DE102014225949A1 - Electrical connector with latching device for contacting a bipolar plate stack for a fuel cell and bipolar plate stack - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector (1) for contacting a bipolar plate stack for a fuel cell, having a plug body (2) in which at least two contact chambers (4) opening in a plug-in direction (S) are provided; and a bipolar plate stack for a fuel cell. It is provided that between the contact chambers (4) each have an empty receptacle (10) is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector for contacting a Bipolarplattenstapels for a fuel cell, having a plug body in which a plurality of opening in a plug-in contact chambers are provided, wherein in the contact chambers each one in the plugging direction on a bipolar plate of Bipolarplattenstapels attachable contact element is arranged, and wherein the contact chambers are arranged spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion height direction of the connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bipolar plate stack for a fuel cell, with at least two stacked in a height direction and each having a recess for at least partially receiving a connector having bipolar plates.

Electrical plugs and Bipolarplattenstapel of the aforementioned type are for example from the DE 10 2013 206 129 A1 well known. Bipolar plates are used to conduct operating media to fuel cell electrodes. In order to attach the connector on the Bipolarplattenstapel, they are provided with mutually offset recesses. However, if the bipolar plates are not stacked correctly so that one of the recesses is not in the correct position, the connector will not fit. In addition, the bipolar plate stack has to be assembled particularly carefully with regard to the connector.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an electrical connector and a Bipolarplattenstapel that allow a simple-to-manufacture connector between the connector and the Bipolarplattenstapel, the mounting of the bipolar plates to Bipolarplattenstapel is as simple as possible and a permanent contact of the bipolar plates is guaranteed.

For the connector mentioned above, this object is achieved in that between the contact chambers an empty receptacle is provided for a bipolar plate. For the above-mentioned bipolar plate stack, the object is achieved in that for at least partially receiving a connector, in particular a connector according to the invention, the recesses in the height direction are aligned.

By these simple measures, the Bipolarplattenstapel can be formed with the continuous and formed by the recesses opening, all Bipolarplatten with identical and aligned recesses are easily stacked and can enter into a plug connection with the connector. If one of the bipolar plates is arranged incorrectly so that its recess is not aligned with the recesses of the other bipolar plates of the bipolar plate stack, this can be more easily recognized than if one of the bipolar plates with the staggered recesses is not arranged correctly in the bipolar plate stack.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various configurations which are advantageous in each case and, if not stated otherwise, can be combined with one another as desired. These embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

Thus, the empty receptacle adjacent to a side wall of the plug body, wherein the side wall is broken in a direction transverse to the insertion direction and the height direction width direction by an opening in the insertion direction receiving slot.

The receiving slot may be formed for at least partially receiving one of the bipolar plates, wherein the empty receptacle has no contact element for contacting the one of the bipolar plates. The bipolar plate can thus extend through the receiving slot into the connector and in particular into the empty receptacle.

The empty receptacle is preferably dimensioned smaller in the height direction of the connector than the contact receptacles, since the empty receptacles need only accommodate the bipolar plate, but not additionally the contact element. This makes it possible that the connector can be constructed to save space in the height direction and can also contact closely spaced bipolar plates. In this case, the receiving slot in the height direction may be formed smaller than the empty space. Preferably, however, the height of the receiving slot parallel to the height direction corresponds to the height of the empty receptacle. The empty receptacle which opens laterally in the width direction with the receiving slot can have a cross-section extending in the plug-in direction and the height direction, which cross-section is substantially complementary to an identically aligned cross-section of the bipolar plate.

Also, at least one of the contact chambers may adjoin one of the side walls of the plug body, wherein the side wall is broken in the width direction by a further receiving slot opening in the plug-in direction and adjacent to the contact chamber. The receiving slot may be formed smaller in the height direction than the contact chamber. This is a Moving the contact element transversely to the direction of insertion and in particular in the width direction from the contact chamber prevented, since the receiving slot parallel to the height direction limiting webs serve as stops for the contact element. Alternatively, the receiving slot in the height direction may have a height corresponding to a height of the adjacent to the receiving slot contact chamber, so that the bipolar plate can be easily inserted into the contact chamber, without being jammed or jammed with the receiving slot.

The contact chambers may each adjoin different and in particular opposite side walls of the plug body, the side walls of each adjacent contact chamber may be provided with an opening in the insertion direction receiving slot, and wherein the receiving slot opens one of the contact chambers in the width direction. As a result, the bipolar plates can each be supplied to one of the contact elements and for this purpose can be used in each case in one of the contact chambers, without the bipolar plates colliding with the side walls. Thus, the contact elements can easily contact the recess flanking portions of each of the bipolar plates. The side walls may, for example, run parallel to one another or point away from one another and extend in particular parallel to the plugging direction and to the height direction or parallel to the plugging direction and to the width direction. If several empty shots are provided, each of the empty shots can adjoin one of the side walls, wherein the receiving slot in each case opens one of the empty shots in the width direction.

The plug may have a larger number of contact elements and in particular at least four contact elements. A first group of the contact elements may be arranged in the height direction along a common first plane and a second group of the contact elements in the height direction along a second common plane in a row, the planes being spaced apart in the width direction, and wherein the contact elements of each of Preferably, groups in the height direction have a predetermined distance from each other. For example, the contact elements of one of the groups may be oriented to contact each other of the bipolar plates stacked on top of each other in the height direction. The contact elements of the other group contact the bipolar plates disposed between these bipolar plates when the connector is plugged onto the bipolar plate stack. So that the contact elements of the individual groups can alternately contact the bipolar plates stacked on top of one another, the groups are preferably offset in the height direction by half the distance of the contact elements of each of the groups from one another.

Between in the height direction successive contact receptacles of each of the groups can each be arranged in the same plane empty shot. The blank receptacle receives a bipolar plate, which should not be contacted by the contact elements of the same group. Thus, the contact elements of one of the groups can contact every other of the bipolar plates, wherein between each of the contacted bipolar plates one of the empty receptacles is arranged, which receives a not contacted by this group bipolar plate and electrically isolated from the contact elements of the same group. The other of the groups may readily contact the remaining bipolar plates, the contact elements of the other of the groups being electrically isolated again by the blank receptacles of the bipolar plates not contacted by that other group.

The empty images arranged in one of the planes preferably have an offset in the height direction to the empty images arranged in the other of the planes so that the empty images of one of the groups can receive other bipolar plates than the empty images of the other of the groups. In particular, the empty images of both planes can alternately receive stacked bipolar plates in the height direction.

Preferably, the contact elements and thus the contact chambers of the one of the groups not only in the direction transverse to the insertion direction width direction, but also in the transverse to the direction of insertion and the width direction facing height direction of the connector offset from the contact elements of the other of the groups.

The connector may comprise a latching device for holding the connector on the bipolar plate stack, wherein the latching device is preferably arranged in the width direction between the contact chambers and / or the empty receptacles. This avoids that the latching device protrudes laterally from the plug body and hampers plugging of the connector with the Bipolarplattenstapel. Such a trained connector is advantageous even without the empty slots.

In order to handle the connector even easier and to avoid that the locking device collides when mating the connector with elements of Bipolarplattenstapels, the connector with a preferably in the width direction between the contact chambers and / or the empty shots arranged and have in the insertion direction opening recess, in which the latching device is at least partially or even completely arranged. The latching device is therefore less or even not at all from the plug body, so that the latching device can collide with a low probability or not at all with the Bipolarplattenstapel.

The latching device may have two latching arms arranged one behind the other transversely to the plugging direction and the height direction, the free ends of which point in the plugging direction, wherein the latching arms are provided with one latching element on their sides facing away from each other. Such locking arms can readily interact with the Bipolarplattenstapel when mating the connector and the Bipolarplattenstapel. Furthermore, the latching arms in the height direction may have a greater extent than the empty or the contact receptacles, so that the latching arms, also referred to as latching plates, prevent tilting of at least partially plugged together with the bipolar plate stack connector to the insertion direction and relative to Bipolarplattenstapel. In particular, the height of the latching arms can substantially correspond to the height of the recess and / or the height of the plug body. The locking arms can not only secure the connector between the connector and the Bipolarplattenstapel against unwanted loosening, but rather even lead the connector during mating. For this purpose, the recesses have, at least in sections, a width parallel to the width direction, which preferably essentially corresponds to the spacing of sides of the latching arms facing away from one another.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in the plug according to the invention that when plugging in the first contact chambers receive the respective bipolar plates and only then reach the latching arms receiving the bipolar plates. Thus, a correct insertion is facilitated or prevented that the locking arms complicate the alignment of the plug on the stack. Consequently, the contact chambers can lead the latching arms in the plugging direction at least in sections.

The recesses may each be flanked by a first and a second portion of the bipolar plate, wherein the first and the second portion are formed as latching portions, each having a latching element. The latching portions of the first and second portions are preferably formed complementary to the respective latching element of the connector. For example, the latching elements of the latching device are designed as mutually extending latching projections. The latching sections of the first and second sections can thus be formed as locking recesses extending away from each other in a direction parallel to the width direction. Alternatively, the latching sections of the first and the second sections can adjoin holding projections formed by the bipolar plates and projecting toward one another, wherein the latching sections of the respective bipolar plate have a greater distance from one another parallel to the bipolar plate than the holding projections.

The latching elements of the latching device may each have an inclined in the plugging direction holding surface at their opposite the insertion direction facing ends. Thus, the locking connection can be solved when the connector is moved away against the insertion direction with a predetermined force from the bipolar plate stack, the holding surface preferably has an angle to the direction of insertion, which is smaller than 90 degrees. In particular, the angle may be less than 45 degrees and, for example, 30 degrees.

If the latching sections each have a holding surface inclined in the plugging direction at their ends pointing in the plugging direction, the holding surface for the plugging direction having an angle of less than 90 degrees, for example, the plug connection between the plug connector and the bipolar plate stack can be easily released without The locking elements of the connector thereby wear, for example, by abrasion strong. In particular, the angle may be less than 45 degrees and, for example, 30 degrees. In a latched state of the connector and the Bipolarplattenstapels the support surfaces can lie parallel to each other extending against each other.

The free end of the latching arms may be provided with obliquely to the direction of insertion and the width direction extending deflection surfaces, which prevent a collision and subsequent entanglement of the locking element with the counter-locking element, and facilitates the sliding of the locking element on the counter-locking element thereby.

From the recesses away and along the width direction contact portions of the bipolar plate can connect to the latching portions for electrical contacting by the connector. In order to form the contact portion, the shape of the bipolar plate with respect to known bipolar plates need not be further changed when the contact element is formed, for example, as a so-called spring contact. A spring contact has at least one and preferably two elastically deflectable connecting straps or tongues whose free ends point in the plugging direction and are deflectable away from one another transversely to the plugging direction. The contact element can therefore be easily pushed onto the contact portion and this in the Contact height direction on one side or surround it on both sides.

The contact sections of two bipolar plates in the width direction preferably project from a membrane-electrode arrangement arranged between the bipolar plates, so that two contact elements of one of the groups of contact elements successive in the height direction can each contact one of the projecting contact sections. The recesses and the latching device are configured such that they jointly define a plug-in position of the connector relative to the bipolar plate stack, so that the contact elements can not mechanically contact the membrane-electrode unit and thereby damage it.

Depending on the operating state of a fuel cell, the individual bipolar plates of the bipolar plate stack can be positioned differently. For example, the bipolar plate stack may have expanded at a high operating temperature such that the bipolar plates are located differently than a lower operating temperature. In order to be able to attach the connector to the bipolar plates of the bipolar plate stack independently of the operating state of the fuel cell, an opening of the receiving slot of the empty receptacle and / or of the contact receptacles pointing in the plugging direction can be funnel-shaped. For example, adjoining the receiving slot portions of the side wall at least one Einfädelungsschräge and preferably form two opposing and in the insertion direction away from each other Einfädelungsschrägen so that upon mating of the connector and the Bipolarplattenstapels the bipolar plates are inserted into the blank receptacle or the contact of the connector.

An open end of the receiving slot pointing in the plug-in direction can at least partially lead the contact element in the plug-in direction in order to position the plug and the bipolar plate to be contacted relative to one another before the contact element makes contact with the bipolar plate. This prevents a collision of the bipolar plate with the contact element and possible damage to the contact element as a result of this collision and subsequent misinsertion.

In order to allow a secure separation of the connector and the bipolar plates from each other, without the contact elements slip out of the contact chambers, the connector can identify a extending through the plug body along the height direction and at least one of the contact chambers cutting securing channel for receiving a contact fuse. If the contact element has a backup advance or backup return, which preferably extends parallel to the width direction, then the contact fuse inserted into the security channel can engage behind or engage in the backup forward or back-up recess and thus block a displacement of the contact element in the plug-in direction.

The safety channel can cut all contact chambers. If the two groups of contact elements and thus also the contact elements receiving contact chambers in the width direction but be so far apart that a formation of such a wide fuse channel would be unfavorable, the connector may alternatively have two fuse channels that intersect different groups of contact chambers. The two fuse channels can be connected to each other by a receiving opening in the plug body. The receiving opening can be formed as a recess opening in or against the height direction in the plug body, so that the contact securing element can also be inserted into the receiving opening at least in sections, whereby the dimensions of the plug connector do not increase or only slightly increase due to the contact safety.

The contact securing element is preferably formed at least partially complementary to the securing channel and may have a pin portion and a stop portion projecting transversely from the pin portion. The securing element is preferably designed to be able to be handled in one piece and manufactured, for example, as an injection-molded part. The stopper portion prevents the contact-securing element from being inserted too deeply into the respective securing channel and possibly from sliding through the securing channel. In addition, the stopper portion offers the possibility of easy handling of the contact-securing element.

The contact-securing element can be formed with two pin sections, so that not two contact-securing elements need to be inserted individually into the two securing channels. This reduces the effort for securing the position of the contact elements. The pin portions may be disposed at opposite ends of a stopper portion, wherein the stopper portion at least partially complementary to the securing channels interconnecting receiving opening formed and thus at least partially can be configured to be inserted into the receiving opening. The pin portions are preferably arranged to run parallel to each other and a gap between the pin portions is bridged by the stopper portion.

The recesses of the bipolar plates stacked on one another are preferably aligned identically in a width direction of the bipolar plate stack pointing transversely to the plug-in direction and to the height direction, so that the recesses are aligned with one another in the height direction.

The connector can therefore have two groups of successive empty spaces in the height direction, wherein the latching device is arranged between the groups. The empty images of one of the groups can be provided in alignment with each other in the height direction. The empty shots of the other groups can also be aligned in the vertical direction.

The reason for the recess may be arranged between the latching device and a cavity arranged in the plug body, it being possible for the hollow space to extend through the plug body counter to the plugging direction. As a result, the weight of the connector is increased.

Further, the reason may be broken in the direction of insertion through openings, which make it possible to reach the latching arms, even when the connector is mated with the Bipolarplattenstapel. If the connector has the cavity, the openings can open into the cavity counter to the direction of insertion. Even if the plug body does not have the cavity, the openings can extend completely against the direction of insertion through the plug body in order to reach the latching arms in the plugging direction can. Preferably, the latching means is arranged in the width direction between the openings.

At least one of the sides of the plug body running parallel to the plug-in direction and the height direction, a grip element, for example a trough or a projection, may be provided. Preferably, a handle element is provided on two mutually opposite sides.

The recess preferably has a cylindrical shape, adjacent to each of the bipolar plates along the width direction and opposite to the plugging direction.

The connector can be plugged together with a number of contact elements corresponding number of bipolar plates. For example, the connector may have up to 10, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 or more contact elements.

The invention will be explained below in embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 an embodiment of a connector according to the invention in a perspective view;

2 the connector of the embodiment of 1 in a front view;

3 an embodiment of a contact element of the connector according to the invention; and

4 . 5 a connector according to the invention with the connector and a Bipolarplattenstapel.

The different features of the embodiments can be combined independently of each other, as already explained in the individual advantageous embodiments.

1 shows an electrical connector 1 with a plug body 2 , The plug body 2 is with a pointing in a direction S plugging face 3 formed, in which several contact chambers 4 open in the plug-in direction S. In each of the contact chambers 4 is a contact element 5 arranged, which is designed to be contacted in the plugging direction S with a bipolar plates of a bipolar plate stack of a fuel cell. The contact chambers 4 extend against the insertion direction S preferably completely through the plug body 2 and open against the insertion direction S, for example, the contact elements 5 to connect with connecting cables. In a direction transverse to the insertion direction S height direction H of the connector 1 are several of the contact chambers 4 arranged one behind the other. The contact chambers 4 are in two groups 6 . 7 split, taking in the first group 6 in the embodiment of 1 five contact chambers 4 in the height direction H are arranged one behind the other. The contact chambers 4 the first group 6 are aligned in the height direction H preferably with each other, so that in the contact chambers 4 arranged contact elements 5 the first group 6 all are arranged one behind the other in the height direction H. Five more contact chambers 4 the second group 7 of the connector 1 of the embodiment of 1 are also aligned in the height direction H one behind the other, wherein the contact chambers 4 the first group 6 and the contact chambers 4 the second group 7 in a direction transverse to the insertion direction S and the height direction H facing width direction B of the connector 1 spaced apart from each other.

The contact chambers 4 each of the first and second groups 6 . 7 are to each in the height direction H following contact chamber 4 at a distance 8th arranged. The contact chambers 4 the first group 6 are preferably to the contact chambers 4 the second group 7 formed offset in the height direction H. An offset 9 between the contact chambers 4 the first group 6 and the second group 7 is in the height direction H preferably half the distance 8th ,

In the height direction H between the contact chambers 4 each of the groups 5 . 6 is an empty shot 10 arranged. The blank shots 10 have no electrical contact element and are preferably aligned with the contact chambers 10 the respective group 6 . 7 , The distance of the blank shots 10 each one of the groups 6 . 7 preferably corresponds to the distance 8th the contact chambers of the respective group 6 . 8th to each other. Also an offset 9a the blank shots 10 one of the groups 6 . 7 to the blank shots of the other groups 6 . 7 preferably corresponds to the offset 9 Contact Chambers of Groups 6 . 7 ,

In and against the width direction B extending shelves 11 which the contact chambers 4 each of the groups 6 . 7 in the height direction H from the blank shots 10 separate. The shelves 11 borders on side walls 12 . 13 of the plug body 2 at. The side walls 12 . 13 are formed parallel to the insertion direction S and the height direction H. Parallel to the plug-in direction S and the width direction B, the plug body 2 a bottom 14 and a top 15 on which the side walls 12 . 13 connect with each other.

The shelves 11 show how the contact chambers 4 and / or the blank shots 10 , in the height direction H the offset 9 on. They are each on one of the side walls 12 . 13 provided shelves 11 with the distance 8th arranged to each other and to the shelves 11 on the other side wall 12 . 13 around the offset 9 added.

The shelves 11 can at their pointing in the direction of insertion S ends opposite to the insertion direction S an increasing thickness or thickness 16 have and thereby Einfädelschrägen 17 train for a bipolar plate. In particular two one of the contact chambers 4 separating shelves parallel to the height direction H. 11 can be an opening pointing in the direction of insertion S. 18 the respective contact chamber 4 form funnel-shaped, so that the contact chamber 4 when plugging in the connector 1 in the direction of insertion S on the bipolar plate by the Einfädelschrägen 17 can be guided and positioned. Each of the contact chambers 4 can with a funnel-shaped opening 18 be formed so that bipolar plates, which are arranged outside a desired position, safe with the connector 1 are contactable.

Also to one of the blank shots 10 Adjacent sides of the shelves can be used as Einfädelschrägen 17a be formed so that a parallel to the height direction H facing clear width W of the blank shots 10 decreases against the direction of insertion and the empty shots 10 with a funnel-shaped opening 18a are formed.

In the area of each of the contact chambers 4 and / or each of the blank shots 10 are the side walls 12 . 13 preferably with a receiving slot 20 designed for at least partially receiving the bipolar plate. To accommodate the bipolar plate, the receiving slot opens 20 in the plugging direction S. Parallel to the width direction B, the receiving slot extends 20 completely through the respective side wall 12 . 13 so that the in the contact chamber 4 protruding bipolar plate parallel to the width direction B from the contact chamber 4 can extend out. Thus, the bipolar plate can be easily connected to the connector 1 be contacted without the bipolar plate for this purpose, each in one of the contact chambers 4 usable contact strip must be provided. Also the receiving slot 20 is with an opening in the direction of insertion S opening 18 ' provided, which can be designed funnel-shaped. The openings 18 . 18 ' respectively 18a . 18 ' are preferably identical, so that they are the bipolar plate relative to the contact element 5 or to empty 10 can position when the connector 1 is attached to the bipolar plate.

The contact element 5 can counter to the insertion direction S behind at least one of the openings 18 . 18 ' be arranged so that the bipolar plate in a plug-in operation, first one of the openings 18 . 18 ' is reached and prepositioned there before the bipolar plate, the contact element 5 contacted. Preferably, all openings end 18 . 18 ' . 18a in the plug face 3 on a common and perpendicular to the insertion direction S extending plane, so that all openings 18 . 18 ' . 18a at the pre-positioning of the connector 1 may be involved in the bipolar plates. As a result, misfits and damage to the contact element 5 prevented.

The opposite to the insertion direction S facing ends 21 the receiving slots 20 limit a depth of insertion of the bipolar plate in the contact chamber 4 or in the empty shot 10 , Each of the contact chambers 4 and / or each of the blank shots 10 can be attached to one of the receiving slots 20 adjacent, so that each of the contact chambers 4 and/ or each of the blank shots 10 can be attached to a respective bipolar plate.

To prevent a connector from the connector 1 and the bipolar plate releases, the connector points 1 preferably at least one latching device 22 on, which secures the connector against accidental release. The at least one latching device 22 is between the contact chambers 4 and / or the blank shots 10 of the groups 6 . 7 for example, at least partially or even completely in a plug face 3 and in the plug-in direction S opening return 22a of the plug body 2 arranged.

In the embodiment of 1 has the latching device 22 two latching arms 23 on, whose opposite to the insertion direction S facing ends as fixed ends 24 at one reason 22b of the return 22a are attached. In the plug direction S facing and the fixed ends 24 opposite ends of the latching arms 23 are as free ends 25 formed, which are elastically deflectable at least in or against the width direction B.

The free ends 25 have at least one obliquely to the insertion direction S and parallel to the height direction H threading 26 on, the jamming of the locking device 22 prevented with the bipolar plate to be contacted. In particular, the free ends can each have a threading surface 26 . 27 have, wherein the threading surfaces 26 . 27 facing away from each other and arranged to extend in the direction of insertion S to each other. Furthermore, the threading surfaces 26 . 27 in a mating operation the locking arm 23 from the rest position shown in the direction of each other to deflect.

The locking device 22 has per locking arm 23 a locking element 29 on, which is designed to enter into a latching connection with a counter-latching element of the bipolar plate. For example, the locking element 29 one of the latching arms 23 parallel to the width direction B from the other of the latching arms 23 towards the plug body 2 to project, so be a locking projection. In particular, both locking elements 29 away from the respective latching arm 23 protrude.

The latch arms 23 are preferably formed continuously in the height direction H, whereby they have a good mechanical stability to the height direction. The latch arms 23 are formed, for example, as locking plates extending mainly in the plug-in direction S and the height direction H, which extend parallel to the height direction H along a plurality of contact chambers 4 and / or blank shots 10 can extend.

Contrary to the insertion direction S, the locking elements 29 one support bracket each 30 have, which is tilted in the direction of insertion S. The retaining slants preferably have an acute angle to the plug-in direction S, which allows the connector latched to the bipolar plate stack 1 by pulling the connector 1 to solve against the insertion direction S.

2 shows the connector 1 of the embodiment of 1 in a front view opposite to the insertion direction F.

The reason 22b of the return 22a has openings 31a . 31b on, in the direction of insertion S completely through the plug body 2 can extend. In the width direction B between the openings 31a . 31b is preferably the latching device 22 arranged. Should a latching connection between the latching device 22 and a Bipolarplattenstapel not by simply pulling off the connector 1 can be solved by the bipolar plate stack, so the locking connection between the locking device 22 and the bipolar plate stack through the openings 31a . 31b be solved. For example, tools can pass through the openings 31a . 31b be guided to the latching arms 23 to deflect each other, thus the locking connection of the locking elements 29 and the bipolar plates of the bipolar plate stack to solve.

In the height direction H, the openings 31a . 31b one of the height of the locking arms 23 and in particular the locking elements 29 corresponding height, so that the latching arms 23 and for example their locking elements 24 large areas can be moved towards each other with the help of tools.

3 schematically shows a first embodiment of a contact element 5 of the connector according to the invention 1 in a perspective view, wherein the contact element 5 so far only partially in the embodiment of 1 is shown.

The contact element 5 is as a spring contact with at least one and as in the embodiment of 4 in particular two spring-elastic contact tabs or tabs 38 . 39 designed. Free ends 40 . 41 the contact tabs 38 . 39 form a widening in the plugging direction S contact opening 41 to be able to capture the bipolar plate to be contacted and to prevent it from sliding past the contact element.

In the area of a reason 43 the funnel-shaped contact opening 42 are the contact tabs 38 . 39 preferably resiliently pressed against each other.

The contact element 5 is with a first fuse element 44 formed, for example, is formed as a securing tab and extends against the insertion direction S and thereby tilted to the insertion direction S extends. A solid end 45 of the fuse element 44 is at one of the contact tabs 38 . 39 attached to each other contact strap bridge 46 fixed. One from the tight end 45 pointing away free end 47 of the first securing element 44 points counter to the insertion direction S and jumps against the width direction B of one in the insertion direction S before the contact opening 42 arranged contacting section 48 for contacting the contact element 5 with a ladder in front. The contacting section 48 forms, for example, an opposite to the insertion direction S facing end of the contact element 5 and may be configured as a crimping portion for forming a crimped connection with an electrical conductor.

The first security element 44 secures the contact element 5 against withdrawal from the contact chamber 4 against the insertion direction S, for example when the connector 1 at one with the contact element 5 connected conductor is withdrawn from the bipolar plate. To prevent the contact element 5 when disconnecting the connector 1 from the bipolar plate from the plug body 2 is pulled out in the insertion direction S, is the contact element 5 with a second securing element 49 trained, with a in the safety channel 37 arranged contact backup element interacts. For example, the second security element 49 be formed as a projecting in the width direction B securing projection, which engages in a securing recess of the contact securing element. In the embodiment of 4 is the second security element 49 however, formed as a safety return into which the safety channel 37 arranged contact securing element engages. In particular, the second securing element has 49 an at least partially in the direction of insertion S facing backup surface 50 on, in an assembled state of the connector 1 is arranged in the insertion direction S directly in front of the contact securing element. The contact element 5 has another fuse element 51 on, with the security elements 49 . 51 are preferably identical and aligned with each other in the height direction H, so that the contact-securing element against the height direction H in the two security elements 49 . 51 can intervene, the backup channel 37 So in the assembled state of the connector 1 through the security elements 49 . 51 extends.

4 shows a plug connection 32 with the connector 1 and a bipolar plate stack 33 , The bipolar plate stack has a plurality of bipolar plates 34 on, between each two successive in the height direction H bipolar plates 34 a membrane electrode assembly 35 is provided. In the width direction B protrude the bipolar plates 34 through the receiving slots 20 in the plug body 2 of the connector 1 ,

In particular shows 4 the side wall 13 of the connector 1 , For example, the uppermost in the height direction H bipolar plate 34 by the uppermost in the height direction H contact element 5 the second group 7 contacted, wherein the uppermost in the height direction H contact element 5 all other contact elements 5 of the connector 1 in the height direction H can project. The opposite to the height direction H on the top contact element 5 contacting bipolar plate 34 following bipolar plate 34 protrudes through another of the receiving slots 20 in one of the blank shots 10 and is thus not by any of the contact elements 5 to the side wall 13 adjacent group 7 contacted. The opposite to the height direction H on the two mentioned bipolar plates 34 following bipolar plates 34 protrude alternately into one of the contact chambers 4 or in one of the blank shots 10 to the side wall 13 adjacent group 7 ,

bipolar plates 34 not by any of the contact elements 5 to the side wall 13 adjacent group 7 contacted, contact the contact elements 5 the to the opposite side wall 12 adjacent first group 6 , bipolar plates 34 who are in contact chambers 4 to the side wall 12 adjacent second group 7 stick out, sticking out in blank shots 10 the first group 6 , which to the side wall 13 opposite side wall 12 borders.

The membrane electrode assemblies 35 do not protrude into the plug body 2 into it, but preferably ends at a distance from the plug body 2 ,

5 shows the plug connection 32 of the embodiment of 4 schematically in a plan view against the height direction H.

The bipolar plate stack 33 has recesses 36 on, extending through all bipolar plates 34 of the bipolar plate stack 33 extend in the plugging direction S and the height direction H. The recess 36 are preferably aligned with each other and may form a continuous and a cylindrical cross-section having an opening in the width direction B and the insertion direction S extending base having opening, wherein the cylindrical opening along the height direction H through the Bipolarplattenstapel 33 and in particular by all bipolar plates 34 extends.

Along the width direction B has the recess 36 at least in a rear end in the direction of insertion S a clear width W on. In the direction of insertion S in front of the rear area is the recess 36 tapers and has a clear width Wa, which is smaller than the clear width W. The clear width of the recess 36 can increase again against the insertion direction S from the tapered point, so that the recess 36 a funnel-shaped receptacle opening against the direction of insertion S. 37 forms. In the insertion direction S in front of the tapered region of the recess 36 can threading surfaces 26a . 27a the bipolar plates 34 be arranged, which is the funnel-shaped receptacle 37 molding. The funnel-shaped recording 37 allows easy insertion of the locking arms 36 , Which at a movement in the plugging direction S and on the tapered portion at edge regions of the recess 36 come to the plant. Will the connector 1 in the insertion direction S on the bipolar plate stack 33 postponed, so at least the free ends 25 the latch arms 23 through the funnel-shaped receptacle 37 deflected towards each other. In the direction of insertion S behind the tapered portion allows the clear width W that the latching arms 23 in particular due to elastic and by the latching arms 23 self-applied restoring forces can again remove from each other. The retaining slants 30 the latch arms 23 can against the recess 36 adjacent retaining slants 30a be pressed or at least abut this to the connector 1 an unwanted fall off the bipolar plate stack 33 to prevent. The retaining slants 30a are formed by the bipolar plates and are preferably arranged in the insertion direction S behind the tapered region.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Connectors

2

 plug body

3

 mating face

4

 contact chamber

5

 contact element

6

 first group

7

 second group

8th

 distance

9

 offset

10

 plain film

11

 separating trays

12, 13

 Side wall

14

 bottom

15

 top

16

 Thickness of the dividing trays

17, 17a

 Einfädelschrägen

18, 18 ', 18a

 Openings of the contact chamber

20

 receiving slot

21

 closed end of the receiving slot

22

 locking device

22a

 return

22b

 Reason for the return

23

 detent arm

24

 fixed end of the locking arm

25

 free end of the locking arm

26, 27

 Threading surfaces of the free end of the locking arm

26a, 27a

 Threading surfaces of the bipolar plates

29

 locking element

30, 30a

 retaining slope

31a, 31b

 openings

32

 connector

33

 Bipolarplattenstapel

34

 bipolar plates

35

 Membrane electrode assembly

36

 recess

37

 funnel-shaped receptacle of the recess

38, 39

 Contact tabs of the contact element

40, 41

 free ends of the contact tabs of the contact element

42

 Contact opening of the contact element

43

 Reason for the contact opening of the contact element

44

 Securing element of the contact element

45

 fixed end of the fuse element of the contact element

46

 Contact strap bridge of the contact element

47

 free end of the fuse element of the contact element

48

 contacting section

49

 second securing element of the contact element

50

 Securing surface of the second securing element

51

 second securing element of the contact element

B

 Width direction of the connector

H

 Height direction of the connector

L

 Length of the locking arms

S

 Plug-in direction of the connector

T

 Depth of the recess

W, Wa

 clear width of the recess

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013206129 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Electrical connector ( 1 ) for contacting a bipolar plate stack ( 52 ) for a fuel cell, with a plug body ( 2 ), in which a plurality of in a plug-in direction (S) opening contact chambers ( 4 ) are provided, wherein in the contact chambers ( 4 ) in each case one in the plugging direction (S) on a bipolar plate ( 34 ) of the bipolar plate stack ( 32 ) attachable contact element ( 5 ), and wherein the contact chambers ( 4 ) in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion (S) extending height direction (H) of the connector ( 1 ) are arranged at a distance from each other, characterized in that between the contact chambers ( 4 ) an empty recording ( 10 ) for a bipolar plate ( 34 ) is provided. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the empty receptacle ( 10 ) to a side wall ( 12 . 13 ) of the plug body ( 2 ), wherein the side wall ( 12 . 13 ) in a direction transverse to the insertion direction (S) and the height direction (H) extending width direction (B) by a in the insertion direction (S) opening receiving slot ( 20 ) is broken. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector ( 1 ) at least four contact chambers ( 4 ), wherein a first group ( 6 ) of the contact chambers ( 4 ) in the height direction (H) along a first common plane and a second group ( 7 ) of the contact chambers ( 4 ) in the height direction (H) along a second common plane are arranged one behind the other, wherein between the contact chambers ( 4 ) each of the groups ( 6 . 7 ) in the height direction (H) the empty space ( 10 ) is provided. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that arranged in one of the planes blank shots ( 10 ) in the height direction (H) an offset ( 9 ) to the blank images arranged in the other of the planes ( 10 ) exhibit. Connector ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a latching device ( 22 ) for holding the connector ( 1 ) on the bipolar plate stack ( 52 ) between the blank shots ( 10 ) is arranged. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connector ( 1 ) one with one between the blank shots ( 10 ) and in the plugging direction (S) opening return ( 22a ), in which the latching device ( 22 ) is at least partially arranged. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the latching device ( 22 ) two transverse to the direction of insertion (S) and the height direction (H) arranged one behind the other locking arms ( 23 ) whose free ends ( 25 ) in the direction of insertion (S), wherein the latching arms ( 23 ) on their sides facing away from each other, each with a locking element ( 29 ) are provided. Connector ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the latching elements ( 29 ) at their opposite to the plug-in direction (S) facing ends in each case one in the plugging direction (S) inclined retaining bevel ( 30 ) exhibit. Bipolar plate stack ( 33 ) for a fuel cell, with at least two stacked in a height direction (H) and each having a recess ( 36 ) for at least partially receiving a connector ( 1 ) having bipolar plates ( 34 ), characterized in that the recesses ( 36 ) are aligned with each other in the height direction (H). Bipolar plate stack ( 33 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the recesses ( 36 ) each of a first and a second portion of the bipolar plate ( 34 ), wherein the first portion as a latching portion with a latching element and the second portion as a contact portion for contacting a contact element ( 5 ) of a connector ( 1 ) are formed.

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