MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING A POWER BUSBAR

Abstract

Fastening system (100) for fastening a busbar (101a, 101b), wherein the busbar (101a, 101b) has a recess for receiving a locking hook, comprising: a multi-disconnecting element (103) which has an inner locking hook and an outer locking hook, wherein the inner locking hook is arranged on the multi-disconnecting element (103) and is designed to engage in the recess of the busbar (101a, 101b) in order to positively connect the multi-disconnecting element (103) to the busbar (101a, 101b); and a contact housing (105) which has an inner locking hook, wherein the inner locking hook is arranged and designed on the contact housing (105) to engage in the outer locking hook of the multi-separating element (103) in order to connect the contact housing (105) with the multi-separating element (103) in a form-fitting manner, wherein after assembly of the multi-separating element (103) together with the busbar (101a, 101b) in the contact housing (105) the locking hooks are locked and can no longer open on their own, since the contact housing (105) presses on the locking hooks.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connection technology.

[0002] For various applications, such as in automotive manufacturing, solid busbars are increasingly being used for power supply alongside the tried-and-tested stranded conductors. These busbars are typically welded, bolted, clinched, or connected using plug connectors.

[0003] Screw connections typically generate torques during tightening, which are transferred to adjacent components. These components must therefore be designed to be particularly robust. Screw connections also typically require assembly equipment, such as electric or pneumatic screwdrivers, and the tightening process must usually be monitored and recorded. Furthermore, it is often desirable to electrically insulate the respective contact points from each other and seal them against moisture, which is difficult to achieve with screw connections.

[0004] Plug connectors are therefore increasingly being used. Plug connectors are typically easy to assemble. Furthermore, they typically do not generate torque. Additionally, the contact housings do not need to be excessively robust, which also saves weight and material. Plug connectors are also generally more convenient and faster to assemble. However, reliable locking and sealing against moisture are typically challenging. In particular, to seal against moisture, the busbars are usually overmolded, wrapped, encased, or mounted in a sealed contact housing at the interfaces. The contact housing insulates, absorbs torque and screw forces, and is often screwed to the busbars. The assembly effort and costs are therefore typically correspondingly high.DE 20 2009 017 147 U1 and DE 20 2009 017 148 U1 each disclose a spacer for a busbar system.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create an improved concept for fastening a busbar.

[0006] This task is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] The invention is based on the finding that the above problem can be solved by a multi-disconnect element which is connected to a busbar via a snap-fit ​​connection and to a contact housing via a further snap-fit ​​connection. The multi-disconnect element thus enables reliable fastening, in particular positioning and locking, of the busbar in the contact housing. At the same time, a particularly simple seal of the connector against moisture can be achieved. The multi-disconnect element can, in particular, accommodate one or more busbars, which can simultaneously be electrically isolated from each other. Furthermore, the fastening of the busbar in the contact housing can be completely demountable. The multi-disconnect element also enables quick and easy assembly of the busbar.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a fastening system for securing a busbar, wherein the busbar has a recess for receiving a locking hook. The fastening system comprises a multi-disconnecting element having an inner locking hook and an outer locking hook, the inner locking hook being arranged on the multi-disconnecting element and configured to engage in the recess of the busbar in order to positively connect the multi-disconnecting element to the busbar. The fastening system further comprises a contact housing having an inner locking hook, the inner locking hook being arranged on the contact housing and configured to engage in the outer locking hook of the multi-disconnecting element in order to positively connect the contact housing to the multi-disconnecting element.Alternatively, the inner locking hook of the contact housing can also be implemented in the form of a suitable recess, a suitable spring tab, or another suitable undercut. The fastening system can be designed to secure at least one additional busbar.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the busbar has a further recess for receiving an additional locking hook, wherein the multi-disconnecting element has a further inner locking hook, and wherein the further inner locking hook is arranged on the multi-disconnecting element and is designed to engage in the further recess of the busbar in order to positively connect the multi-disconnecting element to the busbar. The busbar can thus be fastened with at least one or more locking hooks.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the recess and the further recess of the busbar are arranged offset from each other, wherein the inner locking hook and the further inner locking hook of the multi-disconnecting element are arranged offset from each other.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the multi-separating element has a further outer locking hook, wherein the contact housing has a further inner locking hook, and wherein the further inner locking hook is arranged on the contact housing and is designed to engage in the further outer locking hook of the multi-separating element in order to positively connect the contact housing to the multi-separating element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the multi-separating element is designed to wrap around an end section of the busbar in a bow-like shape.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the fastening system includes a seal which is arranged in the contact housing, wherein the busbar can be inserted into the contact housing through a sealing opening of the seal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the seal is made of an elastic plastic.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the fastening system comprises a header that can be attached to a wall, the header being designed to receive the contact housing in a form-fitting manner. The header can be attached to the wall, for example, by means of a screw connection.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the header has a locking pin, the contact housing has a locking pin, and the locking pin of the header and the locking pin of the contact housing can be fastened to each other by means of a locking bracket.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the header has a guide, wherein the locking pin of the contact housing is movable along the guide.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fastening system includes a further seal which is arranged between the header and the contact housing.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the additional seal is made of an elastic plastic, or the additional seal is injection-molded onto the contact housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the fastening system includes a closure cover which positively engages the contact housing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the multi-separating element, the contact housing and / or the header are each made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the multi-separating element, the contact housing and / or the header are each manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a fastening system for fastening a first busbar and a second busbar; Fig. 2 a seal with sealing openings through which a first busbar and a second busbar can be inserted; Fig. 3 a contact housing into which a first busbar and a second busbar are inserted; Fig. 4 a contact housing in sectional view which is positively connected to a multi-separating element; Fig. 5 a seal with sealing openings through which a first busbar and a second busbar can be inserted; Fig. 6 a multi-separation element which is positively connected to a first busbar and a second busbar; Fig. 7 a first busbar with two recesses for receiving a locking hook each; Fig. 8 a first busbar with two recesses, which is arranged above a second busbar with two offset recesses; Fig. 9 a first busbar and a second busbar, each of which is positively connected to a multi-separating element; Fig. 10 a contact housing in sectional view which is positively connected to a multi-separating element; Fig. 11 a contact housing and a header in sectional view; Fig. 12 a contact housing and a header in enlarged sectional view; Fig. 13 a multi-separation element which is positively connected to a first busbar and a second busbar; Fig. 14 a multi-separation element in sectional view, which is positively connected to a first busbar and a second busbar; Fig. 15 a first busbar and a second busbar in sectional view, which are positively connected with a multi-separating element; Fig. 16 a multi-separation element in perspective representation; Fig. 17 a multi-separation element in sectional view; Fig. 18 a fastening system for fastening a first busbar and a second busbar with an open locking bracket; and Fig. 19 a fastening system for fastening a first busbar and a second busbar with a closed locking bracket.

[0024] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It is understood that other embodiments can also be used and structural or logical modifications can be made without deviating from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be understood as limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0025] The aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals generally refer to the same elements. For illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are presented in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments can be implemented with a lesser degree of specific detail. In other cases, known structures and elements are shown schematically to facilitate the description of one or more aspects or embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a fastening system 100 for securing a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are each positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element (not shown) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, which in turn is positively connected to a contact housing 105 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection can alternatively be replaced by other positive-locking elements, which can, for example, also be arranged centrally. For instance, a protruding pin or dome can be used in which the respective busbar 101a, 101b is positively locked. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are inserted into the contact housing 105 via a seal 109a, which is arranged in the contact housing 105. Additionally, a header 107 is provided, which can be attached to a wall.The header 107 is designed to receive the contact housing 105 in a form-fitting manner. The contact housing 105 and the header 107 can be connected to each other by means of corresponding locking pins, which can be fastened together by means of a locking lever (not shown). The corresponding locking pins of the contact housing 105 can be moved along a guide of the header 107.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a seal 109a with sealing openings through which a first busbar (not shown) and a second busbar (not shown) can be inserted. The seal 109a is designed to seal the interior of the contact housing (not shown) against moisture. The seal 109a is made, for example, of an elastic plastic.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a contact housing 105 into which a first busbar 101a and a second busbar (not visible) are inserted. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar (not visible) are each positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, which in turn is positively connected to a contact housing 105 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection between the multi-disconnecting element 103 and the contact housing 105 is made by means of corresponding snap hooks of the multi-disconnecting element 103 and the contact housing 105, whereby the multi-disconnecting element 103 Fig. Only two locking hooks are visible. The locking connection between the multi-separating element 103 and the contact housing 105 can be easily released, for example, using a screwdriver. An additional seal 109b is also provided, which can be positioned between a header (not shown) and the contact housing 105. This additional seal 109b can, for example, be made of an elastic plastic (“one-component component”) or be injection-molded onto the contact housing 105 (“two-component component”).

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows a contact housing 105 in cross-sectional view, which is positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103. The multi-disconnecting element 103 is positively connected to a first busbar (not visible) and a second busbar 101b. A seal 109a is arranged in the contact housing 105. The snap-fit ​​connections of the second busbar 101b are particularly visible in the cross-sectional view. Due to the geometric arrangement of the snap-fit ​​positions, a large distance is created to the recesses of the underlying first busbar (not visible). The geometric arrangement is shown in more detail in Figure 4. Fig. Figure 7 shows that the multi-disconnect element 103 has double-sided locking hooks. These first lock into the first busbar (not visible) and the second busbar 101b, and then into the contact housing 105 (see also Figure 7). Fig. 12). The left, upper locking hook is assigned to the lower first power rail (not visible).

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 shows a seal 109a with sealing openings through which a first busbar (not shown) and a second busbar (not shown) can be inserted. The seal 109a is located between the busbars and a contact housing (not shown). The busbars can be sealed to each other via an intermediate spacer. This results in a closed sealing system against moisture.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 shows a multi-disconnect element 103, which is positively connected to a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are first latched in the multi-disconnect element 103 and then in a contact housing (not shown). The figure shows a second open latching hook before it springs back and locks the busbars. Each busbar 101a, 101b is locked twice. The recesses of the busbars 101a, 101b on the left and right sides are offset from each other by a length difference (see also Figure 6). Fig. 7).

[0032] Fig. Figure 7 shows a first busbar 101a with two recesses, each for receiving a locking hook. The two recesses provide a double locking mechanism for the busbar 101a, with the left and right recesses offset from each other. It is possible to omit one of the two recesses, add further recesses, or provide the recesses only on one side of the first busbar 101a. A second busbar (not shown) can be mounted rotated 180° around the central axis. This creates a large distance between the respective recesses (see also...). Fig. 8).

[0033] Fig. Figure 8 shows a first busbar 101a with two offset recesses, which is arranged above a second busbar 101b with two recesses. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are positioned one above the other. The dashed line shows the outline of the second busbar 101b, which lies below the first busbar 101a. It can be seen that the respective recesses of the two busbars 101a and 101b are far apart, thus effectively preventing an electrical short circuit.

[0034] Fig. Figure 9 shows a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b, each positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103. The multi-disconnecting element 103 is designed to grip an end section of the first busbar 101a and an end section of the second busbar 101b in a U-shape. Four pressed-on locking hooks are visible in the figure, two for each busbar, before the busbars 101a and 101b engage in the multi-disconnecting element 103. As soon as the locking hooks reach the respective recesses of the busbars 101a and 101b, they automatically engage in the busbars 101a and 101b. After the subsequent assembly of the multi-disconnect element 103 together with busbars 101a, 101b in a contact housing (not shown), the locking hooks are engaged and can no longer open on their own, as the contact housing (not shown) presses on the locking hooks and locks them (see also Fig. 10) In case of repair, all components can be easily disassembled. The figure shows two offset locking hooks, which are assigned to the first busbar 101a, and two offset locking hooks, which are assigned to the second busbar 101b.

[0035] Fig. Figure 10 shows a contact housing 105 in cross-sectional view, which is positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103. The multi-disconnecting element 103 is positively connected to a first busbar (not visible) and a second busbar 101b. A seal 109a is optionally arranged in the contact housing 105, but could also be omitted if necessary. The cross-sectional view shows in particular how the multi-disconnecting element 103 snaps into the contact housing 105. Simultaneously, the correspondingly shaped double locking hook is pressed into the corresponding recess of the respective busbar (see details). Fig. 7) The dashed outline shows how the contact housing 105 presses on the corresponding locking hook of the multi-separating element 103.

[0036] Fig. Figure 11 shows a contact housing 105 and a header 107 in sectional view. A first busbar (not visible) and a second busbar 101b are positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103, and the multi-disconnecting element 103 is in turn positively connected to the contact housing. The header 107 is designed to positively receive the contact housing 105. A seal 109a is arranged in the contact housing 105. The first busbar (not visible) and the second busbar 101b can be inserted into the contact housing 105 through respective sealing openings in the seal 109a. Another seal 109b is arranged between the header 107 and the contact housing 105. Additionally, a cover 111 is provided, which positively engages the contact housing 105. The cover 111 can, in particular, position and protect the seal 109a.

[0037] The mounting system gains increased strength after the contact housing 105 is inserted into the header 107. The mounting system is generally constructed like a shell. As the mounting system is assembled from the inside out, starting from the busbars, using the individual components, each newly added component supports and / or locks the previous component in place.

[0038] Fig. Figure 12 shows a contact housing 105 and a header 107 in an enlarged sectional view. A first busbar (not visible) and a second busbar 101b are positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element 103, and the multi-disconnecting element 103 is in turn positively connected to the contact housing. The header 107 is designed to positively receive the contact housing 105. A double locking hook of the multi-disconnecting element 103 is engaged in the second busbar 101b and simultaneously in the contact housing 105. This firmly connects the second busbar 101b to the contact housing 105. Similarly, the first busbar (not visible) is also firmly connected to the contact housing 105.

[0039] Fig. Figure 13 shows a multi-disconnect element 103, which is positively connected to a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b. Contact blades of the header and parts with bores are also shown. The multi-disconnect element 103 is designed to wrap around an end section of the first busbar 101a and an end section of the second busbar 101b in a U-shape.

[0040] Fig. Figure 14 shows a sectional view of a multi-disconnect element 103, which is positively connected to a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b. The multi-disconnect element 103 extends between the first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b to electrically isolate the first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b from each other.

[0041] Fig. Figure 15 shows a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b in sectional view, which are positively connected by a multi-disconnecting element 103. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b can each have an insulating layer for electrical insulation. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b can also each have a contact lug for electrical contact.

[0042] Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a multi-separation element 103. The multi-separation element 103 can be made of a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The multi-separation element 103 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. Similarly, the contact housing (not shown) and / or the header (not shown) can each be made of a thermoplastic or thermoset material and, for example, by injection molding.

[0043] Fig. Figure 17 shows a multi-separation element 103 in sectional view. The upper and lower sides of the multi-separation element 103 can each be identical or symmetrical to each other.

[0044] Fig. Figure 18 shows a fastening system 100 for securing a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b with an open locking bracket 113. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are each positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element (not shown) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, which in turn is positively connected to a contact housing 105 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are inserted into the contact housing 105 via a seal (not shown) located in the contact housing 105. Additionally, a locking cover 111 is provided, which positively engages the contact housing 105. A further seal 109b is arranged between the header 107 and the contact housing 105. Furthermore, a header 107 is provided, which can be attached to a wall. The header 107 is designed to receive the contact housing 105 in a form-fitting manner.The contact housing 105 and the header 107 can be connected to each other by means of corresponding locking pins, which can be fastened together by means of the locking bracket 113. The corresponding locking pins of the contact housing 105 can be moved along a guide of the header 107.

[0045] Fig.Figure 19 shows a fastening system 100 for securing a first busbar 101a and a second busbar 101b with a closed locking bracket 113. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are each positively connected to a multi-disconnecting element (not shown) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, which in turn is positively connected to a contact housing 105 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The first busbar 101a and the second busbar 101b are inserted into the contact housing 105 via a seal (not shown) located in the contact housing 105. Additionally, a locking cover 111 is provided, which positively engages the contact housing 105. Another seal (not shown) is arranged between the header 107 and the contact housing 105. Furthermore, a header 107 is provided, which can be attached to a wall.The header 107 is designed to receive the contact housing 105 in a form-fitting manner. The contact housing 105 and the header 107 can be connected to each other by means of corresponding locking pins, which can be fastened together by means of the locking bracket 113. The corresponding locking pins of the contact housing 105 can be moved along a guide of the header 107.

[0046] In summary, the mounting system 100 provides a positioning, holding, locking, isolating, and / or insulating housing in a single system component. In particular, the first busbar 101a, the second busbar 101b, the multi-disconnecting element 103, and / or the contact housing 105 are each easy to mount and dismount. Generally, one or more busbars can be positioned and locked using the multi-disconnecting element 103. The multi-disconnecting element 103, the contact housing 105, and / or the header 107 are simple and cost-effective to manufacture as injection-molded parts. Furthermore, multiple busbars can be electrically isolated from each other with particular ease.

[0047] All features described or shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in any combination in the object according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 fastening systems 101a First busbar 101b Second busbar 103 Multi-separation element 105 contact housings 107 Header 109a Seal 109b Further seal 111 Sealing caps 113 locking bars

Claims

[1] Fastening system (100) for fastening a busbar (101a, 101b), wherein the busbar (101a, 101b) has a recess for receiving a locking hook, comprising: a multi-disconnecting element (103) which has an inner locking hook and an outer locking hook, wherein the inner locking hook is arranged on the multi-disconnecting element (103) and is designed to engage in the recess of the busbar (101a, 101b) in order to positively connect the multi-disconnecting element (103) to the busbar (101a, 101b); and a contact housing (105) which has an inner locking hook, wherein the inner locking hook is arranged and designed on the contact housing (105) to engage in the outer locking hook of the multi-separating element (103) in order to connect the contact housing (105) with the multi-separating element (103) in a form-fitting manner, wherein after assembly of the multi-separating element (103) together with the busbar (101a, 101b) in the contact housing (105) the locking hooks are locked and can no longer open on their own, since the contact housing (105) presses on the locking hooks. [2] Fastening system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the busbar (101a, 101b) has a further recess for receiving a further locking hook, wherein the multi-separation element (103) has a further inner locking hook, and wherein the further inner locking hook is arranged and configured on the multi-separation element (103) to engage in the further recess of the busbar (101a, 101b) in order to connect the multi-separation element (103) to the busbar (101a, 101b) in a form-fitting manner. [3] Fastening system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the recess and the further recess of the busbar (101a, 101b) are arranged offset from each other, and wherein the inner locking hook and the further inner locking hook of the multi-separating element (103) are arranged offset from each other. [4] Fastening system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-separating element (103) has a further outer locking hook, wherein the contact housing (105) has a further inner locking hook, and wherein the further inner locking hook is arranged on the contact housing (105) and is designed to engage in the further outer locking hook of the multi-separating element (103) in order to connect the contact housing (105) to the multi-separating element (103) in a form-fitting manner. [5] Fastening system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-separating element (103) is designed to wrap around an end section of the busbar (101a, 101b) in a bow-like manner. [6] Fastening system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a seal (109a) which is arranged in the contact housing (105), and wherein the busbar (101a, 101b) can be inserted into the contact housing (105) through a sealing opening of the seal (109a). [7] Fastening system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the seal (109a) is made of an elastic plastic. [8] Fastening system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a header (107) which can be attached to a wall, wherein the header (107) is designed to receive the contact housing (105) in a form-fitting manner. [9] Fastening system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the header (107) has a locking pin, wherein the contact housing (105) has a locking pin, and wherein the locking pin of the header (107) and the locking pin of the contact housing (105) can be fastened to each other by means of a locking bracket (113). [10] Fastening system (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the header (107) has a guide, and wherein the locking pin of the contact housing (105) is movable along the guide.

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