DE102017221025A1 - Connecting means for the electrical connection of electrical lines - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting means (13) for the electrical connection of at least two electrical lines (4, 6, 12), comprising at least one electrically conductive contact element (1), which is adapted to be in contact with an electrically conductive counter contact element (5) arranged thereon to come and thereby produce the electrical connection, and comprising a blocking element (2). The blocking element (2) is designed to be activated as a function of an electrical current flow through the electrical connection and thereby to keep the contact element (1) and the mating contact element (5) in contact.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting means for the electrical connection of at least two electrical lines and a drive system for an electric vehicle with such a connecting means.

Many connection means are known from the prior art to produce an electrical connection.

From the DE 10 2012 201 123 B3 For example, an angled high-voltage connector for use in the electrical system of motor vehicles is known. This high-voltage plug has a manually operated lock, with which the high-voltage plug can be secured against accidental loosening.

The object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the main claims. Preferred embodiments thereof are the dependent claims.

Accordingly, a connection means is proposed for electrically connecting exactly or at least two electrical lines, in particular for releasable electrical connection. The connecting means has at least one electrically conductive contact element and a blocking element. Such an electrical line may be, for example, a wire or a stranded wire or a busbar for guiding an electric current.

The contact element is designed to come into contact with an electrically conductive counter-contact element which can be arranged thereon and thereby produce the electrical connection. Thus, an electric current can flow from one to the other of the at least two electrical lines via the mutually contacting contact surfaces of the contact element and the mating contact element. The contact element is accordingly electrically conductively connected to a first of the at least two electrical lines or forms part of this first electrical line. And the mating contact element is accordingly electrically conductively connected to a second of the at least two electrical lines or forms part of this second electrical line.

The blocking element is designed to hold the contact element and the mating contact element in contact. In other words, the blocking element forms a kind of locking or blocking which prevents a separation of the two contact elements from one another. This prevents accidental release of the electrical connection. It can be provided exactly one such blocking elements or more.

The blocking element is now designed so that it is activated in response to an electric current flowing through the electrical connection (current flow). In particular, it can only be activated when the current flow is present. By this activation, the blocking element holds the contact element and the mating contact element in contact and thus the electrical connection upright. In particular, when activated, the blocking element mechanically fixes the contact element and the mating contact element. Thus, a release of the electrical connection is automatically prevented or made more difficult if and when electric current flows over it. The associated hazards, such as the formation of sparks or an arc between the contact partners are thus minimized. In addition, such a connection means requires only a few required components.

When the blocking element is deactivated in particular the production and release of the electrical connection by the blocking element are made possible. When activated blocking element, however, it prevents the unwanted release of the electrical connection. The activation takes place in particular by the electric current flowing through the electrical connection.

The blocking element may have an extra sensor to detect the current flow through the electrical connection, in particular a sufficiently strong current flow. This may be, for example, a current sensor or a sensor for determining an effect caused by the current flow in the vicinity of the electrical connection and / or the electrical lines. Such an effect is in particular a magnetic field caused by the current flow.

Instead of or in addition to an extra sensor, the blocking element may have an inherent property to detect the current flow, in particular a sufficiently strong current flow. In particular, the blocking element consists entirely or at least partially of a material which reacts to the current flow or to the effect caused by the current flow and activates the blocking element accordingly.

By choosing the material and / or the placement of the blocking element in the region of the current-carrying parts of the connecting means, the required current intensity of the current flow for activating the blocking element can be determined.

To produce and maintain the contact between the contact element and the mating contact element, the blocking element can have appropriate means. The blocking element may, for example, itself have a detent or a clamping surface. The blocking element can thus cause a latching or jamming which keeps the contact element and the mating contact element in contact with activated blocking element. The blocking element may consist of a single component or comprise a plurality of components.

Preferably, the blocking element is adapted to exert a clamping force on the mating contact element when it is activated and thereby to keep the contact element and the mating contact element in contact. The clamping force causes a frictional fixation of the mating contact element by clamping by means of a clamping surface. Preferably, the blocking element itself then directly exerts the clamping force on the mating contact element. For this purpose, then the blocking element is located directly on the mating contact element, when the mating contact element is arranged on the contact element and when the blocking element is activated. The mating contact element is thus held in contact by frictional engagement with the contact element.

With the contact element, the blocking element is preferably fixedly coupled, for example, form-fitting. This fixed coupling can be done directly and / or via a housing of the connecting means. This fixed coupling is then independent of the activation state of the blocking element.

The blocking element is preferably arranged along a plug-in axis around the contact element. In the plug-in axis is that axis along which the contact element and / or the mating contact element must be moved in order to establish the electrical connection. This is in particular a spatial axis, along which one of contact element and mating contact element in the other of contact element and mating contact element can be inserted. The blocking element can then produce a blocking effect in that it expands or contracts on activation and thereby fixes the mating contact element, for example, jammed or locked. The blocking element is in this case designed in particular as a sleeve and designed to receive the mating contact element. By these measures, the blocking effect can be easily achieved.

The blocking element may be designed so that it is arranged around the counter-contact element around when the mating contact element is arranged on the contact element.

Preferably, the blocking element is designed to be activated by the magnetic field generated by the electric current flow and thereby to keep the contact element and the mating contact element in contact. In this case, the blocking element does not directly detect the current flow, but uses the effect of the magnetic field generated thereby, as already mentioned above. The current flow thus triggers the blocking element without contact.

Preferably, the blocking element entirely or at least partially made of a material that changes its rigidity under the influence of a magnetic field and thereby activates the blocking element. In particular, the stiffness of the blocking element in the deactivated state is lower than in the activated state. Thus, in the deactivated state, the blocking element may on the one hand be relatively yielding in order to enable the connection to be established and released, and on the other hand, in the activated state, it may be relatively unyielding, in order to prevent the connection from being released. As a result, for example, a withdrawal of the mating contact element from a so-formed deactivated blocking element is possible, while this is prevented when the blocking element is activated.

Such a material is preferably a magnetorheological elastomer, also called magnetosensitive elastomer or MRE or MRS. Such materials are already known from other applications.

Alternatively or additionally, the blocking element is preferably entirely or at least partially made of a material that changes its shape under the influence of a magnetic field and thereby activates the blocking element. In this case, therefore, not (only) the stiffness, but the shape of the blocking element changes when it is activated, so the outer shape of the blocking element. By this change in shape then the blocking effect is achieved for the mating contact element. For example, this can be applied to the mating contact element a detent or clamping surface of the locking element.

Such a material is preferably a magnetic shape memory alloy, also called (ferro) magnetic shape memory alloy or MFGL or MSMA or FSMA. Such materials are also already known from other applications.

Preferably, the connecting means forms a plug which is adapted to be inserted into a socket corresponding thereto. This socket then has the mating contact element. Alternatively, the connecting means forms a socket adapted to receive a connector corresponding therewith. This plug then has the mating contact element. The contact element is therefore designed in particular for producing a plug connection with the mating contact element.

In particular, the blocking element and the contact element can be fixedly arranged in a housing of the connecting means. In or on the housing then the mating contact element can be arranged. The housing may be a plug housing for insertion into a socket or a socket housing, which is designed for insertion of a plug. The housing is used in particular for electrical insulation of at least the contact element against an environment of the connecting means. The mating contact element is arranged in particular in a corresponding other housing. This then also serves for electrical insulation.

Preferably, the connecting means also has exactly or at least one sealing element, which seals the electrical connection against external influences, in particular an air humidity and / or spray water in an environment of the connecting means. The sealing element is preferably designed as an independent component. It can then be independent of the blocking element. The sealing element may be arranged on or in the housing of the connecting means. The sealing element is formed for example as an O-ring or cord seal. It may be arranged so that it comes into contact with another sealing element or a sealing surface of a housing of the mating contact element in order to produce a sealing effect for the electrical connection against external influences.

The invention may also relate to a plug-and-socket system comprising the plug and the socket. One of the plug and socket then has the contact element and the blocking element and the other of plug and socket then has the mating contact element.

Particularly preferably, the connection means for electrical connection of the electrical lines is formed under an electrical high voltage. It is then a high voltage connection means. In this context, a high voltage is understood to mean an electrical voltage of greater than 200 volts, in particular greater than 300 volts, in particular greater than 400 volts. In this voltage range, the invention offers particular advantages, since it can come here during the (unwanted) release of the electrical connection under current flow to form a dangerous arc between the contact element and the mating contact element. With a sufficiently strong flow of electrical current, it may also lead to the formation of sparks.

Also proposed is a drive system for an electric vehicle. Such an electric vehicle is understood to mean a vehicle which, at least temporarily, is electrically driven or can be driven in normal operation. This is in particular a purely electrically operated motor vehicle or a hybrid motor vehicle, ie a motor vehicle with at least one electric traction motor and an internal combustion engine for generating a driving force of the motor vehicle.

The proposed drive system has at least one inverter or a converter for electrical energization of the (electric) traction motor. By this electrical energization of the traction motor is operated to generate the propulsive force. The drive system also has the proposed connection means. This serves to produce the electrically conductive connection between the AC or inverter and a traction battery of the electric vehicle. Thus, the electric current required by the inverter for driving the traction motor flows from the traction battery via the connection means to the inverter.

The contact element of the connection means may either be coupled to the AC or inverter, or it may be coupled to the traction battery. The mating contact element is then coupled accordingly either with the traction battery or with the AC or inverter.

Such an inverter is used to convert a direct current into an alternating current. Such an inverter is used to convert an alternating current having a first frequency into an alternating current of a second, different frequency. The proposed drive system has exactly or at least one of inverter and inverter. However, it is not excluded that the drive system has both inverters and inverters.

Under such a traction battery is an electrical energy storage, such as an accumulator to understand, which is used to store and provide the required for vehicle propulsion electrical energy. The traction battery in particular has an operating voltage in the amount of the above-mentioned high voltage.

By this application of the proposed connecting means can be prevented in such a vehicle that the electric Connection under current flow is opened unintentionally. This can protect a service or salvage personnel from electric shock. In addition, the risk of fire in the event of an accident can be reduced.

Of course, the proposed connection means can also be used in other applications for connecting two electrical lines. For example, the connecting means can be used in stationary applications. For example, the connection means can be used in a stationary or mobile energy transmission network. For example, the connection means can thus be used to connect stationary or mobile machines or modules or extensions to such a power transmission network. For example, it can be used for the electrical connection of two electrical lines in a household standard socket or a household plug, such as in a 220V AC outlet or - plug or in a 400V three-phase socket or plug.

• 1 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Verbindungsmittels mit einem dazu passenden Gegenkontaktelement,
• 2 ein Elektrofahrzeug.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures, from which further preferred embodiments and further preferred features of the invention can be removed. In a schematic representation:

• 1 a sectional view of a connecting means with a matching mating contact element,
• 2 an electric vehicle.

1 shows an example of an embodiment of the proposed connecting means. The connecting means has a contact element 1 and a blocking element 2 as well as a housing 3 , The housing 3 serves for electrical insulation of the contact element 1 and surrounds this as well as the blocking element 2 ,

The contact element 1 is electrically connected to one end of a first electrical line 4 contacted. It can also make that end itself. The contact element 1 is exemplarily formed as a sleeve. The contact element 1 has an electrically conductive contact surface 1A for making an electrical connection with a mating contact element 5 on. In the embodiment shown, this contact surface 1A formed by the inner surface of the sleeve. The mating contact element 5 has a corresponding electrically conductive contact surface 5A on. In the embodiment shown, this contact surface 5A from the outer surface of the mating contact element 5 educated. These contact surfaces 1A and 5A are in contact when the mating contact element 5 is plugged into the connecting means to produce the electrical connection.

The mating contact element 5 is with one end of a second electrical line 6 electrically contacted. It can also make that end itself. The mating contact element 5 protrudes from another housing 7 that is the end of the second electrical line 6 surrounds. Also the case 7 serves as electrical insulation.

In the present case, the connecting means forms a bush, by way of example. The mating contact element 5 forms together with the associated housing 7 exemplarily a plug. The plug is for insertion along a thru-axle L formed in the socket. In this insertion, the mating contact element 5 in the contact element 1 inserted, causing the contact surfaces 1A and 5A come into contact and the electrical connection is made. To release the electrical connection, the plug is pulled out of the socket in this opposite direction. When the electrical connection is made, an electric current can be taken from one of the wires 4 and 6 to the other of the wires 4 and 6 over the contacting contact elements 1 . 5 flow.

The blocking element 2 is designed to prevent accidental release of the electrical connection under current flow. The blocking element 2 For this purpose, it is designed to be activated in the event of electrical current flowing through the electrical connection and thereby the contact element 1 and the mating contact element 5 to keep in touch. This is done in the present embodiment in that the blocking element 2 at least partly consists of a magnetorheological elastomer or a magnetic shape memory alloy. Under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the current flow, therefore, the stiffness and / or the shape of the blocking element changes 5 ,

The blocking element 2 is an example along the thru-axle L around the contact element 1 arranged around, exemplified as a sleeve. The blocking element 2 is fixed to the contact element 1 connected. This fixed connection can be made directly with the contact element 1 done and / or by means of the housing 3 , The blocking element 2 also surrounds the mating contact element 5 if it is with the contact element 1 in contact. The blocking element 2 thus has an opening for receiving the mating contact element 5 on. It is then at least partially on the mating contact element 5 on. For example, it will be at the introduction of the mating contact element 5 in the contact element 1 along the thru-axle L elastically deformed, in particular elastically widened.

As soon as an electric current flows through the electrical connection, it forms in the area of the live parts 1 . 4 . 5 . 6 a magnetic field out. The blocking element 5 is arranged in the effective range of this magnetic field. Under the influence of the magnetic field increases the rigidity and / or reduces the diameter of the opening of the blocking element 2 for receiving the counter-contact element 5 , or it generates a clamping force on the mating contact element 5 , As a result, a clamping effect is achieved, which is the mating contact element 5 in the blocking element 2 holds. The two contact elements 1 . 5 are thus kept in touch. Unintentional release of the electrical connection is now prevented. Only when the current flow has decayed sufficiently, the blocking element is deactivated 5 and releases the connection to release.

In the deactivated state of the blocking element 2 (= no magnetic field in the environment) so this has a relatively low rigidity and is, for example rubber elastic and / or its opening for the counter element 5 has a relatively large inner diameter or it does not generate a clamping force. In the activated state of the blocking element 2 (= Magnetic field in the environment), this therefore has a relatively high rigidity and, for example, relatively fixed and / or its opening for the counter element 5 has a relatively small inner diameter or generates a clamping force.

The connecting means may be formed instead of a socket as a plug. In this case, then the mating contact element 5 together with the associated housing 7 instead of a plug formed as a socket. Socket and plug together form a so-called plug-socket system.

The connecting means can also have a sealing element 14 feature. This seals the between the contact elements 1 . 5 existing electrical connection against external influences in the environment of the connecting means. For this it is so on the case 3 arranged it with the case 7 comes into contact and thereby produces the sealing effect.

2 shows a preferred application of the proposed bonding agent. It is an application in a drive system of an electric vehicle. The drive system has at least one inverter 8th on. Alternatively or in addition to the inverter 8th An inverter can also be used.

The inverter 8th serves for the electrical energization of an electrical machine 9 , This is used as a traction drive, so to generate a driving force for the electric vehicle. Demensprechend is the electric machine 9 with drive wheels 10 the electric vehicle mechanically coupled or at least coupled. The inverter 8th is powered by a traction battery 11 supplied with electrical energy. The electric current required to generate the driving force thus flows from the traction battery 11 via electrical lines 12 to the inverter 8th ,

For electrical coupling of the cables 12 with the inverter 8th the drive system has the proposed connection means 13 , for example, that 1 , The locking element provided therein prevents the traction battery 11 by unintentionally releasing the electrical connection from the inverter 8th is electrically disconnected, as long as an electric current through the connecting means 13 flows.

The operating voltage of the traction battery 11 is in the range of a high voltage. Accordingly, the connecting means 13 designed as high voltage connection means.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contact element

1A

contact area

2

blocking element

3

casing

4

electrical line

5

Contact element

5A

contact area

6

electrical line

7

casing

8th

inverter

9

Traction engine, electric machine

10

drive wheel

11

traction battery

12

electric lines

13

connecting means

14

sealing element

L

floating axle

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 102012201123 B3 [0003]

Claims (11)

Connecting means (13) for the electrical connection of at least two electrical lines (4, 6, 12), comprising at least one electrically conductive contact element (1) which is adapted to come into contact with an electrically conductive mating contact element (5) arranged thereon and thereby to make the electrical connection, and a blocking element (2) adapted to keep the contact element (1) and the mating contact element (5) in contact, characterized in that the blocking element (2) is formed in response to an electric current flow to be activated by the electrical connection and thereby to keep the contact element (1) and the mating contact element (5) in contact. Connecting means (13) according to Claim 1 wherein the blocking element (2) is adapted to exert a clamping force on the mating contact element (5) when it is activated and thereby to keep the contact element (1) and the mating contact element (5) in contact. Connecting means (13) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the blocking element (2) is arranged around a plug-in axis (L) of the connecting means around the contact element (1). A connection means (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (2) is adapted to be activated by a magnetic field generated by the electric current flow and thereby to keep the contact element (1) and the mating contact element (5) in contact. Connecting means (13) according to Claim 4 in that the blocking element (2) consists, at least in part, of a material which changes its rigidity under the influence of a magnetic field and which thereby activates the blocking element (2). Connecting means (13) according to Claim 5 wherein the blocking element (2) consists at least partly of a magnetorheological elastomer. Connecting means (13) according to one of Claims 4 to 6 in that the blocking element (2) consists at least in part of a material which changes its shape under the influence of a magnetic field and thereby activates the blocking element (2). Connecting means (13) according to Claim 7 wherein the blocking element (2) consists at least partly of a magnetic shape memory alloy. Connecting means (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it forms a plug which is adapted to be plugged into a socket having the mating contact element (5), or wherein it is a socket, which is adapted to a To get plugged in, having the mating contact element (5). Connecting means (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is designed for electrical connection of the electrical lines (4, 6, 12) under electrical high voltage. Drive system for an electric vehicle, having an AC or inverter (8) for the electrical energization of a traction motor (9) of the electric vehicle, and with a connecting means (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, for producing an electrically conductive connection between the change or Inverter (8) and a traction battery (11) of the electric vehicle is used.

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