Modular connector having at least one slidable screw and connection assembly having such a modular connector - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide means for connecting an electric module capable of compensating a position tolerance without applying force.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a module connector for electrically connecting two modules 10, the module connector includes a bus bar 4, a screw 26 rotatable with respect to the bus bar 4, and a screw guide 38. The busbar 4 comprises a flat surface and a through opening portion 16. The screw guide 38 is held in the through opening portion 16 and has a hole 40. The screw 26 is held in the hole 40. The screw 26 is held in the through opening portion 16 so as to be slidable parallel to a busbar plane. Due to sliding property of the screws 26, the module connector can compensate for certain positional tolerances without applying force when connecting the modules 10. Furthermore, the invention achieves a connection assembly 2 having such a module connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular connector for electrically connecting two electric modules, in particular two battery modules. The battery modules are preferably battery modules for an electric vehicle or a power electronics system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connection assembly having such a modular connector. [Background technology]

[0002] The relative position between the module connector and the two electrical modules to be connected is subject to variations due to tolerances, even when the electrical modules are arranged in a grid dimension. Therefore, to compensate for these positional tolerances, conventional module connectors provide flexible conductor parts, for example made from braided copper wire, which allow the position of the fastening means (e.g. screws) of the module connector to be adapted to various relative positions of the electrical modules.

[0003] However, these flexible conductor sections need to be bent into a certain shape, sometimes with a strong force, and often apply an elastic restoring force to the module connector after installation. In addition, the length of the flexible conductor section affects its flexibility. In other words, the shorter the flexible conductor section, the smaller the positional tolerance that can be compensated.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to connect a plurality of electric modules without applying strong forces, regardless of positional tolerances, regardless of their relative positions, and especially regardless of their distances. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide means for connecting electrical modules which are force-free and which make it possible to compensate for positional tolerances regardless of dimensions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a modular connector of the type mentioned in the introduction, comprising a busbar, at least one screw rotatable relative to the busbar, and at least one screw guide rotatable relative to the busbar, the busbar having at least one flat surface defining a busbar plane, at least one portion of the busbar having a through opening extending through the busbar perpendicular to the busbar plane, the at least one screw guide being at least partially held in the through opening and the at least one screw guide having a hole extending parallel to the through opening in which the at least one screw is at least partially held, the at least one screw being held in the through opening so as to be slidable parallel to the busbar plane.

[0007] Due to the slidability of the screw, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to compensate for certain positional tolerances when connecting the electrical modules; in other words, the module connector can be adapted to various relative positions of the two electrical modules to be connected. By sliding the screw relative to the busbar, this adjustment can be carried out without exerting forces and in particular without creating elastic restoring forces. As will be explained in more detail below, the presence of a rotatable screw guide provides the screw with an additional degree of freedom during position adjustment.

[0008] The degree of compensation possible depends primarily on the geometry of the screws, the holes in the screw guides and the through openings of the busbars. The length and especially the flexibility of the busbars are irrelevant. As a result, highly rigid and particularly stiff busbars can be used for the module connectors.

[0009] The above solution can be further improved by further features which are described below, in which the individual features are each suitable alone and can be combined with one another if necessary.

[0010] According to one possible configuration, the at least one screw may be slidably held in the through opening along two mutually perpendicular directions (e.g., X-direction and Y-direction) simultaneously or sequentially, both of which extend parallel to the busbar plane. In other words, the plane spanned by the two directions is coplanar with the busbar plane. A linear combination of movements in the X-direction and the Y-direction allows the at least one screw to slide along the busbar plane. Thus, the module connector has degrees of freedom comparable to a flexible conductor portion.

[0011] The busbar preferably has two flat sides which are parallel and opposite to each other. Correspondingly, the through openings of the busbar connect both flat sides. Furthermore, optionally, the through openings of the busbar are arranged at one end of the busbar. Thus, the entire length of the busbar can be utilized when connecting the electrical modules.

[0012] To compensate for the change in length due to temperature variations, the busbar may be provided with a bend, for example a U-shaped bend, especially in the center. Alternatively, the busbar may have a flexible conductor part, for example a cable, knit, woven or braided material. The flexible conductor part or the bend serves exclusively to compensate for the change in length with temperature. The compensation of the positional tolerance should be carried out exclusively by sliding of the at least one screw on the busbar and without elastic deformation of the flexible conductor part or the bend. Only in this way does the connection between the module connector and the electrical module remain a force-free connection.

[0013] The at least one screw may comprise a screw shaft having an external thread and a screw head fixed to the screw shaft. Advantageously, therefore, commercially available fastening elements can be used. The screw shaft is inserted into a hole of the at least one screw guide and the screw head rests on the at least one screw guide. Depending on the outer diameter of the screw head and the screw guide, the screw head may further rest on at least one flat surface of the busbar.

[0014] However, the at least one screw does not necessarily have to have an external thread. Instead of a screw thread, one or more latch elements or part of a bayonet lock may be present.

[0015] In order to be able to transmit the clamping force of the at least one screw to the busbar via the at least one screw guide even when the screw head is not resting on the busbar, the at least one screw guide is adapted to be form-locked to the busbar. In particular, the at least one screw guide and the busbar can form a one-sided form-lock acting perpendicular to the busbar plane.

[0016] For this purpose, the at least one screw guide may comprise a flange-shaped portion bearing on at least one flat surface of the busbar. The flange-shaped portion may for example form a continuous outer flange extending in the circumferential direction of the at least one screw guide. Alternatively, the flange-shaped portion may comprise at least one interruption in the circumferential direction in order to save material.

[0017] In order that the at least one screw guide does not itself hinder the transmission of said clamping forces, the at least one screw guide does not protrude from the through-opening on the side of the busbar facing away from the flange-shaped portion, in other words the at least one screw guide on the side of the busbar facing away from the flange-shaped portion is flush with or recessed into a flat surface of said portion.

[0018] According to a space-saving configuration with a low installation height, the at least one screw guide may be adapted to be disk-shaped or ring-shaped. Due to the aforementioned form connection between the at least one screw guide and the busbar, the disk-shaped adapted screw guide may comprise a stepped edge. More precisely, the outer edge of the disk-shaped adapted screw guide may comprise a radially outwardly projecting stepped shoulder forming a flange-shaped portion.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the through openings of the busbars may be stepped, in other words the inner edge of the through opening may have a stepped shoulder on which the at least one screw guide rests positively.

[0020] Alternatively, the screw guide adapted to the disk shape may have a conical outer edge, i.e. an edge with an outer cone, and correspondingly, the through opening of the busbar may then have a conical inner edge, i.e. an edge with an inner cone.

[0021] According to an easy-to-manufacture configuration, the hole of the at least one screw guide may be a straight oblong hole, the longitudinal direction of which runs parallel to the busbar plane, preferably straight. The width of the oblong hole, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, may correspond to the outer diameter of the screw shaft. In particular, the at least one screw may be slidably held in this oblong hole. The aforementioned slidability of the at least one screw parallel to the busbar plane then results from a combination of the slidability of the screw in the oblong hole and the rotation of the at least one screw guide relative to the busbar. In other words, the longitudinal alignment of the oblong hole can be freely changed by rotating the at least one screw guide in the busbar plane, whereby the at least one screw is slidable parallel to the busbar plane.

[0022] However, the hole of the at least one screw guide does not necessarily have to be configured as an oblong hole. For example, the hole of the at least one screw guide may be configured as a curved slot that is the same width as the screw shaft and extends parallel to the busbar plane through the at least one screw guide. Alternatively, the hole of the at least one screw guide may be circular and have an inside diameter that corresponds to the outside diameter of the screw shaft.

[0023] It is useful to arrange the holes, especially the circular holes, of the at least one screw guide offset from the center of rotation of the at least one screw guide. Thus, even with a precisely fitting circular hole, the at least one screw can be moved by a rotation of the at least one screw guide at least in a circular path parallel to the busbar plane. Of course, the holes of the at least one screw guide adapted as oblong holes or curved slots may also be offset from the center of rotation.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the through openings of the busbars may be adapted as oblong holes. In this configuration, at least one screw together with at least one screw guide is movable in the through openings, the direction of sliding then being predetermined by the direction of the oblong hole. Of course, the through openings of the busbars may also be circular.

[0025] According to another possible configuration, the module connector may comprise at least one contact bridge with a central opening, which is at least partially pressed into the through-opening of the busbar. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one contact bridge may be welded to the through-opening of the busbar. The central opening preferably extends parallel to the through-opening, and the at least one screw guide is at least partially rotatably held in the central opening.

[0026] The at least one contact bridge can contribute to reducing the electrical resistance of the module connector. In particular, if bus bars made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy are used, whose surfaces tend to form oxide layers with low electrical conductivity, these oxide layers can be destroyed when the at least one contact bridge is pressed in and / or welded. The at least one contact bridge itself may be made of a material that is less prone to oxidation, for example copper or a copper alloy.

[0027] Optionally, the central opening of the at least one contact bridge may be configured stepped or conical, such that a positive connection between the at least one screw guide and the at least one contact bridge is possible. If the at least one screw guide has the aforementioned flange-shaped portion, this may additionally or alternatively be supported on the at least one contact bridge.

[0028] In order to improve the rotatability of the at least one screw guide in the through opening of the busbar or in the central opening of the at least one contact bridge, the at least one screw guide may be adapted to be circular, in particular a screw guide adapted to be disk-shaped may have a circular outer edge.

[0029] According to another possible configuration, the module connector may comprise at least one contact ring which abuts against the busbar and / or the at least one contact bridge. Advantageously, the at least one contact ring can serve as a default interface for the mating contacts of one of the two electrical modules. The busbar itself thus does not have to form this default interface and can have a relatively simple geometry.

[0030] The at least one contact ring may be adapted to be hollow cylindrical with a circular or polygonal base and a circular or polygonal end face. Furthermore, the at least one contact ring may have a continuous ring opening, which is preferably aligned with the hole of the at least one screw guide. In particular, the ring opening is aligned with the hole of the at least one screw guide in a direction perpendicular to the busbar plane. The at least one contact ring is preferably connected to the at least one screw in a motion-transmitting manner. For example, the at least one contact ring may be plugged into the screw shaft on the side of the busbar opposite the screw head. In other words, the screw shaft is at least partially inserted into the ring opening. Thus, the at least one contact ring can move together with the at least one screw relative to the busbar during tolerance compensation.

[0031] As partially mentioned above, the busbar, the at least one contact bridge and the at least one contact ring are made of a material having good electrical conductivity, such as aluminum, copper or alloys thereof. In particular, these components can form a current path through the module connector along which current flows from one of the two electrical modules to the other. The at least one screw guide and the at least one screw may be made of an electrically conductive material, such as steel, and / or an electrically insulating material.

[0032] To improve electrical safety, the module connector may comprise an electrically insulating housing in which at least the busbars are received, as finger and touch protection. The finger and / or touch protection may be particularly adapted to comply with standards and prevents accidental contact with current carrying components of the module connector during operation.

[0033] Optionally, the at least one contact bridge, the at least one contact ring, the at least one screw and / or the at least one screw guide may be received in the housing. In particular, the at least one screw may be held in the housing so as to be rotatable about and slidable along a rotation axis for fixing to one of the two electric modules. This configuration allows for easy fixing, for example by means of an external thread or a bayonet lock.

[0034] The housing may comprise a first housing part which is motionally connected to the at least one screw and which is movable relative to the busbar. Furthermore, the first housing part may form a cover which, together with other parts of the housing, covers the busbar in all sliding positions of the at least one screw. In particular, the cover may ensure that there are no gaps which would allow a person's fingers to contact the busbar. Thus, finger and contact protection of the busbar is always ensured, even if the screw is slidable. Optionally, the at least one screw, the at least one screw guide and / or the at least one contact bridge may be covered by the first housing part.

[0035] According to a further configuration, the housing may comprise a second housing part which is motion-transmittingly connected to the first housing part via at least one screw and possibly at least one contact ring and which is movable relative to the busbar. The second housing part is preferably arranged on an opposite side of the busbar to the first housing part. Thus, finger and contact protection of at least one contact ring arranged on the opposite side of the busbar can be realized by the second housing part.

[0036] The other part of the housing (i.e. the housing excluding the first and second housing parts) may be composed of two or more housing shells that may be latched together. One of these housing shells may comprise a housing opening into which the first housing part is inserted. Correspondingly, another housing shell may also have a housing opening into which the second housing part is inserted. The first housing part and the second housing part have a stroke or radius of movement within their respective housing openings.

[0037] The first housing part is preferably captively received in one of the housing shells with at least one screw, and correspondingly, the second housing part is captively received in the other housing shell with at least one contact ring. The captive fitting allows for easy handling of the module connector during assembly.

[0038] The housing shell may be assembled and closed around the portion of the busbar having the through opening. Prior to assembly, the first housing part and the second housing part may be inserted into the respective housing openings. This allows the mating engagement to be formed in a simple manner.

[0039] The first housing part may be molded onto the at least one screw, in particular its screw head. This reduces the number of components required. Alternatively, the first housing part may be a replaceable separate component, for example an intermediate ring. The first housing part adapted as an intermediate ring is arranged between one of the housing shells and the screw head of the at least one screw.

[0040] If the first housing part is present as an intermediate ring, a cap may be fitted or molded onto the screw head as part of the finger and touch protection.

[0041] Optionally, an additional cap may also be fitted or molded onto the tip of the screw shaft that faces away from the screw head as part of finger and contact protection.

[0042] The second housing part may be a separate component, for example also in the form of an intermediate ring, or may be molded onto the at least one contact ring. The second housing part adapted as an intermediate ring is arranged between the other housing shell and the at least one contact ring.

[0043] According to an easy-to-manufacture configuration, the first housing part and / or the second housing part may each have a protective collar which extends around the at least one screw or around the at least one contact ring and which in all sliding positions at least partially overlaps the other parts of the housing perpendicular to the busbar plane, the respective protective collar preferably being in the form of a flange and extending parallel to the busbar plane.

[0044] Optionally, a combination of one flange facing outward on each of the first or second housing parts and one flange facing inward on the other part of the housing may be used, which at least partially overlap in all sliding positions. It is preferred that the flanges overlap also when the maximum and minimum possible distances between the two electrical modules are taken. In particular, the inner diameter of the inwardly facing flange is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the corresponding outwardly facing flange.

[0045] The problem stated at the beginning can also be solved by a connection assembly having a modular connector according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, a contact element and a counter part for the at least one screw, the contact element being adapted for conductive contact with the modular connector when the at least one screw and the counter part are screwed together. The contact element corresponds to the aforementioned counter contact for the modular connector and may be in direct contact with the busbar and / or, if present, at least one contact ring.

[0046] The connection assembly benefits from the advantages of the modular connector according to the invention already described. In particular, the counterpart of the screw and the contact element may be fixedly pre-installed, for example on one of the two electrical modules. Due to the mobility of the screw and, if necessary, the contact ring, any deviations from the desired position can be compensated.

[0047] A counter part for the at least one screw may be fitted, for example, as a nut or a threaded sleeve having an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the screw shaft.

[0048] At least one screw is preferably rotatable and slidable until it is fully and tightly screwed into the counter part. After screwing, frictional forces, especially in the thread and between the screw head and the screw guide, prevent rotation from occurring. Also, sliding is mainly prevented by the resulting positive connection.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the through openings of the busbar may be disposed at one end of the busbar, and another end of the busbar opposite the end having the through openings may be welded, screwed or otherwise fixedly attached to a mating component and an electrical module that does not have a contact element.

[0050] Alternatively, both ends of the busbar may each be provided with a through opening, a screw guide, a screw, a contact bridge and a contact ring. In particular, both ends of the busbar may be fitted identically, so that larger distance changes can be compensated. In this case, the connection assembly has two contact elements and two screw counterparts.

[0051] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, and by means of purely exemplary configurations. The configurations shown merely represent possible combinations of features. Individual features of the configurations may be omitted, in accordance with the above description, if the technical effect associated with the respective feature is not important for a particular application. Conversely, a feature may be added to the configuration, if the technical effect associated with the feature is important for a particular application of the configuration described.

[0052] In the drawings, features that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure bear the same reference signs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a modular connector according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is another schematic perspective exploded view of the modular connector of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective partial cross-sectional view of a connection assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the module connector of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is another schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the module connector of FIG. 1 taken along a different cutting plane. [Figure 6] 2 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the module connector of FIG. 1 taken along a different cut plane as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Hereinafter, a module connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Furthermore, a connection assembly 2 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0055] In figures 1 and 2 the module connector 1 is shown in exploded views from two different perspectives. In figures 4, 5 and 6 the module connector 1 is shown in cross-section according to three different cutting planes in each case. In figure 3 a connection assembly 2 with the module connector 1 is shown in a partial cross-section. The connection assembly 2 is used for electrically conductively connecting two electric modules 10, for example two battery modules 12, in particular two battery modules of an electric vehicle (not shown) to one another via the module connector 1.

[0056] The module connector 1 comprises a busbar 4. The busbar 4 has at least one flat surface 6 that defines a busbar plane 8. The busbar 4 preferably has two flat surfaces 6 that are parallel and opposite to each other. When electrical modules 10 are connected together, the flat surfaces 6 of the busbar 4 are aligned to face toward and away from the electrical modules 10 (see FIG. 3).

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the busbar 4 has a rectangular conductor cross-section. Other conductor cross-sections are also possible, for example square, polygonal, round oval or U-shaped conductor cross-sections.

[0058] According to an embodiment not shown, the busbar 4 may comprise a bend, for example a U-shaped bend. Alternatively, the busbar 4 may have a flexible conductor part, for example a cable, a braid, a woven fabric or a braid. The flexible conductor part or the bend serves exclusively to compensate for the change in length with temperature.

[0059] At least one portion of the busbar 4, in particular the end 14, is provided with a through opening 16 which extends through the busbar 4 perpendicular to the busbar plane 8. The through opening 16 connects both planar faces 6 of the busbar 4 to one another.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the through openings 16 of the busbars 4 are adapted to be circular and have a constant inner diameter. According to an embodiment not shown, the through openings 16 of the busbars 4 may be stepped. In other words, the inner edge of the through openings 16 may be provided with a stepped shoulder. Alternatively, the through openings 16 of the busbars 4 may have a conical inner edge, i.e. an edge with an inner cone.

[0061] For example, the busbar 4 may be made of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. If the busbar 4 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the module connector 1 comprises at least one contact bridge 18 of copper or a copper alloy that is complementarily matched with the through opening 16 to reduce electrical resistance.

[0062] The contact bridge 18 is adapted to be at least partially pressed into the through-opening 16 of the busbar 4. For this purpose, the contact bridge 18 comprises a knurled portion 22. In particular, the portion 22 which is pressed into the through-opening 16 has a radially outwardly projecting knurl 24, the outer diameter of which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the through-opening 16. Alternatively or additionally, the contact bridge 18 may be welded to the through-opening 16.

[0063] The contact bridge 18 has a central opening 20 that is preferably parallel and coaxial with the through opening 16. The central opening 20 in the illustrated embodiment is adapted to be circular and have a constant inner diameter. Optionally, the central opening may be configured to be stepped or conical.

[0064] For attachment to the respective electrical module 10, the module connector 1 has at least one screw 26 which is rotatable relative to the busbar 4. The illustrated screw 26 has a threaded shaft 28 with an external thread 30 and a screw head 32 attached to the threaded shaft 28. According to an embodiment not shown, the screw 26 may have one or more latching elements or a bayonet lock instead of the external thread 30.

[0065] As will be explained in more detail below, the screw 26 is slidably held parallel to the busbar plane 8 in the through opening 16 of the busbar 4 and in the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18. In particular, the screw 26 is slidably held simultaneously or successively along two mutually perpendicular directions 34, 36, both parallel to the busbar plane 8. The screw 26 can thus be slid as required along the busbar plane 8 by a linear combination of movements in the directions 34 and 36 within a certain radius of movement.

[0066] To achieve such slidability of the screws 26, the modular connector 1 comprises at least one disk-shaped screw guide 38. The screw guide 38 is at least partially held in the through opening and is rotatable relative to the busbar 4. If a contact bridge 18 is provided, the screw guide 38 may also be at least partially held in a central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18 and rotatable relative to the contact bridge 18.

[0067] In order to improve the rotatability of the screw guide 38 in the through-opening 16 of the busbar 4 or in the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18, the outer edge of the screw guide 38 is adapted to be circular.

[0068] In particular, the screw guide 38 has a cylindrical portion 56 with a circular outer shell surface 58, which is inserted into the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18 or into the through-opening 16 of the busbar 4. For this purpose, the cylindrical portion 56 has an outer diameter which is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18 or the inner diameter of the through-opening 16 of the busbar 4.

[0069] The screw guide 38 comprises a hole 40 in which the screw 26 is at least partially held, extending parallel to the through opening 16 of the busbar 4 and parallel to the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18. In particular, the screw shaft 28 is inserted through the hole 40 of the screw guide 38. The screw head 32 rests on the screw guide 38 (see FIG. 4).

[0070] 1, the bore 40 of the screw guide 38 is fitted as a straight oblong bore 42 with a longitudinal direction 44 running parallel to the busbar plane 8. The width 46 of the oblong bore 42, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 44, corresponds to the outer diameter of the screw shaft 28.

[0071] As can be seen from Figures 4, 5 and 6, the screw 26 is slidably held in an oblong hole 42. By rotating the screw guide 38 in the busbar plane 8, the alignment of the longitudinal direction 44 of the oblong hole 42 can be freely varied. Depending on the alignment of the screw guide 38 and in particular its oblong hole 42, the screw 26 can be slid, for example, in a direction 34 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the busbar 4 and in a direction 36 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the busbar 4. This is indicated by the arrows 48 and 50, respectively. The screw 26 can thus be slid along the busbar plane 8 as required within the aforementioned radius of movement.

[0072] However, the hole 40 of the screw guide 38 does not necessarily have to be adapted as an oblong hole 42. According to an embodiment not shown, the hole 40 of the screw guide 38 may be adapted as a curved slot having the same width as the screw shaft 28 and extending through the screw guide 38 parallel to the busbar plane 8. Alternatively, the hole 40 of the screw guide 38 may be circular and have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the screw shaft 28. The circular hole of the screw guide 38 is preferably arranged offset from the center of rotation of the screw guide 38. Thus, the screw 26 is movable by rotation of the screw guide 38 in a circular path parallel to at least the busbar plane 8.

[0073] The screw guide 38 is adapted to be positively connected to the busbar 4 or to the contact bridge 18. In particular, the screw guide 38 and the busbar 4 or to the contact bridge 18 can form a unidirectional positive connection perpendicular to the busbar plane 8.

[0074] For this purpose, the screw guide 38 has a flange-shaped portion 52 which bears against the contact bridge 18. Alternatively or additionally, the flange-shaped portion 52 may bear against the flat surface 6 of the busbar 4. The flange-shaped portion 52 forms, for example, a continuous outer flange 54 which extends in the circumferential direction of the screw guide 38 around the cylindrical portion 56.

[0075] The outer flange 54 has an outer diameter which is at least larger than the inner diameter of the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18 or larger than the inner diameter of the through opening 16 of the busbar 4. The screw guide 38 thus has a stepped edge. In other words, the outer edge of the screw guide 38 has a stepped shoulder 60 formed by the flange-shaped portion 52 and the cylindrical-shaped portion 56.

[0076] As can be seen from figure 4, the screw guide 38, in particular the cylindrical portion 56 on the side of the contact bridge 18 facing away from the flange-shaped portion 52, does not protrude from the central opening 20 of the contact bridge 18. Furthermore, the screw guide 38, in particular the cylindrical portion 56 on the side of the busbar 4 facing away from the flange-shaped portion 52, does not protrude from the through opening 16 of the busbar 4.

[0077] The module connector 1 further comprises at least one contact ring 62 made from a material with good electrical conductivity, for example aluminium, copper or an alloy thereof. The contact ring 62 is adapted to the shape of a hollow cylinder with a circular bottom surface 68 and a circular end surface 70. At the bottom surface 68, the contact ring 62 forms a predefined interface 64 for a mating contact 66 of one of the two electrical modules 10.

[0078] The contact ring 62 abuts with its end face 70 against the contact bridge 18 on the side of the contact bridge 18 facing away from the flange-shaped portion 52 of the screw guide 38. In order to increase the contact area between the contact bridge 18 and the contact ring 62, the contact bridge 18 has a wide end face 72 and the contact ring 62 has a wide end face 70. If no contact bridge 18 is provided, the contact ring 62 may also be in direct contact with the flat face 6 of the busbar 4 facing away from the flange-shaped portion 52 of the screw guide 38.

[0079] Additionally, contact ring 62 has a continuous ring opening 74 that is aligned with hole 40 of screw guide 38 perpendicular to busbar plane 8. Threaded shaft 28 of screw 26 is at least partially inserted into ring opening 74.

[0080] As can further be seen from FIG. 4, the modular connector 1 has an electrically insulating housing 76 as finger and contact protection, in which the bus bars 4, the contact bridges 18, the contact rings 62, the screws 26 and the screw guides 38 are at least partially received.

[0081] As part of the finger and touch protection, a cap 88 is molded onto the screw head 32 of the screw 26. According to an embodiment not shown, a cap may also be placed or molded onto the tip of the screw shaft 28 that faces away from the screw head 32 as part of the finger and touch protection.

[0082] The housing 76 comprises a first housing part 78 which is motionally connected to the screw 26 and which is movable relative to the busbar 4. The first housing part 78 forms a cover which, together with the other parts of the housing 76, covers the busbar 4, the screw 26, the screw guide 38 and the contact bridge 18 in all sliding positions of the screw 26. In particular, the cover can ensure that there are no gaps which would allow a person's fingers to come into contact with these components.

[0083] The illustrated housing 76 further comprises a second housing part 80 that is movably connected to the first housing part 78 via the screw 26 and the contact ring 62 and is movable relative to the busbar 4. The second housing part 80 is arranged on the opposite side of the busbar 4 to the first housing part 78. The second housing part 80 covers the contact ring 62 that is arranged on the opposite side of the busbar 4.

[0084] The illustrated housing 76 further comprises a first housing shell 82 and a second housing shell 84, the two housing shells 82, 84 adapted to be latched together. The two housing shells 82, 84 each have a housing opening 86. The first housing part 78 is inserted into the housing opening 86 of the first housing shell 82, while the second housing part 80 is inserted into the housing opening 86 of the second housing shell 84. The first housing part 78 and the second housing part 80 have a stroke or radius of travel within their respective housing openings 86.

[0085] The first housing part 78 has a protective collar 94 which extends around the screw 26 and which in all sliding positions at least partially overlaps the first housing shell 82 perpendicular to the busbar plane 8. The second housing part 80 also has a protective collar 96 which extends around the contact ring 62 and which in all sliding positions at least partially overlaps the second housing shell 84 perpendicular to the busbar plane 8. Each protective collar 94, 96 is preferably flange-shaped and extends parallel to the busbar plane 8.

[0086] The first housing part 78 further includes a protective sleeve 98 extending circumferentially about the screw 26 and projecting perpendicularly from the protective collar 94 in the axial direction. The screw 26 is rotatable about a rotation axis 102 along which the screw 26 is slidably held in the protective sleeve 98. The second housing part 80 also has a protective sleeve 100 extending circumferentially about the contact ring 62 and projecting perpendicularly from the protective collar 96 in the axial direction.

[0087] The housing shells 82, 84 are assembled and closed around the busbar 4, the contact bridge 18, the screws 26, the screw guides 38 and the contact ring 62. Prior to assembly, the first housing part 78 and the second housing part 80 are inserted into their respective housing openings 86.

[0088] The first housing part 78 exists as a separate, replaceable intermediate ring 90, which is arranged between the first housing shell 82 and the screw head 32 of the screw 26. In particular, the intermediate ring 90 captively holds the screw 26 and the screw guide 38, while the intermediate ring 90 itself is captively held between the first housing shell 82 and the busbar 4.

[0089] For this purpose, the protective collar 94 of the first housing part 78 is provided with an outward flange 104. Correspondingly, the first housing shell 82 is provided with an inward flange 106 at its housing opening 86. The flanges 104, 106 at least partially overlap in all sliding positions. In particular, the inner diameter of the inward flange 106 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the outward flange 104. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the inward flange 106 is greater than the outer diameter of the protective sleeve 98.

[0090] The second housing part 80 is also present as a separate intermediate ring 92, which is arranged between the second housing shell 84 and the contact ring 62. In particular, the intermediate ring 92 anchors and holds the contact ring 62, while the intermediate ring 92 itself is anchored and held between the second housing shell 84 and the busbar 4.

[0091] For this purpose, the protective collar 96 of the second housing part 80 has an outward flange 108. The second housing shell 84 has a corresponding inward flange 110 at its housing opening 86. The flanges 108, 110 at least partially overlap in all sliding positions. In particular, the inner diameter of the inward flange 110 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the outward flange 108. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the inward flange 110 is greater than the outer diameter of the protective sleeve 100.

[0092] The connection assembly 2 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a modular connector 1, whose busbars 4 have through openings 16 at each of two ends 14. Furthermore, the ends 14 are each provided with a screw guide 38, a screw 26, a contact bridge 18 and a contact ring 62. In particular, both ends 14 are identically adapted.

[0093] The connection assembly 2 further comprises, for each electrical module 10, a contact element 112 and a mating part 114 for the respective screw 26. The mating part 114 is fitted as a threaded sleeve 116 having an internal thread 118 complementary to the external thread 30 of the screw shaft 28.

[0094] The contact elements 112 are adapted to be in conductive contact with the module connector 1 when the screws 26 and the mating parts 114 are screwed together. The contact elements 112 contact the respective contact rings 62 at their bottom surfaces 68 forming the interface 64. If the contact rings 62 are not provided, the contact elements 112 may directly contact the busbars 4 or the contact bridges 18.

[0095] If the installation position of the contact element 112 and the counter part 114 deviates from the defined nominal position, this position tolerance can be compensated for by moving the screw 26 together with the contact ring 62 to the actual installation position. If necessary, the screw guide 38 is rotated to the correct position.

[0096] The screws 26 and contact rings 62 are rotatable and slidable until the screws 26 are fully engaged with their respective threaded sleeves, after which the resulting frictional forces and form-fitting prevent rotation and sliding from occurring.

[0097] Alternatively, one of the ends 14 of the busbar 4 may be directly welded, screwed, or otherwise fixedly attached to one of the electrical modules 10 (see FIG. 4). In this case, the connection assembly 2 requires only one contact element 112 and one mating part 114 for the screw 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Module Connector 2 Connection Assembly 4 Busbars 6 flat surface 8 Busbar Plane 10 Modules 12 Battery Module 14 End 16 Through opening 18 Contact Bridge 20 Opening 22 parts 24 increments 26 Screws 28 Screw shaft 30 Male thread 32 Screw head 34 directions 36 directions 38 Screw guide 40 holes 42 Oval hole 44 Longitudinal 46 Width 48 Arrow 50 Arrow 52 parts 54 Outer flange 56 parts 58 Outer shell surface 60 Shoulder 62 Contact Ring 64 Interface 66 Counterpart Contact 68 Bottom 70 End face 72 End face 74 Ring opening 76 Housing 78 Housing parts 80 Housing parts 82 Housing Shell 84 Housing Shell 86 Housing opening 88 Cap 90 Intermediate Ring 92 Intermediate Ring 94 Protective Collar 96 Protective Collar 98 Protective Sleeve 100 Protective Sleeve 102 Rotation axis 104 Flange 106 Flange 108 Flange 110 Flange 112 Contact Elements 114 Counterpart 116 Threaded Sleeve 118 Female thread

Claims

1. A module connector (1) for electrically connecting two electrical modules (10), comprising: The modular connector (1) comprises a busbar (4), at least one screw (26) rotatable relative to the busbar (4), and at least one screw guide (38) rotatable relative to the busbar (4); The busbar (4) comprises at least one flat surface (6) defining a busbar plane (8); At least one portion of the busbar (4) comprises a through opening (16) extending through the busbar (4) perpendicular to the busbar plane (8); the at least one screw guide (38) is at least partially held in the through opening (16), and the at least one screw guide (38) has a hole (40) extending parallel to the through opening (16) and in which the at least one screw (26) is at least partially held; the at least one screw (26) being held in the through opening (16) so as to be slidable parallel to the busbar plane (8); the at least one screw guide (38) comprises a flange-shaped portion (52) bearing on the at least one flat surface (6) of the busbar (4); Module connector (1).

2. the hole (40) of the at least one screw guide (38) is an oblong hole (42) whose longitudinal direction (44) extends parallel to the busbar plane (8); A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

3. the at least one screw guide (38) does not protrude from the through opening (16) on a side of the busbar (4) opposite the flange-shaped portion (52), A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

4. The at least one screw guide (38) is adapted to be disk-shaped. A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

5. the module connector (1) comprises at least one contact bridge (18) having a central opening (20), the at least one contact bridge (18) being at least partially pressed and / or welded into the through opening (16) of the busbar (4); The central opening (20) extends parallel to the through opening (16); the at least one screw guide (38) being rotatably held at least partially in the central opening (20); A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

6. The module connector (1) includes at least one contact ring (62) that abuts against the bus bar (4); the at least one contact ring (62) has a ring opening (74) aligned with the hole (40) of the at least one screw guide (38); A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

7. 7. The modular connector (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one contact ring (62) is kinematically connected to the at least one screw (26).

8. The at least one screw (26) comprises a screw shaft (28) having an external thread (30) and a screw head (32) fixed to the screw shaft (28); the at least one contact ring (62) is arranged on the screw shaft (28) on a side of the busbar (4) opposite the screw head (32). A modular connector (1) according to claim 6.

9. The modular connector (1) comprises an electrically insulating housing (76); the busbar (4), the at least one screw (26), and the at least one screw guide (38) are received in the electrically insulating housing (76); A modular connector (1) according to claim 1.

10. The electrically insulating housing (76) comprises a first housing part (78), the first housing part (78) is movably connected to the at least one screw (26), is movable relative to the busbar (4), and forms a cover for the busbar (4) together with other parts of the electrically insulating housing (76) in all sliding positions of the at least one screw (26). A modular connector (1) according to claim 9.

11. The first housing part (78) includes a protective collar (94); the protective collar (94) extends around the at least one screw (26) and at least partially overlaps with other portions of the electrical insulation housing (76) perpendicular to the busbar plane (8) in all sliding positions of the at least one screw (26); A modular connector (1) according to claim 10.

12. The first housing part (78) is present as a separate component or is molded onto the at least one screw (26). A modular connector (1) according to claim 10.

13. The electrically insulating housing (76) comprises a second housing part (80); the second housing part (80) is connected to the first housing part (78) via the at least one screw (26) in a motion-transmitting manner, is movable relative to the busbar (4), and is arranged on the opposite side of the first housing part (78) with respect to the busbar (4). A modular connector (1) according to claim 10.

14. A connection assembly (2) comprising a modular connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a contact element (112) and a mating part (114) for said at least one screw (26), the contact element (112) is adapted to be in conductive contact with the module connector (1) when the at least one screw (26) and the mating part (114) are threaded together; Connection assembly (2).

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