Contact assembly for electrical hv connections

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, comprising a housing (2) having a touch protection portion (80) — the touch protection portion having a through-opening (6) extending along the axial direction (8) from a first housing end (10) of the housing to a second housing end (12) of the housing spaced apart from the first housing end; the housing having at least one touch protection element (54) protruding radially inward at the second housing end, and at least one latching surface (46) extending circumferentially (28) around the axial direction (8) having a surface normal (78) oriented toward the second housing end at the through-opening —; It has a contact element, and the contact element can be inserted into a through-opening from a first housing end toward a second housing end at any desired angle position around the axial direction, and at least one latching protrusion (72) of the contact element latches with at least one latching surface at each desired angle position (160) when the contact element is inserted into the through-opening. The contact assembly according to the present invention has a touch protection part, and nevertheless is easy to assemble.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact assembly for electrical HV connections. Background Technology

[0002] Contact assemblies are used in the field of electrical engineering, particularly to make electrical connections in the high-voltage (HV) range. Such contact assemblies can be, for example, components of electrical plug connectors.

[0003] Contact assemblies typically provide contact elements that can be inserted into a housing—usually electrically insulated—and latched into this housing. Contact assemblies for high-voltage or high-current connections typically have touch protection to prevent human fingers from being inserted into the housing and coming into contact with the current-carrying components of the contact assembly. Such contact protection makes the installation process more difficult.

[0004] The present invention is intended to provide a contact assembly having contact protection and, nevertheless, being easy to install.

[0005] According to the present invention, this is achieved by a contact assembly for electrical HV connections, and the contact assembly is,

[0006] — Housing having a touch protection portion — The touch protection portion has a through-opening extending along the axial direction from a first housing end of the housing to a second housing end of the housing spaced apart from the first housing end, and

[0007] The housing includes at least one touch protection element protruding radially inward at the end of the second housing; and

[0008] At the through opening, having at least one latching surface extending circumferentially around the axial direction having a surface normal oriented toward the second housing end ─; and

[0009] - It has a contact element, and the contact element can be inserted into a through opening from a first housing end toward a second housing end at any desired angular position around the axial direction, and

[0010] At least one latching projection of the contact element latches with at least one latching surface at each desired angle position when the contact element is inserted into the through opening.

[0011] The touch protection prevents a human finger or any other object not belonging to the contact assembly from passing through a radial plane, in which the touch protection is arranged along the insertion direction. This is realized by the fact that at least one touch protection element protruding radially inward from the touch protection reduces the through-opening at a point in the radial plane, that is, reduces the diameter of the through-opening. The touch protection elements are configured to reduce the diameter of the through-opening at a point in the radial plane to the extent that a human finger cannot penetrate axially. Thus, a human finger or an object—whose diameter is sufficiently small to be inserted into the through-opening of the housing but too large to pass through the touch protection axially—is prevented from reaching the current-carrying components. Beyond the second housing end, for example, current-carrying components may be arranged, and for safety reasons, a human finger or an object not belonging to the contact assembly must not make contact with these current-carrying components under any circumstances. The touch protection prevents this and consequently increases the safety of the use of the contact assembly.

[0012] In particular, touch protection may comply with the specifications of the ISO 20653 standard. Contact with current-carrying components may be prevented by a simulated human finger of a user, for example, by a test finger according to general standards, e.g., DIN EN 60529:2000, which specifies a length of 80 mm and a diameter of 12 mm for the test finger. Other relevant standards may be: VDE 0470 Part 2, IEC / EN 61032, VDE 0470 Part or IEC / EN 60529, IEC / EN 60950, IEC 61010, IEC / EN 60335, IEC / EN 60745-1, IEC / EN 60034-5 and IEC / EN 60065.

[0013] The provision of at least one latching surface of the housing and at least one latching projection on the contact element forms a structural prerequisite for a shape-fit connection between the latching surfaces and the latching projections. In this way, the contact element inserted into the through opening can be latched to the housing in a shape-fit manner and secured to the housing. This can prevent or at least restrict relative movement between the contact element and the housing in the axial direction. In particular, this latching engagement prevents or restricts movement of the contact element in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. In this way, unintended loosening of the contact assembly is prevented, resulting in a more stable electrical connection.

[0014] The contact assembly according to the present invention also has the advantage of enabling non-polarized insertion of a contact element into a housing. The contact element can be inserted into a through-opening at any angular position around the axial direction relative to the housing. Circumferential rotation of the contact element relative to the housing is irrelevant for both insertion and latching. Since the contact element does not need to be circumferentially aligned with the housing, but only the longitudinal axes of the contact element and the through-opening must be coplanar, assembly is simplified.

[0015] If the contact element is connected to the cable, twisting of the cable and the resulting potential damage can be prevented. This is due to the fact that the contact element can follow the rotation of the cable around its longitudinal axis, which counteracts harmful twisting. This also applies when the contact element is latched inside the housing, as the contact element can rotate freely relative to the housing along the circumferential direction.

[0016] When a contact element is inserted into a through-opening of a housing, at least one latching projection latches with at least one latching surface, regardless of the angular position of the contact element around the axial direction relative to the housing. Thus, the contact element inserted into the through-opening can rotate freely along the circumferential direction relative to the housing without the latching between the contact element and the housing being released. This non-polarized latching ensures that the contact assembly remains functional even when the contact element moves circumferentially relative to the housing. This, for example, increases the stability and safety of the electrical connection established by the contact assembly.

[0017] The present invention above may be further improved by the following features, each of which may be combined with one another as preferred and desired.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the through-opening may have a plurality of latching surfaces spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the contact element may have a plurality of latching protrusions arranged parallel to each other in the circumferential direction, and, as a contact element latched inside the housing, at least one latching protrusion may make contact with the latching surface over its entire width extending circumferentially at each angular position of the contact element relative to the housing.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the through-opening may have a plurality of latching surfaces spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the contact element may have a plurality of latching protrusions arranged parallel to each other in the circumferential direction, and, as a contact element latched inside the housing, at least one latching protrusion may make contact with the latching surface over its entire width extending circumferentially at each angular position of the contact element relative to the housing.

[0020] According to an additional embodiment, the latching surfaces and latching protrusions have the following differences:

[0021] - The circumferential width of at least some of the plurality of latching surfaces is different from the circumferential width of at least some of the plurality of latching protrusions;

[0022] - The number of latching surfaces differs from the number of latching protrusions; and

[0023] — At least one of the following may be present: the circumferential distance between at least some of the latching protrusions among the multiple latching protrusions — at least some of the latching protrusions are circumferentially adjacent — is different from the circumferential distance between at least some of the circumferential touch protection elements.

[0024] These geometric or numerical ratios between latching surfaces and latching protrusions can be used to adjust the area overlap between the latching surfaces and latching protrusions for individual applications. In this context, for example, the overlap required for a specific latching force can be ensured.

[0025] In one configuration, at least one touch protection element forms a stop where the contact element collides when the contact element is inserted into the housing, particularly when the contact element is fully inserted into the housing. In this way, the movement of the contact element relative to the housing along the insertion direction is restricted. When the contact element is fully inserted into the housing and the latching protrusions latch with the latching surfaces, the movement of the contact element relative to the housing along the insertion direction is also restricted. As a result, the contact element is fixed against movement along the axial direction, and interruption of the electrical contact of the contact assembly is prevented, particularly due to the contact element slipping or a loose contact. Such a contact assembly increases the stability of the electrical connection.

[0026] Most latching surfaces can lie in a common plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Similarly, most latching protrusions can also lie in a common plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0027] Both the latching surfaces and the latching protrusions may have the same width in the circumferential direction. Preferably, some of the plurality of latching protrusions may each come into contact with the latching surface along their entire width extending in the circumferential direction. In particular, the latching protrusions may each come into contact with different latching surfaces.

[0028] The cross-sectional area of ​​the touch protection element may become smaller inward in the radial direction. The touch protection element may have its largest cross-sectional area at the point furthest from the central axis of the housing in the radial direction. Similarly, the touch protection element may have its smallest cross-sectional area at the point closest to the central axis of the housing in the radial direction.

[0029] Preferably, the touch protection elements may have an inclined portion on their end surface pointing away from the first housing end. In particular, the inclined portion may be inclined radially inward toward the first housing end with respect to the axial direction. The inclined portion may be, for example, flat, or, for example, curved as part of the cylinder stub shell surface.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, among a plurality of touch protection elements adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the touch protection elements may be separated from each other by one gap; and at least some of the plurality of latching surfaces may each be positioned axially as an extension of at least one gap. Preferably, in each case, the plurality of latching surfaces may be positioned axially as an extension of at least one gap. The gaps and the latching surfaces may be coplanar in the axial direction.

[0031] The gaps arranged circumferentially between the touch protection elements represent a manufacturing advantage within the injection molding process. Parts of the injection mold can be easily inserted into the housing to be molded along the axial direction, and latching surfaces can be formed.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, the width of the circumferential latching surface may be, at most, as large as the width of the circumferential gap. Alternatively, the width of the circumferential latching surfaces may also be as large as or greater than the distance between two adjacent touch protection elements in the circumferential direction. This configuration is easy to manufacture, for example, as part of an injection molding process. In such a process, injection molding tools may be inserted into the housing through the gaps to form the latching surfaces. A contact assembly according to this embodiment is desirable from the perspective of manufacturing technology.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of latching protrusions may latch with at least two latching surfaces when a contact element is inserted into a housing. Under conditions of a force acting on the contact element in the axial direction, the mechanical load between the at least one latching protrusion and the latching surfaces is distributed across at least two latching surfaces, which reduces the material load on the latching surfaces. Furthermore, the contact element is unnecessarily latched according to this embodiment. This increases the operational reliability of the contact assembly.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the latching surface may form an end of the base extending axially from a first housing end to a second housing end, pointing toward a second housing end. This configuration reduces the mechanical load on the housing and the latching surfaces because the mechanical stresses generated between the latching protrusions and the latching surfaces are evenly introduced into the base body. This has a positive effect on the service life of the contact assembly.

[0035] The base may have the shape of a hollow cylindrical segment. The ground area of ​​the base may extend along the axial and circumferential directions, and the base may protrude radially.

[0036] Furthermore, the bases can be formed by the walls of the through-opening. This configuration simplifies manufacturing, particularly as part of the injection molding process. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the base may be coplanar in the axial direction with the gap between two circumferentially adjacent touch protection elements. Accordingly, during the injection molding process, sliders may be inserted into the housing through the gaps at the second housing end to mold the bases. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0038] The base may be configured such that the base is not wider at any point in the circumferential direction than the gaps coplanar therebetween two touch protection elements adjacent to the base in the circumferential direction. Additionally, the base may be arranged so as not to overlap with the touch protection element at any point in the axial direction. In particular, the axial distance between the end of the base facing the first housing end and the end of the base facing the second housing end may be smaller than or equal to the axial distance between the end of the base facing the first housing end and the side surface of the touch protection element facing the first housing end.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the housing may have a plurality of bases, and bases adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction may be separated from each other by a recess. The recess may extend continuously in the axial direction from at least the latching surface to the first housing end.

[0040] During manufacturing as part of the injection molding process, sliders extending into touch protection elements can be inserted along the axial direction through recesses, which significantly simplifies mold making.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, an annular recess may be located between the bases and the second housing end. The annular recess forms a structural prerequisite that allows the contact element to latch with the latching surface at any angular position in the circumferential direction relative to the housing. When the latching protrusions and the latching surfaces overlap radially, the latching protrusions may only contact the latching surfaces in a shape-fit manner. When the contact element is inserted along the insertion direction, the latching protrusions are initially deflected inward or elastically deformed radially by the bases. To enable the latching protrusions to overlap with the latching surfaces, the latching protrusions must be able to move radially outward again in a snap-in motion after passing across the bases along the axial direction. This is possible if an axially extending recess is provided between the bases and the touch protection elements, and this recess can accommodate the latching protrusions. The preferably provided annular recess has the advantage that the latching protrusions can move radially outward at any point along the circumferential direction after passing across the bases. In addition, annular depressions are easy and cost-effective to manufacture from the perspective of manufacturing technology—for example, as part of the injection molding process.

[0042] The circumferential concaves of adjacent bases can merge into a depression. In particular, the concaves can merge into a depression without jumping. In this case, the radial offset between the concave and the depression can be zero at the axial point where the concave merges into the depression.

[0043] Additionally, the indentation may extend between touch protection elements. In this case, the radial offset may be zero at the axial point where the indentation merges into an area extending along the axial and circumferential directions between two adjacent touch protection elements.

[0044] The jump-free transition between areas of concaves, depressions, and adjacent touch protection elements has the advantage of being easy to manufacture, particularly as part of an injection molding process.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the latching surface may be formed by an end of the rebound pointing toward the first housing end, and this rebound extends axially from the housing surface between two adjacent touch protection elements. Alternatively, the rebound may also spring back radially. This configuration is desirable for manufacturing techniques because the rebounds are easily accessible to tools through the second housing end. Thus, the rebounds can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, circumferentially adjacent rebounds may be separated from one another by a protrusion, and the protrusion may extend axially from the latching surface to the touch protection element. In this embodiment, because the latching protrusions of the contact element are adjacent to the side surfaces of adjacent protrusions while in a latched state, the circumferential movement of the contact element latched to the through-opening is restricted. This prevents or restricts the relative circumferential movement between the contact element and the wall of the through-opening, which results in less wear of the contact element and the wall of the through-opening.

[0047] The protrusion may protrude radially inward. Furthermore, the protrusion may extend axially from the shadow of the touch protection element where the protrusion ends. In particular, the protrusions between the axial rebounds forming the first housing end may be incorporated circumferentially from the latching surfaces to form an annular protrusion. In particular, the annular protrusion may extend axially from the latching surfaces to the first housing end.

[0048] In an additional embodiment, the width of the circumferential latching protrusions may be smaller than the width of the circumferential latching surfaces. This ratio between the widths of the latching protrusions and the widths of the latching surfaces increases the likelihood that the latching protrusion will come into contact with the latching surface over its entire width. In this way, the material load on the latching protrusions can be reduced.

[0049] In particular, the width of two circumferentially adjacent latching protrusions, including an optional gap between the two latching protrusions, can be at most as large as the circumferential width of the latching surfaces.

[0050] According to one possible embodiment, the housing can be manufactured by injection molding. In this way, the housing and the contact assembly therewith can be produced cost-effectively as part of automated manufacturing.

[0051] In the following, the present invention is described in more detail by embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. In this context, individual features present in the embodiments below may be omitted according to the above embodiments if the technical effect associated with such features is not important. Conversely, features described above but not present in the embodiments below may be added to the embodiments if the technical effect associated with such features is important for a particular application. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0052] In the following content, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of structure and / or function. FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a contact assembly according to a possible embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a housing according to a possible embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a contact assembly according to a possible embodiment before a contact element is inserted. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a contact assembly according to a possible embodiment in a latched state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0053] In the following, the structure of the contact assembly (1) is described primarily with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2.

[0054] The contact assembly (1) has a housing (2) and a contact element (4).

[0055] The housing (2) has a substantially cylindrical through-opening (6), which extends along the axial direction (8) from the first housing end (10) to the second housing end (12). The longitudinal axis (14) of the through-opening (6) extends along the axial direction (8).

[0056] The through opening (6) has a cylindrical wall (16) that is part of the housing (2). The circular end faces (18) of the cylindrical through opening (6) are located at both the first housing end (10) and the second housing end (12). The first end face (20) of the through opening (6) arranged at the first housing end (10) is provided as an access opening (22), through which a contact element (4) can be inserted into the through opening (6) along the axial direction (8). The insertion portion (23) of the contact element (4) into the through opening (6) can occur along an insertion direction (24), which extends along the axial direction (8) away from the first housing end (10) and toward the second housing end (12).

[0057] The housing (2) may further provide at least one base (26) that can be formed by the wall (16) of the through opening (6). Preferably, the housing (2) has a plurality of bases (26) arranged side by side in the circumferential direction (28). In particular, bases (26) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (28) may be separated from each other by a recess (30). In this case, two adjacent bases (26) are spaced apart by a certain distance (32) in the circumferential direction (28). At the same time, the width (34) of the recess (30) in the circumferential direction (28) corresponds to the distance (32) in the circumferential direction (28) between two adjacent bases (26).

[0058] The bases (26) have a hollow cylindrical segment shape having a first end face (36) and a second end face (38). The end faces (36, 38) are parallel to each other and arranged perpendicular to the axial direction (8). The first end face (36) of the base (26) lies on the first housing end (10). In particular, the plane (40) of the first end face (36) of the base (26) lies on the plane (42) of the first end face (20) of the through opening (6). The second end face (38) of the base (26) is spaced apart from the first end face (36) of the base (26) in the axial direction (8) by the base width (44). The second end surface (38) of the base (26) is located at a point in the axial direction (8), and this second end surface is positioned between the first housing end (10) and the second housing end (12) in the axial direction (8).

[0059] The contact assembly (1) provides at least one latching surface (46). At least one latching surface (46) is arranged in the through opening (6) and extends along the circumferential direction (28). In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the second end faces (36) of the bases (26) are provided as latching surfaces (46). Thus, the latching surfaces (46) can be formed by the wall (16) of the through opening (6).

[0060] The latching surfaces (46) do not need to be formed by the bases (26) but can be formed by the end (48) of the rebound (50) pointing toward the first housing end (10). This is briefly described below with reference to FIG. 2. In particular, the rebound (50) can spring back radially outward (52). The rebound (50) extends axially (8) from the latching surface (46) between two adjacent touch protection elements (54). In this case, the rebound (50) merges into a gap (56) located between the two adjacent touch protection elements (54).

[0061] Rebounds (50) adjacent in the circumferential direction (28) can be separated from each other by protrusions (58). In particular, the protrusions (58) can protrude radially inward (60). The protrusions (58) extend axially (8) from the latching surface (46) to the touch protection element (54). In the area (62) between the first housing end (10) and the latching surfaces (46), the protrusions (58) can be incorporated circumferentially (28) to form an annular protrusion (64). The annular protrusion (64) extends along the axial direction (8) from the first housing end (10) to the latching surfaces (46).

[0062] The following descriptions again refer to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] The latching surfaces (46) have a width (66) in the circumferential direction (28), and this width may be the same for all latching surfaces (46). The surface normals (68) of the latching surfaces (46) extend along the axial direction (8) and point toward the second housing end (12). In particular, the surface normals (68) of the latching surfaces (46) extend along the insertion direction (24). The latching surfaces (46) are spaced apart from the second housing end (12) in the axial direction (8). The latching surfaces (46) are provided to contact the contact surfaces (70) configured complementarily to the latching protrusions (72) of the contact element (4). In this way, for example, a form-fit connection can be established to prevent relative movement along the axial direction (8) between the contact element (4) and the housing (2).

[0064] To enable good contact between both contact surfaces (74) of the latching protrusions (72) of the contact element (4) and the latching surfaces (46), the latching surfaces (46) may be particularly flat surfaces (74). The latching surfaces (46) shown in FIG. 1 lie on a common latching surface plane (76) extending perpendicularly to the axial direction (8). In particular, the normal axis of the latching surface plane (78) extends along the axial direction (8) and along the insertion direction (24).

[0065] At the second housing end (12), at least one touch protection element (54), and in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of touch protection elements (54) are arranged, and the touch protection elements are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (28). One touch protection element (54) or a plurality of touch protection elements (54) forms a touch protection portion (80).

[0066] The touch protection elements (54) may have the shape of an inclined truncated pyramid (82). The touch protection elements (54) have a ground area (84), a top surface (86), two sides (88), a first end surface (90), and a second end surface (92). The ground area (84) of the touch protection element (54) lies in the plane of the wall (16) of the through opening (6). The top surface (86) of the touch protection element (54) lies parallel to the ground area (84) of the touch protection element (54). The ground area (84) includes points (94) where the touch protection element (54) protrudes furthest radially inward (60) into the through opening (6).

[0067] The first end surface (90) of the touch protection element (54) extends perpendicularly to the axial direction (8). The normal axis (96) of the first end surface (90) extends along the axial direction (8) and points toward the first housing end (10). The second end surface (92) of the touch protection element (54) represents an inclined portion (98) that points away from the first housing end (10). The inclined portion (98) may be planar or may have a curved shape, for example, of a cylindrical shell segment. The inclined portion (98) has a normal axis (100) that is inclined with respect to the axial direction (8) and the radial direction (102). The radial direction (102) extends perpendicularly to the axial direction (8) and the circumferential direction (28). In particular, the normal axis (100) of the inclined portion (98) points away from the first housing end (12).

[0068] The touch protection element (54) also has a cross-sectional area (104) parallel to the ground area (84) and the top surface (86). In particular, the cross-sectional area (104) is positioned radially (102) between the ground area (84) and the top surface (86). The cross-sectional area (104) becomes smaller in the inner radial direction (60). As a result, the width (106) of the touch protection element (54) in the axial direction (8) becomes smaller in the inner radial direction (60). The width (106) of the touch protection element (54) in the axial direction (8) represents the distance in the axial direction (8) between the first end surface (90) and the second end surface (92) of the touch protection element (54). The largest cross-sectional area (108) is located on the ground area (85) of the touch protection element (54), and the smallest cross-sectional area (110) is located on the top surface (86) of the touch protection element (54).

[0069] Touch protection elements (54) are attached to the wall (16) of the through opening (6) and protrude inwardly in the radial direction (60). In particular, the touch protection elements (54) may be formed monolithically with the housing (2) or the through opening (6). A gap (112) may be arranged between adjacent touch protection elements (54) in the circumferential direction (28) in each case. Due to the gaps (112), adjacent touch protection elements (54) are spaced apart by a certain distance (114) in the circumferential direction (28). The gaps (112) have a width (116) in the circumferential direction (28). The longitudinal axes (118) of the gaps (112) extend along the axial direction (8) and at a point (120) in the circumferential direction (28), where the gaps (112) have half of their width (116) in the circumferential direction (28).

[0070] At least some of the latching surfaces (46) are located in an extension of at least one gap (112), so that the gaps (112) and the latching surfaces (46) are coplanar in the axial direction (8). In an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the longitudinal axis (122) of the base (26) and the surface normal (68) of the latching surfaces (46) arranged on the individual bases (26) extend along the axial direction (8) and along the longitudinal axis (118) of the gap (112). The circumferential width (45) of the base (26) or the circumferential width (66) of the latching surfaces (46) corresponds to the circumferential width (116) of the gap (112) in the circumferential direction (28), which is arranged in an axial extension with respect to the base (26) or the latching surfaces (46).

[0071] The housing (2) further includes an annular depression (124) located between the bases (26) and the second housing end (12). In particular, the annular depression (124) may extend axially (8) from the second end faces (38) of the bases (26) to the first end faces (90) of the touch protection elements (54) arranged in the circumferential direction (28). The annular depression (124) may thereby extend between two adjacent touch protection elements (54). In this case, the gap (112) between the two adjacent touch protection elements (54) and the annular depression (124) are merged with each other, preferably continuously.

[0072] Additionally, the annular depression (124) may extend between two adjacent bases (26). In this case, the depressions (30) and the annular depression (124) between the two adjacent bases (26) are merged with each other. In particular, there may be no jumps in the transition between the depressions (30) between the two adjacent bases (26) and the annular depression (124). In this case, the inner diameter (126) of the through opening (6) of the annular depression (124) is the same as the inner diameter (128) of the through opening (6) of the depressions (128).

[0073] The contact assembly (1) further comprises a contact element (4). The contact element (4) has a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4). The contact element (4) has a diameter (132) small enough to allow the contact element (4) to be inserted into the through opening (6) of the housing (2). The outer surface (134) of the contact element (4) also has a substantially cylindrical shape, and this outer surface may be complementary to the wall (16) of the through opening (6) of the housing (2). The contact element (4) may be, for example, a socket.

[0074] At one axial end, the contact element (4) has a front end surface (136). During insertion (23), the contact element (4) is oriented so that the front end surface (136) of the contact element (4) first enters the through opening (6) of the housing (2).

[0075] The contact element (4) provides at least one latching protrusion (72) having a width (140) in the circumferential direction (28). The at least one latching protrusion (72) is provided for shape-fit engagement with at least one complementarily configured latching surface (46) of the housing (2). Preferably, the contact element (4) has a plurality of latching protrusions (72) arranged side by side in the circumferential direction (28). In particular, the latching protrusions (72) arranged side by side in the circumferential direction (28) may be equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction (28) and may have the same width (140) in the circumferential direction (28).

[0076] In FIGS. 1 through 4, the latching protrusions (72) are configured exemplarily as latching fingers (144). However, a number of other configurations of the latching protrusions may be, for example, locking latches or locking springs.

[0077] The latching protrusions (72) extend from the base (146) to the free end (148) along the longitudinal axis (144). In the unloaded state (150), the angle (152) exists between the longitudinal axes (144) of the latching protrusions (72) and the longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4).

[0078] The bases (146) of the latching protrusions (72) are preferably connected to the outer surface (134) of the contact element (4) in a material-locking manner. In particular, the latching protrusions (72) may be formed monolithically together with the contact element (4). In the unloaded state (150), the free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72) are spaced apart from the outer surface (134) of the contact element (4) in the radial direction (102). The latching protrusions (72) are provided to be deflected inward in the radial direction (60) or elastically deformed. If the latching protrusions (72) are maximally deflected inward in the radial direction (60), the longitudinal axes (144) of the latching protrusions (72) extend along the longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4). In this state, the latching protrusions (72) are shaped complementary to the latching protrusions (72) and fit into the trough-shaped recesses (154) that are recessed into the outer surface (134) of the contact element (4).

[0079] The free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72) have contact surfaces (70) oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (144) of the latching protrusions (72). In particular, the normal axes (156) of the contact surfaces (70) of the latching protrusions (72) extend along the longitudinal axis (144) of the latching protrusions (72). The more the latching protrusions (72) are deflected radially inward (60), the smaller the angle (152) between the longitudinal axis (144) of the latching protrusions (72) and the longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4) becomes. The contact surfaces (70) of the latching protrusions (72) are configured to come into contact with the latching surfaces (46) of the housing (2). In this way, a shape-fit connection can be realized between the latching protrusions (72) of the contact element (4) and the latching surfaces (46) of the housing (2).

[0080] In the following content, the insertion (23) of the contact element (4) into the housing (2) is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.

[0081] At the start of the insertion (23), the contact element (4) is positioned within the axial extension of the through opening (6) of the housing. The front end surface (136) of the contact element (4) is placed at the approach opening (22) of the first housing end (10). The longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4) extends along the center axis (158) of the housing (2), along the longitudinal axis (14) of the through opening (6), and along the insertion direction (24).

[0082] During insertion (23), the contact element (4) may have any desired angle position (160) in the circumferential direction (28) with respect to the through opening (6). The contact element (4) may be inserted into the through opening (6) of the housing (2) in any desired angle position (160) in the circumferential direction (28), provided that the longitudinal axis (130) of the contact element (4) extends along the longitudinal axis (14) of the through opening (6) and along the insertion direction (24).

[0083] For insertion (23), the contact element (4) is pushed into the through opening (6) of the housing (2) through the access opening (22) along the insertion direction (24). In the process, the front end face (136) of the contact element (4) is moved in the direction of the second housing end (12). After the contact element (4) is inserted into the through opening (6) of the housing (2) along the insertion direction (24) by an axial distance (162) between the bases (146) of the latching protrusions (72) and the front end face (136), the bases (146) of the latching protrusions (72) come into contact with the first end faces (36) of the bases (26) first. The points where the first end faces (36) of the bases (26) come into contact with the latching protrusions (72) are referred to as contact points (164).

[0084] When additional insertion (23) of the contact element along the insertion direction occurs, the contact points (164) move along the longitudinal axes (144) of the latching protrusions (72) from the bases (146) of the latching protrusions (72) to the free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72). As a result, the latching protrusions (72) are deflected radially inward (60). This reduces the angle (152) between the longitudinal axes (144) of the latching protrusions (72) and the longitudinal axis of the contact element (4), causing the latching protrusions (72) to move toward the trough-shaped depressions (154) formed complementarily to the outer surface (134) of the contact element (4). When the contact point (164) reaches the free end (148) of the latching protrusion (72), the latching protrusions (72) cannot be deflected radially further inward (60) by the first end faces (36) of the bases (26). In this state, the latching protrusions (72) are fully accommodated within the trough-shaped recesses (154) of the outer surface (134) of the contact element (4). Next, the diameter (165) of the contact element (4) of the recess area (166) extending along the axial direction (8) corresponds to the diameter (168) of the contact element (4) at the front end face, so that the contact element (4) can be further pushed into the through-opening (6).

[0085] After the contact element is pushed further along the insertion direction (24) by the base width (44), the free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72) deflected radially inward (60) come into contact with the second ends (138) of the base (26). If the contact element (4) is now pushed further along the insertion direction (24), the latching protrusions (72) deflected radially inward (60) may no longer be pressed by the base (26) into the trough-shaped recesses (154) of the contact element (4). Consequently, the elastically deformed latching protrusions (72) snap radially outward (52) due to their restoring force. In this case, the latching protrusions (72) are received in the annular recess (124) of the wall (16) of the housing (2).

[0086] In this state, the contact element (4) is latched inside the housing (2).

[0087] If the contact element (4) is moved further along the insertion direction (24) while in the latched state (170), the front end surface (136) of the contact element (4) comes into contact with and collides with the first end surfaces (90) of the touch protection elements (54) arranged at the second housing end (12). This restricts further movement of the contact element (4) along the insertion direction (24).

[0088] If the contact element (4) is moved in the insertion direction (24) in a latched state (170), the contact surfaces (70) located at the free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72) come into contact with and collide with the latching surfaces (46) of the housing (2). This restricts movement in the insertion direction (24).

[0089] If the axial distance (172) between the free ends (148) of the latching protrusions (72) and the front end face (136) of the contact element (4) is smaller than the width (174) of the annular recess (124), the contact element (4) latched inside the housing (2) has an axial clearance (8). Nevertheless, the axial movement (8) of the contact element (4) relative to the housing (2) is restricted as described above.

[0090] In the latched state (170), the contact element (4) can be rotated in the through-opening (6) along the circumferential direction (18) as desired. At each angular position (160) in the circumferential direction (28) between the contact element (4) and the through-opening (6), it is ensured that the contact element (4) remains fixed against movement in the axial direction (8). In particular, at each angular position (160) of the contact element (4), it is ensured that at least one latching protrusion (72) of the contact element (4) is latched with at least one latching surface (46) of the housing (2). Furthermore, at each angular position (160) in the circumferential direction (28), the contact element (4) may have at least one latching protrusion (72) that is in contact with or latched to the latching surface (46) along its entire width (140) in the circumferential direction (28). Explanation of the symbols

[0091] 1 contact assembly 2 Housing 4 contact elements 6 Penetrating-Opening 8-axis direction 10 First housing end 12 Second housing end 14 Longitudinal axis of the penetrating opening 16 walls 18 End faces of through-openings 20 First end face of the through-opening 22 access openings 23 Insert 24 Insertion direction 26 bases 28 Wonju direction 30 Concave part 32 Circumferential distance between adjacent bases 34. Circumferential width of the depression 36 First end face of the base 38 Second end face of the base Plan of the first end face of the 40 base 42 Plan of the first end face of the through-opening 44 Axial base width 45 circumferential width of the base 46 Latching surface The end of 48 rebounds 50 rebounds 52 Radius direction outer 54 touch protection elements 56 The gap between the two touch protection elements 58 protrusion 60 radius inside 62 Area between the first housing end and the latching surfaces 64 annular protrusion 66 Circumferential width of latching surfaces 68 Surface normals of latching surfaces 70 Contact surfaces of latching protrusions 72 Latching protrusion 74 Planar Plan 76 Latching surface plane 78 Normal axis of the latching surface plane 80 touch protection 82 Inclined Truncate Pyramids 84 Ground area of ​​the touch protection element Top surface of the 86 touch protection element Side surfaces of 88 touch protection elements 90 First end surface of the touch protection element 92 Second end surface of the touch protection element 94 Points protruding furthest inward in the radial direction 96 Normal axis of the first end surface of the touch protection element 98 Inclined section 100 Normal axis of the inclined section 102 Radius direction 104 Cross-sectional area of ​​the touch protection element 106 Axial width of the touch protection element 108 Maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the touch protection element 110 Minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the touch protection element 112 gap 114 Circumferential distance between adjacent touch protection elements 116 Circumferential width of the gap 118 gap's vertical axis 120 Point in the direction of Wonju 122 base vertical axis 124 Annular depression 126 Inner diameter of the penetration opening of the annular depression 128 Inner diameter of penetration openings of recesses 130 Longitudinal axis of contact element 132 Diameter of the contact element 134 External surface of the contact element 136 Front end face of the contact element 138 Second ends of the bases 140 circumferential width of the latching protrusion 142 Latching Finger 144 Longitudinal axis of latching protrusions 146 base 148 free end 150 Unloaded state 152 angles 154 Trough-shaped depressions 156 Normal axis of the contact surface 158 Central axis of the housing 160-degree angle position 162 Distance between the first end face of the base and the bases 164 contact points 165 Diameter of the contact element in the concave region 166 Concave region 168 Diameter of the contact element on the front end face 170 latched state 172 Distance between the free ends and the front end face 174 Width of the annular depression

Claims

Claim 1 A housing (2) having a touch protection (80) as a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections ─ said touch protection has a through-opening (6) extending along the axial direction (8) from a first housing end (10) of the housing (2) to a second housing end (12) of the housing (2) spaced apart from the first housing end (10), said housing (2) has at least one touch protection element (54) protruding radially inward at the second housing end (12), and at least one latching surface (46) extending circumferentially (28) around the axial direction (8) having a surface normal (78) oriented toward the second housing end (12) at the through-opening (6) ─; and has a contact element (4), said contact element can be inserted into the through-opening (6) from the first housing end (10) toward the second housing end (12) at any desired angle position (160) around the axial direction (8), and at least one latching protrusion (72) of said contact element (4) latches with the at least one latching surface (46) at each desired angle position (160) when the contact element (4) is inserted into the through-opening (6), said at least one latching surface (46) forms an end (138) facing the second housing end (12) of a base (26) extending from the first housing end (10) to the second housing end (12) in the axial direction (8), and an annular recess (124) is located between the bases (26) and the second housing end (12), and said At least one latching protrusion (72) is received within the annular recess (124), a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections. Claim 2 In claim 1, the through-opening (6) has a plurality of latching surfaces (46) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (28), and the contact element (4) has a plurality of latching protrusions (72) arranged side by side in the circumferential direction (28); and when the contact element (4) is latched to the housing (2), at least one latching protrusion (72) contacts the latching surface (46) at each angular position (160) of the contact element (4) with respect to the housing (2) over its entire width (140) extending in the circumferential direction (28), a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections. Claim 3 In claim 2, the latching surfaces (46) and the latching protrusions (72) have the following differences: —the circumferential width (66) of at least some of the plurality of latching surfaces (46) is different from the circumferential width (140) of at least some of the plurality of latching protrusions (72); —the number of the latching surfaces (46) is different from the number of the latching protrusions (72); A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections having at least one of — at least some of the plurality of latching protrusions (72) — the circumferential distance (28) between the at least some of the latching protrusions (72) — the at least some of the latching protrusions (72) are adjacent in the circumferential direction (28) — is different from the circumferential distance (114) between the at least some touch protection elements (54) adjacent in the circumferential direction (28). Claim 4 A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, wherein, in the circumferential direction (28), adjacent touch protection elements (54) among the plurality of touch protection elements (54) are separated from each other by a gap (112); and at least some of the plurality of latching surfaces (46) are positioned in the axial direction (8) as an extension of each of the at least one gap (112). Claim 5 A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, wherein the width (66) of the latching surface (46) in the circumferential direction (28) is at most as large as the width (116) of the gap (112) in the circumferential direction (28). Claim 6 In claim 2, at least one of the plurality of latching protrusions (72) is a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections that latches with at least two latching surfaces (46) when the contact element (4) is inserted into the housing (2). Claim 7 A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, wherein, in the first claim, when the contact element (4) is latched to the housing (2) in a latched state (170), the at least one latching protrusion (72) is received within an annular recess (124). Claim 8 In claim 1, the base (26) is a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections that is coplanar in the axial direction (8) with a gap (112) between two touch protection elements (54) adjacent in the circumferential direction (28). Claim 9 A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, wherein the housing (2) comprises a plurality of bases (26), and bases (26) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (28) are separated from each other by a recess (30). Claim 10 A contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, wherein the axial distance (172) between the free end (148) of at least one latching protrusion (72) of the contact element (4) and the front end face (136) of the contact element (4) is smaller than the width (174) of the annular recess (124) extending in the axial direction (8). Claim 11 In any one of claims 1 to 10, the housing (2) is a contact assembly (1) for electrical HV connections, manufactured by injection molding. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete

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