Multifunctional device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device

Abstract

Multifunctional device (1) for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60) and for facilitating assembly on electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), wherein the multifunctional device (1) comprises: a guide device (2, 3, 4) for guiding a fastening element (90) to and away from a contact point (67A - 67C) of a high-voltage connection device (60), and a spacer device (5) for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), wherein the spacer device (5) is at least partially designed similarly to the teeth of a comb extending in a mounting direction (M) to ensure insertion along the mounting direction (M) between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), characterized by a sealing device (37) which is arranged on the guide device (2, 3, 4) and on the spacer device (5) in such a way that sealing against the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented, wherein the sealing device (37) has an edge element (38) which is formed around a first opening (35) of a collecting device (29) of the multifunctional device (1) and around an inlet opening (7) of a first section (6) of the guide device (2, 3, 4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multifunctional device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device and to a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0002] In known drive systems, such as hybrid transmissions, with, for example, two electric machines, as known, for example, from WO 2019 / 101264 A1, high-voltage (HV) contacting of the electric machines to a power electronics system takes place via two separately arranged high-voltage (HV) single terminals or via a high-voltage (HV) double terminal or via a high-voltage connecting device.

[0003] For example, in the case of the use of a HV double terminal / high-voltage connection device, as used in Fig. 6B, a package-optimized arrangement results in the area of ​​the busbars or the electrically conductive elements 61 - 66, which protrude from the housing 70 of the high-voltage connection device 60 into the oil chamber of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0004] This arrangement of the electrically conductive elements / busbars next to and above each other must meet the requirements for creepage and clearance distances in order to ensure the safe electrical operation of electrical machines over a certain minimum service life.

[0005] Effects during operation, such as vibrations and temperature influences, as well as the requirement for secure positioning of the electrically conductive elements during assembly, require reliable spacing between them.

[0006] In the area of ​​high-voltage (HV) contacting of a high-voltage connection device with electrical machines, secure connection and spacing are achieved using suitable connection options (e.g., screw or welded connections). In the area between a housing of the high-voltage connection device and its contact points with electrical machines, it is also necessary to arrange the electrically conductive elements at a technically safe distance from each other.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known that during the assembly or electrical connection of electrical machines and a high-voltage connection device, fastening elements, such as screws, occasionally get lost in the housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle. In such a case, it is advisable to disassemble the drive system in such a way that the lost fastening element can be secured. This not only delays the production of further drive systems but also results in additional effort due to disassembly.

[0008] A multifunctional device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2018 008 329 A1.

[0009] For further prior art, reference is made to EP 2 999 073 B1, US 9 281 627 B2 and DE 603 ​​13 420 T2.

[0010] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device, which can be produced cost-effectively and mechanically stably and adjusts air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements in order to ensure the operational reliability and service life of an electrical machine of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it is the object of the invention to provide a multifunctional device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device, which can be attached to a high-voltage connection device in a simple and quick manner and without loss of fastening means in order to facilitate assembly and to accomplish it with little time and effort.

[0012] These objects are achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] In a first aspect of the present invention, a multifunctional device for maintaining clearance and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device and for facilitating assembly on electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device comprises at least one guide device for guiding a fastening means toward and away from a contact point of a high-voltage connection device. In this way, for example, screws can be guided to a connection point or contact point between a high-voltage connection device and an electrical machine in such a way that secure and loss-free screw attachment is possible with the aid of the at least one guide device.In other words, the at least one guide device serves to guide fasteners, such as screws, to their intended location in such a way that they cannot get into a drive system housing if an installer is distracted during assembly. This is because the loss of a fastener during assembly may require the entire drive system assembly, including, for example, an electrical machine, to be opened or, to a certain extent, disassembled in order to secure the lost fastener.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, in a first aspect of the present invention, a multifunctional device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device and for facilitating assembly on electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device comprises a spacing device for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device. Due to the fact that exposed electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device can also be excited to oscillate due to vibrations during operation, the distances between busbars or electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device, and thus the electrical phases of an electrical machine, can be reduced. This is precisely what is prevented or suppressed by the spacing device of the multifunctional device.

[0015] The spacing device is designed, at least in part, similar to one or more teeth of a comb, extending in an assembly direction to ensure insertion between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device along the assembly direction. It is precisely the proposed design using a spacing device designed similarly to a comb that makes it possible to easily insert the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device, thus ensuring clearance and creepage distances during operation.

[0016] In other words, the background of the two above-mentioned proposed solutions is a concept for optimizing high-voltage (HV) contacting of electrical machines of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle against the background of safe assembly and / or safe mechanical and electrical operation.

[0017] The multifunctional device can have a height, a depth and a length, whereby a mounting direction can be oriented along the height.

[0018] Furthermore, a first direction can be oriented along the length. A second direction can also be oriented along the depth.

[0019] In this case, the mounting direction can be aligned in the same direction as the spacing device, which is at least partially designed similarly to the teeth of a comb.

[0020] Furthermore, the first direction, the second direction and the mounting direction can be arranged and / or oriented at right angles to each other.

[0021] The spacing device can comprise at least one first spacing element for ensuring clearance and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device. Such a first spacing element makes it possible, for example, to adjust the distance between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device so that clearance and creepage distances can be maintained for the respective application.

[0022] In this case, the at least one first spacing element can be configured in cross-section along the mounting direction similar to the teeth of a comb. Such a configuration allows the multifunctional device to be inserted or attached to electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device.

[0023] The at least one first spacing element can be designed as a flat partition wall, so that two adjacent electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connecting device can be separated along their course in such a way that air and creepage distances between the electrically conductive elements can be ensured.

[0024] Furthermore, several first spacing elements can be aligned with the same orientation relative to one another and, for example, viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the mounting direction, can be arranged one above the other and / or one behind the other. Such a configuration resembles a comb with teeth in cross-section, which mimic the spacing elements.

[0025] In addition, the at least one first spacing element can be spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane which is spanned by the mounting direction in which insertion of the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device can be ensured, and a first direction which is oriented at right angles to the mounting direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the at least one first spacing element can have a cross-sectional profile which, counter to the mounting direction, has an airfoil profile for aircraft wings without curvature, so that cooling fluid flowing in the mounting direction can be guided continuously closer to an electrically conductive element of a high-voltage connection device for cooling in the course of the at least one first spacing element.

[0027] Furthermore, it is possible for the foremost end of the at least one first spacing element, viewed in the mounting direction, to be tapered, for example, similar to an arrowhead. This can facilitate the mounting of the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one first spacing element rests against at least one guide device and, for example, follows the path of several guide devices arranged in series or is spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane. The ideal plane can be spanned by the mounting direction, in which insertion of the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device is ensured, and a first direction oriented at right angles to the mounting direction.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the spacing device has at least one second spacing element for the exact positioning of an electrically conductive element of a high-voltage connection device.

[0030] The at least one second spacing element may have a first region for simplified insertion between two electrically conductive elements and a second region for correctly adjusting the position and air and creepage distances of electrically conductive elements.

[0031] The shape of the first region can also be formed in an ideal plane spanned by the mounting direction and a second direction oriented at right angles to the mounting direction and / or to a first direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the first region can form a right-angled or isosceles triangle. The first region can also have a wedge-shaped or triangular shape.

[0033] All the above-mentioned embodiments relating to the first area serve to bring the multifunctional device into its position with a low degree of force or in a simple manner, for example between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connecting device.

[0034] Furthermore, it is possible for the second area to extend opposite to the mounting direction and to connect to the end of the first area.

[0035] The second region can have a cuboidal shape that maintains the distance between the two side surfaces, which form a wedge or triangular shape, without further increasing the distance between the side surfaces. In this way, the exact distance between two electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device can be adjusted.

[0036] The maximum distance between the two side surfaces, which form a wedge shape or a triangular shape, can be greater than the depth of the at least one first spacing element, which extends transversely to the mounting direction and / or transversely to a first direction. Thus, due to the difference along a second direction between the maximum distance between the side surfaces and the depth of the at least one first spacing element, cooling fluid can flow past electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device, which can be attached to the spacing device, in the mounting direction.

[0037] The depth of the first region, which is oriented transversely to the assembly direction and / or to a first direction and / or in a second direction, can correspond to the depth of the second region. This makes injection molding more cost-effective and easier to implement.

[0038] The spacing device can, for example, have a second spacing element at least at the ends of at least one first spacing element, viewed in a first direction. The arrangement of several second spacing elements can ensure the precise maintenance of air and creepage distances between two electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device.

[0039] Furthermore, the spacing device can comprise at least three second spacing elements that are equally spaced from one another, for example, along the path of at least one first spacing element. Such an arrangement allows for mechanically stable holding / positioning of electrically conductive elements on the multifunctional device.

[0040] Furthermore, the at least one second spacing element can be spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane which is spanned by the mounting direction in which insertion of the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device can be ensured, and a second direction which is oriented at right angles to the mounting direction.

[0041] Furthermore, in the second direction, a plurality of first spacing elements of the spacing device can be arranged in series and in the same orientation next to one another or one behind the other.

[0042] It can also be provided that the spacing device has at least one transverse stiffener in order to increase the dimensional stability of the multifunctional device.

[0043] In this case, the at least one transverse stiffener can adjoin a second region of a second spacing element of the spacing device, opposite to the mounting direction. In this way, the transverse stiffener can continue the second spacing element, which is advantageous, for example, when manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0044] The at least one transverse reinforcement can also be designed similarly to a wall which continues a second spacing element of the spacing device counter to the mounting direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the at least one transverse stiffener together with two first spacing elements can form a receptacle for an electrically conductive element of a high-voltage connection device.

[0046] In this case, the at least one transverse stiffening element can have a ramp-shaped profile on the outer side of the multifunctional device, so that a smooth transition to a collecting device for cooling fluid can be formed, and whereby the transition can be stiffened and the stability of the multifunctional device can be increased.

[0047] Furthermore, the multifunctional device or the spacing device can have a collecting device for cooling fluid, which, viewed in the mounting direction, is arranged above a first and / or a second spacing element, so that cooling fluid can be collected by the collecting device and flow towards the spacing elements.

[0048] The collecting device may comprise a first and a second wall element arranged opposite one another.

[0049] The first wall element can rest against at least one guide device and, for example, follow the path of several guide devices arranged in series or be spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane. The ideal plane can be defined by the mounting direction, in which insertion of the multifunctional device between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device is ensured, and a first direction oriented at right angles to the mounting direction.

[0050] The second wall element can be arranged at a distance and aligned in the same direction as the first wall element.

[0051] The collecting device can also have a third and a fourth wall element which are arranged opposite one another and are oriented at 90 degrees to a first and / or second wall element of the collecting device.

[0052] The third and / or fourth wall element can each have a passage opening to ensure lateral admission of a cooling fluid into the collecting device and thus also into the spacing device.

[0053] The collecting device can be designed similarly to an open container, which, for example, has a shape similar to a hollow cylinder or similar to a general cylinder as known from mathematics.

[0054] The collecting device can also have a first opening and a second opposite opening, so that a flow of cooling fluid in the assembly direction from the collecting device to spacing elements of the spacing device can be ensured.

[0055] Furthermore, at least one transverse reinforcement and / or at least one second spacing element of the spacing device, for example its second region, can adjoin the second opening, so that a flow of cooling fluid from the collecting device to spacing elements of the spacing device can be ensured.

[0056] Furthermore, as already mentioned at the beginning, the multifunctional device can have at least one guide device for guiding a fastening means towards and away from a contact point of a high-voltage connection device.

[0057] In this case, it can be provided that the at least one guide device is designed similarly to a hollow cylinder. Such a structural design allows, for example, a fastening element, such as a screw, to be guided through a guide device to its installation location without the screw being able to fall into, for example, a housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle during installation and on its way to the installation location.

[0058] The at least one guide device can have a first section with an inlet opening for easy insertion of a fastening means.

[0059] In this context, the first section can be hollow-cylindrical.

[0060] Furthermore, the first section can have a flat surface (also called “flattening”) on the outside so that freedom of movement can be achieved when inserting the multifunctional device into a housing of a drive system.

[0061] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one guide device comprises a second section for the precise positioning of a fastening means. In this case, the second section can be conical.

[0062] The at least one guide device can also comprise a third section with an exit opening for easy and secure assembly and disassembly of a fastening means. The third section can be hollow-cylindrical.

[0063] The first, second, and third sections can together form a funnel in cross-section. This configuration makes it clear that, with the aid of the at least one guide device, a fastening element, such as a screw, can be guided to an installation location without the fastening element becoming detached from a screwdriver, for example, on the way to the installation location and falling into a housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0064] Furthermore, an inlet opening of a first section of the at least one guide device can form an inlet for a fastening means and the outlet opening of a third section of the at least one guide device can form an outlet for a fastening means.

[0065] The inlet opening can have a larger inner diameter than the outlet opening.

[0066] Furthermore, the at least one guide device can be funnel-shaped in cross-section. This configuration makes it clear that, with the aid of the at least one guide device, a fastening element, such as a screw, can be securely guided to an installation location without the screw becoming detached from a screwdriver, for example, on the way to the installation location.

[0067] The narrowest diameter of the at least one guide device can be designed to allow a screw head of an Allen or Torx screw to pass through.

[0068] The at least one guide device can also be aligned in the assembly direction.

[0069] Furthermore, several guide devices can be arranged in a row and aligned side by side in a first direction. The guide devices serve to guide fasteners to a designated location without the risk of them becoming lost during assembly or falling into a housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle, which would necessitate disassembly of the drive system.

[0070] Furthermore, it can be provided that three guide devices are arranged in series and in the same orientation next to one another or one behind the other, for example in a first direction, so that fastening means can be guided at three contact points of a high-voltage connecting device.

[0071] Two adjacent guide devices can be connected to each other via a web in order to stiffen the adjacent guide devices.

[0072] The web can be formed, for example exclusively, between a second and / or third section of the guide devices.

[0073] The guide devices can abut one another in a first section. Thus, no web is provided between the first sections, or one can be omitted.

[0074] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the at least one guide device and the spacing device to be arranged side by side. In this way, several functionalities can be combined in the multifunctional device.

[0075] A plurality of guide devices may be arranged in series and the spacing device may comprise a plurality of first spacing elements for adjusting a distance between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device.

[0076] In a first direction, several guide devices can be arranged one behind the other in a row and in a second direction, several first spacing elements of the spacing device can be arranged one behind the other in a row.

[0077] The first and second directions may be arranged at any angle to each other, or the first and second directions may cross or intersect at a perpendicular angle.

[0078] Furthermore, the at least one guide device and the spacing device can be formed as a single piece. Thus, the multifunctional device can be constructed from a single part or formed as a single piece and can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process.

[0079] The at least one guide device can have a first height and the spacing device can have a second height, wherein the first and second heights extend along a mounting direction in which the multifunctional device can be mounted or inserted between electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connecting device.

[0080] The first height can be of the same length or shorter than the second height, so that electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connecting device arranged one above the other and next to one another can be spaced apart using the spacing device.

[0081] The first height can also be longer than the second height, so that the spacing device can only be used to space electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connecting device that are arranged next to one another or next to one another.

[0082] Furthermore, it is provided that the multifunctional device has a sealing device which is arranged on the at least one guide device and on the spacing device, so that sealing against the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented.

[0083] The sealing device has an edge element which is formed circumferentially around a first opening of a collecting device of the multifunctional device and which is formed circumferentially around an inlet opening of a first section of the at least one guide device.

[0084] The edge element can have a top side and a bottom side, wherein a surface normal or a normal vector of the bottom side can be oriented in the direction of the mounting direction and wherein a surface normal or a normal vector of the top side can be oriented opposite to the mounting direction.

[0085] The edge element and the at least one guide device or the spacing device can simulate an upside-down L-shape in cross-section along the mounting direction.

[0086] A shoulder can be formed between the two legs of the L-shape, with which the multifunctional device can be centered in a housing of a drive system.

[0087] The shoulder may have a chamfer to facilitate insertion into a housing receptacle of a housing of a drive system.

[0088] The edge element can be band-shaped or similar to a band. This creates a support surface for the edge element, which establishes a specific relative position in a housing receptacle of a drive system housing.

[0089] Furthermore, the edge element can have at least one receptacle for a sealing element, so that the sealing element can be pre-assembled on the multifunctional device. Two receptacles can be arranged on opposite sides of the edge element.

[0090] Furthermore, the at least one receptacle can be designed as a recess which is accessible from outside the edge element, so that a sealing element with a nose geometrically adapted to the receptacle can engage in the receptacle from outside.

[0091] Furthermore, the sealing device may include a sealing element for attachment to an edge element of the sealing device. The sealing element may be circumferential, similar to a ring.

[0092] Furthermore, the sealing element can have at least one nose which is oriented inwards, so that the at least one nose can be inserted into a receptacle of an edge element of the sealing device which is geometrically adapted to the at least one nose.

[0093] The nose can be designed as a projection from the sealing element or protrude.

[0094] It is also possible for the sealing device to include a contact element for securely positioning the multifunctional device in a housing receptacle of a drive system housing. The contact element, together with a cover of the multifunctional device, not only ensures the correct position in the drive system housing but also compensates for tolerances.

[0095] The contact element can be designed as an elevation that extends from an upper side of an edge element of the sealing device opposite to the mounting direction.

[0096] Thus, when a cover is mounted above the multifunctional device, the contact element of the cover is plastically deformable and a secure hold of the multifunctional device in a housing of a drive system can be ensured.

[0097] Furthermore, the contact element can be arranged close to the at least one guide device and / or close to the spacing device for reliable compensation of mechanical assembly forces.

[0098] The contact element can also rise or protrude 0.1 to 0.5 mm from a top side of an edge element of the sealing device opposite to the mounting direction, so that when a cover is mounted above the multifunctional device, the contact element can be plastically deformed by the cover and thus a secure hold of the multifunctional device in a housing of a drive system can be ensured.

[0099] Several contact elements can be distributed along the course of the sealing device, for example its edge element.

[0100] The contact elements can be positioned on the sealing device, for example on its edge element, in such a way that they can be arranged close to fastening positions for a cover of the multifunctional device, wherein the fastening positions can be formed by a housing of a drive system.

[0101] Furthermore, it can be provided that the multifunctional device has a cover with which the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented above a first opening of a collecting device of the multifunctional device and / or above an inlet opening of a first section of the at least one guide device.

[0102] The cover may be curved so that cooling fluid can flow into a first opening of a collecting device of the multifunctional device and / or into an inlet opening of a first section of the at least one guide device.

[0103] Furthermore, the lid can be designed to be fastened, for example screwed, using eyelets.

[0104] A second aspect of the present invention includes a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0105] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the multifunctional device, as mentioned under the first aspect, can be used individually or in combination with one another in the drive system.

[0106] In other words, the features mentioned above under the first aspect of the invention relating to the multifunctional device can also be combined here with further features under the second aspect of the invention.

[0107] A drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle comprises a multifunctional device according to the first aspect and a housing for accommodating at least one rotor and at least one stator of at least one electric machine.

[0108] The housing further comprises a housing receptacle for the multifunctional device, wherein the multifunctional device is arranged in the housing receptacle.

[0109] In this case, the housing receptacle can be at least partially geometrically adapted to the multifunctional device so that a definable position in the housing can be determined.

[0110] Furthermore, the drive system can comprise a high-voltage connection device for connecting power electronics to one or more stators and / or rotors of at least one electrical machine.

[0111] In this case, the high-voltage connection device can have a first connection device for connecting a power electronics unit and a second connection device for connecting at least one electrical machine.

[0112] Furthermore, the high-voltage connection device can comprise at least one electrically conductive element for transmitting voltage and current from the first connection device to the second connection device.

[0113] The high-voltage connection device can comprise three or six electrically conductive elements, so that one or two electrical machines can be connected to a power electronics system using a single high-voltage connection device.

[0114] Furthermore, it can be provided that the second connection device has at least three contact points as a phase connection and for contacting three contact strips of an electrical machine.

[0115] It is also possible for the drive system to have at least one electric machine with a rotor and a stator, which can be arranged in the housing of the drive system.

[0116] In this case, the at least one electrical machine can have at least three contact strips of a stator or a rotor, which are fastened to the at least three contact points of the second connection device by means of fastening means, which can be designed as screws.

[0117] Furthermore, the high-voltage connection device, the housing receptacle of the drive system and the multifunctional device can be arranged relative to one another in the housing of the drive system such that after the multifunctional device has been mounted in the housing receptacle, the at least three contact points of the second connection device and contact strips of an electrical machine can be connected by means of fastening means, for example by means of screws, so that the guide devices of the multifunctional device guide the fastening means to the at least three contact points for screwing to the contact strips.

[0118] The housing of the drive system can also have fastening positions or screw-on positions for attaching a cover of the multifunctional device, whereby the cover of the multifunctional device can be fastened to the housing and the multifunctional device can be closed. In other words, the fastening positions offer the possibility of securely connecting the cover of the multifunctional device to the housing, for example with screws, so that the multifunctional device is held in its correct position within the housing or within the housing receptacle.

[0119] Below, the multifunctional device is described again in other words.

[0120] In a drive system with, for example, one or two electrical machines, the high-voltage (HV) contacting of the electrical machines can be made via a high-voltage (HV) double terminal or via a high-voltage connection device.

[0121] For example, an electrical machine can be connected to the high-voltage connection device, which serves for the electrical connection between the exterior of a housing of a drive system and the interior of the housing in which an electrical machine can be arranged.

[0122] Part of the high-voltage connection device projects into an oil chamber in the housing, where electrically conductive elements or busbars of the high-voltage connection device are arranged next to and above one another due to space constraints. The electrically conductive elements are exposed, i.e. designed without an electrically insulating housing, so that they can be cooled by splashing gear oil. However, the exposed electrically conductive elements can also be excited by vibrations during operation, which lead to a reduction in the distance between the busbars or electrically conductive elements and thus the electrical phases of an electrical machine. There is therefore a risk that the required air gaps between the electrical phases and thus between the electrically conductive elements are not met, which can lead to a system-critical condition (e.g. arcing).

[0123] The problem could be solved by encapsulating the exposed busbars / electrically conductive elements in the oil chamber with plastic, for example, but this would reduce the positive cooling effect of the transmission oil.

[0124] This raises, among other things, the task mentioned above.

[0125] Regarding the features of the multifunctional device presented above, it can be summarized that the multifunctional device, in addition to the technical requirements for maintaining air gaps between the electrical phases / electrically conductive elements and cooling by gear oil, can also have assembly-related advantages that, for example, facilitate the setting of fastening means or connecting elements at the high-voltage (HV) contact points or the contact points to an electrical machine of a drive system.

[0126] The multifunctional device presented here can be used for both conventional drive systems, such as hybrid transmissions (e.g., multi-mode drive and serial-mode drive), as well as purely electric axle transmissions or electric motors. It makes no difference whether one or two electric motors are installed in the respective drive system.

[0127] In summary, the following can be said for the multifunctional device: - the multifunctional device can be provided for an electric motor transmission (hybrid or electric axle) or a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle, specifically as a supplement to a high-voltage (HV) terminal or to a high-voltage connection device for connecting a power electronics system, which can be arranged in a first housing space, to an actuator device, which can be arranged in a second housing space. The actuator device can comprise one or two electric motors; and / or - the multifunctional device can be arranged in the area of ​​the exposed busbars / electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device in an oil or dry chamber of a housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle; and / or - the multifunctional device can be designed with a circumferential collar / edge element of a sealing device of the multifunctional device for suspension and centering in a housing of a drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle; and / or - the multifunctional device can comprise 3 to 6 guide devices for mounting electrically conductive elements of a high-voltage connection device for connecting a power electronics unit, which can be arranged in a first housing space, to an actuator device, which can be arranged in a second housing space for the HV contacting with the electrical machine(s); and / or - Guide devices of the multifunctional device can be designed with cylindrical and conical zones or sections; and / or - the multifunctional device may comprise first spacing elements or longitudinal ribs and second spacing elements or support areas for spacing electrically conductive elements or busbars; and / or - the multifunctional device may be designed with openings or passages for oil passage; and / or - the multifunctional device or its sealing device can be designed with locally raised contact areas / contact elements for support on a cover of the multifunctional device; and / or - the multifunctional device or its sealing device can be designed with at least one suspension / receptacle for a sealing element of the sealing device.

[0128] The invention is explained in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which schematically show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 different spatial views of a multifunctional device; Fig. 3A is a plan view of the multifunctional device of Fig. 1 from below, opposite to an assembly direction; Fig. 3B - 3C Side views of the multifunctional device from Fig. 1; Fig. 3D a sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 3C; Fig. 4A is a sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 3B; Fig. 4B is a plan view of the multifunctional device of Fig. 1 from above, in assembly direction; Fig. 4C is a sectional view along the line CC of Fig. 3B; Fig. 5 an enlarged view of Fig. 4C; Fig. 6A a spatial view of a high-voltage connection device with electrically conductive elements and the multifunctional device from Fig. 1; Fig. 6B a spatial view of a high-voltage connection device with electrically conductive elements without multifunctional device from Fig. 1; Fig. 7A to 7D different side views and sectional views of the high-voltage connection device from Fig. 6A with the multifunctional device; Fig. 8 a sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 7A; Fig. 9A an enlarged view of Fig. 8 with a first embodiment of the multifunctional device from Fig. 1; Fig. 9B an enlarged view of Fig. 8 with a second embodiment of the multifunctional device from Fig. 1; Fig. 10A to 10C different sectional views of the high-voltage connection device with the multifunctional device from Fig. 6A in a housing of a drive system; Fig. 10D is a plan view of the multifunctional device of Fig. 1 in a housing of a drive system; Fig. 11A - 11D show an assembly sequence for installing the multifunctional device from Fig. 1, shown in sectional views of the high-voltage connection device from Fig. 6B in a housing of a drive system; and Fig. 12A - 12D show an assembly sequence for installing the multifunctional device from Fig. 1 in continuation of the Fig. 11A to 11D.

[0129] In the following description, the same reference symbols are used for the same items.

[0130] Due to the fact that the Fig. 1 to 12D show a multifunctional device 1 in different views and with or without a high-voltage connection device 60 and with or without an installation situation in a drive system 80. The aforementioned figures are described together below. Reference is always made to the figure or figures that particularly well illustrate the corresponding feature being described.

[0131] The above-mentioned Fig. 1 to 12D a multifunctional device 1 for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 and for facilitating assembly on electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 (cf. also e.g., Fig. 6A - 9B).

[0132] Here, the multifunctional device 1 has three guide devices 2, 3, 4 for guiding a fastening means 90 towards and away from a contact point 67A - 67C of a high-voltage connection device 60 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 7C).

[0133] In addition, the multifunctional device 1 has a spacing device 5 for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 7C).

[0134] The spacing device 5 is at least partially designed similarly to the teeth of a comb, which extend in a mounting direction M in order to ensure insertion along the mounting direction M between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 7D, Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B).

[0135] How Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the multifunctional device 1 has a height, a depth, and a length, with a mounting direction M oriented along the height. The mounting direction M is aligned in the same direction as the spacing device 5, which—as already mentioned—is at least partially designed similarly to one or more teeth of a comb. Furthermore, a first direction R1 is oriented along the length, and a second direction R2 is oriented along the depth. Here, the first and second directions R1, R2, as well as the mounting direction M, are oriented at right angles to one another.

[0136] With regard to the spacing device 5, the Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows that it has three first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 for ensuring air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connecting device 60.

[0137] Each first spacing element 13, 14, 15 is formed in cross-section along the mounting direction M similar to a tooth of a comb (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B), wherein the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 are designed as a flat partition wall, so that two adjacent electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 can be separated along their length. This ensures air and creepage distances between the electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66.

[0138] As in Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, a plurality of first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 are aligned in the same orientation to one another and, viewed in the second direction R2, are arranged one above the other or one behind the other.

[0139] Furthermore, the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 are spatially aligned such that they are aligned comparable to an ideal plane. The ideal plane is spanned by the mounting direction M, in which insertion of the multifunctional device 1 between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 is ensured, and the first direction R1, which is oriented at a right angle to the mounting direction M (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B).

[0140] As in Fig. 3D, the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 have a cross-sectional profile that, contrary to the mounting direction M, has an airfoil profile for aircraft wings without curvature. Thus, cooling fluid flowing in the mounting direction M can be guided continuously closer to an electrically conductive element 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 for cooling in the course of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 (see also Fig. 8 - 9B and 10B).

[0141] Viewed in the mounting direction M, as shown in Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B, the foremost end of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 is tapered, similar to an arrowhead, to facilitate the assembly of the multifunctional device 1 between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connecting device 60.

[0142] Furthermore, as in Fig. 2, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the first spacing element 13 is attached to the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and follows the course of the guide devices 2, 3, 4 arranged in series. The first spacing element 13 is spatially aligned such that it is comparable to an ideal plane. The ideal plane is spanned by the assembly direction M, in which insertion of the multifunctional device 1 between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 is ensured, and the first direction R1.

[0143] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4A, that the spacing device 5 has four second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19 for the exact positioning of an electrically conductive element 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60.

[0144] Each second spacing element 16, 17, 18, 19 has a first region 20 for simplified insertion between two electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 and a second region 21 for correctly adjusting the position and air and creepage distances of electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 (cf. Fig. 3B and Fig. 4A).

[0145] The first region 20 comprises a wedge-shaped or triangular shape, as in Fig. 3B and Fig. 4A. Here, the shape of the first region 20 is formed in an ideal plane spanned by the mounting direction M and the second direction R2. Furthermore, the first region 20 forms an isosceles triangle.

[0146] The second area 21 extends according to Fig. 3A and Fig. 4B opposite to the mounting direction M and adjoins the end of the first area 20.

[0147] Furthermore, the second region 21 has a cuboid-shaped course, which continues the distance between the two side surfaces, which form a triangular shape, constantly without further increase in the distance between the side surfaces.

[0148] As in Fig. 3D, the maximum distance between the two side surfaces, which form a triangular shape, is greater than the depth of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15, which extend transversely to the mounting direction M and transversely to the first direction R1. Due to the difference along the second direction R2 between the maximum distance of the side surfaces and the depth of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15, cooling fluid can flow past electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60, attachable to the spacing device 5, in the mounting direction M. In other words, due to the different thicknesses of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 and the second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19 in the second direction R2, cooling fluid for cooling can flow past electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 in the assembly direction M.

[0149] The depth of the first region 20, which is oriented transversely to the mounting direction M and transversely to the first direction R1 or in the second direction R2, corresponds to the depth of the second region 21 (cf. Fig. 3B).

[0150] As can be seen from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3B and Fig. 4B, the spacing device 5, viewed in the first direction R2, has a second spacing element 16, 19 at each of the ends of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15.

[0151] Described in more detail, the spacing device 5 has various second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19, which are equally spaced from one another, for example along the course of a first spacing element 13, 14, 15.

[0152] Here, the second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19 are spatially aligned such that they are aligned comparable to an ideal plane spanned by the mounting direction M and the second direction R2.

[0153] According to Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, in the second direction R2, several first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 of the spacing device 5 are arranged in series and in the same orientation one behind the other.

[0154] Furthermore, Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A, that the spacing device 5 has four transverse stiffeners 22, 23, 24, 25 in order to increase the dimensional stability of the multifunctional device 1.

[0155] Each transverse stiffener 22, 23, 24, 25 adjoins, opposite to the mounting direction M, the second region 21 of a second spacing element 16, 17, 18, 19 of the spacing device 5.

[0156] Each transverse stiffener 22, 23, 24, 25 is designed similarly to a wall, which in each case continues a second spacing element 16, 17, 18, 19 of the spacing device 5 opposite to the mounting direction M.

[0157] Furthermore, the Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows that a transverse stiffener 22, 23, 24, 25 together with two first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 forms receptacles 27, 28 for electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connecting device.

[0158] With a view to the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3B shows that the transverse stiffeners 22, 23, 24, 25 have a ramp-like shape on the outside of the multifunctional device 1, forming a smooth transition to a collecting device 29 for cooling fluid. This stiffens the transition and increases the stability of the multifunctional device 1.

[0159] Furthermore, in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D and Fig. 4A shows that the multifunctional device 1 or the spacing device 5 has a cooling fluid collection device 29, which, viewed in the assembly direction M, is arranged above the first 13, 14, 15 and second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19. Thus, cooling fluid can be collected by the collection device 29 and flow toward the spacing elements 13-19.

[0160] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the collecting device 29 comprises a first and a second wall element 30, 31 arranged opposite one another. The first wall element 30 rests against the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and follows the path of several guide devices 2, 3, 4 arranged in series. In other words, the first wall element 30 is spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane spanned by the assembly direction M and the first direction R1.

[0161] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, that the second wall element 31 is arranged at a distance and is aligned in the same direction as the first wall element 30.

[0162] The collecting device 29 also has a third and a fourth wall element 32, 33, which are arranged opposite one another and are oriented at 90 degrees to the first and second wall elements 30, 31 of the collecting device 29.

[0163] The third and fourth wall elements 32, 33 comprise, as in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. 4B, a passage opening 34 in each case to ensure lateral admission of a cooling fluid into the collecting device 29 and thus also into the spacing device 5.

[0164] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, that the collecting device 29 is designed similarly to an open container, which for example has a shape similar to a hollow cylinder.

[0165] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3C, Fig. 3D and Fig. 4A, the collecting device 29 has a first opening 35 and a second opposite opening 36, so that a flow of cooling fluid in the assembly direction M from the collecting device 29 towards the spacing elements 13 - 19 of the spacing device 5 is ensured.

[0166] The second opening 36 is adjoined by the transverse stiffeners 22, 23, 24, 25 and the second spacing elements 16, 17, 18, 19 of the spacing device 5, for example, their respective second region 21. This ensures the flow of cooling fluid from the collecting device 29 to the spacing elements 13-19 of the spacing device 5.

[0167] Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3D, Fig. 4C, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B show that the guide devices 2, 3, 4 are designed similarly to a hollow cylinder and each have a first section 6 with an inlet opening 7 for easy insertion of a fastening means 90 (see also Fig. 3C, Fig. 3D).

[0168] The first section 6 is hollow-cylindrical and has a flat surface 8 (also called “flattening”) on the outside (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 3C), so that freedom of movement can be achieved when inserting the multifunctional device 1 into a housing 81 of a drive system 80.

[0169] Furthermore, the guide devices 2, 3, 4 each comprise a second section 9 for the precise positioning of a fastening means 90, which is conical in shape (cf. Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D).

[0170] Furthermore, each guide device 2, 3, 4 has a third section 10 with an exit opening 11 for easy and safe assembly and disassembly of a fastening means 90. Each third section 10 is hollow-cylindrical, whereby the first, second and third sections 6, 9, 10 - combined - together form a funnel in cross-section (see also Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D).

[0171] According to the Fig. 1, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D, Fig. 4C, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, an inlet opening 7 of the first section 6 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4 forms an inlet for a fastening means 90 and the outlet opening 11 of the third section 10 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4 forms an outlet for a fastening means 90.

[0172] Here, as in Fig. 3D, Fig. 4C - the inlet opening 7 has a larger inner diameter than the outlet opening 11.

[0173] It can also be clearly seen in the figures mentioned that the guide devices 2, 3, 4 are funnel-shaped in cross section, wherein the narrowest diameter of the guide devices 2, 3, 4 is designed to allow the screw head of an Allen or Torx screw to pass through.

[0174] Furthermore, almost all figures show that, in the first direction R1, several guide devices 2, 3, 4 are arranged in series and with the same orientation next to one another. More precisely, three guide devices 2, 3, 4 are arranged in series and with the same orientation next to one another or one behind the other, so that fastening means 90 can be guided at three contact points 67A-67C of a high-voltage connection device 60.

[0175] According to Fig. 3C, two adjacent guide devices 2, 3, 4 are connected to each other via a web 12 in order to stiffen the adjacent guide devices 2, 3, 4.

[0176] The web 12 is formed between the second and third sections 9, 10 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4, whereas the guide devices 2, 3, 4 abut one another in the first section 6.

[0177] For example, in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and the spacing device 5 are arranged next to one another.

[0178] In this case, several guide devices 2, 3, 4 are arranged in series and the spacing device 5 comprises - as described above - several first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 for adjusting a distance between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connecting device 60.

[0179] Described in more detail, in the first direction R1, several guide devices 2, 3, 4 are arranged one behind the other in a row and in the second direction R2, several first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 of the spacing device 5 are arranged one behind the other in a row (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0180] Incidentally, the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and the spacing device 5 or the entire multifunctional device 1 are formed in one piece.

[0181] In Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows that the guide devices 2, 3, 4 have a first height H1 and the spacing device 5 has a second height H2. The first and second heights H1, H2 extend along the mounting direction M, in which the multifunctional device 1 can be inserted or mounted between electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60.

[0182] In Fig. 9A, the first height H1 is longer than the second height H2, so that only electrically conductive elements 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 arranged next to one another can be spaced apart by means of the spacing device 5.

[0183] In Fig. 9B, the first height H1 is shorter than the second height H2, so that electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 of a high-voltage connection device 60 arranged one above the other and next to one another can be spaced apart by means of the spacing device 5.

[0184] Furthermore, almost all figures show that the multifunctional device 1 comprises a sealing device 37 which is arranged on the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and on the spacing device 5, so that sealing against the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented.

[0185] The sealing device 37 has according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3C, Fig. 3D, Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5 an edge element 38 which is formed circumferentially around a first opening 35 of the collecting device 29 of the multifunctional device 1 and which is formed circumferentially around the inlet openings 7 of the first sections 6 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4.

[0186] As in Fig. 3D and Fig. 5, the edge element 38 has a top side O and a bottom side U. A surface normal or a normal vector (not shown) of the bottom side U is oriented in the direction of the mounting direction M and a surface normal or a normal vector (not shown) of the top side O is oriented opposite to the mounting direction M.

[0187] The edge element 38 and the guide devices 2, 3, 4 or the spacing device 5 form an upside-down L-shape in cross-section along the mounting direction M (cf. Fig. 4C and Fig. 5). A shoulder 39 is formed between the two legs of the L-shape, as shown in Fig. 3C, Fig. 4A and Fig. 5. With the shoulder 39, the multifunctional device 1 can be centered in a housing 81 of a drive system 80.

[0188] In addition, Fig. 3C, Fig. 4A and Fig. 5 shows that the shoulder 39 has a chamfer 40 for easier insertion into a housing receptacle 82 of a housing 81 of a drive system 80.

[0189] According to the Fig. 1, 2, 3B - 3D, 4A - 5, the edge element 38 is band-shaped or similar to a band and has two receptacles 41, 42 for a sealing element 43, so that the sealing element 43 can be pre-assembled on the multifunctional device 1.

[0190] The two receptacles 41, 42 are arranged on opposite sides of the edge element 38, with each receptacle 41, 42 being formed as a recess accessible from outside the edge element 38. Thus, a sealing element 43 with a nose 44 geometrically adapted to the receptacle 41, 42 can engage into the receptacles 41, 42 from the outside.

[0191] Furthermore, in the Fig. 10A - 10D that the sealing device 37 has a sealing element 43 for attachment to the edge element 38 of the sealing device 37.

[0192] The sealing element 43 is designed to be circumferential, similar to a ring, and has two noses 44 which are oriented inwards (cf. Fig. 10D). The lugs 44 can be inserted or are inserted into receptacles 41, 42 of the edge element 38 of the sealing device 37, which receptacles are geometrically adapted to the lugs 44 (cf. Fig. 10D). In other words, the lugs 44 are formed as projections from the sealing element 43.

[0193] Furthermore, the sealing device 37 has several contact elements 45 for the secure positioning of the multifunctional device 1 in a housing receptacle 82 of a housing 81 of a drive system 80 (see also Fig. 1, 3B - 3D, 4A, 4B, 10C, 10D). The contact elements 45 are designed as elevations that extend from the upper side O of the edge element 38 of the sealing device 37 opposite to the mounting direction M. The contact elements 45 are arranged close to the guide devices 2, 3, 4 and close to the spacing device 5 to reliably compensate for mechanical mounting forces.

[0194] Described more precisely, the contact elements 45 rise or protrude 0.1 to 0.5 mm from the upper side O of the edge element 38 opposite to the mounting direction M. In this way, when a cover 46 is mounted above the multifunctional device 1, the contact elements 45 are plastically deformable by the cover 46, whereby a secure hold of the multifunctional device 1 in a housing 81 of a drive system 80 can be ensured.

[0195] Along the course of the sealing device 37, for example its edge element 38, as shown in Fig. 1, 3B - 3D, 4A, 4B, 10C, 10D, several contact elements 45 are arranged distributed.

[0196] The contact elements 45 are positioned on the sealing device 37, for example on its edge element 38, in such a way that they can be arranged close to fastening positions for a cover 46 of the multifunctional device 1, wherein the fastening positions 86 can be formed by a housing 81 of a drive system 80.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the Fig. 10A - 10D, 12A - 12D the multifunctional device 1 has a cover 46, with which the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented above the first opening 35 of the collecting device 29 and above the inlet openings 7 of the first sections 6 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4.

[0198] The cover 46 is curved so that cooling fluid can flow into the first opening 35 of the collecting device 29 and into the inlet openings 7 of the first sections 6 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4. The cover 46 is designed to be attachable, for example, by screwing, using eyelets.

[0199] As already indicated, in the Fig. 10A - 12D show a section of a drive system 80 for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0200] This has according to the Fig. 10A - 12D the above-described multifunctional device 1 and a housing 81 for receiving rotors and stators of an electrical machine (not shown).

[0201] Fig. 10A-12D show that the housing 81 has a housing receptacle 82 for the multifunctional device 1, and that the multifunctional device 1 is arranged in the housing receptacle 82. The housing receptacle 82 is at least partially geometrically adapted to the multifunctional device 1, so that a definable position in the housing 81 is defined.

[0202] Furthermore, the drive system 80 has a high-voltage connection device 60 for connecting power electronics to stators and rotors of electrical machines (cf. Fig. 6A - 9B).

[0203] According to the Fig. 6A - 9B, the high-voltage connection device 60 has a first connection device 68 for connecting power electronics and a second connection device 69 for connecting electrical machines.

[0204] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6A-7D, the high-voltage connection device 60 has six electrically conductive elements 61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66 for transmitting voltage and current from the first connection device 68 to the second connection device 69. This allows two electrical machines to be connected to a power electronics system using a single high-voltage connection device 60.

[0205] In Fig. 7C, Fig. 7D also shows that the second connection device 69 has three contact points 67A-67C as a phase connection and for contacting three contact strips 83, 84, 85 of an electrical machine. Furthermore, the second connection device has three additional electrically conductive elements 64, 65, 66, which, however, play a subordinate role in the following description.

[0206] In the present example, the drive system 80 has two electrical machines (not shown), each with a rotor and a stator, which are arranged in the housing 81 of the drive system 80.

[0207] According to Fig. 10A, for example, an electrical machine has three contact strips 83, 84, 85 of a stator, which are fastened to the three contact points 67A - 67C of the second connection device 69 by means of fastening means designed as screws.

[0208] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 10A-12D, the high-voltage connection device 60, the housing receptacle 82 of the drive system 80, and the multifunctional device 1 are arranged relative to one another in the housing 81 of the drive system 80 such that, after the multifunctional device 1 is mounted in the housing receptacle 82, the three contact points 67A-67C of the second connection device 69 and the contact strips 83-85 of an electrical machine can be connected by means of screws. As a result, the guide devices 2, 3, 4 of the multifunctional device 1 guide the screws to the three contact points 67A-67C for screwing to the contact strips 83-85.

[0209] Furthermore, the Fig. 10C-10D and 12A-12D, the housing 81 of the drive system 80 has fastening positions 86 for fastening the cover 46 of the multifunctional device 1. As a result, the cover 46 is fastened to the housing 81 of the drive system 80 and the multifunctional device 1 is closed.

[0210] Below are the Fig. 1 to 12D are described again and in addition.

[0211] In brief, the functionality enabled by the multifunctional element or multifunctional device 1 presented here ensures secure installation of the fasteners required for high-voltage (HV) contacting. Furthermore, the multifunctional device 1 provides secure spacing between busbars or electrically conductive elements 61-66 of a high-voltage connection device 60, promotes the cooling of the busbars / electrically conductive elements 61-66 with transmission oil (when used in the oil chamber), and supports the sealing of a transmission housing or housing 81 of the drive system 80 from the environment. Among other things, operational reliability is thus increased.

[0212] The following details and used illustrations / figures are based on the high-voltage (HV) double terminal 60 for drive systems, such as a serial-mode drive or a multi-mode drive transmission, based on the illustrations according to Fig. 6A to 7D, but also apply to an electric axle drive. Furthermore, the description of the multifunctional element 1 or the multifunctional device 1 presented refers to its placement in the oil chamber of a drive system 80.

[0213] The location of use in an oil room chosen for the descriptions and illustrations does not expressly exclude the use of the multifunctional element / multifunctional device 1 in a dry room of a drive system 80.

[0214] Fig. 6A to 9B show views and sectional representations of the installation location of the multifunctional element 1 or the multifunctional device 1 when used for a high-voltage (HV) double terminal or for a high-voltage connection device 60. The multifunctional element 1 / the multifunctional device 1 is positioned in the area of ​​the busbars / electrically conductive elements 61 - 66 of the high-voltage connection device 60. In the case shown here according to section BB ( Fig. 7C) from Fig. 7A, the multifunctional element 1 / the multifunctional device 1 is arranged above a connection point or above contact points 67A - 67C to an electrical machine (not shown). Furthermore, as in the perspective view of Fig. 6B and in section CC ( Fig. 8 to 9B), the busbars / electrically conductive elements 61 - 66 of the HV double terminal / multifunctional device 1 are completely or partially covered and are adapted in height to the respective installation requirements.

[0215] Fig. 1 to 4C show the multifunctional device 1 in several views and sections. The multifunctional element / multifunctional device 1 has a collar or sealing device 37 with an edge element 38, guide devices 2, 3, 4, and a spacing device 5 with first 15 and second spacing elements 16-19.

[0216] The area of ​​the edge element 38 has a centering area or a shoulder 39 for the Fig. 10B to 10D show the installation situation in a housing 81 of a drive system 80 as well as a chamfer area or a chamfer 40 for easier assembly and a sealing area or a shoulder 39 which faces a seal or a sealing element 39 of a sealing device 37 after installation.

[0217] Each guide device 2, 3, 4 has a first region 6 with a cylindrical mounting opening or with a first opening 35, a second region 9 or a conical central part and a third region 10 or a cylindrical positioning region.

[0218] The first area 6 is used to safely guide screws during insertion due to the large installation depth (see Figure 10B) and to safely remove them again in the event of servicing.

[0219] Longitudinal ribs or first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 of the spacing device 5 serve together with support areas or second spacing elements 16 - 19 of the spacing device 5 to space the busbars / electrically conductive elements 61-66 and thus provide the technically required air gap between the electrical phases even under vibrations during operation.

[0220] The longitudinal ribs or first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 are designed in the lower area with threading bevels or are formed similar to an arrowhead in order to facilitate the assembly of the multifunctional device 1 between the electrically conductive elements 61-66.

[0221] Transverse ribs or transverse stiffeners 22, 23, 24, 25 of the spacing device 5 are arranged between the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 in order to increase the dimensional stability of the component.

[0222] The electrically conductive elements 61-66 or the busbars are spaced the shortest from the second spacing elements 16-19 of the spacing device 5 or from support areas that are part of the longitudinal ribs / first spacing elements 13, 14, 15. This results in an increased distance between the electrically conductive elements 61-66 and the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 in the area between the second spacing elements 16-19, which can be advantageously used to guide oil flowing from top to bottom unhindered past the electrically conductive elements 61-66 and thus improve cooling.

[0223] Splashing cooling oil is conveyed into the multifunctional device 1 via the oil passage openings or passage openings 34 and is guided through the area of ​​the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 and the transverse stiffeners 22, 23, 24, 25 to the electrically conductive elements 61-66 before flowing back again in the lower area.

[0224] To increase the dimensional stability, a central rib or a web 12 is arranged between each two guide devices 2, 3, 4.

[0225] The guide devices 2, 3, 4 and the spacing device 5 for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements 61-66 of the high-voltage connecting device 60 can have different heights H1, H2 depending on the installation situation and technical requirements.

[0226] In Fig. 8 to 9B is a section along the line CC from Fig. 7C. Here, two variants with different heights H1, H2 of the spacing device 5 are shown, which in one case only have the electrically conductive elements 64-66 guided above (cf. Fig. 9A) and in the other case (cf. Fig. 9B) additionally space the underlying electrically conductive elements 61-63.

[0227] The function of the contact areas or contact elements 45 of the sealing device 37, which are arranged in the upper area of ​​the collar or the sealing device 37 with edge element 38, is described in the detailed descriptions of Fig. 10A to 10D examined in more detail.

[0228] Fig. 10C shows an enlarged view of the interface between a housing 81 of a drive system 80, multifunctional device 1, and cover 46. Below the cover 46, in the area between the housing 81 and the sealing area or shoulder of the sealing device 37 of the multifunctional device 1, there is the seal / sealing element 43 of the sealing device 37. The cover 46 is fastened to the housing 81 by cover screws 90, which are placed in the fastening positions 86.

[0229] Between the multifunctional device 1 and the housing 81 there is the sealing element 43, which in turn has hooks or lugs 44 in order to engage in the correct position in the hook-in openings or receptacles 41, 42 of the multifunctional device 1.

[0230] The contact elements 45 of the sealing device 37 are arranged near the fastening positions 86 of the cover 46. This serves the purpose of ensuring that the contact elements 45 contact the cover 46 during screwing, plasticize, and consequently enable a tight fit of the multifunctional device 1 between the housing 81 and the cover 46.

[0231] For this purpose, the contact elements 45 nom. protrude 0.1 to 0.5 mm above the cover level. When screwed on, they are then pressed down onto the cover level, thus clamping the multifunctional device 1 for a secure fit during operation (see. Fig. 12A - 12D). The remaining areas of the multifunctional device 1 have an air gap to the cover 46. This local support at the contact areas or contact elements 45 is advantageous compared to a flat support over the entire component, since manufacturing-related tolerances do not lead to an inclined position of the cover 46 and thus to the risk of gaps (leakage).

[0232] Fig. 11A to 12D show an assembly sequence when placing the multifunctional device 1 into the housing 81 of a drive system 80. Essential assembly steps are illustrated and described:

[0233] Fig. 11A: a HV double terminal or a high-voltage connection device 60 is inserted into the housing 81.

[0234] Fig. 11B: The multifunctional device 1 is inserted from above into the housing 81 or into the housing receptacle 82. Correct positioning is ensured by the centering area or recess 39.

[0235] The guide devices 2, 3, 4 are now located above contact points 67A - 67C of the high-voltage connecting device 60 to a stator of an electrical machine and the longitudinal ribs or first spacing elements 13, 14, 15 as well as the second spacing elements 16-19 thread between the electrically conductive elements 61-66 via threading bevels or frontmost ends of the first spacing elements 13, 14, 15, which are designed similarly to an arrowhead, and space them apart in a safe manner for later operation.

[0236] Fig. 11C: Subsequently, screws 90 are guided from above through the guide devices 2, 3, 4 downwards to the contact points 67A - 67C of the high-voltage connection device 60. It is particularly advantageous that the guide devices 2, 3, 4 are designed with a larger diameter in the area of ​​the inlet opening 7 than in the area of ​​the outlet opening 11. The conical taper in the second section 9 of the guide devices 2, 3, 4 guides the respective screw 90 ever more tightly, so that it is precisely positioned before being screwed into a threaded bushing.

[0237] The guide devices 2, 3, and 4 prevent the screws 90 from falling uncontrollably into the housing 81 during assembly when inserting them, thus necessitating disassembly. Furthermore, disassembly is facilitated, for example, during servicing, since the screws 90 are always securely held in the multifunctional device 1 and cannot fall into the housing 81.

[0238] Fig. 11D: After tightening the screw 90 with an assembly tool (not shown), which is also securely guided in the guide devices 2, 3, 4, the sealing element 43 is inserted between the housing 81 and the multifunctional device 1. The positioning of the hooks or lugs 44 must be observed.

[0239] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B: The cover 46 is placed on the housing 81, but only contacts the contact elements 45 of the multifunctional device 1, so that a gap is created between the cover 46 and the housing 81.

[0240] Fig. 12B and Fig. 12D: Then the cover screws 90 are set.

[0241] The gap between cover 46 and housing 81 is closed after tightening the cover screws 90 by pressing down the contact elements 45 and thus clamping the multifunctional device 1 securely between cover 46 and housing 81.

[0242] The above-described air gap between the top surface O of the multifunctional device 1 and the cover 46 remains, since only the contact elements 45 locally touch the cover 46. However, the air gap is reduced by plasticizing the contact elements 45 during cover assembly compared to the non-plasticized state before cover assembly.

[0243] The multifunctional device 1 enables, due to its particularly advantageous design, on the one hand, safe assembly and, on the other hand, safe operation of the HV components of a high-voltage terminal or a high-voltage connection device 60 for a drive system 80 with at least one electrical machine. List of reference symbols 1 Multifunctional device 2 Guide device 3 Guide device 4 Guide device 5 spacing device 6 first section 7 Entrance opening 8 flat surface 9 second section 10 third section 11 Exit opening 12 jetty 13 - 15 first spacing element 16 - 19 second spacing element 20 first area 21 second area 22 - 25 Transverse stiffening 26 --- 27 recording 28 recording 29 Collection facility 30 first wall element 31 second wall element 32 third wall element 33 fourth wall element 34 passage opening 35 first opening 36 second opening 37 Sealing device 38 edge element 39 paragraph 40 chamfer 41 recording 42 recording 43 Sealing element 44 Nose 45 Contact element 46 lids 60 high-voltage connection device 61 - 66 electrically conductive element 67A - 67C Contact point 68 first connection device 69 second connection device 70 housings 80 drive system 81 housings 82 Housing holder 83 - 85 contact strips 86 mounting positions 90 fasteners H1 first height H2 second height R1 first direction R2 second direction M Mounting direction O Top U bottom

Claims

[1] Multifunctional device (1) for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60) and for facilitating assembly on electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), the multifunctional device (1) comprising: a guide device (2, 3, 4) for guiding a fastening means (90) towards and away from a contact point (67A - 67C) of a high-voltage connection device (60), and a spacing device (5) for maintaining air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connecting device (60), wherein the spacing device (5) is at least partially designed similarly to the teeth of a comb, which extend in an assembly direction (M) in order to ensure insertion along the assembly direction (M) between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connecting device (60), characterized by a sealing device (37) which is arranged on the guide device (2, 3, 4) and on the spacing device (5) so that sealing against the escape of cooling fluid can be prevented, wherein the sealing device (37) has an edge element (38) which is formed circumferentially around a first opening (35) of a collecting device (29) of the multifunctional device (1) and around an inlet opening (7) of a first section (6) of the guide device (2, 3, 4). [2] Multifunctional device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device (37) has a contact element (45) for securely positioning the multifunctional device (1) in a housing receptacle (82) of a housing (81) of a drive system (80), and the contact element (45) is designed as an elevation which extends from an upper side (O) of an edge element (38) of the sealing device (37) opposite to the mounting direction (M). [3] Multifunctional device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing device (5) has a first spacing element (13, 14, 15) for ensuring air and creepage distances between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connecting device (60), and the first spacing element (13, 14, 15) is formed in cross-section along the mounting direction (M) similar to a tooth of a comb. [4] Multifunctional device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacing device (5) has a second spacing element (16, 17, 18, 19) for the exact positioning of an electrically conductive element (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), and the second spacing element (16, 17, 18, 19) has a first region (20) for simplified insertion between two electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) and a second region (21) for correctly adjusting the position and air and creepage distances of electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66). [5] Multifunctional device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second spacing element (16, 17, 18, 19) is spatially aligned such that it is aligned comparable to an ideal plane which is spanned by the mounting direction (M), in which insertion of the multifunctional device (1) between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60) can be ensured, and a second direction (R2) which is oriented at right angles to the mounting direction (M). [6] Multifunctional device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide device (2, 3, 4) is designed similarly to a hollow cylinder, and the guide device (2, 3, 4) is funnel-shaped in cross section. [7] Multifunctional device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide device (2, 3, 4) comprises: a hollow cylindrical first section (6) with an inlet opening (7) for easy insertion of a fastening means (90), a conical second section (9) for precisely positioning the fastening means (90), and a hollow cylindrical third section (10) with an exit opening (11) for simple and safe assembly and disassembly of the fastening means (90). [8] Multifunctional device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide device (2, 3, 4) has a first height (H1), the spacing device (5) has a second height (H2), wherein the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) extend along the mounting direction (M) in which the multifunctional device (1) can be mounted or inserted between electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60), and the first height (H1) is of the same length as or shorter than the second height (H2), so that electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60) arranged one above the other and next to one another can be spaced apart by means of the spacing device (5), or the first height (H1) is longer than the second height (H2), so that electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66) of a high-voltage connection device (60) arranged one next to one another can be spaced apart by means of the spacing device (5). [9] A drive system for a hybrid or electric vehicle, the drive system comprising: a multifunctional device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and a housing (81) for accommodating at least one rotor and at least one stator of at least one electrical machine, wherein the housing (81) has a housing receptacle (82) for the multifunctional device (1) and the multifunctional device (1) is arranged in the housing receptacle (82). [10] Drive system according to claim 9, which comprises a high-voltage connection device (60) for connecting a power electronics to the at least one stator or the at least one rotor of the at least one electrical machine, wherein the high-voltage connection device (60) has a first connection device (68) for connecting the power electronics and a second connection device (69) for connecting the at least one electrical machine, the high-voltage connection device (60) has three or six electrically conductive elements (61, 62, 63; 64, 65, 66), so that one or two electrical machines can be connected to the power electronics using a single high-voltage connection device (60), the second connection device (3) has three contact points (67A - 67C) as a phase connection and for contacting three contact strips (83, 84, 85) of the at least one electrical machine, and the high-voltage connection device (60), the housing receptacle (82) of the drive system (80) and the multifunctional device (1) are arranged relative to one another in the housing (81) of the drive system (80) such that, after the multifunctional device (1) has been mounted in the housing receptacle (82), the three contact points (67A - 67C) of the second connection device (69) and contact strips (83 - 85) of the at least one electrical machine can be connected by means of fastening means, such that the guide device (2, 3, 4) of the multifunctional device (1) guides the fastening means to the three contact points (67A - 67C) for screwing to the contact strips (83 - 85).

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