Connection device for releasably connecting two assemblies

Abstract

A connecting apparatus detachably connects two assemblies. The connecting apparatus includes a fastener module securable to a first of the assemblies and including a negative-pressure element, and an attachment component of a second of the assemblies. The negative-pressure element is connectable in an attachment direction to the attachment component for connecting the assemblies with one another, wherein, in a connected position, the negative-pressure element interacts with the attachment component such that, in the event of a load acting in between the fastener module and the attachment component opposite to the attachment direction, the negative-pressure element and the attachment component are held against one another by a negative pressure acting between the negative-pressure element and the attachment component. The fastener module includes an adjustment element which is adjustable relative to the negative-pressure element and which is movable relative to the negative-pressure element.

Claims

1. An assembly group, comprising: an electronic device, and a connecting apparatus for detachably connecting the electronic device to a further assembly, wherein the connecting apparatus comprises a fastener module having a negative-pressure element connectable in an attachment direction to an attachment component for connecting the electronic device to the further assembly, wherein the negative-pressure element, in a connected position, interacts with the attachment component such that, in the event of a load acting in between the fastener module and the attachment component opposite to the attachment direction, the negative-pressure element and the attachment component are held against one another by a negative pressure acting between the negative-pressure element and the attachment component, wherein the fastener module comprises a first magnet element for magnetically assisting the connection of the electronic device to the further assembly, wherein the negative-pressure element is formed by a cup element, said cup element comprising a body and a flexible edge portion radially protruding from and circumferentially extending about the body, said flexible edge portion being configured to be elastically deformed for causing said negative pressure, wherein the connecting apparatus further comprises an attachment assembly, the attachment assembly being securable to the attachment component and comprising an attachment part, the fastener module being configured to be operatively connected to the attachment part, said fastener module comprising a first positive-locking portion and the attachment part comprising a second positive-locking portion, and; wherein the first positive-locking portion and the second positive-locking portion are configured, during attachment of the fastener module and the attachment part to one another, to engage with one another in order to counteract a transverse movement between the fastener module and the attachment component.

2. The assembly group as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first magnet element is arranged on the negative-pressure element.

3. The assembly group as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second magnet element, which is securable to the attachment component, for magnetic interaction with the first magnet element of the fastener module.

4. The assembly group as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastener module comprises at least one electrical contact element for electrical contacting, in the connected position, with at least one counterpart contact element associated with the attachment component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The concept underlying the invention will be discussed in more detail below on the basis of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus for connecting a camera to a helmet;

(3) FIG. 1B shows the exploded views as per FIG. 1A from another perspective;

(4) FIG. 2A shows a view of the connecting apparatus, during the attachment of a fastener module to an attachment component in the form of an attachment face on the helmet;

(5) FIG. 2B shows a side view of the arrangement;

(6) FIG. 2C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 2B;

(7) FIG. 3A shows a view of the connecting apparatus, in the case of a fastener module attached to the attachment component;

(8) FIG. 3B shows a side view of the arrangement;

(9) FIG. 3C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 3B;

(10) FIG. 4A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the opening movement;

(11) FIG. 4B shows a side view of the arrangement;

(12) FIG. 4C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 4B;

(13) FIG. 5A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further opening movement;

(14) FIG. 5B shows a side view of the arrangement;

(15) FIG. 5C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 5B;

(16) FIG. 6A shows a view of the arrangement in the case of an opened connecting apparatus;

(17) FIG. 6B shows a side view of the arrangement;

(18) FIG. 6C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 6B;

(19) FIG. 7A shows a view of the connecting apparatus when used for securing a mobile telephone;

(20) FIG. 7B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 7A;

(21) FIG. 7C shows a sectional view along the line B-B as per FIG. 7B;

(22) FIG. 8A shows an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus for connecting two assemblies to one another, for example an electronic device in the form of a mobile telephone to another assembly, for example to a dashboard of a vehicle;

(23) FIG. 8B shows another exploded view of the connecting apparatus;

(24) FIG. 9A shows a view of the connecting apparatus, in the case of a fastener module attached to an attachment component;

(25) FIG. 9B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 9A;

(26) FIG. 9C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 9B;

(27) FIG. 10A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the opening movement for the release of the fastener module from the attachment component;

(28) FIG. 10B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 10A;

(29) FIG. 10C shows a sectional view along the line C-C as per FIG. 10B;

(30) FIG. 11A shows an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus;

(31) FIG. 11B shows another exploded view of the connecting apparatus;

(32) FIG. 12A shows a view of the fastener apparatus, in the case of a fastener module attached to an attachment component;

(33) FIG. 12B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 12A;

(34) FIG. 12C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 12B;

(35) FIG. 13A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the opening movement for the release of the fastener module from the attachment component;

(36) FIG. 13B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 13A;

(37) FIG. 13C shows a sectional view along the line B-B as per FIG. 13B;

(38) FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus;

(39) FIG. 15A shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus on a container body for the purposes of connecting a lid to the container body;

(40) FIG. 15B shows another exploded view of the arrangement as per FIG. 15A;

(41) FIG. 16A shows a view of the container body during the attachment of the lid;

(42) FIG. 16B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 16A;

(43) FIG. 16C shows a sectional view along the line F-F as per FIG. 16B;

(44) FIG. 17A shows a view of the container body with the lid attached thereto;

(45) FIG. 17B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 17A;

(46) FIG. 17C shows a sectional view along the line C-C as per FIG. 17B;

(47) FIG. 18A shows a view of the container body with the lid arranged thereon during the opening movement;

(48) FIG. 18B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 18A;

(49) FIG. 18C shows a sectional view along the line G-G as per FIG. 18B;

(50) FIG. 19A shows a view of the container body with the lid removed;

(51) FIG. 19B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 19A;

(52) FIG. 19C shows a sectional view along the line E-E as per FIG. 19B;

(53) FIG. 20A shows a view of a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus, before attachment of a fastener module to an attachment component;

(54) FIG. 20B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 20A;

(55) FIG. 20C shows a sectional view along the line B-B as per FIG. 20B;

(56) FIG. 21A shows a view of the connecting apparatus, in the case of a fastener module attached to the attachment component;

(57) FIG. 21B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 21A;

(58) FIG. 21C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 21B;

(59) FIG. 22A shows a view of the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 1A, 1B to 6A-6C, but with electrical contact elements on the fastener module and on the attachment assembly, in the case of a fastener module detached from the attachment assembly;

(60) FIG. 22B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 22A;

(61) FIG. 22C shows a sectional view along the line A-A as per FIG. 22B;

(62) FIG. 23A shows the connecting apparatus during the attachment of the fastener module to the attachment assembly;

(63) FIG. 23B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 23A;

(64) FIG. 23C shows a sectional view along the line B-B as per FIG. 23B;

(65) FIG. 24A shows a view of the connecting apparatus, in the case of a fastener module attached to the attachment assembly;

(66) FIG. 24B shows a side view of the arrangement as per FIG. 24A; and

(67) FIG. 24C shows a sectional view along the line E-E as per FIG. 24B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(68) FIGS. 1A, 1B to 6A-6C show a first exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus 1 which—in the illustrated exemplary embodiment—serves for securing an electronic device in the form of a camera 4 to a helmet 5 (for example a ski or bicycle helmet). By means of the connecting apparatus 1, the camera 4 can be detachably connected to an attachment face 50 of the helmet 5, such that it is for example possible to make video recordings during the use of the helmet 5.

(69) The connecting apparatus 1 has a fastener module 2 which can be attached to an attachment assembly 3 on the helmet 5. The fastener module 2 is composed of a multiplicity of parts which interact with one another and is fixed to the camera 4, wherein the connection of the fastener module 2 to the camera 4 may (likewise) be detachable in order to enable the connecting apparatus 1 to be used for example on different electronic devices.

(70) The fastener module 2 has a casing part 20 which is of cylindrical form and which, by means of securing points 201, is fixedly connected to an adjustment element 23 accommodated centrally in the casing part 20.

(71) The adjustment element 23 has a shank 230 and securing points 231 arranged thereon, by means of which securing points the adjustment element 23 is fixed to the casing part 20. At an end averted from the base of the casing part 20, the adjustment element 23 has a head portion 232, which projects radially outward beyond the shank 230.

(72) The casing part 20 and the adjustment element 23 connected rotationally fixedly to the casing part 20 are fixedly connected to the camera 4.

(73) As can be seen for example from the sectional view in FIG. 2C, the adjustment element 23 lies in a cylindrical cavity 253 of a cylinder part 25 such that the head portion 232 is guided slidingly on an inner face 250 of the cylinder part 25. The cylinder part 25, which is of cylindrical form with a circular cross section, is fixedly connected to a guide part 21 which has an opening 212 through which the adjustment element 23 engages by way of its shank 230. A collar 213 projects axially from a base of the guide part 21 facing toward the base of the casing part 20, into which collar the cylinder part 25 engages and by means of which collar the cylinder part 25 is fixedly connected to the guide part 21 (for example by welding or adhesive bonding).

(74) The guide part 21 likewise has a cylindrical basic shape, with a cylindrical lateral face 210 which extends circumferentially around the cylinder part 25 received within the guide part 21 and which is thus arranged radially outside the cylinder part 25. On the lateral face 210 there are formed a multiplicity of parallel, helical guide tracks 211, which are circumferentially offset with respect to one another and which are formed as slots into the lateral face 210 and into which guide elements 202 (which project radially inward from a lateral face 200 of the casing part 20) in the form of studs on the casing part 20 engage. As a result of the engagement of the guide elements 202 of the casing part 20 into the guide tracks 211 of the guide part 21, the casing part 20 (and, via the latter, also the adjustment element 23) is positively guided on the guide part 21 about an axis of rotation R, such that, in the event of a rotation of the casing part 20 about the axis of rotation R, the structural unit formed from the casing part 20 and the adjustment element 23 follows the helical guide tracks 211, and the adjustment element 23 is thus moved axially within the cylinder part 25.

(75) The cylinder part 25 is fixedly connected to a negative-pressure element 27 in the form of an elastic cup element 27, by virtue of the cylinder part 25 engaging into a collar 270 of the negative-pressure element 27 and being braced together with the negative-pressure element 27 by means of a circumferential bracing spring 26. The negative-pressure element 27 is thus connected fixedly, in particular also in fluid-tight fashion, to the cylinder part 20.

(76) The adjustment element 23 is preloaded relative to the guide part 21, and thus relative to the cylinder part 25, in the direction of the initial position illustrated in FIG. 2C by means of a preloading element which engages around the shank 230 and which is in the form of a compression spring 22. In the initial position, the head portion 232 of the adjustment element 23 thus comes to lie against an end of the cylinder part 25, which end is averted from the guide part 21. In this position, the guide part 21 is retracted into the casing part 20 to a maximum extent.

(77) The attachment face 50 on the helmet 5 serves for the attachment of the negative-pressure element 27 in the form of the cup element. Arranged on the attachment face 50 of the helmet 5 is the attachment assembly 3 with an attachment part 30 and with a magnet element 31 which is received in a receiving opening 302 of the attachment part 30. The fastener module 2 is attached to said attachment assembly 3 for the purposes of connecting the camera 4 to the helmet 5.

(78) The fastener module 2 has a magnet element 24 which is received in a receiving opening 234 of the adjustment element 23 and which, during attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment face 50, interacts with magnetically attracting action with the magnet element 31 of the attachment assembly 3 such that the fastener module 2 (with the camera 4 arranged thereon) is pulled magnetically toward the attachment assembly 3 of the helmet 5. On the adjustment element 23, at that side of the head portion 232 which is averted from the casing part 20, there is formed a positive-locking portion 233 in the form of a conical depression which, during attachment of the fastener module 2, engages with an associated positive-locking portion 300 in the form of a conical elevation on the attachment part 30, such that the fastener module 2 is attached in a defined manner to the attachment assembly 3 of the helmet 5.

(79) The positive locking between the positive-locking portions 233, 300 serves for expediently also enabling transverse forces in the plane of the attachment face 50 to be accommodated in the case of a closed connecting apparatus 1. Furthermore, by means of the positive locking, the fastener module 2 engages in a centered manner with the attachment assembly 3.

(80) During attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment face 50, the negative-pressure element 27 is, as can be seen from the transition from FIGS. 2A-2C to FIGS. 3A-3C, elastically deformed at a cup-shaped edge portion 272 that projects radially beyond the cylinder part 25, whereby air escapes from a space B formed between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment face 50 and thus, in the event of loading of the fastener module 2, a negative pressure with suction action acts between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment face 50. In this way, impulse-like shock forces on the connecting apparatus 1 during the use of the helmet can be accommodated and dissipated such that the camera 4 is held securely and reliably on the helmet 5 even in the event of shock loading.

(81) At an encircling edge, facing toward the attachment part 30, of the cylinder part 25, there is formed an engagement portion 252 in the form of a toothing which, during attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment assembly 3, engages in positively locking fashion with an encircling engagement portion 301 in the form of a toothing on the attachment part 30, as can be seen when viewing FIGS. 2C and 3C and FIGS. 1A and 1B together. In this way, the cylinder part 25, and via this also the guide part 21 and the negative-pressure element 27, is fixed rotationally fixedly to the attachment assembly 3 and thus to the helmet 5, such that torsional forces that act on the negative-pressure element 27 can also be accommodated and dissipated in an effective manner.

(82) In the connected position, the camera 4 is thus fixed in a load-bearing manner to the helmet 5 by means of the connecting apparatus 1.

(83) In order to open the connecting apparatus 1, the camera 4, and via this also the casing part 20 and the adjustment element 23 connected thereto, is rotated in a direction of rotation D about the axis of rotation R relative to the cylinder part 25, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4C. Owing to the engagement of the engagement portions 252, 301 on the cylinder part 25 and on the attachment part 30, it is ensured that the cylinder part 23 cannot co-rotate during this rotational movement, and thus the adjustment element 23 is moved within the cylindrical cavity 253 of the cylinder part 25.

(84) By rotation of the casing part 20 and guidance of the casing part 20 on the guide part 21, the adjustment element 23 is adjusted within the cylinder part 25 axially along the axis of rotation R and is thus, as can be seen from FIG. 4C, moved away from the attachment part 30. This has the effect firstly that the magnet elements 24, 31 are moved away from one another, such that the magnetic attraction force between the magnet elements 24, 31 is weakened. This also has the effect secondly that the head portion 232 slides within the cavity 253 and passes over a flow opening 251 in the wall of the cylinder part 25, such that an air flow F can flow into the space B through the flow opening 251 and a negative pressure in the space B is thus compensated. The holding force effected by the negative-pressure element 27 is eliminated in this way, such that—as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C—the edge portion 272 of the negative-pressure element 27 is lifted off from the attachment face 50 and—as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C—the fastener module 2 together with the camera 4 can be removed from the attachment face 50.

(85) By means of the helical guidance of the casing part 20 on the guide part 21, the adjustment of the adjustment element 23 can be performed easily. The detachment of the connecting apparatus 1 can thus be haptically pleasant and comfortable for a user, with a high load-bearing capacity of the connecting apparatus 1 in the connected position.

(86) If the fastener module 2 has been separated from the attachment assembly 3, then, owing to the preloading action of the preloading element 22 in the form of the compression spring, the adjustment element 23 is reset into its initial position, with the cylinder part 25 and the adjustment element 23 being rotated relative to one another. The fastener module 2 can thus be attached to the attachment assembly 3 again when desired.

(87) By means of the head portion 232, which lies in (substantially) fluid-tight fashion in the cavity 253 of the cylinder part 25, a fluid-tight separation between the flow opening 251 and the space B formed between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment face 50 is created in the case of a connected connecting apparatus 1. By adjustment of the adjustment element 23 within the cavity 253, said flow opening 251 is placed in flow connection with the space B, such that air can flow into the space B and the connecting apparatus 1 can thus be separated.

(88) A negative pressure between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment face 50 acts in particular in the event of shock-like, brief loading. As a result of loading (for example tensile loading) on the fastener module 2, a force acts in the direction of an enlargement of the space B, which leads to a negative pressure in said space B. By means of the negative-pressure element 27 which bears areally with sealing action against the attachment face 50, it is thus possible in particular for shock-like acting loads to be accommodated in an effective manner.

(89) Hold is additionally provided by means of the magnet elements 24, 31, such that the fastener module 2 is also held with magnetically attracting action against the attachment assembly 3. Here, the magnet elements 24, 31 additionally assist the attachment of the fastener module 2 and of the attachment assembly 3 to one another, with the negative-pressure element 27 being pressed against the attachment face 50.

(90) Because a negative pressure that is generated between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment face 50 acts in particular in the event of shock-like loading, it is also possible by means of the connecting apparatus 1 to ensure an emergency breakaway in the event of greater loading which lasts for a longer period of time. It is thus possible, for example in the event of an exceedance of a (predetermined) threshold force, for the camera 4 to be broken away from the helmet 5, with the negative-pressure element 27 being detached from the attachment face 50. For this purpose, the negative-pressure element 27 and the negative-pressure force provided at the negative-pressure element 27 may be dimensioned correspondingly.

(91) In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the connecting apparatus 1 serves for securing a mobile telephone 5 or some other electronic device (for example a navigation device) for example in a vehicle, for example to the dashboard or to the windshield of the vehicle. In this case, the attachment assembly 3 may for example be arranged on a casing face, which serves as attachment face 50, of the mobile telephone 5 or of the other electronic device, whereas the fastener module 2 is arranged on the vehicle, for example by virtue of the fastener module 2 being at least partially integrated, and thus recessed, into a dashboard.

(92) Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 7A to 7C is identical to that described above, such that reference is made to the above statements in their entirety.

(93) In an exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B to 10A-10C, a fastener module 2 is provided for attachment to an attachment component 50 in the form of an attachment face on an electronic device 5 or some other assembly.

(94) The fastener module 2 has a negative-pressure element 27, which has a flexible edge portion 272 and which is provided for being connected by means of the flexible edge portion 272, with elastic deformation for the purposes of providing a negative-pressure action, to the attachment component 50 in the form of the attachment face on the assembly 5. The flexible edge portion 272 extends circumferentially as a cup element around a body 273 on which a flow opening 274 is formed and on which an adjustment element 23 in the form of a flap element is mounted in articulated fashion by means of bearing elements 275 and an axle element 276.

(95) Also arranged on the axle element 276 is an actuation element 28, which interacts with the adjustment element 23 in the form of the flap element in order to actuate the adjustment element 23 for the purposes of detaching the fastener module 2 from the attachment component 50.

(96) As can be seen for example from FIG. 9A and FIG. 9C, the actuation element 28 is spring-preloaded in the direction of an initial position illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C by means of a spring element 280 in the form of a tension spring. Furthermore, the adjustment element 23 is spring-preloaded by means of a preloading element 22 in the form of a compression spring into the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, in which the adjustment element 23 closes the flow opening 274 in the body 273 of the negative-pressure element 27 in a fluid-tight manner by means of a closing element 235 which engages into the flow opening 274 and which is in the form of a stud, such that, in particular, no air can flow through the flow opening 274 between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50.

(97) In the position illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, in which the fastener module 2 is attached to the attachment component 50 of the assembly 5, there is a negative-pressure action between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50. Owing to this negative-pressure action, the fastener module 2 is held on the attachment component 50, such that the fastener module 2 cannot be readily removed, at any rate cannot be removed without eliminating the negative-pressure action, from the attachment component 50.

(98) On the actuation element 28, there are provided fastening points 283 in the form of, for example, screw holes, by means of which the actuation element 28 can be connected to an associated further assembly. For example, in this way, the actuation element 28 can be fixed to a vehicle, for example to a dashboard of a motor vehicle, in order to thereby (detachably) fix an assembly 5, which realizes for example an electronic device in the form of a mobile telephone or the like, to the vehicle.

(99) In order to detach the fastener module 2 from the attachment component 50, the adjustment element 23 is adjusted, by actuation of the actuation element 28, such that the flow opening 274 is opened up and an air flow can flow through the flow opening 274 between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C. A negative-pressure action between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50 is thus eliminated, such that no (further) holding forces act between the fastener module 2 and the attachment component 50.

(100) For the actuation, the actuation element 28 is tilted about the axle element 276 relative to the negative-pressure element 27, as can be seen from FIGS. 10A-10C. As a result, the actuation element 28 acts with a portion 281 remote from the top end 282 on the adjustment element 23, and pivots the latter likewise about the axle element 276. The adjustment element 23 is thus—indirectly via the actuation element 28—moved out of its closed position and opens up the flow opening 274, such that fastener module 2 can be detached from the attachment component 50.

(101) In the event of actuation of the actuation element 28, the spring element 280 is subjected to tensile loading, as can be seen from FIGS. 10A-10C. Furthermore, the preloading element 22 is subjected to compressive loading. After the ending of the actuation, the actuation element 28 and the adjustment element 23 thus return into their respective initial position, illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, owing to the spring action, such that, in the case of a non-actuated actuation element 28, the flow opening 274 is closed, and the negative-pressure element 27 can thus be attached to an attachment component 50 for renewed connection of the fastener module 2.

(102) In the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 8A, 8B to 10A-10C, magnet elements may be arranged firstly on the fastener module 2 and secondly on the attachment component 50 in order to magnetically assist attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment component 50. This is however not imperative. The connecting apparatus 1 may also be of non-magnetic design and effect hold of the fastener module 2 on the attachment component 50 owing to the negative-pressure action alone.

(103) In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A, 11B to 13A-13C, by contrast to the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 8A, 8B to 10A-10C, an adjustment element 23 is arranged displaceably on a negative-pressure element 27 of a fastener module 2 of a connecting apparatus 1. The negative-pressure element 27 again has a flexible, elastically deformable edge portion 272 in the form of a cup element, by means of which the negative-pressure element 27 can be attached to an areal attachment component 50 of an assembly 5 in order, in an attached position (FIGS. 12A-12C), to effect hold of the fastener module 2 on the attachment component 50 owing to a negative-pressure action.

(104) In this exemplary embodiment, an adjustment element 23 is guided on a body 273 of the negative-pressure element 27 so as to be displaceable along a guide direction extending transversely with respect to an attachment direction A, by virtue of the adjustment element 23 engaging by means of a guide piece 236 into an associated guide device 277 on the body 273 of the negative-pressure element 27.

(105) In an initial position illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, the adjustment element 23 closes a flow opening 274 in the body 273 by means of a closing element 235 in the form of a stud, such that a negative-pressure action between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50 exists for hold of the fastener module 2 on the attachment component 50 when the fastener module 2 is attached to the attachment component 50. In particular, in the case of a closed flow opening 274, an inflow of air between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50 via the flow opening 274 is prevented.

(106) In order to detach the fastener module 2 from the attachment component 50, the adjustment element 23 can be displaced transversely with respect to the attachment direction A on the body 273 of the negative-pressure element 27, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C. In this way, a preloading element in the form of a compression spring, which acts between the adjustment element 23 and the negative-pressure element 27, is braced under pressure, and the flow opening 274 is opened up, such that an air flow can flow between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50 and a negative-pressure action between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50 is thus eliminated.

(107) After the ending of the actuation, the adjustment element 23 is, owing to the pressure action of the preloading element 27, automatically reset into the initial position as per FIGS. 12A-12C, such that, in the initial position, in the case of a non-actuated adjustment element 23, the flow opening 274 is again closed, and the fastener module 2 can thus be attached again to an associated attachment component 50 of an assembly 5.

(108) The adjustment element 23 has securing points 283, by means of which an associated assembly can be secured to the adjustment element 23. An actuation of the adjustment element 23 thus occurs in the event of a relative movement between the assembly that is connected to the adjustment element 23 and the assembly 5 to which the fastener module 2 is attached. For example, a user can act on the assembly 5 in order to thereby displace the adjustment element 23 relative to the negative-pressure element 27 and thus detach the assembly 5 from the fastener module 2.

(109) The assembly 5 may again be, for example, an electronic device in the form of a mobile telephone or the like. The adjustment element 23 may, by contrast, be fixed for example to a vehicle, for example to a dashboard of a motor vehicle, such that the assembly 5 can be detachably secured to the vehicle by means of the connecting apparatus 1.

(110) In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the negative-pressure element is in the form of an elastic cup element. This is however not imperative. It is basically also possible for rigid, non-elastic elements to interact so as to effect a negative pressure and thus so as to provide a holding force.

(111) This is illustrated by way of example in a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 14.

(112) The connecting apparatus 1 has a fastener module 2 that can be attached to an assembly 5. For example, the fastener module 2 of the connecting apparatus 1, which fastener module is of rigid and inelastic form, may be inserted in an accurately fitting manner into an attachment component 50 in the form of an opening 500 formed in the assembly 5, such that the cylinder part 23 is received in substantially fluid-tight fashion within the opening 500. In the event of loading of the fastener module 2, a negative pressure is generated between the cylinder part 25 and the walls of the opening 500, such that the fastener module 2 is fixed to the assembly 5. An adjustment element 23 which is adjustable within the cylinder part 25 can be adjusted in a manner entirely analogous to that described above in order, for the purposes of detaching the connecting apparatus 1, to open up a flow path between a flow opening 251 in the cylinder part 25 and a space formed between the cylinder part 25 and the walls of the opening 500, such that air can flow into the space and the cylinder part 25 can thus be removed from the opening 500.

(113) The cylinder part 25 may be provided for being inserted in an accurately fitting manner into the opening 500 and thus effect a fluid-tight transition between the cylinder part 25 and the walls of the opening 500. Here, the cylinder part 25 may be of circular cylindrical external shape, wherein the cylinder part 25 may also have some other external shape, for example a polygonal external shape or any desired other cross-sectional shape.

(114) It is additionally also conceivable and possible for one or more encircling sealing rings in the form of sealing lips or the like to be provided for example on the outer side of the cylinder part 25, which sealing rings seal off the transition between the cylinder part 25 and the walls of the opening 500 in fluid-tight fashion.

(115) FIGS. 15A, 15B to 19A-19C show an exemplary embodiment of a container in the form of a drinks bottle, in the case of which a container body 51 of an assembly 5 can be connected to a lid 29 in order to close the container body 51. The lid 29 is a constituent part of a fastener module 2 of a connecting apparatus 1, by means of which the lid 29 can be connected fixedly but detachably to the container body 51.

(116) The connecting apparatus 1 is formed by the fastener module 2, a constituent part of which is the lid 29, and an attachment assembly 3 with an attachment part 30, which is provided for being connected by means of a thread 501 to the container body 51. The attachment part 30 has a positive-locking portion 300 in the form of a protruding stud piece which has a central opening through which a user can for example drink from the drinks bottle when the lid 29 has been removed.

(117) The lid 29 of the fastener module 2 forms, together with a flexible, circumferential edge portion 272, a negative-pressure element 27 which can be attached in an attachment direction A to the attachment part 30 of the attachment assembly 3 and which, in the attached position (FIGS. 17A-17C), is held against the attachment part 30 under negative-pressure action. Formed on the inside of the lid 29 is an engagement opening 256 into which, when the fastener module 2 has been attached, the positive-locking portion 300 of the attachment part 30 engages. Arranged on the inner lateral face of the engagement opening 256 is a seal 254 in the form of an O-ring, which closes off a transition between the lid 29 and the positive-locking portion 300 in fluid-tight, in particular moisture-tight, fashion, such that liquid cannot egress from the container a 50 when the lid 29 has been attached to the container body 51.

(118) On a surface 304 facing toward the cover 21, the attachment part 30 has receiving openings 302 into which magnet elements 31 are inserted and connected to the attachment part 30. Likewise, on the inner side of the lid 29, there are formed receiving openings 255 into which magnet elements 24 are inserted and thus held on the lid 29.

(119) The magnet elements 31 on the attachment part 30, on the one hand, and the magnet elements 24 on the lid 29, on the other hand, are, viewed in a circumferential direction around the attachment direction A, distributed uniformly with respect to one another and alternately polarized. A magnet elements 31 of the attachment part 30 thus points with a north pole N toward the cover 29, whereas adjacent magnet elements 31 point in each case with a south pole S toward the lid 29, and are then followed again by north poles N. Likewise, a magnet element 24 of the lid 29 points with a south pole S toward the attachment part 30, whereas adjacent magnet elements 24 each point with a north pole N toward the attachment part 30, and then followed again by south poles S.

(120) During attachment of the lid 29 to the attachment part 30 for the purposes of closing the drinks bottle, opposite poles of the magnet elements 24, 31 attract one another, such that the lid 29 is pulled toward the attachment part 30, and in the process the positive-locking portion 300 engages with the engagement opening 256 and, with elastic deformation of the flexible edge portion 272, a negative-pressure action is provided between the lid 29 and the attachment part 30 (see the transition from FIGS. 16A-16C to the attached position as per FIGS. 17A-17C). In the attached position (FIGS. 17A-17C), the lid 29 is thus held on the attachment part 30 firstly owing to the magnetic attraction between the magnet elements 24, 31 and furthermore owing to negative-pressure action.

(121) In order to detach the lid 29 from the attachment part 30 and thus from the container body 51, the lid 29 can be rotated along an opening direction O, along which the lid 29 is rotatable about an axis of rotation R, defined by the engagement of the positive-locking portion 300 into the engagement opening 256, relative to the attachment part 30, whereby the magnet elements 24, 31 of identical polarity are moved closer together and thus a magnetic repelling action is generated between the magnet elements 24, 31. This magnetic repelling action may weaken or even exceed the negative-pressure action between the lid 29 and the attachment part 30, such that the lid 29 can be easily detached from the attachment part 30 counter to the attachment direction A, and the drinks bottle can thus be opened. This is illustrated in the transition from FIGS. 18A-18C to FIGS. 19A-19C. During this rotation, a flow opening may also be opened.

(122) A connection of a lid 29 to a container 5 of the described type is not only conceivable and possible in the case of a drinks bottle, for example for use on a bicycle, but may also be used on entirely different, arbitrary containers that are to be closed by means of a lid.

(123) FIGS. 20A-20C and 21A-21C show an exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus 1 which has a fastener module 2 with a negative-pressure element 27 which can be attached in an attachment direction A to an attachment part 30 of an attachment assembly 3 connected to an assembly 5. A further assembly may be connected to the negative-pressure element 27, such that, by means of the connecting apparatus 1, the assembly 5, for example an electronic device in the form of a mobile telephone, can be arranged on the further assembly.

(124) The negative-pressure element 27 has a flexible edge portion 272 in the form of a cup element. Furthermore, on a body 273, there is arranged a magnet element 24 which, during the attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment assembly 3, interacts with magnetically attracting action with a magnet element 31 on the attachment part 30 of the attachment assembly 3, and thus magnetically assists the attachment of the fastener module 2 to the attachment assembly 3.

(125) In an attached position (FIGS. 21A-21C), a negative-pressure action exists between the negative-pressure element 27 of the fastener module 2 and an attachment component 50 of the assembly 5 on which the attachment assembly 3 is arranged, owing to elastic deformation of the flexible edge portion 272 and the creation of a (near-)vacuum between the negative-pressure element 27 and the attachment component 50.

(126) The detachment of the fastener module 2 from the attachment assembly 3 is realized in this exemplary embodiment by virtue of the fastener module 2 being detached from the attachment assembly 3 by being pulled or tilted at the negative-pressure element 27.

(127) In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, electrical contact elements 6 are arranged on the fastener module 2, which contact elements, when the fastener module 2 has been attached to the attachment assembly 3, make electrical contact with associated counterpart contact elements 7 on the attachment assembly 3, as can be seen from FIG. 20C viewed together with FIG. 21C. By means of the contact elements 6 and the counterpart contact elements 7, it is thus possible for an electrical connection to be produced between the assembly 5 associated with the attachment assembly 30 and an assembly associated with the fastener module 2, for example in order to provide an electrical supply or a data connection.

(128) In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the electrical contact elements 6 have contact pins 61, which, by spring elements 62, are elastically supported on the body 273 of the negative-pressure element 27 and are connected to electrical lines 60. The counterpart contact elements 7 may, by contrast, be formed for example as contact pads or the like on a head side, facing toward the negative-pressure element 27, of the attachment part 30, such that, in a position of the fastener module 2 in which the latter is attached to the attachment assembly 3 (FIGS. 21A-21C), the contact elements 6 make electrical contact with the counterpart contact elements 7.

(129) An exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C to 24A-24C is identical to the exemplary embodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1A, 1B to 6A-6C, wherein, additionally, electrical contact elements 6 are arranged on the fastener module 2, on the one hand, and on the attachment assembly 3, on the other hand, which contact elements, when the fastener module has been attached to the attachment assembly 3 (FIGS. 24A-24C), make electrical contact with one another and can thus produce an electrical connection between the assemblies associated with the connecting apparatus 1, for example for an electrical supply of an assembly 5, for example of an electronic device in the form of a mobile telephone, or for the purposes of providing a data connection.

(130) Otherwise, with regard to the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 22A-22C to 24A-24C, reference is made to that which has been stated with regard to the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 1A, 1B to 6A-6C.

(131) The concept underlying the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment discussed above, but rather may basically also be realized in an entirely different way.

(132) In particular, entirely different elements that interact in order to provide negative-pressure forces are conceivable and possible. In this respect, the embodiments discussed above are to be understood merely as examples.

(133) A connecting apparatus of the type described here may serve for the securing of entirely different assemblies to one another. In particular, the connecting apparatus is not restricted in terms of its use to the examples shown here. The connecting apparatus may advantageously be used for securing electronic devices, for example a camera or a mobile telephone. This is however not restrictive.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

(134) 1 Connecting apparatus 2 Fastener module 20 Casing part 200 Inner lateral face 201 Securing points 202 Guide elements 21 Guide part 210 Lateral face 211 Guide track (slot) 212 Opening 223 Collar 22 Preloading element (spring element) 23 Adjustment element 230 Shank 231 Securing points 232 Top portion 233 Positive-locking portion (positive-locking opening) 234 Receiving opening 235 Closing element 236 Guide piece 24 Magnet element 25 Cylinder part 250 Inner face 251 Flow opening 252 Engagement portion (toothing) 253 Cylindrical cavity 254 Seal 255 Receiving opening 256 Engagement opening 26 Bracing spring 27 Negative-pressure element (cup element) 270 Collar 271 Opening 272 Flexible edge portion 273 Body 274 Flow opening 275 Mounting elements 276 Axle element 277 Guide means 28 Actuation element 280 Spring element 281 Portion 282 Top end 283 Securing points 29 Lid 3 Attachment assembly 30 Attachment part 300 Positive-locking portion 301 Engagement portion (toothing) 302 Receiving opening 303 Thread 304 Surface 31 Magnet element 4 Assembly 5 Assembly 50 Attachment component (attachment face) 500 Opening 501 Thread 51 Container body 6, 7 Electrical contact element 60 Line 61 Contact pin 62 Spring element A Attachment direction B Space D Direction of rotation F Air flow O Opening direction R Axis of rotation