 is preferably closed radially outwardly also in the area of ​​the first locating element receptacle 190.

[0103] The first conforming element 120 of the conforming arrangement 115 is arranged in the first conforming element receptacle 190. Radially on the inside, on the side facing the receptacle 60. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 18

[0104] On the facing side, the first conforming element 120 has a first conforming surface 205.

[0105] The first conforming element 120 has at least one of the following second materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, foam, thermoplastic elastomer, soft PVC, rubber, synthetic rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber.

[0106] The first conforming element 120 can, for example, be made of a solid material or a foam material. In particular, the first conforming element 120 can, for example, have a closed-pore material.

[0107] The second material of the first conforming element 120, for example, has a second Shore hardness. The second Shore hardness is lower than the first Shore hardness of the housing 105, so that the first conforming element 120 is softer and more ductile than the housing 105. Preferably, the second material is selected such that the second Shore hardness is lower than the first Shore hardness of the first material of the housing 105 by a factor of 2 to 100, inclusive.

[0108] The first conforming element 120 has a first element material thickness m1, wherein the first element material thickness m1 is greater than a first radial distance between the first housing inner surface 180 and the first receiving base 195. It is particularly advantageous if, for example, the first element material thickness m1 of the first conforming element 120 is, for example, 2 mm to 8 mm inclusive, so that the conforming element is sufficiently thick to deform and conform to the surface. The first conforming element 120 thus projects from the first conforming element receptacle 190 and with its first conforming surface 205 into the receiving space 60.

[0109] The second housing part 135 preferably has a second fitting element receptacle 210 on the second inner housing side 185, opposite the first fitting element 120. The second fitting element receptacle 210 can be shaped section by section corresponding to the second fitting element 125.

[0110] The second locating element receptacle 210 has a second receiving base 215. The second receiving base 215 is arranged radially outward with respect to the axis 55 relative to the second inner housing surface 185. Furthermore, the second receiving base 215 is radially inward relative to a second outer circumferential surface 220 of the second Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 19

[0111] The housing part 135 is arranged at a distance from each other, so that the second conforming element receptacle 210 is formed as a kind of recess in the second housing part 135, wherein the receiving space 60 is preferably closed radially outwards also in the area of ​​the second conforming element receptacle 210.

[0112] The second conforming element receptacle 210 contains the second conforming element 125 of the conforming arrangement 115. Radially on the inside, on the side facing the receiving space 60, the second conforming element 120 has a second conforming surface 225.

[0113] The second conforming element 125 is preferably identical to the first conforming element 120 and therefore preferably has the second element material thickness m2. The second element material thickness m2 is greater than a second radial distance between the second housing inner surface 185 and the second receiving base 215. The second conforming element 125 thus projects with its second conforming surface 225 from the second conforming element receptacle 210 into the receiving space 60.

[0114] The second conforming element 125 comprises at least one of the following third materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, foam, thermoplastic elastomer, soft PVC, rubber, synthetic rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber.

[0115] The third material can be different from the second material; however, it is preferred that the third material be identical to the second material. Furthermore, it is preferred that the first conforming element 120 and the second conforming element 125 are also identical in their geometric extent.

[0116] The second conforming element 125 has a third Shore hardness, wherein the third Shore hardness is lower, preferably by a factor of 2 to 100, than the first Shore hardness of the housing 105 and is preferably substantially identical to the second Shore hardness of the first conforming element 120.

[0117] Figure 5 shows a section B marked in Figure 3 of the contact device lock 15 shown in Figure 3.

[0118] The lock 110 comprises a first lock housing part 230, a locking element 235, an engagement element 240 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 5), and preferably a second lock housing part 245. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 20

[0119] The first lock housing part 230 can be arranged on the first housing part 130 and is preferably formed in one piece and of the same material as the first housing part 130.

[0120] The first lock housing part 230 has a locking element receptacle 250, which extends along a pivot axis 255 from the first outer circumferential side 200 towards the receiving space 60 (hidden in Figure 5). For example, the pivot axis 255 can be inclined, in particular perpendicular, to the axis 55.

[0121] The locking element receptacle 250 extends in a bore-like fashion from the first outer circumferential side 200 towards the receiving space 60 and can open into the receiving space 60. Furthermore, the locking element 235 is rotatable in the locking element receptacle 250 about the axis of rotation 255 between a locking position (shown in Figure 5) and an unlocking position (shown in Figure 6).

[0122] The locking element 235, for example, has a tool holder 260 on the side facing away from the receiving space 60. The tool holder 260 has an internal profile to allow the locking element 235 to be rotated about the axis of rotation 255 between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of a tool inserted into the tool holder 260.

[0123] It is particularly advantageous if the tool holder 260 is designed to accommodate a standard tool, for example, with a Torx or hexagonal profile. This prevents the locking element from being turned into the unlocked position without a tool, thus preventing unauthorized personnel from unlocking the lock 110. Furthermore, the use of a standard tool simplifies the installation of the contact device lock 15, as it eliminates the need for an expensive special tool.

[0124] The first lock housing part 230, for example, extends beyond the second housing circumferential side 160 in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis 55, with a third subsection 265.

[0125] The second lock housing part 245 adjoins the fourth housing circumference 170 of the second housing part 135 in the circumferential direction and can extend from the fourth housing circumference 170 towards the third housing circumference 165 (not shown in Figure 5). Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 21

[0126] On the side facing the first lock housing part 230, the second lock housing part 245 has a lock housing receptacle 270, which is preferably designed to correspond to the third section 265 of the first lock housing part 230. The lock housing receptacle 270 is open on the side facing the first lock housing part 230. In the closed position, as shown in Figure 5, the first lock housing part 230 engages with the lock housing receptacle 270 via the third section 265.

[0127] The lock housing receptacle 270 has a third receiving base 275, which can be aligned parallel to the axis 55. For example, in the closed position of the contact device lock 15, the third subsection 265 is immersed so deeply into the lock housing receptacle 270 that it rests against the third receiving base 275.

[0128] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the contact device lock 15 shown in Figures 3 to 5 in one of the possible open positions.

[0129] In the open position of the contact device lock 15, the locking element 235 of the lock 110 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position about the axis of rotation 255, compared to the closed position. Furthermore, an insertion slot 280 is formed on the side of the first and second housing parts 130, 135 facing away from the housing hinge 140, in particular between the fourth housing circumferential side 170 and the second housing circumferential side 160, wherein the insertion slot 280 extends over the entire axial extent between the first end face 145 and the second end face 150.

[0130] The mounted contact device 45 shown in Figure 2 and, if applicable, the counter-contact device 25 contacted by the contact device 45 can be inserted into the receiving space 60 via the insertion slot 280, or the contact device lock 15 can be slid onto the mounted contact device 45 and, if applicable, the counter-contact device 25.

[0131] Figure 7 shows a section C marked in Figure 6 of the contact device lock 15 shown in Figure 6.

[0132] The engagement element 240 is arranged on the third receiving base 275 and extends circumferentially with respect to the axis 55 from the third receiving base 275 towards the first lock housing part 230. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 22

[0133] The engagement element 240, for example, has a T-shaped base. For example, a plate-shaped first engagement section 285 adjoins the third receiving base 275. The first engagement section 285 extends tangentially to a circular path around the axis 55 in the direction of the locking element 235.

[0134] On a side facing away from the third receiving base 275, a second engagement section 290 adjoins the first engagement section 285. The second engagement section 290 can, for example, be arc-shaped and has a first locking surface 295 on a side facing away from the locking element 235. The first locking surface is, by way of example, convex with respect to the third receiving base 275.

[0135] In the axial direction, each end of the second engagement section 290 is spaced apart from a contour of the lock housing receptacle 270.

[0136] Figures 8A and 8B show various enlarged perspective views of the locking element 235 of the locking device 85 of the contact device lock 15 shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0137] The locking element 235 has a second locking receptacle 300 with a first locking section 305 and a second locking section 310, wherein in the first locking section 305, the first locking section 305 is wider in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 255 than the second locking section 310. On its inner side, the second locking section 310 has a second locking surface 315, which, with increasing distance, preferably starting from the first locking section 305 towards a side facing away from the first locking section in the circumferential direction of the second locking section, has a smaller radius to the axis of rotation 255.

[0138] Preferably, in the axial direction, the first locking section 305 is wider than the second engagement section 290. The second locking section 310 is, in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 255, narrower than the second engagement section 290 and wider than the first engagement section 285.

[0139] In the unlocked position, the locking element 235 is rotated relative to the second engagement section 290 such that the second engagement section 290 is aligned with Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 23

[0140] is arranged in the first locking section 305 or in the first locking section 305.

[0141] Figure 9 shows a sectional view along a section plane DD shown in Figure 1 through the automation system 10.

[0142] The sectioning plane DD is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 255 and parallel to the axis 55. In other words, the axis of rotation 255 can be aligned with a normal vector of the sectioning plane DD. For clarity, all internal components of the contact device 45 and the mating contact device 25 are not shown.

[0143] The contact device 45 is arranged in the receiving space 60, wherein, in the axial direction with respect to the axis 55, the contact device lock 15 is positioned on the contact device 45 such that the contact device lock 15 covers at least the circumference of the locking device 85 in the first subsection 65, in particular at the locking device 85. Furthermore, the first end face 145 of the contact device lock 15 can be pushed onto the contact device 45 so far in the direction of the control cabinet 50 and / or the mating contact device 25 that at least with the second subsection 70, the contact device lock 15 surrounds the mating contact device 25 circumferentially and the mating contact device 25 is partially arranged in the receiving space 60.

[0144] The automation system 10 is shown in Figure 9 in a fully assembled state, such that the lock 110 is engaged and the locking element 235 is in the locked position, and the housing 105 is also in the closed position (not shown in Figure 9). For example, the lock 110 pulls the housing 105 together in such a way that the first housing part 130 exerts a first contact force FP1 on the first contact element 120 from radially outside to radially inside with respect to the axis 55. Similarly, the second housing part 135 exerts a second contact force FP2 on the second contact element 125 from radially outside to radially inside with respect to the axis 55.

[0145] The first contact force FP1 presses the soft first contact element 120 against the outer surface 95 of the contact device. In doing so, the first contact force FP1 deforms the first contact element 120 at the first contact surface 205, for example, such that the first contact element 120 at the first contact surface 205 at least [Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 24]

[0146] The outer contour 100 of the contact device outer side 95 is assumed section by section and thus conforms to the outer contour 100.

[0147] Ideally, the first contact element 120 can bear against the outer contact surface 95 of the locking device 85 and the contact housing 80. Alternatively, the first contact element 120 can also bear only against the outer contact surface 95 of the contact housing 80, so that the first contact surface 205 is arranged radially spaced from the outer contact surface of the locking device 85. The opposite case is also possible, in which the first contact element 120 bears against the outer contact surface 95 of the locking device, so that the first contact surface 205 is arranged radially spaced from the outer contact surface of the contact housing 80.

[0148] For example, the second Shore hardness and the significantly softer design of the first contact element 120 ensure that deformation occurs primarily in the area of ​​the first contact element 120 when the first contact force FP1 is applied, and that the first housing part 130 essentially retains its shape. With the first contact force FP1, the first contact element 120 acts on the outer surface 95 of the contact device, which provides a first counterforce FG1 directed opposite to the first contact force FP1. Furthermore, the contact device 45 is stiffer and harder than the first contact element 120 on the outer surface 95 of the contact device.

[0149] This creates a first frictional connection between the first conforming surface 205 of the first conforming element 120 and the outer surface 95 of the contact device, whereby the contact device lock 15 is firmly connected to the contact device 45 both circumferentially and axially with respect to the axis 55.

[0150] Opposite the first contact element 120, the second contact element 125 is pressed against the outer surface 95 of the contact device by the second contact force FP2. The contact device 45 provides a second counterforce FG2 on the outer surface 95 of the contact device, acting in the opposite direction to the second contact force FP2. Furthermore, the contact device 45 is stiffer and harder than the second contact element 125 on the outer surface 95 of the contact device.

[0151] Ideally, the second conforming element 125 can be offset on the outer side 95 of the contact device 85 of the locking device 85 and the contact housing 80. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 25

[0152] The first contact element 120 rests against the contact assembly. Alternatively, the second contact element 125 can rest only against the outer contact surface 95 of the contact housing 80, so that the second contact surface 205 is arranged radially spaced from the outer contact surface of the locking device 85. The opposite case is also possible, such that the first contact element 120 rests against the outer contact surface 95 of the locking device, so that the first contact surface 205 is arranged radially spaced from the outer contact surface of the contact housing 80.

[0153] For example, at the second contact surface 225, the second contact element 125 is deformed by the second contact force FP2 and the second counterforce FG2 such that the second contact element 125 essentially conforms to the outer surface 95 of the contact device with the outer contour 100 and assumes the shape of the outer surface 95 of the contact device, at least in sections. In this process, the second contact element 125 conforms to the outer contour 100 of the outer surface 95 of the contact device at the second contact surface 225. Although the first contact element 120 is designed to be soft due to the second Shore hardness, a first positive fit is also formed by conforming to the first contact surface 205 and the outer contour 100 of the outer surface 95 of the contact device.

[0154] For example, the third Shore hardness and the significantly softer design of the second contact element 125, compared to the second housing part 135 and the outer surface of the contact device 95, as with the first contact element 120, ensure that deformation occurs essentially in the area of ​​the second contact element 125 on the second contact surface 225, and that the second housing part 135 and the contact device 45 essentially retain their shape. Uniform deformation of the first and second contact elements 120, 125 can be ensured if the second Shore hardness of the first contact element 120 and the third Shore hardness of the second contact element 125 are essentially identical.

[0155] On the second contact surface 225, the second contact element 125 forms a second frictional connection with the outer contact surface 95 of the contact device 45, offset circumferentially from the first contact element 120, so that the second contact element 125 also ensures a secure connection between the contact device lock 15 and the contact device 45. Additionally, a second positive connection is formed by the contact surface 225 aligning with the outer contour 100 of the outer contact surface 95. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 26

[0156] The opposing arrangement of the first contact element 120 and the second contact element 125 ensures a symmetrical arrangement of the contact device 45 in the receiving space 60. Furthermore, this prevents the first frictional connection and / or the second frictional connection from being negated by radial play in the receiving space 60, since the soft design of the first contact element 120 and / or the second contact element 125 compensates for tolerances within the receiving space 60 relative to the contact device 45 and ensures reliable contact between the first contact surface 205 and / or the second contact surface 225 and the outer surface 95 of the contact device.

[0157] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first and / or second contact element 120, 125 ensures that the contact device lock is frictionally connected to the contact device 45, essentially within defined tolerances and independent of the design of the outer contour of the contact device's outer surface 95. In particular, this allows the contact device lock to be mounted on different types of contact devices 45, which differ especially in their length. The outer diameter can also vary within a certain range for the different types.This is compensated for in particular by the soft design of the first and / or second conforming element 120, 125, such that, for example, in the case of a contact device 45 with a first outer diameter that is smaller than a second outer diameter of another contact device, the first conforming element 120 and / or the second conforming element 125 is deformed less than in the case of the other contact device 45 with the second outer diameter.

[0158] In particular, the first frictional connection and / or the second frictional connection can also be formed on a smooth outer surface of the contact element. Grooves, recesses, and / or protrusions are not necessary for the first and / or second frictional connection.

[0159] Furthermore, the contact device lock 15 is independent of the length of the contact device 45 along the axis 55, but advantageously the contact device lock radially overlaps at least the locking device 85. This prevents access to the locking device 85 past the contact device lock 15, and the locking device 85 cannot be unlocked by unauthorized personnel. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 27

[0160] It is particularly advantageous if the first contact element 120 and the second contact element 125 bear against both the outer surface 95 of the locking device and the contact housing 80, and the locking device 85 is frictionally connected to the contact housing 80 circumferentially via the contact device lock. This prevents vibration-induced twisting and loosening of the locking device 85 through its connection to the contact housing 80 via the contact device lock.

[0161] The first positive locking and the second positive locking secure the contact device lock 15 to the contact device 45 in addition to the first friction locking and the second friction locking.

[0162] Figure 10 shows a sectional view along a section plane EE shown in Figure 1 through the automation system 10 shown in Figure 1 in its fully assembled state.

[0163] In its fully assembled state, the lock 110, for example, is closed and locked. For this purpose, the locking element 235 is rotated in the locked position about the axis of rotation 255, so that the second engagement section 290 is arranged radially inside the second locking section 310 with respect to the axis of rotation 255. The first locking surface 295 and the second locking surface 315 are in contact with each other. The first engagement section 285 is aligned with the second locking section 310. The first engagement section 285 extends through the second locking receptacle 300 on the second locking section 310, and the first locking section 290 is completely seated within the second locking receptacle 300.

[0164] Due to the configuration of the second locking surface 315 described in Figures 8A and 8B, the locking element 235 pulls the engagement element 240 towards it so that the insertion gap 280 (shown in Figure 6) is substantially closed. The insertion gap 280 can be completely closed, so that the first housing part 130 abuts the fourth housing side 170 of the second housing part 135 on the second housing side 160 (see Figure 9). The insertion gap 280 is also closed when the first housing part 130 is positioned a short distance from the fourth housing side 170 of the second housing part 135 on the second housing side 160.

[0165] For example, it can be clearly seen in Figure 10 that the first housing part 130 acts radially in the circumferential direction over its entire extent with the first contact force FP1 on the first snug element 120 and also with the first Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 28

[0166] The contact force FP1 presses the first contact element 120 against the outer surface 95 of the contact device. This establishes the first frictional connection over a large circumferential area. Furthermore, the soft design of the first contact element 120 ensures reliable contact of the first contact element 120 against the contact device 45, even with different configurations of the contact device 45.

[0167] The second contact force FP2 acts opposite to the first contact force FP1, radially outwards and inwards on the second contact element 125, thereby automatically centering the contact device lock 15 relative to the contact device 45 essentially on the axis 55. Furthermore, force compensation between the first contact force FP1 and the second contact force FP2 is provided within the automation system 10 at the contact device lock 15, so that the two contact elements 120, 125 are pressed against the contact device 45 essentially identically, and over-pressing of either contact element 120, 125 is prevented.

[0168] In a further development of the contact device lock 15 shown in Figures 1 to 10, the first contact element 120 on the first contact surface 205 and / or the second contact element 125 on the second contact surface 225 can also be stepped and / or corresponding to the outer surface 95 of the contact device. The first contact surface 205 can also be designed such that the first contact force FP1 acts identically on both the locking device 85 and the contact housing 80. Similarly, the second contact element 125 on the second contact surface can also be designed such that the second contact force FP2 is identical on both the locking device 85 and the contact housing 80.

[0169] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a procedure for assembling the automation system 10.

[0170] In a first assembly step 405, the contact device lock 15, the electrical cable 20, and the mating contact device 25 are provided. For example, the mating contact device 25 is already attached to the control cabinet 50 and electrically connected to the first device 30. The electrical cable 20 is electrically connected to the second device on the side facing away from the contact device 45. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 29

[0171] In a second assembly step 410, the contact device 45 is mounted along the axis 55 on the mating contact device 25, for example by plugging it on, and if necessary secured by the locking device 85 on the mating contact device 25.

[0172] In a third assembly step 415 (see Figure 6), if necessary, the locking element 235 is rotated into the unlocking position about the axis of rotation 255 and the first housing part 130 and the second housing part 135 are pivoted away from each other about the pivot axis 170, so that on the side opposite the housing joint 140 the insertion gap 280 is widened to such an extent that the insertion gap 280 is wider than a maximum radial extent of the contact device 45.

[0173] In a fourth assembly step 420 following the third assembly step 415, the contact device lock 15 is placed laterally next to the contact device 45 and radially inserted onto the contact device 45 via the insertion slot 280, so that the contact device 45 is arranged in the receiving space 60. For example, in the axial direction, the contact device lock 15 is positioned on the contact device 45 such that the contact device lock 15 circumferentially surrounds the locking device 85.

[0174] Alternatively, the contact device lock 15 can be positioned laterally on the electrical cable 20, with the electrical cable 20 guided through the insertion slot 280. The contact device lock 15 can then be slid along the electrical cable 20 onto the contact device 45 and the mating contact device 25. This allows the insertion slot 280 to be narrower in the circumferential direction than described above, and therefore the contact device lock 15 does not need to be swung open as far.

[0175] In a fifth assembly step 425 following the fourth assembly step 420, the first housing part 130 and the second housing part 135 are pivoted from the open position towards the closed position. Furthermore, the engagement element 240 is inserted into the locking element 235.

[0176] In a sixth assembly step 430 (see Figure 1) following the fifth assembly step 425, a tool (not shown in Figure 1), in particular a commercially available tool designed to correspond to the tool holder 260, is inserted into the tool holder 260 and the locking element 235 is rotated into the locking position. In this embodiment, for example, the locking element 235 is rotated by one-third of a turn, i.e., for example, Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 30

[0177] by a 90° to 120° rotation, from the unlocked position to the locked position about the axis of rotation 255. In particular, a torque can be applied with the tool about the axis of rotation 255 to rotate the locking element 235.

[0178] For example, the second engagement section 290 (see Figure 10) engages behind the second locking section 310 and rests with its first locking surface 295 against the second locking surface 315. As the rotation increases, the second locking surface 315 is positioned closer to the axis of rotation 255. When the locking element 235 is rotated, the engagement element 240 is drawn towards or into the locking element 235 by the torque, so that the first and second housing parts 130, 135 are also drawn together on the side opposite the housing hinge 140. This drawing action further closes the insertion gap 280. In particular, the first housing part 130 and the second housing part 135 can be pulled together so that the insertion gap 280 is completely closed and the second housing circumference side 160 rests against the fourth housing circumference side 170.

[0179] In this process, the first contact force FP1 and the second contact force FP2 are generated, and the first contact element 120 is pressed against the outer surface 95 of the contact device by the contact force FP1 in such a way that the first contact surface 205 conforms to it and deforms. Furthermore, for example, both the first frictional connection and preferably also the first positive connection are formed between the outer surface 95 of the contact device and the first contact element 120.

[0180] To prevent mechanical overload of the contact device lock 15, a torque wrench can be used, for example, to ensure that the locking element 235 is tightened only with a maximum permissible tightening torque and that the locking element 235 is not overtightened.

[0181] Similarly, the second contact element 125 is pressed against and deformed by the second contact force FP2 against the outer surface 95 of the contact device. For example, the second contact element 125 conforms to the outer surface 95 of the contact device at the second contact surface 225. This creates both a second frictional connection and, preferably, a second positive connection between the outer surface 95 of the contact device and the contact element. (Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 31)

[0182] It is particularly advantageous if, for example, the first element material thickness m1 of the first conforming element 120 and / or the second element material thickness m2 of the second conforming element 120 is, for example, inclusive of 2 mm up to and including 8 mm, so that the first conforming element 120 and / or the second conforming element 125 is sufficiently thick to be able to deform and conform without the first conforming element 120 and / or the second conforming element 125 being overpressed.

[0183] In a seventh assembly step 435 following the sixth assembly step 430, the tool is withdrawn from the tool holder 260 along the rotary axis 255 and the assembly of the automation system 10 is completed.

[0184] The above-described design of the automation system 10 has the advantage that the soft design of the first snug element 120 with the second Shore hardness and / or the second snug element 125 with the third Shore hardness enables a secure fit and fastening of the contact device lock 15 to differently geometrically designed contact devices 45, without the need to provide geometric means, for example a groove, on the contact device 45.

[0185] In particular, the contact device lock 15 can also be attached to a contact device 45 whose outer contour 100 is essentially smooth. Here, the contact device lock 15 is fixed to the contact device 45 by the first frictional engagement on the first contact element 120 and the second frictional engagement on the second contact element 125.

[0186] Furthermore, by means of a correspondingly geometrically thick design of the snug element 120, 125 with the first element material thickness m1 and / or the second element material thickness m2, different contact devices 45 with different geometric designs and / or radial maximum extension can be enclosed by the same contact device lock 15 and protected from unintentional removal from the counter contact device 25.

[0187] Furthermore, the contact device lock 15 can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively from just a few components. Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC

[0188] 32

[0189] Reference symbol list

[0190] 10 Automation systems

[0191] 15 Contact device lock

[0192] 20 electrical cables

[0193] 25 Counter-contact device

[0194] 30 first participants

[0195] 35 electrical line

[0196] 45 Contact device

[0197] 50 control cabinet

[0198] 55 axle (threaded axle)

[0199] 60 Recording Room

[0200] 65 first subsection

[0201] 70 second subsection

[0202] 75 Counter contact housings

[0203] 80 Contact housings (of the contact device)

[0204] 85 Locking device

[0205] 90 first locking receptacle

[0206] 95 Contact device exterior

[0207] 100 Outer contour

[0208] 105 cases

[0209] 110 Castle

[0210] 115 Close-fitting arrangement

[0211] 120 first snug-fitting element

[0212] 125 second snug-fitting element

[0213] 130 first housing part

[0214] 135 second housing part

[0215] 140 Housing joint

[0216] 145 first front

[0217] 150 second front

[0218] 155 first case circumference page

[0219] 160 second side of the case circumference

[0220] 165 third case circumference side

[0221] 170 fourth case circumference page

[0222] 175 Swivel axis

[0223] 180 First inner side of housing (of the first housing part) 185 Second inner side of housing (of the second housing part) Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC

[0224] 190 First mounting of the conforming element (in the first housing part) 195 First mounting reason

[0225] 200 first outer perimeter side

[0226] 205 first snuggling surface

[0227] 210 Second conforming element receptacle (in the second housing part) 215 Second receptacle base

[0228] 220 second outer circumferential side

[0229] 225 second snug-fitting surface

[0230] 230 first lock housing part

[0231] 235 Locking element

[0232] 240 intervention element

[0233] 245 second lock housing part

[0234] 250 locking element holder

[0235] 255 axis of rotation

[0236] 260 tool holder

[0237] 265 third subsection

[0238] 270 Lock housing mounting

[0239] 275 third reason for admission

[0240] 280 insertion gap

[0241] 285 first intervention phase

[0242] 290 second intervention phase

[0243] 295 first locking surface

[0244] 300 second locking receptacle

[0245] 305 First locking section (of the locking receptacle) 310 Second locking section (of the locking receptacle) 315 Second locking surface

[0246] 405 First assembly step

[0247] 410 second assembly step

[0248] 415 third assembly step

[0249] 420 fourth assembly step

[0250] 425 fifth assembly step

[0251] 430 sixth assembly step

[0252] 435 seventh assembly step

[0253] d1 first housing material thickness

[0254] d2 second housing material thickness

[0255] m1 first element material thickness

[0256] m2 second element material thicknessBeckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC

[0257] 34

[0258] FP1 first contact force FP2 second contact force FG1 first counterforce FG2 second counterforce

Claims

Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 35 Patent claims 1. Contact device lock (15) for a contact device (45) of an automation system (10), wherein the contact device lock (15) comprises a housing (105), a lock (110) and at least one first snug-fitting element (120), wherein the housing (105) comprises at least one first housing part (130), a second housing part (135) connected to the first housing part (130), wherein the first housing part (130) and the second housing part (135) are pivotably connected to each other by means of a housing hinge (140) between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the first housing part (130) and the second housing part (135) enclose a receiving space (60) extending along an axis (55), wherein the lock (110) in the closed position connects the first housing part (130) with the second housing part (135), wherein the first snug-fitting element (120) is attached to a first inner housing surface (180) of the first housing part (130), wherein the first conforming element (120) has a first conforming surface (205) radially inside the first housing inside (180) and projects radially inwards into the receiving space (60).

2. Contact device lock (15) according to claim 1, having a second conforming element (125), wherein the second conforming element (125) is arranged on a second inner housing surface (185) of the second housing part (135) opposite the first conforming element (120), wherein the second conforming element (125) has a second conforming surface (225) on its radial inner side and the second conforming element (125) projects radially inwards into the receiving space (60).

3. Contact device lock (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first conforming element (120) is partially ring-shaped and extends circumferentially around the axis (55), Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 36 wherein the first conforming element (120) in the open position has a first element material thickness (d1) that is essentially constant in the radial direction.

4. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing part (130) has a first snug-fitting element receptacle (190) on the first inner housing side (180), wherein the first conforming element (120) is attached to a first mounting base (195) of the first conforming element mounting (190), wherein the first conforming element (120) with the first conforming surface (205) protrudes from the first conforming element receptacle (190) in a radial direction with respect to the axis (55).

5. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (105) has a first material with a first Shore hardness and the first snug-fitting element (120) has a second material with a second Shore hardness which is less than the first Shore hardness of the housing (105).

6. Contact device lock (15) according to claim 5, where the second Shore hardness is less than the first Shore hardness by at least a factor of 2 inclusive up to and including 100. and / or where the second Shore hardness has a value that lies in a range from 25 inclusive to 35 inclusive of the Shore A scale.

7. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock (110) comprises a first lock housing part (230), a locking element (235) and an engagement element (240), wherein the engagement element (240) is arranged on the second housing part (135) and extends circumferentially around the axis (55) away from the second housing part (135), wherein the engagement element (240) has a first locking surface (295) on a side facing the second housing part (135), which is arranged at a distance from the second housing part (135), wherein the first lock housing part (230) is arranged on the first housing part (130) and has a locking element receptacle (250), Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 37 wherein the locking element (235) is rotatably arranged in the locking element receptacle (250) about an axis of rotation (255) between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein in the unlocking position the engagement element (240) can be inserted into or removed from the locking element (235), wherein in the locking position the locking element (235) engages the engagement element (240) section by section and the first locking surface (295) of the engagement element (240) rests against the locking element (235).

8. Contact device lock (15) according to claim 7, wherein the lock (110) has a second lock housing part (245), wherein the second lock housing part (245) is arranged on the second housing part (135), wherein the engagement element (240) is arranged at least partially in the second lock housing part (245).

9. Contact device lock (15) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking element (245) has a tool holder (260), wherein the tool holder (260) is arranged on a side of the locking element (245) facing away from the receiving space (60), wherein the tool holder (260) is designed to receive a tool, wherein a torque can be applied via the tool holder (260) to rotate the locking element (245) about the axis of rotation (255) between the locking position and the unlocking position.

10. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing hinge (140) is designed as a foil hinge, wherein the housing hinge (140), the first housing part (130) and the second housing part (135) are formed in one piece and of the same material from the first material.

11. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 38 wherein the first snug-fitting element (120) is materially bonded to the first housing part (130), wherein preferably the first conforming element (120) is glued to the first housing part (130), or wherein the first conforming element (120) and the first housing part (130) are manufactured in a two-component injection molding process.

12. Contact device lock (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (105) comprises at least one of the following first materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, and / or wherein the first conforming element comprises at least one of the following second materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, foam, thermoplastic elastomer, soft PVC, rubber, synthetic rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber.

13. Automation system (10) comprising a contact device lock (15) and a contact device (45), wherein the contact device lock (15) is designed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact device (45) has a contact device outer surface (95) with an outer contour (100), wherein the contact device (45) is arranged at least sectionally in the receiving space (60), wherein the first housing part (130) presses the first snug element (120) against the contact device outer surface (95) with a first contact force (FP1), so that the contact device outer surface (100) is frictionally connected to the first snug element (120).

14. Automation system according to claim 13, wherein the first snug element (120) is snug against the outer surface (95) of the contact device with the first snug surface (205), so that in the closed position the first snug surface (205) at least Beckhoff Automation GmbH BIE 19.325-PC 39 is shaped section by section according to the outer contour (100) of the contact device outer surface (95).

15. Automation system according to claim 13 or 14, - wherein the contact device lock (15) is designed according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the second housing part (135) presses the second snug element (125) against the contact device outer surface (95) with a second contact force (FP2), so that the contact device outer surface (100) is frictionally connected to the second snug element (125) opposite the first snug element (120), wherein the second conforming surface (225) is shaped essentially according to the outer contour (100) of the contact device outer surface (95).

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