Positioning unit for a busbar element in a module pocket element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a positioning unit (10) for a busbar element (12) in a module pocket element (14), wherein the positioning unit (10) comprises at least one positioning element (16) which can be arranged at least partially in the module pocket element (14), wherein the positioning element (16) is designed to bring and / or hold the busbar element (12) in a predetermined position (18).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning unit for a busbar element in a module pocket element, a method for assembling a busbar element and a vehicle.

[0002] Currently, there are a variety of different solutions for mounting and positioning busbar elements in the automotive sector. Due to the increasing number of contact points in the automotive sector and the increased quality requirements, the need for innovative and robust contacting and positioning options is continuously growing.

[0003] The constant weight reduction in the vehicle sector to reduce fuel consumption and increasing competition are creating cost pressure, so that cheaper and more efficient components for vehicles are in greater demand. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The positioning unit according to the invention for a busbar element in a module pocket element with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known ones that the busbar element can be held in a predetermined position by means of the positioning unit, in particular for the duration of transport or the like. For example, the busbar element is inserted into the module pocket in a first process step and then transported to a second processing station. At the second processing station, in particular, a material-to-material connection can be formed between the busbar element and the module pocket element, for example by means of laser welding. To ensure that the busbar element does not slip in the module pocket element on the way between the arrangement and the connection, the positioning unit can be arranged, which can in particular be configured to reach and hold the predetermined position.A further advantage is that the positioning element can be designed in such a way that the positioning unit can correct the position of the busbar element. This ensures, in particular, that the busbar element and the module pocket element can lie on top of each other without a gap. This can significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of power electronics components.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention in that the positioning unit for a busbar element in a module pocket element comprises at least one positioning element. The positioning element can be arranged at least partially in the module pocket element, wherein the positioning element is configured to bring the busbar element into a predetermined position and / or to hold it there.

[0006] In other words, the busbar element can be positioned manually and / or automatically in the module pocket element. In order for the busbar element to be welded to the module pocket element or the busbar element in the module pocket element, for example, to a copper surface on an active metal brazing substrate, it should be in a predetermined position. The predetermined position can be achieved using the positioning unit and the positioning element. In particular, the positioning element can protrude into the module pocket element in order to be able to correct the position of the busbar element. When the busbar element is located in the predetermined position in the module pocket element, the positioning unit can further ensure that the busbar element does not slip during transport or the like and thus remains in the predetermined position at a further processing station. The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0007] Preferably, the busbar element has at least one stop element, wherein the stop element is configured to space the busbar element from a wall of the module pocket element, wherein the positioning unit is configured to press the stop element against the wall by means of the positioning element, so that the busbar element is in the predetermined position.

[0008] An advantage of this embodiment is that the predetermined position can already be specified by forming the stop element, so that when contact is formed between the stop element and the wall, the busbar element is in the predetermined position.

[0009] Further preferably, the positioning element has at least one air channel, wherein the positioning unit is configured to bring the busbar element into the predetermined position and / or to hold it there by means of an air pulse from the air channel.

[0010] An advantage of this embodiment is that the busbar element can be brought into the predetermined position essentially without contact, so that no wear or the like occurs.

[0011] Further preferably, the positioning unit has at least one sensor unit which is configured to determine a difference between an actual position of the busbar element and the predetermined position, wherein the positioning unit is configured to minimize the difference by means of an air pulse of the air duct.

[0012] An advantage of this embodiment is that, using a suitable pneumatic control system, the air pulse can be adjusted accordingly to bring the busbar element into the predetermined position. This significantly increases the safety of the method. Preferably, the sensor unit can be a camera unit or similar device that can determine a difference between the actual position of the busbar element and the predetermined position. Based on the difference, the air pulse of the air channel can be adjusted accordingly so that the busbar element can be arranged in the predetermined position.

[0013] Further preferably, the positioning element has a spacing element, wherein the spacing element can be arranged on a tool unit, wherein the spacing element is designed to bring the busbar element into the predetermined position by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection with the busbar element.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that tolerance compensation can take place, particularly between the tool unit and the busbar element. Preferably, the force-locking and / or form-locking connection can be formed temporarily between the spacing element and the tool unit. By applying a force in a predetermined direction by means of the force-locking and / or form-locking connection, the busbar element is brought into the predetermined position.

[0015] Further preferably, the spacing element comprises a spring element, wherein a first end of the spring element is arranged on the tool unit, wherein the spring element is configured to deflect the busbar element towards the tool unit in order to bring the busbar element into the predetermined position.

[0016] An advantage of this embodiment is that the spring element can be connected to the tool unit such that a reference between the spring element and the tool unit is substantially constant. Preferably, the spring element can generate a force with respect to the first end that presses the busbar element into the predetermined position.

[0017] Further preferably, the positioning unit comprises a contact switch element, wherein the spring element is configured to trigger the contact switch element when the busbar element is in the predetermined position.

[0018] An advantage of this embodiment is that by triggering the contact switch element, the positioning process can be terminated because the busbar element is in the predetermined position.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a busbar element, comprising the steps: - Arranging a busbar element in a module pocket element, - Adjusting a position of the busbar element in the module pocket element by means of a positioning unit, as described above and below, so that the busbar element is in a predetermined position, - Forming a material connection between the busbar element and the module pocket element.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that it can be ensured that the busbar element is in the predetermined position in the module pocket element when the integral connection is formed, in particular by means of laser beam welding or the like. Further preferably, a tool unit can be used during laser welding, which provides the laser beam, etc. Further preferably, vapors generated during the welding process can be extracted. Further preferably, the tool unit can also shield the surrounding geometry, so that the scattered radiation of the laser can be minimized.

[0021] More preferably, the method further comprises the step: - Securing the busbar element in the module pocket element for a predetermined period of time, wherein the predetermined period of time is between adjusting the position of the busbar element and forming the material-to-material connection.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that the positioning unit can secure the busbar element for a predetermined period of time, in particular a transport period, so that when changing processing stations the busbar element remains in the predetermined position.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a busbar element that has been positioned by means of a positioning unit as described above and below and / or has been positioned by means of the method as described above and below. Short description of the drawings

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing: Fig. 1 to 4 a positioning unit according to an embodiment, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 a flowchart illustrating steps of the method according to an embodiment, Fig. 7 a vehicle according to an embodiment. Embodiments of the invention

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a positioning unit 10 according to one embodiment. The positioning unit 10 for a busbar element 12 in a module pocket element 14 preferably comprises at least one positioning element 16, which can be arranged at least partially in the module pocket element 14. The positioning element 16 is preferably configured to bring the busbar element 12 into a predetermined position 18 and / or to hold it there.

[0026] As in the Fig. 1, the positioning element 16 has an air channel 24, which is configured to preferably apply an air pulse to the busbar element 12. With the aid of the air pulse of the air channel 24, a force 19 can be directed onto the busbar element 12, so that the busbar element 12 moves into a predetermined position 18 or can be held there. Further preferably, the busbar element 12 has at least one stop element 20. The stop element 20 can preferably be configured to space the busbar element 12 from a wall 22 of the module pocket element 14. As shown in the Fig. 1, the air duct 24 applies an air pulse to the busbar element 12, so that the stop element 20 rests against the wall 22. The busbar element 12 can thus be brought into the predetermined position 18. More preferably, the air duct 24 can be arranged on a tool unit 30. More preferably, the positioning unit 10 has a sensor unit 26, which is configured to determine a difference between the actual position of the busbar element 12 and the predetermined position 18, wherein the positioning unit 20 is configured to minimize the difference by means of the air pulse of the air duct 24.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a positioning unit 10 according to an embodiment. As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the busbar element 12 can be moved into the predetermined position 18 within the module pocket element 14 by means of the positioning unit 10 and the positioning element 16, which includes an air duct 24. Preferably, a sensor unit 26 of the positioning unit 10 can determine an actual position of the busbar element 12 and compare it with the predetermined position 18. Thus, a difference can be determined, which can be reduced by the positioning unit 10.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a positioning unit 10 according to an embodiment. The positioning unit 10 preferably comprises a positioning element 16, which in the Fig. 3 is designed as a spacing element 28. The spacing element 28 can preferably be configured to bring the busbar element 12 into the predetermined position 18 by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection with the busbar element 12. The spacing element 28 can preferably be arranged on the tool unit 30. Thus, the spacing element 28 can form a force 19 which displaces the busbar element 12 into the predetermined position 18. In particular, the busbar element 12 can have a stop element 20 so that the stop element 20 is pressed against a wall 22 of the module pocket element 14 by means of the force 19. Further preferably, the spacing element 28 has a spring element 32. Further preferably, a first end 34 of the spring element 32 can be arranged on the tool unit 30.Preferably, the spring element 32 is configured to deflect the busbar element 12 toward the tool unit 30 in order to bring the busbar element 12 into the predetermined position 18. Further preferably, the positioning unit 10 has a contact switch element 36. Preferably, the spring element 32 is configured to trigger the contact switch element 36 when the busbar element 12 is in the predetermined position 18.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows a positioning unit 10 according to an embodiment. The positioning unit 10 preferably comprises a positioning element 16, which, as shown in Fig. 4, can be designed as a spacing element 28 with a spring element 32. The positioning unit 10 preferably has a contact switch element 36. The busbar element 12 is preferably positioned in the module pocket element 14. By moving the tool unit 30 into the module pocket element 14, the busbar element 12 can be positioned in the predetermined position 18. This can be done in particular by the spacing element 28 resting on the busbar element 12 or forming a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection in order to position the busbar element 12 in the predetermined position 18. Furthermore, the spring element 32 of the spacing element 28 can trigger a contact switch element 36 when the busbar element 12 is in the predetermined position 18.

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 100 according to one embodiment. The method 100 for assembling a busbar element 12 preferably comprises the following steps: - arranging S1 of a busbar element 12 in a module pocket element 14, - Adjusting S2 a position of the busbar element 12 in the module pocket element 14 by means of a positioning unit 10, as described above and below, so that the busbar element 12 is in a predetermined position 18, - Forming S3 a material connection between the busbar element 12 and the module pocket element 14.

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 100 according to an embodiment. The method 100 preferably comprises steps S1 - S3, as already described with regard to Fig. 5. Further preferably, the method 100 comprises the step S4 of securing the busbar element 12 in the module pocket element 14 for a predetermined period of time.

[0032] Fig. 7 shows a vehicle 200 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 200 preferably has a busbar element 12, which was positioned by means of a positioning unit 10, as described above and below, and / or by means of the method 100, as described above and below.

Claims

[1] Positioning unit (10) for a busbar element (12) in a module pocket element (14), wherein the positioning unit (10) comprises at least one positioning element (16) which can be arranged at least partially in the module pocket element (14), wherein the positioning element (16) is designed to bring and / or hold the busbar element (12) in a predetermined position (18). [2] Positioning unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the busbar element (12) has at least one stop element (20), wherein the stop element (20) is configured to space the busbar element (12) from a wall (22) of the module pocket element (14), wherein the positioning unit (10) is configured to press the stop element (20) against the wall (22) by means of the positioning element (16) so that the busbar element (12) is in the predetermined position (18). [3] Positioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning element (16) has at least one air channel (24), wherein the positioning unit (10) is configured to bring and / or hold the busbar element (12) in the predetermined position (18) by means of an air pulse of the air channel (24). [4] Positioning unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein the positioning unit (10) has at least one sensor unit (26) which is configured to determine a difference between an actual position of the busbar element (12) and the predetermined position (18), wherein the positioning unit (10) is configured to minimize the difference by means of the air pulse of the air duct (24). [5] Positioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the positioning element (16) has a spacing element (28), wherein the spacing element (28) can be arranged on a tool unit (30), wherein the spacing element (28) is designed to bring the busbar element (12) into a predetermined position (18) by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection with the busbar element (12). [6] Positioning unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein the spacing element (28) comprises a spring element (32), wherein a first end (34) of the spring element (32) is arranged on the tool unit (30), wherein the spring element (32) is adapted to deflect the busbar element (12) towards the tool unit (30) in order to bring the busbar element (12) into the predetermined position (18). [7] Positioning unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein the positioning unit (10) has a contact switch element (36), wherein the spring element (32) is adapted to trigger the contact switch element (36) when the busbar element (12) is in the predetermined position (18). [8] Method (100) for assembling a busbar element (12), comprising the steps: - arranging (S1) a busbar element (12) in a module pocket element (14), - adjusting (S2) a position of the busbar element (12) in the module pocket element (14) by means of a positioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, so that the busbar element (12) is in a predetermined position (18), - Forming (S3) a material connection between the busbar element (12) and the module pocket element (14). [9] The method (100) of claim 8, further comprising the step: - Securing S4 the busbar element (12) in the module pocket element (14) for a predetermined period of time, wherein the predetermined period of time is between the adjustment (S2) of the position of the busbar element (12) and the formation (S3) of the material connection. [10] Vehicle (200) comprising a busbar element (12) which was positioned by means of a positioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1-7 and / or was positioned by means of the method (100) according to one of claims 8-9.

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