Module connector with internal insulating sleeve, module electrode coupling end and connection assembly for

Abstract

The invention relates to a module connector (10) for electrically connecting to a module electrode connection (12) of a battery module in a connection direction (R) by establishing a plug-in connection, the module connector (10) comprising: a busbar (14) having a busbar through-opening (14a); a contact sleeve (16) having a sleeve opening (16a) which is oriented coaxially to the busbar passage opening (14a); and a housing (24). In this case, the module connector (10) comprises an elastic spring element (30, 32) which can be compressed in the connection direction (R), the module connector (10) being switchable from a first state (Z1), in which the fastening part (18, 20) of the module connector (10) is held at a distance from the busbar (14) by means of the spring element (30, 32) and is electrically insulated therefrom, to a second state (Z2), in which the fastening part (18, 20) of the module connector (10) is held at a distance from the busbar (14) by means of the spring element (30, 32) and is electrically insulated therefrom. The fastening means (18, 20) are arranged on the busbar (14) in an electrical contact manner when the spring elements (30, 32) are compressed. The module connector (10) further comprises an insulating element (34) by means of which the fastening part (18) is electrically insulated from the spring element (30, 32) in a first state (Z1) of the module connector (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a module connector for electrically coupling in a connection direction to a module electrode terminal of a battery module by establishing a plug-in connection, wherein the module connector comprises a fixing part having a contact unit, an electrically conductive busbar having a busbar through-hole for the fixing part to at least partially pass through in the connection direction, an electrically conductive contact sleeve having an end side providing a contact face for electrically contacting the module electrode terminal, wherein the contact sleeve has a sleeve opening arranged below the busbar in the connection direction and oriented coaxially to the busbar through-hole, so that at least a portion of the fixing part can pass through both the busbar through-hole and the sleeve opening in the connection direction. Furthermore, the module connector comprises an electrically insulating housing having an insulating flange which surrounds at least a portion of the busbar and at least a portion of the contact sleeve in a circumferential direction. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a module electrode terminal and a connection assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to protect persons from electric shock, it is necessary or advantageous to provide anti-touch protection on the electrical plug-in connections of high-voltage batteries, module electrodes (also referred to herein as module electrode terminals), their electrical connection elements, high-voltage connectors (also referred to herein as module connectors), in order to avoid, for example, expensive protective clothing when assembling the battery. Here, the anti-touch protection is usually implemented by means of a plurality of special components, such as protection pins, contact sleeves, electrically insulating coverings or flanges, etc., on both plug-in connection partners. This results in a very complex design of the connection assembly and, in addition, requires a very large installation space.

[0003] For example, DE 20 2018 100 111 U1 describes a module connector having two coupling parts which can be electrically conductively connected to one another, on which coupling parts conductor elements can be mounted at conductor sites, and which have fixing elements which are compatible with one another, wherein each coupling part is provided on its connection side facing the other coupling part with an anti-touch protection having an outer electrically insulating flange and an electrically insulating protection pin surrounded by the flange, wherein in at least one coupling part between the flange and the protection pin an electrical bridge is provided which electrically connects the two conductor sites, the electrical bridge being overhanging from the flange and the protection pin, wherein the electrical bridge is designed as a contact sleeve.

[0004] Furthermore, similar connection assemblies are described in EP 3 419 119 B1, DE 10 2020 212 760 A1 and DE 10 2020 208 149 A1.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 100 919 A1 describes a touch protection rotary contact device comprising a busbar and a connecting bolt having a threaded section and a fixing section and extending through a busbar recess in the busbar along a connecting axis from a first side to a second side of the busbar in a connecting direction. Here, an insulating element is arranged between the busbar and the connecting bolt in the connecting direction, whereby the connecting bolt is electrically insulated with respect to the busbar.

[0006] Such an insulating element is typically made of plastic. A disadvantage of plastic, in particular when using a threaded connection, is that plastic can begin to creep over time, whereby the threaded connection loosens. A significant disadvantage, in particular when electrically connecting a high-voltage junction, is that greater conduction losses occur due to the increased contact resistance thereby, and the busbar is additionally heated, which can have a negative effect on the operation of the battery module. SUMMARY

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a module connector, a module electrode junction end and a connecting assembly which enable an as simple and efficient as possible design.

[0008] The object is achieved by a module connector, a module electrode junction end and a connecting assembly having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous design solutions of the present application are described by the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0009] Here, the module connector for electrically coupling to a module electrode connection of a battery module in a connection direction by establishing a plug connection according to the application comprises a fixing part having a contact unit, an electrically conductive busbar having a busbar through-hole for the fixing part to at least partially pass through in the connection direction, an electrically conductive contact sleeve having an end side which provides a contact surface for electrically contacting the module electrode connection, wherein the contact sleeve has a sleeve opening which is arranged below the busbar in the connection direction and is oriented coaxially to the busbar through-hole, so that at least a part of the fixing part can pass through the busbar through-hole and the sleeve opening at the same time in the connection direction. Furthermore, the module connector comprises an electrically insulating housing having an insulating flange which surrounds at least a part of the busbar and at least a part of the contact sleeve in a circumferential direction. Furthermore, the module connector comprises an elastic spring element which can be compressed and / or can be stretched in the connection direction, wherein the module connector can be transferred from a first state to a second state, wherein in the first state the contact unit of the fixing part is kept at a distance from the busbar by means of the spring element and is electrically insulated therefrom, and in the second state the contact unit is arranged in electric contact on the busbar with the spring element compressed. Here, the module connector further comprises an insulating element by means of which the fixing part is electrically insulated from the spring element in the state of at least partially passing through the busbar through-hole and in the first state of the module connector.

[0010] In this context, the present application is based on the knowledge that, by using or rather by providing a spring element, two different states of such a module connector can advantageously be realized, in which, in a first state, no electrical contact exists between the contact unit of the fixing element and the busbar and thus also between the fixing element as a whole and the busbar, and in a second state, such an electrical contact is established between the contact unit of the fixing element and the busbar. Since, in the first state, no electrical contact is established with the busbar, there is also no risk of electric shock when touching the fixing element in this first state. This, in turn, simplifies the design options for the module connector and / or the corresponding module electrode connection. This, in turn, is based on the knowledge that the fixing element can be designed, for example, such that it protrudes partially outside the housing at least in the first state of the module connector. The touch protection is nevertheless provided by the spring element, while the region of the fixing element that protrudes outside the housing does not have to be designed electrically insulating for this purpose. It is thus possible to advantageously omit a protective cover or an insulating flange that is particularly long in the axial direction. As a result, components and / or material can be saved, in particular also structure space in the axial direction. Furthermore, another particular advantage of the present application is also that, despite the electrical insulation of the fixing element from the busbar in the first state, no plastic insulation or the like has to be provided between the fixing element, for example its contact unit, which can be a bolt head, for example, and the busbar. The disadvantage of such a plastic insulation is that this plastic insulation can then be part of the path of force transmission by means of the fixing element for fixing the module connector on the module electrode connection. As a result, a greater force can be exerted on the plastic, and the fixing can loosen over time due to the typical creep properties of plastics. This, in turn, can increase the electrical resistance of the overall assembly and lead to an increased power loss. Furthermore, the additional heat loss thus caused can be transmitted into the battery module and cause an increased aging or other cell defects and limitations. The above-mentioned situation can now advantageously also be avoided by providing a spring element, since, precisely in the second state that can be established by compressing the spring element, a direct electrically conductive connection between the contact unit of the fixing element and the busbar can also be established. It is thus possible to realize a force transmission for fixing the module connector on the module electrode connection exclusively by means of metal components, so that a secure and stable fixing can be provided permanently. Another particular advantage is, in particular, that the module connector comprises an insulating element, by means of which the fixing element is electrically insulated from the spring element, in particular from the busbar, in the state in which it at least partially passes through the busbar bore and in the first state of the module connector. It is thus possible to advantageously ensure, by means of the insulating element, that, when a part of the fixing element, for example a bolt neck, passes through the busbar bore of the electrically conductive busbar, no electrically conductive contact arises between the fixing element, in particular the part of the fixing element that passes through the busbar bore, and the busbar. The insulating element is thus located, in particular in the radial direction, between the fixing element and the busbar on one hand.On this principle, the spring element can also be arranged radially within the insulating element and thus between the insulating element and the fixing element with reference to the radial direction. According to the invention, however, it is provided that the insulating element (also) electrically insulates the fixing element from the spring element when the fixing element is in the state of at least partially passing through the busbar through-hole and the module connector is in the first state. This advantageously achieves a compact and space-saving design of the module connector or, with the same space requirement, increases the creepage distance. In particular in the aspect that, when assembling or disassembling, electrically conductive particles can get into the housing of the module connector, for example into the region of the busbar, a design of the creepage distance that is as large as possible is advantageous in order to ensure that the insulation between the fixing element and the busbar is not bridged by such particles in the first state of the module connector. In the above-mentioned alternative variant, in which the insulating element is located between the busbar and the spring element in the radial direction, not only the creepage distance between the fixing element, for example the screw, and the busbar but also the creepage distance between the spring element and the busbar is designed to be as large as possible, which can only be achieved by the insulating element being designed with a larger wall thickness in the radial direction. In contrast thereto, it is currently only necessary to consider the creepage distance between the contact element of the fixing element and the busbar, which is already very large when the contact element is kept at a distance from the busbar by means of the spring element in the first state of the module connector. Thus, currently, a large creepage distance can be achieved in a significantly more space-saving manner, since the insulating element can be arranged very close to the fixing element, in particular directly contacting the fixing element and surrounding the fixing element in the circumferential direction, so that a large part of the fixing element can be insulated from the spring element and the busbar even in a thin-walled design, and it is not necessary to consider the creepage distance between the busbar and the spring element, since these two components can inherently be in electrical contact with one another without danger, since these two components are electrically insulated from the fixing element by the insulating element. Thus, a high level of safety and reliable touch protection can be ensured and at the same time a space saving can be achieved.

[0011] A module connector serves for electrically connecting two module electrodes of two battery modules. Each of the module electrodes can be configured with a module electrode coupling end corresponding to the module connector. When the module connector is coupled in a conventional manner with the module electrode coupling end, the two module electrodes can be electrically connected in correspondence via a busbar. In the conventional operation of the module connector, accordingly, current is conducted from a battery electrode via the busbar to another battery electrode of another battery module. Here, the module connector is furthermore preferably applied in the high-voltage field. Correspondingly, the module connector can be designed for conducting very high currents. Furthermore, the module connector may, for example, have a first coupling region which comprises a portion of an electrically conductive busbar with a busbar bore, an electrically conductive contact sleeve with a sleeve opening, a fixing element, an insulating element, a spring element and an insulating flange. Furthermore, the module connector can also have another such coupling unit, namely an additional second coupling unit, which can be designed in principle completely analogously to the first coupling unit described. In this case, the first coupling unit may, for example, be in electrically conductive contact with a first module electrode coupling end, while the second coupling unit is in electrically conductive contact in a corresponding manner with a second module electrode coupling end. Here, the two coupling units are connected to one another in correspondence by an intermediate portion of the busbar and a portion of the housing which encloses the intermediate portion of the busbar.

[0012] The electrically insulating housing can be made of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic. Furthermore, this applies to all electrically insulating components described below. The busbar is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metallic material, for example copper. The busbar bore can be designed as a bore in the busbar. This bore is preferably designed circular. The sleeve opening can also be designed as a bore in the contact sleeve. This sleeve opening also preferably has a circular cross section perpendicular to the connection direction. The contact sleeve can be designed as a ring-shaped metal component with a central through-hole which provides the sleeve opening. The contact sleeve may, for example, also be referred to as a contact sleeve. The contact sleeve can also have a hole or gap which passes through the contact sleeve in the radial direction, wherein components of the housing can project radially inwards through this hole and / or gap in order to provide a support flange on the bottom side for the spring element when the connection direction is defined as downwards. In principle, the contact sleeve, in particular on the outer peripheral side, can be designed in any geometry, for example polygonal.

[0013] The connection direction is defined such that a plug-in connection between the module connector and the corresponding module electrode coupling end can be achieved by plug- ing these two components together in the connection direction. For the sake of simplicity, the connection direction is currently defined from the perspective of the module connector and points from the module connector in the direction in which the module connector has to be moved in order to establish the plug-in connection. Here, the connection direction can also correspond to or run parallel to an axial direction, which extends through the center of the busbar through-hole and the sleeve opening. Here, the axial direction runs substantially parallel to an axis of the fastening element, which at least partially passes through or can pass through the respective through-hole. The radial direction is correspondingly perpendicular to the axial direction and extends away from the central axis running through the respective through-hole. The fastening element can at least partially pass through the respective through-hole means that at least a portion of the fastening element can pass through the respective through-hole, for example in the case of a bolt as fastening element, a portion of the bolt neck can pass through the respective through-hole, wherein the contact unit, for example the bolt head, opposite thereto does not have to and currently also cannot pass through. Similarly, the state of the fastening element passing through the respective through-hole is to be understood as meaning a state in which the fastening element is inserted through the respective through-hole and an end-side portion of the fastening element, for example the contact unit, projects on one side of the through-hole with respect to the axial direction and an opposite end-side portion of the fastening element projects on the opposite side of the through-hole with respect to the axial direction, and a respective portion of the fastening element arranged between the two end-side portions is located radially within the respective through-hole.

[0014] The non-insulated end side with the contact face is preferably designed flat or planar. It can be said in a certain sense that the end side lies in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. A planar contact can thus be established with the corresponding second contact face of the module electrode coupling end. By using the fastening element, the contact, in particular the corresponding contact faces, can be fixed to one another by means of a high pressing force.

[0015] The elastic spring element can be designed, for example, as a conventional spring, for example as a coil spring. The module connector can be designed in such a way that the spring element is in a state under mechanical load due to compression of the spring element at least in the second state. Conversely, the spring element can be relaxed or likewise under mechanical stress in the first state of the module connector, wherein the mechanical stress is smaller at this time than in the second state of the module connector. In order to compress the spring element and accordingly to switch the module connector from the first state to the second state, a corresponding force action is required on the module connector, for example on the fixing, in the connection direction in order to overcome the counteracting spring force. Furthermore, the module connector is preferably designed in such a way that the module connector can be switched from the first state to the second state by compression of the spring element and, conversely, can be switched from the second state to the first state reversibly with relaxation or elastic expansion of the spring element. Thus, a particularly advantageous and reversible connection possibility is provided by the module connector for coupling to the corresponding module electrode coupling end.

[0016] In a preferred variant, the fixing is designed as a bolt having a bolt head and a bolt neck, as will be explained in more detail later, wherein an optional washer can also be part of the fixing. According to this example, the bolt head and the optional washer are part of the contact unit or the bolt head and the optional washer are the contact unit. However, in principle, further fixings different from a bolt can also be used, for example rivets, elements having a snap and / or a latching connection, etc. It is generally preferred here that the connecting piece has a first section comprising the contact unit and a second section in the axial direction, which is located below or coupled to the first section in the connection direction. Here, the second section can be inserted into or passed through the busbar through-hole and can be inserted into or passed through the sleeve opening. The second section is designed elongated in the axial direction. The first section, in particular the contact unit, widens in the radial direction relative to the second section. Here, this widening does not have to be constant, but can vary in the circumferential direction around the axial direction, for example like a star-shaped bolt head. The underside of the contact unit, which is located below in the connection direction, provides a contact surface for contacting the busbar in the second state of the module connector. If the fixing comprises a bolt, this contact surface can be provided, for example, by the underside of the bolt head or by the underside of the optional washer.

[0017] According to a further advantageous design of the application, the module connector comprises an insulating sleeve made of electrically insulating material as an insulating element. The insulating element is thus the insulating sleeve. The insulating sleeve can here also be arranged in the busbar through-hole, in particular can also be moved relative to the busbar in the axial direction, and furthermore can be arranged between the fixing and the spring element in the radial direction. The fixing is thus electrically insulated from the busbar and the spring element by means of the insulating sleeve in the state in which it at least partially passes through the busbar through-hole.

[0018] The all-round electrical insulation of the fixing relative to the busbar and the spring element in the radial direction can be provided in a particularly simple manner by means of the insulating sleeve, which can furthermore be designed as desired in terms of length in the axial direction. The insulating sleeve can have the shape of a ring which extends in the axial direction in the form of a strip. The insulating sleeve can be arranged in direct mechanical contact on the fixing, in particular on the bolt neck, more precisely encircling the bolt neck and optionally in contact on the bolt neck. Different design possibilities also exist for the insulating sleeve. For example, the insulating sleeve can be made as a separate component from the fixing. The insulating sleeve can in principle also be moved or displaced relative to the fixing in the axial direction, for example in the disassembled state of the module connector. However, as will be explained in detail later, since it is preferred for the insulating sleeve to be moved in a corresponding manner together with the fixing when the fixing is moved in the connection direction, the insulating sleeve can also be fixed, for example bonded and / or clipped, to the fixing, and / or a portion of the fixing, in particular of the neck, is press-fitted into the insulating sleeve by means of a friction fit, and / or the insulating sleeve is injection-moulded or encapsulated as a plastic housing on a section of the fixing, for example on the bolt neck. However, the insulating sleeve can also be linked in its movement to the movement of the fixing in other ways, for example in that a support flange of the insulating sleeve which projects outwards in the radial direction is clamped in the axial direction between a contact unit of the fixing and the spring element, which support flange is preferably located in an upper region of the insulating sleeve with reference to the connection direction, and which support flange can at the same time serve as a bearing for the upper end of the spring element. Furthermore, the possibility of movement of the contact unit in the opposite direction to the connection direction can be limited by the housing, in particular by a housing upper part of a multi-part design of the housing, in particular by a form fit. The insulating sleeve is thus pressed upwards, i.e. in the opposite direction to the connection direction, by the spring element onto the contact unit of the fixing. When the compression spring element is compressed, i.e. when the fixing is moved in the connection direction, for example when the module connector is fitted on the module electrode coupling end by means of a tool, the insulating sleeve is moved in a corresponding manner together with it, since the insulating sleeve is furthermore clamped in the axial direction between the contact unit and the spring element with its support flange.

[0019] According to a further advantageous design of the application, therefore, the insulation sleeve and the fixing element are arranged relative to one another such that, when the fixing element is moved in the connection direction, in particular in the connection direction and against the connection direction, the insulation sleeve moves together with the fixing element. This can advantageously be implemented such that the insulation sleeve in the first state of the module connector protrudes in the axial direction with its upper end facing the contact unit beyond the contact area of the busbar, against which the contact unit rests in the second state of the module connector, without, in this second state of the module connector, impeding or obstructing the contact between the busbar and the contact unit.

[0020] In a further advantageous design of the application, in the first state of the module connector the fixing element protrudes in the connection direction beyond the housing. In this first state of the module connector, this fixing element protrudes beyond the housing with at least one uninsulated section of the fixing element, for example the uninsulated end of the bolt neck opposite the bolt head. In other words, no electrically insulating part, for example a plastic cover or a plastic housing, is required on this protruding fixing element section. This is not necessary because the fixing element is not electrically connected to the busbar in the first state anyway, since the fixing element is not electrically charged in the first state, even if the busbar itself is not electrically uncharged, but for example is already electrically connected, for example via other coupling units of the module connector, to a module electrode coupling end. An additional insulating measure for the fixing element, for example an insulating cover, etc., can therefore be omitted. Furthermore, the same also applies to an insulating cover which directly contacts the bolt head. Accordingly, such an insulating cover is also unnecessary and does not need to be provided. In this case, the fixing element protruding in the connection direction beyond the housing enables a simpler coupling possibility with the module electrode coupling end and possibly even a significantly simpler design of the module electrode coupling end. Furthermore, the possibility of the fixing element protruding without danger beyond the housing enables the aforementioned insulating flange of the housing to be designed more short in the axial direction. This in turn saves structure space, material and costs in the axial direction.

[0021] As mentioned above, the fixing element can be a bolt, for example, or the fixing element can comprise a bolt and optionally a washer. Via the fixing element, the module connector can be fixed on the corresponding module electrode coupling end. In this case, the fixing element partially passes through the busbar through-hole and through the sleeve opening and protrudes with the lower end in the connection direction beyond the contact sleeve. Since the fixing element is not in electrical contact with the busbar in the first state, it is now also advantageous, as mentioned, for the fixing element to protrude in the connection direction beyond the housing. This enables particularly simple screwing into the corresponding module electrode coupling end, without, for example, a plastic protective cover or the like having to be provided on the end of the fixing element facing the module electrode coupling end.

[0022] Furthermore, a significant advantage of this design is that the module connector can be automatically transferred from the first state into the second state by screwing the bolt provided by the fastening into the corresponding module electrode coupling end, since the bolt is moved in the connection direction during the screwing in while the other components of the module connector, such as the contact sleeve and / or the housing, remain in place. The spring element can be supported on the bolt head, for example indirectly, for example via the above-mentioned support flange of the electrically insulating part, for example the insulating element, and thus be compressed automatically during the screwing in.

[0023] Correspondingly, a further advantageous design of the application provides that the fastening is a fastening which extends elongatedly in the connection direction, which comprises a head as part of the contact unit and a neck which is coupled to the head in the connection direction, wherein the neck passes through the busbar through-hole and the sleeve opening, wherein in the first state of the module connector the head is held at a distance from the busbar and is electrically insulated from the busbar by means of the spring element, and in the second state the head is in electrically conductive connection with the busbar, and here they either directly contact or indirectly contact via an electrically conductive spacer. The head of the fastening can in the second state, for example, lie directly against the busbar. Alternatively, a spacer, in particular a metal spacer, can also be arranged between the head of the fastening and the busbar. In this case, the head of the fastening lies in the second state of the module connector against the metal spacer, which in turn lies directly against the busbar. Thus, no plastic element is provided between the head of the fastening and the busbar, which over time can impair the stable connection between the module connector and the corresponding module electrode coupling end. Accordingly, it is also very advantageous in turn that the head of the fastening lies directly against the busbar, or that the module connector comprises a metal spacer which is arranged between the head and the busbar, the head and the busbar being in electrically conductive connection with one another in the second state via the metal spacer.

[0024] If the fastening comprises a bolt, its bolt neck can be configured with an external thread. In this case, the corresponding module electrode coupling end can comprise an adapted nut with an internal thread into which the bolt can be screwed. It is also conceivable, however, that the fastening comprises a neck with an internal thread and that the module electrode coupling end has a corresponding bolt which can be screwed into the internal thread of the neck of the fastening of the module connector. The first-mentioned variant, however, enables a significantly more space-saving design of the connection assembly, in particular in the axial direction.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the application, the contact sleeve is arranged on the busbar in permanent electrical contact and / or is formed integrally with the busbar, in particular wherein the insulating flange projects beyond the contact sleeve in the direction of connection. In this case too, the contact sleeve is thus arranged on the busbar in permanent contact. As soon as the busbar is at a defined battery potential, the battery potential is also applied to the contact sleeve. In this case too, it is advantageous for the insulating flange to be designed such that it projects beyond the contact sleeve in the direction of connection. By means of the insulating flange, the contact sleeve can advantageously be provided with protection against touch.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the application, the spring element has a first spring end. Furthermore, the spring element can also comprise a second spring end, which is opposite the first spring end in the axial direction. The first spring end is the upper spring end, and thus faces the contact unit of the fixing part, with the direction of connection defined as above. The second spring end is the lower spring end. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the insulating sleeve to have a radially outwardly projecting support flange, in particular in a first sleeve region which forms an upper sleeve region with the direction of connection defined as above, on which the first spring end is supported counter to the direction of connection. This provides an advantageous bearing possibility for the first spring end. As mentioned above, the support flange can be arranged in the axial direction between the contact unit and the upper end of the spring element. Thus, even if the contact unit is moved in the direction of connection, the insulating sleeve is held on the contact unit by means of the spring element, and furthermore electrical insulation in the axial direction between the contact unit of the fixing part and the spring element can be provided at the same time by means of the support flange. The support flange can be configured at the upper end or upper edge of the insulating sleeve. This is the most space-saving variant. However, the support flange can also be at a distance in the axial direction from the sleeve upper end of the insulating sleeve. Starting from the support flange, the insulating sleeve extends at least a distance further downwards in the axial direction in order to provide insulation in the radial direction between the spring element and the fixing part.

[0027] Preferably, the spring element can be compressed and the module connector can be transferred from the first state into the second state by moving the contact unit, for example the head, of the fixing in the connection direction while the contact sleeve is kept in its position. Keeping the contact sleeve in its position can be defined in particular with reference to a coordinate system which is fixedly associated with the corresponding module electrode landing. Thus, in order to connect the module connector to the module electrode landing, the module connector can first be inserted onto the corresponding area of the module electrode landing. In this state, the contact face of the contact sleeve is already resting on the corresponding second contact face of the module electrode landing at this point. This second contact face is subsequently also referred to as the contact area of the module electrode landing. Thus, in this state, the module connector is still in the first state. The screw head has a distance to the busbar and is accordingly not in electrically conductive connection with the busbar. If the screw is now screwed in, the screw head moves in the direction of the contact sleeve. At this point, the contact sleeve is not moved in the connection direction, since the contact sleeve rests on the corresponding contact area of the module electrode landing. Relatively speaking, however, the contact sleeve is also moved in the direction of the busbar at this point. In other words, by screwing in the screw, the spring is compressed, whereby the screw head rests on the upper side of the busbar.

[0028] It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the spring element is designed as a coil spring which is at least partially inserted into or passed through the busbar through-hole and is electrically insulated from the busbar by means of an insulating sleeve. If the spring element is designed as a coil spring, the screw neck with the insulating sleeve can be passed through the coil spring in a simple manner. The coil spring is thereby stabilized in the radial direction. Furthermore, this enables a particularly compact construction type. Thus, the coil spring can be passed through or at least partially inserted into the busbar through-hole like the screw neck with the insulating sleeve, depending on how the end of the coil spring which is opposite the screw head is supported. Thus, by means of the insulating sleeve described above, the coil spring which is also preferably made of a metal material is also electrically insulated from the fixing. In general, the spring element is preferably made of a metal material. Thereby, the spring element is permanently particularly stable and robust.

[0029] As mentioned above, the second support flange for the spring element, in particular the lower one, can be provided as part of the housing, which can have one or more insulation tabs, which protrude radially inwards and which extend further inwards in the radial direction than the contact sleeve, through the contact sleeve, i.e. the contact sleeve, in the radial direction. Optionally, the inner ends of the tabs can be connected to one another by an insulation ring, which is likewise part of the housing and which surrounds the insulation sleeve in the circumferential direction and is movable relative to the insulation sleeve in the axial direction, in order to increase the support area for the spring and to improve the stability. The advantage of this design is that the fixing possibility for the contact sleeve is provided at the same time by the one or more tabs of the housing and optionally the insulation ring. The contact sleeve can be designed with a corresponding recess on the bottom side, into which the tabs are inserted counter to the connection direction. By bottom side is meant that the recess is located in the end side of the contact sleeve, through which the contact surface for the contact module electrode connection is provided. By means of the tabs it can advantageously be prevented that the contact sleeve falls out of the hole in the housing in the connection direction downwards. It is also conceivable in principle that the contact sleeve is connected to the busbar in a material-locking manner. This can be implemented in a simple manner, since the contact sleeve is preferably designed non-displaceably relative to the busbar. In the case of a material-locking connection, no fixing possibility is required for the contact sleeve, since the contact sleeve is fixedly connected to the busbar and is thus held by the busbar. The busbar and the contact sleeve can for example also be provided as one forged component. In particular, the contact sleeve and the busbar can be made of the same material, for example copper. This, however, is independent of whether the contact sleeve is arranged on the busbar in a material-locking and permanent manner.

[0030] According to a further advantageous design of the application, the second support flange for the spring element can be provided by a part of the contact sleeve. To this end, the contact sleeve can have a radially inwards protruding widening, for example in the form of a ring, which is configured on the inner surface of the contact sleeve, which limits the contact sleeve inwards in the radial direction, and which faces the insulation element. In particular when the contact sleeve is fixed on the busbar (as described above), the above-mentioned insulation tabs as part of the housing can be omitted, or the insulation tabs can still additionally comprise the optional insulation ring, which connects the tabs, for example as a support for the contact sleeve.

[0031] Furthermore, the application also relates to a module electrode connection for electrically connecting to a module connector according to the application or one of its embodiments.

[0032] Furthermore, the module electrode coupling end comprises a module electrode busbar and a contact area provided by the module electrode busbar or electrically conductively connected therewith, which can be electrically contacted with a contact surface of the module connector in a connection direction from the perspective of the module electrode coupling end or counter to the connection direction from the perspective of the module connector. Furthermore, the module electrode busbar comprises a housing, in particular a second housing, which is designed electrically insulating, in which the module electrode busbar is received, wherein the housing has a housing wall with a cutout area having at least one cutout for exposing at least a part of the contact area, wherein the housing wall has a cutout edge area which surrounds the cutout area in a circumferential direction, wherein the housing wall encloses an electrically insulating insulation ring radially inside the cutout area, which is connected to the cutout edge area by at least one insulation web.

[0033] The design of the module electrode connection end is particularly characterized in that the housing wall of the second housing of the module electrode connection end comprises an inner insulating ring and an outer notch edge region, which are connected by at least one insulating web of the housing wall. Thus, the insulating web crosses the notch region of the housing wall, which exposes the contact region of the module electrode connection end. By providing at least one insulating web, it is now possible not only to provide a separate annularly closed notch in the notch region to expose the contact region, but also, for example, to divide and subdivide the notch into a plurality of notch sectors. The size of the individual notches can thus be significantly reduced. It is thus possible, for example, to provide a touch protection in a significantly more space-saving manner than, for example, in the form of a circumferential insulating flange that protrudes significantly in the axial direction or a central insulating pin that protrudes significantly in the axial direction. In order to contact the module connector, the corresponding module connector can have, for example, a gap or slit-like recess on the end side of the contact sleeve, which corresponds to the at least one insulating web. The gap can correspond, for example, to the gap described above, which also receives the optional radially inwardly protruding web of the first housing of the module connector, which provides a lower support flange for the spring element. No additional gap is therefore required, but the gap can simply be provided somewhat deeper in the axial direction in order to simultaneously receive the web as a housing component of the module connector and the insulating web as a housing component of the module electrode connection end. If such a module connector and the corresponding module connection end are electrically conductively connected to one another, the at least one electrically insulating insulating web is correspondingly located in such a gap of the contact sleeve. In this case, a rotation between the module connector and the module electrode connection end can accordingly no longer be implemented or within a certain torque, since the insulating web overcomes the torque. The insulating web is generally understood to be an elongated component made of electrically insulating material. The notch edge region around the notch region is particularly directly coupled to the notch region in the radial direction. In a certain sense, the notch edge region limits the notch region in the radial direction. The notch region is a region of the housing wall in which at least one or a plurality of notches are arranged around the insulating ring, in particular in the circumferential direction. The notch region can be defined by the overall notch. The notches can be separated by the insulating webs. The notch region is therefore not necessarily a continuous region. The notch region can also be defined such that the notch region comprises, in addition to the notches, at least one or a plurality of insulating webs. In this case, the notch region is a continuous region, which is crossed by the at least one insulating web.

[0034] In another advantageous design of the application, the module electrode terminal comprises a second, in particular ring-shaped, contact sleeve having a second sleeve opening, wherein the contact sleeve, in particular the contact sleeve of the module electrode terminal, which is also referred to below as the second contact sleeve, provides the contact area. Furthermore, the module electrode busbar has a second busbar through-hole, wherein the second contact sleeve is arranged in contact on the module electrode busbar, so that the second contact sleeve is arranged coaxially to the second busbar through-hole. By means of this contact sleeve, i.e. the second contact sleeve, the contact area can be increased. In the circumferential direction, the contact sleeve is surrounded by a corresponding second insulating flange of the second housing of the module electrode terminal, however, wherein a certain spacing exists between the second insulating flange and the second contact sleeve. The first insulating flange of the housing of the module connector can be inserted into this spacing. This design is particularly advantageous when the contact sleeve of the module connector is retracted in the connection direction relative to the insulating flange of the module connector.

[0035] Furthermore, the insulating ring, the at least one insulating web and the notch edge region of the module electrode terminal can be increased relative to the base surface of the housing wall. In other words, the housing wall, in the region of the insulating ring, the insulating web and the notch edge region, in particular due to the protruding flange, can be designed to be thicker than in the region of the housing wall which is coupled radially outside the notch edge region. The touch protection can additionally be provided by reducing the hole in the housing wall which has to be passed in order to be able to come into contact with the contact area of the module electrode terminal by means of the at least one insulating web, whereby the height of the housing wall in the region of the insulating ring, the at least one insulating web and the notch edge region can also be smaller, which saves structural space in the axial direction. The insulating ring of the housing wall of the module electrode terminal surrounds a circular hole, in particular a central circular hole. A fixing, for example a bolt, i.e. a fixing of the corresponding module connector, can be inserted into this hole. The module electrode terminal can thereby be fixed, in particular screwed, on the corresponding module connector. In both cases, no additional insulating pin has to be provided in the insulating ring of the module electrode terminal, which protrudes significantly above the base surface of the housing wall in the axial direction. This saves structural space in the axial direction, in particular significantly.

[0036] Furthermore, the application also relates to a connection assembly for a battery module, wherein the connection assembly has a module connector according to the application or one of its embodiments, and a module electrode terminal according to the application or one of its embodiments. The above-mentioned advantages of the module connector according to the application, the module electrode terminal according to the application and the design variants thereof apply in the same way to the connection assembly according to the application and its embodiments.

[0037] Furthermore, the application also relates to a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery, for a motor vehicle, having a module connector according to the application or one of its embodiments and / or a module electrode connection according to the application or one of its embodiments and / or a connection assembly according to the application or one of its embodiments. Furthermore, the battery can have one or more battery modules. The battery modules can in turn comprise one or more electric cells, for example lithium-ion cells.

[0038] Furthermore, the application also relates to a motor vehicle having a battery according to the application or one of its embodiments. The motor vehicle according to the application is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car or a utility vehicle, or as a bus or a motorcycle.

[0039] The application also comprises improvements of the module electrode connection according to the application and the connection assembly according to the application, which have the features as already described in connection with the improvements of the module connector according to the application. For this reason, the respective improvements of the module electrode connection according to the application and the connection assembly according to the application are not described here again.

[0040] The application also comprises combinations of features of the embodiments. Thus, the application also comprises the following implementation solutions, which each have a combination of features of the embodiments, as long as the embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the application are described below. Shown in the figures are:

[0042] Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view and an exploded view of a module connector according to an embodiment of the application;

[0043] Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of a module electrode connection according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 1

[0044] Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a module electrode connection according to an embodiment of the application in

[0045] Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a module electrode connection according to an embodiment of the application in Figure 3

[0046] Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the application, which has a module electrode connection and a module connector;

[0047] Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the application, which has a module electrode connection and a module connector; Figure 5 ​​schematic cross-sectional view of the connection assembly in

[0048] Figure 7 schematic view of a module connector 10 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. Figure 5 schematic cross-sectional view of the connection assembly in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the application. In the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments are respectively individual features of the application which can be considered independently of one another and which respectively improve the application independently of one another. The disclosure should therefore also include combinations of features which differ from the shown embodiment features. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the application which have already been described.

[0050] In the drawings, identical drawing references respectively denote identical elements having the same function.

[0051] Figure 1 schematic view of a module connector 10 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. Here, the module connector 10 is designed on the one hand to establish an electrically conductive plug connection with a module electrode coupling end 12 (cf. Figs. 2 and 3) in a connection direction R which is parallel to an axis A of the module connector 10 and on the other hand to establish an electrically conductive plug connection with a module electrode coupling end 12 (cf. Figs. 2 and 3) in a connection direction R which is perpendicular to the axis A of the module connector 10. Figure 1 schematic cross-sectional view of the connection assembly in Figure 1 schematic cross-sectional view of the connection assembly in Figure 3 Here, the module connector 10 is designed to establish an electrically conductive plug connection with a module electrode coupling end 12 (cf. Figs. 2 and 3) in a connection direction R which is parallel to an axis A of the module connector 10. Accordingly, the connection direction R can also be referred to as axial direction. A radial direction is defined perpendicular to the axis A. Figure 4

[0052] ​Here, the module connector 10 includes a conductive bus 14. This conductive bus has a bus through-hole 14a. Furthermore, the module connector 10 has a conductive contact sleeve 16. This conductive contact sleeve also has a sleeve opening 16a in the form of a through-hole 16a in the connection direction R. The contact sleeve 16 has an end side 16e that provides a contact surface 36 for electrical contact with the corresponding module electrode connection end 12. Moreover, the contact sleeve 16 is arranged below the bus 14 in the connection direction R, i.e., the bus through-hole 14a and the sleeve opening 16a are coaxially oriented or aligned with each other. Therefore, a portion of the fastener 18 (which in this example includes a bolt 20 with an optional washer 22, particularly a metal washer 22) can pass through both holes 14a and 16a simultaneously. In this example, the bolt 20 includes a bolt neck 20a that passes through holes 14a and 16a. In addition to the bolt neck 20a, the bolt 20 also includes a head 20b. The head is widened radially relative to the bolt neck 20a. Typically, the fastener 18 may include a radially widened contact unit 18a, which in the example of bolt 20 is provided by the bolt head 20b and an optional gasket 22. Instead of a separate gasket 22, the bolt head 20b may also be designed with an integral locating flange that performs the function of the separate gasket 22. The locating flange and gasket 22 are used to distribute the clamping force of the bolt head 20b more evenly onto the busbar 14, particularly in the second state Z2 when assembled on the module electrode connection end 12 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Furthermore, the modular connector 10 includes a housing 24, which in this example is designed in multiple parts and includes an upper housing component 26 and a lower housing component 28. The upper and lower housing components can be assembled into the housing 24, for example, by snap-fit. The lower housing component 28 can be further divided into various regions and may, for example, include an insulating flange 28a that surrounds at least a portion of the contact sleeve 16, preferably the entire contact sleeve 16, and a portion of the busbar 14 in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The contact sleeve 16 has one or more gaps 56 on its bottom side. These gaps serve multiple functions. The gaps 56... Figure 1the right-hand side view in Fig. 1. In other words, the cross-section shown extends through the gap 56. The housing lower part 28 comprises tabs 28b which project radially inwards from the flange 28a and here through the gap 56. Radially within the contact sleeve 16, these tabs 28b are connected by an insulation ring which forms a support flange 28c for a spring element 30 which will be described in detail later. By means of the tabs 28b which are guided radially inwards through the gap 56, not only the support flange 28c can be provided, but optionally also a holder for the contact sleeve 16, if the contact sleeve is not fixed on the busbar 14 or is formed integrally therewith.

[0054] The remaining part of the housing 24 serves mainly to electrically insulate the busbar 14. In addition, the housing upper part 26 can have a through-hole 26a in the region of the screw head 20b in order to enable access for a tightening tool.

[0055] Now advantageously, the module connector 10 has in this example a spring element 30 in the form of a helical spring 32, in particular a metal spring element 30. The helical spring surrounds the screw neck 20a in the circumferential direction, however is electrically insulated therefrom by means of an insulation element in the form of an insulation sleeve 34. In addition, the spring 32 passes through the busbar through-hole 14a. Optionally, the spring can also be inserted a distance into the sleeve opening 16a or through the sleeve opening, however this is not necessary. This can vary depending on the design of the support flange 28c which supports the lower end 32a of the spring 32. In addition, the subsequently described insulation tabs 48 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) of the corresponding module electrode connection 12 can also be received into the gap 56, in particular for mounting the module connector 10 on the module electrode connection 12. In order to receive the insulation tabs 48 of the module electrode connection 12, the insulation flange 28a also has a corresponding gap 28d. The cross-section shown in the right-hand side view in Fig. 1 also extends through this gap. Figure 1

[0056] ​Furthermore, the module connector 10 comprises the already mentioned insulating sleeve 34. This insulating sleeve is arranged partially in the busbar through-hole 14a and insulates the busbar 14, the contact sleeve 16, which in this example is held or arranged and / or fixed on the busbar in such a way that it permanently contacts the busbar 14, and furthermore the spring 32 and the bolt 20 from one another. The sleeve 34 can be designed as a separate component from the bolt 20 or as a plastic housing of the bolt neck 20a. However, the separate design simplifies the assembly and construction of the fixing part 18. Nevertheless, the insulating sleeve 34 can still be movably coupled with the fixing part 18. If the fixing part 18 is moved relative to the busbar 14 in the connection direction R, the insulating sleeve 34 also moves correspondingly together. Optionally, the insulating sleeve can also be arranged in contact on the bolt neck 20a. The insulating sleeve 34 comprises a support flange 34a, which widens in the radial direction relative to the rest of the sleeve 34. The support flange 34a constitutes the sleeve upper end 34b in this example. The second end 32b of the spring 32 is supported upward by this support flange 34a of the insulating sleeve 34. Thus, the spring 32 is also reliably electrically insulated from the contact unit 18a of the fixing part 18, in this case from the washer 22 and the bolt head 20b, by the support flange 34a. Furthermore, the insulating sleeve 34 is held by the spring 32, which is supported on the support flange 34a, and is pressed upward against the contact unit 18a, in this example against the washer 22 and the bolt head 20b, or rather, the fixing part 18 can be held by the contact unit 18a on the upper side of the sleeve upper end 34b by the spring 32, which supports the support flange 34a and thus the entire insulating sleeve 34.

[0057] Thus, the spring 32 is supported with its upper end 32b on the support flange 34a of the insulating sleeve 34 and with its lower end 32a on the support flange 28c of the housing lower part 28. Thus, the spring 32 is clamped between these two support flanges 34a, 28c, which are movable relative to one another in the axial direction R. In the first state Z1 of the module connector 10 shown here, when the connection direction R points in the direction of gravity, the spring 32 can also be in an at least almost relaxed state or a slightly compressed state, for example, when it only carries the weight of the bolt 20, the washer 22 and the insulating sleeve 34.

[0058] By providing the spring 32, it is advantageously possible to maintain electrical insulation between the bolt 20 and the busbar 14 in the first state Z1 of the module connector 10, as in this example. Therefore, the spring 32 keeps the bolt 20, particularly its bolt head 20b and washer 22, at a distance from the busbar 14, thus preventing any conductive contact between the bolt 20 and the busbar 14. Furthermore, the insulating sleeve 34 similarly ensures electrical insulation between the spring 32 and the bolt 20. Therefore, in the first state Z1 shown here, for example, the bolt 20, such as the bolt neck 20a, which protrudes in the connection direction R beyond the surrounding insulating flange 28a at the end opposite the bolt head 20b, can be touched without danger, because there is no conductive contact between the busbar 14 and the bolt 20 even when the busbar 14 is energized.

[0059] Furthermore, another significant advantage of this design is that the end of the bolt 20 opposite the bolt head 20b does not need to be designed with an electrically insulating part, such as an insulating cap or an electrically insulating shell (e.g., made of plastic). The bolt 20 can be designed to be completely uninsulated, that is, its entire bolt neck 20a, especially the end of the bolt 20 that protrudes outside the housing 24. The same applies when a different elongated fastener 18 is chosen instead of a bolt 20 with a corresponding head and a neck connected thereto in the connection direction R. In addition, because the insulating sleeve 34 is radially located inside the spring 32, a very large creepage distance from the bolt head 20b, or washer 22, to the busbar 14 can be provided in a space-saving manner without having to design the insulating sleeve 34 to be particularly thick-walled.

[0060] Conversely, in this example, the contact sleeve 16 is permanently connected to the busbar 14. Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the contact sleeve 16 extends beyond the housing 24 by the surrounding insulating flange 28a in the connection direction R. This provides contact sleeve 16 with protection against contact. Therefore, the contact sleeve does not protrude beyond the housing 24 in the connection direction R.

[0061] Figure 2 Show again Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the module connector 10.

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the module electrode connection terminal 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the module electrode connection terminal 12. This module electrode connection terminal 12 is designed, particularly for plug-in connection in the plug-in direction or connection direction R, to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module connector 10 (as previously described) makes electrical contact.

[0063] The module electrode connection end 12 likewise has a busbar 37, namely a module electrode busbar 37. Furthermore, the module electrode connection end 12 comprises a housing 38, which surrounds the busbar 37.

[0064] As can be clearly seen, in particular in Figure 4 The module electrode connection end 12 additionally comprises a second contact sleeve 37b, which provides a contact area 37a and which is arranged on the busbar 37. If the module electrode connection end 12 is connected to the module connector 10 in a conventional manner, the contact area 37a is in electrical and electrically contactable contact with the contact face 36 of the module connector 10. The second contact sleeve 37b is made of a metallic material and is, for example, configured in the form of a ring. This additional contact sleeve 37b can be made as a separate component and joined to the busbar 37 or can also be forged together with the busbar 37 as a common component. The contact sleeve 37b, like the busbar 37, is preferably made of copper in order to provide particularly good electrical conductivity.

[0065] Furthermore, the busbar 37 has a through-hole 54. In this region, a nut 52 is provided below the busbar 37, namely on the opposite side of the second contact sleeve 37b, into which the bolt 20 of the module connector 10 can be screwed. The nut 52 can be designed as a press nut, which is pressed into the through-hole 54 of the busbar 37 or which can also be welded or otherwise joined to the busbar 37 in the region of the through-hole 54. The nut 52 can be made of steel, for example. In general, the busbar 37 and the nut 52 can be made of different materials. Thereby, the busbar 37 can be designed with very good electrical conductivity, while the necessary stability and holding force for the bolt 20 can be provided by the nut 52. In other embodiments, the nut 52 can also be another coupling element for coupling with a corresponding fixing element 18 of the module connector 10. In this example, the nut 52 is designed with an internal thread, which is not explicitly shown here. The contact sleeve 37b is arranged on the busbar 37 in such a way that the through-hole 37c provided by the contact sleeve 37b is arranged coaxially with the through-hole 54 in the busbar 37 and the central through-hole of the nut 52.

[0066] Now advantageously, the housing 38 has a housing wall 40, which has a recess region 40a with at least one recess 42 for exposing at least a portion of the contact area 37a of the module electrode busbar. Furthermore, the housing wall 40 comprises a recess edge region 44 in the form of an annular, protruding flange, which surrounds the recess region 40a in a radial direction with reference to the central axis A'. Furthermore, the housing wall 40 surrounds an electrically insulating insulation ring 46 radially inside the recess region 40a, which is connected to the recess edge region 44 by at least one insulation web 48, in this example two insulation webs 48.

[0067] The notch edge region 44, the insulation ring 46 and the insulation web 48 can be designed with an increased height relative to the surrounding housing wall 40. Here, the touch protection is achieved primarily by the insulation web 48 and by the width of the notch region 40a. As a result, the exposed region 37a of the contact sleeve 37b is divided into smaller sections. In principle, further webs 48 can also be provided between the surrounding edge region 44 and the insulation ring 46, for example, three or four or more webs 48 can also be provided overall. The touch protection can thus be provided in a particularly simple manner. The contact to the module connector 10 can also be provided particularly simply thereby, and complex geometries of the module electrode terminal 12 can be omitted.

[0068] The inner insulation ring 46 and optionally the notch edge region 44 can also be arranged coaxially to the through-hole 54 of the busbar 37. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the contact sleeve 37b has a distance to the inner wall of the notch edge region 44. As a result, a gap 39 is formed in the radial direction between the notch edge region 44 and the second contact sleeve 37b. In this gap 39, the insulation flange 28a of the housing 24 of the module connector 10 can be inserted, as described with regard to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . At the same time, a contact can be provided between the respective contact surfaces 36, 37a.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a connection assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the application is shown, which has a module connector 10 according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 and a corresponding module electrode terminal 12, for example according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connection assembly 50 in Figure 7 according to a first cross-section and Figure 5 according to a second cross-section is shown. The module connector 10 and the module electrode terminal 12 can thus be configured as described before. Here, the module connector 10 is now in its second state Z2, in which the spring 32 has now been compressed or at least further compressed compared to the first state Z1 shown in Figure 1 . In this second state Z2, there is now an electrically conductive contact between the bolt 20, in particular the bolt head 20b, the washer 22 and the busbar 14. The transition from the first state Z1 to the second state Z2 is thus achieved in a simple manner, i.e. the module connector 10 is inserted onto the module electrode terminal 12 in the connection direction R in a conventional manner, and then the bolt 20 is screwed into the corresponding nut 52 of the module electrode terminal 12.

[0070] Thus, if the bolt 20 is screwed into the nut 52, the bolt head 20b and the insulating sleeve 34 are correspondingly moved downwards, i.e. in the connection direction R, while the contact sleeve 16, for example, resting on the module electrode connection end 12, remains in place. Thereby, the distance between the bolt head 20b and the contact sleeve 16 is reduced until the washer 22 is pressed against the busbar 14. Thereby, the spring 32 is compressed. A contact closure between the bolt 20, the busbar 14 and the contact sleeve 16 is thus achieved.

[0071] Thus, the protection against touch on the module electrode, i.e. on the module electrode connection end 12, can be achieved by the geometry of the insulating housing 38. The protection against touch of the module connector 10 can also be designed very advantageously as described. Thereby, a particularly compact connection assembly 50 can be provided, in particular in the axial direction R.

[0072] Thus, the protection against touch on the module electrode, i.e. on the module electrode connection end 12, can be achieved by the geometry of the insulating housing 38. The protection against touch of the module connector 10 can also be designed very advantageously as described. Thereby, a particularly compact connection assembly 50 can be provided, in particular in the axial direction R.

[0073] Thus, the module electrode 12 can be designed in a protection against touch in a simple and with a small number of components. No additional insulation of the connection elements on the module electrode 12 or on the high-voltage connector 10 is necessary, and the protection against touch is achieved by the existing housings 24, 38. For the screwing, standard connection elements, for example bolts, washers, press nuts, can advantageously be used.

[0074] Overall, the examples show how a protection against touch for a high-voltage connector and a high-voltage battery can be provided according to advantageous embodiments of the application.

Claims

1. A module connector (10) for electrically coupling to a module electrode coupling end (12) of a battery module in a connection direction (R) by establishing a plug-in connection, wherein The module connector (10) comprises: - a fastening element (18, 20) having a contact unit (18a; 20b, 22); - an electrically conductive busbar (14) having a busbar opening (14a) for the fastening element (18, 20) to pass through at least partially in the connection direction (R); - an electrically conductive contact sleeve (16) having an end side (16e) which provides a contact face (36) for electrical contact with a module electrode coupling end (12), wherein the contact sleeve (16) has a sleeve opening (16a) which is arranged below the busbar (14) in the connection direction (R) and is oriented coaxially with the busbar opening (14a), so that at least a portion of the fastening element (18, 20) can pass through both the busbar opening (14a) and the sleeve opening (16a) in the connection direction (R); - an electrically insulating housing (24) having an insulating flange (28a) which surrounds at least a portion of the busbar (14) and at least a portion of the contact sleeve (16) in the circumferential direction, characterized in that - the module connector (10) comprises a resilient spring element (30, 32) which can be compressed and / or can be stretched in the connection direction (R), - wherein the module connector (10) can be converted from a first state (Z1) into a second state (Z2), - wherein, in the first state (Z1), the contact unit (18a; 20b, 22) of the fastening element (18, 20) is kept at a distance from the busbar (14) and is electrically insulated from the same by means of the spring element (30, 32), and, in the second state (Z2), the contact unit is arranged in electrical contact on the busbar (14) with the spring element (30, 32) compressed, wherein the module connector (10) comprises an insulating element (34) by means of which the fastening element (18, 20) is electrically insulated from the spring element (30, 32) in the state in which it at least partially passes through the busbar opening (14a) and in the first state (Z1) of the module connector (10).

2. The module connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the module connector (10) comprises an insulating sleeve (34) made of an electrically insulating material as an insulating element (34), wherein the insulating sleeve (34) is arranged in the busbar opening (14a) and is arranged in the radial direction between the fastening element (18, 20) and the spring element (30, 32), wherein the fastening element (18, 20) is electrically insulated from the busbar (14) and the spring element (30, 32) by means of the insulating sleeve (34) in the state in which it at least partially passes through the busbar opening (14a), in particular wherein the spring element (30, 32) is designed as a coil spring (32) which is at least partially inserted into or passed through the busbar opening (14a) and is electrically insulated with respect to the fastening element (18, 20) by means of the insulating sleeve (34).

3. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a first state (Z1) of the module connector (10), the fastening element (18, 20) projects beyond the housing (24) in the connection direction (R).

4. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (18, 20) comprises a head (20b) as part of the contact unit (18a; 20b, 22) and a neck (20a) which is coupled to the head (20b) in the connection direction (R), wherein the neck (20a) passes through the busbar through-hole (14a) and the sleeve opening (16a), in the first state (Z1) of the module connector (10), the head (20b) is held at a distance from the busbar (14) and electrically insulated therefrom by means of the spring element (30, 32), in the second state (Z2), the head is in electrically conductive connection with the busbar (14).

5. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact sleeve (16) is arranged on the busbar (14) and / or is formed integrally therewith in permanent electrical contact, in particular wherein the insulating flange (28a) protrudes beyond the contact sleeve (16) in the connection direction (R).

6. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating sleeve (34) and the fastening element (18, 20) are arranged relative to one another such that, when the fastening element (18, 20) is moved in the connection direction (R), the insulating sleeve (34) moves together with the fastening element (18, 20).

7. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (30, 32) has a first spring end (32b), the insulating sleeve (34), in particular in a first sleeve region, has a radially outwardly protruding support flange (34a) on which the first spring end (32b) bears counter to the connection direction (R), in particular wherein the spring element (30, 32) can be compressed and the module connector (10) can be switched from the first state (Z1) to the second state (Z2) by moving the contact unit (18a; 20b, 22) of the fastening element (18, 20) in the connection direction (R) while the contact sleeve (16) is held in its position.

8. The module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (24) has a radially inwardly protruding support flange (28b, 28c) which passes through the contact sleeve (16) via a through-hole (56) in the contact sleeve (16), on which support flange the spring element (30, 32) bears with a second spring end (32a) in the connection direction (R).

9. A module electrode connection end (12) for electrically coupling to a module connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the module electrode connection end (12) comprises a module electrode busbar (37) and a contact area (37a) provided by the module electrode busbar (37) or in electrically conductive connection with the module electrode busbar, which contact area is electrically contactable in a connection direction (R) with a contact surface (36) of the module connector (10), - a housing (38) which is designed electrically insulating, in which the module electrode busbar (37) is received, - wherein the housing (38) has a housing wall (40) which has a cutout area (40a) with at least one cutout (42) for exposing at least a part of the contact area (37a), - wherein the housing wall (40) has a cutout edge area (44) which surrounds the cutout area (40a) in a circumferential direction, - wherein the housing wall (40) encloses radially inside the cutout area (44) an electrically insulating insulation ring (46) which is connected to the cutout edge area (44) by at least one insulation web (48).

10. A connection assembly (50) for a battery module, wherein The connection assembly (50) has a module connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a module electrode connection end (12) according to claim 9.

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