Module connector

Abstract

A module connector (100) is shown, having two connection parts (10, 20) which can be connected into an electrically conductive connection, each connection part (10, 20) comprising mutually compatible attachment elements (11, 21), wherein each connection part (10, 20) has a contact protection (110) on the connection side facing the other connection part (20, 10), which contact protection comprises an outer electrically insulating collar (111) and an electrically insulating protection pin (112) surrounded by the collar (111), wherein a current bridge (120) is located at the at least one connection part (10, 20) between the collar (111) and the protection pin (112), which current bridge is supported by the collar (111) and the protection pin (112), and wherein at least one attachment element (11) comprises a connection geometry (18) for transferring forces and momentum into an electric current bar (50), and wherein the attachment elements (11, 21) are configured such that one attachment element (11) can be inserted into the other attachment element (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular connector. For example, this modular connector can be used when connecting a battery pack or a single battery in an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent harm to users during connection, touch protection devices are typically provided. Modular connectors are known, for example, having two electrically interconnected connection parts, each including mutually compatible attachment elements for attaching the connection parts to each other, wherein each connection part has a contact protection on its connection side facing the other connection part, the contact protection including an outer electrically insulating collar and an electrically insulating protective pin surrounded by the collar, wherein a current bridge is located at at least one connection part between the collar and the protective pin, the current bridge being supported by the collar and the protective pin.

[0003] However, most known modular connectors require a large amount of installation space. The object of this invention is to provide a modular connector that requires less installation space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the invention, this is achieved by an attachment element comprising a connecting geometry for transmitting force and momentum to the current rod, wherein the attachment elements are configured such that one attachment element can be inserted into another attachment element.

[0005] Because the connecting geometry is fastened to the attachment element inserted into another attachment element, the connecting geometry can be made correspondingly smaller. Therefore, the module connector is smaller overall. The corresponding current bar can also be smaller because the connecting geometry requires a correspondingly smaller hole.

[0006] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and constructions, each of which is preferred and can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0007] Preferably, one attachment element includes external threads and / or the other attachment element includes internal threads. This allows for a smaller installation space while ensuring secure attachment simultaneously.

[0008] To compensate for height differences in a simple and space-saving manner, another attachment element may include an extension that extends between the heads of the inserted attachment element and the other attachment element when the first attachment element is inserted. The extension may be present regardless of the presence of attachment geometry, and where applicable, in the location of the attachment geometry.

[0009] The extension can separate the attachment part from the actuating part.

[0010] In additional or alternative constructions, the extension may be provided on a connecting component.

[0011] The extension may include a solid cross-section. This allows for a compact construction with good stability. Solidity specifically means that material is always present. Cavities, receptacles, or similar empty spaces should not exist.

[0012] The extension portion can have a smaller cross-section compared to the attachment portion into which an attachment element can be inserted. This may facilitate handling. The smaller cross-section may exist at least in the main portion of the extension portion.

[0013] Compared to the actuating portion, the extension portion can have a smaller cross-section. This increases safety. For example, the actuating portion can act as a stop during insertion. The smaller cross-section can exist at least in the main part of the extension portion.

[0014] In the inserted state, the extension portion can be spaced apart from the surrounding receiving portion. This may be preferred, for example, to reduce surface pressure. For instance, components of a modular connector may heat up and thus expand during operation. If different materials are used, they may expand to different degrees. Due to the spacing, expansion is possible without causing excessive surface pressure and / or damage. In particular, this spacing can exist along the entire circumference to allow for uniform expansion.

[0015] To keep the structure simple, the extension can be designed to be threadless.

[0016] The extension can extend below the head of the connecting component to save as much space as possible.

[0017] In the preferred configuration, the length of the extension is at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of the total length of the connecting component. This allows for particularly good height compensation.

[0018] To provide a safety gap, the extension may have at least one radially projecting spacer. The spacer may project laterally from the extension. The spacer may project laterally along the connection direction along which the two connecting parts are joined. The spacer may project laterally along the insertion direction along which the attachment element is inserted into another element.

[0019] In embodiments that are easy to assemble and / or have low tolerance sensitivity, the outer width or diameter of the extension at the spacer location may correspond to the width of the attachment portion.

[0020] In other embodiments, the outer width or diameter may be less than or greater than the width of the attachment portion. This can facilitate installation or improve tolerance sensitivity.

[0021] The length of the spacer, measured along the connection direction, can be less than one-tenth of the total length of the attachment element. Therefore, surface pressure and material consumption can be kept low.

[0022] For better guiding effect, the spacer can be located closer to the actuating part than the attached part.

[0023] In a simple construction, the spacer can be integrated with the rest of the extension.

[0024] In a preferred configuration, the spacer can be constructed as a circumferential ring. This keeps the design simple. For example, the spacer can be designed as a convex ring.

[0025] Connecting geometries can be constructed as solid. In particular, hollow spaces or accommodating portions and internal threads cannot exist within the areas of the connecting geometry. This keeps the design compact and stable.

[0026] To prevent accidental over-insertion, a stop portion wider than the connecting geometry can be attached to it. The stop portion restricts the movement of the attached element within the current rod along the insertion direction, especially during insertion. The stop portion can be designed as a head.

[0027] A base portion may be provided between the connecting geometry and the attachment portion. This can be used for safe attachment in the current rod. The outer contour of the base portion may correspond to the inner contour of the receiving portion in the current rod, or be slightly smaller. The width may correspond to the inner diameter of the receiving portion.

[0028] Different constructions are possible for the connecting geometry. For example, it can be a press-fit portion for pressing in a current rod. The press-fit portion can transfer force and momentum, especially torque, through frictional connection. The connecting geometry, especially the press-fit portion, can be fastened to the current rod through a cold pressing process.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the connecting geometry can transmit force or momentum to the current rod via teeth. For this purpose, the connecting geometry may include toothed elements. The toothed elements can simultaneously function as press-fit elements and create a frictional connection to enhance retention.

[0030] For secure attachment, the press-fit portion may include a press-fit element that projects perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0031] The outer contour of the connecting geometry can be configured to create a good clamping effect with the inner contour of the receiving portion in the current rod. For this purpose, in the unconnected state, the outer contour can be slightly larger than the inner contour.

[0032] To facilitate insertion, the press-fit element can be constructed as a press-fit strip extending parallel to the insertion direction. The press-fit element can have a uniform cross-section to facilitate insertion.

[0033] To increase safety, sealing elements can be provided between the conductor and the housing components and / or between the attachment element and the conductor. Sealing elements can seal the interior of the connection components from the outside and, for example, prevent the ingress of liquids or dust.

[0034] In a preferred configuration, the sealing element is arranged around the extension. For example, the sealing element may be arranged between the spacer and the actuating portion. In particular, the sealing element may be held by the spacer and the actuating portion. The spacer and the actuating portion here can serve a dual function, specifically preventing the sealing element from slipping.

[0035] At least two connecting parts are provided in the preferred kit, wherein the connecting parts include attachment elements of different lengths. This allows for compensation of height differences of different dimensions. The attachment elements can only differ with respect to the extension portion; otherwise, they can be the same.

[0036] This kit can also be equipped with additional connecting parts that can be attached to these two connecting parts.

[0037] In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred configurations. The preferred further developments and configurations shown are independent of each other in each case and can be combined with each other as needed, depending on how necessary this is in the application. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The attached diagram shows:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the modular connector;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment elements of the modular connector;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of additional attachment elements of the modular connector;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the upper connecting component of the module connector;

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the lower connecting component of the module connector;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded view of the upper connecting component of a second embodiment of the modular connector;

[0045] Figure 7This is a schematic exploded view of the lower connecting component of a second embodiment of the modular connector;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the modular connector;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the modular connector. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The figures illustrate various embodiments of the module connector 100. Each includes a first lower connecting part 10 with a first lower attachment element 11 and a second upper connecting part 20 with a second upper attachment element 21. In each case, the lower attachment element 11 can be inserted into the upper attachment element 21 and includes a connection geometry 18 in the form of a press-fit portion 30 for attachment to the current rail 50. Due to the fact that the connection geometry 18 is fastened to the lower attachment element 10, the overall structure can be more compact because the receiving portion 51 in the form of a hole in the current rail 50 can have a smaller configuration than if the upper attachment element 21 could be inserted into the lower attachment element 11.

[0049] Each connecting component 10, 20 also includes a contact protection 110 that prevents a user from touching the conductive component with their finger. For a standardized definition of touch protection, a defined test finger can be used, for example, one that would prevent the user from touching the conductive component.

[0050] In each case, the contact protection 110 includes an outer electrically insulating collar 111 that surrounds the protective pin 112. Furthermore, current bridges 120 are disposed on each connecting component 10, 20 between the collar 111 and the protective pin 112 to establish an electrical connection. In the assembled state, the two current bridges 120, made of a highly conductive material such as copper, are in contact with each other. At this point, the current bridges 120 can be integral with the conductive element to be used, such as the current rod 50. In other configurations, the current bridges 120 can be separate components.

[0051] The collar 111 is made of an electrically insulating material and may be integral with, for example, other insulating elements 19, 29, which provide insulation around the connecting parts 10, 20. Each protective pin 112 is visible or has an insulating cap 130 at its front or top, which is also made of insulating material and provides contact protection. The collar 111 and the protective pin 112 each support the current bridge 120.

[0052] To fasten the two connecting parts 10, 20 to each other, attachment elements 11, 21 made of a mechanically stabilizing material such as steel are provided. Each of them includes an attachment portion 25, which interacts with each other in the assembled state and fastens the two connecting parts 10, 20 to each other.

[0053] The first lower attachment element 11 includes an external thread 61 that can be screwed onto the internal thread 62 of the second upper attachment element 12. The second attachment element 11 includes a receiving portion 26 into which the attachment portion 25 of the lower attachment element 11 can be inserted, and the internal thread 62 is located in the receiving portion.

[0054] The upper attachment element 21 includes an actuating portion 24 at which the attachment element 21 can be actuated, for example, manually or by machine. The actuating portion 24 may be configured as a head 23, particularly a screw head. The actuating portion 24 may have an insulating element 27 made of an electrically insulating material on the outside to prevent electrical contact. The actuating portion 24 may include, for example, a profile that allows rotation, such as for tightening movements. The head 23 may further include a widened flange.

[0055] The connecting geometry 18, in the form of a press-fit portion 30, follows the base portion 31 along the insertion direction E. This base portion 31 does not necessarily need to achieve a clamping or pressing effect; however, it can adapt to the inner contour of the receiving portion 51 in the current rod 50. Furthermore, a stop portion 32 of the head 33 can be configured to be located behind the press-fit portion 30. The stop portion 32 prevents the attachment element 11 from being further inserted into the current rod 50.

[0056] Multiple press-fit elements 35 are disposed on the press-fit portion 30. In the example shown, the press-fit elements 35 have a constant cross-section along the insertion direction E. The press-fit elements 35 are designed as radially projecting strips. The press-fit elements 35 also serve as toothed elements 36, which help prevent the lower attachment element 11 from rotating in the current bar.

[0057] Both the first and second embodiments of the modular connector 100 include an extension 70 located at the upper attachment element 21. The extension 70 is used for height compensation along the connection direction V, where the lower connection member 10 is connected to the upper connection member 20. For example, without this extension 70, the current bar 50 or the upper conductor 140 would have to be bent, which would increase the space requirement in the lateral direction Q extending transversely to the connection direction V.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection direction V is parallel to the insertion direction E, and the lower attachment element 11 is inserted through the current rod 50 along the insertion direction E. The upper attachment element 21 is inserted into another element of the upper connecting member 20 along an insertion direction I that is opposite to the insertion direction E and opposite to the connection direction V in this embodiment.

[0059] In the region of extension 70, attachment element 21 is configured to be narrower than the regions of attachment portion 25 and actuation portion 24. The width B27 of extension 70, measured along the lateral direction Q, is smaller than the width B25 of attachment portion 25.

[0060] In the assembled state, the receiving portion 78 is disposed between the extension portion 70 and other existing components. In the assembled state, the extension portion 70 is spaced apart from the other existing components. This is likely preferred because different components expand to different degrees upon heating. Because the extension portion 70 is not directly adjacent to other components, at least in the main portion of the extension portion 70, surface pressure is low.

[0061] To ensure this spacing, spacers 80 can be provided on the extension 70. Spacers 80 can project radially or laterally, for example, in the radial or lateral direction Q. Preferably, spacers 80 are configured to be integral with the rest of the extension 70. Spacers 80 can be configured, for example, as a circumferential collar 81 or a convex ring. Spacers 80 can close along the entire circumference and thus around 360 degrees. For example, spacers 80 can also be configured differently as elements that do not extend completely around the entire circumference. By way of example only, four protrusions offset by 90 degrees can be given.

[0062] At the location of spacer 80, the width B28 of extension 70 is greater than the width B27 at other locations of extension 70. In the case of annular circumferential collar 81, the width B28 can be a diameter. In the example shown, the width B28 corresponds to the width B25 of attachment portion 25. This allows for use with a channel having a consistent cross-section at lower attachment element 11. However, the width B28 at the location of spacer 80 may differ from, be slightly larger than, or be smaller than the width B25 of attachment portion 25 in other configurations.

[0063] According to Figures 1 to 5 In the first embodiment, two sealing elements 40 are also provided to protect the internal space from the ingress of liquids or dust. The sealing elements 40 are made of, for example, an elastic material to achieve a good seal. Preferably, one of the sealing elements 40 is arranged between the spacer 80 and the head 23 and is held by them along the connection direction V. The other sealing element 40 is disposed between the insulating element 29 and the conductor 140.

[0064] Depending on the required height offset, the extension 70 can be shorter or longer. Figure 9 In the third embodiment, no extension portion 70 is provided to achieve the most compact configuration along the connection direction V.

[0065] In the first two embodiments, when the attachment element 11 is inserted, the extension portion 70 extends between the inserted attachment element 21 and the head 23, that is, between the attachment portion 15 of the lower attachment element 21 and the head 23 of the upper attachment element 23. Furthermore, when the attachment element 11 is inserted, the extension portion 70 extends between the attachment portion 25 and the head 23 of the upper attachment element 21.

[0066] Compared to the attachment portion 25, the spacer 80 is closer to the head 23. This allows the spacer 80 to provide a guiding effect that minimizes tolerances in the areas of the attachment portions 15 and 25.

[0067] As an alternative or supplement to the illustrated embodiment, the extension portion 70 may also be disposed on the lower attachment element 11.

[0068] The extension 70 may include a length L27 that is greater than 10% of the total length L2 of the upper attachment element 21, preferably greater than 20%, more specifically greater than 30%, and particularly greater than 50%. In this case, the length can be measured along the connection direction V.

[0069] The extension 70 can be constructed to be threadless.

[0070] The length L28 of the spacer 80 is preferably less than 20% of the total length L2 of the upper attachment element 21, and particularly less than 10%. Furthermore, the length L28 of the spacer may be less than 20% of the length L27 of the actuating portion 24, and particularly less than 10%.

[0071] The extension 70 may include a solid cross-section.

[0072] The connecting geometry 18 (in this case, the press-fit portion 30) may include a solid cross-section. In particular, there may be no cavity or internal thread in the region of the connecting geometry 18.

[0073] To allow connecting parts 10 and 20 to be fastened to each other only at specific angular positions, an encoding element 90 may be provided.

[0074] The solution according to the invention aims to accommodate different height offsets by simple means. This can be achieved, for example, by using extensions 70 of different lengths or attachment elements 21 of different lengths. In a corresponding kit having two connecting parts 20, the connecting parts 20 may include attachment elements 21 of different lengths. In one of the connecting parts 20, the extension 70 may be absent.

[0075] In addition to two different second connecting parts 20, this kit may also include a first connecting part 10, which can be connected to the two second connecting parts 20.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 10 Lower connecting parts

[0078] 11 Attachment Components

[0079] 15 Attachment

[0080] 18 Connecting Geometry

[0081] 19 Insulating Components

[0082] 20 Connecting parts

[0083] 21 Attachment Components

[0084] 23 heads

[0085] 24 Actuating Parts

[0086] 25 Attachment

[0087] 26 storage sections

[0088] 27 Insulating Components

[0089] 29 Insulating Components

[0090] 30 pressure fit part

[0091] 31 Base Section

[0092] 32 Stop section

[0093] 33 heads

[0094] 35 Press-fit Components

[0095] 36-tooth element

[0096] 40 sealing elements

[0097] 50 current bar

[0098] 51 Accommodation Department

[0099] 61 External Thread

[0100] 62 internal thread

[0101] 70 extension

[0102] 78 Accommodation Department

[0103] 80 spacers

[0104] 81 rings

[0105] 90 encoding element

[0106] 100 Module Connector

[0107] 110 Contact Protection

[0108] 111 rings

[0109] 112 Protective Pin

[0110] 120 Current Bridge

[0111] 130 insulating cap

[0112] 140 conductor

[0113] E Insertion direction

[0114] I. Insertion direction

[0115] V connection direction

[0116] Q horizontal direction

[0117] The total length of the components attached to L2

[0118] Length of L27 extension

[0119] Length of L28 spacer

[0120] B25 attachment width

[0121] The width of the B27 extension

[0122] Width of B28 spacer position

Claims

1. A modular connector (100) having two connecting parts (10, 20) connectable to be electrically connected, each connecting part (10, 20) including mutually compatible attachment elements (11, 21), wherein each connecting part (10, 20) has a contact protection (110) on the connection side facing the other connecting part (20, 10), the contact protection including an outer electrically insulating collar (111) and an electrically insulating protective pin (112) surrounded by the collar (111), wherein the electrical... A current bridge (120) is located at at least one connecting member (10, 20) between a collar (111) and a protective pin (112), the current bridge being supported by the collar (111) and the protective pin (112), and wherein at least one attachment element (11) includes a connecting geometry (18) for transferring force and momentum to the current rod (50), and wherein the attachment elements (11, 21) are configured such that one attachment element (11) can be inserted into another attachment element (21), wherein, Another attachment element (21) includes an extension (70) that extends between the head (23) of the inserted attachment element (11) and the head (23) of the other attachment element (21) when an attachment element (11) is inserted, wherein the extension (70) has a smaller cross-section compared to the attachment portion (25) into which an attachment element (11) can be inserted.

2. The module connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, One attachment element (11) includes an external thread (61), and / or another attachment element (21) includes an internal thread (62).

3. The module connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension (70) has a solid cross-section.

4. The module connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension (70) includes at least one radially protruding spacer (80).

5. The module connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein, At the location of the spacer (80), the outer width (B28) or diameter of the extension (70) corresponds to the width (B25) of the attachment portion (25).

6. The module connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein, Compared to the attachment portion (25), the spacer (80) is located closer to the actuation portion (24).

7. The module connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The spacer (80) is integral with the rest of the extension (70).

8. The module connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The spacer (80) is constructed as a circumferential collar (81).

9. The module connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting geometry (18) is configured as a press-fit portion (30) for pressing the current rod (50) into it.

10. The module connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting geometry (18) is constructed to be solid.

11. The module connector (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The press-fit portion (30) includes a press-fit element (35) protruding perpendicular to the insertion direction (E).

12. The module connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A sealing element (40) is disposed between the conductor (140) and the housing component (29) and / or between the attachment element (21) and the conductor (140).

13. A kit having two connecting parts (20), wherein, The connecting component (20) includes attachment elements (21) of different lengths, wherein the attachment elements (11, 21) are configured such that one attachment element (11) can be inserted into another attachment element (21), wherein the other attachment element (21) includes an extension (70) that extends between the head (23) of the inserted attachment element (11) and the head (23) of the other attachment element (21) when one attachment element (11) is inserted, wherein the extension (70) has a smaller cross-section compared to the attachment portion (25) into which one attachment element (11) can be inserted.

14. A kit comprising two different connecting parts as claimed in claim 13, and an additional connecting part that can be connected to the two connecting parts.

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