DE102018008329A1 - Connecting arrangement for establishing an electrical connection with horizontally arranged busbars - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (4) for producing an electrical connection, with
a housing (8),
at least two electrical contacts (5) arranged inside the housing (8),
- At least two busbars (3) inserted through an opening (14) of the housing (8) in the housing (8) and in each case on one of the electrical contacts (5). In order to allow an improved protection against penetrating oil, it is provided that
- The connection arrangement (4) at the opening (14) of the housing (8) has a sealing element (6) for sealing the housing (8),
- The busbars (3) relative to a proper installation position of the connection arrangement (4) at the opening (14) parallel to a horizontal spatial direction, wherein the opening (14) of the housing (8) in the intended installation position of the connection arrangement (4) with respect a vertical spatial direction are arranged deeper than the electrical contacts (5), and
- The housing (8) in a region around the opening (14) forms a trough (9).

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for producing an electrical connection with a housing, at least two electrical contacts and at least two bus bars, which are connected to a respective one of the electrical contacts.

If more than one electric drive unit is installed in a motor vehicle, this usually also requires several inverters. Depending on the arrangement of the plurality of inverters or the plurality of drive units in the motor vehicle, the individual phases of a supply line for supplying the drive units with electrical voltage to each other can be arranged in spatially different ways. For example, the individual phases can be rotated and / or mixed with one another. If the same electric drive unit installed in different vehicles, a high-voltage routing, ie the spatial arrangement of the individual phases of the supply line, may differ due to changes in space conditions in the different vehicles. Here a flexible arrangement is necessary.

Furthermore, such busbars must be made oil-tight if they at least partially pass through an oil chamber. In particular, the inverter, on which the busbars are arranged, must be made oil-tight. Leaking oil can damage the inverter.

From the DE 10 2009 046 914 A1 a busbar arrangement is known for electrically coupling first and second busbars with first and second contacts on a power module, respectively. A first terminal in this case overlaps with a second terminal, wherein the respective terminals are arranged on a different contact.

The DE 10 2008 035 111 A1 relates to a power distribution busbar including a first conductive busbar configured to receive power from a power source. A plurality of cut-out finger-like clamp members are integrally formed on the first conductive bus bar and configured to distribute power to a secondary high-power bus bar inside a power distribution box.

It is an object of the present invention to improve a connection arrangement for producing an electrical connection in that an improved protection against penetrating oil can be made possible.

• -einem Gehäuse,
• -zumindest zweien innerhalb des Gehäuses angeordneten elektrischen Kontakten, und
• -zumindest zwei Stromschienen, die durch eine Öffnung des Gehäuses in das Gehäuse eingeführt und jeweils an einem der elektrischen Kontakte angeschlossen sind.

This object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The invention is based on a connection arrangement for establishing an electrical connection with

• -a case,
• at least two electrical contacts disposed within the housing, and
• at least two busbars inserted into the housing through an opening of the housing and each connected to one of the electrical contacts.

• -die Vebindungsanordnung an der Öffnung des Gehäuses ein Dichtelement zum Abdichten des Gehäuses aufweist,
• -die Stromschienen bezogen auf eine bestimmungsgemäße Einbauposition der Verbindungsanordnung an der Öffnung parallel zu einer horizontalen Raumrichtung verlaufen, wobei die Öffnung des Gehäuses in der bestimmungsgemäßen Einbauposition der Verbindungsanordnung bezüglich einer vertikalen Raumrichtung tiefer als die elektrischen Kontakte angeordnet sind, und
• -das Gehäuse in einem Bereich um die Öffnung eine Mulde ausbildet.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides that

• the Vebindungsanordnung at the opening of the housing has a sealing element for sealing the housing,
• the busbars are parallel to a horizontal spatial direction relative to an intended installation position of the connection arrangement at the opening, wherein the opening of the housing in the intended installation position of the connection arrangement with respect to a vertical spatial direction are arranged lower than the electrical contacts, and
• the housing forms a depression in an area around the opening.

Preferably, the connection arrangement is used for producing a three-phase electrical connection, in which case three contacts and three busbars are covered by the connection arrangement. In a further embodiment, the connection arrangement can be designed to contact two or more three-conductor systems. In this case, the connection arrangement can each have three electrical contacts per three-conductor system.

The connection arrangement may comprise one or more power converters, in particular inverters, or be designed to establish the electrical connection with one or more such power converters. For example, the connection arrangement comprises two three-phase power converters, in particular inverters. In this case, the connection arrangement for each of the inverters may each comprise three electrical contacts for electrically contacting the respective three phases of the corresponding inverter.

In particular, the bus bars are at least in the area where they pass through the opening of the housing are arranged horizontally when the connection assembly is in the intended installation position. In addition, the busbars can be arranged in this area in each case parallel to each other. For example, the busbars run one above the other with respect to the vertical spatial direction.

The housing is shaped in the area around the opening corresponding to a trough. If the connection arrangement is in the intended installation position, then the trough is arranged below the opening with respect to the vertical spatial direction. The trough may be open in a respect to the vertical direction of space upper half-space. In particular, the trough has an at least substantially vertical normal when the connection arrangement is in the intended installation position. The trough is advantageously designed as the lowest point with respect to the vertical spatial direction within the housing when the connection arrangement is in the intended installation position. In this way, the trough can in particular form an oil sump. Generally, the trough may be formed such that oil passing through the opening collects in the trough.

According to a development it is provided that the sealing element is made mechanically flexible. In other words, the sealing element can be elastically deformable. As a result, the sealing effect can be increased.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the busbars are fixed exclusively to the electrical contacts of the housing to the housing with respect to all three spatial directions. In other words, the bus bars are fixed only to the electrical contacts on the housing. In particular, the electrical contacts are in turn firmly connected to the housing. This development requires in particular that the busbars are held by the sealing element at most with respect to two spatial directions. In this way, the risk of oil entry into the housing can be further reduced because the risk of brittle fractures in the region of the sealing element is reduced.

According to a development it is provided that the sealing element is integrally molded around the busbars. In other words, the sealing element is arranged on the busbars only after the arrangement of the busbars on the housing or on the contacts. In particular, the sealing element is arranged in the context of a primary molding process on the busbars and the housing. In this way, a particularly dense and flexible design of the sealing element can be ensured.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the sealing element is placed in several parts around the busbars. In other words, the sealing element may comprise a plurality of sub-elements which have been assembled or assembled around the busbars in the context of the manufacture of the connection arrangement. In this way, a particularly simple and inexpensive installation of the connection arrangement can be combined with a high degree of tightness.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle with such a connection arrangement. For example, the connection arrangement is designed to produce the electrical connection between electrical contacts of one or more power converters, in particular inverters, and the busbars, which in turn are led to the phases of one or more electric drive units. For example, the motor vehicle is a passenger car or preferably a truck. The horizontal spatial direction corresponds in particular to a vehicle vertical axis of the motor vehicle. The vertical spatial direction is in particular perpendicular to the horizontal spatial direction. Advantageously, the horizontal spatial direction runs parallel to a plane on which the motor vehicle stands.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

• 1 äußerst schematisch zwei unterschiedliche relative Anordnungen zwischen Invertern und Elektromotoren;
• 2 an einem Anschlussfeld angeschlossene Stromschienen;
• 3 einen Querschnitt durch eine Verbindungsanordnung; und
• 4 beispielhaft einen Anschluss zweier elektrischer Antriebsaggregate mittels Stromschienen.

Showing:

• 1 very schematically two different relative arrangements between inverters and electric motors;
• 2 busbars connected to a connection field;
• 3 a cross section through a connection arrangement; and
• 4 For example, a connection of two electric drive units by means of busbars.

1 shows two different arrangements with respective drive units 1 , respective inverters 2 as well as electrical connections 13 for connecting respective connections of the drive units 1 and the inverter 2 , In the above example are the inverters 2 arranged in a mirror image, that means the sequence of their phases is in the example: u . v . w . w . v . u , In the other example, the inverters 2 arranged one above the other. Accordingly, the order of their phases is: u . u . v . v . w . w , Accordingly, the order of the phases is at a connection field 7 the electric drive units 1 each different. This is in the above example: u1 . v1 . w1 . w2 . v2 . u2 , In the example below accordingly u1 . u2 . v1 . v2 . w1 . w2 , The different pin assignment at the connection field 7 can be due to different geometries of busbars 3 a connection arrangement 4 be guaranteed. This is explained in more detail below.

2 shows the connection arrangement 4 which the connection box 7 and 6 busbars in this example 3 having. In 2 not fully illustrated is a housing 8th the connection arrangement 4 , The housing 8th but can be partially through the connector panel 7 be educated. In other words, the connection box 7 a wall of the housing 8th form. Alternatively, the connection panel 7 inside the case 8th be arranged, and be enclosed by this. In particular, the housing 8th designed to prevent oil from entering the connection panel 7 to prevent.

The busbars 3 become parallel to a horizontal spatial direction in the housing 8th ushered. Inside the case 8th are the busbars 3 on electrical contacts 5 of the connection field 7 arranged or fixed. For example, this is done by screws 10 , in particular of conductive material, in particular metal. An opening of the housing 8th (in 2 not shown) is by a sealing element 6 sealed. The sealing element 6 is particularly adapted to the penetration of oil into the housing 8th to avoid. This is especially necessary if an outside of the housing 8th in the region of the sealing element 6 adjacent to an oil room. Such an oil chamber can by the electric drive units 1 be conditional. The sealing element 6 has no supporting function in the present case. The sealing element 6 However, it may be configured to a respective relative position of the busbars 3 to ensure relative to each other. In particular, the sealing element 6 adapted to a distance between the individual busbars 3 pretend. Here are the busbars 3 in the area of their passage through the sealing element 6 arranged in parallel. In addition, the busbars 3 in the region of the passage through the sealing element 6 arranged parallel to a horizontal spatial direction, when the connection arrangement 4 is in a proper installation position. The sealing element 6 can with respect to its dimensions at least substantially the opening of the housing 8th according to which the busbars 3 in the case 8th are introduced. Accordingly, by the sealing element 6 the position of the opening of the housing 8th in the 2 represents.

The sealing element 6 can directly around the busbars 3 be sprayed. In this case, it is provided in particular that the sealing element 6 as part of a primary molding process directly on the busbars 3 and / or the housing 8th or in the opening of the housing 8th is arranged. Alternatively, the sealing element 6 be executed in several parts and the busbars 3 be laid. In this case, a particularly simple assembly with simultaneous high sealing effect of the sealing element 6 allows. In any case, the sealing element 6 be flexible, in particular elastically deformable executed. Due to the elastic deformability or the flexible design of the sealing element 6 On the one hand, it can be ensured that the sealing element 6 does not occupy a supporting function and on the other hand, the sealing effect can be further improved. In addition, by the flexible or elastic design of the sealing element 6 the occurrence of brittle fractures in an area around the sealing element 6 be avoided.

3 shows the connection arrangement 4 in a schematic sectional view. The connection arrangement 4 is on the electric drive units 1 arranged. In particular, the connection field 7 fixed to a motor housing of the drive units 1 arranged, in particular screwed.

In 3 you can also see the case 8th , The housing 8th forms in an area around the sealing element 6 or the opening of the housing 8th a hollow 9 out. The hollow 9 is with respect to a vertical spatial direction below the sealing element 6 or the opening of the housing 8th arranged. In this way, it is ensured that through the sealing element 6 leaking oil in the trough 9 collects. In other words, the trough lies 9 in the intended installation position of the connection arrangement 4 deeper than the sealing element 6 in particular to form an oil sump for collecting penetrating oil. In 3 is the opening of the housing 8th by the reference numeral 14 indicated.

4 shows in an extremely schematic perspective view again the busbars 3 , as well as the two electric drive units 1 , For the electric drive units 1 these can be electric motors, for example asynchronous machines or synchronous machines. An embodiment as a reluctance motor is conceivable. The busbars 3 are each by means of two screws 10 . 11 established. By means of a respective screw 10 is each of the power rails 3 at the connection box 7 fixed or tightened. This is in particular at a respective first end of the respective busbars 3 the case. At an opposite end of the respective busbars 3 These are each with a screw 11 to contacts 16 one of the electric drive units 1 tightened or fixed. In particular, the end facing away from the first end of the respective busbars 3 be referred to as the second end. Thus, the busbars 3 each with at the first end to the connection field 7 or the contacts 5 the connection arrangement 4 and at their second end at the contacts 16 one of the drive units 1 arranged. Each of the busbars 3 is preferably set exactly at two points, namely present in each case one of the contacts 5 and 16 ,

Last is out 2 and 4 seen that the busbars 3 inside the case 8th be led upwards or bend upwards. It is due to the fact that the electrical contacts 5 of the connection field 7 are higher relative to the vertical spatial direction, as the opening of the housing 8th or the sealing element 6 when the connection arrangement 4 is in the intended installation position. In other words, there are the contacts 5 where the busbars 3 by means of screws 10 are fixed, in the intended installation position with respect to the vertical spatial direction in a higher position than the opening of the housing 8th or the sealing element 6 , In other words, the busbars 3 after entering the housing 8th guided upwards or bent upwards.

By the combination of above the opening arranged electrical contacts 5 and below the opening arranged trough 9 , entering oil in case of leakage on the sealing element 6 effectively from the busbars 3 or at the connection field 7 additionally connected electrical connections 13 kept away.

The parallel arrangement of the busbars 3 allows the connection order of the electrical connections 13 ( 1 ) easy to vary. The connection order of the electrical connections 13 can by differently shaped busbars 3 be adjusted. In other words, by the connection arrangement 4 through the connection sequence of the busbars 3 the position of the phases on the connection panel 7 easy to external conditions, for example, by the electrical connections 13 be adjusted, be adjusted. In particular, the variance in the connection design on the sheet metal blank of the busbars 3 formed while expensive tools, especially plastic parts remain unchanged. Furthermore, a better seal is made possible by a separation of the functions holding and sealing the busbars. Holding the power rails 3 especially takes place at the contacts 5 of the connection field 7 and the contacts 16 the electric drive units 1 , Accordingly, the sealing element 6 essentially exclusively for sealing the housing 8th educated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

power unit

2

inverter

3

conductor rail

4

joint assembly

5

electric contact

6

sealing element

7

connection panel

8th

casing

9

trough

10

screw

11

screw

13

electrical connection

14

reference numeral

16

electric contact

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 102009046914 A1 [0004]
• DE 102008035111 A1 [0005]

Claims (5)

Connecting arrangement (4) for producing an electrical connection, comprising - a housing (8), - at least two within the housing (8) arranged electrical contacts (5), - at least two busbars (3) through an opening (14) of the Housing (8) inserted into the housing (8) and each connected to one of the electrical contacts (5), characterized in that - the connection arrangement (4) at the opening (14) of the housing (8) has a sealing element (6) for sealing the housing (8), the busbars (3) extend parallel to a horizontal spatial direction with respect to an intended installation position of the connection arrangement (4) at the opening (14), the opening (14) of the housing (8) being in the intended installation position of the connection arrangement (4) with respect to a vertical spatial direction are arranged lower than the electrical contacts (5), and - the housing (8) in a region around the opening (14) has a trough (9) trains. Connecting arrangement (4) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sealing element (6) is made mechanically flexible. Connecting arrangement (4) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the busbars (3) are fixed by the housing (8) and the connection arrangement (4) exclusively to the electrical contacts (5) of the housing (8) with respect to all three spatial directions. Connecting arrangement (4) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the sealing element (6) is integrally molded around the busbars (3). Connecting arrangement (4) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the sealing element (6) is placed in several parts around the busbars (3).

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