High-voltage connector comprising tolerance compensation device

Abstract

To provide an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector for at least one electrical high-voltage line, in particular a stranded line, for a vehicle with an electric traction motor.SOLUTION: An electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector (1) includes a connector base (10) for mounting the high-voltage connector (1), and at least one terminal receptacle (30), fitted on the connector base (10), for a high-voltage electrical terminal, the terminal extending in a height direction (Hr) of the high-voltage connector (1). A mechanical articulation arrangement (20) is accommodated between the connector base (10) and the terminal receptacle (30). By means of the mechanical articulation arrangement (20), the terminal receptacle (30) is movably arranged in the high-voltage connector (1) relative to the connector base (10) for tolerance compensation by the high-voltage connector (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector, preferably for at least one high-voltage line, in particular a stranded wire, for a vehicle with an electric traction motor. The invention also relates to an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connection, in each case preferably for a vehicle with an electric traction motor, and to a high-voltage electrical entity, in particular a pre-assembled high-voltage line. [Background technology]

[0002] In the electrical field (electrical science, electrical engineering, power engineering, etc.) many high voltage electrical connectors are known. They are used to transmit voltages in the high voltage range (high voltages: AC voltages from more than 24 V up to more than 1 kV, DC voltages from more than 48 V up to more than 1.5 kV), currents in the high current range (high currents from more than 25 A up to more than 1 kA) and / or powers in the high power range (high powers from 20 kW up to more than 350 kW). In this case, high voltage connectors have to ensure a problem-free transmission for the short-term and / or permanent supply and / or distribution of electrical energy in cold, warm, possibly hot, polluted, humid and / or chemically hostile environments.

[0003] Due to their wide range of applications, apart from ground power engineering and its derivatives, the majority of such high voltage connectors are known in the automotive and non-automotive sectors. In the automotive sector, such high voltage connectors are for example suitable for electromechanically connecting high voltage lines to corresponding high voltage electrical entities and vice versa, for connecting high voltage lines together or for other high voltage electromechanical contact type connections. - In this specification, the term "high voltage" is intended to encompass the terms high voltage, high current and / or high power (see above).

[0004] For example, in the automotive sector, the high cost of fossil fuels and efforts to reduce the environmental impact have led to the demand for hybrid or electric vehicles. One aspect of such vehicles is the handling of high charging and operating voltages and currents, for which the vehicle components need to be designed accordingly. This relates in particular to high voltage lines (e.g. solid wires, stranded wires (cables, cable harnesses), conductor bars, bus bars, lead frames, etc.) and associated high voltage terminals (e.g. connection parts, flat contacts, bus bars, conductor bars, etc.), and therefore also to high voltage connectors.

[0005] If a high-voltage cable has a high-voltage connector, reference is also made to a high-voltage flying plug connector or a high-voltage coupling. If a high-voltage electrical entity (see below), e.g. has a high-voltage connector in a part or another wall of its housing, reference is also made to a high-voltage accessory connector. - In connection with power engineering (preferably the generation, transformation, storage and transport of high-voltage currents in power distribution networks with three-phase high-voltage transmission), due to their complex structure, reference is made conversely to a cable accessory.

[0006] The solid conductor bars, often called bus bars, are fixed to the vehicle body, for example in the wheel arch, by a mating high-voltage connector and are provided for electrical contact connection by the high-voltage connector, which can be firmly screwed to the body after a plug-in operation. The solid conductor bars are rigid and cannot move much compared to flexible stranded wires, so that alignment errors cannot be compensated for during mating of the mating high-voltage connector.

[0007] Manufacturing tolerances, tolerances due to the fastening of the conductor bars to the wheel arch and housing tolerances result in what is called an axial misalignment in the plug-in direction when connecting such connections. This can cause, among other things, the following problems: High-voltage connectors cannot be joined or fully plugged in. High-voltage connectors can only be joined and / or plugged in with difficulty and / or under high mechanical stress, possibly resulting in damage or malfunction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] There is a continuous effort to improve high voltage electrical connectors. In particular for the next generation of electromobility, it is desirable to be able to establish a high voltage electrical connection in a fast, simple and reliable manner, for example to a wall or to a high voltage entity in the vehicle, using a high voltage connector. - It is an object of the present invention to define a high voltage connector, preferably for a vehicle with an electric traction motor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector, preferably for at least one high-voltage line, in particular a stranded wire, for a vehicle with an electric traction motor, as well as an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connection, in each case preferably for a vehicle with an electric traction motor, and a high-voltage electrical entity, in particular a pre-assembled high-voltage line. - Advantageous developments, further features and / or advantages of the invention become apparent from the dependent claims and / or the following description.

[0010] The high voltage connector according to the invention comprises a connector base for mounting the high voltage connector, and at least one terminal receptacle for at least one high voltage electrical terminal of the high voltage connector, mated to the connector base, said terminal extending in the height direction of the high voltage connector, a mechanical articulation device being arranged or housed between the connector base and the terminal receptacle, the terminal receptacle being arranged by the mechanical articulation device to allow a large movement in the high voltage connector relative to the connector base for tolerance compensation by the high voltage connector. Naturally, at least one high voltage terminal can be arranged in the terminal receptacle and can be connected to at least one high voltage line.

[0011] The present invention provides a more cost-effective mating process with a faster mating process compared to the prior art. Mating errors are minimized or eliminated. Faster process times and fewer failures result in significantly improved customer satisfaction.

[0012] The connector base allows the high-voltage connector to be attached (seated, received, etc.) to some wall (e.g., a body wall, a wheel arch wall, a housing wall, etc.), some part, a connector receptacle of a mating high-voltage connector, etc. The terminal receptacle can be spaced from, extend into, or extend through the connector base in the mating direction of the high-voltage connector, i.e., the plugging direction of its high-voltage terminals. Here, it is understood that the terminal receptacle is accessible to the mating high-voltage connector through a through cutout in the connector base.

[0013] The articulation device may provide exactly one, at least one or two particularly limited rotational degrees of freedom and / or exactly one, at least one or two particularly limited translational degrees of freedom between the connector base and the terminal receptacle, where obviously the axes of the degrees of freedom are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] A limited rotational degree of freedom is understood to mean in particular a possible rotational or pivotal (large mobility) of the terminal receptacle relative to the connector base (or naturally vice versa) of at least or at most approximately ±2°, ±4°, ±6°, ±8°, ±10°, ±12°, ±14°, ±16°, ±18°, ±20°. If the terminal receptacle has two rotational degrees of freedom relative to the connector base, the center line of the high-voltage terminal in the terminal receptacle can move within a preferably rectilinear (elliptical or circular) cone having said angle as opening angle.

[0015] A limited translational degree of freedom is to be understood as meaning in particular a possible linear displacement possibility (large mobility) of the terminal receptacle relative to the connector base (or vice versa, naturally) of at least or at most approximately ±0.5 mm, ±1 mm, ±1.5 mm, ±2 mm, ±2.5 mm, ±3 mm, ±3.5 mm, ±4 mm, ±4.5 mm, ±5 mm, ±5.5 mm, ±6 mm. If the terminal receptacle has two translational degrees of freedom relative to the connector base, the centerline of the high-voltage terminal in the terminal receptacle can move within a rectangle or square having said side lengths.

[0016] The rotational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle about the axis of the high-voltage connector and the corresponding translational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle along this axis can be realized by a single bearing in the articulation device. - The bearing comprises, as a rule, two bearing devices. Such a bearing device may be realized as a journal bearing device, i.e. a journal received in a bush. The journal is capable of rotation or pivoting and linear movement relative to the bush and / or the bush is capable of rotation or pivoting and linear movement relative to the journal.

[0017] The articulation device may be in the form of a Cardan bearing and is used to mount the terminal receptacle on the connector base. The Cardan bearing is preferably configured such that the terminal receptacle has at least one or two limited translational degrees of freedom. This means that the terminal receptacle is received (mounted, suspended, etc.) through a component of the high-voltage connector with the aid of two rotary bearings of the connector base, the axes of the two rotary bearings intersecting approximately at right angles. Here, the axial play of each rotary bearing in its axial direction, i.e. the movement clearance relevant to the application, allows the respective limited translational degrees of freedom of the terminal receptacle to be realized.

[0018] To realize the rotational degrees of freedom of the terminal receptacle, the articulation device may have a rotational bearing for each rotational degree of freedom. Preferably, for each rotational degree of freedom, two rotational bearing devices on opposite sides of the terminal receptacle are configured as rotational bearings in the articulation device. Here, the rotational bearings may of course be in the form of pivot bearings.

[0019] The rotary bearing or rotary bearing device may be realized by a bearing journal rotatably received in a bearing bush or vice versa. In particular, the rotary bearing may be realized by two bearing journals rotatably received in two bearing bushes, the bearing bushes and the bearing journals being naturally arranged coaxially.

[0020] Furthermore, the rolling bearing or rolling bearing device may be realized, for example, by a (partial) circumferential guide. This means, for example, that a (partial) circumferential projection is guided in a (partial) circumferential groove or in a circular (segment-like) cutout (hole). Of course, other rolling bearings can also be used. In the case of a rolling bearing, of course, two rolling bearing devices of different design can also be used.

[0021] To realize the translational degrees of freedom of the terminal receptacle, the articulation device may have a thrust bearing for each translational degree of freedom. Preferably, for each translational degree of freedom, two thrust bearing devices, which are opposite each other with respect to the terminal receptacle, are configured as thrust bearings in the articulation device. The thrust bearing or thrust bearing device may be realized by a bearing journal linearly displaceably received in a bearing bush or vice versa. In particular, the thrust bearing may be realized by two bearing journals linearly displaceably received in two bearing bushes, which are preferably arranged coaxially, but can also be arranged eccentrically. Naturally, other thrust bearings or thrust bearing devices, such as guides, linear bearings, etc., may also be used.

[0022] In the articulation device, the thrust bearing of the terminal receptacle may be realized by an axial movement clearance of the rotational bearing of the terminal receptacle. -Furthermore, the high voltage connector may include at least one reset device for at least one of the plurality of bearings of the terminal receptacle. The reset device is configured to indirectly and / or directly tend to return the terminal receptacle to its original position in the high voltage connector.

[0023] Of course, a high voltage connector may comprise at least / exactly one, two, three or four such reset devices. Preferably, the reset device is in the form of a spring element, elastic element or the like which indirectly and / or directly urges the terminal receptacle towards its starting position, where the starting position is preferably a position centred on the connector base.

[0024] In one embodiment, the mount may be received in the connector base so as to be rotatable and / or longitudinally displaceable about the longitudinal axis of the high voltage connector (see Figs. 5 and 7). In this case, the axis of rotation of the mount itself (e.g. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the high voltage connector) is approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the terminal receptacle (e.g. parallel to the transverse / height axis of the high voltage connector). The bearing of the mount in the connector base may comprise two bearing devices, the actual mount being arranged between these two bearing devices in the high voltage connector. The first bearing of the articulation device may here be in the form of at least one journal bearing device between the mount and the connector base. The bearing or journal bearing allows a single limited rotational degree of freedom and / or a single limited translational degree of freedom of the mount in the connector base.

[0025] In one embodiment, the terminal receptacle may be received in the mount so as to be rotatable and / or laterally displaceable about the lateral direction of the high voltage connector (see, for example, Figures 6 and 9). In this case, the axis of rotation of the terminal receptacle itself (e.g. parallel to the lateral axis of the high voltage connector) is approximately perpendicular to the axis of (rotation) of the mount (e.g. parallel to the longitudinal / height axis of the high voltage connector). The bearing of the terminal receptacle in the mount may comprise two bearing devices, the terminal receptacle being arranged between these two bearing devices in the high voltage connector. The second bearing of the articulation device may here be in the form of at least one journal bearing device between the terminal receptacle and the mount. The bearing or journal bearing allows a single limited rotational degree of freedom and / or a single limited translational degree of freedom for the terminal receptacle in the mount.

[0026] The mount may for example be in the form of a frame, a ring, open or closed circumferentially, a cage, U-shaped, V-shaped, etc. In principle the mount may have any form that can be used to achieve the desired number of rotational and / or translational degrees of freedom in the high voltage connector.

[0027] The axial movement clearance between the mount and the connector base can provide a translational displaceability of the mount in the connector base in the longitudinal direction of the high-voltage connector (see again, for example, FIG. 7). The mount can also be arranged in the connector base in such a way that it is buffered by at least one spring element. The spring element is preferably decoupled from the respective wall. In such a case, the axial movement clearance can preferably be used only against the force from the spring element. The spring element also serves, for example, to reset the mount to a relative rest position in the connector base after the high-voltage connector is mated with a mating high-voltage connector, or to reset the mount as far as possible in the direction of its rest position.

[0028] Axial movement clearance between the mount and the connector base may be limited longitudinally by material overlap between the terminal receptacle and the mount, which of course is achieved by mating means (see below) if the connector base for mounting the mount includes such mating means.

[0029] The axial movement clearance between the terminal receptacle and the mount can provide translational displacement possibility of the terminal receptacle in the mount in the lateral direction of the high-voltage connector (see again, for example, FIG. 9). The terminal receptacle may be arranged in the mount so that it is buffered by at least one spring element. The spring element is preferably decoupled from the respective wall. In such a case, the axial movement clearance can preferably be used only against the force from the spring element. The spring element also serves, for example, to reset the terminal receptacle to a relative rest position in the mount or as far as possible in the direction of its rest position after the high-voltage connector is mated with a mating high-voltage connector.

[0030] Axial movement clearance between the terminal receptacle and the mount may be limited in the longitudinal direction by a material overlap between the terminal receptacle and the mount. If the mount for mounting the terminal receptacle includes a bearing insert (see below), the material overlap may of course be achieved by such bearing insert or by the mount itself.

[0031] The (first) bearing of the mount on the connector base may be arranged between the mating means of the connector base and the bearing cover. In this case, the bearing cover may be locked, clipped, glued, etc. onto the mating means. The bearing cover may be fitted into the mating means by plugging and / or sliding. The (second) bearing of the terminal receptacle on the mount may be arranged on the wall of the mount by means of a bearing insert. In this case, the bearing insert may be locked, clipped, glued, etc. onto the wall of the mount. The bearing insert may be fitted into the wall of the mount by plugging and / or sliding. - Here, the wall of the bearing cover may extend substantially transversely and the wall of the bearing insert may extend substantially longitudinally.

[0032] The first and / or second rolling bearing may comprise a reset device for mechanically preloading the mount and / or the terminal receptacle in the direction of rotation towards their respective relative starting positions, whereby the reset device of the first rolling bearing may be in the form of a spring element, in particular a leaf spring, of the bearing cover, which preloads the mount towards its starting position in the connector base and tends to return the mount directly to its starting position in the connector base, and the reset device of the second rolling bearing may be in the form of a spring element, in particular a spring arm, of the terminal receptacle, which preloads the terminal receptacle towards its starting position in the mount and tends to return the terminal receptacle directly to its starting position in the mount.

[0033] The first thrust bearing and / or the second thrust bearing may comprise a reset device for mechanically preloading the mount and / or the terminal receptacle in a translational direction towards their respective relative starting positions, wherein the reset device of the first thrust bearing may be in the form of a spring element of the mating means, in particular a leaf spring, which preloads the mount towards its starting position in the connector base and tends to return the mount directly to its starting position in the connector base, and wherein the reset device of the second thrust bearing may be in the form of a spring element of the mount or a spring element of the bearing insert, in particular a spring arm, which preloads the terminal receptacle towards its starting position in the mount and tends to return the terminal receptacle directly to its starting position in the mount.

[0034] The connector base may be in the form of a cage, a plug or a plate. The connector base may also comprise a seal on the opposite side of the articulation device. This seal may be arranged, for example, in the form of a profile seal, an O-ring or the like, especially in the plate-like connector base, in a groove around the radial outside. Furthermore, a seal may be arranged between the connector base and the terminal receptacle. This seal is preferably based on the form of a frustoconical surface and may in particular be in the form of a boot or the like. The mating means of the connector base may also be in the form of a bar or a seat. Furthermore, the mating means and / or the bearing insert may be in the form of a plug-in and / or sliding mating element.

[0035] Each articulation device of the high voltage connector may receive exactly one or at least one terminal receptacle. The high voltage connector may also include exactly one, at least one, exactly two or at least two articulation devices. Furthermore, a respective articulation device may be provided on the connector base for each respective terminal receptacle.

[0036] A high-voltage connection according to the invention, preferably for a vehicle with an electric traction motor, comprises an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector and a counter high-voltage electrical connector, the high-voltage connector being constructed according to the invention - where the high-voltage connector and the counter high-voltage connector can be connected to one another, optionally screwed to one another or can be detachable from one another.

[0037] Here, the high voltage connector may be electromechanically connected to at least one high voltage line, in particular a stranded wire. The mating high voltage connector may also be electromechanically connected to at least one high voltage line, in particular a bus bar. Furthermore, the high voltage line may be electromechanically connected to a high voltage electrical entity other than the connector.

[0038] The high-voltage entity according to the invention, in particular the assembled high-voltage line according to the invention, comprises an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector, in at least one terminal receptacle of which a high-voltage electrical terminal is arranged, the high-voltage connector being constructed in accordance with the invention - in this case the high-voltage entity may in particular comprise a power electric device or a wall of a power electric device etc. to which the high-voltage connector is fixed. Furthermore, the assembled high-voltage line may comprise a high-voltage wire (see above) electrically connected to the high-voltage connector.

[0039] Such high voltage entities may be in the form of, for example, high voltage electrical components (e.g., electric motors), high voltage electrical modules (e.g., battery modules, traction battery modules), high voltage electrical elements (e.g., battery storage, traction batteries), high voltage electrical devices (e.g., inverters, switchgear cabinets), high voltage electrical equipment (e.g., charging stations), high voltage electrical assemblies (e.g., electric traction motors), high voltage electrical equipment (e.g., switching equipment), etc.

[0040] It is to be understood that vehicles equipped with electric traction motors, in particular motor vehicles (highway vehicles, utility vehicles, etc.), rail vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc., may be equipped with a non-electrical further drive device, such as an internal combustion engine, in addition to the electric traction motor, i.e. vehicles equipped with electric traction motors can be understood to mean, for example, electric vehicles (electric drive only), hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which are not to scale. Parts, elements, components, units, components, figures having the same, unique or similar structure or function are designated by the same reference numbers in the description of the figures (see below), in the list of reference numbers, in the claims and in the respective figures of the drawings. Possible alternatives, static and / or kinematic inversions, combinations, etc. of the exemplary embodiments of the invention or its components, figures, units, components, elements, parts, which are not described in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings and / or are not definitive, can be obtained from the list of reference numbers and the description of the figures.

[0042] In the case of the present invention, features (parts, elements, components, units, elements, functions, variables, etc.) can be explicit, i.e. present, or latent, i.e. absent. In this specification (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the figures (see below)), list of reference signs, claims, drawings), latent features are not explicitly described as features, if their absence is not valued according to the present invention. That is to say, the present invention (not an invention as actually made and constructed as in the prior art) consists in omitting said features.

[0043] Features of this specification may be used not only in a particular manner or way, but also in other manners or ways (separately, in combination, permutation, addition, alone, omitted, etc.). In particular, in the description and in the list of reference signs, in the claims and in the drawings, it is possible to substitute, add, or omit features in the claims and description based on the reference signs and the features to which they are assigned, and vice versa. Furthermore, features in the claims may be construed and / or defined in more detail as a result.

[0044] The features of the present description may also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the prior art (where little was initially known)). That is, each feature may be considered as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, i.e., a non-essential feature. Thus, it is possible to separate features from the exemplary embodiments, possibly including their surroundings, and then convert said features into generalized inventive concepts. The absence of a feature in the exemplary embodiments (latent features) is optional in the context of the present invention (for a person skilled in the art). In addition, in the case of feature type terms, the general terms of the feature may also be implicitly understood (possibly with further hierarchical decomposition into classes, etc.), which allows for generalization of the feature, for example, taking into account comparable effects and / or equivalents.

[0045] The following drawings are merely exemplary and schematic. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting situation of a high voltage connector according to the present invention on a wheel arch wall of a vehicle opposite a mating high voltage connector; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting situation of a high voltage connector according to the present invention on a wheel arch wall of a vehicle opposite a mating high voltage connector; [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the electrical and mechanical problems of mating a high voltage connector to a mating high voltage electrical connector; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional detailed view of the mechanical articulated mounting or suspension of at least one, and in particular one of two, terminal receptacles in a high voltage connector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional detailed view of a first rotary bearing of a cardan bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional detailed view of a second rotary bearing of a cardan bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a detailed two-dimensional cross-sectional view of a first thrust bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional detailed view of a first thrust bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a two-dimensional cross-sectional detailed view of a second thrust bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional detailed view of a second thrust bearing of a terminal receptacle in a high voltage connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment of a high-voltage electrical connector 1 for a wheel arch wall 0 of a vehicle, in particular a high-voltage plug connector 1. Naturally, the invention is also applicable to other high-voltage electrical connectors 1. Here, the high-voltage connector 1 may be, for example, in the form of an accessory connector, an integrated connector, an interface, a plug, a socket, a coupling, a socket, a flying connector, etc.

[0048] The invention will be further explained and illustrated in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, which are rather of a more fundamental nature. Other variants can be derived therefrom and / or from the above (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. The invention can be used in the electrical field in general, i.e. the invention is also used in non-automotive fields in the case of electrical or high voltage entities (see above). One exception is ground power engineering and its derivatives.

[0049] 1 to 10 show only those physical parts of the subject matter of the invention that are necessary for understanding the invention. The designations connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal etc. are to be interpreted synonymously, i.e. interchangeably. - The description of the invention with reference to Figs. 1 to 10 (see also above) refers in the following, inter alia, to a (bidirectional) longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction Lr, a (bidirectional) height axis / height direction Hr (which may also be called terminal longitudinal direction Hr) and a (bidirectional) transverse axis / transverse direction Qr of the high voltage connector 1. The unidirectional mating direction Mr of the high voltage connector 1 is parallel to the height axis Hr as the plugging direction of the high voltage terminal 32 (high voltage connector 1) into the mating high voltage terminal (mating high voltage connector 5).

[0050] 1 and 2 show the mounting of an embodiment of an electrical and mechanical high-voltage connector 1 according to the invention in a wheel arch wall 0. In the cutout of the wall 0, a counter high-voltage electrical connector 5 is arranged, which is connected to an electrical busbar 6 and which is intended to be electrically contacted (FIG. 1) or has been electrically contacted (FIG. 2) by the high-voltage connector 1 according to the invention. In this example, the high-voltage connector 1 comprises two high-voltage terminals 32 which extend in the height direction Hr and are connected to a high-voltage line 2 in the form of a twisted wire 2 (assembled high-voltage line 1 / 2). In this example, the high-voltage connector 1 comprises two high-voltage terminals 32, but may also comprise a single or three or more high-voltage terminals 32.

[0051] As explained at the beginning, due to tolerances, when the high voltage connector 1 is mated to the mating high voltage connector 5, a problem called axial misalignment occurs between the high voltage terminal 32 and the mating high voltage terminal. This is illustrated in Figure 3. The axial direction (height direction Hr) of the terminals relative to one another may not be coaxially arranged or parallel to one another when mated, and in each case may have an angular offset and an axial offset in the two directions. This problem is effectively counteracted by the mechanical articulation device 20 of the high voltage connector 1.

[0052] A high voltage mechanical connector housing 10, 20, 30 for a high voltage connector 1 (see initially Figures 3 and 4) comprises a connector base 10 for mounting the high voltage connector 1 and at least one terminal receptacle 30 for at least one high voltage terminal 32 of the high voltage connector 1, which is matable or mated with the connector base 10. An articulation device 20 of the high voltage connector housing 10, 20, 30 (said device being in the form of a tolerance compensation device 20) is arrangeable or arranged between the connector base 10 and the terminal receptacle 30 and is used to articulate the terminal receptacle 30, and thus the high voltage terminal 32 arranged in the high voltage connector housing 10, 20, 30, relative to the connector base 10 in the high voltage connector 1.

[0053] In this example, the articulation device 20 comprises a first rotary bearing 21 (which may also be called pivot bearing 21), a second rotary bearing 22 (which may also be called pivot bearing 22), a first thrust bearing 25 and a second thrust bearing 26 between the connector base 10 and the terminal receptacle 30 (see arrows in FIG. 4). In particular, here the rotary bearings 21, 22 may also be in the form of thrust bearings 25, 26 and vice versa. That is, for example, a large axial play of the rotary bearings 21, 22 realises the thrust bearings 25, 26. - Naturally, it is not necessary to provide all four bearings 21, 22, 25, 26, but only one, two or three of them. In such a case, it is preferable to provide the rotary bearings 21, 22 instead of the thrust bearings 25, 26.

[0054] The individual rotational bearings 21, 22 here provide a single rotational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle 30 relative to the connector base 10, and the individual thrust bearings 25, 26 here provide a single translational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle 30 relative to the connector base 10. - For the terminal receptacle 30, the rotational bearing 21 provides a limited rotational degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis Lr (via the mount 200 (see below)), and the rotational bearing 22 provides a limited rotational degree of freedom about the transverse axis Qr. Furthermore, for the terminal receptacle 30, the thrust bearing 25 provides a limited translational degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis Lr (via the mount 200), and the thrust bearing 26 provides a limited translational degree of freedom along the transverse axis Qr.

[0055] In the present example (see also figures 5 to 10), the articulation device 20 realises a cardan bearing of the terminal receptacle 30 relative to the connector base 10 with two rotational degrees of freedom. It is furthermore possible to realise, by means of the cardan bearing or the articulation device 20, that no thrust bearings 25, 26 are provided at all, or one or both of them. - for this purpose, the articulation device 20 comprises a frame-like mount 200 which is articulatedly received relative to the connector base 10 and on which the terminal receptacle 30 is articulatedly arranged.

[0056] Here, a first rotary bearing 21 (see Figures 4 and 5) and a first thrust bearing 25 (see Figures 7 and 8) of the articulation device 20 are arranged between the connector base 10 and the mount 200. Furthermore, a second rotary bearing 22 (see Figures 4 and 6) and a second thrust bearing 26 (see Figures 9 and 10) of the articulation device 20 are arranged between the mount 200 and the terminal receptacle 30. Here, the rotary bearings 21, 22 and the associated thrust bearings 22, 26 are realized as a single bearing consisting of the rotary bearing 21 and the thrust bearing 25, respectively, or the rotary bearing 22 and the thrust bearing 26, in particular as journal bearings 21 / 25, 22 / 26 with axial mobility of the respective bearing journals 220, 340 in the bearing shells 102 / 112, 244.

[0057] The following description relates to the rest position of the terminal receptacles 30 in the high voltage connector 1, which is also shown in Figures 4 to 10. Here, of course, the mounts 200 are in their rest positions. The relative positions of the terminal receptacles 30, or the relative positions of the mounts 200, depend on how far the rotation bearings 21, 22 and thrust bearings 25, 26 need to move from their rest positions when the high voltage connector 1 is mated with the mating high voltage connector 5. The rotation angles of the rotation bearings 21, 22 and the displacement distances of the thrust bearings 25, 26 have been mentioned above by way of example.

[0058] The second rotation bearing 22 and the second thrust bearing 26 (see Figs. 4, 6, 9 and 10) are arranged between a bearing journal 340 protruding laterally from the terminal receptacle 30 and a bearing shell 244 of a bearing bush in the side wall of the mount 200. Of course, this may have a kinematically inverted design. Preferably, two such bearing journals 340 and bearing shells 244 are used. Here, the second rotation bearing 22 and the second thrust bearing 26 allow a rotational degree of freedom about the lateral direction Qr and a translational degree of freedom in the lateral direction Qr of the high-voltage connector 1.

[0059] Here, the bearing journal 340 is preferably received in a bearing insert 240 in the wall of the mount 200. Here, the bearing insert 240 is inserted or slid into a cut-out in the wall of the mount 200 and may be locked, clipped, glued, etc. against it. The bearing insert 240 is in particular in the form of a disk or plate and may have, for example, the thickness of the wall of the mount 200.

[0060] Of the rotation bearing 22 and the thrust bearing 26, the thrust bearing 26 has an axial movement clearance d of the terminal receptacle 30 in the mount 200 or between the bearing inserts 240. 26(see FIG. 9). That is, the terminal receptacle 30 is received in the mount 200 so that it can move back and forth to some extent. For this, the bearing journal 340 must, of course, be designed to be sufficiently long. Here, the terminal receptacle 30 can be mechanically preloaded in the translational direction to its relative rest position in the mount 200.

[0061] This is achieved by at least one reset device 246, for example in the form of a spring or elastic element 246, which preloads the terminal receptacle 30 into its relative rest position in the mount 200. In the present example, each reset device 246 is in the form of a spring arm 246, two spring arms 246 acting approximately in parallel being used on each side of the bearing, whereby in each case preferably the two spring arms 246 are arranged adjacent the bearing shell 244 or the bearing insert 240 in the mount 200 and are, for example, separated from the respective walls.

[0062] Furthermore, of the second rotational bearing 22 and the second thrust bearing 26, the rotational bearing 22 (see FIG. 7 ) can be rotationally mechanically preloaded to and / or rotationally restrained in its relative rest position in the mount 200. To this end, the terminal receptacle 30 is provided with a reset device 318. The reset device 318 is, for example, in the form of a spring element 318 or an elastic element 318, which preloads and / or restrains the terminal receptacle 30 to and / or restrains it in its relative rest position in the mount 200.

[0063] In this example, the respective reset device 318 is in the form of a spring arm 318, two spring arms 318 acting approximately in parallel may be used on each side of the bearing, said spring arms 318 then being able to engage in cutouts in the mount 200 and thus mechanically preload or restrain the terminal receptacle 30 against the mount 200. When the terminal receptacle 30 is rotated about its longitudinal direction Lr, this locking connection can be disengaged.

[0064] The first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25 (see Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8) are arranged between a bearing journal 220 protruding laterally from the mount 200 and a bearing shell 102 / 112 (including a bearing cover 110 (see below)) of the bearing bush in the mating means 100 of the connector base 10. Naturally, this may have a kinematically inverted design. Preferably, two such bearing journals 220 and bearing shells 102 / 112 are used. Here, the first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25 allow a degree of rotational freedom about and a degree of translational freedom in the longitudinal direction Lr of the high-voltage connector 1.

[0065] The fitting means 100 of the connector base 10 may be in the form of a bar or a seat, which may have bearing half-shells 102 for the first rolling bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25. On the opposite side, the bearing half-shell 102 is closed by a bearing cover 110 which comprises a bearing half-shell 112, these two bearing half-shells 102, 112 forming the bearing bush of the connector base 10. The bearing cover 110 is plugged or slid onto the fitting means 100 and may be locked, clipped, glued, etc. thereto.

[0066] Of the rotation bearing 21 and the thrust bearing 25, the thrust bearing 25 has an axial movement clearance d of the mount 200 relative to the connector base 10 or between the two fitting means 100 and the bearing cover 110. 25(see FIG. 7). That is, the mount 200 is received in the connector base 10 so that it can move back and forth to some extent. Of course, for this, the bearing journal 220 needs to have a sufficiently long design. Here, the mount 200 can be mechanically preloaded in the translational direction to its relative rest position in the connector base 10.

[0067] This is achieved by at least one reset device 105, for example in the form of a spring element 105 or a resilient element 105, preloading the mount 200 into its relative rest position in the connector base 10. In the present example, each reset device 105 is in the form of a spring arm 105, two spring arms 105 acting approximately in parallel being used on each side of the bearing, whereby in each case preferably the spring arms 105 are arranged adjacent to the bearing shell 102 / 112 and / or the bearing cover 110 in the fitting means 100 and are for example separated from the respective walls.

[0068] Furthermore, of the first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25, the rotary bearing 21 (see FIG. 8) can be mechanically preloaded in the direction of rotation to its relative rest position in the connector base 10. For this purpose, the bearing cover 110 comprises a reset device 118, for example in the form of a spring element 118 or an elastic element 118, which preloads the mount 200 to its relative rest position in the connector base 10. In the present example, the respective reset device 118 is in the form of a leaf spring 118, two leaf springs 118 acting approximately in parallel can be used on each side of the bearing. Here, each leaf spring 118 abuts against the upper surface of the mount 200 in the height direction Hr. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 0 wall 1 High voltage connectors (electrical and mechanical) 2 High voltage lines, e.g. stranded wires 5 Mating high voltage (electrical) connector 6 High voltage lines, e.g. busbars 10 Connector base 20 (mechanical) articulation devices, in particular cardan bearings 21, 22 and thrust bearings 25, 26 21 (First) rotating bearing, pivot bearing 22 (Second) rotating bearing, pivot bearing 25 (First) Thrust Bearing 26 (second) thrust bearing 30 Terminal Receptacle 32 High voltage terminal 40 Seals, e.g. profile seals, O-rings, etc. 50 Seals, e.g. boots, etc. 100 Fitting means 102 bearing shell, bearing half shell for the first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25 105 Reset devices, e.g. springs / elastic elements, leaf springs 110 Bearing cover 112 Bearing half shells for the first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25 118 Reset devices, e.g. springs / elastic elements, leaf springs 130 through cutout for terminal receptacle 30 200 Mount 220 bearing journal for the first rotary bearing 21 and the first thrust bearing 25 240 Bearing insert 244 Bearing shell for second rotary bearing 22 and second thrust bearing 26 246 Reset devices, e.g. spring / elastic elements, spring arms 318 Reset devices, e.g. spring / elastic elements, spring arms 340 bearing journal for second rotary bearing 22 and second thrust bearing 26 d Axial movement clearance Lr Longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction (bidirectional) Hr Vertical axis / vertical direction (bidirectional), terminal longitudinal direction Mr Mating direction (one way), insertion direction Qr horizontal axis / horizontal direction (bidirectional)

Claims

1. An electrical and mechanical high voltage connector (1) for at least one high voltage line (2), comprising: A high voltage connector (1) comprising: a connector base (10) for mounting the high voltage connector (1); and at least one terminal receptacle (30) for at least one high voltage electrical terminal (12) of the high voltage connector (1) fitted to the connector base (10), the at least one high voltage electrical terminal (12) extending in a height direction (Hr) of the high voltage connector (1), a mechanical joint device (20) is accommodated between the connector base (10) and the terminal receptacle (30), and the terminal receptacle (30) is arranged movably relative to the connector base (10) in the high voltage connector (1) by the mechanical joint device (20) for tolerance compensation by the high voltage connector (1). High voltage connector (1).

2. the articulation device (20) provides exactly one, at least one or two limited rotational degrees of freedom (Lr, Qr) and / or exactly one, at least one or two limited translational degrees of freedom (Lr, Qr) between the connector base (10) and the terminal receptacle (30); the rotational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle (30) about the axis (Lr, Qr) of the high voltage connector (1) and the corresponding translational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle (30) along said axis (Lr, Qr) are realized by a single bearing (21 / 25, 22 / 26) in the articulation device (20); and / or The high voltage connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation device (20) is in the form of a Cardan bearing and is used to mount the terminal receptacle (30) to the connector base (10), the Cardan bearing being configured such that the terminal receptacle (30) has at least one or two limited translational degrees of freedom (Lr, Qr).

3. In order to realize a rotational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle (30), the articulation device (20) has a rotational bearing (21, 22) for each rotational degree of freedom; To realize a translational degree of freedom of the terminal receptacle (30), the articulation device (20) has a thrust bearing (25, 26) for each translational degree of freedom, and / or The high-voltage connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the joint device (20), the thrust bearings (25, 26) of the terminal receptacle (30) are realized by axial (Lr, Qr) movement clearances (d) of the rotation bearings (21, 22) of the terminal receptacle (30).

4. the high voltage connector (1) comprises at least one reset device (105, 118, 246, 318) for at least one of the rotation bearings (21, 22) and the thrust bearings (25, 26) of the terminal receptacle (30); 4. The high voltage connector (1) of claim 3, wherein the reset device (105, 118, 246, 318) is configured to tend to return the terminal receptacle (30) indirectly (105, 118) and / or directly (246, 318) to its original position in the high voltage connector (1).

5. A mount (200) is received on the connector base (10) so as to be rotatable about and / or displaceable in the longitudinal direction (Lr) of the high voltage connector (1); the bearing (21 / 25) of the mount (200) on the connector base (10) comprises two bearing devices, the mount (200) being arranged between the two bearing devices on the high voltage connector (1); and / or The high voltage connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first bearing (21 / 25) of the articulation device (20) is in the form of at least one journal bearing device between the mount (200) and the connector base (10).

6. The terminal receptacle (30) is received in the mount (200) so as to be rotatable about a lateral direction (Qr) of the high voltage connector (1) and / or displaceable in the lateral direction (Qr); the bearing (22 / 26) of the terminal receptacle (30) in the mount (200) comprises two bearing devices, the terminal receptacle (30) being disposed between the two bearing devices in the high voltage connector (1); and / or The high voltage connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second bearing (22 / 26) of the articulation device (20) is in the form of at least one journal bearing device between the terminal receptacle (30) and the mount (200).

7. Axial (Lr) movement clearance (d ２５ ) provides translational displacement of the mount (200) on the connector base (10) in the longitudinal direction (Lr) of the high voltage connector (1); the mount (200) is arranged on the connector base (10) so as to be cushioned by at least one spring element (105), the spring element (105) being decoupled from the respective wall (100); and / or The axial (Lr) movement clearance (d ２５ 6. The high voltage connector (1) of claim 5, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (Hr) is limited by a material overlap between the terminal receptacle (30) and the mount (200).

8. The lateral (Qr) movement clearance (d ２６ ) provides translational displacement of the terminal receptacle (30) on the mount (200) in the lateral direction (Qr) of the high voltage connector (1); the terminal receptacle (30) is disposed on the mount (200) so as to be cushioned by at least one spring element (246), the spring element (246) being decoupled from each wall portion (240); and / or The lateral (Qr) movement clearance (d ２６ 6. The high voltage connector (1) of claim 5, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (Lr) is limited by a material overlap between the terminal receptacle (30) and the mount (200).

9. The bearing (21 / 25) of the mount (200) on the connector base (10) is disposed between the mating means (100) of the connector base (10) and a bearing cover (110); the bearings (22 / 26) of the terminal receptacles (30) in the mount (200) are located in the walls of the mount (200) by bearing inserts (200); and / or A high voltage connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the walls of the bearing cover (110) extend substantially in the transverse direction (Qr) and the walls of the bearing insert (200) extend substantially in the longitudinal direction (Lr).

10. the first rolling bearing (21) and / or the second rolling bearing (22) are provided with a reset device (118, 318) which mechanically preloads the mount (200) and / or the terminal receptacle (30) in a rotational direction towards their respective relative starting positions; and / or 6. The high voltage connector (1) according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the first thrust bearing (25) and / or the second thrust bearing (26) comprise a reset device (105, 246), which mechanically preloads the mount (200) and / or the terminal receptacle (30) in a translational direction towards their respective relative starting positions.

11. Each articulation device (20) of the high voltage connector (1) receives exactly one or at least one terminal receptacle (30); the high voltage connector (1) comprises exactly one, at least one, exactly two or at least two articulation devices (20); and / or A high voltage connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that for each individual terminal receptacle (30) the connector base (10) is provided with an individual articulation device (20).

12. An electrical and mechanical high voltage connection (1), comprising: An electrical and mechanical high voltage connection (1) comprising an electrical and mechanical high voltage connector (1) and a mating high voltage electrical connector (5), High voltage connection (1), characterized in that the high voltage connector (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. said high voltage connector (1) is electromechanically connected to at least one high voltage line (2); said mating high voltage electrical connector (5) is electromechanically connected to at least one high voltage line (6); and / or A high-voltage connection (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the high-voltage line (2, 6) is electrically and mechanically connected to a high-voltage electrical entity other than its connector (1, 5).

14. A high voltage electrical entity comprising: A high voltage electrical entity comprising an electrical and mechanical high voltage connector (1) having at least one terminal receptacle (30) having a high voltage electrical terminal (32) disposed therein, A high voltage electrical entity, characterized in that the high voltage connector (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. The high-voltage connector (1) is a high-voltage connector (1) for at least one high-voltage electric wire (2) for a vehicle equipped with an electric traction motor. A high voltage connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The high voltage electrical entity is a preassembled high voltage electric wire (1 / 2). The high voltage electrical entity of claim 14.

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