ES2300764T3 - COUPLING DEVICE FOR APPLIANCES WITH CONNECTION ELEMENTS THAT CAN ROTATE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling device for coupling a connecting drive element (4) that can rotate of a first device (1) with a driven connection element (6) that can rotate of a second device (2), the axes being spaced apart from each other of rotation (8, 9) of the two connecting elements (4, 6) in parallel with each other and the connecting elements (4, 6) are offset from each other in axial direction of the rotation axes (8, 9) and a drive in the same direction of the connecting elements is provided from a first position to a second position, with a transmission element (11), characterized by three rigid coupling elements (12, 13, 14) in relation thereto , in which * a first coupling element (12) can be coupled as a coupling drive element such that it can rotate with the connection drive element (4), * a second coupling element (13) can be coupled as a coupling element action coupling Adopted with the driven connection element (6), and * a third coupling element (14) can slide as a transmission coupling element along a guide track (17).

Description

Coupling device for devices with connection elements that can rotate.

The invention relates to a device of coupling for devices with connection elements that can rotate, in particular for aligned mounting devices recessed

A device for recessed aligned mounting that it can be fixed under pressure on a mounting strip with a connecting element that can rotate, also called crutch of connection, it is known for example from document DE 197 24 945 A1. For a device for recessed aligned mounting, it can be provided optionally a drive by a drive to distance. A remote drive for a power switch protection is known for example from document DE 37 10 520 A1, in which both the remote drive and the protection switch are configured as devices for recessed aligned mounting and feature respective elements of connection that can rotate, also called handles. For him coupling of both connection elements is provided an element of drag that unites them. Such a coupling assumes that the connecting elements can rotate around an axis of rotation common geometric

The invention has the basic task of indicating a constructively simple and constituted coupling device  such that it takes up little space for devices with connection elements that can rotate, being able to rotate the connection elements to couple around parallel and spaced axes of rotation between yes.

This task is solved within the framework of the invention by means of a coupling device with the characteristics of claim 1. The device of coupling serves for the coupling of an element of connection drive that can rotate from a first device with an actuated connection element of a second apparatus. The concepts "connection drive element" and "element powered connection "have been chosen to differentiate colloquially between both connection elements and do not imply necessarily an indication of function. Each connection element can rotate from a first position, in particular a position OFF disconnection, up to a second position, in particular a CON position of connection, usually with an angle of drive less than 180º. In this regard the axes of rotation or of tilting are distanced from each other and are parallel and the connection elements are offset in axial direction of the shafts rotation. For mechanical coupling of the connection elements a transmission element is provided, which as a whole is rigid and It has three coupling elements:

A first coupling element, called drive coupling element can be coupled with the first connecting element by means of a rotation joint or tilt The drive coupling element presents preferably a coupling shaft, which when drives the connecting drive element can move on a circular arc The first coupling element can be simply configured as a socket, in which a drive rod can be accommodated, which at the same time can join with the connection drive element.

As the second coupling element is provided an actuated coupling element, which can be coupled with the second connecting element, preferably by means of a sliding surface. While the axis distance from coupling of the first coupling element to the axis of rotation of the connection drive element is constant, the distance between the sliding surface of the second element of coupling and the axis of rotation of the driven connection element is variable.

As the third coupling element is provided a transmission coupling element, which can slide along a guideway. The guideway can be then well part of one of the devices to be coupled, in particular of the device with the connection element activated, or be part of the coupling device.

The coupling device is constituted so in a particularly compact way, no being necessary another transmission element between the devices to be coupled.

According to an advantageous improvement, it presents the coupling device an elastic element, which is supported such that it can rotate in the transmission element. For it the transmission element has an elastic support element preferably arranged between the coupling element of drive and transmission coupling element, in the which is attached one side of the elastic element. The other side of elastic element can rest on a fixed support point in relationship with the axes of rotation of the connection elements, in particular in the housing of the second device containing the connection element activated. The elastic element serves as force accumulator, which during the connection process absorbs energy and emits it. Advantageously when turning the element of connection drive from the first position to the second position the elastic element is first tensioned and before If it reaches the second position, it is distended. This setting is especially advantageous along with a transformation relationship variable for the coupling device. When operating the connection element actuated in the second device closes a electrical contact, then contact closure must be performed as quickly as possible. This is achieved by moving instantly. of the contact closure the connection element operated with a relatively high angular velocity. In this regard, we start from that the connection drive element, which for example is Motor driven, generally rotates with a speed of constant drive When the element moves connection drive from the off position (OFF) in address to connection position (CON), first of all a relatively slow movement of the actuated connection element. During this phase of slow movement the elastic element is tensioned. Once the maximum tension of the element has been reached elastic, it keeps turning with a transformation relationship now modified the actuated connection element relatively quickly. During this second phase of rapid movement, close the contact in the second device. The fast movement of the connecting shaft driven is then supported by the strain of the element elastic.

To perform the movement sequence described, advantageously presents the guideway several areas curved In this regard, the direction of curvature of the guideway is corresponds in a first zone of curvature with the curvature of a circle in which the axis of rotation of the element of connection activated. A second zone of curvature that follows continuation of the first zone of curvature presents the curvature contrary. The first zone of curvature, which is associated with initial, relatively slow movement of the connecting element driven, is oriented towards the first position, in particular the off position (OFF), and has a radius of curvature which is greater than a radius of curvature of the second zone of curvature. Within both areas of curvature the radius may vary of curvature In this regard, the radius of curvature of the first zone of curvature from the first position in direction He was in second position. The second zone of curvature follows, in the direction of the second position, optionally, an area of linear driving not curved. In this area the angular velocity of the actuated connection element is lower again, once the contact arranged if necessary in the second device is already closed.

While for the transmission of force of the connection drive element to the connection element activated, during the connection process from the first to the second position, in particular during the connection process, an action of the sliding surface of the coupling element actuated on the second element of connection, is provided in the reverse connection direction, that is, when the connecting drive element is operated from the second position to the first position, advantageously the performance of the elastic element on the second element of connection, that is, the activated connection element. Because This double function of the elastic element, the device coupling is specially constituted to save material. In a particularly simple way this can be done double function of the elastic element when it has a basic form of L, presenting the activated connection element a drive lever that in the second position is supported by less approximately in one of the arms of the element L elastic.

Whenever you want the element of connection drive can be rotated during the process of disconnection first without coupling with the element of powered connection, i.e. present a free angle, can perform this function by the type of element support elastic. The elastic element is preferably supported such that it can slide on the transmission element, for example by a tongue

The coupling device presents, according to a preferential improvement, a framework, on which it is supported the transmission element such that it can move. This frame is preferably arranged on the second apparatus, that is, the device whose connection element is generally operated with help of the first device. The guideway for the transmission element Coupling is advantageously formed by the frame. further the frame advantageously presents a drive guideway in the form of a circular arc, along which it can move the drive coupling element that can rotate with the connection drive element. Advantageously they are arranged in each case two guideways for the element of transmission coupling and drive guide tracks for the symmetric coupling drive element on two sides frame lengths. The actuated coupling element is driven on the contrary like the elastic element between the longitudinal sides of the frame. On the frame is advantageously a cover cap, which can also constitute a part of the guideway for the coupling element of transmission, as well as the drive guide path.

The transition element presents in section, that is, in the direction of observation, along the axes of rotation of the connecting elements, preferably a basic shape triangular, the coupling elements being arranged, when less approximately, at the vertices of the triangle. While the drive coupling element as well as the element transmission coupling, preferably are configured shaped like a bushing or rod, the coupling element driven is preferably shaped as a tongue of drive It joins inside the frame uprights that can sliding from the transmission element, being able to fit the connection element actuated between the uprights. The surface of sliding of the interacting actuated coupling element with the connection element activated, it is configured preferably such that the foothold that is intended for the Support of the activated connection element, when the connecting drive element from the first position until the second position, it progressively moves away from the axis of coupling Through this shift of the support point on the sliding surface is modified before described of the transformation relationship in the movement of the transmission element The actuated coupling element is positioned in relation to a connecting line between the element of drive coupling and coupling element of transmission preferably such that a surface mediatrix essentially flat sliding cuts the joint line and / or at less approximately the coupling element of transmission.

The frame of the coupling device is preferably provided for mechanical connection with the first contiguous element, which presents the drive element of connection, laterally offset, that is, in the axial direction of the axes of rotation. For this, the framework presents at least one element of union by abrupt closing. Advantageously at least a positive abrupt closure element, that is, an element of raised abrupt closure and at least one abrupt closure element negative, that is, an abrupt closure element configured as recess or cavity. Through the set of joining elements by abrupt closure, the frame can be joined stably, in particularly safely against the turn, with the first apparatus.

The advantage of the invention resides in particular in which two connection elements can be coupled with different pivot axes, establishing a transformation relationship variable and the link does not need any additional space in the transverse direction of the devices to be joined, that is, in the direction of the axes of rotation.

Next, a more detailed description will be described. Exemplary embodiment of the invention based on a drawing. There show:

Figures 1 to 7 in section representation simplified, a coupling element of two devices represented in detail during the connection process,

figure 8 the coupling element in  a representation analogous to that of figures 1 to 7, in the disconnection process,

figure 9 in a representation in perspective, the coupling element with a hood of top,

figure 10 the coupling element without cap cap,

Figure 11 the coupling element with a joint element by abrupt closure,

Figure 12 the coupling element with connecting element by abrupt closure and cap cover,

figure 13 the cap cap,

figure 14 an elastic element of the device coupling

figure 15 the transmission element of the coupling device,

figure 16 a frame of the device coupling and

figure 17 in a diagram the relationship between the drive speed of a coupling element  of drive and an actuated coupling element of the coupling device

The parts that correspond to each other are equipped with all the figures of the same references.

The operation of a device coupling 3 intended to couple a first device 1 with a second apparatus 2 will be described below based on the figures 1 to 8. The first device 1 is a remote drive with a motor-driven drive crutch called an element of connection drive 4, which can also be operated manually and that can be seen as the only piece of the first device 1 In the representations. A handle piece 5 of the element connection drive 4 can rotate at an angle of α 100 ° drive (figure 7). The turning movement to Engine is completely realized in 1.2 s, corresponding to a rotation speed of 83º / s. The second device 2 has a drive crutch called connection element operated 6 with a drive lever 7 that can rotate in a 90 ° angle of rotation. The second apparatus 2, in the example of execution a FI switch (of protection by current of default), is designed for a rotating movement of the element of connection activated 6 in 0.5 seconds, that is, a speed of 180º / s turn. The requirements at the drive speed of the driven connection element 6 thus differ essentially from the conditions of the first device 1, with a turning speed quite inferior. In order to use the first device 1 for actuation of the activated connection element 6 of the second apparatus 2, the coupling device 3 presents a relationship of variable transformation, which will be described in more detail at continuation.

The connection drive element 4 can rotate around a first axis of rotation 8 while the actuated connection element 6 can rotate about a second axis of rotation 9 offset and parallel to the first axis of rotation. He second apparatus 2, whose housing 10 can be seen in detail in the representations, it is offset with respect to the first apparatus 1 in direction towards the axes of rotation 8, 9 and adjacent to it. Both of them devices 1, 2 are configured as devices for aligned mounting that can be fixed under pressure on a power strip cap, the second axis of rotation 9 of the second being distanced apparatus 2 with respect to the cap strip less than the first axis of rotation 8 of the first device 1. On the second device 2 is placed the coupling device 3. Otherwise, the appliances 1, 2 have approximately the same perimeter.

The coupling device 3 has a transmission element 11 with a triangular basic shape, being arranged at least in the vicinity of these vertices respective coupling elements 12, 13, 14. The first coupling element 12, also designated as an element of coupling drive, has a coupling shaft 15, along which a drive rod 16 is arranged, which establishes a connection between the coupling device 3 and the connection drive element 4. The element of connection coupling drive 12 is always like this at a constant distance of the first axis of rotation 8, being possible a rotation movement between the connecting drive element 4 and the transmission element 11.

The second coupling element 13 is configured as approximately activated coupling element with tongue form, which is intended to operate the lever drive 7 of the driven connection element 6. The third coupling element 14 is also called element of transmission coupling and is supported such that it can slide to along a guideway 17.

The transmission element 11 also has a elastic bolt-shaped support element 18, in which it is supported an elastic element 19 by means of a tongue 20 such that it can move by turning and such that to a certain extent it can also to slide. The leaf spring 19 configured with shaped section of L is supported on a support point 21 in the housing 10.

Figure 1 shows the device coupling 3 and connection elements 4, 6 in a first position, precisely the DES position of the devices 1, 2. A sliding surface 22 of the coupling element operated 13 oriented towards the operating lever 7, it is not is in contact with the activated connection element 6. The coupling surface 22 is configured essentially flat and oriented in relation to coupling drive element 12 and the transmission coupling element 14 such that a mediatrix 23 of the sliding surface 22 cuts a line of junction 24 between the coupling drive element 12 and the transmission coupling element 14.

If the drive element is turned on connection 4 towards the second position, the CON position, in the representations to the right, then it comes to take contact the sliding surface 22 at a first point of support 25, which is at a relatively large distance from the second axis of rotation 9, with the operating lever 7 (figure 2). Using the relatively long lever arm that way results in the activated connection element 6, this rotates First only slowly. The transformation relationship that It also ensures a reliable start of the turning movement of the activated connection element 6.

By continuing to rotate the drive element of connection 4 in the direction of the CON position, the contact zone between the actuated coupling element 13 and the operating lever 7 to a second support point 26, which compared to the first foothold 25 is at a distance relatively small of the second axis of rotation 9 (figure 3). During the turning movement of the connecting drive element 4, 6 from the position represented in figure 2 to the position represented in figure 3, the coupling element moves of transmission 14 in the form of a rod along a first curvature zone 27, whose curvature grows in the direction of the CON position, that is, in the drawing to the right. A radius of average curvature within the first zone of curvature 27 is designated with R1. The curvature within the first zone of curvature 27 is corresponds to the curvature of a circle in which it is arranged the second axis of rotation 9. The guideway 17 which is located at beginning of the first zone of curvature, that is, in an area in which is the transmission coupling element 14 in the DES position (figure 1) and which runs almost parallel to a upper edge of the housing 28 of the second apparatus 2, thus falls into its then run, that is, towards the CON position, towards the upper edge of the housing 28. Weigh displacement of the support points 25, 26 relative to the second axis Turn 9 causes this downward evolution of the guideway 17 in the first zone of curvature 27 a turning movement of the actuated connection element 6 that accelerates only gradually, on the basis that the connecting drive element 4 rotates with a constant angular velocity.

As can be seen from the comparison between figures 2 and 3, the elastic element 19 is compressed with the displacement of transmission coupling element 14 to along the first zone of curvature 27 of the guide track 17. The elastic element 19 is configured as a pressure spring, preventing the coupling element from being lifted from transmission 14 of guide track 17 via a cover element not represented here. By compressing the elastic element 19 thus accumulates energy in it. This accumulation of energy takes place in a first phase of movement of the element of transmission 11, while the activated connection element 6 is Move slowly, but with increasing speed.

In the next turning movement of the connection elements 4, 6 towards the CON position, runs through the transmission element 14, as can be seen in Figures 4 to 7, first a second zone of curvature 29 and then a linear driving zone 30. The second zone of curvature 29 is curved in the opposite direction to the first zone of curvature 27 and has a radius of curvature R2 which is smaller that the radius of curvature R1 within the first zone of curvature 27. While the transmission coupling element 14 travels the second zone of curvature 29, results in maximum compression and with that is the maximum accumulation of energy in the elastic element 19. A then, in particular in the linear driving zone 30, dispenses the elastic element 19. The guide rail 17 ascends within a part of the second zone of curvature 29, as well as within the following linear driving zone 30, with respect to the upper edge of the housing 28, while moving the driven coupling shaft 13, which makes contact the drive lever 7 directly with a rounded area 31 which follows the flat area of the sliding surface 22, towards the second axis of rotation 8. In this way the turning movement of the driven connection element 6. This accelerated movement is supported by the strain of the element elastic 19.

Figure 8 shows a connection status during the disconnection process, that is, during the movement of the connection drive element 4 from the CON position, in the representation to the right (figure 7), to the position DES, in the representation on the left (figure 1). Due to the suspension of the elastic element 19 in the support element elastic 18 by means of tongue 20, there is a free angle γ, within which the connecting drive element 4 can return by turning to the DES position without dragging the driven connection element 6. Only after completing the angle free γ fits elastic element 19 with an area of rounded transition 34 joining its elastic arms 32, 33 in the drive lever 7. The coupling element actuated 13 is then lifted from the actuated connection element 6 and with it it is out of operation during the process of disconnection However, if during the disconnection process first move the actuated connection element 6, then the it can fit into the actuated coupling element 13 and thereby also driving the connecting drive element 4 to the OFF position.

Figures 9 to 16 show the device of coupling 3 or parts of it in different representations in perspective. The coupling device 3 has a frame 35 on which it is supported such that the element of transmission 11, including elastic element 19 and which is covered by a cap cap 36. In each case it is configured a guideway 17 on a first longitudinal side 37 and a second  longitudinal side 38 of frame 35, which is oriented to the first apparatus 1 not shown. In addition, it is configured on each side longitudinal 37, 38 a drive guideway 39, along from which the drive rod 16 supported can slide in the first coupling element 12 with a bushing.

The transmission element configuration 11 It can be seen in particular in Figure 15. Two uprights 40 approximately triangular are joined by the first coupling element 12 configured as a bushing, the actuated coupling element 13 in the form of a tongue, the transmission coupling element 14 configured as a rod guide, as well as the elastic support element 18 shaped dipstick. Between the uprights 40, which in the device coupling 3 are arranged parallel to the sides lengths 37, 38, the actuating lever 7 can fit of the activated connection element 6.

The coupling device 3 can be attached by means of an abutment member 41 with the first apparatus 1. The abruptly closed connecting element 41 has in each case two positive abrupt closure elements 42 and elements of abrupt negative closure 43, which correspond to elements of abrupt closure properly formed in the first apparatus 1. Through this multiple fitting of the coupling device 3 in the first apparatus 1 achieves a secure stable hold against the turn. In this regard, the coupling device 3 does not have virtually no need for space in the lateral direction, is that is, in the direction of extension of the axes of rotation 8, 9 as well as of the drive pin 16.

The diagram shown in Figure 17 shows the interrelation between the angle of rotation? of the element of operated connection 6 of the second device 2 and the speed of F1 drive of the first device 1, that is, of the drive at a distance, as well as the speed of rotation F2 of the second device 2, that is, the FI switch (protection switch by default current). The DES position corresponds to an angle of 0 ° rotation and the CON position at a β rotation angle of 90º. The connection process has to be considered like this in the diagram from right and left. Velocity values grow towards down. The drive speed F1 of the element connection drive 4 is constant throughout the entire process of connection in barely -1 rad per second. The position of activated connection element 6 at the beginning of the process connection, according to figure 1, is given for an angle of rotation? of 0º and for a rotation speed F2 of 0 rad per second. The initially sawtooth evolution of the speed of rotation results from the displacement of the support points 25, 26 to Beginning of the turning process. For an angle of rotation? Of about 45º presents the speed of rotation F2 a maximum 44 (in the representation due to negative angular velocities, towards down). In the zone of maximum 44 close a contact in the second device 2. If you follow the turning movement of the connecting element operated 6 and with the contact closed, it slows down again rotation speed F2. The high connection speed is decisive during contact contact, which minimizes the sparking

Claims (26)

1. Coupling device for coupling a connecting drive element (4) that can rotate from a first device (1) with an activated connection element (6) that can rotate from a second device (2), being distanced between yes the axes of rotation (8, 9) of the two connecting elements (4, 6) in parallel with each other and the connection elements (4, 6) are stripped together in the axial direction of the axes of rotation (8, 9) and a drive in the same direction of the elements is provided of connection from a first position to a second position, with a transmission element (11), characterized by three rigid coupling elements (12, 13, 14) in relation thereto, in which

?

a first element of coupling (12) can be coupled as a drive element of coupling such that it can rotate with the drive element of connection (4),

?

a second element of coupling (13) can be coupled as coupling element operated with the actuated connection element (6), and

?

a third element of coupling (14) can slide as coupling element of transmission along a guideway (17).

2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling element (12) can be coupled by means of a coupling shaft (15) with the connecting drive element (4). 3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second coupling element (13) can be coupled by means of a sliding surface (22) with the activated connection element (6). 4. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guideway (17) has a first curvature zone (27), in which the direction of curvature corresponds to the curvature of a circle in which the axis of rotation (9) of the actuated connecting element is arranged (9), as well as a second zone of curvature (29) with a curvature in the opposite direction. 5. Coupling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first zone of curvature (27) is oriented towards the first position and has a radius of curvature (R1) that is greater than a radius of curvature (R2) of the second zone of curvature (29). 6. Coupling device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a linear conduction zone (30) is followed in the direction of the second position in the direction of the second position (29). 7. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the transmission element (11) it is articulated such that an elastic element (19) can rotate, which is provided for its support at a fixed support point (21) in relation to the rotation axes (8, 9) . 8. Coupling device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the connecting drive element (4) is rotated from the first position to the second position the elastic element (19) is tensioned first and before reaching the second position it is tensioned. 9. Coupling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastic element (19) is provided to drive the actuated connection element (6) in the movement of the connection actuating element (4) from the ON position to the OFF position. 10. Coupling device according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the elastic element (19) has a basic shape of L. 11. Coupling device according to one of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the elastic element (19) is supported, such that it can slide at least slightly, in the transmission element (11). 12. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by a frame (35) on which it is supported such that the transmission element (11) can move. 13. Coupling device according to claim 12, characterized in that the guideway (17) is formed by the frame (35). 14. Coupling device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the actuated coupling element (13) is disposed between two longitudinal sides (37, 38) of the frame (35) which in each case have a guideway (17). 15. Coupling device according to one of the claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the transmission element (11) has two uprights (40) that can slide inside the frame (35), spaced apart and parallel to each other, which are connected by the actuated coupling element (13). 16. Coupling device according to one of the claims 12 to 15, characterized by a cover cap (36) covering the frame (35). 17. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the transmission element (11) has an essentially triangular basic shape, the coupling elements (12, 13, 14) being arranged at least approximately at the vertices. 18. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the coupling drive element (12) is configured as a bushing into which a drive rod (16) can be inserted that joins the connecting elements (4, 6) through the transformation element (11). 19. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the transmission coupling element (14) is configured as a guide rod supported on the guide track (17). 20. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized by a drive guide track (39) in the form of a circular arc, along which the drive coupling element (12) can move. 21. Coupling device according to one of the claims 12 to 20, characterized by a joint element by abrupt closure (41) joined with the frame (35) for connection with one of the devices to be coupled (1, 2). 22. Coupling device according to claim 21, characterized in that the connecting element by abrupt closure (41) has at least one positive abrupt closing element (42) and at least one negative abrupt closing element (43). 23. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the sliding surface (22) of the actuated coupling element (13) is configured such that a support point (25, 26) which is provided for the support of the actuated connection element (6) moves when the actuation of the connection drive element (4) from the OFF position to the CON position increasingly in the direction towards the axis of rotation (9) of the actuated connection element (6). 24. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the sliding surface (22) of the driven coupling element (13) is configured essentially flat, by cutting a mediatrix (23) of the sliding surface (22) a connecting line (24) between the actuating coupling element (12) and the transmission coupling element (14). 25. Coupling device according to one of the claims 1 to 24, characterized in that for a constant drive speed (F1) of the drive coupling element (4) the rotation speed (F2) of the driven coupling element varies. 26. Coupling device according to claim 25, characterized by a maximum (44) of the rotation speed (F2) of the actuated coupling element (6) between its first position and its second position.