EP2269268B1 - High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact - Google Patents

High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2269268B1
EP2269268B1 EP09735015A EP09735015A EP2269268B1 EP 2269268 B1 EP2269268 B1 EP 2269268B1 EP 09735015 A EP09735015 A EP 09735015A EP 09735015 A EP09735015 A EP 09735015A EP 2269268 B1 EP2269268 B1 EP 2269268B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact element
contact
electrical conductors
electrical
solder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09735015A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2269268A2 (en
Inventor
Dietrich Erich Sekels
Stefan Becker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sekels GmbH
Original Assignee
Sekels GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sekels GmbH filed Critical Sekels GmbH
Publication of EP2269268A2 publication Critical patent/EP2269268A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2269268B1 publication Critical patent/EP2269268B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R35/00Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
    • H01R35/04Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/11End pieces for multiconductor cables supported by the cable and for facilitating connections to other conductive members, e.g. for liquid cooled welding cables

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system with a connection of an electrical line with a plurality of individual electrical conductors to a contact element and with a solder joint or welded connection of the electrical conductors to the contact element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical assembly with such a high current contact and with a housing.
  • the DE 28 12 089 B1 discloses a connection plate with a part for connecting at least one conductor and soldering combs, at which soldering points are arranged.
  • the screw terminals of the conductors are placed one above the other and screwed to one part of the connection plate. So that the potential supplied via the conductors to the connection plate can be distributed to the individual soldering points.
  • the FR 2 471 681 discloses a metal contact element with multiple terminals for different lines.
  • the contact element has a cup-shaped section, followed by a screw flag connects.
  • the screw flag is used for screwing with a continuing electrical line.
  • a bundle of electrical conductors is inserted for mounting.
  • the cup-shaped portion is filled with solder and thus generates the solder joint between the electrical conductors and the contact element.
  • a disadvantage of the known high current contacts is that the solder joint, for example, is not verifiable to trapped air bubbles.
  • trapped air bubbles lead to an impairment of the solder joint, which in the worst case only after some time of operation of the high-current contact with high currents shows.
  • the stability of the known high-current contact under mechanical loads is also low because the solder must fill large gaps between the bundle of electrical conductors and the cup-shaped section. The large gaps also require a high temperature of the solder. Furthermore, the filling of the pot-shaped portion with solder leads to a very high consumption of the solder.
  • the invention is based on the problem, a system of the type mentioned in such a way that it allows a reliable electrical connection of the electrical conductors with the contact element and that the solder joint or the welded joint is verifiable. Furthermore, the invention is based on the problem to provide an electrical assembly with such a high current contact, which is particularly simple.
  • the contact element has a plurality of recesses and that the individual electrical conductors of an electric line are distributed to the recesses.
  • the electrical conductors are rather divided into a plurality of recesses and soldered in the recesses. This avoids the risk of a large bubble in the connection between the contact element and the electrical conductors. Due to the arrangement of a plurality of recesses for the electrical conductors, the contact element has a particular compared to a single recess large surface facing the electrical conductors. Thus, even smaller air bubbles in the solder joints do not affect the solder joint. The solder joint is divided into several smaller solder joints on the recesses and therefore can be easily checked visually.
  • the division of the conductors on the recesses leads to a reduction in the risk that some conductors are not connected to the contact element. Also, this makes the weld easily verifiable.
  • Another essential advantage of the invention is that the distribution of the individual electrical conductors leads to the recesses to a particularly low height of the contact element. The high-current contact according to the invention can thus be made particularly compact.
  • the system according to the invention has a particularly high mechanical stability when each of the individual electrical conductors is soldered or welded in a separate recess. As a result, cavities are avoided on the contact element, which must be filled by solder. In the solder joint, the consumption of solder can be kept particularly low, since the solder according to the invention must fill only individual solder gaps between the conductors and the recesses.
  • the solder connection or the welded connection can be checked optically simply when the recesses and the electrical conductors penetrate the contact element.
  • liquid solder can be supplied to one side of the contact element during soldering and observed when the solder emerges at the other end of the contact element. The observation of the leakage of the solder is a clear indication that the solder joint is consistent.
  • the welded connection can take place on one side of the contact element.
  • a connection of the system according to the invention with a further electrical line is particularly simple if the contact element has a screw side with a thread and a contact side with the recesses for receiving the individual electrical conductors and if the contact side has a lower height than the screw side.
  • the thread and the recesses for receiving the individual electrical conductors are arranged parallel to one another.
  • Reworking to remove the protruding ends of the electrical conductors can be easily avoided according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the contact element is designed level on one side and on the other side to produce the different heights of the screw side and the contact side and if the free End of the electrical conductors on the stepped side. In this way, a narrowing of the area on the thread is avoided by the guided through the contact element electrical conductor.
  • the contact element can be easily adapted to intended installation spaces if the recesses are arranged in one or more rows.
  • Corrosion of the electrical conductor and the contact element can be reliably avoided according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the stepped side of the contact side is covered with a hardening mass.
  • a hardening composition is preferably a resin.
  • the second-mentioned problem namely the creation of an electrical assembly with an aforementioned system, which is particularly simple, is inventively achieved in that the stepped side of the contact element faces the outside of the housing and when the contact element protrudes with the screw side of the housing and when the electrical conductors connected to a solder joint or a welded joint are disposed completely within the housing. Through this side it is avoided that interfere with a screw connection of the high-current contact, the ends of the arranged inside the housing electrical conductor in the screwing of the contact element with a secondary line.
  • FIG. 1 shows a portion of an electrical assembly 1, for example an electric motor.
  • the assembly 1 has a housing 2 and a system 3. At the high current contact 3, a leading away from the assembly 1 electrical line 4 is connected.
  • the high-current contact 3 has a contact element 5 and a plurality of individual electrical conductors 6 connected to the contact element 5 of a common electrical line 7 routed within the assembly 1.
  • the contact element 5 has a screw 8 for screwing 9 with the leading away from the module 1, continuing electrical line 4 and a contact side 10 for contacting with the individual electrical conductors 6.
  • the outside of the housing 2 facing side of the contact element 5 is designed in stages, so that the contact element 5 on the screw side 8 is higher than on the contact side 10.
  • the high current contact 3 protrudes exclusively with the screw 8 of the contact element 5 out of the housing 2.
  • the contact element 5 may be made of nickel-plated copper, for example.
  • the contact side 10 is covered with a curable and electrically non-conductive mass 11, for example resin.
  • FIG. 2 shows enlarged system 3 off FIG. 1 in a top view. It can be seen that the screw 8 a thread 12 for the screw 9 with the in FIG. 1 shown, leading away from the assembly electrical line 4 has.
  • the contact side 10 has a number of electrical conductors 6 corresponding number of through holes 13.
  • the electrical conductors 6 are individually secured in the recesses 13 each having a solder connection 14 electrically conductive.
  • FIG. 3 shows the system 3 FIG. 2 in a sectional view along the line III - III.
  • the thread 12 is arranged in a blind hole.
  • the free ends of the electrical conductors 6 penetrate the contact element 5 on the contact side 10.
  • the recesses 13 for receiving the electrical conductors 6 are aligned parallel to the thread 12.
  • FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the system 3, in which a contact element 21 and a plurality of recesses 15 are arranged on a contact side 16 in the form of a circular arc.
  • a screw 17 is as in the high current contact 3 from the FIGS. 2 and 3 constructed and has a thread 18.
  • FIG. 5 shows the high current contact 3 from FIG. 4 in a sectional view along the line V - V. It can be seen that as in the embodiment of the FIGS. 2 and 3 in each case an electrical conductor 19 is fixed in one of the recesses 15 by means of a solder joint 20.
  • the conductors are electrically conductively secured in the recesses by arc welding or friction welding.

Landscapes

  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Testing Of Individual Semiconductor Devices (AREA)
  • Measuring Leads Or Probes (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen system mit einem Anschluss einer elektrischen Leitung mit mehreren einzelnen elektrischen Leitern an einem Kontaktelement und mit einer Lötverbindung oder Schweißverbindung der elektrischen Leiter an dem Kontaktelement. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung eine elektrische Baugruppe mit einem solchen Hochstromkontakt und mit einem Gehäuse.The invention relates to a system with a connection of an electrical line with a plurality of individual electrical conductors to a contact element and with a solder joint or welded connection of the electrical conductors to the contact element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical assembly with such a high current contact and with a housing.

Die DE 28 12 089 B1 offenbart ein Anschlussblech mit einem Teil zum Anschluss mindestens eines Leiters und mit Lötkämmen, an denen Lötstützpunkte angeordnet sind. Die Schraubklemmen der Leiter sind übereinander gelegt und mit dem einen Teil des Anschlussblechs verschraubt. Damit dann das über die Leiter dem Anschlussblech zugeführte Potential auf die einzelnen Lötstützpunkte verteilt werden.The DE 28 12 089 B1 discloses a connection plate with a part for connecting at least one conductor and soldering combs, at which soldering points are arranged. The screw terminals of the conductors are placed one above the other and screwed to one part of the connection plate. So that the potential supplied via the conductors to the connection plate can be distributed to the individual soldering points.

Die FR 2 471 681 offenbart ein metallisches Kontaktelement mit mehreren Anschlüssen für verschiedene Leitungen.The FR 2 471 681 discloses a metal contact element with multiple terminals for different lines.

Weiterhin ist aus der FR 2 888 679 A ein Hochstromkontakt bekannt. Bei diesem Hochstromkontakt werden die elektrischen Leiter flach auf das Kontaktelement aufgebracht und mit diesem elektrisch leitend verbunden. Die elektrisch leitende Verbindung ist anschließend von den elektrischen Leitern verdeckt.Furthermore, from the FR 2 888 679 A a high current contact known. In this high current contact, the electrical conductors are applied flat to the contact element and connected to this electrically conductive. The electrically conductive connection is then covered by the electrical conductors.

Weiterhin ist aus der US 2007/0015052 A1 ein Kontaktelement mit zwei Stutzen bekannt geworden. Die Stutzen haben unterschiedliche Durchmesser für unterschiedlich starke Leiter.Furthermore, from the US 2007/0015052 A1 a contact element with two nozzles has become known. The nozzles have different diameters for different strength ladder.

Bei einem aus der Praxis bekannten Hochstromkontakt hat das Kontaktelement einen topfförmigen Abschnitt, an dem sich eine Schraubfahne anschließt. Die Schraubfahne dient zur Verschraubung mit einer weiterführenden elektrischen Leitung. In den topfförmigen Abschnitt wird zur Montage ein Bündel der elektrischen Leiter eingeführt. Der topfförmige Abschnitt wird mit Lot ausgefüllt und damit die Lötverbindung zwischen den elektrischen Leitern und dem Kontaktelement erzeugt.In a high-current contact known from practice, the contact element has a cup-shaped section, followed by a screw flag connects. The screw flag is used for screwing with a continuing electrical line. In the pot-shaped section, a bundle of electrical conductors is inserted for mounting. The cup-shaped portion is filled with solder and thus generates the solder joint between the electrical conductors and the contact element.

Nachteilig bei den bekannten Hochstromkontakten ist, dass die Lötverbindung beispielsweise nicht auf eingeschlossene Luftblasen überprüfbar ist. Solche eingeschlossenen Luftblasen führen jedoch zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Lötverbindung, was sich im ungünstigsten Fall erst nach einiger Zeit des Betriebes des Hochstromkontaktes mit hohen Stromstärken zeigt. Die Stabilität des bekannten Hochstromkontaktes bei mechanischen Belastungen ist ebenfalls gering, da das Lot große Spalte zwischen dem Bündel der elektrischen Leiter und dem topfförmigen Abschnitt ausfüllen muss. Die großen Spalte erfordern zudem eine hohe Temperatur des Lotes. Weiterhin führt das Ausfüllen des topfförmigen Abschnitts mit Lot zu einem sehr hohen Verbrauch an dem Lot.A disadvantage of the known high current contacts is that the solder joint, for example, is not verifiable to trapped air bubbles. However, such trapped air bubbles lead to an impairment of the solder joint, which in the worst case only after some time of operation of the high-current contact with high currents shows. The stability of the known high-current contact under mechanical loads is also low because the solder must fill large gaps between the bundle of electrical conductors and the cup-shaped section. The large gaps also require a high temperature of the solder. Furthermore, the filling of the pot-shaped portion with solder leads to a very high consumption of the solder.

Bei einer Schweißverbindung von mehreren Leitern einer elektrischen Leitung besteht ebenfalls das Problem, dass nur ein Teil der Leiter mit dem Kontaktelement verbunden ist.In a welded joint of a plurality of conductors of an electrical line, there is also the problem that only a part of the conductors is connected to the contact element.

Der Erfindung liegt das Problem zugrunde, einen system der eingangs genannten Art so weiterzubilden, dass er eine zuverlässige elektrische Verbindung der elektrischen Leiter mit dem Kontaktelement ermöglicht und dass die Lötverbindung oder die Schweißverbindung überprüfbar ist. Weiterhin liegt der Erfindung das Problem zugrunde, eine elektrische Baugruppe mit einem solchen Hochstromkontakt zu schaffen, welche besonders einfach aufgebaut ist.The invention is based on the problem, a system of the type mentioned in such a way that it allows a reliable electrical connection of the electrical conductors with the contact element and that the solder joint or the welded joint is verifiable. Furthermore, the invention is based on the problem to provide an electrical assembly with such a high current contact, which is particularly simple.

Dieses Problem wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass das Kontaktelement mehrere Ausnehmungen aufweist und dass die einzelnen elektrischen Leiter der einen elektrischen Leitung auf die Ausnehmungen verteilt sind.This problem is inventively solved in that the contact element has a plurality of recesses and that the individual electrical conductors of an electric line are distributed to the recesses.

Durch diese Gestaltung wird eine Bündelung aller elektrischen Leiter der elektrischen Leitung vermieden. Die elektrischen Leiter werden vielmehr auf mehrere Ausnehmungen aufgeteilt und in den Ausnehmungen verlötet. Damit wird die Gefahr einer großen Luftblase in der Verbindung zwischen dem Kontaktelement und den elektrischen Leitern vermieden. Durch die Anordnung von mehreren Ausnehmungen für die elektrischen Leiter hat das Kontaktelement im Vergleich zu einer einzigen Ausnehmung eine besonders große, den elektrischen Leitern gegenüberstehende Oberfläche. Damit führen selbst kleinere Luftblasen in den Lötverbindungen nicht zur Beeinträchtigung der Lötverbindung. Die Lötverbindung teilt sich in mehrere kleinere Lötstellen an den Ausnehmungen auf und kann daher einfach optisch überprüft werden. Bei einer Schweißverbindung führt die Aufteilung der Leiter auf den Ausnehmungen zu einer Verringerung der Gefahr, dass einige Leiter nicht mit dem Kontaktelement verbunden sind. Auch ist hierdurch die Schweißverbindung einfach überprüfbar. Ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, dass die Verteilung der einzelnen elektrischen Leiter auf die Ausnehmungen zu einer besonders geringen Bauhöhe des Kontaktelementes führt. Der erfindungsgemäße Hochstromkontakt lässt sich hierdurch auch besonders kompakt gestalten.By this design, a bundling of all electrical conductors of the electrical line is avoided. The electrical conductors are rather divided into a plurality of recesses and soldered in the recesses. This avoids the risk of a large bubble in the connection between the contact element and the electrical conductors. Due to the arrangement of a plurality of recesses for the electrical conductors, the contact element has a particular compared to a single recess large surface facing the electrical conductors. Thus, even smaller air bubbles in the solder joints do not affect the solder joint. The solder joint is divided into several smaller solder joints on the recesses and therefore can be easily checked visually. In a welded joint, the division of the conductors on the recesses leads to a reduction in the risk that some conductors are not connected to the contact element. Also, this makes the weld easily verifiable. Another essential advantage of the invention is that the distribution of the individual electrical conductors leads to the recesses to a particularly low height of the contact element. The high-current contact according to the invention can thus be made particularly compact.

Der erfindungsgemäße system weist eine besonders hohe mechanische Stabilität auf, wenn jeder der einzelnen elektrischen Leiter in einer eigenen Ausnehmung verlötet oder verschweißt ist. Hierdurch werden Hohlräume an dem Kontaktelement vermieden, die von Lot ausgefüllt werden müssen. Bei der Lötverbindung lässt sich der Verbrauch an Lot besonders gering halten, da das Lot erfindungsgemäß ausschließlich einzelne Lötspalte zwischen den Leitern und den Ausnehmungen ausfüllen muss.The system according to the invention has a particularly high mechanical stability when each of the individual electrical conductors is soldered or welded in a separate recess. As a result, cavities are avoided on the contact element, which must be filled by solder. In the solder joint, the consumption of solder can be kept particularly low, since the solder according to the invention must fill only individual solder gaps between the conductors and the recesses.

Die Lötverbindung oder die Schweißverbindung lässt sich gemäß einer anderen vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung einfach optisch überprüfen, wenn die Ausnehmungen und die elektrischen Leiter das Kontaktelement durchdringen. Durch diese Gestaltung lässt sich flüssiges Lot bei der Verlötung an einer Seite des Kontaktelementes zuführen und beobachten, wenn das Lot an dem anderen Ende des Kontaktelementes austritt. Die Beobachtung des Austretens des Lotes ist ein deutlicher Hinweis dafür, dass die Lötverbindung durchgängig ist. Die Schweißverbindung kann an einer Seite des Kontaktelementes erfolgen.According to another advantageous development of the invention, the solder connection or the welded connection can be checked optically simply when the recesses and the electrical conductors penetrate the contact element. As a result of this design, liquid solder can be supplied to one side of the contact element during soldering and observed when the solder emerges at the other end of the contact element. The observation of the leakage of the solder is a clear indication that the solder joint is consistent. The welded connection can take place on one side of the contact element.

Eine Verbindung des erfindungsgemäßen systemes mit einer weiteren elektrischen Leitung gestaltet sich besonders einfach, wenn das Kontaktelement eine Schraubseite mit einem Gewinde und eine Kontaktseite mit den Ausnehmungen zur Aufnahme der einzelnen elektrischen Leiter hat und wenn die Kontaktseite eine geringere Höhe aufweist als die Schraubseite. Vorzugsweise sind das Gewinde und die Ausnehmungen zur Aufnahme der einzelnen elektrischen Leiter parallel zueinander angeordnet.A connection of the system according to the invention with a further electrical line is particularly simple if the contact element has a screw side with a thread and a contact side with the recesses for receiving the individual electrical conductors and if the contact side has a lower height than the screw side. Preferably, the thread and the recesses for receiving the individual electrical conductors are arranged parallel to one another.

Nachbearbeitungen zur Entfernung der überstehenden Enden der elektrischen Leiter lassen sich gemäß einer anderen vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung einfach vermeiden, wenn das Kontaktelement auf einer Seite eben und auf der anderen Seite zur Erzeugung der unterschiedlichen Höhen der Schraubseite und der Kontaktseite stufig gestaltet ist und wenn die freien Enden der elektrischen Leiter an der stufigen Seite überstehen. Hierdurch wird zudem eine Einengung des Bereiches an dem Gewinde durch die durch das Kontaktelement hindurch geführten elektrischen Leiter vermieden.Reworking to remove the protruding ends of the electrical conductors can be easily avoided according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the contact element is designed level on one side and on the other side to produce the different heights of the screw side and the contact side and if the free End of the electrical conductors on the stepped side. In this way, a narrowing of the area on the thread is avoided by the guided through the contact element electrical conductor.

Das Kontaktelement lässt sich gemäß einer anderen vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung einfach auf vorgesehene Bauräume anpassen, wenn die Ausnehmungen in einer oder mehreren Reihen angeordnet sind.According to another advantageous development of the invention, the contact element can be easily adapted to intended installation spaces if the recesses are arranged in one or more rows.

Eine Korrosion der elektrischen Leiter und des Kontaktelementes lässt sich gemäß einer anderen vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung zuverlässig vermeiden, wenn die stufige Seite der Kontaktseite mit einer aushärtenden Masse bedeckt ist. Als aushärtende Masse eignet sich vorzugsweise ein Harz.Corrosion of the electrical conductor and the contact element can be reliably avoided according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the stepped side of the contact side is covered with a hardening mass. As a hardening composition is preferably a resin.

Das zweitgenannte Problem, nämlich die Schaffung einer elektrische Baugruppe mit einem vorgenannten system , welche besonders einfach aufgebaut ist, wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die stufige Seite des Kontaktelementes der Außenseite des Gehäuses zugewandt ist und wenn das Kontaktelement mit der Schraubseite aus dem Gehäuse herausragt und wenn die mit einer Lötverbindung oder einer Schweißverbindung verbundenen elektrischen Leiter vollständig innerhalb des Gehäuses angeordnet sind. Durch diese Seite wird vermieden, dass bei einer Verschraubung des Hochstromkontakts die Enden der innerhalb des Gehäuses angeordneten elektrischen Leiter bei der Verschraubung des Kontaktelementes mit einer weiterführenden Leitung stören.The second-mentioned problem, namely the creation of an electrical assembly with an aforementioned system, which is particularly simple, is inventively achieved in that the stepped side of the contact element faces the outside of the housing and when the contact element protrudes with the screw side of the housing and when the electrical conductors connected to a solder joint or a welded joint are disposed completely within the housing. Through this side it is avoided that interfere with a screw connection of the high-current contact, the ends of the arranged inside the housing electrical conductor in the screwing of the contact element with a secondary line.

Die Erfindung lässt zahlreiche Ausführungsformen zu. Zur weiteren Verdeutlichung ihres Grundprinzips ist eine davon in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird nachfolgend beschrieben. Diese zeigt in

Fig. 1
einen Teilbereich einer elektrischen Baugruppe mit einem erfindungsgemäßen system ,
Fig. 2
eine Draufsicht auf den erfindungsgemäßen system aus Figur 1,
Fig. 3
eine Schnittdarstellung durch den system aus Figur 2 entlang der Linie III - III,
Fig. 4
eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen systems
Fig. 5
eine Schnittdarstellung durch den system aus Figur 4 entlang der Linie V - V.
The invention allows numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and will be described below. This shows in
Fig. 1
a subregion of an electrical assembly with a system according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a plan view of the system according to the invention FIG. 1 .
Fig. 3
a sectional view through the system FIG. 2 along the line III - III,
Fig. 4
a further embodiment of the system according to the invention
Fig. 5
a sectional view through the system FIG. 4 along the line V - V.

Figur 1 zeigt einen Teilbereich einer elektrischen Baugruppe 1, beispielsweise eines Elektromotors. Die Baugruppe 1 weist ein Gehäuse 2 und einen system 3 auf. An dem Hochstromkontakt 3 ist eine von der Baugruppe 1 weg führende elektrische Leitung 4 angeschlossen. Der Hochstromkontakt 3 weist ein Kontaktelement 5 und mehrere, an dem Kontaktelement 5 angeschlossene einzelne elektrische Leiter 6 einer gemeinsamen, innerhalb der Baugruppe 1 geführten elektrischen Leitung 7 auf. Das Kontaktelement 5 weist eine Schraubseite 8 zur Verschraubung 9 mit der von der Baugruppe 1 weg führenden, weiterführenden elektrischen Leitung 4 und eine Kontaktseite 10 zur Kontaktierung mit den einzelnen elektrischen Leitern 6 auf. Die der Außenseite des Gehäuses 2 zugewandte Seite des Kontaktelementes 5 ist stufig gestaltet, so dass das Kontaktelement 5 auf der Schraubseite 8 höher ist als auf der Kontaktseite 10. Der Hochstromkontakt 3 ragt ausschließlich mit der Schraubseite 8 des Kontaktelementes 5 aus dem Gehäuse 2 heraus. Das Kontaktelement 5 kann beispielsweise aus vernickeltem Kupfer gefertigt sein. Die Kontaktseite 10 ist mit einer aushärtbaren und elektrisch nicht leitenden Masse 11, beispielsweise Harz abgedeckt. FIG. 1 shows a portion of an electrical assembly 1, for example an electric motor. The assembly 1 has a housing 2 and a system 3. At the high current contact 3, a leading away from the assembly 1 electrical line 4 is connected. The high-current contact 3 has a contact element 5 and a plurality of individual electrical conductors 6 connected to the contact element 5 of a common electrical line 7 routed within the assembly 1. The contact element 5 has a screw 8 for screwing 9 with the leading away from the module 1, continuing electrical line 4 and a contact side 10 for contacting with the individual electrical conductors 6. The outside of the housing 2 facing side of the contact element 5 is designed in stages, so that the contact element 5 on the screw side 8 is higher than on the contact side 10. The high current contact 3 protrudes exclusively with the screw 8 of the contact element 5 out of the housing 2. The contact element 5 may be made of nickel-plated copper, for example. The contact side 10 is covered with a curable and electrically non-conductive mass 11, for example resin.

Figur 2 zeigt vergrößert den system 3 aus Figur 1 in einer Draufsicht. Hierbei ist zu erkennen, dass die Schraubseite 8 ein Gewinde 12 für die Verschraubung 9 mit der in Figur 1 dargestellten, von der Baugruppe weg führenden elektrischen Leitung 4 hat. Die Kontaktseite 10 weist eine der Anzahl der elektrischen Leiter 6 entsprechende Anzahl an durchgehenden Ausnehmungen 13 auf. Die elektrischen Leiter 6 sind einzeln in den Ausnehmungen 13 jeweils mit einer Lötverbindung 14 elektrisch leitend befestigt. FIG. 2 shows enlarged system 3 off FIG. 1 in a top view. It can be seen that the screw 8 a thread 12 for the screw 9 with the in FIG. 1 shown, leading away from the assembly electrical line 4 has. The contact side 10 has a number of electrical conductors 6 corresponding number of through holes 13. The electrical conductors 6 are individually secured in the recesses 13 each having a solder connection 14 electrically conductive.

Figur 3 zeigt den system 3 aus Figur 2 in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie III - III. Das Gewinde 12 ist in einer Sacklochbohrung angeordnet. Die freien Enden der elektrischen Leiter 6 durchdringen das Kontaktelement 5 an der Kontaktseite 10. Weiterhin sind die Ausnehmungen 13 zur Aufnahme der elektrischen Leiter 6 parallel zu dem Gewinde 12 ausgerichtet. FIG. 3 shows the system 3 FIG. 2 in a sectional view along the line III - III. The thread 12 is arranged in a blind hole. The free ends of the electrical conductors 6 penetrate the contact element 5 on the contact side 10. Furthermore, the recesses 13 for receiving the electrical conductors 6 are aligned parallel to the thread 12.

Figur 4 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform des system 3, bei dem ein Kontaktelement 21 und mehrere Ausnehmungen 15 auf einer Kontaktseite 16 in Form eines Kreisbogens angeordnet sind. Eine Schraubseite 17 ist wie bei dem Hochstromkontakt 3 aus den Figuren 2 und 3 aufgebaut und hat ein Gewinde 18. Figur 5 zeigt den Hochstromkontakt 3 aus Figur 4 in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie V - V. Hierbei ist zu erkennen, dass wie bei der Ausführungsform nach den Figuren 2 und 3 jeweils ein elektrischer Leiter 19 in einer der Ausnehmungen 15 mittels einer Lötverbindung 20 befestigt ist. FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the system 3, in which a contact element 21 and a plurality of recesses 15 are arranged on a contact side 16 in the form of a circular arc. A screw 17 is as in the high current contact 3 from the FIGS. 2 and 3 constructed and has a thread 18. FIG. 5 shows the high current contact 3 from FIG. 4 in a sectional view along the line V - V. It can be seen that as in the embodiment of the FIGS. 2 and 3 in each case an electrical conductor 19 is fixed in one of the recesses 15 by means of a solder joint 20.

Bei einer nicht dargestellten Schweißverbindung werden die Leiter in den Ausnehmungen durch Elektroschweißen oder Reibschweißen elektrisch leitend befestigt.In a welded joint, not shown, the conductors are electrically conductively secured in the recesses by arc welding or friction welding.

Claims (8)

  1. A system comprising a high-current contact having a connection for a single electrical line having a plurality of individual electrical conductors on a contact element, and having a solder connection or weld connection of the electrical conductors to the contact element, characterised in that the contact element (5, 21) has a plurality of cutouts (13, 15), and in that the individual electrical conductors (6, 19) of the one electrical line (7) are distributed over the cutouts (13, 15).
  2. A system according to Claim 1, characterised in that each of the individual electrical conductors (6, 19) is soldered or welded in its own cutout (13, 15).
  3. A system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cutouts (13, 15) and the electrical conductors (6, 19) pass through the contact element (5, 21).
  4. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact element (5, 21) has a screwing side (8, 17), having a thread (12, 18), and a contact side (10, 16), having the cutouts (13, 15) for receiving the individual electrical conductors (6, 19), and in that the contact side (10, 16) has less height than the screwing side (8, 17).
  5. A system according to Claim 4, characterised in that the contact element (5, 21) is planar on one side and, for creating the difference in heights between the screwing side (8, 17) and the contact side (10, 16), is made stepped on the other side, and in that the free ends of the electrical conductors (6, 19) project on the stepped side.
  6. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cutouts (13, 15) are arranged in one or more rows.
  7. A system according to Claim 5, characterised in that the stepped side of the contact side (10, 16) is covered by a curing composition (11).
  8. An electrical unit which has a system according to one of the preceding claims, and which has a housing, characterised in that the stepped side of the contact element (5) faces the outside of the housing (2), and in that the screwing side (8) of the contact element (5) projects out of the housing (2), and in that the electrical conductors (6) that are connected to the contact element (5) by means of a solder connection (14) or a weld connection are arranged completely inside the housing (2).
EP09735015A 2008-04-23 2009-04-17 High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact Active EP2269268B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202008005620U DE202008005620U1 (en) 2008-04-23 2008-04-23 High current contact and electrical assembly with a high current contact
PCT/DE2009/000526 WO2009129785A2 (en) 2008-04-23 2009-04-17 High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2269268A2 EP2269268A2 (en) 2011-01-05
EP2269268B1 true EP2269268B1 (en) 2012-10-17

Family

ID=39598104

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09735015A Active EP2269268B1 (en) 2008-04-23 2009-04-17 High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8105120B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2269268B1 (en)
DE (2) DE202008005620U1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009129785A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101916920B (en) * 2010-08-06 2013-05-29 特富特科技(深圳)有限公司 Wiring terminal of enameled wire

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US745193A (en) * 1903-06-30 1903-11-24 Cons Railway Electric Lighting And Equipment Company Flexible connector for batteries.
DE2812089C2 (en) 1978-03-20 1980-01-17 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Screw and solderable fastening device for electrical conductors
FR2471681A1 (en) 1979-12-14 1981-06-19 Portenseigne Circuit board connector terminal - is formed as metal stamping with different sections which allow wound or soldered connections to be made
US5171169A (en) 1991-11-21 1992-12-15 Scosche Industries, Inc. Disconnectible electrical connection system
US5599210A (en) * 1993-06-17 1997-02-04 Green; Charles L. Battery terminal connector
US6309260B1 (en) * 2000-02-11 2001-10-30 Quick Cable Corp. Solder-in-place connector
US6364720B1 (en) * 2000-12-18 2002-04-02 Shih-Tsung Liang Battery terminal connector
US20070015052A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Lear Corporation Battery terminal
FR2888679B1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-09-28 Valeo Electronique Sys Liaison CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR ELEMENTS BY ULTRASONIC WELDING
US7785158B1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2010-08-31 Brunswick Corporation Electrode connection platform

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE202008005620U1 (en) 2008-07-10
US20110021091A1 (en) 2011-01-27
WO2009129785A3 (en) 2009-12-17
US8105120B2 (en) 2012-01-31
DE112009001587A5 (en) 2011-04-07
WO2009129785A2 (en) 2009-10-29
EP2269268A2 (en) 2011-01-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69631980T2 (en) Electrical connector
DE112014002568B4 (en) Busbar module and power supply device
WO2015165946A1 (en) Electrical connection arrangement for the electrical interconnection of printed circuit boards by means of soldering-free press-fit contacting
EP3123564B1 (en) Electronics box with a printed circuit board and an electrical component part, and with a contact-making device
WO2011023286A1 (en) Connector assembly for electrical modules
EP2085785A2 (en) Device for measuring electricity
EP2269268B1 (en) High-current contact and electric component with a high-current contact
DE202011005385U1 (en) High current contact element for printed circuit boards
EP2609653B1 (en) Device comprising a housing with a circuit carrier
EP2543116B1 (en) Jumper bridge
DE102020100847B3 (en) Electrical plug connection, electrical connection arrangement and electronic device
DE102012105995B4 (en) Surface mountable electrical device
DE102017011473B4 (en) USB connector for vertical mounting and USB connection system
EP3289842A1 (en) Contact arrangement, preferably for a power electronics system
DE102019211227A1 (en) Energy distributor
DE19825684A1 (en) Method of connecting electronic components
EP3273753A1 (en) Assembly comprising at least two circuit boards and at least one angled and conductive connecting means
EP0966777B1 (en) Electric subassembly
DE10215078A1 (en) Cable holder has one or more connections on one side forming flat mounting surface and mounted flat on circuit board surface, opening for cable, and welded connection between cable holder and cable
EP2916391B1 (en) Circuit card assembly with a flexible connecting element
DE102021205047A1 (en) Electrical arrangement with choke coil
EP1855512B1 (en) Assembly of a circuit board and a contact support which is held in a fixed spacing thereto
DE1069720B (en)
EP2482387A1 (en) Device for electrical and mechanical connection of two circuit boards arranged next to each other
EP3419120A1 (en) Signal device and connector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20101012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20120315

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 580253

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20121115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502009005113

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20121213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20121017

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130217

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130117

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130128

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130118

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130117

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130718

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: SEKELS G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 20130430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502009005113

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130718

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130430

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130417

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 580253

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140417

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121017

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20090417

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130417

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140417

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230421

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230222

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230418

Year of fee payment: 15