Connector system and electrical power distribution system

Abstract

To allow a DC power supply connector – e.g., for an electric agricultural machine – to rotate freely around its axis while simultaneously providing reverse polarity protection and preventing unplugging and plugging under load, an electrical coding system is proposed. This system is designed to signal, unambiguously and independently of its rotational position, whether each connector (1) is correctly plugged into its corresponding panel-mount connector (2). For this purpose, the connector (1) can have a circumferential shorting bridge (115), and the panel-mount connector can have two signal contacts (223, 224). When correctly plugged in, these signal contacts are short-circuited by the shorting bridge (115) relative to the panel-mount connector (2), regardless of the orientation of the connector (1).The coding can be done via the position and shape of the signal contacts (223, 224) and the short-circuit bridge (115).

Description

[0001] The invention is based on a connector system according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention is based on an electrical energy distribution system comprising a connector system according to claim 1.

[0003] Such connector systems and power distribution systems are required, among other things, to operate a flexible and, if necessary, mobile power supply, e.g., a mobile power supply system for electric agricultural machinery, e.g., using a rechargeable battery. Alternatively or additionally, they can also be used to operate batteries arranged in battery racks as battery packs in a network. State of the art

[0004] Battery columns, battery cabinets, and battery racks are known in the prior art, in which multiple batteries are connected in parallel and / or in series using multiple patch cables to adapt their current and output voltage to specific requirements. Electric agricultural machinery is also known, which usually requires a mobile electrical power supply.

[0005] The publications DE 10 2015 105 482 B4 and US 2018 / 0358789 A1 describe the basic structure of a control cabinet or battery rack.

[0006] The document EP 2 176 901 B1 shows a battery for hand-held, electromechanical tools, with a plurality of battery cells which are electrically connected to one another by means of several electrical cell connectors.

[0007] The document DE 10 2016 124 501 A1 discloses a battery management system for a configurable battery pack.

[0008] Based on this, the publication DE 10 2020 132 965 A1 proposes a high-current connector with an intuitive and backward-compatible coding system for identifying its current-carrying capacity. The solution is a high-current connector whose coding is determined by the depth of the contact hole. This prevents patch cables with insufficient current-carrying capacity from being overloaded due to incorrect mating.

[0009] A disadvantage of this prior art is that, due to the particular rigidity of the electrical power transmission cables used, there is still no sufficiently convenient reverse polarity protection for the single-pole connectors, in particular. The power transmission cables can, for example, have a solid conductor or be multi-stranded, which affects their rigidity. Furthermore, they can have thicknesses of at least 10 mm², in particular at least 20 mm², preferably at least 40 mm², particularly preferably 80 mm², in particular 100 mm², for example at least 150 mm², and—for example, in the railway sector—even higher.

[0010] Due to the high rigidity of the power cables, the connector orientation is usually already predetermined. A disadvantage of the current technology is that conventional coding often makes mating impossible, as it already specifies a connector orientation that does not match the cabling requirements.

[0011] However, without coding, there is no reverse polarity protection. If two connectors intended for connection to a positive or negative terminal of a battery / battery system are swapped due to a lack of reverse polarity protection, this can cause significant damage to the connected electrical equipment, such as the aforementioned electric agricultural machinery, and potentially even pose a threat to life and limb. For this reason, automatic reverse polarity protection is particularly important.

[0012] To further prevent what is known as "pulling under load," i.e., the disconnection of plug contacts during electrical power transmission, the so-called HV ("high-voltage") interlock is known in the state of the art. The HV interlock monitors the correct connection of plug connections in the high-voltage circuit with the goal of preventing electrical hazards caused by unintentional, improper, or otherwise unintentional disconnection of an HV plug connection while the HV system is active. To achieve this, the HV system features the so-called pilot or safety line. This is a series circuit supplied with 12 V on-board voltage that runs from HV plug connection to HV plug connection. If the pilot line circuit is interrupted by unplugging one of the plug connections and the resulting disconnection of the pilot contacts in the plug, this is detected by an HV control unit.As a result, the control unit immediately opens the HV main relays and de-energizes the system.

[0013] However, the aforementioned problem exists: the connectors must be in a specific rotational position for mating with compatible built-in plugs so that the corresponding signal contacts of the pilot line can make electrical contact with each other. However, the connectors are usually connected to the aforementioned, particularly strong electrical power transmission cables, which are characterized by the aforementioned particularly high mechanical rigidity and thus allow no or only very minimal torsion. In practice, this significantly impairs the use of conventional electrical and / or mechanical coding, especially the HV interlock, or in many cases even makes their use impossible.

[0014] The publication DE 10 2018 127 720 B3 shows a high-current connector that can be mechanically coded as a built-in connector for use with a specific mating connector, while also being flexibly and conveniently adaptable to the confined space in which it is used. For this purpose, its insulating body is mounted on the pin contact so that it can rotate around the pin axis. This allows an angled connector mated to it, which is coded and aligned accordingly, to be held rotatably, allowing its angled cable outlet to be flexibly aligned within the installation space as required.

[0015] However, such a connector is mechanically complex and therefore not suitable for every situation. In particular, it can only be combined with the aforementioned HV interlock system to a limited extent, e.g., to prevent pulling under load, because the wiring of the HV interlock system restricts its rotation capability. Task

[0016] The object of the invention is to provide a connector system for an electrical power distribution system that offers reverse polarity protection that is as convenient to use as possible, even when using the aforementioned rigid power transmission cables. In particular, the additional effort required to manufacture the connector system compared to existing systems should be avoided or at least kept to a minimum. A further object is to provide a power distribution system that is easy to install and handle, and that provides reliable protection against incorrect connection, especially reverse polarity.

[0017] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0018] A connector system is intended in particular for an electrical power distribution system.

[0019] The connector system has two connectors, namely a first and a second connector, each with a plug-in area and a cable outlet. For example, these two connectors can each be connected to an electrical power transmission cable on the connection side, for example, to supply an electrical device, such as an electric agricultural machine, with electrical power.

[0020] Furthermore, the connector system has two built-in connectors, namely a first built-in connector and a second built-in connector, which are used in particular to be connected on the connection side to one pole of a battery or a battery system - or alternatively to two poles of any other direct current source.

[0021] The first panel connector is intended for electrical connection to the first connector, i.e., the first panel connector corresponds to the first connector. This connection process may take place in a first connection direction.

[0022] The second panel connector is intended for electrical connection to the second connector, i.e., the second panel connector corresponds to the second connector. This connection process may take place in a second connection direction.

[0023] In particular, depending on the installation situation of the built-in connector, the first and second plugging directions can run parallel to each other.

[0024] However, each of the said connectors can be mechanically mated to each of the said built-in connectors and can be electrically connected when mated. Thus, mismating is also possible, meaning that the first built-in connector can be mated to the second connector, and the second built-in connector can be mated to the first connector in the form of a mismating, and can be electrically connected when mated.

[0025] In the plugged-in state, the respective connector can be rotated into different rotational positions about a rotational axis running in the respective plug-in direction and / or the respective connector can be plugged into the respective built-in connector in a state rotated as desired about the plug-in axis.

[0026] The connector system has an electrical coding system.

[0027] This coding system is designed to clearly indicate for each of the connectors, regardless of its respective rotational position, whether the respective connector is correctly plugged into its corresponding built-in connector.

[0028] In this context and in the following, the term "correctly plugged" is understood by those skilled in the art to mean that the respective connector is mechanically and electrically connected to its corresponding built-in connector for the desired electrical power transmission. In particular, the connector can be latched and / or locked in its final plug-in position on the built-in connector.

[0029] An electrical energy distribution system has such a connector system, as well as a battery or a battery system with two poles, namely a positive pole and a negative pole, between which, for example, an electrical supply voltage is applied, furthermore at least two electrical energy transmission cables, and at least one electrically switchable electrical switch, e.g. a relay, wherein the electrical switch has an input, an output and a control input.

[0030] The switch is designed to electrically connect or disconnect its output from its input in accordance with an electrical signal applied to its control input.

[0031] For this purpose, the control input can have two electrical control connections, and the said control signal can, in particular, be a short circuit. This short circuit between the two control connections of the control input can, in particular, be created by correctly plugging the respective connector(s) into the corresponding built-in connector. In particular, the signal contacts of several built-in connectors can be electrically connected in series or in parallel, depending on the desired function. However, series connection of the signal contacts of both built-in connectors is preferred for this purpose, ensuring that they must be correctly plugged into both connectors for the electrical switch, in particular the relay, to close.

[0032] The input of the electrical switch is electrically connected to one of the poles of the battery, namely a positive or a negative pole.

[0033] At least one of the built-in connectors is connected to the output of the electrical switch on the connection side.

[0034] Each of the connectors is connected to one of the power transmission cables on the cable connection side.

[0035] The power distribution system is designed to close the at least one electrical switch when the coding system signals that each built-in connector is correctly plugged into its corresponding connector.

[0036] This has the advantage that the electrical power supply is automatically "switched on" only when the connectors are correctly plugged into the built-in connectors. The term "switched on" refers to the fact that both electrical power supply cables are connected to the electrical power supply, i.e., one of the two electrical power supply cables is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the other is electrically connected to the negative terminal, e.g., the battery, in order to electrically operate the connected electrical device, e.g., the agricultural machine.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0038] A particular advantage is that the power supply is not switched on in the event of a "reverse polarity." Such a reverse polarity could occur, for example, if the first connector were plugged into the second panel connector and the second connector were plugged into the first panel connector. In this case, at least one electrical switch would not close, the circuit would not be closed, and the electrical power supply would not be supplied.

[0039] Another particularly advantageous feature is that the automation of the power-on process also prevents both plugging and unplugging of connectors under load. After all, if a connector is not yet plugged in or is no longer plugged in correctly, the power supply is interrupted. The corresponding signaling can be preceded by the plugging of the connector from the panel connector and delayed by the plugging of the connector into the panel connector to prevent plugging or unplugging under load. This allows the power-on process to be delayed by the plugging process and the disconnection process to be preceded by the unplugging process. This prevents arcs, sparks, and the like, which has a beneficial effect on the service life of the contacts.

[0040] The coding device therefore has a particularly advantageous dual function. On the one hand, it prevents unplugging and / or plugging under load, and on the other hand, it offers effective protection against the aforementioned misplugging through the electrical coding.

[0041] In an advantageous further development, the two electrical energy transmission cables can belong to an electrical device, e.g., an electric agricultural machine, to whose electric motor they are permanently connected, e.g., to whose connections they are firmly screwed.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment, in addition to the plug connector connected to a first end of each power transmission cable, a further device-side plug connector can be connected to a second end of the power transmission cable. This device-side plug connector is intended to be plugged into a further device-side built-in connector of the electrical device, in particular of the agricultural machine. In this case, the power distribution can, in particular, have a complete additional plug connector system on the device side, which is constructed analogously to the aforementioned plug connector system. This can also advantageously prevent incorrect plugging on the device side, or, in the event of incorrect plugging, the electrical energy transmission to the electrical device can be prevented.Only when the connection is correct on the battery and device sides do all electrical switches, in particular the relays, close on both the battery and device sides and the circuit is completely closed, i.e. the electrical energy transfer from the battery / battery system to the electrical device, in particular the agricultural machine, only takes place when the connection is correct on both sides.

[0043] In another embodiment, the connector system can be used within a battery pack to connect multiple batteries in parallel or in series, depending on requirements, while preventing misconnections. If a battery pack is designed to connect its batteries in parallel, series connection can be prevented, for example.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the connectors may be angled connectors.

[0045] The term "angled connectors" refers to connectors whose cable connection area is angled to the mating axis of the mating area at an angle greater than 0°. This angle can ideally be 90°, but in many cases, for example, lies between 85° and 95°. In principle, however, this angle can also assume a value between 0° and 95°, preferably between 5° and 95°, in particular between 5° and 90°, for example between 40° and 50°, or between 25° and 40°, or between 40° and 50°.

[0046] A particular advantage is that the electrical coding allows the connector to rotate around its plug-in axis when plugged in, without affecting its function.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, each connector can be rotated continuously, i.e., 360°, into any desired rotational position when plugged in. This significantly simplifies handling. Advantageously, it also eliminates the need to consider any existing control lines.

[0048] It is also particularly advantageous that the connectors can be inserted in the direction specified by their respective power transmission cable. The power transmission cables can, for example, have a solid conductor or at least be multi-wire, which affects their rigidity. In addition, they can have thicknesses of at least 10 mm 2 , in particular at least 20 mm 2 , preferably at least 40 mm 2 , particularly preferably 80 mm 2 , in particular 100 mm 2 , for example at least 150 mm 2 and - e.g. in the railway sector - even more. It is easy to imagine that the cable thickness determines the flexibility of the alignment, e.g.already impaired during the wiring of a battery pack, in particular does not allow any significant torsion, so that it is particularly advantageous if the connector can be rotated relative to its corresponding built-in connector and / or can be plugged into its corresponding built-in connector in the rotated state.

[0049] The invention is particularly advantageous for such angled connectors because their ability to rotate when plugged in ensures that the respective cable outlet can be manually rotated in a targeted and intuitive manner with minimal effort in a direction where the power cables outgoing from it do not interfere with each other. This can be particularly advantageous, for example, when using patch cables, such as in the aforementioned cabling of battery racks.

[0050] But even if the connectors are non-angled connectors, which are characterized by the fact that their cable connection area forms an angle of 0° to the plug-in axis of the connector within the manufacturing tolerances, the aforementioned rotatability and / or the ability to plug in in any state rotated about the plug-in axis is a particular advantage. After all, the cable route is usually largely determined by the external conditions. The aforementioned large cable thickness of the electrical power transmission cables does not allow any significant torsion - as already mentioned in detail - so the rotational position is largely determined by the arrangement of the cable and by other conditions, particularly the cabling. For example, in the aforementioned battery rack / accumulator rack, i.e. a rack in which several batteries / accumulators are located, e.g.arranged one above the other and electrically connected in series and / or parallel by means of several patch cables, the direction of rotation of each connector is already largely predetermined by the route of the respective patch cable.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the plug connectors and built-in connectors are designed to transmit electrical energy with an electrical current of more than 20 A ("amperes") and / or an applied electrical voltage of more than 50 V.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, each connector is single-pole and has exactly one electrically conductive power transmission contact. The respective built-in connector is then also single-pole, i.e., it has exactly one mating contact for electrical connection with the exactly one power transmission contact of the corresponding connector for the purpose of transmitting electrical power to the respective connector.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the connectors can have an insulating body with a plug-in opening that is at least partially cylindrical. Thus, the first connector has a first plug-in opening and the second connector has a second plug-in opening. The coding system can then have a circumferential electrically conductive short-circuit bridge on the inside of each plug-in opening, namely a first short-circuit bridge in the first plug-in opening of the first connector and a second short-circuit bridge in the second plug-in opening of the second connector. In particular, each insulating body can be designed essentially as a hollow cylinder, i.e., additionally have a cylindrical outer contour to enable or facilitate said rotatability.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the plug connectors can be designed substantially identically to one another and differ from one another substantially only in the shape and position of the respective short-circuit bridges which are arranged in their respective plug openings.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, each of the shorting bars is hollow-cylindrical and thus has a cylindrical axis. Each shorting bar has a height measured along the cylinder axis. Furthermore, each shorting bar has a plug-side end and a cable connection end. At its plug-side end, each shorting bar has a plug-side edge. At its cable connection end, the shorting bar has a cable connection edge. The cable connection edge is spaced from the plug-side edge of this shorting bar by the respective height.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the first short-circuit bridge is less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge. Preferably, the height of the first short-circuit bridge can be at least 1.5 mm ("millimeters") less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge. Particularly preferably, the height of the first short-circuit bridge can be at least 2.5 mm less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge. In particular, the height of the first short-circuit bridge can be at least 5 mm less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge. For example, the height of the first short-circuit bridge can be at least 7.5 mm less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge. For example, the height of the first short-circuit bridge can even be at least 10 mm ("millimeters") less than the height of the second short-circuit bridge.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, the plug-side edge of the second short-circuit bridge is arranged deeper in the plug-in opening of the second connector than the plug-side edge of the first short-circuit bridge in the plug-in opening of the first connector.

[0058] Both of the aforementioned feature complexes advantageously serve to clearly identify the connectors based on their short-circuit bridges compared to the built-in connectors.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coding system can have two signal contacts for each built-in connector, in order to clearly signal to a connected power distribution system whether the built-in connector is correctly plugged into its corresponding connector by means of a short circuit between these two signal contacts via the respective short-circuit bridge. The signal contacts can advantageously slide along the inside of the respective short-circuit bridge during rotation, thus enabling the aforementioned rotation, in particular by 360°.

[0060] The two signal contacts can, for example, be arranged on two different sides - in particular on two opposite sides - of the respective plug-in area of ​​the respective built-in connector.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the two signal contacts can be designed to be spring-loaded and, in particular, can be made of spring-elastic sheet metal.

[0062] In one embodiment, the two signal contacts of each panel-mounted connector can each be connected to the control input of an electrical switch, in particular a relay, whereby the electrical switch, when closed, electrically connects the respective panel-mounted connector to the respective battery terminal. However, in this case, a total of two electrical switches are required for the two panel-mounted connectors alone.

[0063] To achieve economic efficiency by using just one electrical switch for both panel-mounted connectors, the two signal contacts of both panel-mounted connectors can, in a preferred embodiment, be electrically connected in series with each other and with the control input of just one electrical switch, in particular a relay. Both signal contact pairs must then be short-circuited to create a short circuit at the control input of one electrical switch, causing the electrical switch to close. This electrical switch can be located on either panel-mounted connector. It only needs to interrupt the circuit at one point if one of the two connectors is not correctly mated to the respective panel-mounted connector.

[0064] Such a series connection can be implemented, for example, as follows: The first control terminal of the control input of the electrical switch is electrically connected to the first signal contact of the first flush-type connector. The second signal contact of the first flush-type connector is electrically connected to the first signal contact of the second flush-type connector. The second signal contact of the second flush-type connector is electrically connected to the second control terminal of the control input of the electrical switch.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the signal contacts of the second built-in connector can be arranged offset from one another in the second plug-in direction at the plug-in area of ​​the second built-in connector. In particular, the two signal contacts of the second built-in connector can be arranged offset from one another in the second plug-in direction at the plug-in area of ​​the second built-in connector by more than the height of the first short-circuit bridge. To ensure particularly good functional reliability, the two signal contacts of the second built-in connector can be arranged offset from one another in the second plug-in direction at the plug-in area of ​​the second built-in connector by at least the height of the first short-circuit bridge plus a "delta" value. This delta can preferably be at least 1 mm ("millimeter"), particularly preferably at least 2 mm, in particular at least 4 mm, and in particular at least 6 mm, i.e., e.g., 8 mm or even more, e.g.,even 10 mm or more.

[0066] In contrast, the two signal contacts of the first built-in connector can be arranged in the first plug-in direction either not at all or offset at most by the height of the first short-circuit bridge - ie only by the height of the first short-circuit bridge or by less than the height of the first short-circuit bridge - on the plug-in area of ​​the first connector.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, in the event of a possible mismating of the first connector with the second flush-mounted connector, none—or at most only one—of the signal contacts arranged in the first flush-mounted connector extends deep enough into the plug-in opening of the second connector to make electrical contact with the second short-circuit bridge. Thus, a short circuit cannot occur between the signal contacts.

[0068] The two signal contacts arranged in the first built-in connector can therefore only be short-circuited by the first short-circuit bridge of the first connector, since the second short-circuit bridge is arranged too deep in the plug-in opening of the second connector to electrically connect these two signal contacts.

[0069] It is particularly advantageous if the two signal contacts arranged in the second panel-mounted connector are short-circuited only by the second short-circuiting bridge, since the first short-circuiting bridge is too low – even in the case of incorrect mating. This also prevents these two signal contacts from becoming electrically connected during the mating process, even if only temporarily – and thus from being short-circuited at least briefly during the mating process.

[0070] The two signal contacts arranged in the first built-in connector, on the other hand, can advantageously be short-circuited by the first short-circuit bridge when correctly plugged into the first connector, since they are located close enough to each other - viewed in the first plugging direction - to simultaneously electrically contact the first short-circuit bridge when plugged in.

[0071] The two signal contacts arranged in the second built-in connector can be short-circuited by the second short-circuit bridge when correctly plugged into the second connector because - viewed in the second plugging direction - they penetrate deep enough into the plug-in opening of the second connector to simultaneously electrically contact the first short-circuit bridge when plugged in.

[0072] In an advantageous embodiment, the power distribution system closes the respective electrical switch, in particular the respective relay, precisely when the two signal contacts of the corresponding built-in connector are short-circuited. To do this, the power distribution system can, for example, apply a preferably low measuring voltage of only a few volts, i.e., e.g., 1 to 20 V ("volts"), e.g., 12 V ("vehicle voltage"), to the two signal contacts and then measure whether a current flows through the signal contacts to determine the short circuit.

[0073] If a short circuit occurs, the respective connector is correctly plugged into the corresponding built-in connector.

[0074] For example, the first connector can be connected to the positive terminal of the battery via the first panel connector. As soon as a correct connection is established between the first connector and the first panel connector, the signal contacts of the first panel connector are short-circuited.

[0075] Furthermore, the second connector can be connected to the negative terminal of the battery via the second built-in connector. As soon as a correct connection is established between the second connector and the second built-in connector, the signal contacts of the second built-in connector are short-circuited.

[0076] If the first and second connectors are correctly plugged in, the series connection of the signal contacts of both panel-mounted connectors also produces a short circuit. In this way, a single electrical switch, e.g., a single relay, can close an electrical circuit depending on the correct plug-in state of both connectors. In addition to the battery and the connector system, the circuit can also include a cable-connected load, e.g., the aforementioned electric agricultural machine. Example

[0077] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1a prior art built-in connector with an HV interlock connection; Fig. 2aa first connector with a power transmission contact and a circumferential short-circuit bridge; Fig. 2ba first built-in connector with a mating contact and two signal contacts; Fig. 3a the first connector with the first built-in connector in a correctly plugged state in a sectional view; Fig. 4a the first connector with the first built-in connector in a correctly plugged state in a further sectional view; Fig. 4b the second connector with the second built-in connector in a correctly plugged state in a sectional view; Fig. 5a the second connector with the first built-in connector in a mismated state in a further sectional view; Fig. 5b the first connector with the second built-in connector in a mismated state in a further sectional view;Fig. 6 shows the first connector with the second built-in connector in a mismating process in a further sectional view; Fig. 6b shows the first connector with the second built-in connector in a mismating state.

[0078] Some of the figures contain simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations relative to the object depicted.

[0079] The Fig. 1shows a prior art built-in plug 3. This built-in plug 3 has a built-in housing 300 with a substantially hollow-cylindrical plug-in section 31 and a built-in flange 34. The built-in flange 34 has four screw apertures 340 for screwing to, for example, a battery or a housing of a battery pack or the like.

[0080] Several coding recesses 313, 314, and 315 are arranged on the inside of the hollow-cylindrical plug-in section 31. Their arrangement forms a coding pattern. This coding prevents a non-designated plug (not shown) from being incorrectly mated with the built-in plug. Furthermore, it predetermines a predetermined rotational position of a plug (not shown) corresponding to the state of the art during insertion and in the mated state.

[0081] This determination of the rotational position of the plug (not shown) relative to the built-in plug 3 is particularly important because the built-in plug 3 has a built-in plug-side HV interlock connection 35 at a location provided for this purpose in or on its plug section 31.

[0082] Furthermore, a mating contact 333 with a touch guard 326 is arranged centrally in the plug-in section 31 of the built-in plug 3. This mating contact 333 serves for plugging into a plug contact of the plug-in connector (not shown).

[0083] This connector, not shown in the drawing, has a plug-side HV interlock connection which, when plugged in, makes electrical contact with the built-in plug-side HV interlock connection 35 of the built-in plug 3. The plug-side HV interlock connection is located on the connector in a suitable position to make electrical contact with the built-in plug-side HV interlock connection 35 of the built-in plug 3 when correctly plugged in. This allows the correct plugging state between the plug and the built-in plug 3 to be automatically determined via a signal line 36 connected to the built-in plug-side interlock connection, for example to enable a delayed, automatic switching on of an electrical power supply, i.e. the power supply is only switched on when the plugging state is correct and thus the electrical connection is as intended.

[0084] When the plug is removed, the plug-side HV interlock connection can be "preemptively" separated from the panel-side HV interlock connection 35, meaning the interlock connection can be separated before the plug contact is separated from the mating plug contact 333. This allows the electrical power supply from the mating plug contact 333 to be disconnected, e.g., via an electrical switch / relay (not shown), before the plug contact is separated from the mating plug contact 333. This prevents, in particular, the formation of an arc. This protects the plug contact and the mating plug contact 333.

[0085] The Fig. 2ashows a first connector 1. The first connector 1 has a connector housing 100 with a plug-in area 11 and a cable connection area 12, as well as a hollow-cylindrical insulating body 120 in which an electrical energy transmission contact 111 is arranged. Due to the hollow-cylindrical shape of the insulating body 120, a first cylindrical plug-in opening 10 is formed in its interior.

[0086] A circumferential first short-circuit bridge 115 is arranged in this plug-in opening 10 of the insulating body 110.

[0087] The Fig. 2b shows a first built-in connector 2 in the plug-in direction with a view of its plug-in area 21.

[0088] The first built-in connector 2 has a panel-mounted housing 200, comprising the plug-in area 21, in which a plug-in contact carrier 210 with a first mating contact 222 is arranged. Furthermore, two signal contacts 223, 224, namely a first signal contact 223 and a second signal contact 224, are arranged on the plug-in contact carrier 210. Furthermore, the panel-mounted housing 200 has a mounting flange 24.

[0089] The Fig. 3 shows the first connector 1 and the built-in connector 2 in a correctly mated state in a perspective sectional view.

[0090] In addition to a push-pull latch known to those skilled in the art, which generally ensures the correct mating state between the corresponding plug connectors 1, 1' and the built-in plug connectors 2, 2', and simultaneous internal and external contacting of the electrical energy transmission contact 111 by the mating contact 222, the electrical short circuit of the two signal contacts 223, 224 by the first short-circuit bridge 115 is of particular importance in this case. This signals the correctly mated state of the two plug connectors. When the first plug connector 1 is rotated relative to the built-in connector 2, these signal contacts 223, 224 slide along the short-circuit bridge from the inside without ever losing their mutual electrically conductive connection.

[0091] This short circuit can be detected by an electrical power distribution system. For example, it can activate an electrical switch / relay (not shown) connected to signal contacts 223, 224. The switch / relay can, for example, electrically connect the mating contact 222 of the flush-type connector 2 to a first terminal of a battery (not shown).

[0092] The Fig. 4a shows the same arrangement in a slightly different representation. This illustration clearly shows that the two signal contacts 223, 224 are at the same height and, in the correctly inserted state shown, are short-circuited by the first circumferential, hollow-cylindrical shorting bridge 115, even though it has a comparatively low height H1, shown vertically in the drawing.

[0093] In the Fig. 4bthe second connector 1' and the second built-in connector 2' are also shown in the correctly mated state. The second connector 1' differs from the first connector 1 only in the shape and position of the two signal contacts 223', 224', which are arranged on the plug contact carrier 210 with their contact areas (not further designated) offset from one another by an offset D. The second built-in connector 2' differs from the first built-in connector 2 in the height H2 and position of its short-circuit bridge 115. Although the two contact areas are offset from one another by the offset D, the two signal contacts 223', 224' at these respective contact areas contact the second circumferential short-circuit bridge 115' in a second plug opening 10' and are short-circuited thereby, i.e. a short-circuit signal is generated.The second connector 1' can also be rotated relative to the second built-in connector about the plug-in axis, whereby the associated signal contacts 223', 224' slide along the second short-circuit bridge 115 from the inside without losing electrical contact with each other, thus generating a short-circuit signal.

[0094] This short-circuit signal can, for example, control the said electrical switch / relay (not shown), which then closes and electrically connects the mating contact 222 on the cable connection side (shown here in the drawing below) to a pole of a battery (not shown), thus automatically activating the electrical energy transfer in the present correctly plugged state.

[0095] In an embodiment expressly disclosed here in connection with the invention, the two signal contacts 223, 224 of the first panel connector 2 can be electrically connected in series with the two signal contacts 223', 224' of the second panel connector 2' to control the electrical switch / relay (not shown). The switch / relay then closes only when both signal contact pairs 223, 224 / 223', 224' are each short-circuited, i.e., when the first signal contact 223 of the first panel connector 2 is short-circuited with the second signal contact 224 of the first panel connector 2 and, in addition, the first signal contact 223' of the second panel connector 2' is short-circuited with the second signal contact 224' of the second panel connector 2'.

[0096] Such a series connection can be implemented, for example, as follows: A first control terminal of the control input of the electrical switch / relay (not shown) is electrically connected to the first signal contact 223 of the first panel connector 2. The second signal contact 224 of the first panel connector 2 is electrically connected to the first signal contact 223' of the second panel connector 2'. The second signal contact 224' of the second panel connector 2' is electrically connected to a second control terminal of the control input of the electrical switch / relay (not shown).

[0097] Only when both connectors 1, 1' are correctly plugged into their corresponding built-in connectors 2, 2' is the respective first control terminal 223, 223' electrically connected to the second control terminal 224, 224', thus forming a short circuit. The electrical switch / relay (not shown) then closes and electrically connects its input to its output. This allows it to close a circuit for supplying electrical energy, e.g., via an electrical load (not shown), which is then supplied with electrical energy, e.g., from a battery / accumulator / battery pack (not shown).

[0098] The Fig. 5a and 5b each show a misconnection.

[0099] In the Fig. 5aThe second connector 1' is incorrectly mated with the first built-in connector 2, which is not intended for this purpose. The two signal contacts 223, 224 of the first built-in connector 2 do not extend deep enough into the second plug-in opening 10' of the second connector 1' to be short-circuited. The mismating is thus detected, and the aforementioned power transfer would not be activated.

[0100] In the Fig. 5b The first connector 1 is mistakenly plugged into the second built-in connector 2', which is not intended for this purpose. The two signal contacts 223', 224' of the second built-in connector 2' extend too deeply into the plug-in opening 10 of the first connector 1 to be short-circuited. Furthermore, their offset D (cf. Fig. 6b ) are also too large to be able to contact the first short-circuit bridge 115 at the same time.

[0101] Finally, there is a fundamental risk that a short circuit could occur between the signal contacts 223', 224' during the plugging process.

[0102] In the Fig. 6a The plugging process is shown, ie, the first connector 1 is being plugged into the second built-in connector 2'. It is clearly visible that the two signal contacts 223', 224' of the second built-in connector 2' cannot be short-circuited via the first short-circuit bridge 115. Therefore, even during the plugging process, there is no plugging position in which such a short circuit would be possible.

[0103] In the Fig. 6b As a reason, it is shown in the plugged-in state that the offset D is greater than a height H1 of the first short-circuit bridge 115.

[0104] The aforementioned energy transfer would therefore never be activated even with this misconnection - even temporarily.

[0105] Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be interchanged. List of reference symbols

[0106] 1, 1'first, second connector 10, 10'first, second plug-in opening 100Connector housing 11Mating area of ​​the connector housing 110Insulating body 111Energy transfer contact 115, 115'first, second short-circuit bridge 12Cable connection area 2, 2'Flush-mounted connector 200Floor-mounted housing 21Mating area of ​​the housing 210Plug-in contact carrier 222Mating contact 223, 223'First signal contact 224, 224'Second signal contact 24Mounting flange 3 Panel-mounted plug 300 Panel-mounted housing 31 Plug-in section 313, 314, 315 Coding recesses 326 Contact protection 333 Mating contact 34 Mounting flange 340 Screw apertures 35 HV interlock connection 36 Signal cable H1, H2Height of the first, second short-circuit bridge

Claims

1. A connector system, comprising two connectors (1, 1'), - namely a first (1) and a second (1') connector, o each having a plug-in area (11) and a cable outlet, wherein the connector system further comprises two built-in connectors (2), - namely a first built-in connector (2), o which is provided for plugging electrical connection to said first connector (1) in a first plug-in direction and thus corresponds to the first connector (1), and o a second built-in connector (2'), which is provided for plugging electrical connection to said second connector (1') in a second plug-in direction and thus corresponds to the second connector (1'), wherein each of said connectors (1, 1') is mechanically pluggable with each of said built-in connectors (2, 2') and is electrically conductively connected in the plugged state, - wherein the respective connector (1,1') in the plugged-in state can be rotated in different rotational positions about a rotational axis running in the respective plug-in direction and / or can be plugged into the respective built-in connector (2, 2') in a state rotated as desired about the plug-in axis, , where - the connector system has an electrical coding system which is designed to signal clearly and independently of its respective rotational position for each of the connectors (1, 1') whether the respective connector (1, 1') is correctly plugged into its corresponding built-in connector (2, 2').

2. Connector system according to claim 1, wherein each of the connectors (1, 1') is rotatable through 360° into any desired rotational position when plugged in.

3. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connectors (1, 1') are angled so that the cable connection area (12) has an outlet angle to a plug-in axis of the plug-in area (11) which is between 5° and 95°.

4. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the connectors (1, 1') has an insulating body (110) each with an at least partially cylindrical plug-in opening (10, 10'), so that the first connector (1) has a first cylindrical plug-in opening (10) and the second connector (1') has a second cylindrical plug-in opening (10'), and wherein the coding system has a circumferential electrically conductive short-circuit bridge (115, 115') arranged on the inside of each plug-in opening (10, 10'), namely a first short-circuit bridge (15) in the first plug-in opening (10) and a second short-circuit bridge (115') in the second plug-in opening (10').

5. Connector system according to claim 4, wherein the connectors differ from one another essentially only in the shape and position of the respective short-circuit bridges (115, 115') in the respective plug-in openings (10, 10').

6. Connector system according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein each of the short-circuit bridges (115, 115') is designed as a hollow cylinder and thus has a cylinder axis, wherein each short-circuit bridge (115, 115') has a height (H1, H2) to be measured in the direction of the cylinder axis and a plug-side edge at a plug-side end and a cable connection-side edge at a cable connection-side end spaced from the plug-side edge by the height (H1, H2).

7. Connector system according to claim 6, wherein the height (H1) of the first short-circuit bridge is less than the height (H2) of the second short-circuit bridge.

8. Connector system according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the plug-side edge of the second short-circuit bridge (115') is arranged deeper in the plug-in opening (10') of the second connector (1') than the plug-side edge of the first short-circuit bridge (115) in the plug-in opening (10) of the first connector (1).

9. Connector system according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the coding system has two signal contacts (223, 224, 223', 224') for each built-in connector (1, 1') in order to clearly signal to a connected energy distribution system by means of a short circuit of these two signal contacts (223, 224, 223', 224') via the respective short-circuit bridge (115, 115') whether the built-in connector (2, 2') is correctly plugged into its respective corresponding connector (1, 1').

10. Connector system according to claim 9, wherein the two signal contacts (223', 224') of the second built-in connector (2') are arranged offset from one another in the second plug-in direction on the plug-in area (21) of the second built-in connector (2').

11. Connector system according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the two signal contacts (223', 224') of the second built-in connector (2') are arranged offset in the second plug-in direction by more than the height (H1) of the first short-circuit bridge (115) on the plug-in area (21) of the second built-in connector (2').

12. Connector system according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the two signal contacts (223, 224) of the first built-in connector (2) are not arranged at all in the first plug-in direction or are arranged offset from one another at most by the height (H1) of the first short-circuit bridge (115) on the plug-in area (21) of the first built-in connector (2).

13. Connector system according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the possibly mismated state none - or at most only one - of the signal contacts (223, 224) arranged in the first built-in connector (2) extends deep enough into the second connector (1') mismated with the first built-in connector (2) to make electrical contact with the second short-circuit bridge (115').

14. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connector (1, 1') is single-pole and has exactly one electrical energy transmission contact (111).

15. An energy distribution system, comprising - a connector system according to one of the preceding claims, - a battery or a battery system with two poles, namely a positive pole and a negative pole, - two electrical energy transmission cables, and - at least one electrically switchable electrical switch, having an input, an output and a control input, - wherein the electrical switch is configured to electrically connect or disconnect its output from its input in accordance with an electrical signal applied to its control input;- wherein the input of the electrical switch is electrically conductively connected to one of the poles of the battery, - wherein at least one of the built-in connectors (1, 1') is connected on the connection side to the output of the at least one electrical switch, and - wherein each of the connectors (1, 1') is connected on the cable connection side to one of the energy transmission cables, and - wherein the energy distribution system is designed to close the at least one electrical switch when the coding system signals that each built-in connector (2, 2') is correctly plugged into its respective corresponding connector (1, 1').

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