Modular high-current plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular high-current plug connector (1), comprising a first housing part (7) and a second housing part (8) connected thereto, wherein the high-current plug connector (1) comprises a pin contact (9), wherein the pin contact (9) is essentially cylindrical and comprises a contact region (K') and a connection region (A') for electrical contact with a device socket or a mating plug connector, wherein the contact region (K') of the pin contact (9) protrudes from the high-current plug connector (1) on the plug-in side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular high-current plug connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1 .

[0002] Such high-current plug connectors are used in high-current applications and, in particular, for supplying transformers with energy. Background Art

[0003] DE 1 983 593 U1 shows a high-current plug connector. Since the cable outlet extends parallel to the plug-in direction, a large amount of space is required when installing this plug connector.

[0004] The German Patent and Trademark Office cited the following prior art in the priority application of the present application: DE 10 2018127 720 B3 and DE 10 2016 115 678 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a high-current plug connector which can be produced cost-effectively and which can be assembled in a space-saving and simple manner.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] The high-current plug connector according to the present invention comprises a first housing part and a second housing part connected thereto. The connection of the two housing parts can be achieved via a screw connection.

[0009] A pin contact is held in the first housing part. The pin contact is essentially cylindrical and has a contact region and a connection region for making electrical contact with a device socket or a mating plug connector. The first housing part forms the plugging region or the plug side of the high-current plug connector. The contact pin thus forms a contact element for a socket, such as a transformer socket. For this purpose, the contact region of the pin contact protrudes from the high-current plug connector on the plug side.

[0010] Advantageously, the high-current plug connector has at least one insulating body which is at least partially arranged in the first housing part or held by the first housing part and which protrudes from the first housing part on the plug-in side.

[0011] In the plugged-in state, the insulator engages through the housing wall of the device or transformer housing. The device or transformer housing can be at least partially filled with oil or a similar lubricant. Therefore, it is advantageous if the pin contact has two circumferential grooves, in each of which a sealing ring is arranged. This protects the high-current plug connector from the ingress of undesirable media (oil, water, dust, etc.) on the plugged-in side.

[0012] Advantageously, the insulating body at least partially surrounds the pin contact. The insulating body preferably extends from a surrounding ring, opposite to the plugging direction, into the connection region of the pin contact. However, the connection region is not completely surrounded by the insulating body, since space is still required for electrical contact with the at least one connecting contact element.

[0013] Connecting contact elements for electrically connecting to the lines to be connected are preferably arranged in the second housing part. The second housing part has an open housing wall. The open housing side can be closed by a housing cover. However, the housing wall simultaneously forms a connection point for fixing the other housing part.

[0014] Preferably, the modular high-current plug connector can be equipped with a third housing part. The third housing part is fixed to the second housing part, preferably using a screw connection. Similar to the second housing part, a further connecting contact element for electrically connecting to a further line to be connected is arranged in the third housing part.

[0015] The modular high-current plug connector can be equipped with additional housing components, namely a fourth, fifth, and / or sixth housing component. Each of these housing components contains a connecting contact element for electrically connecting to another line to be connected. The housing components are arranged one after the other and fixed to one another. The third housing component is then fixed to the second housing component, the fourth housing component to the third housing component, and so on. The respective final housing component is closed with the aforementioned housing cover, so that the high-current plug connector or its housing is completely sealed and media-tight. This allows for any desired expansion of the high-current plug connector. The same components can be used for this purpose.

[0016] Wires are connected to each connecting contact element. The corresponding connecting contact elements are preferably electrically conductively connected to the pin contacts. High currents can be transmitted via the pin contacts via multiple parallel lines. A high-current plug connector can transmit, for example, 400 A in one line, 800 A in two lines, and 1200 A in three lines. The high-current plug connector according to the present invention is arbitrarily expandable and can therefore be adapted to different areas of application.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the connecting contact elements each have a connection region and a contact region. The electrical wires are connected to the connection regions. This is achieved via a crimp connection. For this purpose, the connection region has a cylindrical opening. The crimp connection provides a high degree of vibration protection. This connection technology is therefore highly recognized, particularly in the rail industry. The contact region of the connecting contact element has a cylindrical through-hole. To electrically contact the connecting contact elements, pin contacts are inserted into the through-holes of the connecting contact elements. The diameters of the pin contacts and the respective through-holes are adapted to each other for this purpose.

[0018] Preferably, the openings or crimping openings of the corresponding connecting contact elements and the through-holes are oriented orthogonally to one another. This means that the connection direction of the line and the plug-in direction of the high-current plug connector also run orthogonally to one another. The line runs flat away from the connected devices, which is particularly advantageous in the rail sector, as the line can run flat on a rail wall and thus be laid in a space-saving manner.

[0019] In order to ensure an optimal electrical contact between the connecting contact element and the pin contact, a circumferential contact strip is preferably arranged in the cylindrical through-opening of the respective connecting contact element.

[0020] Preferably, the pin contact is designed to be essentially cylindrical and has a connection region and a contact region. The connection region forms the above-mentioned electrical contact between the pin contact and the connecting contact element. The contact region provides electrical contact with the device socket or the connecting socket.

[0021] The contact area of the pin contact has a circumferential thread. It also has a circumferential ring. In other words, the circumferential thread extends from the circumferential ring in the direction of insertion of the pin contact. The circumferential thread can extend all the way to the contact tip of the pin contact. This allows the pin contact to make contact with a so-called cable lug, which is pressed against the circumferential ring on the insertion side by a nut screwed onto the thread. This contact has been found to be particularly durable and vibration-resistant. Therefore, this contact technology is particularly suitable for use in the rail sector.

[0022] Preferably, the pin contact has an axial opening in the contact region, which serves, for example, as a receptacle for a so-called Allen key. This allows the contact pin to be fixed when the union nut is tightened on the cable lug.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one housing part comprises a thermochromic element or is made of such a material. The thermochromic element or material is designed to visually indicate overloading of the high-current plug connector. This can be achieved, for example, by a color change of the element or material. This allows for rapid identification of overloaded plug connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described in detail below. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two high-current plug connectors according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 2 shows a side sectional view of a high current plug connector according to the present invention,

[0027] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a pin contact in electrical contact with two connecting contact elements,

[0028] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a pin contact in electrical contact with two connecting contact elements,

[0029] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a connecting contact element,

[0030] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a high current plug connector according to the invention, and

[0031] Figure 7 A perspective sectional view of a first housing part of a high-current plug connector according to the invention is shown.

[0032] The drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. In some cases, the same reference numerals are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same element may have different dimensional ratios.

[0033] Directional indications, such as, for example, “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower,” are to be understood with reference to the corresponding figures and may vary in the various figures relative to the objects shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 The following is a perspective view of two high-current plug connectors 1 and 1' according to the invention. One wire (not shown) is connected to the smaller high-current plug connector 1. Two wires are connected to the larger high-current plug connector 1'. As a result, the larger high-current plug connector 1' can transmit higher current intensities. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a larger high-current plug connector 1 ′ is shown in FIG. The wires connected to the high-current plug connectors 1 , 1 ′ are fixed by cable connectors 6 , 6 ′.

[0035] The high-current plug connector 1, 1' has a first housing part 7, in which a pin contact 9 is arranged. The pin contact 9 can be Figure 3 and Figure 4The pin contact 9 has a contact region K' and a connection region A'. The contact region K' of the pin contact 9 projects from the first housing part 7 on the plugged-in side and forms an electrical contact with the device socket (not shown) in the plugged-in state.

[0036] Pin contact 9 projects with its connection region A' into second housing part 8 of high-current plug connector 1, 1'. Pin contact 9 makes electrically conductive contact with at least one connecting contact element 5. A wire (not shown) is connected to each connecting contact element 5 using crimping technology. Pin contact 9 and connecting contact element 5, or their main axis of symmetry, are oriented orthogonally to one another. Consequently, the plugging direction of the high-current plug connector and the cable connection direction are perpendicular to one another.

[0037] exist Figure 6 As can be seen in the figure, the second housing part 8 has an open housing wall 10. The periphery of the open housing wall 10 is provided with a circumferential groove 11, in which a seal (not shown) is inserted to seal the high-current plug connector 1, 1' against the medium. The open housing wall 10 can be closed by a housing cover 12. For modular expansion of the high-current plug connector 1', a further housing part, namely a third housing part 13, can be placed on the open housing wall 10.

[0038] exist Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the third housing part 13 is also provided with a connecting contact element 5 which can be provided with a further connecting line (not shown) on the connecting side and which makes electrical contact with the pin contact 9 on the contact side.

[0039] Figure 5 The connecting contact element 5 according to the invention is shown in a sectional view. It has grooves 16 on both sides. Webs 17 formed into the second housing part 8 engage in the grooves 16, thereby ensuring that the connecting contact element is secure against twisting. The connecting contact element 5 is secured in the second housing part 8 via fixings 14. The same fixings 14 can naturally also be used for other housing parts, such as the third housing part 13.

[0040] The connecting contact element 5 has a connecting region A and a contact region K. The connecting region A has a cylindrical opening 2 for crimping the wire to be connected. The contact region K of the connecting contact element 5 has a cylindrical through-hole 3. To establish an electrical connection between the connecting contact element 5 and the pin contact 9, the pin contact 9 is inserted into the through-hole 3. A contact strip 4 is arranged within the through-hole 3 and ensures reliable electrical contact between the connecting contact element 5 and the pin contact 9.

[0041] The main symmetry axes of the crimp opening 2 and the through-hole 3 are oriented orthogonally to one another. This allows the plug-in direction SR and the cable connection direction KA of the high-current plug connectors 1, 1' to be oriented perpendicularly to one another. This allows the lines to extend flatly away from the device, making routing or laying of the lines simple.

[0042] The contact area K' of the pin contact 9 is terminated by a circumferential ring 15. The contact pin 9 has a circumferential thread 20, extending from the circumferential ring 15 toward its contact tip. When the high-current plug connector 1, 1' is connected, for example, to a transformer, a ring-shaped cable lug (not shown) is guided around the contact tip of the contact pin 9. The cable lug is secured by at least one screw (not shown) and simultaneously pressed against the annular surface of the circumferential ring 15. A second screw or a lock nut is preferably also used to ensure optimal vibration protection.

[0043] Figure 7 A perspective sectional view of the first housing part 7 of the high-current plug connector 1 is shown. The contact pins 9 are oriented such that their contact regions K' protrude from the insulating body 19 in the plug-in direction SR. The insulating body 19 extends over a circumferential ring, counter to the plug-in direction SR, to the first housing part 7 of the high-current plug connector 1. Here, the insulating body 19 protrudes from the first housing part 7 and is held only in its upper region by the first housing part 7. The freely extending part of the insulating body 19 then protrudes into the device wall or the transformer housing.

[0044] The contact pin 9 has two circumferential grooves 20, 20' in the region extending within the insulating body 19. A sealing ring 21, 21' is respectively inserted into the grooves 20, 20'. As a result, the high-current plug connector 1 is sealed in a medium-tight manner on the plug side.

[0045] Contact pins 9 extend from first housing part 7 counter to plug-in direction SR and into at least one second housing part 8 and optionally also into third housing part 13. In this region, the aforementioned connecting contact element 5 is connected to the pin contact 9.

[0046] The contact pin 9 has a shoulder 22 in the connecting direction. Via this shoulder 22 , the pin contact 9 can be fixed or clamped in the first housing part 7 by means of a fixing element 23 .

[0047] The pin contact 9 is preferably made of copper to ensure corresponding electrical conductivity. Copper refers to a material with a copper content of at least 99 weight percent (99% by weight). One or more connecting contact elements can also be made of this pure copper.

[0048] Even if different embodiments or features of the present invention are shown in combination in the drawings, the skilled person will understand without further explanation that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature combinations in different embodiments may be interchanged with each other.

[0049] Reference Signs List

[0050] 1 High current plug connector

[0051] 2 openings

[0052] 3 through holes

[0053] 4 Contact zone

[0054] 5 Connecting contact elements

[0055] 6 Cable connector

[0056] 7 First housing component

[0057] 8 Second housing component

[0058] 9-pin contact

[0059] 10 Open housing wall

[0060] 11 slots

[0061] 12 Housing cover

[0062] 13 Third housing component

[0063] 14 Fixing parts

[0064] 15 Ring around

[0065] 16 slots

[0066] 17 belly plate

[0067] 18 threads

[0068] 19 Insulator

[0069] 20 slots

[0070] 21 Sealing ring

[0071] 22 shoulders

[0072] 23 Fixing parts

[0073] A, A' connecting area

[0074] K, K' contact area

[0075] KA cable connection direction

[0076] SR plug-in direction

Claims

1. A modular high-current plug connector (1), comprising a first housing part (7) and a second housing part (8) connected thereto, wherein the high-current plug connector (1) comprises a pin contact (9), wherein the pin contact (9) is substantially cylindrical and comprises a contact region (K') and a connection region (A') for electrical contact with a device socket or a mating plug connector, wherein the contact region (K') of the pin contact (9) protrudes from the high-current plug connector (1) on the plug-in side, characterized in that The high-current plug connector (1) has an insulating body (19) which is at least partially arranged in the first housing part (7) and projects out of the first housing part (7) on the plug-in side.

2. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact region (K') of the pin contact (9) has a circumferential ring (15) and a circumferential thread (18), wherein the circumferential thread extends from the circumferential ring in the plugging direction (SR) of the pin contact (9).

3. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection region (A') of the pin contact (9) is at least partially surrounded by the insulating body (19).

4. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The insulating body (19) surrounds the pin contact (9) starting from a circumferential ring (15) counter to the plug-in direction (SR).

5. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The pin contact (9) has two circumferential grooves (20, 20'), in each of which a sealing ring (21) is arranged.

6. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The high-current plug connector has a connecting contact element (5) for electrically connecting to a line to be connected, and the connecting contact element (5) or a plurality of connecting contact elements (5) are each electrically conductively connected to the pin contact (9).

7. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second housing part (8) has an open housing wall (10), which can be closed by a housing cover (12) or to which another housing part can be fastened.

8. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The modular high-current plug connector (1) has a third housing part (13).

9. Modular high-current plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The modular high-current plug connector (1) has a further housing part, and the further housing part is designed similarly to the third housing part (13).

10. Modular high-current plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The modular high-current plug connector (1) has a fourth, a fifth and a sixth housing part.

11. Modular high-current plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that A connecting contact element (5) is respectively arranged in the second housing part (8) and / or in the third housing part (13) and / or in the fourth housing part and / or in the fifth housing part and / or in the sixth housing part.

12. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The housing component is made of aluminum die-cast material.

13. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The insulator (19) is made of polyamide.

14. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The pin contact (9) is made of pure copper.

15. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The connecting contact element or the connecting contact elements are made of pure copper.

16. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first housing part (7) and the second housing part (8) connected thereto are designed as a single piece.

17. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that At least one housing part has a thermochromic element.

18. The modular high-current plug connector (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that The thermochromic element is designed to visually indicate an overload of the high-current plug connector (1).

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