DE202018002686U1 - Connector for disconnecting and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Connector for separating and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") having a contact region (5, 5', 5") at a first end region of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding contact element, and with a connection region (7, 7', 7") at a second end region of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 "). at least one temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") for detecting a temperature of said electrically conductive contact element (3, 3', 3"), said second end region facing said first end region; electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") has at least one recess (11, 11', 11"), and the temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") in the recess (11, 11', 11") at least in certain areas ang is ordered.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for disconnecting and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a battery unit and a connector, and a charging station for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle, with a connector.

The battery unit of an electric or hybrid vehicle is usually charged via a charging cable. The charging cable can be connected, for example, to a corresponding charging station or charging station for electric vehicles. Thus, for example, in 20 minutes a rechargeable battery unit or battery with 50 KW / h can be charged, at voltages in a range of 400 V to 600 V, a charging current of about 100 A and more must flow. Because of these high charging currents, high demands are placed on the electrical plug connectors, or on the charging plug and the charging socket, for charging the battery unit. When using the connectors known from the prior art, the electrically conductive contact elements of the connector can be heated to a temperature value of 150 ° C. When charging future generations of battery units, the electrically conductive contact elements of the connectors can even heat to temperatures of 200 to 220 ° C.

In order to prevent overheating of the connectors, connectors with integrated temperature sensor elements are known from the prior art. If a threat of overheating of the connector is detected by the integrated temperature sensor elements, the charging current can be throttled accordingly to prevent overheating.

For example, in the WO 2017/211349 A1 a connector described which includes a charging cable and a connector housing, and electrically conductive contact elements for separating and connecting a battery unit of a motor vehicle. For monitoring the temperature in the connector, a temperature sensor element is arranged by means of a shrink tube to an electrically conductive contact element, wherein the shrink tubing completely surrounds the region of the contact element and the sensor element of the temperature sensor element, so that the temperature sensor element on the one hand thermally and mechanically connected to the contact element through the shrink tubing On the other hand, the temperature sensor element is disposed in a kind of heat chamber formed by the heat shrink tubing.

In contrast to that in the WO 2017/211349 A1 describes direct arrangement of a sensor element on an electrically conductive contact element, describes the DE 10 2016 107 401 A1 a temperature sensor element in a connector, which is arranged at a distance from the electrically conductive contact element and detects a temperature in a region of the contact element located between a contact region and a connection region.

Continue to describe the documents WO 2012/146766 A1 . US 9,484,667 B2 . WO 2017/137826 A1 , and WO 02/13331 A1 various arrangements of temperature sensor elements on or in the vicinity of electrically conductive contact elements of connectors.

However, the known from the prior art solutions have the disadvantage that the temperature is not measured at the place of origin, namely the actual contact point on the electrically conductive contact element, but at locations in a charging plug, which are located away from the actual contact point. Due to the resulting thermal bridges, it may lead to a delayed response of the temperature sensor element in an overheating of the connector. This can lead to damage to the connector, the vehicle or the charging station. Furthermore, the leads of thermally conductive copper used dissipate the heat from the temperature sensor element and can thus falsify the measurement results.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved connector for disconnecting and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a connector according to the subject of claim 1.

• zumindest ein elektrisch leitendes Kontaktelement mit einem Kontaktbereich an einem ersten Endbereich des elektrisch leitenden Kontaktelements zum lösbaren elektrischen Verbinden mit einem korrespondierenden Kontaktelement, und mit einem Anschlussbereich an einem zweiten Endbereich des elektrisch leitenden Kontaktelements zum Verbinden mit zumindest einem elektrischen Leiter, wobei der zweite Endbereich dem ersten Endbereich gegenüberliegt; und
• zumindest ein Temperatursensorelement zur Erfassung einer Temperatur des elektrisch leitenden Kontaktelements, wobei das elektrisch leitende Kontaktelement zumindest eine Ausnehmung aufweist, und das Temperatursensorelement in der Ausnehmung zumindest bereichsweise angeordnet ist.

The connector according to the invention for separating and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle has the following features:

• at least one electrically conductive contact element having a contact region at a first end region of the electrically conductive contact element for releasably electrically connecting to a corresponding contact element, and having a connection region at a second end region of the electrically conductive contact element for connecting to at least one electrical conductor, wherein the second end region opposite the first end region; and
• at least one temperature sensor element for detecting a temperature of the electrically conductive contact element, wherein the electrically conductive contact element has at least one recess, and the temperature sensor element is disposed in the recess at least partially.

The term "connector" can be used to refer to a plug or a socket on a charging cable or to a charging station or on a motor vehicle with a housing, a plug insert for holding electrically conductive contact elements and at least one inventive electrically conductive contact element. The term "recess" may be used to refer to a space in the material of the electrically conductive contact element that has been left free or created for at least partially locating the temperature sensor element in the space.

With the invention, for the first time, it has been possible to provide a plug connector with a very good thermal coupling of the temperature sensor element to the electrically conductive contact element and with resulting faster response times of the temperature sensor element.

In one example, the temperature sensing element comprises a thermistor, a platinum sensing resistor, a silicon sensing resistor, a pyroelectric material, a ferromagnetic material, and / or a fiber optic material.

Advantageously, particularly flat and low-mass temperature sensor elements allow a fast response time, high measurement accuracy and obtaining reproducible values.

Therefore, in one example, the temperature sensor element comprises a flip-chip measuring element, wherein the flip-chip measuring element is arranged on a carrier, in particular on a printed circuit board, PCB, a high temperature printed circuit board, or on a lead frame.

In another example, the recess comprises a substantially cylindrical bore, wherein the longitudinal direction of the bore extends at an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° to the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive contact element.

Advantageously, the recess can be introduced in the form of a bore in the material of the electrically conductive contact element so that the attachment of the contact element in the plug insert, both as well as the contactability of the connection area with at least one electrical conductor are not affected.

In yet another example, the depth of the recess is between 1 to 50 mm, and / or the depth of the recess is at least 30% of the length of the temperature sensor element.

Advantageously, depending on the specific configuration of the connector and the counterpart used, the recess can be placed in the electrically conductive contact element so that the thermal coupling of the temperature sensor element arranged therein is maximally configured.

In another example, the connector comprises at least one heat-resistant insulating material, in particular, the heat-resistant insulating material comprises at least one material or a combination of materials: a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, a vinyl ester resin, a phenolic resin, and / or a Acrylic resin, wherein the heat-resistant insulating material is at least partially disposed in the recess around the temperature sensor element around.

In advance, the temperature sensor element can be electrically insulated from the material of the electrically conductive contact element by the insulating material and reliably held in the recess. Also, the thermal coupling of the temperature sensor element by the use of a thermally conductive insulating material, such as a thermal paste, even more.

In one example, the electrically conductive contact element comprises an electrically conductive material, in particular a copper material, and is designed substantially cylindrical.

For example, the electrically conductive contact element may be a plug pin or a plug socket in the plug connector.

For this purpose, in one example, the electrically conductive contact element in the connection region is configured pin-shaped or bush-shaped for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding socket-shaped or pin-shaped contact element.

The invention also proposes a motor vehicle with a battery unit and at least one connector according to the invention.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a charging station for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle with at least one connector according to the invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, are explained in the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to schematic drawings.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Steckverbinders gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Steckverbinders gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• 3 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Steckverbinders gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.
• 1 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Steckverbinders 1 gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Showing:

• 1 a schematic sectional view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• 3 a schematic sectional view of a connector according to a third embodiment of the invention.
• 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

As it is in 1 is shown, the connector has 1 at least one electrically conductive contact element 3 with a contact area 5 for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding contact element (not shown in FIG 1 ) at a first end portion of the electrically conductive contact element 3 on. In 1 is the contact area 5 in the form of a plug pin for connection to a corresponding plug socket shown. Furthermore, the electrically conductive contact element 3 a connection area 7 for connection to at least one electrical conductor (not shown in FIG 1 ) at a second end portion of the electrically conductive contact element 3 on. In the embodiment shown, the second end region is opposite the first end region.

At the connection area 7 For example, an electrical conductor can be soldered, screwed or clamped. For this purpose, in other embodiments, not shown, terminals or other connection elements at the connection area 7 be arranged.

Furthermore, in 1 a at the second end portion of the electrically conductive contact element 3 arranged stop flange 15 shown, which serves that the electrically conductive contact element 3 in a plug insert (not shown in FIG 1 ) can be held. Depending on the plug insert used, the stop flange 15 also be designed differently than shown, or completely eliminated.

The recess 11 in the material of the electrically conductive contact element 3 is as a central bore along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical contact element 3 shown. The depth of the bore is in the embodiment shown at least 30% of the length of the temperature sensor element 9 , In the recess 11 is a temperature sensor element as shown 9 for detecting a temperature of the electrically conductive contact element 3 arranged. In the in 1 The example shown is the temperature sensor element 9 completely in the recess 11 introduced. The temperature sensor element 9 has two connection lines 13a and 13b which, as shown, through the recess 11 , for connection to an evaluation, are guided. The temperature sensor element 9 can in the recess 11 in embodiments not shown herein, be at least partially surrounded by heat-resistant insulating material. As a result, the temperature sensor element can be electrically insulated from the material of the electrically conductive contact element by the insulating material and reliably held in the recess. Also, the thermal coupling of the temperature sensor element can be increased by the use of a thermally conductive insulating material.

The connector may have other components in further, not shown, embodiments, such as a housing and a plug insert for holding at least one electrically conductive contact element.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of a connector 1' according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the 2 The embodiment shown differs from that in FIG 1 shown embodiment in the configuration of the contact area 5 ' for releasable electrical connection with a corresponding contact element. The in 2 shown contact area 5 ' is shown as a male connector for receiving a corresponding male pin.

3 shows a schematic sectional view of a connector 1" according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the 3 The embodiment shown differs from that in FIG 1 shown embodiment in the embodiment of the recess 11 " in the material of the electrically conductive contact element 3 ' , As already in the 1 and 2 the embodiments shown is the recess 11 " a bore in the material of the cylindrical contact element 3 ' , However, the longitudinal direction of the bore extends at an angle of approximately 45 ° to the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive contact element 3 ' , In further embodiments not shown herein, the longitudinal direction of the bore may also be at other angles between 0 ° and 90 °.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in the preferred embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 ', 1 "

Connectors

3, 3 ', 3 "

electrically conductive contact element

5, 5 ', 5 "

contact area

7, 7 ', 7 "

terminal area

9, 9 ', 9 "

Temperature sensor element

11, 11 ', 11 "

recess

13a, 13a ', 13a "

first connection line

13b, 13b ', 13b "

second connecting cable

15, 15 ', 15 "

stop flange

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

• WO 2017/211349 A1 [0004, 0005]
• DE 102016107401 A1 [0005]
• WO 2012/146766 A1 [0006]
• US 9484667 B2 [0006]
• WO 2017/137826 A1 [0006]
• WO 0213331 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Connector for separating and connecting at least one electrical contact for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") having a contact region (5, 5', 5") at a first end region of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding one Contact element, and having a terminal portion (7, 7 ', 7 ") at a second end portion of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3', 3") for connection to at least one electrical conductor, the second end portion facing the first end portion; at least one temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") for detecting a temperature of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3', 3"), wherein the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") has at least one recess (11, 11 ', 11 "), and the temperature sensor element (9, 9', 9") in the recess (11, 11 ', 11 ") is arranged at least partially. Connector after Claim 1 wherein the temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") comprises a thermistor, a platinum measuring resistor, a silicon measuring resistor, a pyroelectric material, a ferromagnetic material, and / or a fiber optic material. Connector after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") comprises a flip-chip measuring element, wherein the flip-chip measuring element is arranged on a support, in particular on a printed circuit board, PCB, a high-temperature circuit board, or on a lead frame , Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (11, 11 ', 11 ") comprises a substantially cylindrical bore, wherein the longitudinal direction of the bore at an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° to the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") runs. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the recess (11, 11 ', 11 ") is between 1 to 50 mm, and / or wherein the depth of the recess (11, 11', 11") at least 30% of the length of the temperature sensor element (9, 9 ', 9 ") is. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one heat-resistant insulating material, in particular comprising at least one material or a combination of materials: a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, a vinyl ester resin, a phenolic resin, and / or an acrylic resin, wherein the heat-resistant insulating material at least partially in the recess (11, 11 ', 11 ") is disposed around the temperature sensor element (9, 9', 9"). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") comprises an electrically conductive material, in particular a copper material, and is designed substantially cylindrical. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive contact element (3, 3 ', 3 ") in the connection region is pin-shaped or bush-shaped for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding socket-shaped or pin-shaped contact element. A motor vehicle with a battery unit, comprising at least one connector according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , A charging station for charging a battery unit of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one connector according to one of Claims 1 to 8th ,

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