Protective device against accidental contact

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (1) against accidental contact for an electrical connection, which has a fastening element (2), a contact element (3), a blocking means (4), a first guide means (5) and a second guide means (6), wherein: the fastening element (2) has at least one access opening (8) for the electrical connection; the contact element (3) has at least one electrical contact (9) for electrically connecting to the electrical connection; the first guide means (5) is designed to guide a first movement of the contact element (3) relative to the fastening element (2); the second guide means (6) is designed to guide a second movement of the blocking means (4) relative to the fastening element (2); by means of a forced guidance, a movement of the contact element (3) along the first guide means (5) causes a predeterminable position change of the blocking means (4) on the second guide means (6); and the blocking means (4) covers the access opening (8) in a first position, and exposes the access opening (8) in a second position.

Description

[0001] Contact protection device

[0002] The invention relates to a contact protection device for at least one electrical connection of an electrical voltage and / or current source according to patent claim 1.

[0003] Electrical voltage and / or current sources have electrical connections. Batteries or accumulators, which are located in a vehicle and provide the required propulsion energy, are considered particularly important as electrical voltage and / or current sources.

[0004] According to basic scientific research, an electrical source poses an increased danger to humans if the voltage is greater than 60 volts and an electrical current of more than 30 mA can be output. Voltage and / or current sources for operating a vehicle typically have output voltages of 400 to 1000 V and can output currents that are significantly higher than 30 mA. The connections of such sources are therefore shielded with an insulator when the system is in operation to prevent access or arcing or current flow across the surface. During maintenance or repairs, however, such insulators often have to be removed and the electrical connections between the battery and the consumers interrupted. This work is typically carried out by trained specialists who are instructed not to touch any open orTouching exposed contacts or getting too close to them physically. To ensure a certain level of safety in the workplace, appropriately equipped workshops have cover elements to conceal the contacts.

[0005] However, this covering must be actively carried out by the person working on the device. This can be neglected, for example, due to carelessness, or the person working on it simply forgets to do so. In particular, people without appropriate training, such as those attempting to "tune" their vehicle, often have no idea of ​​the dangers posed by such voltage and / or current sources. Therefore, these people don't even consider covering the contacts. This poses a real threat to the health of everyone who is close enough to the contacts. Direct physical contact or a flashover can cause life-threatening injuries to the person directly affected.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a contact protection device of the type mentioned at the outset, with which the disadvantages mentioned can be avoided and with which the risk of accidents when handling electrical voltage and / or current sources can be reduced.

[0007] According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

[0008] This can reduce the risk of accidents when handling electrical voltage and / or current sources. This can ensure that at least one electrical connection or connections of an electrical voltage and / or current source are covered. The connection or connections are automatically covered or closed as soon as someone removes the mechanical cover of the connection area. The covering or closing occurs due to an automatically interacting mechanism or mechanical components. Furthermore, this can ensure the protection of service personnel or other people. The contact protection device has a long service life and continues to function perfectly even if the locking device has been constantly in the second position for an extended period of time, for example several months.Stresses caused by vibrations, acceleration, or braking, such as those that occur during vehicle operation, do not impair the functionality of the contact protection device. It has been proven that the contact protection device remains fully functional even after a vehicle has been subjected to harsh and / or prolonged use, ensuring the protection of service personnel.

[0009] The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention. Express reference is hereby made to the wording of the patent claims, whereby the patent claims are incorporated into the description at this point by reference and are deemed to be reproduced verbatim.

[0010] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. In the drawings:

[0011] Fig. 1 is a first axonometric view of a preferred embodiment of a contact protection device, wherein the individual components of the contact protection device are arranged such that the locking device is in the second position and releases the access openings to the electrical connections;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a second axonometric view of the contact protection device according to Fig. 1, showing the underside of the contact protection device;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a third axonometric view of the contact protection device according to Fig. 1, wherein the contacting element has been removed only for illustrative purposes, but the locking device still releases the access opening;

[0014] Fig. 4 shows the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a fourth axonometric view, wherein the individual components of the contact protection device are arranged such that the locking device is in the first position and covers the access openings to the electrical connections;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a fifth axonometric view of the contact protection device according to Fig. 4, showing the underside of the contact protection device;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a sixth axonometric view of the contact protection device according to Fig. 4, wherein the contacting element has been completely removed; and

[0017] Fig. 7 is a seventh axonometric view of the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1, wherein the individual components are shown separately from one another. Figs. 1 to 7 show different views and different states of a preferred embodiment of a contact protection device 1 for at least one electrical connection of an electrical voltage and / or current source, in particular a battery and / or an accumulator, wherein the contact protection device 1 has a fastening element 2, a contacting element 3, a locking device 4, a first guide device 5 and a second guide device 6, wherein the fastening element 2 has at least one access opening 8 for the electrical connection, wherein the contacting element 3 has at least one electrical contact 9 for electrical connection to the electrical connection,wherein the first guide device 5 is designed to guide a first movement of the contacting element 3 relative to the fastening element 2, wherein the second guide device 6 is designed to guide a second movement of the locking device 4 relative to the fastening element 2, wherein by means of a positive guide, a movement of the contacting element 3 along the first guide device 5 causes a predeterminable change in position of the locking device 4 on the second guide device 6, wherein the locking device 4 covers the access opening 8 in a first position and releases the access opening 8 in a second position.

[0018] This can reduce the risk of accidents when handling electrical voltage and / or current sources. This can ensure that at least one electrical connection or connections of an electrical voltage and / or current source are covered. The connection or connections are automatically covered or closed as soon as someone removes the mechanical cover of the connection area. The covering or closing occurs due to an automatically interacting mechanism or mechanical components. Furthermore, this can ensure the protection of service personnel or other people. The contact protection device 1 has a long service life and continues to function perfectly even if the locking device has been constantly in the second position for a long period of time, for example several months.Stresses caused by vibrations, acceleration, or braking, such as those that occur during vehicle operation, do not impair the functionality of the contact protection device 1. It has been proven that the contact protection device 1 remains fully operational even after a vehicle has been subjected to harsh and / or prolonged use, ensuring the protection of service personnel.

[0019] The contact protection device 1 in question is a device or arrangement whose purpose is to prevent human access, physical contact, or touching of an electrical connection of an electrical voltage and / or current source. The contact protection device 1 protects a person from being able to touch an electrical connection.

[0020] An electrical voltage and / or current source is, in particular, any system having external connections to which electrical energy is applied, the connection of which to a person could be detrimental to that person. In particular, the electrical voltage and / or current source is at least one battery and / or at least one accumulator. Preferably, the electrical voltage and / or current source is at least one drive battery for a vehicle, in particular an electric car, a locomotive, a ship or boat, or an aircraft, such as a drone. The battery and / or accumulator particularly preferably has an output voltage of between approximately 400 and 1000 volts. This voltage range is referred to as high voltage for drive batteries. In the field of electrical energy suppliers, however, the range up to 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC is referred to as low voltage.In the following, the term battery is used to refer to voltage and / or current sources. This is preferably not a restriction.

[0021] The contact protection device 1 is intended to protect people from touching at least one electrical connection. Preferably, a contact protection device 1 protects people from touching two different electrical connections or contacts, in particular a so-called + pole and a - pole, provided these two connections are arranged close enough to each other. However, these two different connections can be physically so far apart that it is or would only be possible to a limited extent to protect a person from touching both connections with just a single contact protection device 1. Therefore, the contact protection device 1 can be designed to protect only against access to a single connection. In this case, it is entirely possible to use two contact protection devices 1 designed in this way, which would be arranged physically independently of each other.The preferred embodiment shown in the figures is described below. However, this does not preclude an embodiment for only one connection.

[0022] The contact protection device 1 comprises a fastening element 2, a contacting element 3, and a locking device 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the contact protection device 1 preferably further comprises a so-called housing part 11. The contacting element 3 and the locking device 4 are each movably arranged or mounted.

[0023] The basic functional principle, i.e., the application or operation of the contact protection device 1, is explained first. To actuate the contact protection device 1, the contacting element 3 is lifted, in particular by a person. This first movement is guided by the first guide device 5. This first movement moves the contacting element 3 away from the fastening element 2 and removes it. Due to this first movement of the contacting element 3, the blocking device 4 moves over the access openings 8 and covers them. This second movement is guided by the second guide device 6. The second movement moves the blocking device 4 along the fastening element 2. In particular, the distance of the blocking device 4 from the fastening element 2 remains unchanged during the second movement, but the position of the blocking device 4 along the fastening element 2 changes.Preferably, the locking device 4 is locked above the access openings 8.

[0024] The fastening element 2 serves to position the contact protection device 1 or to connect the contact protection device 1 to the battery. Of the individual components of the contact protection device 1, the fastening element 2 is closest to the battery. The fastening element 2 has a base plate, which can also be referred to as a cover plate 15. The fastening element 2 has at least one access opening 8 for the electrical connection. Preferably, the fastening element 2 has two access openings 8, one of the access openings 8 being provided for a first connection and the other of the access openings 8 being provided for a second connection.

[0025] The so-called contacting element 3 serves to electrically connect at least one consumer or the internal network of a vehicle to the contacts of the battery. The contacting element 3 has an electrical contact 9 for electrical connection to the electrical connection. According to the preferred embodiment, the contacting element 3 has two electrical contacts 9 for electrical connection to the two electrical connections of a battery. Inside the contacting element 3 there are connection options for connecting the electrical contact 9 to a connecting cable or conductor. For each electrical contact 9, the contacting element 3 further has an insulating extension 10 which can engage around a connected cable or a corresponding busbar. The English term for a busbar is busbar.

[0026] In addition, the contacting element 3 serves to handle the contact protection device 1. For this purpose, the contacting element 3 has an actuating handle 14.

[0027] The contacting element 3 is arranged or mounted so as to be movable relative to the fastening element 2. The first guide device 5 is provided or designed to guide this first movement, which can also be referred to as the contacting element movement. During this first movement, the distance between the contacting element 3 and the fastening element 2 changes.

[0028] The first guide device 5 can be designed in different ways. According to the preferred embodiment, the first guide device 5 comprises at least one first guide channel 20 and at least one first guide extension 13 for engaging in the first guide channel 20. The first guide channel 20 forms, in particular, a so-called link. The first guide extension 13 preferably represents a so-called pin. The direction of the first guide channel 20 determines the orientation of the first movement.

[0029] The first guide channel 20 and the first guide extension 13 can be designed and arranged in different ways. Preferably, the first guide extension 13 is arranged on the contacting element 3. The first guide extension 13 preferably protrudes laterally from the contacting element 3, with the contacting element 3 preferably having at least two guide extensions 13 arranged on both sides of the contacting element 3. According to the preferred embodiment shown, the first guide extension 13 has a round cross-section.

[0030] It is preferably provided that the first guide channel 20 is arranged on the preferably provided housing part 11, which housing part 11 is arranged between the contacting element 3 and the fastening element 2, and has an opening for each electrical contact 9. The housing part 11 has a housing part base surface 24, which is preferably enclosed at least in regions by a frame part. According to the preferred embodiment, the first guide channel 20 has a substantially right angle to the housing part base surface 24. As shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, the first guide channel 20 is designed as a lateral opening or groove or slotted guide in an extension. The housing part 11 preferably has two such extensions 27, 28, which each have a substantially right angle to the housing part base surface 24.The side surfaces of the extensions 27, 28 may have manufacturing-related deviations from the right angle. The first guide channel 20 is formed as a lateral notch in the first extension 27. The second guide channel 21 is formed as a lateral notch in the second extension 28. The first guide channel 20 and the second guide channel 21 face each other.

[0031] The extensions of the housing part 11 preferably have a further purpose and are also referred to as second or upper guide sections 17. The contact protection device 1 has a locking device 4, which preferably comprises a cover plate 15. The preferred cover plate 15 is in particular designed to be the opposite of the fastening element 2. The purpose of the locking device 4 is the controlled covering or uncovering of the access openings 8 of the fastening element 2. When the housing part 11 is used, the locking device 4 is arranged at least partially between the housing part 11 and the fastening element 2.

[0032] The locking device 4 is arranged and / or mounted so as to be movable relative to the fastening element 2. The second guide device 6 is provided or configured to guide this second movement, which can also be referred to as the locking device movement. The second movement occurs along a second line of movement. During this second movement, the position of the locking device 4 on the fastening element 2 changes, while maintaining physical contact.

[0033] The second guide device 6 can be designed in different ways. Particularly preferably, the second guide device 6 is designed as a combination of at least one slotted guide and at least one pin engaging in this slotted guide. According to the preferred embodiment, the second guide device 6 has at least one first guide section 16. Preferably, two first guide sections 16 are provided. The at least one first guide section 16 is preferably arranged on and / or in the fastening element 2. This first guide section 16 preferably has the shape of a substantially straight guide groove or slotted guide.

[0034] It is preferably provided that the second guide device 6 further comprises at least one second guide section 17, which is arranged in particular on the - preferably provided - housing part 11, in particular on the housing part base surface 24. Preferably, two second guide sections 17 are provided. According to the preferred embodiment, the at least one second guide section 17 is designed as an inner part or inner section or inner slot of the at least one extension of the housing part 11, which is described in the above discussion of the first guide device 5, and also forms the first guide channel 20. The first guide channel 20 or slot is therefore preferably arranged in the at least one second guide section 17.

[0035] The second guide device 6 further comprises at least one leg extension 22, which engages with the at least one first and / or second guide section 16, 17, thus enabling guidance along the second direction of movement. The leg extension 22 can also be referred to as a sliding block.

[0036] The leg extension 22 is preferably arranged on the locking device 4 or the leg extension 22 is part of the locking device 4. According to the preferred embodiment, two leg extensions 22 are provided, each forming a lateral end portion of the locking device 4. The two leg extensions 22 are arranged at the lateral ends of the cover plate 15 and preferably form a substantially right angle to the cover plate 15.

[0037] It is provided that, by means of a forced guidance of the locking device 4 by the contacting element 3, a movement of the contacting element 3 along the first guide device 5 brings about a predeterminable or unambiguous change in the position of the locking device 4 on or along the second guide device 6. The movement of the contacting element 3 is the cause which results in the change in position of the locking device 4. As a result of this change in position, the locking device 4 is moved from a first position to a second position or from the second position to the first position. The locking device 4 covers the access opening 8 in the first position and releases the access opening 8 in the second position or does not cover it in the second position.

[0038] In order to achieve this forced guidance, it is preferably provided that the locking device 4 has at least a first control element 23 for interacting with the first guide device 5. In particular, it is provided that the first control element 23 cooperates or interacts with the guide extension 13. The first control element 23 forms a slotted guide into which the pin-like guide extension 13 engages. This can also be referred to as the third guide device 7. The control element 23 preferably has a substantially straight profile at least in some regions, although other profiles, such as curved profiles in some regions, are also possible. However, at least the section of the control element 23 which cooperates with the guide extension 13 is preferably straight.

[0039] Preferably, the first control element 23 is arranged on the femoral process 22 or is formed as part of the femoral process 22. Thus, the femoral process 22 serves two purposes.

[0040] For preferential interaction with the guide process 13, the femoral process 22 and thus also the control element 23 are arranged in the first guide channel 20.

[0041] The contact protection device 1 preferably has a spring 25, which is preferably arranged in the fastening element 2 and which is positioned and designed such that it pushes the locking device 4 upwards. This creates a play-free contact between the guide extension 13 and the first control element 23. This preferred "freedom from play" of the connection is provided in particular for the opening process and / or the second position of the locking device 4. This can significantly reduce noise generation, which would otherwise be caused by sudden impacts of the locking device 4, the housing part 11, and / or the fastening element 2.

[0042] The contact protection device 1 preferably further comprises a locking element 26, which is preferably arranged in the fastening element 2. The locking element 26 is arranged in particular between the two preferred access openings 8 and serves to hold or fix the locking device 4 in the first position. The locking element 26 is preferably a rectangular bar, which is part of the fastening element 2 and which is enclosed on three sides by a U-shaped channel and which has an extension at one end. The control element 23 preferably has an angle 18 to the cover plate 15 of between 30° and 70°, in particular at least 40°, preferably at least 55°. This angle 18 particularly relates to a straight course of the control element 23.The oblique arrangement of the control element 23 relative to the first guide device 5 can cause a force to act along the second guide device 6. A normal force acts on the control element 23 through the guide extension 13, which can be divided into a first force in the first direction of movement of the first guide device 5 and a second force in the second direction of movement of the second guide device 6.

[0043] The force generated in this way is sufficient in the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 7 to push the locking device 4 from the first position, in which the access opening 8 is covered, into the second position, in which the access opening 8 is exposed, when the contacting element 3 is pressed into the guide channel 20, 21. This pushing in is carried out in particular by a person, but can of course also be carried out by any machine or any living being capable of doing so. Friction must be taken into account in this process. The dimension of the angle 18 must be determined together with the materials of the individual components, since surface friction and static friction are also highly dependent on the material. In addition, surface roughness can be relevant and should be taken into account if necessary.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a lubricant is arranged in the first and / or second guide device 5, 6.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment shown, a force is required to move the locking device 4 from the second position to the first position, which force moves or accelerates the locking device 4. This refers to the preferred arrangement of the locking device 4 with a substantially horizontal cover plate 15. If the entire contact protection device 1 were positioned at a corresponding angle, gravity would cause the acceleration in question. However, it is preferably provided that at least one spring element acts on the locking device 4, and that the spring element exerts a force on the locking device 4, which force is intended to cause a movement of the locking device 4 from the second position to the first position. The generated force must be sufficient to break the static friction.

[0045] The following are principles for understanding and interpreting the disclosure in question.

[0046] Characteristics are usually introduced with an indefinite article, "ein, eine, eines, einer." Therefore, unless the context indicates otherwise, "ein, eine, eines, einer" is not to be understood as a number.

[0047] The conjunction "or" is to be interpreted as inclusive and not exclusive. Unless the context indicates otherwise, "A or B" also includes "A and B," where "A" and "B" represent any characteristics.

[0048] By means of an ordering number, for example, "first," "second," or "third," a feature X or an object Y is distinguished in particular in multiple embodiments, unless otherwise defined by the disclosure of the invention. In particular, a feature X or object Y with an ordering number in a claim does not mean that an embodiment of the invention covered by this claim must have a further feature X or another object Y.

[0049] A "substantially" in connection with a numerical value includes a tolerance of ± 10% around the stated numerical value, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0050] For ranges of values, the endpoints are included unless the context indicates otherwise.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E 1. Contact protection device (1) for at least one electrical connection of an electrical voltage and / or current source, in particular a battery and / or an accumulator, wherein the contact protection device (1) has a fastening element (2), a contacting element (3), a locking device (4), a first guide device (5) and a second guide device (6), wherein the fastening element (2) has at least one access opening (8) for the electrical connection, wherein the contacting element (3) has at least one electrical contact (9) for electrical connection to the electrical connection, wherein the first guide device (5) is designed to guide a first movement of the contacting element (3) relative to the fastening element (2), wherein the second guide device (6) is designed to guide a second movement of the locking device (4) relative to the fastening element (2),wherein, by means of a forced guide, a movement of the contacting element (3) along the first guide device (5) causes a predeterminable change in the position of the locking device (4) on the second guide device (6), wherein the locking device (4) covers the access opening (8) in a first position and releases the access opening (8) in a second position.

2. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (4) comprises a cover plate (15), and that in the first position of the locking device (4) the cover plate (15) covers the access opening (8).

3. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a housing part (11) is arranged between the contacting element (3) and the fastening element (2), wherein the Locking device (4) is arranged at least partially between the housing part (11) and the fastening element (2).

4. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first guide device (5) comprises at least one first guide channel (20) and at least one first guide extension (13) for engaging in the first guide channel (20).

5. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the first guide channel (20) is arranged on the housing part (11), and that the first guide extension (13) is arranged on the contacting element (3).

6. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing part (11) has a housing part base surface (24), and that the first guide channel (20) preferably has a substantially right angle to the housing part base surface (24).

7. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second guide device (6) has at least one first and / or at least one second guide section (16, 17), that the second guide device (6) has at least one leg extension (22), and that the first leg extension (22) engages in the at least one first and / or second guide section (16, 17).

8. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one first guide section (16) is arranged on the fastening element (2).

9. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 3 and one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one second guide section (17) is arranged on the housing part (11), in particular on the housing part base surface (24).

10. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 4 and 9, characterized in that the first guide channel (20) in the at least one second guide section (17).

11. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the leg extension (22) is arranged on the locking device (4).

12. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the locking device (4) has at least one first control element (23) for interaction with the first guide device (5).

13. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 7 and 12, characterized in that the first control element (23) is arranged on the leg extension (22).

14. Contact protection device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control element (23) interacts with the guide extension (13), in particular in the first guide channel (20).

15. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control element (23) has a substantially straight course.

16. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the control element (23) has an angle (18) to the cover plate (15) between 30° and 70°, in particular at least 40°, preferably at least 55°.

17. Contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least one spring element acts on the locking device (4), and that the spring element exerts a force on the locking device (4), which force is intended to cause a movement of the locking device (4) from the second position into the first position.

18. Car battery, in particular drive battery for an electric car, comprising a contact protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

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