Module connectors and sets containing module connectors

Abstract

To provide a module connector having a small installation space.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a module connector 100 having two connection parts 10 and 20 which can be connected so as to be in a conductive connection. Each of the connection parts comprises an attachment element, which is mutually fitted. Each of the connection parts 10 and 20 includes a contact protection part 110 on a connection side face to the other connection part 20 and 10. The contact protection part comprises: a color 111 of electrical insulation properties on an outer side; and a protection pin of the electrical insulation properties surrounded by the color. A current bridge is positioned between the color 111 of at least one of the connection parts and the protection pin, and the color and the protection pin are extended over the current bridge. At least one of attachment elements 11 comprises: a connection formation part 18 for transmitting a force and a motion amount to a current bar 50. Each attachment element is structured so that one attachment element 11 can be inserted into the other attachment element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular connector, which can be used, for example, to connect batteries or battery cells in electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to avoid exposing the user to danger during connection, a contact prevention device is often provided. For example, a modular connector is known that has two interconnectable conductive connection parts, the connection parts having mutually compatible mounting elements for attaching the connection parts to each other, each connection part having a contact protection part on the connection side facing the other connection part, the contact protection part having an outer electrically insulating collar and an electrically insulating guard pin surrounded by the collar, and a current bridge is located between the collar and the guard pin of at least one connection part, and the collar and the guard pin extend beyond the current bridge. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, known modular connectors often require a lot of installation space. It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular connector that requires less installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved in that one mounting element comprises a connecting geometry for transmitting forces and momentum to the current bar, and the mounting elements are configured in such a way that one mounting element can be inserted into the other mounting element.

[0005] Because the connection features fasten to the mounting elements inserted into the other mounting elements, the connection features can be correspondingly smaller, resulting in a smaller overall module connector, and therefore requiring correspondingly smaller holes in the connection features, which in turn allows the corresponding current bars to be smaller.

[0006] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and configurations, which are each preferred and can be combined with one another in any way.

[0007] It is preferred if one mounting element has an external thread and / or the other mounting element has an internal thread, which allows for a smaller installation space and at the same time ensures a secure installation.

[0008] To easily and space-savingly compensate for the height difference, the other mounting element can be provided with an extension that extends between the inserted one mounting element and the head of the other mounting element when the one mounting element is inserted. The extension can be present regardless of whether a mounting feature is present and, if applicable, where the mounting feature is located.

[0009] The extension portion can space the mounting portion from the actuation portion.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, one of the connections may be provided with an extension.

[0011] The extension may have a solid cross section, which allows for a compact construction with good stability. Solid may particularly mean that there is a consistent presence of material. It is assumed that there are no cavities, receptacles, or similar empty spaces.

[0012] The extension portion may have a smaller cross section compared to the attachment portion into which one of the attachment elements can be inserted, which may facilitate handling, and the smaller cross section may be present over at least a majority of the extension portion.

[0013] The extension portion can have a smaller cross section compared to the actuation portion, which can provide increased safety. For example, the actuation portion can then act as a stop during the insertion process. The smaller cross section can be present over at least the majority of the extension portion.

[0014] When inserted, the extension can be spaced apart from the surrounding receptacle. This can be desirable, for example, to reduce surface pressure. For example, components of the modular connector can heat up during operation and expand as a result. If different materials are used, these materials may expand to different degrees. The spacing allows for expansion without incurring excessive surface pressure and / or damage. In particular, such spacing can exist along the entire circumference to allow for uniform expansion.

[0015] To keep the construction simple, the extension can be designed without threads.

[0016] The extension can extend below the head of the connection in order to save as much space as possible.

[0017] In a preferred configuration, the length of the extension is at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of the total length of the connection, which allows particularly good height compensation.

[0018] To provide a reliable spacing, the extension can have at least one radially protruding spacer. The spacer can protrude laterally from the extension. The spacer can protrude transversely to a connecting direction in which the two connecting portions are connected. The spacer can protrude transversely to a plugging direction in which the mounting element is plugged into the additional element.

[0019] In embodiments that are easier to assemble and / or less sensitive to tolerances, the outer width or diameter of the extension at the spacer location can correspond to the width of the mounting portion.

[0020] In other embodiments, the outer width or diameter can be smaller or larger than the width of the mounting portion, which can facilitate mounting or improve tolerance sensitivity.

[0021] The length of the spacer, measured along the connection direction, can be less than one-tenth of the total length of the mounting element, resulting in low surface pressure and low material consumption.

[0022] For better guiding, the spacer can be located closer to the actuating part than to the mounting part.

[0023] In a simple configuration, the spacer may be integral with the remainder of the extension.

[0024] In a preferred configuration, the spacer can be configured as a circumferential collar, which allows for a simpler design, for example the spacer can be designed as a bead.

[0025] The connection geometry can be configured to be solid, in particular no hollow spaces or receptacles or internal threads can be present in the area of ​​the connection geometry, which allows the design to be kept compact and stable.

[0026] To prevent unintentional too deep insertion, a stop wider than the connecting profile can be attached to the connecting profile. The stop can limit the movement of the attachment element along the insertion direction within the current bar, especially in the inserted state. The stop can be designed as a head.

[0027] A base portion may be provided between the connecting portion and the mounting portion, which may be used for secure mounting within the current bar. The outer contour of the base portion may correspond to or be slightly smaller than the inner contour of the receptacle within the current bar. The width may correspond to the inner diameter of the receptacle.

[0028] The connection geometries can be configured in different ways. For example, the connection geometries can be press-fits for being pressed into the current bar. The press-fits can transmit forces and momentum, especially torque, by means of a frictional connection. The connection geometries, especially the press-fits, can be fastened to the current bar by a cold compression process.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the connecting geometry can transmit force or momentum to the current bar by means of teeth. For this purpose, the connecting geometry can comprise tooth elements which can simultaneously function as press-in elements and create a frictional connection to increase the retention effect.

[0030] For secure attachment, the press-fit portion can be provided with press-fit elements projecting perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0031] The outer contour of the connection geometry can be configured to create a good clamping action against the inner contour of the receptacle in the current bar, and for this purpose, in the unconnected state, the outer contour can be slightly larger than the inner contour.

[0032] To facilitate insertion, the press-in element may be configured as a press-in strip extending parallel to the insertion direction. The press-in element may have a uniform cross section to facilitate insertion.

[0033] For increased safety, sealing elements can be provided between the conductor and the housing part and / or between the mounting element and the conductor, which can seal the inside of the connection part from the outside and prevent the ingress of, for example, liquids or dirt.

[0034] In a preferred configuration, the sealing element is arranged around the extension. For example, the sealing element can be arranged between the spacer and the actuating part. In particular, the sealing element can be held by the spacer and the actuating part. The spacer and the actuating part here fulfill two functions, in particular, they can prevent the sealing element from slipping.

[0035] In a preferred set, at least two connectors are provided, which have attachment elements of different lengths, making it possible to compensate for the height differences of the different sizes. The attachment elements may be identical except for the extension.

[0036] Such a set may also comprise a further connector that can be connected to these two connectors.

[0037] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of preferred configurations with reference to the drawings, in which the preferred further developments and configurations shown are in each case independent of one another and can be combined with one another, if desired, according to the needs of the application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a modular connector. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting element of the module connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further mounting element of the modular connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]2 is a schematic perspective view of an upper connection portion of the module connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lower connection portion of the module connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic exploded view of the upper connection portion of the second embodiment of the modular connector. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic exploded view of the lower connection portion of the second embodiment of the modular connector. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a modular connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a modular connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Various embodiments of a modular connector 100 are shown in the figures. Each of these embodiments comprises a first lower connection part 10 with a first lower mounting element 11 and a second upper connection part 20 with a second upper mounting element 21. In each case, the lower mounting element 11 can be inserted into the upper mounting element 21, and the lower mounting element 11 comprises a connection geometry 18 in the form of a press-fit 30 for attachment to a current bar 50. Due to the fact that the connection geometry 18 is fastened to the lower mounting element 11, the receptacle 51 in the form of a hole in the current bar 50 can have a smaller configuration than if the upper mounting element 21 could be inserted into the lower mounting element 11, thereby making the overall structure more compact.

[0040] Each of the connection parts 10, 20 also comprises a touch protection part 110 which prevents the user from touching the conductive parts with their fingers. The standard definition of touch protection allows the use of a defined test finger, e.g. it is not possible to touch the conductive parts with the test finger.

[0041] The contact protection parts 110 in each case comprise an outer, electrically insulating collar 111, which surrounds the protective pin 112. Furthermore, to establish an electrical connection, a current bridge 120 is provided between the collar 111 and the protective pin 112 of each connection part 10, 20. In the assembled state, the two current bridges 120, made of a material with good electrical conductivity, such as copper, are in contact with each other. In this respect, the current bridges 120 can be integrated with the conductive elements used, such as the current bars 50. In other configurations, the current bridges 120 can also be separate elements.

[0042] The collar 111 is made of an electrically insulating material and may, for example, be integrated with further insulating elements 19, 29 that provide insulation around the connections 10, 20. The guard pins 112 each have an insulating cap 130 at their front or tip, which is also made of an insulating material and provides contact protection. The collar 111 and guard pins 112 each extend beyond the current bridge 120.

[0043] To fasten the two connecting parts 10, 20 together, attachment elements 11, 21 are provided which are made of a mechanically stable material, for example steel, and which each comprise an attachment part 25 which interact in the assembled state to fasten the two connecting parts 10, 20 together.

[0044] The first lower mounting element 11 has an external thread 61 that can be screwed into an internal thread 62 of the second upper mounting element 21. The second mounting element 21 has a receptacle 26 into which the mounting portion 25 of the lower mounting element 11 can be inserted, and the internal thread 62 is located in the receptacle 26.

[0045] The upper mounting element 21 has an actuating portion 24 at which the mounting element 21 can be actuated, for example manually or mechanically. The actuating portion 24 can be configured as a head 23, in particular as a screw head. The actuating portion 24 can have an insulating element 27 formed from an electrically insulating material on the outside to prevent electrical contact. The actuating portion 24 can have an outer shape that allows rotation, for example for a screwing action. The head 23 can further have a widened flange.

[0046] The connection geometry 18 in the form of a press-fit portion 30 is followed along the insertion direction E by a base portion 31, which does not necessarily achieve a clamping or pressing action, but can be adapted to the inner contour of a receptacle 51 in the current bar 50. Furthermore, a stop 32, which can be configured as a head 33, is provided behind the press-fit portion 30. The stop 32 prevents the mounting element 11 from being inserted further into the current bar 50.

[0047] A number of press-fit elements 35 are provided in the press-fit section 30, which in the example shown have a constant cross section along the insertion direction E. The press-fit elements 35 are designed as radially protruding strips. The press-fit elements 35 also act as tooth elements 36 and help to prevent rotation of the lower mounting element 11 within the current bar.

[0048] The first and second embodiments of the modular connector 100 each include an extension 70 on the upper mounting element 21. The extension 70 serves to compensate for the height along the connection direction V, along which the lower connection portion 10 is connected to the upper connection portion 20. For example, if such an extension 70 were not provided, the current bar 50 or the upper conductor 140 would have to be bent, which would increase the space requirement in the transverse direction Q, which extends transversely to the connection direction V.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection direction V runs parallel to the insertion direction E, and the lower mounting element 11 is inserted through the current bar 50 along the insertion direction E. In this embodiment, the plugging-in direction I, in which the upper mounting element 21 is plugged into a further element of the upper connection part 20, runs opposite to the insertion direction E and the connection direction V.

[0050] In the region of the extension 70, the attachment element 21 is configured narrower than in the region of the attachment portion 25 and in the region of the actuation portion 24. The width B27 of the extension 70 measured along the transverse direction Q is smaller than the width B25 of the attachment portion 25.

[0051] In the assembled state, a receptacle 78 is provided between the extension 70 and the further existing element. In the assembled state, the extension 70 is spaced apart from the further existing element. This is preferable because different parts may expand to different degrees when heated. Since the extension 70 does not directly abut the further element, at least over a large part of the extension 70, there is a low surface pressure.

[0052] To ensure such spacing, the extension 70 can be provided with spacers 80. The spacers 80 can protrude radially or laterally, for example in the radial or transverse direction Q. Preferably, the spacers 80 are configured integrally with the rest of the extension 70. The spacers 80 can be configured, for example, as circumferential collars 81 or beads. The spacers 80 can be closed along the entire circumference, and thus over 360 degrees. The spacers 80 can also be configured differently, for example as elements that do not extend completely around the entire circumference. Four protrusions offset by 90 degrees can be given merely as an example.

[0053] The width B28 of the extension 70 at the location of the spacer 80 may be the diameter of the annular circumferential collar 81 and is larger than the width B27 of the extension 70 elsewhere. In the example shown, the width B28 corresponds to the width B25 of the mounting portion 25. This allows the lower mounting element 11 to be used with channels having a consistent cross-section. However, in other configurations, the width B28 at the location of the spacer 80 may be different and may be slightly larger or smaller than the width B25 of the mounting portion 25.

[0054] 1 to 5, two sealing elements 40 are further provided to protect the interior space from the ingress of liquids or dirt. The sealing elements 40 are made, for example, of an elastic material to ensure good sealing. Preferably, one of the sealing elements 40 is arranged between the spacer 80 and the head 23 and is held by them in the connection direction V. A further sealing element 40 is provided between the insulating element 29 and the conductor 140.

[0055] The extensions 70 can be shorter or longer depending on the desired height deviation. In the third embodiment according to Figure 9, no extensions 70 are provided in order to allow the most compact possible configuration along the connection direction V.

[0056] In the first two embodiments, when the mounting element 11 is inserted, the extension 70 extends between the inserted mounting element 11 and the head 23, i.e., between the mounting portion 15 of the lower mounting element 11 and the head 23 of the upper mounting element 21. Furthermore, when the mounting element 11 is inserted, the extension 70 extends between the mounting portion 25 of the upper mounting element 21 and the head 23.

[0057] The spacer 80 is closer to the head 23 than the mount 25. This allows the spacer 80 to provide a guiding action and minimizes tolerances in the area of ​​the mounts 15,25.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally to the embodiment shown, the lower mounting element 11 may also be provided with an extension 70 .

[0059] The extension 70 may include a length L27 that is greater than 10 percent, preferably greater than 20 percent, more particularly greater than 30 percent, and especially greater than 50 percent of the total length L2 of the upper mounting element 21. In this context, these lengths may be measured along the connection direction V.

[0060] The extension 70 may be configured to be unthreaded.

[0061] The length L28 of the spacer 80 is preferably less than 20 percent, specifically less than 10 percent, of the overall length L2 of the upper mounting element 21. Furthermore, the length L28 of the spacer can be less than 20 percent, specifically less than 10 percent, of the length L27 of the actuating portion 24.

[0062] The extension 70 may include a solid cross section.

[0063] The connection geometry 18, in this case the press-fit section 30, can comprise a solid cross section. In particular, no cavities or internal threads are present in the area of ​​the connection geometry 18.

[0064] A coding element 90 can be provided to allow the connections 10, 20 to be fastened together only in a particular angular position.

[0065] The solution according to the invention aims to make it possible to adapt to different height deviations by simple means. This can be achieved, for example, by using extensions 70 of different lengths or attachment elements 21 of different lengths. In a corresponding set with two connection parts 20, the connection parts 20 can be equipped with attachment elements 21 of different lengths. It is also possible that one of the connection parts 20 does not have an extension 70 present.

[0066] Such a set may include two different second connections 20 as well as a first connection 10 that can be connected to both second connections 20 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 Lower connection 11 Mounting elements 15 Mounting part 18 Connection shape part 19 Insulating Elements 20 Upper connection 21 Mounting elements 23 head 24 Operating unit 25 Mounting part 26 Receptacle 27 Insulating Elements 29 Insulating Elements 30 Press-fit section 31 Base 32 Stop part 33 head 35 Press-fit element 36 Tooth elements 40 Sealing Elements 50 Current Bars 51 Receptacle 61 Male thread 62 Internal thread 70 Extension 78 Receptacle 80 spacer 81 Color 90 coding elements 100 Module Connector 110 Contact protection part 111 Color 112 Protective Pin 120 Current Bridge 130 Insulating cap 140 Conductor E Insertion direction I Insertion direction V Connection direction Q transverse direction L2 Overall length of upper mounting element L27 Extension length L28 Spacer length B25 Mounting width B27 Extension width B28 Spacer location width

Claims

1. A modular connector (100) having two connection parts (10, 20) that can be connected to each other for an electrically conductive connection, the connection parts (10, 20) each having a mutually compatible mounting element (11, 21), each connection part (10, 20) having a contact protection part (110) on the connection side facing the other connection part (20, 10), the contact protection part (110) having an outer electrically insulating collar (111) and an electrically insulating protective pin (112) surrounded by the collar (111), the connection parts (10, 20) a current bridge (120) located between at least one of the collars (111) and the guard pin (112), the collar (111) and the guard pin (112) extending beyond the current bridge (120), at least one of the mounting elements (11) having a connecting shape (18) for transmitting force and momentum to a current bar (50), and the mounting elements (11, 21) configured such that one of the mounting elements (11) can be inserted into the other mounting element (21).

2. 2. The modular connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the one mounting element (11) comprises an external thread (61) and / or the other mounting element (21) comprises an internal thread (62).

3. 3. A module connector (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the other mounting element (21) has an extension (70), which extends between the inserted one mounting element (11) and the head (23) of the other mounting element (21) when the one mounting element (11) is inserted.

4. 4. The modular connector (100) of claim 3, wherein the extension portion (70) has a solid cross section and / or a cross section that is smaller than the mounting portion (25) into which the one mounting element (11) can be inserted.

5. The modular connector (100) of claim 3, wherein the extension (70) comprises at least one radially projecting spacer (80).

6. A modular connector (100) as described in claim 4, wherein the extension portion (70) has at least one spacer (80) protruding radially.

7. 7. The modular connector (100) of claim 6, wherein the outer width (B28) or outer diameter of the extension (70) at the location of the spacer (80) corresponds to the width (B25) of the mounting portion (25).

8. 8. The modular connector (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the spacer (80) is located closer to the actuation portion (24) than to the mounting portion (25).

9. 9. The modular connector (100) of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the spacer (80) is integral with the remainder of the extension (70).

10. 10. The modular connector (100) of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the spacer (80) is configured as a circumferential collar (81).

11. 11. The modular connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connection geometry (18) is configured as a press-fit (30) for pressing onto the current bar (50).

12. 12. The modular connector (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting geometry (18) is configured to be solid.

13. 12. The modular connector (100) of claim 11, wherein the press-fit portion (30) comprises a press-fit element (35) projecting perpendicular to the insertion direction (E).

14. 14. The modular connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a sealing element (40) is provided between the conductor (140) and the housing part (29) and / or between the mounting element (21) and the conductor (140).

15. A set comprising a modular connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The two connection portions (10, 20) are composed of a first connection portion (10) and a second connection portion (20) connected to the first connection portion (10), and the second connection portion (20) has two different second connection portions (20) equipped with attachment elements (21) of different lengths.

16. A set comprising the two different second connection portions (20) according to claim 15 and the first connection portion (10) that can be connected to both of the two different second connection portions (20).

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