LOCKING DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

Abstract

Locking device for an electrical connector (100), wherein the locking device comprises the following: a first locking element, arranged between a substrate (104, 404) and a base assembly (102, 402) of the electrical connector; and a second locking element arranged for joining engagement on an upper surface of the substrate (104, 404) of the electrical connector; wherein the second locking element comprises several openings (445) defined by several projecting structures, which are designed and arranged to accommodate electronic components mounted on the upper surface of the substrate (104, 404); wherein the collective arrangement and positioning of the first barrier element and the second barrier element relative to the substrate (104, 404) is such that a thermal barrier (406) is formed around the substrate (104, 404).

Description

Related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over the preliminary US application No. 62 / 579260 entitled “A Barrier Device for an Electrical Connector”, filed on October 31, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical field of disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to connector arrangements and in particular to a locking device designed to provide a thermal protection lock for an electrical connector. Background of the Revelation

[0003] High-performance electronic devices are particularly susceptible to performance fluctuations due to the thermal sensitivity of certain components operating within them. For example, elevated temperatures or extreme operating environments can lead to component failure or inaccurate sensor readings. Therefore, there is a technical need for a cost-effective and robust device that addresses these concerns.

[0004] DE 30 45 329 A1 relates to a device for the central arrangement of electrical connecting elements in motor vehicles, consisting of a housing and circuit boards.

[0005] DE 10 2005 037 488 A1 refers to a device comprising a consumer and an electronic circuit for supplying the consumer.

[0006] DE 10 2014 114 129 A1 relates to a drive device with an electric motor which, during operation, can form a first and second temperature zone in a first and second receiving area, respectively.

[0007] JP 2008- 175 068 A relates to a compressor, an electric motor for driving the compressor and an inverter control device for controlling the electric motor. Summary of the Revelation

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a locking device for an electrical connector is disclosed. In embodiments, the locking device may comprise a first locking element, arranged between a substrate and a base assembly of the electrical connector. A second locking element is arranged for joining engagement on an upper surface of the substrate of the electrical connector; the second locking element comprises several openings defined by several projecting structures, designed and arranged to accommodate electronic components mounted on the upper surface of the substrate. The locking device is designed such that the collective arrangement and positioning of the first locking element and the second locking element relative to the substrate form a thermal barrier and a damping mechanism around the substrate.

[0009] Other features and aspects become apparent when considering the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying figures, whereby: Fig. 1A is a perspective exploded view of an intermediate connection device according to one embodiment; Fig. 1B a perspective top view of the intermediate connecting device of Fig. 1A according to one embodiment; Fig. 2A a schematic diagram of a control system for controlling the intermediate connection device of Fig. 1A according to one embodiment; Fig. 2B a schematic diagram of an intermediate connection device of Fig. 1A arranged inverter circuit according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 a block diagram of a connection device on the intermediate connection device of Fig. 1A arranged motor control circuit according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of an intermediate connection device according to one embodiment; Fig. 5A is an illustration of a seed drill unit in which the intermediate connecting device of Fig. 1A and Fig. 4 can be integrated; Fig. 5B an illustration of the intermediate connecting device of Fig. 1A is, coupled with a metering unit, arranged in the seed drill unit of Fig. 5A according to one embodiment; and Fig. 5C an illustration of the intermediate connecting device of Fig. 1 is, coupled with a metering unit and a brush belt assembly, arranged in the seed drill unit of Fig. 5A according to one embodiment. Detailed description of the drawings

[0011] In Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B is an intermediate connection device (e.g., an electrical connector) 100 for providing an electrical connection between a motor and an inverter according to one embodiment. In embodiments, the intermediate connection device 100 can comprise a base assembly 102, a substrate 104 with integrated electronic circuits 152 arranged thereon, and a cover device 108, each arranged modularly relative to one another for coupling to a motor 190. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, each of the different components of the intermediate connection device 100 (e.g. the base assembly 102, the substrate 104 and the cover apparatus 108) can be collectively secured to the motor 190 by means of fastening elements 180 and 182.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base assembly 102 can comprise a main part 120, which has a geometric configuration designed with respect to size and dimensions for insertion onto a mounting surface 196 of the motor 190 (e.g., an asynchronous electric machine). The main part 120 can include a first receiving opening 122, which is offset from a second receiving opening 124. The first receiving opening 122 can be located centrally within the base assembly 102 and can be sized to receive a shaft 194 of the motor 190. For example, the shaft 194 can be coaxially aligned within the first receiving opening 122 and arranged to extend partially through it.In some embodiments, the second receiving opening 124 may comprise a single opening or a group of openings, such as openings 124a, 124b, 124c, which are sized to accommodate several motor pole connectors 192 arranged on the motor 190.

[0013] An upper surface 125 of the base assembly 102 can include a recessed channel 126 formed in or on the upper surface 125 near an outer circumferential line of the main part 120 to enable secure placement and positioning on the substrate 104. For example, the substrate 104 can be arranged between the base assembly 102 and the cover apparatus 108 and can be dimensionally designed to fit into the channel 126 recessed within the base assembly 102.

[0014] The substrate 104, which may, for example, comprise a printed circuit board or a silicon substrate, may be made of an insulating material and may have a first surface 146 and a second surface 148, each oriented in opposite directions to the interconnection device 100. In some embodiments, several conductive tracks 150 may be etched into or deposited on the first surface 146 and the second surface 148 to provide electrical connections between electronic components of the integrated electronic circuits 152. For example, the integrated electronic circuits 152 may comprise a variety of semiconductor devices, power and signal connectors, integrated circuits, and other electrical components that are electrically coupled to the conductive tracks 150 arranged on the substrate 104.A variety of joining techniques, such as soldering, wire bonding, adhesive bonding, flip-chip bonding, butt bonding, automated tape bonding, or other suitable techniques, can be used to mount the various components to the conductive tracks 150. As with reference to . Fig. As further discussed in section 2A, the integrated electronic circuits 152 may in some embodiments include power circuits, inverter circuits and other suitable circuit components configured to receive and send power and signal connections via one or more connector assemblies.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the one or more connector assemblies can comprise a first connector assembly 142 and a second connector assembly 144, each of which can be arranged comprising several connecting elements 143, 145, projecting outwards and away from the second surface 148. Each of the several connecting elements 143, 145 can be arranged adjacent to one another in a spaced-apart relationship. In some embodiments, the connecting elements 143 of the first connector assembly 142 can be configured for sending and receiving power and communication signals to and from external devices, such as a vehicle electronics unit 350 ( Fig. 3) which is mounted on an agricultural vehicle designed to tow an agricultural implement, such as the 500 seed drill ( Fig. 5) For example, the connecting elements 143 can be designed to accommodate a DC input power supply source that is converted to an AC output to supply the motor 190. In addition, control commands and feedback signals to and from the motor 190 and the integrated electronic circuits 152 (e.g., inverters, sensors, energy storage devices, microprocessors, etc.) can be transmitted via the connecting elements 143.

[0016] The connecting elements 145 of the second connector assembly 144 are oriented such that they are aligned with the openings 124a, 124b, 124c of the second receiving opening 124 arranged on the base assembly 102. Each of the connecting elements 145 can comprise a cylindrical body having annular inner surfaces that define (not shown) conductive channels sized to precisely receive the motor terminal connectors 192. For example, the connecting elements 145 can be sized and dimensioned to ensure that sufficient electrical contact is maintained between the connecting elements 145 and the motor terminal connectors 192.Each connecting element 143 is designed to supply a specific phase connection, for example from a three-phase power supply, to the motor 190, wherein each connecting element 145 may be designated as a signal connection, supply connection, or ground connection, according to design and / or specification requirements. Although a three-phase arrangement is shown here in embodiments, it should be noted that fewer or more phase connections may be used in other embodiments.

[0017] The cover apparatus 108 can be sized to enclose the substrate 104 and the base assembly 102. In embodiments, the cover apparatus 108 can comprise a housing 160 having one or more coupling mechanisms 162 arranged along an outer edge of the housing 160 for attaching the cover apparatus 108 to the motor 190. In some embodiments, the cover apparatus 108 can further comprise a heat dissipation element which helps to facilitate the removal of excess heat generated by the motor 190 and integrated electronic circuits 152 arranged on the substrate 104 (i.e., provides a path for heat transfer). A connector holder 164 can be mounted on an outer surface of the cover apparatus 108 and can have multiple connector walls 165 arranged to define an open interior for receiving and enclosing the connectors 143.

[0018] The expert recognizes that Fig. 1 is provided solely for illustrative and exemplary purposes and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its applications. In other embodiments, the arrangement and / or structural design of the intermediate connecting device 100 can and will vary. For example, as with reference to Fig. As will be discussed in section 4, the intermediate connection device 100 in other embodiments further comprises additional structure to provide thermal and / or water ingress protection. In some embodiments, additional sensor components, such as temperature or motor sensors, can be mounted locally on a surface of the substrate 104. Furthermore, the intermediate connection device 100 is scalable in size and performance (i.e., component sizes and power density can be increased or decreased) based on application and / or specification requirements.

[0019] In Fig. Figures 2A-2B show the control system 200 for controlling the motor 190 according to one embodiment. In embodiments, the control system 200 may comprise a power circuit 220, which may include a DC power supply, coupled with an inverter circuit 202, a motor control circuit 206, a driver circuit, and an overload protection circuit 208. In some embodiments, the control system 200 may optionally include a filter circuit 214, which is electrically connected between the power circuit 220 and the inverter circuit 202. The filter circuit 214 may, in various embodiments, include smoothing capacitors, RC filters, or other suitable filtering components that reduce unwanted noise and ripple of the DC power supply generated by the power circuit 220.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inverter circuit 202 may include a switching circuit 230 connected in parallel to a power supply source 240 (e.g., a DC power supply source) and may be operated to convert the DC input power into AC output power for use by the motor 190. The switching circuit 230 may include several switching units (e.g., a first switching unit 232, a second switching unit 234, a third switching unit 236), each comprising one or more switching elements 232a, 232b, 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b configured to generate the three-phase AC output power 250.In embodiments, one or more switching elements 232a, 232b, 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b may comprise insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), metal oxide field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), silicon carbide MOSFETs, silicon carbide IGBTs, static induction transistors (SITs), combinations thereof, or other suitable switching devices.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the first switching unit 232 comprises a first switching element 232a, connected in series with a second switching element 232b between the power supply source 240 and ground. A first-phase output (e.g., U-phase) is supplied to an input terminal (e.g., motor terminal connector 192a) of the motor 190 via the connecting elements 145 arranged in the second connector assembly 144.

[0022] Similarly, the second switching unit 234 and the third switching unit 236, which have switching elements 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b arranged in series between the power supply source 240 and ground, are designed to supply the second and third phase outputs (e.g., V phase and W phase) to the corresponding input terminal (e.g., motor terminal connectors 192b, 192c) of the motor 190 via the connecting elements 145 arranged in the second connector assembly 144. Driver signals are applied by the driver circuit 204 to an input of each of the switching units 232, 234, 236. For example, the driver circuit 204 is designed to independently activate and deactivate each of the switching elements 232a, 232b, 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b in response to control signals received from the motor control circuit 206 or in response to overcurrent signals received from an overload protection circuit 208.

[0023] In some embodiments, the motor control circuit 206 may include an electronic data processor and other electronic circuits, as described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3 is discussed. The motor control circuit 206 is configured to receive input signals from the overload protection circuit 208 and from the motor sensor 210 and is designed to calculate and output position, speed, and torque commands to the driver circuit 204 for controlling the motor 190 based on the received signals. The overload protection circuit 208 can be coupled to a current sensor 212, which is designed to detect current introduced into the motor windings and / or an electromotive force (back EMF). In some embodiments, the overload protection circuit 208 can be configured to compare the detected current values ​​received from the current sensor 212 with a predetermined threshold and to generate a corresponding output signal for the driver circuit 204. For example, if an overcurrent condition is detected (i.e.,(that the current value exceeds the threshold value), the overload protection circuit will generate an output signal that interrupts the operation of the inverter circuit 202 via the driver circuit 204.

[0024] In some embodiments, a motor sensor 210 (see Fig. 4) arranged in coaxial alignment with the shaft 194 centrally on the second surface 448 of the substrate 404. In some embodiments, the motor sensor 210 may comprise a position sensor, a resolver, or an encoder that is connected to the shaft 194 or the rotor. The motor sensor 210 may be coupled to the motor control circuit 206 to provide feedback data (e.g., current feedback data, such as phase current values ​​i). u , i v and i w), for example, raw position signals among other possible feedback data or signals. Other possible feedback data include, but are not limited to, winding temperature readouts, semiconductor temperature readouts of the inverter circuit 202, three-phase voltage data, or other thermal or performance information for the motor 190.

[0025] In other embodiments, the motor sensor 210 may include a speed sensor designed to estimate an angular position of the shaft 194 and / or a rotational speed or velocity of the shaft 194 and / or a direction of rotation of the shaft 194. In some embodiments, the motor sensor 210 may be coupled with an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) that converts analog position raw data or velocity raw data into digital position raw data or velocity raw data, respectively.

[0026] Let us refer to Fig. Figure 3, where a block diagram of the motor control circuit 206 according to one embodiment is shown. In embodiments, the motor control circuit 206 can include an electronic data processor 320, a working memory 322, an input / output module 324, communicatively coupled to a data bus 326, which includes data communication between or among the electronic data processor 320, the working memory 322 and an input / output module 324.

[0027] The electronic data processor 320 can include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic array, a logic circuit, an arithmetic logic unit, an application-specific integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a proportional-integral-differential controller or PID controller, or another data processing device.

[0028] The working memory 322 can comprise any magnetic, electronic, or optical device for storing data (e.g., position data, sensor data, current data, voltage data, etc.) and software instructions executed by the electronic data processor 320. The electronic data processor 320 controls the operation of the control system 200 based on the executed instructions. For example, in response to the executed instructions, the electronic data processor 320 generates control signals that control the switching elements 232a, 232b, 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b arranged in the inverter circuit 202 to drive the motor 190.In various embodiments, the working memory 322 may comprise an electronic data storage device, an electronic working memory, non-volatile electronic direct access memory, one or more electronic data registers, data latches, a magnetic disk drive, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive or the like.

[0029] The input / output module 324 provides an interface between various input and output devices (e.g., the driver circuit 204, the switching elements 232a, 232b, 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b, sensors 210, 212). In embodiments, the input / output module 324 can include multiple data interfaces. Each data interface can, for example, include a transceiver and a buffer memory. In some embodiments, each data interface can include any serial or parallel input / output port. Additionally, in some embodiments, the input / output module 324 can include an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) designed to convert the phase current values ​​of the motor 190 into digital values ​​for transmission to the electronic data processor 320 via the data bus 326.

[0030] In other embodiments, the vehicle electronics unit 350 can be configured to send speed and / or torque commands to the engine control circuit 206 via the input / output module 324 and the data bus 326. For example, the vehicle electronics unit 350 can deliver data messages, such as speed and torque commands, via the input / output module 324. Such commands can also be generated by a vehicle operator via a user interface, e.g., a throttle, a pedal, a control unit, or other suitable input devices.

[0031] We now refer to Fig. Figure 4, where an intermediate connection device 400 according to one embodiment is shown. The intermediate connection device 400 is essentially similar to the intermediate connection device 100; therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features, and such features are not discussed in detail. In embodiments, the intermediate connection device 400 may further comprise a thermal protection barrier (e.g., a locking device) 406, which has a first insulating element 405 and a second insulating element 407 arranged on opposite sides of the substrate 404. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because it not only provides a thermal isolation barrier between the motor 190 but also prevents thermal crosstalk from the motor 190 to the integrated electronic circuits 452 arranged on the substrate 404.It should further be noted that the collective and relative arrangement of the first isolation element 405 and the second isolation element 407 with respect to the substrate 404 provides vibration damping. This, in turn, helps to increase device reliability, device performance, detection accuracy, and product lifespan.

[0032] As shown, the first insulating element 405 can be configured to provide a first protective barrier between the substrate 404 and the base assembly 402. In some embodiments, the first insulating element 405 can comprise an upper part 415 integrally formed with a lower part 417. The upper part 415 can comprise a flat surface 413 having multiple connector openings 423 and at least one shaft opening 421 formed therein, arranged similarly to a first receiving opening 422 and a second receiving opening 424 of the base assembly 402. For example, the multiple connector openings 423 and the at least one shaft opening 421 can be aligned coaxially with the first receiving opening 422 and the second receiving opening 424 arranged on the base assembly 402.Additionally, in some embodiments, similar to the first and second receiving openings 422, 424, the multiple connecting openings 423 and the at least one shaft opening 421 can be arranged in an offset relationship to one another. The lower part 417 can comprise an outer wall structure 425 defined by wall members 427, which is generally smaller in size than the outer circumference of the upper part 415, such that a peripheral edge of the lower part 417 is offset inwards relative to a peripheral edge of the upper part 415, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figure 4 shows. In some embodiments, the first insulating element 405 may comprise a ventilation element 437, for example a ventilation device such as a Gore-Tex ventilation device, which allows the intermediate connection device to be ventilated from the atmosphere and also allows the intermediate connection device to be tested and sufficient creepage and clearance dimensions to be maintained.

[0033] In some embodiments, the intermediate connection device 400 may further comprise a sealing element 435 (e.g. an O-ring) which may be configured to form an airtight seal between the base assembly 402 and the mounting surface 196 of the motor 190 to provide protection against water ingress while simultaneously providing damping of unwanted vibrations.

[0034] The second insulating element 407 can be configured to provide a second protective barrier between the substrate 404 and the cover apparatus 408. In some embodiments, the second insulating element 407 will have several openings 445 defined by raised structures, which are sized to receive and accommodate the connecting elements 443 and the various electronic components of the integrated electronic circuits 452 arranged on the substrate 404. In various embodiments, both the first insulating element 405 and the second insulating element 407 can comprise an insulating material (e.g., a dielectric material).

[0035] We refer to Fig. Figures 5A-5C show the intermediate connecting device 100 or 400 coupled to the motor 190 in use with the seed drill unit 500. Although the intermediate connecting device 100 or 400 is shown integrated into a seed drill unit 500, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the intermediate connecting device 100 or 400 may be integrated into other agricultural applications, such as aerial seeding, chemical metering, and others. In some embodiments, the seed drill unit 500 may have an inlet hopper 520 arranged in a generally upright position and mounted on a first frame 522. A metering unit 524, which generally has a circular shape, may be arranged below the inlet hopper 520 and may be designed to distribute seed received from the inlet hopper 520 into a seed tube 526.For example, the metering unit 524 can be designed to separate the seed received from the inlet hopper 520 for delivery to the seed tube 526. The seed tube 526 directs the seed received from the metering unit 524 to a soil opening 540 formed in the soil 550 by a soil intrusion device 530. In some embodiments, the soil intrusion device 530 can have at least one opening disc 532, which is rotatable about a central axis and is configured to form the soil opening 540, whereas in other embodiments, according to design and / or specification requirements, two or more opening discs can be used.

[0036] An extension rod 531 can be designed for collective operation (i.e., lowering and raising) with a height-adjustment arm 528, the operation of which can be controlled by a user, such as a vehicle operator. The height-adjustment arm 528 can be coupled to at least two measuring wheels 534 mounted near the ground penetration device 530 and can be designed to control the penetration depth of the ground penetration device 530 via the height-adjustment arm 528. For example, the height-adjustment arm 528 allows the vertical position of the measuring wheels 534 relative to the ground penetration device 530 to be adjusted, thus determining the depth to which the ground penetration device 530 is inserted into the soil 550 (i.e., the depth of the soil opening).To adjust the measuring wheels 534 vertically, the height adjustment arm 528 has a lower bearing surface 529 which engages at least one of the measuring wheels 534 and is secured to a second frame 533 by a holder 527.

[0037] A closing wheel assembly 536 can be arranged following the measuring wheels 534 and is operable to close the soil opening 540 formed by the soil engagement device 530. In some embodiments, the seed drill unit 500 can further comprise a location receiver 545, such as a satellite navigation receiver, which is mounted on the seed drill unit 500 and is designed to provide field location data.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 5B shows an alternative inlet funnel and dosing unit arrangement. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, an inlet hopper 620, which may include a mini inlet hopper, is mounted on the side of a metering unit 624. The metering unit 624 can be driven by a control device 625, which may include the motor 190, which has either the intermediate connecting device 100 or 400 attached to it, and is mounted on the inlet hopper 620 via a bracket 622. In some embodiments, the motor 190 of the control device 625 may be connected to a drive input 630 of a gearbox 632. Such an arrangement provides a control interface directly at the metering unit 624. For example, the use of dedicated control devices 625 can make it possible to adjust the speed of each metering unit when the path of the seed drill changes in order to maintain the desired seed spacing for each row of the seed drill.

[0039] In other embodiments, the seed drill unit 500 may further comprise a spreading system 640 linked to the metering unit 624. The spreading system 640 may comprise a housing 642 having a brush belt assembly (not shown) mounted thereon. At least one second control device 627 may, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the metering unit 624, the application system 640, and one or more control devices 627 can be coupled to the metering unit 624, the application system 640, and a mounting bracket 645 coupled to a series unit frame, such as the frame 522. As shown, the metering unit 624 and the application system 640 are configured in operation to move across a field in the direction indicated by the arrow 647.

[0040] As previously mentioned with reference to Fig. 2A and Fig.As discussed in section 3, the control device 625 can be automatically controlled via the control system 200 arranged on the intermediate connection device 100. For example, data commands can be sent to each individual control device 625 via a vehicle electronics unit or based on input received via a user interface, which may be located in the cab of an agricultural vehicle. In addition, in some embodiments, alarm and warning signals provided for display on the user interface can be generated based on feedback signals generated by the overload circuit 208 and / or the motor sensor 210.

[0041] Without in any way limiting the scope of protection, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a locking device for an electrical connector. The present disclosure overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing thermal isolation and thermal crosstalk reduction to optimize signal performance. In addition, the locking device features a simplified design and a scalable architecture that is cost-effective and can be optimally adapted to a wide variety of applications and performance requirements.

[0042] Although the above describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be considered restrictive. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection and nature of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Locking device for an electrical connector (100), the locking device comprising: a first locking element, arranged between a substrate (104, 404) and a base assembly (102, 402) of the electrical connector; and a second locking element arranged for joining engagement on an upper surface of the substrate (104, 404) of the electrical connector; wherein the second locking element comprises several openings (445) defined by several projecting structures, which are designed and arranged to accommodate electronic components mounted on the upper surface of the substrate (104, 404); wherein the collective arrangement and positioning of the first barrier element and the second barrier element relative to the substrate (104, 404) is such that a thermal barrier (406) is formed around the substrate (104, 404). [2] Locking device according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element each form insulation barriers to facilitate a reduction of thermal crosstalk between the electrical connector (100) and a corresponding electric machine coupled thereto. [3] Locking device according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element is symmetrically aligned with the second locking element. [4] Locking device according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing element (435), wherein the sealing element (435) is sized and shaped for removable insertion into a peripheral channel formed on at least one surface of the base assembly (102, 402). [5] Locking device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing element (435) is configured to form a leak barrier to provide protection against water ingress. [6] Locking device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing element (435) is configured to form a damping mechanism designed to dampen vibration forces acting on the electrical connector (100). [7] Locking device according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation element (437) arranged on at least one surface of the first locking element or the second locking element. [8] Locking device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first locking element or of the second locking element comprises an insulating material. [9] Locking device according to claim 1, further comprising a covering apparatus (108, 408) configured to provide a heat transfer path for the electrical connector (100). [10] Locking device for an electrical connector (100), the locking device comprising the following: a first locking element, arranged between a substrate (104, 404) and a base assembly (102, 402) of the electrical connector (100); a sealing element (435), wherein the sealing element (435) is sized and shaped for removable insertion into a peripheral channel formed on at least one surface of the base assembly (102, 402); and a second locking element arranged for joining engagement on an upper surface of the substrate of the electrical connector; wherein the second locking element comprises several openings (445) defined by several projecting structures, which are designed and arranged to accommodate electronic components mounted on the upper surface of the substrate (104, 404); wherein the collective arrangement and positioning of the first barrier element and the second barrier element relative to the substrate is such that a thermal barrier (406) is formed around the substrate (104, 404). [11] Locking device according to claim 9, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element each form insulation barriers to facilitate a reduction of thermal crosstalk between the electrical connector (100) and a corresponding electric machine coupled thereto. [12] Locking device according to claim 9, wherein the sealing element (435) is configured to form a leak barrier to provide protection against water ingress. [13] Locking device according to claim 9, wherein the sealing element (435) is configured to form a damping mechanism designed to dampen vibration forces acting on the electrical connector (100). [14] Locking device according to claim 9, further comprising a ventilation element (437) arranged on at least one surface of the first locking element or the second locking element. [15] Locking device according to claim 9, wherein each of the first locking element or of the second locking element comprises an insulating material. [16] Locking device according to claim 9, further comprising a covering apparatus (108, 408) configured to provide a heat transfer path for the electrical connector (100). [17] Method, the method comprising the following: Arranging a first barrier element on a first side of a substrate (104, 404); Arranging a second locking element on a second side of a substrate opposite the first side; Aligning multiple connecting elements and openings, arranged on or formed in the first locking element and the second locking element, with one or more circuit components, each arranged on the first side and second side of the substrate; and Joining the first locking element or the second locking element to an upper surface of an electric machine.

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