Mountable touch protection cover, interface and module connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a touch protective cover for a connection member of a module connector, in which the touch protective cover comprises a housing section forming a protective collar for the connection member, a contact chamber surrounded by the protective collar and configured to receive the connection member, and a positioning section, a positioning section extends within the contact chamber, where the positioning section includes at least one support surface offset from the protective collar and facing inwardly relative to the contact chamber and configured to abut against the connecting member. The positioning section allows the connecting member to act as a reference point when the touch protective cover is attached. Therefore, the positioning is more accurate, and the protective sleeve ring can reliably realize the touch protection function. The invention also relates to an interface having such a touch protection cover and an electrically conductive connection member, and to a module connector having an interface and a mating member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an electrically insulating touch protection cover for a connection member of an electrical module connector. The invention further relates to an interface having such a touch protection cover and an electrically conductive connection member. The invention additionally relates to a module connector having an interface and a complementary mating member therewith. BACKGROUND

[0002] Module connectors are used in battery systems and other energy systems to connect different electrical modules to each other using current conductors connected by connection members. The modules can be battery modules, control units or current transformers or busbars, respectively. Such modules are usually operated with high voltages and / or currents, which are dangerous for users, for example for mechanics in a vehicle workshop.

[0003] To this end, a touch protection is provided which covers the respective current conductors and / or connection members of the module connector, in particular where a user is expected to approach. The cover can only impede the accessibility of the user, but not the accessibility of the complementary mating member of the interface, because otherwise the module connector cannot perform its function.

[0004] The installation and attachment of the touch protection to the connection member is an important step there, a proper and precise implementation of the touch protection can minimize the risk for users of the module connector.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device which improves the electrical safety of a module connector and reduces its manufacturing costs. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by an electrically insulating touch protection cover for a connection member of an electrical module connector comprising a fastening element, wherein the touch protection cover comprises a housing section, a contact chamber and a positioning section, the housing section forms a protection collar for the connection member, the contact chamber is at least partially surrounded by the protection collar and is configured to at least partially receive the connection member, the positioning section serves to position the connection member relative to the protection collar, wherein the positioning section at least partially extends within the contact chamber and comprises at least one support surface, the at least one support surface is offset from the protection collar and faces inward relative to the contact chamber.

[0007] Here, the connection member is an electrically conductive part attached to a current conductor and forms an interface of the module connector together with the touch protection cover. Furthermore, the support surface offset from the protection collar is a surface which clearly protrudes from the protection collar. The positioning section can represent a single continuous section or a plurality of local sections spaced apart from each other.

[0008] The solution according to the invention is advantageous in that the positioning section allows the connection member itself, i.e. the component to be covered, to directly serve as a reference point for positioning the touch protection cover when mounting or attaching the touch protection cover. This prevents incorrect positioning and subsequent displacement of the touch protection cover, so that the protection sleeve can fully and reliably fulfill its touch protection function. The module connector with such a touch protection cover thus exhibits increased electrical safety and is less costly to manufacture due to less waste.

[0009] For example, the touch protection cover can be mounted onto the connection member together with its contact chamber. Once the connection member has been received in the contact chamber, the positioning section can be seated against the connection member with its at least one inwardly facing support surface, so that the touch protection cover can be precisely positioned relative to the connection member. In other words, the positioning section facilitates correct positioning of the connection member within the protection sleeve.

[0010] In particular, this results in a more precise positioning compared to conventional touch protection covers, the current conductor serving as a reference point instead of the connection member. Any dimensional and positional tolerances between the current conductor and the connection member, which affect the positioning of conventional touch protection covers, thus advantageously have no influence on the touch protection cover according to the invention.

[0011] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following independent and individually advantageous configurations and further developments.

[0012] According to a first possible embodiment, at least one surface, in particular at least one support surface, of the touch protection cover can be configured to abut against the connection member. For example, at least one surface, in particular at least one support surface, of the touch protection cover can define an inner contour which at least section-wise corresponds to an outer contour of the connection member. In this way, precise abutment of the at least one support surface against the connection member can be ensured in a simple manner. In particular, at least one surface, e.g. at least one support surface, of the touch protection cover can be configured to abut against the connection member with a precise fit, which further increases the positioning accuracy of the touch protection cover.

[0013] If the outer contour of the connection member is circular, the positioning section can also serve as a centering section. In other words, at least one surface, in particular at least one support surface, of the touch protection cover can have a corresponding inner contour, so that the positioning section ensures that the touch protection cover is centered relative to the connection member having a circular outer contour. For example, the positioning section can create a constriction in the contact chamber, which the connection member is positioned concentrically with when in the mounted state. The positioning section can there narrow the contact chamber stepwise or continuously.

[0014] According to another possible embodiment, the positioning section can adjoin the housing section. In particular, the positioning section and the housing section can be connected. This connection can be integral, unitary or material-bonded. Thus, the touch protection cover is advantageously an integral one-piece component. Alternatively, the touch protection cover can also be configured in multiple parts.

[0015] In the one-part and the multiple-part embodiment of the touch protection cover, the positioning section can protrude from the housing section. In particular, the positioning section can be formed by a continuous inner flange, which protrudes from the protection collar into the contact chamber. Alternatively, the positioning section can be formed by at least three separate positioning protrusions, each of which protrudes from the protection collar. The positioning section or its positioning protrusions, respectively, can each extend into the contact chamber. Furthermore, the positioning protrusions can each comprise a support surface and / or be at a regular angular distance from one another. By using at least three positioning protrusions, a unique stable position can be defined, similar to a tripod.

[0016] Alternatively, the positioning section can be formed by an even number of positioning protrusions. The positioning protrusions are preferably arranged opposite one another in pairs with respect to the contact chamber. The resulting double-sided abutment against the connection member increases the stability of the touch protection cover when in the installed state.

[0017] In order to improve the touch protection function, the protection collar of the housing section can extend over the connection member when in the installed state. Furthermore, the protection collar can be configured to be independent, continuous and all-round. For example, the protection collar can be configured sleeve-shaped, in particular cylindrical. The inner diameter of the protection collar can preferably be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the protection housing of the mating member of the interface. When connecting the interface to the mating member, the protection collar can at least partially receive the protection housing.

[0018] In order to provide space in the contact chamber for a protection housing of its mating member as well as for the received connection member of the interface, the protection collar can be spaced apart from the connection member by a spacing gap. This means that the spacing gap between the protection collar and the connection member of the interface is configured to at least partially receive the protection housing of the mating member.

[0019] The connection member can be a battery terminal or a pole terminal. For example, the connection member can comprise a contact ring which serves as a current bridge. As already indicated at the outset, the connection member can also comprise a fastening element, for example a bayonet element, a bolt, a pin, a clamp, a rivet, a threaded sleeve, a screw or a nut. The contact ring can at least partially receive the fastening element.

[0020] The contact ring can be formed cylindrical and have a planar surface on which a connecting member of a mating member, also configured as a contact ring, can be contacted. This contacting is preferably carried out in a contact chamber. In other words, the protective sleeve ring can be configured to at least partially surround the area in which the connecting member of the interface and the mating member contact each other. Thus, in addition to the protective housing of the connecting member and the mating member of the interface, the contact chamber is also configured to at least partially receive the connecting member of the mating member.

[0021] Each connecting member can be arranged at one end or between two ends of a respective current conductor of the module connector. The current conductor can be, for example, a flat conductor, a busbar, a current strip or a cable. The current conductors each lead to different modules which are to be connected to each other by means of the module connector and its connecting members. For example, the contact ring can be pressed into a receiving opening of the associated current conductor. The press fit between the contact ring and the current conductor is preferably reinforced by a fastening element which is received in the contact ring being pressed therein.

[0022] As a measure to improve stability, the housing section and the positioning section can also jointly form a bearing surface for a current conductor of the module connector which is configured as a flat conductor, a busbar or a current strip. In particular, the housing section and the centering section can run flush with each other in the region of the bearing surface. Furthermore, the bearing surface can extend parallel to the main plane of the flat conductor. The touch protection cover can then rest on the upper side of the flat conductor with the bearing surface.

[0023] In order to simplify the mounting of the touch protection cover to the connecting member as described above, the contact chamber can extend in a plug-in direction in which the interface can also be connected to a complementary mating member of the module connector. Since the at least one support surface faces inwards with respect to the contact chamber, the positioning section can provide a sliding surface or a guide surface with its at least one support surface when mounted thereon, on which the touch protection cover moves relative to the connecting member.

[0024] In addition to the mounting of the touch protection cover, its fastening is also often a resource-consuming step. In the case of conventional touch protection covers, a multi-part design and / or a special tool is used for this purpose. In a further possible embodiment, the touch protection cover according to the application can alternatively be configured to form a latching form-fit connection with the current conductor of the module connector. In particular, the housing section can form at least one latching hook which comprises a latching protrusion and a latching arm carrying the latching protrusion.

[0025] The latching protrusion preferably has a hook surface which faces the protective sleeve ring and from which an undercut or a back draft results. The distance measured in the plug-in direction between the support surface already described and the hook surface corresponds as closely as possible to the material thickness of the current conductor. This means that, for example, a current conductor configured as a flat conductor can be held in form-fit between the support surface and the hook surface. The latching arm can extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the positioning section and / or project from the support surface.

[0026] The latching arm has to be dimensioned according to the length required for this purpose. Furthermore, the latching arm stands on the protective sleeve ring, is self-supporting and is in particular configured to be more flexible than the rest of the housing section.

[0027] The touch protection cover can first hook into the protruding L-shaped edge of the housing section at the end of the current conductor and then engage in a latching form-fit connection by means of the at least one latching hook. Alternatively, the housing section can also form at least two latching hooks, wherein the latching hooks are arranged opposite one another with respect to the contact chamber. The latching protrusions can point towards one another or away from one another. This means that the latching protrusions face inwards or outwards with respect to the contact chamber. According to a particularly compact embodiment, the latching protrusions of the latching hooks can also assume the function of the positioning protrusions. In other words, in addition to the hook surface facing the protective sleeve ring, the latching protrusions can also provide a support surface facing the contact chamber.

[0028] For the latching form-fit connection, the latching hooks can engage from the outside around the current conductor. In addition to the already mentioned receiving openings, the current conductor can instead have auxiliary holes parallel thereto. The latching hooks can then be inserted individually into the auxiliary holes. The auxiliary holes are correspondingly dimensioned for the passage of the latching protrusions.

[0029] The current conductor can comprise an auxiliary hole for each latching hook. Alternatively, more auxiliary holes than latching hooks can also be provided in the current conductor. In this case, the housing section can form at least one coding pin which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the positioning section. The at least one coding pin serves to define a predetermined orientation of the touch protection cover with respect to the current conductor. The coding pin can then project from the support surface. Preferably, the coding pin and the latching hooks can extend parallel to one another. The coding pin ensures that the touch protection cover with the support surface can only rest on the current conductor when the touch protection cover has the predetermined orientation in which the coding pin coincides with the associated auxiliary hole. Incorrect assembly of the touch protection cover can thus be prevented.

[0030] The objects mentioned at the outset are also achieved by an interface for a module connector having a touch protection cover according to one of the above-described embodiments and an electrically conductive connection member of the module connector, wherein the protective collar of the touch protection cover is spaced apart from the connection member by a spacing gap, and wherein the positioning section bridges the spacing gap and abuts against the connection member such that the spacing gap has a constant width over the entire inner circumference of the contact chamber.

[0031] The interface benefits from the advantages of the touch protection cover already explained. In particular, the positioning section prevents a lateral displacement of the touch protection cover which would result in an unacceptably large width of the gap on one side. In the case of a rotationally symmetrical connection member, the positioning section ensures that the touch protection cover is arranged centrally with respect to the connection member. In other words, the positioning section then serves as a centering section.

[0032] Optionally, an electrically insulating protective cap can be mounted onto one end of the screw of the threaded sleeve or the connection member. The protective cap together with the protective collar can selectively limit the accessibility of the contact ring.

[0033] If the mating member comprises a protective housing and the gap between the protective collar and the connection member of the interface is configured to at least partially receive the protective housing of the mating member, the module connector having the interface just described and the complementary mating member configured to be connectable to the interface along the plug-in direction also achieves the objects mentioned at the outset.

[0034] Thus, the touch protection cover and the protective housing can jointly implement a touch protection function and ensure the electrical safety of the module connector.

[0035] The module connector can comprise a current conductor configured as a flat conductor having a receiving opening in which the connection member of the interface is attached. Furthermore, the touch protection cover can have a latching form-fit connection to the flat conductor described above. In particular, the flat conductor can comprise one or more auxiliary holes through which the touch protection cover and / or the coding pin in the form of a latching hook extends at least sectionally.

[0036] In order to make handling the module connector easier, the touch protection cover of the interface can be configured to enter a pre-latching state with the protective housing of the mating member. For this purpose, complementary pre-latching elements can be provided on the touch protection cover or the protective housing, respectively. The tension required to release the pre-latching state should be less than the pull-off force required to release the latching form-fit connection, so that the touch protection cover together with the protective housing cannot be accidentally pulled off the interface. The two forces mentioned should be understood as acting parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, for the installation of the touch protection cover, it is sufficient if the touch protection cover can be installed in the module connector by means of blind installation, the flat conductor being accessible only from its previously mentioned upper side. Access to the flat conductor from the lower side, which is arranged opposite the upper side, is then not necessary. In other words, the touch protection cover according to this embodiment can be installed onto the connection member from the upper side of the flat conductor and pressed thereon in order to establish the latching form-fit connection. For this purpose, the latching hooks preferably each comprise an insertion ramp, which makes it easier to insert the latching hooks through the auxiliary hole. This additionally ensures compatibility with automatic placement machines, for example pick-and-place robots. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The application will be explained in more detail below on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, whose different features can be combined with one another as desired in accordance with the above observations. In particular, individual features can be added to the embodiments described in accordance with the above explanations if the effects of the individual features are necessary for a particular application case. Conversely, individual features can be omitted from the existing embodiments if the technical effects of the individual features are not important in a particular application case. Similar, identical and functionally identical elements in the drawings are provided with the same reference signs to the appropriate extent.

[0039] wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a module connector is shown in an exploded view;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an interface of a module connector is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 Another schematic perspective view of an interface from Figure 2 is shown in a sectional view;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a touch protection cover is shown;

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic plan view of a touch protection cover from Figure 4 is shown;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of an interface according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in a sectional view;

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic side view of an interface from Figure 6 is shown in another sectional view;

[0047] Figure 8 a schematic side view of an interface according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in a sectional view, and

[0048] Figure 9 a schematic side view of an interface according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in a sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an electrically insulating touch protection cover 1 for an electric module connector 2 is shown. The touch protection cover 1 is part of an interface 4 of the module connector 2. In addition to the interface 4, the module connector 2 comprises a complementary mating member 6 which is configured to be connectable to the interface 4 along a plugging direction 8. The mating member 6 comprises a protective housing 10 which is pluggable together with the touch protection cover 1 of the interface 4 along the plugging direction 8.

[0050] When the interface 4 and the counter member 6 are in a connected state (not shown), an electrically conductive current path extends through the module connector 2. Thus, the module connector 2 can be used, for example, in a battery system (not shown) of an electrically driven vehicle or in another type of energy system for power transmission.

[0051] As can be taken from Figure 1 , the module connector 2 comprises two current conductors 12a, 12b which can be connected to each other by means of electrically conductive connection members 14a, 14b. One current conductor 12a and one connection member 14a each belong to the interface 4. The other current conductor 12b and the other connection member 14b are arranged on the mating member 6 of the interface 4. The touch protection cover 1 and the protective housing 10 serve to prevent unintentional contact with the respective connection member 14a, 14b, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] The touch protection cover 1 comprises a housing section 16 which forms a protective collar 18 for the connection member 14a. The protective collar 18 of the housing section 16 extends over the connection member 14a (see Figure 3 ). As can be clearly seen in Figure 5 , the protective collar 18 can be configured to be independent, continuous and all-round. In the shown example, the protective collar 18 is configured to be sleeve-shaped, in particular cylindrical. An inner diameter 20 of the protective collar 18 is preferably greater than or equal to an outer diameter 22 of a housing collar 24 at the protective housing 10. The protective collar 18 can accordingly coaxially receive the housing collar 24 when connecting the interface 4 to the mating member 6.

[0053] The receiving of the housing collar 24 takes place in a contact chamber 26 of the touch protection cover 1 which is surrounded by the protection collar 18. In other words, the contact chamber 26 extends through the housing section 16 in the plug-in direction 8 and the housing collar 24 is accessible. The contact chamber 26 is at the same time configured to at least partially receive the connection member 14a. To this end, the protection collar 18 is spaced apart from the received connection member 14a by a spacing gap 28 (see Figure 3 ). The housing collar 24 of the protection housing 10 is accordingly accommodated in the spacing gap 28. This means that the spacing gap 28 between the protection collar 18 and the connection member 14a of the interface 4 is configured to at least partially receive the protection housing 10 of the mating member 6.

[0054] The previously mentioned receiving of the connection member 14a in the contact chamber 26 then takes place when the touch protection cover 1 is mounted onto the rest of the interface 4. In other words, the touch protection cover 1 together with its contact chamber 26 is mounted onto the interface 4 and its connection member 14a.

[0055] The connection member 14a of the interface 4 can be a current bridge 30, such as a cylindrical contact ring 32. The contact ring 32 comprises a planar surface 34 with which the connection member 14b of the mating member 6 can be in contact, which connection member 14b is likewise configured as a contact ring (not shown). The contact preferably takes place in the contact chamber 26. In other words, the protection collar 18 is configured to at least partially surround the area in which the connection members 14a, 14b of the interface 4 and the mating member 6 are in contact with one another. The contact chamber 26 is thus also configured to at least partially receive the connection member 14b.

[0056] The protection housing 10 can comprise an inner cavity in which the connection member 14b and the current conductor 12b can be received at least sectionally. Furthermore, the protection housing 10 can be configured in two parts in order to simplify the receiving of the connection member 14b and the current conductor 12b. However, it is also possible for the protection housing 10 to be configured as a single piece.

[0057] The current conductors 12a, 12b are for example flat conductors 36, busbars 38, current straps 40 or cables which are installed in a battery system. Two or more electrical modules (not shown) of the battery system can then be connected to one another by means of the current conductors 12a, 12b and the connection members 14a, 14b. The electrical modules can be respectively a battery module, a control unit or a current converter of the battery system.

[0058] Each connecting member 14a, 14b is arranged at one end 42 or between two ends of the respective current conductor 12a, 12b. Furthermore, each connecting member 14a, 14b comprises a fastening element 44, for example a fastening element 44 for a screw connection. For example, the connecting member 14a of the interface 4 comprises a threaded sleeve 46 with an inner thread 48, and the other connecting member 14b comprises a mating screw 50 with an outer thread.

[0059] Optionally, an electrically insulating protective cap 52 can be mounted onto one end of the threaded sleeve 46. Similarly, the screw 50 can also be provided with a protective cap (not shown) on one end. The protective cover 52 together with the protective collar 18 can particularly limit the accessibility of the connecting member 14a. The contact chamber 26 and the connecting member 14a are only accessible through an annular access slot 54, which extends between the protective collar 18 and the protective cover 52 and opens into the spacing gap 28 (see Figure 3 ).

[0060] The width 56 of the access slot 54 depends on the desired / regulatory protection class to be achieved with the touch protection cover 1 (for example IPXXB). The protection class can be verified using standardized test fingers (not shown) that simulate a user's finger. The smaller the test finger that is prevented from penetrating the access slot 54 from all sides, the better / higher the protection class. The standard DIN EN 60529:2000, for example, specifies a length of 80 mm and a diameter of 12 mm for the test finger. Other relevant standards can be: VDE 0470 Part 1 or Part 2, IEC / EN 60034-5, IEC / EN 60065, IEC / EN 60335, IEC / EN 60529, IEC / EN 60745-1, IEC / EN 60950, IEC 61010 and IEC / EN 61032.

[0061] Since the access slot 54 is defined by the protective collar 18 and the protective cap 52, its width 56 depends locally on the relative position between the protective collar 18 and the protective cap 52. If the touch protection cover 1 is laterally offset, the access slot 54 can have a too large width 56 on one side. To prevent this, it is advantageous to position the touch protection cover 1 precisely when mounting it onto the connecting member 14a.

[0062] To this end, the touch protection cover 1 comprises a positioning section 58, which extends at least partially within the contact chamber 26 and which adjoins, for example, the housing section 16. As in Figure 4As can be seen, the positioning segments 58 each include at least one support surface 60, a sliding surface 62, or a guide surface 64, which are offset from the protective collar 18 and face inward relative to the contact chamber 26. In other words, the positioning segments 58 can protrude from the housing segment 16 into the interior of the contact chamber 26. The positioning segments 58 and the housing segment 16 can be connected there, particularly integrally, monolithically, or by a material bonding manner. In the touch protection cover 1, which is manufactured as an injection-molded component made of plastic material, the integrally formed monolithic connection can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0063] At least one support surface 60 is configured to be adjacent, particularly to precisely fit against the connecting member 14a (see Figure 3 For example, at least one support surface 60 may define an inner contour 66 (see...). Figure 5 The inner contour at least partially corresponds to the outer contour 68 of the connecting member 14a (see...). Figure 1 When the connector 14a is received in the contact chamber 26, the positioning section 58 is positioned against the connector 14a with at least one of its supporting surfaces 60, so that the connector 14a can be directly used as a reference point for positioning.

[0064] If the inner contour 66 and the outer contour 68 each possess rotational symmetry, then the positioning segment 58 can also be used as the centering segment 70. This results in more precise centering of the touch protection cover 1 compared to conventional touch protection covers (not shown), where the current conductor 12a serves as the reference point for centering. Therefore, any dimensional and positional tolerances between the current conductor 12a and the connecting member 14a (which affect the centering of conventional touch protection covers) have no effect, or at least a minor effect, on the touch protection cover 1 according to the invention.

[0065] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, the centering section 70 bridges the aforementioned gap 28 to precisely mate with the adjacent connecting member 14a. Furthermore, the centering section 70 may form a contraction 72 within the contact chamber 26, which is preferably concentric with the contact chamber 26 (see [link]). Figure 5 Specifically, the centering section 70 can gradually or continuously narrow the contact chamber 26, so that the connecting member 14a is received in the contact chamber 26 with the smallest possible clearance. This allows for the centered arrangement of the touch protection cover 1, which has already been mentioned with respect to the connecting member 14a.

[0066] Optionally, the positioning section 58 may be formed by at least three positioning protrusions 73. Therefore, the positioning section 58 serving as the centering section 70 may be formed by at least three centering protrusions 74. Each positioning protrusion 73 or centering protrusion 74 may protrude from the protective collar 18 as an annular section and / or a partial flange, particularly protruding into the contact chamber 26. The positioning protrusions 73 or centering protrusions 74 may be evenly distributed on the protective collar 18 and may be paired with a uniform angular distance from each other. Furthermore, each of the positioning protrusions 73 or centering protrusions 74 may include a support surface 60, such that the entire positioning protrusion 73 or centering protrusion 74 defines the aforementioned inner contour 66.

[0067] Optionally, the positioning section 58 can be formed by an even number of positioning protrusions 73. Similarly, the positioning section 58 serving as the centering section 70 can be formed by an even number of centering protrusions 74, wherein the centering protrusions 74 can then be arranged in pairs opposite to each other relative to the contact chamber 26. Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, four centering protrusions 74 are then provided, arranged opposite each other horizontally and vertically in the plane of the figures. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the centering section 70 may be formed by a continuous inner flange or a full flange protruding from the protective collar 18 into the contact chamber 26.

[0068] To provide a stable base for the touch protection cover 1 on the flat conductor 36 of the module connector 2, the housing section 16 and the positioning section 58, particularly the centering section 70, can together form a support surface 76 for the flat conductor 36. Furthermore, the housing section 16 and the positioning section 58 or the centering section 70 can each travel flush with each other in the region of the support surface 76 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 Furthermore, the support surface 76 can travel parallel to the main plane 78 of the flat conductor 36. The touch protection cover 1 can then rest on the upper side 80 of the flat conductor 36 using the support surface 76.

[0069] from Figure 3 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the contact ring 32 includes a shoulder 82 and is pressed into the receiving opening 84 of the current conductor 12a. Furthermore, the press-fit between the contact ring 32 and the current conductor 12a is reinforced by a threaded sleeve 46 being pressed into the contact ring 32. A flange 86 on the other end of the threaded sleeve 46, which is disposed opposite to the protective cover 52, clamps the current conductor 12a together with the shoulder 82 of the contact ring 32, such that, in addition to the frictional engagement from the press-fit, the form-fit engagement holds the connecting member 14a within the receiving opening 84 of the current conductor 12a.

[0070] from Figure 1It is clear that the current conductor 12a comprises at least one auxiliary hole 88 extending parallel to the receiving opening 84. In particular, the receiving opening 84 can be surrounded by a plurality of such auxiliary holes 88. The auxiliary holes 88 serve for attaching the touch protection cover 1 to the current conductor 12a. For the same purpose, the touch protection cover 1 can extend at least partially through the auxiliary holes 88. In particular, the housing section 16 can form at least one latching hook 90 comprising a latching protrusion 92 and a latching arm 94 carrying the latching protrusion 92. The at least one latching hook 90 can be inserted into one of the auxiliary holes 88. The auxiliary holes 88 are preferably dimensioned to be suitable for the latching hook 90, in particular its latching protrusion 92 to be inserted therein.

[0071] The latching protrusion 92 preferably comprises a hook surface 96 and is configured to establish a latching form-fit connection with the flat conductor 36 of the module connector 2 after the latching protrusion 92 has been fully inserted through the auxiliary hole 88. The hook surface 96 can face the protection collar 18 and create an undercut or a draft angle. A distance 98 measured in the plug-in direction 8 between the already described bearing surface 76 and the hook surface 96 corresponds to a material thickness 100 of the flat conductor 36 in the possible range (see Fig. 6). Figure 7 ).

[0072] The latching arm 94 should accordingly be dimensioned long. Furthermore, the latching arm 94 rests on the protection collar 18, is self-supporting and in particular is configured to be more flexible than the rest of the housing section 16. As Figure 7 shown, the latching arm 94 does not fill the entire auxiliary hole 88 through which its latching protrusion 92 is inserted. For example, the latching arm 94 only fills the auxiliary hole 88 to such an extent that a free cross-sectional area 102 of the auxiliary hole 88 corresponds to the extent of the hook region 96. If necessary, the latching arm 94 can then be deflected in the auxiliary hole 88, the hook region 96 can be pulled out from under the flat conductor 36, the latching form-fit connection can be removed and finally the latching hook 90 can be pulled out of the auxiliary hole 88.

[0073] The deflection of the latching arms 94 just described and the subsequent steps enable the touch protection cover 1 to be removed without causing any damage and can be performed, for example, as part of the maintenance or repair of the interface 4. It is ideal that the latching hooks 90 are accessible from the lower side 104 of the flat conductor 36 opposite the already mentioned upper side 80. For the installation of the touch protection cover 1, it is not necessary to access the lower side 104 of the flat conductor 36. In particular, the touch protection cover 1 can be installed into the module connector 2 in a blind manner. In other words, it is advantageously sufficient to install the touch protection cover 1 onto the connection member 14a from the upper side 80 of the flat conductor 36 and to press it to establish the latching form-fit connection. For this purpose, at least one latching hook 90 preferably comprises an insertion ramp 106, which makes it easier to insert the latching hook 90 through the auxiliary hole 88 and ensures compatibility with automatic placement machines, such as pick-and-place robots.

[0074] As can also be seen in Figure 7 , the housing section 16 can form at least two latching hooks 90, wherein the latching hooks 90 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the contact chamber 26 and wherein their latching protrusions 92 are directed towards each other. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the latching protrusions 92 of the latching hooks 90 can assume or at least support the function of the centering protrusions 74. For this purpose, the inwardly directed latching protrusions 92 can not only provide the hook surface 96 but also a support surface 60 extending perpendicular thereto. Alternatively, the latching protrusions 92 of the oppositely arranged latching hooks 90 can be oriented away from each other (not shown).

[0075] As can be seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the shown touch protection cover 1 comprises a total of four latching hooks 90, wherein the four centering protrusions 74 and the four latching hooks 90 are distributed alternately on the inner circumference 108 of the contact chamber 26. Of course, different numbers or distributions are also possible.

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 7 , the latching hooks 90 can be arranged below the protection collar 18 in the plug-in direction 8. According to an alternative embodiment of Figure 9 , the latching hooks 90 can also be arranged further outward on the protection collar 18 and can engage from the outside around the flat conductor 36 instead of through the flat conductor 36 in the auxiliary hole 88. In this case, the auxiliary hole 88 in the flat conductor 36 can be dispensed with. According to a further alternative embodiment of Figure 8 , the touch protection cover 1 can first be hooked into the end portion 42 of the current conductor 12a by the protruding L-shaped edge 109 of the housing section 16 and then into the latching form-fit connection by a single latching hook 90.

[0077] A further possible use of the one or more auxiliary holes 88 is to define a predetermined orientation of the touch protection cover 1. In addition to or instead of the latching hooks 90, the housing section 16 can then form at least one coding pin 110, which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the centering section 70 (see Figure 4 ). Furthermore, the coding pin 110 preferably projects from the bearing surface 76. If both are present, the coding pin 110 and the latching hooks 90 can extend parallel to one another.

[0078] The coding pin 110 ensures that the touch protection cover 1 with the bearing surface 76 can only be rested on the flat conductor 36 when the touch protection cover 1 has the predetermined orientation in which the coding pin 110 coincides with the associated auxiliary hole 88. Incorrect assembly of the touch protection cover 1 can thus be prevented.

[0079] In order to facilitate handling of the already mentioned fastening elements 44, the touch protection cover 1 of the interface 4 can be configured to enter a pre-latched state with the protective housing 10 of the mating member 6. For this purpose, complementary pre-latching elements 112a, 112b can be provided on the touch protection cover 1 or the protective housing 10, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the pre-latching elements 112a are latching tabs 114, which project radially at the outer surface of the protective collar 18 perpendicular to the plug-in direction 8. The other pre-latching elements 112b complementary thereto can be respective latching windows 116 formed at the protective housing 10. Figure 1

[0080] The interface 4 and its mating member 6 can thus initially be temporarily secured by the pre-latching, after which the final fastening is carried out by the fastening elements 44. In this case, the tension Fz required to release the pre-latching should be smaller than the pull-off force Fa required to release the latching form-fit connection, so that the touch protection cover 1 is not accidentally pulled off the interface 4 together with the protective housing 10. The forces Fz and Fa are each to be understood as acting parallel to the plug-in direction 8.

[0081] In addition to the touch protection cover 1, the interface 4 can optionally comprise a transport cover 118, which can be mounted onto the touch protection cover 1 when not in use and which can close the contact chamber 26. The transport cover 118 can comprise pre-latching elements 112b, which are configured similar to the latching windows 116 of the protective housing 10 and engage with the latching tabs 114 of the touch protection cover 1 (see Figure 6 ). The transport cover 118 then additionally prevents dust and other foreign bodies from entering the contact chamber 26.

[0082] Any reference in this application to a specification or standard (e.g. DIN / IEC / EN standard) refers to the version of the respective specification or standard applicable at the time of filing. ​

[0083] Reference signs

[0084] 1 touch protection cover

[0085] 2 module connector

[0086] 4 interface

[0087] 6 mating member

[0088] 8 plug-in direction

[0089] 10 protective housing

[0090] 12a, 12b current conductor

[0091] 14a, 14b connecting member

[0092] 16 housing section

[0093] 18 protective collar

[0094] 20 inner diameter

[0095] 22 outer diameter

[0096] 24 housing collar

[0097] 26 contact chamber

[0098] 28 spacing gap

[0099] 30 current bridge

[0100] 32 contact ring

[0101] 34 surface

[0102] 36 flat conductor

[0103] 38 busbar

[0104] 40 current strip

[0105] 42 end

[0106] 44 fastening element

[0107] 46 threaded sleeve

[0108] 48 internal thread

[0109] 50 screw

[0110] 52 protective cap

[0111] 54 entry slot

[0112] 56 width

[0113] 58 positioning section

[0114] 60 support surface

[0115] 62 sliding surface

[0116] 64 guide surface

[0117] 66 inner contour

[0118] 68 outer contour

[0119] 70 centering section

[0120] 72 constriction

[0121] 73 positioning protrusion

[0122] 74 centering protrusion

[0123] 76 bearing surface

[0124] 78 main plane

[0125] 80 upper side

[0126] 82 shoulder

[0127] 84 receiving opening

[0128] 86 flange

[0129] 88 auxiliary hole

[0130] 90 latching hook

[0131] 92 latching protrusion

[0132] 94 latching arm

[0133] 96 hook surface

[0134] 98 distance

[0135] 100 material thickness

[0136] 102 cross-sectional area

[0137] 104 lower side

[0138] 106 insertion bevel

[0139] 108 inner circumference

[0140] 109 edge

[0141] 110 coding pin

[0142] 112a, 112b pre-latching element

[0143] 114 latching tab

[0144] 116 latching window

[0145] 118 transfer cover

[0146] Fa pull-off force

[0147] Fz tension

Claims

1. An electrically insulating touch protection cover (1) for a connection member (14a) of an electrical module connector (2) including a fastening element (44), the touch protection cover (1) comprising: The housing section (16) forms a protective collar (18) for the connecting member (14a). A contact chamber (26), which is at least partially surrounded by the protective collar (18) and configured to at least partially receive the connecting member (14a), and The positioning section (58) is used to position the connecting member (14a) relative to the protective collar (18). The positioning section (58) extends at least partially within the contact chamber (26), and the positioning section (58) includes at least one support surface (60) offset from the protective collar (18) and facing inward relative to the contact chamber (26).

2. The touch protection cover (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support surface (60) defines an inner contour (66) that at least partially corresponds to the outer contour (68) of the connecting member (14a).

3. The touch protection cover (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning segment (58) forms a contraction (72) in the contact chamber (26).

4. The touch protection cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning segment (58) is formed by at least three positioning protrusions (73), each positioning protrusion protruding from the protective collar (18).

5. The touch protection cover (1) according to claim 4, wherein the positioning segment (58) is formed by an even number of positioning protrusions (73), and the positioning protrusions (73) are arranged opposite to each other in pairs relative to the contact chamber (26).

6. The touch protection cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing section (16) and the positioning section (58) together form a support surface (76) for the flat conductor (36) of the module connector (2).

7. The touch protection cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing segment (16) forms at least one latch hook (90), the latch hook including a latch protrusion (92) and a latch arm (94) carrying the latch protrusion.

8. The touch protection cover (1) according to claim 7, wherein the housing segment (16) forms at least two latch hooks (90), wherein the latch hooks (90) are disposed opposite to each other relative to the contact chamber (26), and wherein the latch protrusions (92) of the latch hooks (90) face each other or are away from each other.

9. The touch protection cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing segment (16) forms at least one coding pin (110) extending transversely to the positioning segment (58).

10. An interface (4) for a module connector (2) having a touch protection cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a conductive connection member (14a) of the module connector (2), wherein the protective collar (18) of the touch protection cover (1) is spaced apart from the connection member (14a) by a gap (28), and wherein the positioning segment (58) bridges the gap (28) and abuts against the connection member (14a) such that the gap (28) has a constant width (56) over the entire inner circumference (108) of the contact chamber (26).

11. A modular connector (2) having an interface (4) according to claim 10 and a mating member (6) complementary to the interface (4), the mating member being configured to connect to the interface (4) along a mating direction (8), wherein, The mating member (6) includes a protective housing (10), and wherein the gap (28) between the protective collar (18) and the connecting member (14a) of the interface (4) is configured to at least partially receive the protective housing (10) of the mating member (6).

12. The module connector (2) according to claim 11, wherein, The module connector (2) includes a flat conductor (36) having a receiving opening (84), the connecting member (14a) of the interface (4) being attached to the receiving opening (84), and wherein the touch protection cover (1) is latched to the flat conductor (36).

13. The module connector (2) according to claim 12, wherein, The touch protection cover (1) of the interface (4) is configured to enter a pre-latch state with the protective housing (10) of the mating member (6), wherein the tension (Fz) required to release the pre-latch state is less than the pull-off force (Fa) required to release the latch connection.

14. The module connector (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the flat conductor (36) includes at least one auxiliary hole (88) extending parallel to the receiving opening (84), and the touch protection cover (1) extends at least partially through the at least one auxiliary hole.

15. The module connector (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The touch protection cover (1) is installed in the module connector (2) by blind installation.

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