High-current socket and high-current plug assembly with a high-current socket

Abstract

High current socket (SB), comprising: - at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) which is U-shaped and which comprises a rigid, electrically conductive base section (BA2), two elastic, electrically conductive middle sections (MA2), and two rigid, electrically conductive contact sections (KA2); - wherein the base section (BA2), the two middle sections (MA1, MA2) and the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) are arranged one behind the other when viewed in a plugging direction (SR2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2); - wherein each of the two central sections (MA1, MA2) physically and electrically connects one of the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) to the base section (BA2) and pivots relative to the base section (BA2) in a transverse direction (QR2) transverse to the plugging direction (SR2); and - the two contact sections (KA2) extend in the plugging direction (SR2) of the high-current contact pin (KP2); characterized in that the high-current plug socket (SB) further comprises: - a socket housing for protecting the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) from contact, which is open in the plug-in direction (SR2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) and comprises an electrically insulating wall which at least partially surrounds and electrically insulates the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2), and - a locking element (VE) which is designed to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position; - wherein the locking element (VE) in the locking position presses a first of the two contact sections (KA2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) in the transverse direction (QR2) towards a second of the two contact sections (KA2) of the same at least one high-current contact pin (KP2).

Description

Technical Field:The present invention relates to a high-current electrical socket and a high-current plug arrangement having at least one said high-current socket, in particular for power-electrical systems.STATE OF THE ART AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTIONPower electrical systems require stable continuous current carrying strength above 10 amperes, in particular above 100 amperes, especially above 1000 amperes, for internal and external power electrical connections.US 2012 / 0242363 A1 describes an electrically conductive contact element which comprises a first contact section and a second contact section and a number of connecting sections which are in the form of elongate leaves spaced apart from one another, extend between the two contact sections and are physically and electrically connected to the two contact sections.US 5,683,255 A describes an electrical connector comprising a contact pin having two electrically conductive contact portions and a flexible intermediate portion, and a housing for the contact pin.U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,796 A describes a connecting pin for insertion into a hole in a printed circuit board and for soldering to a conductor track on the printed circuit board.U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,333 B2 describes a laminar-shaped electrical connector which is substantially Y-shaped and comprises two rigid, electrically conductive contact end sections, two elastic, electrically conductive middle sections and a base section, wherein the sections are formed in one piece.There is a requirement here that the high-current plug connections can be produced in a simple manner and disconnected again if necessary.The object of the invention is thus to provide a possibility with which the internal and external power-electrical connections of a power-electrical system can be produced in a simple manner and can be disconnected again if required without great effort.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThis object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.According to a first aspect of the invention, a high current receptacle is provided.The high-current plug socket comprises at least one high-current contact pin which is U-shaped and comprises a rigid, electrically conductive base section, two elastic, electrically conductive middle sections and two rigid, electrically conductive contact sections. In this case, one of the two central sections respectively physically and electrically connects one of the two contact sections to the base section. Furthermore, the two middle sections are designed to be bendable in the transverse direction and thus hold the respective one of the two contact sections pivotable with respect to the base section in the transverse direction. In addition, the two contact portions extend in the plugging direction of the high-current contact pin.The high-current connector socket also comprises a socket housing for protecting the at least one high-current contact pin from contact, which gives the high-current connector socket mechanical strength. The socket housing is open in the plug-in direction of the at least one high-current contact pin and comprises an electrically insulating wall which radially surrounds (or encloses) the at least one high-current contact pin at least partially and thus spatially and electrically isolates it.The high-current plug socket further comprises a locking element which is designed to be movable (displaceable or deformable, in particular screwable) between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the locking element presses a first of the two contact sections of the at least one high-current contact pin in the transverse direction to a second of the two contact sections of the same high-current contact pin.By the pressing force of the locking element, the central portion of the at least one high-current contact pin which is directly physically connected to the first contact portion bends in the transverse direction to the central portion of the same high-current contact pin which is directly physically connected to the second contact portion. As a result, the distance between the two contact sections becomes smaller and these hold one inserted between them (especially. I-shaped) high current contact pin fixed in the middle.The terms "rigid" and "elastic" here mean that the rigid base or contact section is designed to be mechanically substantially more rigid and more rigid compared to the elastic middle section-especially in the mentioned transverse direction. Conversely, the central portion is made substantially more flexible or resilient with respect to the rigid base or contact portion-especially in the mentioned transverse direction. As a result, the central portion bends at the base or contact portion under the action of a force in the transverse direction, while the base and contact portions still retain their original shapes.In other words, the elasticity of the central portion is (substantially) greater than the elasticity of the contact or the base portion. The stated elasticity relates to a transverse bending of the respective sections with respect to the longitudinal or extension direction of the contact pin. The different elasticity results from the structure and / or the material properties of the respective sections.The elastic central portion compensates, by means of the elastic bending in the transverse direction lying transversely to the plug-in direction, manufacturing tolerances between power-electrical components which are to be electrically connected to one another by means of the above-described high-current contact pin.Furthermore, the elastic bending of the elastic central section makes contact with the contact section with its countercontact, for example with a further high-current contact pin, over the widest possible extended contact surface. This reduces the contact transition resistance from the high current contact pin to the mating contact. In the electrically connected state, the large-area contacting thus has a low intrinsic heating. This enables the electrical connection to have a high continuous current carrying strength of 10 amperes, in particular above 100 amperes, especially above 1000 amperes.Moreover, the high-current contact pin is scalable with respect to vibration and temperature resistance, depending on current levels to be conducted through, voltage resistance, number of power-electrical connections to be produced.Due to the resilient suspension of the elastic central section, the high-current contact pin also compensates thermal expansions of the high-current contact pin. Thus, the high current contact pin maintains the electrical connection even in an environment having a temperature of -40° C. to at least 140° C. (or a temperature variation between -40° C. and at least 140° C.) and a mechanical vibration of over 20 g (g force per mass).Thus, a power-electrical connection to the high-current connector socket has a high temperature and vibration resistance.The elasticity of the middle section also allows multiple connection and disconnection of the power electrical connection to the high current contact pin over a high lifetime (>10"connection cycles").Moreover, owing to the elasticity of the central portion, the high-current connector socket requires comparatively low fitting or withdrawal forces when connecting and disconnecting the power-electrical connection to a high-current contact pin.As a result, the power-electrical connection can be established and disconnected easily and quickly in an installation and service case. This is especially advantageous compared to an electrical screw connection.This provides a possibility with which the internal and external power-electrical connections of a power-electrical system can be produced in a simple manner and can be disconnected again if required without great effort.The at least one high-current contact pin of the high-current plug socket further comprises, for example, a number of elastic strips (or tapes) made of a material with good electrical conductivity, in particular of a metal with good electrical conductivity, such as silver, copper or aluminum, or of a metal alloy with good electrical conductivity, such as a silver, copper or aluminum alloy (for example. Bronze), wherein the strips are stacked one above the other and form at least the central portion.For example, the strips stacked one above the other are laminated, pressed or welded to one another at selected regions, in particular at respective end regions, wherein the laminated, pressed or welded regions form the contact portion and / or the base portion. The nonlaminated, pressed or welded regions of the strips stacked one above the other form, for example, the central section.For example, the strips are laminated together at the selected areas by means of an adhesive which is highly electrically conductive. For example, the adhesive contains thermo-curing epoxy-based adhesives or UV-curing acrylate-based adhesives, each of which is enriched with metallic fillers, such as silver.Alternatively, the high-current contact pin comprises, for example, a braid made of a material with good electrical conductivity, in particular made of a metal with good electrical conductivity, such as silver, copper or aluminum, or a metal alloy with good electrical conductivity, such as a silver, copper or aluminum alloy (for example. Bronze), wherein the braid forms at least the central portion.For example, the braid is laminated, pressed or welded to one another at selected regions, in particular at respective end regions, wherein the laminated, pressed or welded regions form the contact portion and / or the base portion. The nonlaminated, pressed or welded regions of the braid form, for example, the central portion.For example, the bottom portion, the two middle portions and the two contact portions of the at least one high-current contact pin of the high-current connector socket are integrally formed. Alternatively, the base portion, the central portions and the contact portions are connected to one another in a materially integral manner.For example, the two contact sections of the at least one high-current contact pin extend parallel to one another.For example, the locking element is designed in the form of a locking screw which is arranged in a screw bore on the wall of the high-current plug socket. The axial screwing direction of the locking screw runs perpendicular to contact surfaces of the two contact sections. In the locking position, the locking screw is screwed in the transverse direction to the first contact portion, so that it presses the first contact portion in the transverse direction to the second contact portion. The pressing force of the locking screw produces a frictional connection between the two contact sections and the high-current contact pin inserted between the two contact sections, whereby the high-current contact pin is held firmly between the two contact sections. This frictional connection also produces a low-ohmic electrical connection from the high-current contact pin to the two contact sections and thus to the high-current plug socket. To release this frictional connection, the locking screw is simply unscrewed.The high-current connector socket further includes, for example, a spring member which is arranged in the transverse direction and is configured to resiliently press one of the two contact portions in the transverse direction to the other of the two contact portions.For example, the spring element is arranged on a side of the (aforementioned) second contact section of the at least one high-current contact pin facing away from the locking element and is configured to press the second contact section resiliently in the transverse direction to the (aforementioned) first contact section of the same high-current contact pin or to the locking element.Alternatively, the spring element can be arranged on a side of the first of the two contact portions facing the locking element and be configured to resiliently press the first of the two contact portions in the transverse direction (QR) to the second of the two contact portions.Alternatively, the spring element can also be arranged on the side of the locking element or between the locking element and the first contact section of the high-current contact pin.If two or more high-current contact pins are provided, which are arranged one behind the other as viewed in an effective direction of the locking element (in the case of a locking screw, the screw direction thereof), the spring element can be arranged between the high-current contact pins. It is also possible to provide two or more spring elements which can then be arranged distributed in each case between two of the high-current contact pins.For example, the spring element is designed as a helical spring or a leaf spring and is arranged between a section of the wall facing away from the locking element and the (mentioned) second contact section and presses the second contact section away from the mentioned section of the wall in the transverse direction towards the (mentioned) first contact section or towards the locking element.According to a second aspect of the invention, a high current connector assembly is provided.The high-current plug arrangement comprises at least one plug with at least one further high-current contact pin and at least one previously described high-current plug socket with the at least one previously described high-current contact pin.In this case, the at least one high-current contact pin of the at least one plug is inserted into the at least one high-current plug socket in the plug-in direction of the at least one high-current contact pin of the at least one plug and is connected to the at least one high-current contact pin of the at least one high-current plug socket in a physically and electrically conductive manner.In this case, the at least one high-current contact pin of the at least one plug comprises:a rigid, electrically conductive base section, in particular for establishing a firm physical and electrical connection to a circuit carrier or an electrical circuit of the circuit carrier or an electrical component, such as a power cable or a busbar;a rigid, electrically conductive contact portion at the exposed end of the high current contact pin, in particular for establishing a separable electrical contact connection to an electrical circuit of a further circuit carrier or a further electrical component, such as a power cable or a busbar; andan elastic, electrically conductive middle section between the bottom section and the one contact section.In this case, the base portion, the central portion and the contact portion are arranged one behind the other as viewed in a plug-in direction of the at least one high-current contact pin of the at least one plug.In addition, the central portion physically and electrically connects the bottom portion to the contact portion. In addition, the central portion is designed to be bendable in a transverse direction lying transversely to the plug-in direction and thus holds the contact portion pivotably (tiltable) with respect to the base portion in the transverse direction.The high-current contact pin of the device is in particular I-shaped.Thanks to the above-described locking element, power-electrical connections can be locked with a sufficient mechanical force (by being brought into the locking position) with the above-mentioned high-current plug arrangement, whereby a high mechanical vibration resistance can be achieved with a simultaneously low contact resistance and thus a high continuous current resistance.By simply unlocking the locking element (by bringing it into the unlocking position), the power-electrical connections of the high-current plug arrangement can be easily disconnected if necessary, without having to use high pull-off forces for pulling off the high-current contact pin.The above-described high-current contact pin, high-current receptacle and high-current plug assembly can be used in the automotive field to make high-current separable electrical connections as needed.For example, high-current connections of power-electric components of an electric drive of a hybrid electric / electric vehicle, such as DC connections in energy stores and inverters, AC connections between the inverters and an electric machine, can be realized with the high-current contact pin described above, the high-current plug socket described above and the high-current plug arrangement mentioned above, respectively.Advantageous configurations of the above-described high-current contact pin, insofar as it can be transferred to the above-described high-current plug socket or the above-mentioned high-current plug arrangement, are also to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the high-current plug socket or the high-current plug arrangement.Brief description of the drawing:Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic side sectional illustration of a high-current contact pin of a plug of a high-current plug arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a further side view of a high-current plug socket according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 shows a further side view of a high-current plug arrangement with a high-current contact pin shown in FIG. 1 and a high-current plug socket shown in FIG. 2.Detailed Description of the Drawing:FIG. 1 shows a schematic side sectional illustration of a first power electronic component LK 1 of a power electrical system, for example an inverter of a hybrid electric vehicle, having a high-current plug ST, which in turn comprises three high-current contact pins KP 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.The first power electronic component LK 1 comprises a first line electrical circuit carrier ST 1 on which three first high-current contact pins KP 1 are arranged and electrically connected to a power electrical circuit on the first circuit carrier ST 1. In this case, the three high-current contact pins KP 1 for establishing an external high-current connection protrude from the first circuit carrier ST 1 in its plug-in direction SR 1, which lies, for example, perpendicular to the surface of the first circuit carrier ST 1.The first power electronics component LK 1 further comprises a first cover AB 1 for protecting the first circuit carrier ST 1 and the three first high-current contact pins KP 1 from environmental influences, such as mechanical damage. In this case, the first cover AB 1 is, for example, a part of a housing of the first power electronic component LK 1.The first cover AB 1 has, in the region of the three high-current contact pins KP 1, a first cutout AS 1, through which the three high-current contact pins KP 1 protrude from the first circuit carrier ST 1. At the edge to the first recess AS 1, the first cover AB 1 has a first protrusion VS 1, which protrudes beyond the remaining region of the first cover AB 1 in the plug-in direction SR 1 and surrounds the three first high-current contact pins KP 1. The first protrusion VS 1 serves for spatial and electrical insulation of the three first high-current contact pins KP 1 and thus as a plug housing of the high-current plug ST.The three first high-current contact pins KP 1 are I-shaped and each comprise a rigid, electrically conductive base section BA 1, a likewise rigid, electrically conductive contact section KA 1 at an exposed end of the high-current contact pin KP 1 facing away from the base section BA 1, and a resilient, electrically conductive middle section MA 1 between the respective base section BA 1 and the respective corresponding contact section KA 1.As viewed in the plugging direction SR 1, the bottom portion BA 1, the center portion MA 1, and the contact portion KA 1 of the respective first high-current contact pins KP 1 are arranged one behind the other.Via the respective bottom portions BA 1, the three first high-current contact pins KP 1 are physically connected to the first circuit carrier ST 1 and electrically connected to the power electric circuit on the first circuit carrier ST 1.The central section MA 1 of each individual high-current contact pin KP 1 is designed to be bendable in a transverse direction QR 1 lying transversely to the plug-in direction SR 1 and is formed integrally with the respective contact section KA 1 and the respective base section BA 1.As is illustrated in detail in a schematic sectional illustration of a section AA of one of the first high-current contact pins KP 1, the first high-current contact pin KP 1 is composed of an electrically highly conductive copper alloy. Here, the high current contact pin KP 1 includes a plurality of copper elastic strips (copper tapes) KS made of the copper alloy stacked on each other and laminated with each other at both end portions, respectively.The two laminated end portions of the respective copper strips respectively form the rigid bottom portion BA1 and the rigid contact portion KA1 of the respective high current contact pins KP1 (the laminated portions of the copper strips KS are illustrated with dotted lines). The non-laminated central portions of the respective copper strips form the elastic central portion MA1 of the respective high current contact pins KP1 (the non-laminated portions of the copper strips KS are illustrated by solid lines).For the lamination of the copper strips KS, for example, a thermally curing adhesive based on epoxy resin is used, which is enriched with silver.Because the central areas of the respective copper strips KS are not laminated to one another, these individual central areas remain elastic and also do not prevent the adjacent central areas from being deformed elastically.In the end regions of the copper strips KS laminated to one another, on the other hand, the respective end regions of the individual bleach strips together form in each case a rigid and fixed unit which cannot move from one another, namely the base portion BA1 and the contact portion KA1.As viewed in the transverse direction QR 1, the three first high-current contact pins KP 1 are arranged one behind the other in a row.FIG. 2 shows a further schematic side sectional illustration of a second power electronic component LK 2 of the power electrical system with a high-current plug socket SB according to a further embodiment of the invention.The second power electronic component LK 2 comprises a second line electrical circuit carrier ST 2 on which three second high-current contact pins KP 2 are arranged and electrically connected to the power electrical circuit on the circuit carrier ST 2. In this case, the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 for establishing external high-current connection project in a mating plug-in direction SR 2 of these high-current contact pins KP 2, which is situated, for example, perpendicular to the surface of the second circuit carrier ST 2.The second power electronics component LK 2 further comprises a second cover AB 2 for protecting the second circuit carrier ST 2 and the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 from environmental influences, such as mechanical damage. The second cover AB 2 is, for example, a part of a housing of the second power electronic component LK 2.Similar to the first cover AB 1, the second cover AB 2 has, in the region of the three second high-current contact pins KP 2, a second cutout AS 2 through which the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 protrude from the second circuit carrier ST 2. At the edge toward the second recess AS 2, the second cover AB 2 has a second protrusion VS 2, which protrudes beyond the remaining region of the second cover AB 2 in the mating direction SR 2 and surrounds the three second high-current contact pins KP 2. The second projection VS 2 serves for the spatial and electrical insulation of the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 and thus as a socket housing of the high-current plug socket SB.The second protrusion VS 2 forms an outer wall AW, which encloses the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 and protects them from mechanical damage.The second power electronic component LK 2 further comprises an inner wall IW which is arranged between the outer wall AW and the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 and concentrically with the outer wall AW. The inner wall IW is made of an electrically insulating material such as an electrically insulating ceramic or an electrically insulating plastic, and serves as a part of an insulator for electrically insulating the three second high-current contact pins KP2.The second protrusion VS 2 including the outer wall AW, the inner wall IW, and the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 collectively form the high-current connector socket SB. The second projection VS 2 together with the outer wall AW and the inner wall IW together form the socket housing for the high-current plug socket SB and protect the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 from contact and from mechanical damage.The three second high-current contact pins KP 2 are U-shaped and each comprise a rigid, electrically conductive base section BA 2, two elastic, electrically conductive middle sections MA 1, MA 2, and two rigid, electrically conductive contact sections KA 1, KA 2.The two center portions MA 1, MA 2 are each physically connected at one end of the bottom portion BA 2 and extend parallel to each other and in the mating direction SR 2.The two contact portions KA 1, KA 2 are each physically connected at an exposed end of the respective center portions MA 1, MA 2 and also extend parallel to each other and in the mating direction SR 2.Via the respective bottom portions BA 2, the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 are physically connected to the second circuit carrier ST 2 and electrically connected to the power electrical circuit on the second circuit carrier ST 2.The central sections MA 1, MA 2 of the high-current contact pins KP 2 are designed to be bendable in the transverse direction QR 2 lying transversely to the mating plug-in direction SR 2 and are formed integrally with the respective adjoining contact sections KA 1, KA 2 and the respective base section BA 2.In this case, the three second high-current contact pins KP 2, like the first high-current contact pins KP 1, consist of the copper alloy with good electrical conductivity. The second high-current contact pins KP2 also each comprise a number of elastic copper strips made of copper alloy, which are stacked one above the other and bent in a U-shape on the respective flat sides. At the respective two end regions and at the respective central regions, the copper strips are laminated to one another.The adhesive with which the copper strips are laminated to one another contains, for example, thermosetting adhesives based on epoxy resins, which are enriched with silver.The laminated end portions of the copper strips each form one of the two rigid contact portions KA1, KA2 of each individual second high-current contact pin KP2. The also laminated central portions of the copper strips form the rigid bottom portion BA1 of the second high current contact pin KP2. The regions which are not laminated to one another between the respective central regions and the respective end regions of the copper strips then respectively form one of the two elastic central portions MA 1, MA 2 of the respective second high-current contact pins KP 2.In the non-laminated middle portions, portions of the individual copper strips remain elastic and also do not prevent the non-laminated portions of the adjacent copper strips from being elastically deformed.In the regions laminated together, on the other hand, the portions of the individual bleach strips laminated together form in each case a rigid unit which cannot move from one another and which in each case form the rigid base portion BA1 and the two rigid contact portions KA1, KA2.Viewed in the transverse direction QR 2, the three second high-current contact pins KP 2 are arranged one behind the other in a row, wherein the two contact sections KA 1, KA 2 of the respective high-current contact pins KP 2 are arranged one behind the other facing one another in the transverse direction QR 2.The outer wall AW is reinforced with a greater wall thickness on a side lying transversely to the transverse direction QR2and has a bore BR extending in the transverse direction QR2. The bore BR is threaded.On a side corresponding to the reinforced side of the outer wall AW, the inner wall IW likewise has a bore which is formed in alignment with the bore BR on the outer wall AW and is likewise provided with a thread whose profile corresponds to that of the thread in the bore BR on the outer wall AW and merges in alignment with this thread.The common axis of the two bores BR runs parallel to the transverse direction QR2. Viewed in the mating plug-in direction SR 2, the two bores BR are located at the height of the contact portions KA 1, KA 2.The second power electronic component LK 2 further comprises four strip-shaped insulating elements IE, which, viewed in the transverse direction QR 2, are arranged between in each case two high-current contact pins KP 2 or between the two bores BR and the high-current contact pin KP 2 closest to the two bores BR and between the high-current contact pin KP 2 furthest from the bores BR and the side of the inner wall IW facing away from the bores BR, and spatially isolate the three high-current contact pins KP 2 from one another and from the bores BR and the inner wall IW.The insulating elements IE consist of an elastic, electrically insulating material, such as an elastic, electrically insulating plastic, and form with the inner wall IW the aforementioned insulator for electrically insulating the second high-current contact pins KP2. Ideally, the insulating elements IE are formed integrally with one another and with the inner wall IW.In addition, the insulating elements IE or their free end regions located between or next to the high-current contact pins KP 2 are designed to be elastically bendable in the transverse direction QR 2.The second power electronic component LK 2 further comprises a locking element VE and a spring element FE.The locking element VE is designed as a locking screw which is screwed into the bores BR on the outer and inner walls AW, IW and is designed to be screwed in between a locking position and an unlocking position.In the locking position, the locking screw VE presses one of the insulating elements IE or its exposed end region, which is located between the bores BR and the high-current contact pin KP 2 or its first contact portion KA 1 closest to the locking screw VE, in the transverse direction QR 2 toward this first contact portion KA 1. In the locking position, the locking screw VE is screw-fitted into the two bores BR.In this example, the spring element FE is designed as a helical spring and is arranged between the inner wall IW and the high-current contact pin KP 2 situated at the furthest distance from the locking screw VE or an insulating element IE, which is situated on a side of the high-current contact pin KP 2 situated at the furthest distance from the locking screw VE, facing away from the locking screw VE, and (as viewed in the mating direction SR 2) at the height of the contact portions KA 1, KA 2. The spring axis of the coil spring FE is parallel to the transverse direction QR 2 and overlaps with the screw axis of the locking screw VE.Further spring elements can also be provided, which can be arranged distributed between one of the contact sections KA 1, KA 2 of the respective high-current contact pins KP 2 and the respective insulating element IE adjoining this contact section KA 1 or KA 2.On an end side of the second projection VS 2 facing in the mating plug-in direction SR 2, the second power electronics component LK 2 further has a seal IR, which is designed, for example, as an insulating ring, in particular an O-ring, and serves for the fluid-tight insulation of the plug connection between the high-current plug ST and the high-current plug socket SB.FIG. 3 shows, in a further schematic side sectional illustration, the high-current connector ST illustrated in FIG. 1 and the high-current connector SB illustrated in FIG. 2 in a plugged-together state, by means of which the power-electrical connections EV between the first and the second power electronics component LK 1, LK 2 are produced.In this fitted state, the contact portions KA1 of the respective first I-shaped high-current contact pins KP1 of the high-current connector ST are inserted into spaces between the two contact portions KA1, KA2 of the respective corresponding second U-shaped high-current contact pins KP2 of the high-current connector SB.The locking screw VE is screwed into the locking position. At this time, the lock screw VE presses the closest insulating member IE in the lateral direction QR 2 toward the one contact portion KA 1 of the closest second high-current contact pin KP 2. By the action of the compressive force, the corresponding central portion MA1 of the same second high-current contact pin KP2 deflects elastically. As a result, the contact portion KA1 presses with a contact pressing force the contact portion KA1 of the first high-current contact pin KP1, which is located between the two contact portions KA1, KA2 of the corresponding second high-current contact pin KP2. By the action of the contact pressure force, the corresponding central portion MA1 of the same first high-current contact pin KP1 also deflects elastically. Thereby, the contact portion KA1 of the first high current contact pin KP1 presses the second contact portion KA2 of the second high current contact pin KP2 with a corresponding contact pressing force. Due to the elastic bending of the corresponding central section MA 2 of the same second high-current contact pin KP 2, its contact section KA 2 presses the closest insulating element IE. Similarly, the contact portions KA1, KA2 of the other first and second high-current contact pins KP1, KP2 are pressed with corresponding contact pressing forces.Due to the contact pressure forces between the contacting contact sections KA 1, KA 2 of the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2, a flat extended contact surface with a low contact resistance for the power-electrical connections EV between the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 is produced between these.Thus, the power electrical connections EV between the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 are established via a single locking screw VE, wherein the contact pressure forces between the contact portions KA 1, KA 2 of the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 can be regulated or raised (or kept constant) to a required extent by screwing the single locking screw VE in / out and can be reduced again if necessary.Due to the elastic deformation of the middle sections MA 1, MA 2 of the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2, the angles at which the contact sections KA 1, KA 2 of the first and second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 lie with respect to one another are adjusted to 0°. As a result, between the contacting contact sections KA1, KA2 of the first and second high-current contact pins KP1, KP2, planarly extended contact surfaces with low transition resistances are produced between the contact sections KA1, KA2. Low-resistance power-electrical connections EV having a high current-carrying capacity of more than 10 amperes, in particular more than 100 amperes, especially even more than 1000 amperes, are thereby produced.The pressing force of the locking screw VE in the locking position thus produces a frictional connection between the first and second high-current contact pins KP1, KP2, whereby these are physically fixedly connected to one another.The coil spring FE presses against the closest insulating member IE in a direction opposite to the transverse direction QR 2, and thus maintains the contact pressing forces between the first and second high-current contact pins KP 2 (or between their contact surfaces).By its spring force, the coil spring FE further defines the maximum contact pressing force between the high current contact pins KP1, KP2 and the maximum pressing force of the lock screw VE, respectively. The helical spring FE thus possibly compensates for excessively high compressive force of the locking screw VE. In addition, the springing of the helical spring FE compensates for fluctuations in the compressive force of the locking screw VE as a result of plastic deformations or thermal expansions in the two power electronics components LK 1, LK 2 and thus keeps the contact compressive forces constant.The coil spring can also be used instead of the locking screw, wherein in this case the contact impression forces between the high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 are generated by spring forces of the two coil springs, which act on the high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 from both sides.The outer wall AW is here designed to be sufficiently stable so that it can withstand counterforces which, as a result of the compressive force of the locking screw VE, act from the locking screw VE and the helical spring FE on the outer wall AW.The first and the second high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 can be soldered directly on the respective circuit carriers ST 1, ST 2 in a simple and cost-effective manner as surface-mountable components (SMD).To further reduce the transition resistances, the high-current contact pins KP1, KP2 can be made wider, whereby the cross sections and also the contact areas of these high-current contact pins KP1, KP2 can be correspondingly enlarged.The number of the first and second high current contact pins KP1, KP2 on the high current connector ST and the high current connector SB, respectively, may vary as needed. Also, embodiments having two or more parallel rows of the first and second high current contact pins KP 1 in the respective lateral directions QR 1, QR 2 are possible.W- or double-U-shaped high-current contact pins are also conceivable, each of which has a rigid base portion, three elastic central portions extending from the base portion in the plug-in direction of these high-current contact pins, and three rigid contact portions extending from the respective exposed ends of the corresponding central portions in the plug-in direction. Such a double-U-shaped high-current contact pin then has twice as many contact surfaces with four contact surfaces as in the case of a U-shaped high-current contact pin, whereby the contact resistance of the high-current contact pin is further reduced.Similarly, multiple U- or multiple W-shaped high-current contact pins are also conceivable. At this time, the W- and double-U-shaped and the multi-U- and multi-W-shaped high current contact pins may be disposed in both the high current plug ST and the high current socket SB. High-current contact pins of this type have a plurality of mutually redundant contact surfaces, as a result of which an even reliable and low-resistance electrical connection can be established between the high-current plug ST and the high-current plug socket SB.The electrical insulation between these three power-electrical connections and between these power-electrical connections and the environment is effected by the insulating elements IE located between two second high-current contact pins KP2 in each case and by the inner wall IW.The spatial isolation of the power electrical connections EV from the environment is effected by the above-described first protrusion VS 1 on the first cover AB 1 and the second protrusion VS 2 on the second cover AB 2. The insulating ring IR on the second protrusion VS 2 additionally fluid-tightly isolates the power electrical connections EV and protects the high-current contact pins KP 1, KP 2 from environmental influences such as water, dust, oil, etc.In a further embodiment, the two projections on the first and the second cover can be made of an electrically conductive material. In this case, the two projections shield the power-electrical connections electrically and magnetically (EMC shielding).Furthermore, a cover cap AD is provided for the locking screw VE, which is placed on the locking screw VE and in the process protects the locking screw VE from environmental influences, such as corrosion.

Claims

High-current plug socket (SB), comprising: - at least one high-current contact pin (KP2), which is U-shaped and which comprises a rigid, electrically conductive base section (BA2), two elastic, electrically conductive middle sections (MA2), and two rigid, electrically conductive contact sections (KA2); - wherein the base section (BA2), the two middle sections (MA1, MA2) and the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) are arranged one behind the other, as viewed in a plug-in direction (SR2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2); wherein one of the two middle sections (MA1, MA2) each physically and electrically connects one of the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) to the base section (BA2) and holds it pivotable relative to the base section (BA2) in a transverse direction (QR2) lying transversely to the plug-in direction (SR2); and - the two contact sections (KA2) extend in the plug-in direction (SR2) of the high-current contact pin (KP2); characterized in that the high-current plug socket (SB) further comprises: - a socket housing for protecting the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) from contact, which is open in the plug-in direction (SR2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) and comprises an electrically insulating wall which surrounds the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) at least partially and electrically isolates it, and - a locking element (VE) which is designed to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position; wherein the locking element (VE) in the locking position presses a first of the two contact sections (KA2) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) in the transverse direction (QR2) to a second of the two contact sections (KA2) of the same at least one high-current contact pin (KP2).High-current plug socket (SB) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) further comprises a number of elastic strips stacked one above the other or a braid of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal or a metal alloy, wherein the strips stacked one above the other or the braid form the two middle sections (MA1, MA2).High-current plug socket (SB) according to Claim 2, wherein the strips or the braid stacked one above the other are laminated, pressed or welded to one another at selected regions, in particular at respective end regions, wherein the laminated, pressed or welded regions form the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) and / or the base section (BA2).High-current plug socket (SB) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base section (BA2), the two central sections (MA1, MA2) and the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) are formed integrally or are connected to one another in a materially integral manner.High-current plug socket (SB) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two contact sections (KA1, KA2) extend parallel to one another.High-current jack (SB) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a spring element (FE) arranged in the transverse direction (QR2) and configured to resiliently press one of the two contact portions (KA2) in the transverse direction (QR2) towards the other of the two contact portions (KA1).High-current plug arrangement (SA), comprising: - at least one plug (ST) having at least one high-current contact pin (KP1) which comprises a rigid, electrically conductive base portion (BA1), a rigid, electrically conductive contact portion (KA1), an elastic, electrically conductive middle portion (MA1); - wherein the base portion (BA1), the middle portion (MA1) and the contact portion (KA1) are arranged one behind the other, as viewed in a plug-in direction (SR1) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP1) of the at least one plug (ST); and the central section (MA1) physically and electrically connects the contact section (KA1) to the base section (BA1) and holds it pivotably with respect to the base section (BA1) in a transverse direction (QR1) lying transversely to the plug-in direction (SR1) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP1) of the at least one plug (ST); - at least one plug socket (SB) according to one of the preceding claims; wherein the at least one high-current contact pin (KP1) of the at least one plug (ST) is inserted into the at least one plug socket (SB) in the plug-in direction (SR1) of the at least one high-current contact pin (KP1) of the at least one plug (ST) and is connected to the at least one high-current contact pin (KP2) of the at least one plug socket (SB) in a physically and electrically conductive manner.

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