BUSBAR ARRANGEMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND USE OF A FABRIC HOSE

Abstract

A busbar arrangement (100) is proposed. This arrangement comprises a first busbar (110), a second busbar (120) connected to the first busbar (110) in a connecting section (130), a fabric sleeve (140) that surrounds at least the connecting section (130), and a sealing element (150) that surrounds at least one of the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120) and overlaps with a longitudinal end of the fabric sleeve (140). Furthermore, an electrical system for a motor vehicle with such a busbar arrangement (100) is proposed.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical busbar arrangement. It further relates to an electrical system for a motor vehicle with such a busbar arrangement. The present invention also relates to the use of a fabric hose for sealing a connecting section between at least two busbars of a busbar arrangement. State of the art

[0002] It is known from practical experience that two or more busbars can be connected to form a busbar assembly. Such a busbar assembly can be used in a variety of applications, for example in the automotive sector, or similar fields. In the automotive sector, such a busbar assembly can be used, for example, in the electrical system of a vehicle, e.g., a motor vehicle, and serve to conduct current.

[0003] With such a busbar arrangement, it may be desirable to seal at least one connecting section between two busbars and / or to achieve electrical insulation of the busbar arrangement and / or the connecting section. For this purpose, it would be conceivable to design an enclosure for the busbar arrangement.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2016 207 547 A1 describes a wiring arrangement for the electrical connection of several stator wires of a stator of an electric machine, wherein the wiring arrangement comprises several busbars, each with a connecting section for the electrical connection of the stator wires to the busbars. Furthermore, the wiring arrangement includes a sealing element for sealing a transition area between a wet area and a dry area of ​​the electric machine.

[0005] Publication US 5 819 807 A describes braided cables and methods for manufacturing braided cables.

[0006] The publication DE 10 2009 024 975 A1 describes a connection between a first conductor element made of a metallic material and a second conductor element made of a metallic material with a covering for the second conductor element, as well as a connection part for a hose, which is designed as a pipe element.

[0007] The publication DE 10 2010 029 725 A1 describes a nozzle for sealing between a strand-shaped element, e.g. a pipe, and a cylindrical body surrounding the strand-shaped element via a gap, e.g. a so-called fiberglass protective hose or a corrugated pipe. Description of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is therefore to create the most effective possible sealing of at least one section of an electrical busbar arrangement using the simplest possible means in terms of construction.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0010] According to a first aspect, an electrical busbar arrangement is proposed. The busbar arrangement comprises a first busbar. Furthermore, the busbar arrangement comprises a second busbar, which is connected to the first busbar in a connecting section. The busbar arrangement also includes a fabric sleeve that surrounds at least the connecting section. Finally, the busbar arrangement includes a sealing element that surrounds at least one of the first and second busbars and overlaps one longitudinal end of the fabric sleeve.

[0011] This configuration of the busbar assembly allows for a structurally simple sealing and / or electrical insulation of the busbar assembly, or at least a section thereof. The fabric sleeve and the sealing element work together to seal the busbar assembly, at least in sections, against media, fluids, or the like, and / or to electrically insulate the busbar assembly, at least in sections. This may be desirable for safety and / or technical reasons. Furthermore, sealing the connection section allows for different material combinations for the first and second busbars, as the seal can counteract corrosion of the connection section.Furthermore, the fabric hose and the sealing element can work together to enclose an air volume between them and the first busbar and / or the second busbar, which, by performing a volume test, e.g. also by testing an air flow at the sealing element, can provide information about, for example, the quality of the busbar arrangement, the quality of the sealing of the busbar arrangement and / or the connection section, or the like.

[0012] As used herein, the busbar assembly can serve to conduct and / or distribute electrical energy. The busbar assembly comprises, at least in sections, two interconnected busbars, i.e., the first busbar and the second busbar. The first busbar and / or the second busbar can be made of an electrically conductive metallic material. The first busbar and the second busbar can have identical or different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional sizes. The connecting section can be designed, for example, geometrically, by means of a cross-sectional reduction at least in sections, or the like, to exhibit flexible properties. For example, the busbar assembly can exhibit flexible properties, e.g., with respect to bendability, at least in sections, e.g., in the connecting section.The first and second busbars can overlap completely in the connecting section and be connected there. Optionally, a cross-section of at least one of the first and second busbars can be weakened and / or reduced, e.g., by having a reduced height in certain sections. The connecting section can be located adjacent to a longitudinal end of the busbar assembly, which can be used for and / or serves as the electrical connection point for the busbar assembly and can therefore also be referred to as the connection section. Accordingly, the sealing element can be arranged such that it seals the first and / or second busbar against the connection section.

[0013] The sealing element can be made of a mechanically flexible material. For example, the sealing element can be made of or based on a rubber, silicone, or a plastic suitable for sealing. The sealing element can be circumferential, with an enclosed inner cross-section of the sealing element being adapted to the cross-section of the first and / or second busbar surrounded by the sealing element, e.g., geometrically adapted.

[0014] The fabric sleeve can incorporate a woven material. This material can, for example, be composed of numerous continuous fibers. The individual continuous fibers can be, for example, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, glass fibers, fiberglass, or similar materials. The fabric sleeve can be electrically insulating. Alternatively or additionally, the fabric sleeve can be fluid-resistant and / or fluid-tight to achieve or at least facilitate sealing of the busbar assembly. In its intended use, the fabric sleeve can enclose or encase the busbar assembly, at least partially, particularly in the connection section.

[0015] According to a further development, the sealing element can have its inner side in contact with at least one of the first busbars and the outer side of the second busbar. This allows the sealing element to seal the first busbar and / or the second busbar towards the longitudinal end and / or the connection section.

[0016] In a further development, the sealing element can have at least one sealing lip on its inner side. This at least one sealing lip can be configured to come into contact with at least one of the first and second busbars. For example, a plurality of sealing lips can be provided, which can be arranged in series, particularly with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first and / or the second busbar. The at least one sealing lip can be dimensioned to match the respective cross-section of the first and / or the second busbar.

[0017] According to a further development, the sealing element can have a first engagement element. The first engagement element can be designed to engage with the fabric hose and / or a section thereof. The first engagement element can be designed for frictional and / or positive engagement with the fabric hose. For example, the first engagement element can have a projection, a lip, a bead, a recess, a groove, a slot, a barb, or another engagement structure for engaging with the fabric hose and / or a correspondingly and / or complementarily designed counter element, e.g., a second engagement element, of the fabric hose. This allows the sealing element and the fabric hose to be fixed to one another, particularly in an axial direction of the busbar assembly or of at least one of the first and second busbars.

[0018] In a further development, the sealing element can be designed as a slip-on seal. The slip-on seal can be configured to be slipped over the longitudinal end of the fabric hose section by section. For example, a first section of the slip-on seal can be attached to at least one of the first and second busbars, e.g., by sliding it on. This first section of the slip-on seal can then rest with its inner surface against at least one of the first and second busbars to create a seal. The fabric hose, in particular its longitudinal end or a section thereof, can then be applied to an outer surface of the first section of the slip-on seal, e.g., by sliding it on.It should be noted that an inside side of the sealing element and / or the fabric sleeve is one of the sides facing the first and / or the second busbar, and an outside side of the sealing element and / or the fabric sleeve is one of the sides facing away from the first and / or the second busbar. The first section of the slip-on seal can serve as a kind of counter-bearing or abutment for the fabric sleeve. A second section of the slip-on seal, formed integrally with the first section, can then be slipped over the arrangement of the first section of the slip-on seal and the fabric sleeve. In other words, the slip-on seal can be slipped section by section over the fabric sleeve or the longitudinal end of the fabric sleeve. The fabric sleeve or the longitudinal end of the fabric sleeve can be sandwiched between the first section of the sealing element and the inverted second section of the sealing element.This creates a particularly robust, structurally simple and easy-to-install seal for the busbar assembly.

[0019] According to a further development, the busbar assembly can also have a clip-shaped fastening element. This fastening element can be designed to secure the snap-on seal, which is fitted over the longitudinal end in sections. This creates a particularly robust, structurally simple, and easy-to-install seal for the busbar assembly.

[0020] In a further training course, the sealing element can be made of a silicone material. This can be easily manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process or similar methods. Silicone material has good electrical insulating properties and is well-suited for sealing against media, fluids, etc.

[0021] According to further training, the fabric hose can be made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is woven from fiberglass. Fiberglass exhibits high dielectric strength, particularly with regard to breakdown voltage, is a good electrical insulator, and is also suitable for use at extreme temperatures.

[0022] In a further development process, the fabric hose can have a coating, e.g., an outer coating and / or an inner coating, at least at its longitudinal end and / or in sections. The coating can serve to improve the tightness of the fabric hose. Furthermore, the coating can serve to ensure good, e.g., as flat as possible, contact between the sealing element and or with the fabric hose.

[0023] According to a further development, the fabric hose can have a second engagement element designed to engage with the sealing element. This second engagement element can be designed to engage with the sealing element or a section thereof. The second engagement element can be configured for frictional and / or positive engagement with the sealing element. For example, the second engagement element can have a projection, lip, bead, recess, groove, slot, barb, or other engagement structure for engaging with the sealing element and / or a correspondingly and / or complementarily designed counter element, e.g., the first engagement element, of the sealing element. This allows the sealing element and the fabric hose to be fixed to one another, particularly in an axial direction of the busbar assembly.from at least one of the first and second power rails.

[0024] In a further development, the first and second busbars can be materially bonded together in the connecting section. For example, the first and second busbars can be welded together, using various welding processes. The first and second busbars can also be axially aligned with each other. They can also overlap section by section. In this case, at least one of the first and second busbars can have a reduced cross-section in a section, and the two busbars can be connected in this reduced cross-section section.

[0025] According to further training, the busbar system can be configured for use in a motor vehicle. There, the busbar system can, for example, serve to conduct and / or distribute electrical current.

[0026] Another aspect concerns the electrical system of a motor vehicle. The electrical system has a busbar arrangement as described in the first aspect. This busbar arrangement can, for example, be used to conduct and / or distribute electrical current. Accordingly, it can, for instance, connect an electrical power source to an electrical load.

[0027] Regarding the possible further training and advantages of the electrical on-board network equipped with the busbar arrangement, reference is made to the corresponding explanations under the first aspect.

[0028] Another aspect concerns the use of a fabric sleeve to seal a connection section between at least two busbars of a busbar assembly. The fabric sleeve surrounds at least the connection section. A sealing element surrounds at least one of the first and second busbars and overlaps the fabric sleeve with one longitudinal end.

[0029] Regarding the possible further training opportunities and advantages of this use, please refer to the corresponding explanations under the first aspect.

[0030] According to further training, the busbar system is used in motor vehicles. The busbar system is particularly easy to install there and allows for different material combinations for the first and second busbars.

[0031] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. Brief character description

[0032] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1A in a perspective view a busbar arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1B in a side sectional view the busbar arrangement Fig. 1A. Fig. 2A in a perspective view a busbar arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2B shows the busbar arrangement in a side sectional view. Fig. 2A. Fig. 3A in a perspective view a busbar arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3B shows the busbar arrangement in a side sectional view. Fig. 3A. Fig. 4A in a perspective view a busbar arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4B shows the busbar arrangement in a side sectional view. Fig. 4A.

[0033] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description of an exemplary implementation

[0034] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary electrical busbar arrangement 100. This can be used to conduct and / or distribute electrical energy, such as in a motor vehicle, although its application is not limited thereto. Fig. Figure 1A shows the busbar arrangement 100 in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 1B shows the busbar arrangement 100 in a side sectional view.

[0035] According to Fig. In Figure 1B, the busbar assembly 100 comprises a first busbar 110. The busbar assembly 100 also comprises a second busbar 120, which is connected to the first busbar 110 in a connecting section 130. The first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120 may be made of an electrically conductive metallic material. The first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 may have identical or different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional sizes. The connecting section 130 may be designed to exhibit flexible properties, for example, geometrically, by means of at least a partial reduction in cross-section, or the like. For example, the busbar assembly may exhibit flexible properties, such as bendability, at least partially, e.g., in the connecting section 130.The first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 can overlap over a surface in the connecting section 130 and be connected to each other there, for example by material bonding, by a suitable welding process or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the busbar assembly 100 has a fabric sleeve 140 that surrounds at least the connecting section 130. The fabric sleeve 140 can be made of a woven material. The woven material can, for example, be formed from a multitude of continuous fibers. The individual continuous fibers can be, for example, a plastic fiber, a natural fiber, a glass fiber, a fiberglass, or the like. The fabric sleeve 140 can be electrically insulating. Alternatively or additionally, the fabric sleeve 140 can be fluid-resistant and / or fluid-tight to achieve or at least support a seal of the busbar assembly 100. In at least some embodiments, the fabric sleeve 140 can be made of fiberglass. Furthermore, the fabric sleeve 140 can have a coating, e.g., an outer coating and / or an inner coating, at least at its longitudinal end and / or in sections.The coating can improve the tightness of the 140 mm fabric hose. Furthermore, the coating can help to ensure a good, e.g., as flat as possible, seal between a sealing element and the 140 mm fabric hose.

[0037] Furthermore, the busbar assembly 100 has a sealing element 150. The sealing element 150 surrounds at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 and overlaps with a longitudinal end of the fabric hose 130. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1B, the sealing element 150 serves to seal the fabric hose 140 and / or the connecting section 130 in an axial direction of the busbar assembly 100. Fig. In 1B, the sealing element 150 surrounds the second busbar 120 and rests against it with its inner surface. The sealing element 150 can be made of a mechanically flexible material. For example, the sealing element 150 can be made of or based on a rubber, a silicone, or a plastic suitable for sealing. The sealing element 150 can be circumferential, with an enclosed inner cross-section of the sealing element 150 being adapted to the respective cross-section of the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120 that is surrounded by the sealing element 150, e.g., geometrically adapted. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, the sealing element 150 can rest with its inner surface against the outer surface of at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120, as shown in the figure. Fig. 1B, for example, on the second busbar 120. This allows the sealing element 150 to seal the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120 or the connecting section 130 in the axial direction.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the sealing element 150 can have at least one sealing lip 151 on its inner side. The at least one sealing lip 151 can be configured to come into contact with the at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120, according to... Fig. 1B with the second busbar 120. For example, a plurality of sealing lips 151 can be provided, which can be arranged in series, in particular with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 20. The at least one sealing lip 151 can be dimensioned to match the respective cross-section of the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120.

[0039] In at least some embodiments, the sealing element 150 can have a first engagement element 152. The first engagement element 152 can be configured to engage with the fabric hose 140 and / or a section thereof. The first engagement element 152 can be configured for frictional and / or positive engagement with the fabric hose 140. For example, the first engagement element 152 can have a projection, a lip, a bead, a recess, a groove, a notch, a barb, or another engagement structure for engaging with the fabric hose 140 and / or a correspondingly and / or complementarily designed counter element, e.g., a second engagement element, of the fabric hose 140. This allows the sealing element 150 and the fabric hose 140 to be fixed to one another, particularly in an axial direction of the busbar assembly 100.from at least one of the first power rail 110 and the second power rail 120.

[0040] In at least some embodiments, the fabric hose 140 can have a second engagement element 141 designed to engage with the sealing element 150. The second engagement element 141 can be designed to engage with the sealing element or a section thereof. The second engagement element can be designed for frictional and / or positive engagement with the sealing element. For example, the second engagement element can have a projection, lip, bead, recess, groove, slot, barb, or other engagement structure for engaging with the sealing element 150 and / or a correspondingly and / or complementarily designed counter element, e.g., a first engagement element 152, of the sealing element 150.

[0041] In at least some embodiments, the sealing element 150 can be designed as a slip-on seal, as is the case in Fig. Figure 1B shows an example. The slip-on seal can be designed to be slipped over the longitudinal end of the fabric hose 140 section by section. For example, a first section 153 of the slip-on seal can be attached to at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120, e.g., by sliding it on. This first section 153 of the slip-on seal can rest with its inner side against at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 to create a seal. Then the fabric hose 140, in particular its longitudinal end or a section thereof, can be applied to an outer side of the first section 153 of the slip-on seal, e.g., by sliding it on.It should be noted that an inner side of the sealing element 150 and / or the fabric tube 140 is a side facing the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120, and an outer side of the sealing element 150 and / or the fabric tube 140 is a side facing away from the first busbar 110 and / or the second busbar 120. The first section 153 of the slip-on seal can serve as a kind of counter-bearing or abutment for the fabric tube 140. A second section 154 of the slip-on seal, which is formed integrally with the first section 153, can then be slipped over the arrangement of the first section 153 of the slip-on seal and the fabric tube 140. In other words, the slip-on seal can be slipped section by section over the fabric tube 140 or the longitudinal end of the fabric tube 140. The fabric tube 140 orThe longitudinal end of the fabric tube 140 can be arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the first section 153 of the sealing element 150 and the inverted second section 154 of the sealing element 150.

[0042] Based on the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, Fig. 3A and Fig. The following examples of how the busbar arrangement 100 can be provided or manufactured will now be explained using 3B as well as 4A and 4B. Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A and Fig. Figures 4A each show different stages or states of the manufacture of the busbar assembly 100 in a perspective view. Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 4B shows the corresponding stages or states of the manufacture of the busbar assembly 100 in a respective lateral sectional view.

[0043] According to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the sealing element 150, which is shown here as an exemplary slip-on seal, is applied to at least one of the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120, with the second busbar 120 being shown as an example in the figures. Here, the sealing element 150 is initially folded back or not yet turned inside out. Accordingly, in Fig. 2B the second section 154 of the sealing element 150 folded back or not yet folded over.

[0044] According to the Fig. 3A and Fig. The fabric hose 140 is now arranged in 3B. The first section 153 of the sealing element 150 can serve as a kind of counter-bearing or abutment for the fabric hose 140. The second section 154 of the sealing element 150 is still folded back or not yet turned inside out. The first engagement element 152 and the second engagement element 141 are in a force-fit and / or form-fit engagement with each other.

[0045] By folding or turning over the second section 154 of the sealing element 150 towards the fabric hose 140, the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shows the state of the busbar arrangement.

[0046] According to the Fig. 3A and Fig. In at least some embodiments, the busbar assembly 100 in 3B can further comprise a clip-shaped fastening element 160. The fastening element 160 can be configured to fix the sealing element 150, which is partially folded over its longitudinal end. In particular, the fastening element 160 can be configured to fix the second section 154 of the sealing element 150, which is folded or turned inside out towards the fabric hose 140.

[0047] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 busbar arrangement 110 (first) busbar 120 (second) busbar 130 connecting section 140 fabric hose 141 (second) intervention element 150 sealing elements 151 sealing lip(s) 152 (first) intervention element 153 first section 154 second section 160 fastening element

Claims

[1] Busbar arrangement (100), comprising: a first busbar (110), a second busbar (120) which is connected to the first busbar (110) in a connecting section (130), a fabric hose (140) that surrounds at least the connecting section (130), and a sealing element (150) that surrounds at least one of the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120) and overlaps with a longitudinal end of the fabric hose (140). [2] Busbar arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (150) has an inner side against the outside of at least one of the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120). [3] Busbar arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (150) has at least one sealing lip (151) on an inner side, which is designed to come into contact with at least one of the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120). [4] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (150) has a first engagement element (152) which is designed to engage with the fabric hose (140). [5] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (150) is designed as a slip-on seal which can be slipped over the long end of the fabric hose section by section. [6] Busbar arrangement according to claim 5, further comprising a clip-shaped fastening element (160) which is designed to fix the slip-on seal which is fitted section by section over the longitudinal end. [7] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (150) is made of a silicone material. [8] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric hose (140) is designed as a glass fiber hose. [9] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric hose (140) has a coating, in particular an outer coating, at least at its longitudinal end and / or section by section. [10] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric hose (140) has a second engagement element (141) which is designed to engage with the sealing element (150). [11] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120) are connected to each other in the connecting section (130) by a material bond. [12] Busbar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the busbar arrangement is designed for use in a motor vehicle. [13] Electrical on-board network for a motor vehicle, comprising a busbar arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims. [14] Use of a fabric hose (140) for sealing a connecting section (130) between at least two busbars (110) of a busbar arrangement (100), wherein the fabric hose (140) surrounds at least the connecting section (130), and a sealing element (150) surrounds at least one of the first busbar (110) and the second busbar (120) and overlaps with a longitudinal end of the fabric hose (140).

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