DE102008056133A1 - Connector for an electrical connection between a conductor and e.g. conductive vehicle bodywork, has a section welded to the structure with welding projections outside the center zone - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (10) to provide an electrical connection between a conductor (12) and a conductive structure (14), especially a vehicle bodywork, has one connection section (22) welded to the structure and a second connection section (24) screwed on to it to secure the conductor. The welded section has a support surface (60) towards the structure with a welded projection (64) extending radially as a ring or welding projections beyond the central zone (70) of the surface, symmetrically around a central axis (62). The welded section has a carrier body (30) with a contact surface (36) for a contact (26).

Description

connection unit for establishing an electrical connection between an electrical Line and an electrically conductive structure, in particular a vehicle body comprising a weldable to the structure first connection element and one with the first connection element through a screw connection releasably connectable second connection element, with which a contact element of the electrical line can be fixed is.

Such connection units are from the DE-U-93 12 678.6 known.

at the known connection units, the problem is that the first Connection element stable only with great effort with the electrically conductive structure can be connected especially when there is a need, on the one hand, a stable one mechanical connection with the electrically conductive structure to create and on the other hand, a sufficiently large cross-section for a flowing over the terminal unit To create electricity.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a connection unit of the generic type to improve such that the stability of the mechanical fixation as well as the Conductor cross section for a current between the connection unit and the electrically conductive structure can be improved.

These The object is achieved by a connection unit of the type described above Art solved according to the invention that the first connection element a support surface facing the structure and that on the support surface at least a welding projection arranged outside a central region is provided.

Of the Advantage of the invention is solution that by having a stable welded joint outside the central area by means of the at least one Welding projection is created, on the one hand the stability the connection between the first connection element and the conductive Structure is improved and at the same time sufficient large wire cross section for a stream of the first connection element to the electrically conductive Structure is created.

Regarding the formation of the welding projection are no details provided.

A advantageous solution provides that the welding projection designed as a circumferential around the central welding ring is, so that when welding the first connection element with the electrically conductive structure an annular around the central area circumferential weld arises, on the one hand has a high stability and on the other hand Overall, a large line cross-section for a current between the first terminal and the electric provides conductive structure.

A Another advantageous solution provides that the welding projection is designed as a welding nose, preferably several Welding noses in the inventive Solution find use.

such Welding noses can be called bumps or pyramid-like or elongated projections or any shaped Be formed projections.

Especially it is cheap if several around the central area arranged welding lugs are provided.

Especially provides an advantageous solution that the several Welding lugs rotationally symmetric to a central axis the connection unit are provided.

Regarding the formation of the first connection element have not been details provided.

So can the first connection element basically any Shapes, provided that it is on the one hand via a mechanical stable and suitable for high currents welded joint connect to the electrically conductive structure and on the other hand in a simple way the realization of a screw connection allowed with the second connection element.

A particularly favorable solution provides that the first connection element has a carrier body.

One Such carrier body is preferably used a pad for the contact element to Make available so that over the carrier body itself already in a simple way an electrically conductive Connection between the contact element and the electrically conductive Structure is feasible and the second connection element is not mandatory in the flow of current from the terminal to the electrically conductive Structure must be included.

In order to fix the carrier body low on the electrically conductive structure, it is preferably provided that the carrier body on egg ner facing away from the pad a support surface having the at least one welding projection. Such a design of the carrier body has the advantage that in a simple manner, the connection surface is conveniently accessible and on the other hand, the weld between the carrier body and the electrically conductive structure is easy to implement.

alternative or in addition to providing at least one weld projection on the support surface of the carrier body sees another solution that around the carrier body around a flange body is provided, which at least a part of the support surface and the at least carries a welding projection.

One such a running around the support body Flange body has the great advantage that this the production of the welded joint between the first Connection element and the electrically conductive structure relieved because of such a flange in a simple Make the electrodes to supply the current to the weld the at least one welding projection with the structure can be applied.

Preferably has for this purpose the flange on a welding projections opposite side of a welding contact surface on.

At the Providing a flange body are different Possibilities, the at least one welding projection to arrange at this.

A advantageous solution provides that the flange body on a side facing away from the pad with the at least one welding projection is provided.

alternative or in addition, another solution provides that the flange body on one of the connection surface facing side with the at least one welding projection is provided.

Regarding the screw connection between the first and the second connection element So far no details have been given.

So it would be conceivable, for example, the first connection element to provide with a threaded pin and the second connection element to screw on this in the manner of a mother.

A However, particularly favorable solution provides that the first connection element has an internal thread and the second connection element Having a threaded pin which can be screwed into the internal thread is.

These Solution has the advantage that thereby already the carrier body has a radial extent, which allows, in a simple manner a mechanically stable and sufficient for the current Conductor cross-section provided weld joint between the carrier body and the electrically conductive Structure and thereby also the cost of materials for the production of the carrier body as possible to keep low.

Regarding the formation of the first connection element were related with the embodiments described so far no closer Information provided.

So provides an advantageous solution that the first connection element is formed as a solid part, which by cold forming or Hot forming is made from a block.

A Another advantageous solution provides that the first connection element is formed from a sheet metal part.

Especially is provided that the carrier body of first connection element partly from a to a ring body formed inner region of the sheet metal part is formed.

Preferably is provided that the carrier body a sleeve body formed by deep drawing the interior comprising, which the internal thread of the carrier body wearing.

Further Features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following Description and the drawings of some embodiments.

In show the drawing:

1 a section through a first embodiment of a connector unit according to the invention with this fixed contact element along line 1-1 in 4 ;

2 similar to a cut 1 by the first embodiment of the connection unit without contact element with completely screwed into the first connection element second connection element and adjacent connection surfaces;

3 a perspective view of the first connection element;

4 a plan view in the direction of arrow A in 3 ;

5 similar to a cut 2 through a second embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention;

6 a perspective view similar 3 the first connection element of the connection unit according to the invention;

7 a plan view in the direction of arrow B in 6 in the second embodiment of the connection unit according to the invention;

8th similar to a cut 2 by a third embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention;

9 similar to a cut 2 by a fourth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention;

10 similar to a cut 2 by a fifth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention and

11 similar to a cut 2 by a sixth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention.

A first embodiment of as a whole with 10 designated connection unit according to the invention for producing an electrical connection between an electrical conductor 12 and an electrically conductive structure 14 , in this case a motor vehicle body, of which a wall portion 16 in 1 is shown, comprises a first connection element 22 and a second connection element 24 with which as a whole with 26 designated contact element of the electrical conductor 12 with its contact flange 28 can be fixed.

In the first embodiment of the connection unit according to the invention 10 according to 1 and 2 includes the first connection element 22 a carrier body 30 , which is preferably designed as a ring body and a central opening 32 having, with an internal thread 34 is provided.

Furthermore, the carrier body carries 30 a connection surface 36 at which the contact element 26 with its contact flange 28 can be applied, wherein the contact flange 28 with one side 38 areal on the connection surface 36 rests.

The second connection element 24 includes a screw body 40 , which is a threaded pin 42 having, with an external thread 44 in the internal thread 34 of the carrier body 30 is screwed and one at the threaded pin 42 molded connection flange 44 which is one of the pad 36 facing connection surface 46 that is on one side 38 opposite side 48 of the contact flange 28 rests so that the contact flange 28 between the pad 46 of the connection flange 44 and the pad 36 of the carrier body 30 can be fixed.

To screw in the threaded pin 42 in the carrier body 30 to facilitate, is the screw body 40 still with one to the connection flange 44 molded screw head 52 provided, which on a threaded pin 42 opposite side of the connection flange 44 lies.

The screw head 52 is provided with form-fitting elements for a screwdriver, wherein a polygonal example is shown as a positive-locking element.

The carrier body 30 points to one of the wall section 16 the vehicle body 14 facing side a support surface 60 on, which is transverse to a central axis 62 the connection unit 10 extends, preferably perpendicular to this, with which the first connection element 22 on the wall section 16 can be placed. To facilitate an electrical weld, the support surface 60 still with welding projections 64 In the area of which is an embodiment of an arc for producing a fusion zone 66 takes place, which after solidification, a welded joint between the first connection element 22 and the wall section 16 forms.

The welding projections 64 and the melt zones formed by them 66 lie outside of a central area 70 passing through a wall section 16 facing opening 72 the central breakthrough 32 is predetermined.

Because of the melting zones 66 outside the central area 70 lie, the possibility opens up, the connection unit 10 in the largest possible radial distance from the central axis 62 stably support and also to provide sufficiently large cable cross-sections for a current which from the contact flange 28 of the contact element 26 through the carrier body 30 through into the wall area 16 should flow.

Such a current through the connection unit according to the invention 10 has ampere numbers in the double-digit range, so that the lowest possible contact resistance in the region of the melting zones 66 is of considerable importance to prevent warming.

As the unit of the invention 10 in the case of a motor vehicle body as an electrically conductive structure 14 welded to the tubular body and subsequently pretreated with the tubular body It is necessary to ensure that even in the area of the connecting surfaces 36 . 46 , in particular in the area of the connection surface 36 of the first connection element 22 an area is available that is not affected by either the pre-treatment baths or by the paint baths, and thus good electrical contact with the contact flange 28 guaranteed.

For this reason, the screw body 40 with the threaded pin 42 so far in the carrier body 30 screwed that the connection surface 46 of the connection flange 44 directly on the interface 36 the support body rests, so that in this state, the connection unit according to the invention 10 Pre-treatment and painting can go through without the pads 36 and 46 come into contact with chemicals in these baths because the connection surfaces 36 and 46 all over the surface pressed together.

To the contact element 26 to fix, becomes the second connection element 24 unscrewed, the contact element 26 with the contact flange 28 applied and then turn the second connection element 24 screwed.

In order to facilitate the screwing, the threaded pin is preferably at its front end with a centering pin 80 provided, which conically tapered centering surfaces 82 having, with which the threaded pin 42 easy in the internal thread 34 is centerable.

The welding projections 64 are in the first embodiment, such as in 3 and 4 represented by three welding noses 64a . 64b and 64c formed around the central axis 62 around at equal angular intervals, for example angular intervals of about 120 °, are arranged and extend over an angular range of, for example, approximately at least 20 °, so that in the area of the welding lugs 64a . 64b and 64c sufficiently large melting zones 66 be formed, which provide a total of a sufficiently large line cross-section for the currents available via the connection unit 10 according to the first embodiment in the vehicle body 14 be initiated.

In a second embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention 10 ' represented in 5 , those elements which are identical to those of the first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, so that with regard to the description of the same can be made in full content to the comments on the first embodiment.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the carrier body 30 a surrounding flange body 90 molded, which the carrier body 30 with respect to the central axis 62 surrounds radially outboard.

In the second embodiment, while the support surface extends 60 ' not only on the wall area 16 facing side of the carrier body 30 but also radially outward on the wall area 16 facing side of the flange 90 , In this embodiment, the welding projections 64 ' in the area of the support surface 60 ' lie in the region of the flange body 90 runs.

Furthermore, the flange body 90 still on his support surface 60 ' and the welding projections 64 facing away side welding contact surfaces 92 on, radially outside of the carrier body 30 run so that when welding the first connection element 22 on the wall area 16 the current required for the welding process with electrodes directly over the weld contact surfaces 92 in the flange body 90 can be initiated and thus there is no need, the current for the welding process via the second connection element 24 in the first connection element 22 initiate and thereby in the region of the contact surfaces between the two, in particular in the region of the connection surfaces 36 . 46 to take the risk of a partial welding of the same.

In the second embodiment, as in FIG 6 and 7 represented, the welding projection 64 as a welding ring 64 ' formed, which in the region of the flange 90 around the central axis 62 preferably closed rotates and thus a corresponding to the central axis 62 circumferential melting zone 66 ' produced on the one hand, the first connection element stable on the wall area 16 fixed and on the other hand, a sufficiently large line cross section for the power line in the vehicle body 14 provides.

In a third embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention 10 '' represented in 8th are also those elements which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments, provided with the same reference numerals, so that in this respect, the contents of the statements to the preceding embodiments may be made in full content.

In contrast to the first and second embodiments, the wall portion 16 the vehicle body 14 with a breakthrough 18 provided, which makes it possible, in this embodiment, the centering pin 80 '' and optionally also the threaded pin 42 '' longer lead, allowing easier centering of the same in the internal thread 34 can be done.

In a fourth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention 10 '' represented in 9 are also those elements which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments, provided with the same reference numerals, so that with regard to the description of the same in full content to the statements on this can be made in connection with these embodiments.

In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the wall area 16 the vehicle body 14 with a breakthrough 18 '' provided, which has a diameter such that the entire carrier body 30 through the breakthrough 18 can be pushed through, but the flange body 90 radially with respect to the central axis 62 about the breakthrough 18 ' survives.

In this embodiment, the support surface extends 60 ''' only in the area of the flange body 90 on a carrier body 30 facing side thereof, so that also the welding projections 64 ''' from the support surface 60 ''' in the direction of the carrier body 30 rise.

In this embodiment, the first terminal is 22 arranged so that the carrier body 30 essentially over a first page 104 of the wall area 16 rises while the flange body 90 on a second page 106 of the wall area 16 is applied, wherein the of the flange body 90 outgoing carrier body 30 starting from his with the flange body 90 connected section through the breakthrough 18 ' in the wall area 16 extends.

In a fifth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention 10 '''' represented in 10 , Those parts which are identical to those of the first embodiment are also provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference may also be made in full to the comments on the preceding embodiments.

In the fifth embodiment, the first terminal is 22 in the same way on the wall area 16 arranged as in the fourth embodiment, but in this case the second connection element 24 in the reverse direction in the internal thread 34 screwed in, leaving the connection area 36 '''' of the first connection element 22 on the side of the carrier body 30 lies, which the flange body 90 is facing.

In a sixth embodiment of a connection unit according to the invention 10 ''''' represented in 11 , are also those parts which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments, provided with the same reference numerals.

In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the first connection element 22 ''''' not formed as a solid part, which was produced by a forming process, but from a sheet metal part 110 which has an outdoor area 112 the flange body 90 ''''' forms, with respect to the exterior 112 further intermediate area 114 the connection surface 36 ''''' forms and an interior area 116 which is pulled by forming into a sleeve, which the central opening 32 encloses and the internal thread 34 wearing. The inner area formed to the sleeve 116 and the intermediate area 114 form the carrier body 30 ''''' of the sixth embodiment, which is characterized by the breakthrough 18 ' in the wall area 16 extends through. To this carrier body 30 ''''' is the flange body 90 ''''' formed by the outside area 112 is formed and in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment, the welding projections 64 ''' bears that with the wall area 16 are weldable.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 9312678 U [0002]

Claims (15)

Connection unit for establishing an electrical connection between an electrical line ( 12 ) and an electrically conductive structure ( 14 ), in particular a vehicle body, comprising one having the structure ( 14 ) weldable first connection element ( 22 ) and one with the first connection element ( 22 ) releasably connectable by a screw connection second connection element ( 24 ), with which a contact element ( 26 ) of the electrical line ( 12 ) is fixable, characterized in that the first connection element ( 22 ) one of the structure ( 14 ) facing support surface ( 60 ) and that on the support surface ( 60 ) at least one radially outside a central region ( 70 ) arranged welding projection ( 64 ) is provided. Terminal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the welding projection as a to the central area ( 70 ) circumferential welding ring ( 64 ' ) is trained. Connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the welding projection ( 64 ) as a welding nose ( 64a . 64 . 64c ) is trained. Connection unit according to claim 3, characterized in that several around the central area ( 70 ) arranged around welding lugs ( 64a . 64b . 64c ) are provided. Connection unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the welding lugs ( 64a . 64b . 64c ) rotationally symmetrical to a central axis ( 62 ) are arranged. Terminal unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection element ( 22 ) a carrier body ( 30 ) having. Connection unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the carrier body ( 30 ) with a connection surface ( 36 ) for the contact element ( 26 ) is provided. Connection unit according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the carrier body ( 30 ) on one of the connection surfaces ( 36 ) facing away from the support surface ( 60 ) with the at least one welding projection ( 64 ) having. Connection unit according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that of the carrier body ( 30 ) a flange body ( 90 ) is provided, which at least a part of the support surface ( 60 ) and the at least one welding projection ( 64 ) wearing. Connection unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the flange body ( 90 ) on one of the connection surfaces ( 36 ) facing away from the side with the at least one welding projection ( 64 ) is provided. Connection unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the flange body ( 90 ) on one of the connection surfaces ( 36 ) facing side with the at least one welding projection ( 64 ) is provided. Terminal unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection element ( 22 ) an internal thread ( 34 ) and that the second connection element ( 24 ) a threaded pin ( 42 ), which in the internal thread ( 34 ) can be screwed. Terminal unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection element ( 22 ) is a solid part. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first connection element ( 22 ) from a sheet metal part ( 110 ) is shaped. Connection unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the carrier body ( 30 ) of the first connection element ( 22 ) in part from an inner area transformed into a ring body ( 116 ) of the sheet metal part ( 110 ) is formed.