Electrically insulating cover, touch protected interface, high voltage module connector and kit

Abstract

An electrical insulation cover (1) for a connection portion (16) of an electrical module connector (2) comprises a housing section (40) forming a protective collar (42) for the connection portion (16), a contact chamber (44) that is at least partially surrounded by the protective collar (42) — the contact chamber (44) is configured to at least partially accommodate the connection portion (16) — and a fastening section (64) for fastening the electrical insulation cover (1) to the connection portion (16), wherein the fastening section (64) extends at least partially into the contact chamber (44), and the fastening section (64) comprises at least one retaining element (66), the retaining element being curved toward the contact chamber (44). Advantageously, the at least one retaining element (66) curved toward the contact chamber (44) can form a direct and immediate form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the connection portion (16) located within the contact chamber (44). In addition, the present invention relates to a touch protection interface (4) having such an electrical insulation cover (1) and an electrically conductive connection (16). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a module connector (2) having a touch protection interface (4) and a complementary matching part (8). Finally, the present invention relates to a kit (6) comprising an electrical insulation cover (1) and two flat conductors (22', 22'') having different thicknesses (128).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical insulation cover for a connecting component of an electrical module connector. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a touch protection interface having such an electrical insulation cover and an electrically conductive connecting component. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a module connector having a touch protection interface and a complementary matching component. Finally, the present invention relates to a (configuration) kit comprising an electrical insulation cover and two flat conductors of different thicknesses. Background Technology

[0002] Module connectors are used to interconnect different electrical modules in battery systems and other types of systems in the field of energy engineering. Here, these modules are connected to each other using conductors and connecting components. Specifically, these modules can be battery modules, control units, current transformers, or busbars. Given the high voltages and / or currents at which these modules often operate, they can pose a danger to users, such as mechanics in a workshop.

[0003] In particular, touch protection against accidental contact is provided to cover each connection part of the module connector, especially in locations where the user is physically close. Here, reliable attachment of the touch protection is essential for the electrical safety of the module connector.

[0004] Depending on the application, the same connecting parts may be used with conductors of different dimensions, for example, to provide sufficient conductor cross-section. This means that the geometry surrounding the connecting parts varies with each application.

[0005] In existing solutions, touch protection must be selected from a range of different variations to suit these geometric conditions. If a large number of applications must be covered by different variations of touch protection, this often results in excessive segmentation, which can only be realized at high cost and with a corresponding number of different manufacturing molds. Excessive segmentation also increases storage and transportation costs.

[0006] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a means for increasing the electrical safety of module connectors while reducing manufacturing and handling costs.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an electrical insulation cover for a connecting component of an electrical module connector, the electrical insulation cover comprising a housing section forming a protective collar for the connecting component, a contact chamber configured to be at least sectionally surrounded by the protective collar and to receive the connecting component at least partially therein, and a fastening section for fastening the electrical insulation cover to the connecting component, wherein the fastening section extends at least partially within the contact chamber and the fastening section comprises a retaining element that forms an arch into the contact chamber.

[0008] Here, the retaining element forms an arch into the contact chamber in that it extends into the contact chamber in an arched, bent, curved, arced, or inclined shape. In particular, the retaining element may extend from the edge region of the contact chamber toward the interior region of the contact chamber. In other words, the retaining element extends increasingly deeper into the contact chamber along its arched, bent, curved, arced, or inclined shape.

[0009] A connecting component located in a contact chamber is surrounded at least partially by a protective collar of an electrical insulation cover along the circumferential direction, so that it cannot be contacted by a user's fingers, hands, or other body parts. The solution according to the present invention is advantageous because a retaining element arching into the contact chamber can form a direct and immediate shape-fit and / or force-fit connection with the connecting component located in the contact chamber.

[0010] In contrast to conventional touch protections that are typically attached to conductors, the electrical insulation cover of the present invention can be used regardless of the dimensions of the conductor. Therefore, the electrical insulation cover exhibits a wide range of applicability. Consequently, there is no need for different touch protection variations that must be manufactured using different molds. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also lowers transportation and storage costs.

[0011] The initially defined objective is also addressed by a touch protection interface for a module connector, the touch protection interface comprising an electrically insulating cover and an electrically conductive connecting component of the module connector according to the present invention, wherein the connecting component comprises a recess in which a fastening section of the electrically insulating cover is received in a shape-fit manner. That is, the fastening section can be received in the recess, and the recess results in the aforementioned shape-fit connection between the electrically insulating cover and the connecting component. In particular, a retaining element can be received positively in the recess. Advantageously, thus the cover can be fastened directly and immediately to the connecting component, thereby ensuring electrical safety in the connecting component.

[0012] A module connector having such a touch protection interface and a matching component complementary to the touch protection interface also fulfills the originally defined purpose. In this case, the matching component can be connected to the touch protection interface along the plug-in direction. This means that the matching component and the touch protection interface can be connected to each other along the plug-in direction. Here, the matching component includes a protective housing that secures a fastening section of an electrical insulation cover when the touch protection interface is connected to the matching component.

[0013] In other words, the protective housing blocks or locks the connection section as long as the touch protection interface and its mating part remain connected. In particular, this prevents the unintended removal of the electrical insulation cover. For example, due to the blocking or locking, the electrical insulation cover cannot be accidentally removed from the connection part along with the protective housing if the user grabs the electrical insulation cover instead of the protective housing or if the protective housing is wedge-secured to the electrical insulation cover.

[0014] There is no active connection between the electrical insulation cover and the protective housing, which allows the electrical insulation cover to be pulled away from the connecting component as soon as the connection is released. Therefore, the blocking or locking of the connection section by the protective housing increases the reliability of touch protection during the duration of the connection. In addition, the electrical insulation cover and the protective housing can perform the touch protection function together and ensure the electrical safety of the module connector.

[0015] The solution according to the present invention can be further improved by the following mutually independent and individually advantageous embodiments and additional improvements.

[0016] For better readability of the description, only the singular is used for some features, but these features may also exist in the plural. For example, a fastening section of an electrical insulation cover includes at least one retaining element. Accordingly, descriptions of the retaining elements refer not only to at least one retaining element but also to any other retaining elements that may be provided on the electrical insulation cover. Similarly, a connecting part includes at least one recess.

[0017] If no recess is provided on the connecting part, the electrical insulation cover can also be friction-fitted to the connecting part by a retaining element. Thus, the electrical insulation cover can be modified to existing connecting parts without any recess.

[0018] According to additionally possible embodiments, the fastening section may be adjacent to the housing section. In particular, the fastening section and the housing section may be connected. Such a connection may be one-piece, monolithic, or material-bond. Advantageously, the electrical insulation cover is thus an integral single component. Alternatively, the electrical insulation cover may also be composed of multiple parts.

[0019] According to additional possible embodiments, the retaining element may be configured as a cantilever. That is, the retaining element may be configured to be self-supporting. In particular, the retaining element may include a proximal end to which the retaining element is attached to a protective collar. Thus, the proximal end represents the base of the retaining element. In other words, the proximal end may at least partially form a transition between the housing section and the fastening section. Additionally, the retaining element may include a distal end spaced apart from the housing section, specifically from the protective collar. In this case, the proximal end may be arranged closer to the aforementioned edge region of the contact chamber, and the distal end may be arranged closer to the inner region of the contact chamber. The self-supporting retaining element reduces material costs because there is no need to form support ribs or similar structures. However, support ribs or similar structures may, of course, be provided if necessary.

[0020] According to an additionally possible embodiment, the retaining element may be configured to be deflectable toward the protective collar. In other words, the retaining element may be configured to be more flexible than the rest of the protective collar or the electrical insulation cover. In particular, the distal end of the retaining element may be moved toward the protective collar by deformation of the retaining element within the elastic deformation range of the retaining element. In doing so, the distance between the distal end and the protective collar may be reduced by at least one-quarter, particularly one-third, preferably half, or completely. The deflectable retaining element may be used to create a latching, snap-fit ​​connection between the electrical insulation cover and the connecting part.

[0021] For example, the retaining element may consist of a latching arm that engages with a recess of the connecting part. In particular, the latching arm may cooperate with a shoulder formed by the recess. That is, the latching arm may form a latching surface or a latching edge that creates an undercut for the shoulder. Likewise, the shoulder may create an undercut for the latching arm.

[0022] The connecting component is an electrically conductive component attached to a current conductor and, together with an electrical insulation cover and an electrical insulation cap, forms a touch protection interface of the module connector. Here, the electrical insulation cap may be arranged in the fastening means of the module connector.

[0023] A connecting component may be positioned at one end of a current conductor or between two ends of a current conductor. The current conductor may be, for example, a flat conductor, a conductor rail, a current strip, or a cable. The current conductor leads to an electrical module connected via a module connector and its connecting component. In particular, the connecting component may be pressed, welded, and / or screw-fastened into the receiving opening of the associated conductor.

[0024] The connecting component may be a battery terminal or a pole terminal. For example, the connecting component may include a contact ring that functions as an electric current bridge. The contact ring may include a cylindrical outer surface and a flat end surface, and the connecting component of the mating component, which is also composed of the contact ring, may make contact on the flat end surface. This contact may be made within a contact chamber. This means that a protective collar may at least partially surround the area where the touch protection interface and the connecting component of the mating component make contact. Thus, the contact chamber is also configured to at least partially accommodate the connecting component of the mating component in addition to the connecting component of the touch protection interface.

[0025] The recess of the connecting part may be composed of a circumferential groove. Thus, the connecting part, particularly the contact ring, may be a turned metal component or a cold-formed metal component manufactured, for example, by profile rolling. Alternatively, the recess may be realized by a change in the cross-section of the connecting part, particularly the contact ring. Then, the aforementioned shoulder is located directly at the change in cross-section. A connecting part having such a change in cross-section may be produced by turning and / or cold forming.

[0026] To improve touch protection, the protective collar of the housing section may protrude or rise above the connecting part when mounted. Additionally, the protective collar may be closed, continuous, and cylindrical. For example, the protective collar may be configured in the shape of a sleeve, particularly a cylindrical sleeve. The inner diameter of the protective collar may preferably be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the protective housing of the matching part of the touch protection interface. When connecting the touch protection interface to the matching part, the protective collar may also accommodate the protective housing at least partially.

[0027] To provide space for a protective housing of a matching part in the contact chamber next to the received connecting part of the touch protection interface, the protective collar may be spaced apart from the connecting part by a gap. In particular, the gap between the protective collar and the connecting part of the touch protection interface may be configured to at least partially accommodate the protective housing of the matching part. In this case, the protective housing may first be inserted into the contact chamber, specifically into the gap, past the outer edge of the protective collar.

[0028] The recess of the connecting component may be located on the cylindrical outer surface of the contact ring. In particular, the recess may consist of the aforementioned circumferential groove on the contact ring. Alternatively, the recess of the connecting component may also be located on any other radially oriented outer surface of the connecting component. With respect to the plug-in direction, the recess may be located at the same height as the electrical insulation cover or below the electrical insulation cover.

[0029] Optionally, the electrical insulation cover may be configured to be fitted onto the connecting part. During this fitting, a deflectable retaining element, in particular a latching arm, is initially placed against the cylindrical outer surface of the contact ring and can undergo elastic deformation during the process. As soon as the electrical insulation cover is fully fitted, the latching arm and the recess align, allowing the latching arm to engage with the recess of the connecting part. The elastic restoring force, in particular, causes the connection to produce a click sound, which can function as an acoustic assembly aid.

[0030] Regardless of the exact shape of the retaining element, a free space may be formed between the protective collar and the retaining element. When the retaining element is deflected as described above, the distal end of the retaining element moves into this free space. As soon as the retaining element is received in the recess of the connecting part, the distal end moves out of the free space again. The protective housing may include at least one locking lance or locking collar that fills the free space when the touch protection interface is connected to the matching part. In this way, the blocking or locking of the fastening section described above is realized.

[0031] To facilitate the handling of the module connector, the electrical insulation cover of the touch protection interface may be configured to pre-lock with the protective housing of the mating component. For this purpose, complementary pre-locking elements may be provided on the electrical insulation cover and the protective housing. During pre-locking, the protective housing and the electrical insulation cover are held together until separated by a pulling force. This allows the user to release the pre-locked module connector and instead handle a tool for a screw or other type of fastening means to transition the touch protection interface and the mating component from pre-locked to final locked.

[0032] By blocking or locking the fastening section through at least one locking lance or locking collar of the protective housing, it is ensured that the pulling force required to pre-unlock does not accidentally pull the electrical insulation cover away from the connecting part.

[0033] According to an additionally possible embodiment, the retaining element may be located entirely within the contact chamber. This means that no part of the retaining element protrudes outside the contact chamber. Consequently, the retaining element is protected from external influences by the protective collar and does not break during transport and storage, or at least breaks less frequently. Additionally, when mounted, the retaining element is less likely to break compared to retaining elements of known covers that protrude outside their protective collars.

[0034] In order to allow the retaining element to extend as far as possible into the contact chamber without occupying an excessive amount of space, the retaining element may extend at least partially parallel to the protective collar. In particular, the arched, bent, curved, arc-shaped, or inclined shape of the retaining element may include at least one straight section. The straight section may be adjacent to the aforementioned free space. Along this straight section, the distance between the outer surface of the retaining element and the inner surface of the protective collar may be constant.

[0035] According to an additionally possible embodiment, the aforementioned base of the retaining element may be offset from the protective collar and form a support surface facing inward with respect to the contact chamber. The support surface may be offset from the protective collar in that it is a surface recognizably distinguishable from the protective collar. The support surface may be implemented by a continuous single surface or by several spaced partial surfaces. Additionally, the support surface may be configured to fit snugly against the connecting part. In particular, the support surface may define an internal contour that corresponds at least partially to the external contour of the connecting part. When the electrical insulation cover is placed on the connecting part, the support surface facing inward is in close contact with the connecting part so that the electrical insulation cover can be precisely positioned relative to the connecting part.

[0036] In other words, the support surface helps to correctly position or center the connecting parts within the protective collar. Thus, the fastening section can also function as a positioning section, at least partially. Therefore, the retaining element can be arranged on the positioning section.

[0037] To further simplify fitting the electrical insulation cover onto the connecting part, the contact chamber may extend in the plug-in direction. Since the support surface faces inward relative to the contact chamber, the support surface may provide a sliding surface or a guide surface on which the electrical insulation cover can slide relative to the connecting part.

[0038] As an additional positioning aid, the housing section may form a seating surface for the flat conductor of the module connector. The seating surface may be substantially flat and extend perpendicular to the plug-in direction. With this seating surface, the electrical insulation cover can be placed flat and stably on the flat conductor when the electrical insulation cover is fitted onto the connecting component. Additionally, the retaining element may extend away from the seating surface. In other words, the seating surface may be directed away from or oriented away from the retaining element. Thus, the retaining element, together with the seating surface, can fix the degrees of freedom of the electrical insulation cover along the plug-in direction. For example, the seating surface can prevent the electrical insulation cover from moving in the plug-in direction, and the retaining element prevents the electrical insulation cover from moving against the plug-in direction.

[0039] The touch protection interface may include a current conductor composed of a flat conductor having the aforementioned receiving opening. A connecting component of the touch protection interface may be fixed in the receiving opening. Additionally, a fastening section, in particular a retaining element, may be arranged at least partially in a recess between the connecting component and the flat conductor. In this way, the connecting component and the flat conductor may jointly possess the fastening section.

[0040] According to an additionally possible embodiment, the retaining element may be extended at least in sections at an oblique angle with respect to the seating surface. In this case, the inner or outer surface of the retaining element may be at any angle from 0° to 90° with respect to the seating surface. This enables the retaining element to withstand and resist the aforementioned pulling force, particularly the pull-off force acting against the plug-in direction.

[0041] For reasons of increased stability and redundancy, the electrical insulation cover may include at least two retaining elements arranged opposite each other with respect to the contact chamber. In principle, the electrical insulation cover may include any even number of retaining elements arranged in pairs opposite each other with respect to the contact chamber. It is also conceivable that the electrical insulation cover includes an odd number of retaining elements distributed around the contact chamber and having regular angular distances between them. In particular, the use of three retaining elements makes it possible to clearly define a stable position, as in a tripod. Instead of multiple individual retaining elements, the electrical insulation cover may also include a single continuous retaining element extending circumferentially along the entire protective collar.

[0042] In addition to the aforementioned receiving opening, the current conductor may include a secondary hole or a notch. In this case, the housing section may form a coding pin that extends transversely, particularly vertically, with respect to the seating surface. Additionally, the coding pin may protrude from the seating surface and serve to define a predetermined orientation of the electrical insulation cover with respect to the current conductor. The coding pin ensures that the electrical insulation cover having the seating surface can be placed on the current conductor only when the electrical insulation cover has a predetermined orientation that coincides with the secondary hole or notch associated with the coding pin. This prevents incorrect installation of the electrical insulation cover.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, incorrect assembly between the touch protection interface and its matching parts can be avoided if the protection collar forms at least one coding slot into which the coding rib of the protection housing can be inserted to produce a coding effect.

[0044] Optionally, the coding slot may extend along the plug-in direction from the aforementioned outer edge of the protective collar to the seating surface. In other words, the coding slot may extend along the entire height of the protective collar along the plug-in direction. This achieves sufficient coding depth because the coding rib on the protective housing of the mating part can have the same length as the coding slot. The greater the coding depth, the earlier the coding effect can begin and the faster incorrect assembly can be recognized.

[0045] The importance of coding depth should be illustrated by a counterexample. If the coding slot extends only halfway from the outer edge of the protective collar to the seating surface, rather than extending further, the coding rib must be shortened accordingly; otherwise, it will not fit fully into the coding slot. In particular, the "front" half of the coding rib facing the touch protection interface must be omitted. Then, the coding effect will occur only when half of the touch protection interface is already connected to a (possibly incorrect) mating component. Of course, the coding features, namely the coding slot and the coding rib, may also be arranged in the opposite manner between the protective collar and the protective housing.

[0046] To ensure that the coding slot extends along the entire height of the protective collar in the plug-in direction, no retaining element shall obstruct the coding slot. In other words, the coding slot shall not be aligned with any retaining element in the plug-in direction and shall be offset in the circumferential direction. If multiple retaining elements are provided, the coding slot shall be arranged circumferentially between two retaining elements.

[0047] The purpose initially defined is also solved by a kit having an electrical insulation cover according to one of the above embodiments. Additionally, the kit comprises a first electrically conductive connecting part, a second connecting part configured identically, a first flat conductor, and a second flat conductor having a thickness different from that of the first flat conductor. The first connecting part is fixed to the first flat conductor, and the second connecting part is correspondingly fixed to the second flat conductor. Due to the same design, the electrical insulation cover can be optionally attached to the first connecting part as well as the second connecting part. Advantageously, the thickness or any other dimension of the two flat conductors does not affect the attachment of the electrical insulation cover.

[0048] The process of fitting the electrical insulation cover onto the connecting part may be performed after the connecting part is joined to the associated conductor by being pressed into the receiving opening, welded, and / or screwed together, for example, as described above. In this case, the connecting part and its associated conductor may already be available in their joined state as a result of a previous manufacturing step. In particular, if this previous manufacturing step involves thermal or mechanical force, it is convenient to perform the fitting process of the electrical insulation cover only afterward to keep the electrical insulation cover away from said thermal or mechanical strains.

[0049] In an alternative scenario, the assembly sequence can be reversed so that the electrical insulation cover is fitted onto the connecting part first. Then, the connecting part can be joined to the associated conductor, for example, by press or screw connection. Advantageously, the subsequent press or screw connection in this assembly sequence can be used to minimize or even completely eliminate play between the electrical insulation cover and the connecting part, as described below.

[0050] For example, if the electrical insulation cover and the connecting component are held together by the aforementioned shape-fit connection, a certain amount of play in the plug-in direction will inherently exist due to the nature of the snap-fit ​​connection. When the electrical insulation cover is seated on the relevant conductor with its seating surface and the retaining element engages with the recess of the connecting component, the electrical insulation cover can be effectively clamped between the connecting component and the relevant conductor. Eventually, the retaining element extends away from the seating surface, and the connecting component is pressed or screwed onto the relevant conductor along the plug-in direction perpendicular to the seating surface. Thus, this allows the electrical insulation cover to be clamped between the connecting component and the relevant conductor, while simultaneously eliminating or at least minimizing the aforementioned play in the plug-in direction.

[0051] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of their function and / or structure. As described above, aspects of an embodiment may be omitted if their technical effect is not required for a particular application, and vice versa: aspects that are not part of a particular embodiment may be added if their technical effect is advantageous for a particular application. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0052] In the drawing: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an exploded perspective view of a module connector according to one possible embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an exploded perspective view of a touch protection interface according to one possible embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exploded cross-sectional view of the touch protection interface of FIG. 2, cut along cross-sectional plane III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a perspective cross-sectional view of an electrical insulation cover according to one possible embodiment, cut along cross-sectional plane III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a perspective cross-sectional view of the electrical insulation cover of FIG. 4, cut along the cross-sectional plane VV shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of a touch protection interface according to another possible embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of a module connector according to another possible embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a kit according to one possible embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0053] Hereinafter, the structure of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical insulation cover (1) is described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 8. Also, the structure of an exemplary embodiment of a module connector (2) is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. Additionally, FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 are used to describe the structure and function of a touch protection interface (4) according to an exemplary embodiment. Finally, FIG. 8 is used to describe the structure of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly kit (6) according to the present invention.

[0054] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the electrical insulation cover (1) may be part of the touch protection interface (4), and the touch protection interface (4) may, in turn, be part of the module connector (2). In addition to the touch protection interface (4), the module connector (2) includes a matching component (8) complementary to the touch protection interface (4). Here, the matching component (8) can be connected to the touch protection interface (4) along the plug-in direction (10). This means that the matching component (8) and the touch protection interface (4) can be connected to each other along the plug-in direction (10). This constitutes a connected state (12) of the module connector (2), specifically the touch protection interface (4) and the matching component (8) (see FIG. 7).

[0055] Generally, the module connector (2) can be used to interconnect different electrical modules (not shown), such as battery modules, control units, current transformers, or busbars, in battery systems and other types of systems in the field of energy engineering. Here, the modules can be connected to each other using current conductors (14) and connecting parts (16). In other words, each current conductor (14) leads to one electrical module and is connected to another current conductor (14) which leads to another electrical module through the module connector (2) and its connecting parts (16).

[0056] The connecting parts (16) are electrically conductive components (18) attached to each current conductor (14). In particular, each connecting part (16) may be arranged at one end (20) of the corresponding current conductor (14). The current conductors (14) may be composed of flat conductors (22) to which the connecting parts (16) are fixed.

[0057] The connecting parts (16) may be battery terminals (24) or pole terminals (26). In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the connecting parts (16) each include a contact ring (28) that functions as an electric current bridge (30). Each contact ring (28) may include a flat end surface (34) and a cylindrical outer surface (32) to which a corresponding other connecting part (16) can be contacted (see FIG. 7).

[0058] The touch protection interface (4) may include a flat conductor (22) having a receiving opening (36). The contact ring (28) of the connecting part (16) may be press-fitted into the receiving opening (36). Alternatively or additionally, the connecting part may be welded to and / or screw-connected to an associated current conductor. Conductor rails, current strips, and cables may also be used as current conductors.

[0059] An electrical insulation cover (1) is provided as part of a touch protection interface (4) to prevent a user, such as a mechanic at a workshop, from accidentally touching electrically conductive components (18), particularly the connecting part (16). For the same reason, the matching part (8) includes a protective housing (38) that surrounds its connecting part (16).

[0060] The electrical insulation cover (1) includes a housing section (40) that forms a protective collar (42) for a connecting part (16). In particular, the protective collar (42) of the housing section (40) may protrude or rise above the connecting part (16) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0061] Additionally, the electrical insulation cover (1) includes a contact chamber (44) configured to be partially enclosed by a protective collar (42) and to accommodate at least partially a connecting part (16) of the touch protection interface (4) within it (see FIG. 6). The contact chamber (44) may extend in the plug-in direction (10). The connecting part (16) accommodated in the contact chamber (44) is partially enclosed by the protective collar (42) along the circumferential direction (46) so that it cannot be contacted by the user's fingers, hands, or other body parts.

[0062] This contact chamber (44) is where contact is made between the flat end surfaces (34) of the contact rings (28). In other words, the protective collar (42) can at least partially surround the area where the connecting parts (16) of the touch protection interface (4) and the matching part (8) come into contact. Thus, the contact chamber (44) is also configured to at least partially accommodate the connecting parts (16) of the matching part (8) in addition to the connecting parts (16) of the touch protection interface (4).

[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the protective collar (42) may be closed, continuous, and cylindrical. For example, the protective collar (42) may be configured in the shape of a sleeve, particularly a cylindrical sleeve. The inner diameter (48) of the protective collar (42) may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter (50) of the protective housing (38) of the matching part (8). Thus, the protective collar (42) can at least partially accommodate the protective housing (38) when connecting the matching part (8) to the touch protection interface (4).

[0064] To provide space for a protective housing (38) in the contact chamber (44) next to the received connecting part (16) of the touch protection interface (4), the protective collar (42) may be spaced apart from the connecting part (16) by a gap (52). In particular, the gap (52) between the protective collar (42) and the connecting part (16) of the touch protection interface (4) may be configured to at least partially accommodate the protective housing (38) of the matching part (8). In this case, the protective housing (38) may first be inserted into the contact chamber (44), specifically into the gap (52), by passing the outer edge (54) of the protective collar (42). Here, the gap (52) may form part of an access slot (55) through which the connecting part (16) of the matching part (8) can reach the contact ring (28) of the touch protection interface (4). The access slot (55) will be described in more detail below.

[0065] To facilitate handling of the module connector (2), the electrical insulation cover (1) of the touch protection interface (4) may be configured to be pre-locked with the protection housing (38) of the matching component (8). For this purpose, complementary pre-locking elements (56) may be provided on the electrical insulation cover (1) and the protection housing (38). During pre-locking, the protection housing (38) and the electrical insulation cover (1) are held together until separated by a pulling force.

[0066] This enables the user to place the pre-locked module connector (2) and instead handle a tool (not shown) for a screw (58) or other type of fastening means to bring the touch protection interface (4) and the mating part (8) to a final locked state (see FIG. 7). In particular, the screw (58) may include a screw head (59) compatible with the tool for handling the screw (58). Additionally, the screw (58) may be fastened to a threaded sleeve (60) to press the flat end surfaces (34) of the contact rings (28) against each other. The threaded sleeve (60) may include a knurled section (62) that is pressed into the contact ring (28) of the touch protection interface (4).

[0067] The threaded sleeve (60) may include an electrical insulation cap (63) arranged opposite to the knurling section (62). The electrical insulation cap (63) may be a separate component, for example, made of the same material as the electrical insulation cover (1). In particular, the electrical insulation cap (63) may be clip-coupled, latched, or snap-fitted onto the end section of the threaded sleeve (60) (see FIG. 1). Together with the protective collar (42) of the electrical insulation cover (1), the electrical insulation cap (63) may specifically restrict the accessibility of the contact chamber (44), particularly the contact ring (28) located therein. In other words, the electrical insulation cap (63) may complement, improve, or complete the touch protection provided by the electrical insulation cover (1), resulting in a much higher level of safety for the touch protection interface (4).

[0068] For example, the contact chamber (44) and the contact ring (28) can be accessed only through the aforementioned access slot (55) extending between the protective collar (42) and the electrical insulation cap (63). As such, the access slot (55) may be annular in shape and may be open into or contain the gap (52) (see FIG. 6).

[0069] Similarly, the screw (58) may also include such an electrical insulation cap (not shown) arranged opposite to the screw head (59).

[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the electrical insulation cover (1) includes a fastening section (64). The fastening section (64) may be adjacent to the housing section (40). In particular, the fastening section (64) and the housing section (40) may be connected integrally.

[0071] The fastening section (64) serves to fasten the electrical insulation cover (1) to the connecting part (16). As such, the fastening section (64) includes one or more retaining elements (66) that extend at least partially into the contact chamber (44) and form an arch into the contact chamber (44). In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the fastening section (64) includes four retaining elements (66) arranged in pairs facing each other with respect to the contact chamber (44). Alternatively, the electrical insulation cover may include an odd number of retaining elements distributed around the contact chamber and having a regular angular distance between them.

[0072] All retaining elements (66) are arched into the contact chamber (44) in that they extend into the contact chamber (44) in an arched, bent, curved, arced, or inclined shape. In particular, the retaining elements (66) may extend from the edge area (68) of the contact chamber (44) toward the interior area (70) of the contact chamber (44). In other words, the retaining elements (66) move away from the protective collar (42) and extend increasingly deeper into the contact chamber (44) along their arched, bent, curved, arced, or inclined shape.

[0073] These retaining elements (66) forming an arch into the contact chamber (44) can form direct and immediate shape-fit and / or force-fit connections with the connecting part (16) located in the contact chamber (44). In contrast to conventional touch protection generally attached to a conductor, the electrical insulation cover (1) of the present invention can be used regardless of the dimensions of the current conductor (14). This will be explained in more detail below.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the retaining elements (66) may each be composed of self-supporting cantilevers. In particular, each retaining element (66) may include a proximal end (72) to which the retaining element (66) is attached to the protective collar (42). Thus, the proximal end (72) represents the base (74) of the retaining element (66). In other words, the proximal end (72) may at least partially form a transition between the housing section (40) and the fastening section (64). Additionally, each retaining element (66) may include a distal end (76) spaced apart from the housing section (40), specifically from the protective collar (42). Here, the proximal end (72) may be arranged closer to the aforementioned edge region (68) of the contact chamber (44), and the distal end (76) may be arranged closer to the inner region (70) of the contact chamber (44).

[0075] Additionally, each retaining element (66) may be configured to be deflectable toward the protective collar (42). In other words, the retaining elements (66) may be configured to be more flexible than the rest of the protective collar (42) and the electrical insulation cover (1). In particular, the distal end (76) of each retaining element (66) may be moved toward the protective collar (42) by deformation of the retaining element (66) within the elastic deformation range of the retaining element (66). In doing so, the distance between the distal end (76) and the protective collar (42) may be reduced by at least one-quarter, particularly one-third, preferably half, or completely. The deflectable retaining elements (66) may be used to create a latching, snap-fit ​​connection between the electrical insulation cover (1) and the connecting part (16).

[0076] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the connecting part (16) includes a recess (78) in which the fastening section (64) of the electrical insulation cover (1) can be received in a shape-fit manner. That is, the fastening section (64) can be received in the recess (78) and may result in the shape-fit or snap-fit ​​connection between the electrical insulation cover (1) and the connecting part (16). In particular, a retaining element (66) can be received in a positive manner in the recess (78). For example, each retaining element (66) may consist of a latching arm (80) that engages with the recess (78) of the connecting part (16). In particular, the latching arm (80) may cooperate with the shoulder (82) formed by the recess (78). Here, the latching arm (80) may form a latching surface (84) or a latching edge (86) that creates an undercut for the shoulder (82). Likewise, the shoulder (82) can create an undercut for the latching arm (80).

[0077] The recess (78) of the connecting part (16) may be located on the cylindrical outer surface (32) of the contact ring (28). In particular, the recess (78) may be composed of a circumferential groove (88) on the contact ring (28) (see FIG. 1). Thus, the connecting part (16), in particular the contact ring (28), may be a turned metal component. Alternatively, the recess (78) may be realized by a change in the cross-section of the connecting part (16), in particular the contact ring (28). The aforementioned shoulder (82) is located directly at the subsequent change in cross-section (see FIG. 2). The connecting part (16) having a change in cross-section may be produced by turning and / or cold forming.

[0078] Optionally, the electrical insulation cover (1) may be configured to be fitted onto the connecting part (16). When fitted, the deflectable retaining elements (66), in particular the latching arms (80), are initially placed against the cylindrical outer surface (32) of the contact ring (28) and may be elastically deformed in the process. As soon as the electrical insulation cover (1) is fully fitted, the latching arms (80) and the recess (78) align so that the latching arms (80) can engage with the recess (78) of the connecting part (16). If no recess is provided on the connecting part, the electrical insulation cover may still be frictionally fitted onto the connecting part by the deflectable retaining elements.

[0079] As can be seen in FIG. 4, a free space (90) may be formed between the protective collar (42) and each retaining element (66). When each retaining element (66) is deflected as described above, the distal end (76) of the retaining element (66) moves into this free space (90). As soon as the retaining element (66) is received in the recess (78) of the connecting part (16), the distal end (76) moves out of the free space (90) again. The protective housing (38) may include a locking collar (92) that fills the free space (90) when the touch protection interface (4) is connected to the matching part (8) (see FIG. 7).

[0080] In this way, the protective housing (38) secures the fastening section (64) of the electrical insulation cover (1) when the touch protection interface (4) is connected to the matching part (8). In other words, the protective housing (38) blocks or locks the retaining elements (66) as long as the touch protection interface (4) and its matching part (8) are connected (12). This prevents the unintended removal of the electrical insulation cover (1). For example, due to the blocking or locking, the electrical insulation cover (1) cannot be accidentally removed from the connecting part (16) along with the protective housing (38) if the user grabs the electrical insulation cover (1) instead of the protective housing (38) or if the protective housing (38) is wedge-fastened to the electrical insulation cover (1). By blocking or locking the retaining elements (66) through the locking collar (92) of the protective housing (38), the aforementioned pulling force required to unlock the pre-lock is further ensured that the electrical insulation cover (1) is not accidentally pulled out of the connecting part (16).

[0081] As can be seen in FIG. 4, all retaining elements (66) can be completely located inside the contact chamber (44). This means that no parts of the retaining elements (66) protrude outside the contact chamber (44). Consequently, the retaining elements (66) are protected from external influences by the protective collar (42).

[0082] In order to ensure that the retaining elements (66) extend as far as possible into the contact chamber (44) without occupying an excessive amount of space, the retaining elements may extend at least partially parallel to the protective collar (42). In particular, each retaining element (66) may include at least one straight section (94) within its arched, bent, curved, arc-shaped, or inclined shape. The straight section (94) may be adjacent to the aforementioned free space (90). Along this straight section (94), the distance (96) between the outer surface (98) of the retaining element (66) and the inner surface (100) of the protective collar (42) may be constant.

[0083] As can be further seen in FIG. 4, the aforementioned base (74) of each retaining element (66) may be offset from the protective collar (42) and form an inwardly facing support surface (102) with respect to the contact chamber (44). The support surface (102) may be configured to fit snugly against the connecting part (16). In particular, the support surface (102) may partition an inner contour (104) that corresponds at least partially to the outer contour (106) of the connecting part (16). When the electrical insulation cover (1) is fitted onto the connecting part (16), the inwardly facing support surface (102) is in close contact with the connecting part (16) so that the electrical insulation cover (1) can be precisely positioned with respect to the connecting part (16).

[0084] Since each support surface (102) faces inward toward the contact chamber (44), a sliding surface (108) or guide surface (110) is created through which the electrical insulation cover (1) can slide toward the connecting part (16). Additionally, the base (74) of each retaining element (66) can form a lead-in chamfer (112) adjacent to the support surface (102). This also facilitates fitting the electrical insulation cover (1) onto the connecting part (16).

[0085] As an additional positioning aid, the housing section (40) may form a seating surface (114) for the flat conductor (22) of the touch protection interface (4). With this seating surface (114), the electrical insulation cover (1) can be placed flatly and stably on the flat conductor (22) when the electrical insulation cover (1) is fitted onto the connecting part (16). Additionally, the retaining elements (66) may extend away from the seating surface (114). In other words, the seating surface (114) may be directed away from or oriented away from the retaining elements (66). Thus, the retaining elements (66) can fix the degrees of freedom of the electrical insulation cover (1) along the plug-in direction (10) together with the seating surface (114). For example, the seating surface (114) can prevent the electrical insulation cover (1) from moving in the plug-in direction (10), whereas the retaining elements (66) prevent the electrical insulation cover (1) from moving in the plug-in direction (10).

[0086] As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the retaining elements (66) may be extended at least in sections at an oblique angle with respect to the seating surface (114). In this case, the inner or outer surface (98) of each retaining element (66) may be at any angle from 0° to 90° with respect to the seating surface (114). This allows the retaining elements (66) to withstand and resist pulling forces, particularly pull-off forces acting against the plug-in direction (10).

[0087] In addition to the aforementioned receiving opening (36), the current conductor (14) may include an auxiliary hole or notch (116). In this case, the housing section (40) may form a coding pin (118) that extends transversely, particularly vertically, with respect to the seating surface (114). Additionally, the coding pin (118) may protrude from the seating surface (114) and serve to define a predetermined orientation of the electrical insulation cover (1) with respect to the current conductor (14). The coding pin (118) ensures that the electrical insulation cover (1) having the seating surface (114) can be placed on the current conductor (14) only when the electrical insulation cover (1) has a predetermined orientation in which the coding pin (118) coincides with the notch (116). This prevents incorrect installation of the electrical insulation cover (1).

[0088] Incorrect assembly between the touch protection interface (4) and its matching part (8) can be avoided if the protection collar (42) forms coding slots (120) into which each coding rib (122) of the protection housing (38) can be inserted. Optionally, the coding slots (120) may each extend from the aforementioned outer edge (54) of the protection collar (42) along the plug-in direction (10) to the seating surface (114). In other words, the coding slots (120) may all extend along the entire height (124) of the protection collar (42) along the plug-in direction (10). This achieves sufficient coding depth because the coding ribs (122) on the protection housing (38) of the matching part (8) may have the same length (126) as the coding slots (120). The greater the coding depth, the earlier the incorrect assembly can be recognized.

[0089] In order to ensure that the coding slots (120) can extend along the entire height (124) of the protective collar (42) in the plug-in direction (10), no retaining element (66) should interfere with the coding slots (120). In other words, the coding slots (120) should not be aligned with any retaining element (66) in the plug-in direction (10) and should be offset in the circumferential direction (46) (see FIG. 4).

[0090] FIG. 8 illustrates a kit (6) having an electrical insulation cover (1). Additionally, the kit (6) includes a first electrically conductive connecting part (16'), a second connecting part (16'') configured identically, a first flat conductor (22'), and a second flat conductor (22'') having a thickness (128) different from that of the first flat conductor (22'). The first connecting part (16') is fixed to the first flat conductor (22'), and the second connecting part (16'') is correspondingly fixed to the second flat conductor (22''). Due to the identical design of the connecting parts (16', 16''), the electrical insulation cover (1) can be optionally attached to both the first connecting part (16') and the second connecting part (16''). Advantageously, the thickness or any other dimension of the two flat conductors (22', 22'') does not affect the attachment of the electrical insulation cover (1). Therefore, the electrical insulation cover (1) of the present invention can be used regardless of the dimensions of the conductors as previously mentioned. Explanation of the symbols

[0091] 1 electrical insulation cover 2 Module connector 4 Touch protection interface 6 Kit 8 Matching parts 10 Plug-in direction 12 connected state 14 electric conductor 16 connecting parts 18 conductive components 20 One end 22 flat conductor 24 battery terminal 26 Pole terminal 28 contact ring 30 electric current bridge 32 Cylindrical outer surface 34 flat end surface 36 Accommodation opening 38 protective housing 40 Housing section 42 protective collar 44 contact chamber 46 Wonju direction 48 Inner diameter 50 outer diameter 52 gap 54 outer edge 55 Access slot 56 Pre-locked element 58 screw 59 Screw head 60 threaded sleeve 62 knurling section 63 electrical insulation cap 64 Conclusion section 66 Maintenance elements 68 Edge area 70 internal area 72 Proximal end 74 donation 76 distal end 78 concave area 80 Latching arm 82 shoulder 84 Latching surface 86 Latching edge 88 cylindrical groove 90 Free space 92 lock collar 94 straight section 96 distance 98 external surface 100 internal surface 102 Support surface 104 Internal contour 106 outer contour 108 sliding surface 110 Guide surface 112 Lead-in chamfer 114 Seating surface 116 notch 118 Coding pin 120 Coding slot 122 Coding Liv 124 height 126 length 128 thickness

Claims

Claim 1 As an electrically insulating cover (1) for a connecting part (16) of an electric module connector (2), the electrically insulating cover (1) is: A housing section (40) forming a protective collar (42) for the above connecting part (16), A contacting chamber (44) enclosed at least sectionally by the protective collar (42) — the contacting chamber (44) is configured to accommodate at least partially the connecting part (16) —; and The electrical insulation cover (1) includes a fastening section (64) for fastening the electrical insulation cover (1) to the connecting part (16), wherein the fastening section (64) extends at least partially within the contact chamber (44), and the fastening section (64) includes at least one retaining element (66) that is arched into the contact chamber (44). Claim 2 In claim 1, the electrical insulation cover (1) is composed of at least one retaining element (66) as a cantilever. Claim 3 In claim 1 or 2, the electrical insulation cover (1) is configured such that at least one retaining element (66) can be deflected toward the protective collar (42). Claim 4 In any one of claims 1 to 3, the electrical insulation cover (1) is located entirely within the contact chamber (44), wherein at least one retaining element (66) is located within the contact chamber (44). Claim 5 In any one of claims 1 to 4, the electrical insulation cover (1) is formed such that the at least one retaining element (66) extends at least partially parallel to the protective collar (42). Claim 6 In any one of claims 1 to 5, the at least one retaining element (66) comprises a base (74) connected to the protective collar (42), and the base (74) comprises a supporting surface (102) offset from the protective collar (42) and facing inward with respect to the contact chamber (44), an electrical insulation cover (1). Claim 7 In any one of claims 1 to 6, the housing section (40) forms a seating surface (114) for a flat conductor (22) of the module connector (2), and the at least one retaining element (66) extends away from the seating surface (114), an electrical insulation cover (1). Claim 8 In claim 7, the at least one retaining element (66) is an electrical insulation cover (1) that extends at least sectionally at an oblique angle with respect to the seating surface (114). Claim 9 In claim 7 or 8, the protective collar (42) forms at least one coding slot (120) extending to the seating surface (114), an electrical insulation cover (1). Claim 10 In any one of claims 1 to 9, the electrical insulation cover (1) comprises at least two retaining elements (66) arranged opposite each other with respect to the contact chamber (44). Claim 11 In claim 9, combined with claim 10, the protective collar (42) surrounds the contact chamber (44) along the circumferential direction (46), and the at least one coding slot (120) is arranged between the at least two retaining elements (66) along the circumferential direction (46), an electrical insulation cover (1). Claim 12 A touch protection interface (4) for a module connector (2), wherein the touch protection interface (4) has an electrically insulating cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and an electrically conductive connecting part (16) of the module connector (2), wherein the electrically conductive connecting part (16) comprises at least one recess (78) in which a fastening section (64) of the electrically insulating cover (1) is accepted in a form-fitting manner. Claim 13 In claim 12, the touch protection interface (4) comprises a flat conductor (22) to which the connecting part (16) is fixed, and the fastening section (64) within the concave part (78) is arranged at least sectionally between the connecting part (16) and the flat conductor (22). Claim 14 As a module connector (2), the module connector (2) has a touch protection interface (4) according to claim 12 or 13 and a complementary matching part (8) connectable to the touch protection interface (4) along the plug-in direction (10), the matching part (8) includes a protective housing (38), and the protective housing (38) secures a fastening section (64) of the electrical insulation cover (1) in a connected state (12) between the touch protection interface (4) and the matching part (8). Claim 15 As a kit (6), the kit (6) comprises an electrical insulation cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a first electrically conductive connecting part (16'), a second connecting part (16'') configured in the same way, a first flat conductor (22'), and a second flat conductor (22'') having a thickness (128) different from that of the first flat conductor (22'), wherein the first connecting part (16') is fixed to the first flat conductor (22'), the second connecting part (16'') is fixed to the second flat conductor (22''), and the electrical insulation cover (1) is optionally fastened to the first connecting part (16') as well as the second connecting part (16'').

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