EP3503304B1 - Electrical contact element of a plug system - Google Patents

Electrical contact element of a plug system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3503304B1
EP3503304B1 EP17306829.7A EP17306829A EP3503304B1 EP 3503304 B1 EP3503304 B1 EP 3503304B1 EP 17306829 A EP17306829 A EP 17306829A EP 3503304 B1 EP3503304 B1 EP 3503304B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical contact
plug
contact element
socket
electrical
Prior art date
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Application number
EP17306829.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3503304A1 (en
Inventor
Helmut Steinberg
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Nexans SA
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Nexans SA
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Priority to EP17306829.7A priority Critical patent/EP3503304B1/en
Publication of EP3503304A1 publication Critical patent/EP3503304A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
    • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
    • H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
    • H01R13/2421—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means using coil springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
    • H01R13/6271—Latching means integral with the housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical contact element and a plug-in system with at least one such contact element.
  • plugs that can be detachably connected to corresponding sockets.
  • the plugs and sockets have electrical contacts which, when the plugs are correctly inserted into a socket, ensure a secure electrical connection with a low electrical contact resistance between the plug and socket.
  • the electrical contact resistance depends, for example, on the materials used for the electrical contacts and the common contact area.
  • the material used for the contacts must, on the one hand, have good electrical conductivity and, on the other hand, have a surface hardness that ensures as many mating cycles as possible without excessive surface wear.
  • the load on the common contact surfaces depends very much on the design of the contacts of the plug and socket, in particular on how high the frictional load is between the contacts at the moment of connection.
  • the load-bearing capacity of the contact surfaces can be increased by coating them with wear-resistant materials, but often at the expense of electrical conductivity.
  • the temperature at the contact surface is allowed Do not exceed a value that is determined depending on the material of the contacts, the material of the plug and / or socket housing, the temperature resistance of other components in the vicinity and the like, e.g. to the shape and thus the functionality of the plug and socket or to prevent smoldering fires or even open flames from occurring.
  • An example of electrical consumers with high connected loads are electric vehicles whose batteries have to be charged as quickly as possible.
  • the most common standards are currently the superchargers from the US manufacturer Tesla ®, which achieve a charging power of up to 145 kW with a DC voltage of 480 V, the CHAdeMO standard, which has a charging power of up to 150 at DC voltages between 300 and 500 V. kW, and the Combined Charging System (CCS), which achieves charging capacities of up to 100 kW with direct voltages of up to 850 V or three-phase alternating voltages of up to 500 V. With the highest charging capacities, currents of up to 350 A can flow. Higher charging capacities with higher currents will be required in the future in order to reduce charging times.
  • CCS Combined Charging System
  • a grounding post for electrical machines and apparatus which is also set up to melt snow in the vicinity of its installation site.
  • the grounding post is designed to be hollow on the inside and the cavity is filled with a coolant filled, which is liquid or gaseous even at low temperatures well below the melting point of metals.
  • the coolant is heated by the heat of the ground in the vicinity of the installation site and put into a convective circuit so that heated coolant rises to the top, gives off heat to colder parts higher up (e.g. frozen ground or snow) and cools down. Cooled coolant sinks back down.
  • the present invention has the object of creating an electrical contact element that has a low electrical
  • an electrical contact element with a body made of an electrically conductive first material, which has a first electrical contact surface at a first end for making electrical contact with a second electrical contact element.
  • the body has a closed cavity which extends from the first contact surface at least over part of the length of the body, and which is at least partially filled with a second, electrically conductive material which is liquid at a temperature below the melting point of the first material and / or in gaseous form.
  • the first contact surface can have a surface which, when it is brought together to form an electrical connection with a corresponding second contact element of the plug-in system, lies flat against an electrical contact surface of the second contact element.
  • the first electrical contact surface is brought together with the second contact element of the plug-in system without friction by means of a force acting essentially normal to the electrical contact surface.
  • the first electrical contact area is circular.
  • the corresponding second contact element of the plug-in system can also have a circular electrical contact surface, which preferably has the same dimensions.
  • the body of the electrical contact element in the area of the first electrical contact area has a cross section which is larger than in a remote area from the first electrical contact area.
  • the cavity has a larger cross section in the area of the first electrical contact area than in an area that is further away from the first electrical contact area.
  • the cavity has a structure which guides flows of liquid or gaseous fluids and / or guides them separately from one another.
  • a structure can comprise a structuring of the surface in the interior of the cavity, for example grooves, ribs or tubular elements which promote a convective material cycle.
  • it can also include other fluid-conducting measures, for example a wick-like or grid-like structure which is arranged in the interior of the cavity and guides the flows of liquid or gaseous fluids separately from one another, for example as in a heat pipe.
  • the second material Since the second material is electrically conductive, it can contribute to the transport of electricity.
  • the electrical conductivity is preferably of the same order of magnitude as that of the first material.
  • the second material can have a greater thermal conductivity than the first material. However, this is not absolutely necessary and can be more than compensated for by targeted measures for improved heat transport, for example convection in the liquid state or heat transport in a heat pipe.
  • the second material can also have a greater thermal capacity than the first material. Second materials with different combinations of the aforementioned properties can be used for the contact element according to the invention.
  • the second material is sodium (Na), the triple point of which is at a temperature of 370.98 K and which boils at a temperature of 1156 K.
  • the melting point of sodium is 370.96 K (source: NIST).
  • Sodium has a high electrical conductivity of 23 ⁇ 10 6 S / m for electric current, similar to that of the brass frequently used for electrical contacts (19 ⁇ 10 6 S / m - 33 ⁇ 10 6 S / m), which is only slightly below that of copper (64 ⁇ 10 6 S / m) (source: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics).
  • sodium is well suited as a second material for the electrical contact element according to the invention.
  • the cavity of the electrical contact element is completely filled with sodium, this is in solid form at normal outside temperatures. As soon as the electrical contact element is heated up to the melting temperature of the sodium due to the inevitably present contact resistance, the losses increasing quadratically with the current, the sodium becomes liquid. Due to the latent heat absorbed by the sodium during the phase transition from solid to liquid, the temperature does not rise any further until all of the sodium is liquid.
  • the warmest point of the contact element is on the electrical contact surface.
  • the thermal conductivity of the first material of the contact element means that areas further away from the electrical contact surface also heat up. Nevertheless, a temperature difference will remain between the electrical contact surface and areas further away from it.
  • a material flow can now arise which at the same time enables improved heat transport in the direction of colder areas of the contact element.
  • heat is dissipated from the hottest point of the electrical contact element and can be conducted into areas which can be more easily achieved by further cooling measures can be cooled, for example by cooling fins or plates, possibly supported by fans or blowers, or the like.
  • a thermal connection to a cooling device can also be provided.
  • a conductor connected to one of the contacts can also serve as a further heat sink, which conductor can likewise be structured for better heat dissipation and / or can be connected to a cooling device. Liquid sodium that has given up energy to cooler areas of the contact element flows back and can absorb heat again.
  • a particularly effective heat transport from the electrical contact point to colder areas can be achieved by an evaporation-condensation circuit.
  • This circuit is used in heat pipes for particularly effective heat transport from heat sources to colder areas.
  • a cavity present in the heat conductor is only partially filled with a suitable fluid. When heated, some of the fluid evaporates and flows to cooler areas where the fluid vapor condenses. The fluid gives off heat. The fluid, which is now back in liquid form, flows back to the heat source and the cycle begins again.
  • further design measures can be provided. These can, for example, comprise a wick-like or tube-like structure which favors the transport of the liquid fluid due to the capillary effect and at the same time can separate the liquid flow from the gas flow.
  • Both a circulation of a liquid heat transfer medium and an evaporation-condensation circuit enable the effective transport of heat that arises at a locally narrowly limited location that is difficult to access for additional cooling measures, to a location where further cooling measures are easier to implement.
  • the electrical contacts of a plug are those localized, narrowly delimited points at which, for example, high temperatures can exist with large electrical currents. A significant enlargement of the contacts of the plug only for the purpose of achieving better heat dissipation can also achieve the desired effect. However, this is not possible with the dimensions of the plug and its components given by a standard, for example.
  • the electrical contact element according to the invention has been described above using the example of a filling with sodium. It is of course also possible to use substances other than sodium as second materials. Liquids or solutions whose melting and triple points are in suitable temperature ranges can also be used here. Their electrical conductivity is not necessarily important, although good electrical conductivity is not a disadvantage.
  • the material flow of the second material in any case improves the heat transport from a heat source to a heat sink beyond a heat flow that can be achieved solely through heat conduction in a solid contact part.
  • a plug and / or a socket of an electrical plug system has at least one of the electrical contact elements described above.
  • the at least one electrical contact element is mounted displaceably against a force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element.
  • the force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element can be generated, for example, by a spring mounted in the housing receiving the electrical contact part, or by a flexible housing part.
  • the plug has at least one first area which can be releasably connected in a form-fitting manner to a corresponding second area of the socket.
  • their electrical contact elements are pressed against one another by the force acting in the longitudinal direction.
  • the housing of the plug engages over that of the socket, or the housing of the socket engages over that of the plug.
  • the housings of the plug and socket are constructed in such a way that the ingress of fluids and / or solids is prevented. This can be achieved, for example, by means of sealing means provided on the plug and / or socket housing and / or a special fit of the housing.
  • the contact element according to the invention is suitable for all electrical plug-in or contact systems, on whose contact surfaces high temperatures can occur. The heat conducted from the contact surface to other areas of the system can then be dissipated from the system in these areas.
  • the dimensions of the contacts are not specified, they can be made smaller with the same current carrying capacity and maximum operating temperature, thus saving raw materials.
  • Plug 100 and socket 200 each have a housing 101 or 201, in which contact elements 102, 202 made of an electrically conductive first material are displaceably mounted.
  • plug 100 and socket 200 are shown in the connected state, in which the contact elements 102, 202 of plug 100 and socket 200 are connected to a Contact surfaces 204 lie flat against one another and are conductively connected.
  • the contact elements 102, 202 are each pressed by a spring 108 or 208 in the direction of the contact surface 204.
  • the springs 108, 208 are supported on the housing 101 and 201, respectively.
  • a flexible housing part (not shown in the figure) can also generate the force.
  • Contact element 202 of the socket has a cavity 206 which, starting from contact surface 204, extends at least over part of the length L of contact element 202.
  • Cavity 206 is filled with a second material (not shown in the figure), which is liquid and / or gaseous at a temperature below the melting point of the first material. Cavity 206 can also be only partially filled with the second material (not shown in the figure).
  • the contact elements 102, 202 have a larger cross section in the area of the contact surface 204 than in an area remote from the contact surface 204.
  • the cavity 206 follows the contour of the contact element 202 and also has a larger cross section in the area of the contact surface 204 than in an area remote from the contact surface 204.
  • the contact elements 102, 202 can be rotationally symmetrical in the area of the contact surface 204, but also as a whole.
  • the housing 101 of the plug 100 has two openings 110 into which corresponding latching lugs 210 on the housing 201 of the socket 200 engage and thus produce a detachable latching connection.
  • Contact element 102 of plug 100 is connected to a connection line 112, which leads to an electrical consumer not shown in the figure.
  • the contact element 202 has an element 214 which is used for connection to a power source.
  • one or more elements and / or devices (not shown in the figure) for dissipating heat to an environment and / or a cooling device can also be arranged.
  • the socket 200 has the contact element 202 according to the invention, while the plug 100 has a solid contact element 102.
  • a sufficient dissipation of heat in a device having the socket 200 can take place more easily than via the connecting line 112.

Description

Gebietarea

Die Erfindung betrifft ein elektrisches Kontaktelement und ein Stecksystem mit mindestens einem solchen Kontaktelement.The invention relates to an electrical contact element and a plug-in system with at least one such contact element.

Hintergrundbackground

Elektrische Verbraucher werden in der Regel mittels Steckern, die mit entsprechenden Buchsen lösbar verbunden werden können, an eine Spannungs- bzw. Stromversorgung angeschlossen. Die Stecker und Buchsen weisen elektrische Kontakte auf, die bei korrekt in eine Buchse gesteckten Steckern eine sichere elektrische Verbindung mit geringem elektrischem Übergangswiderstand zwischen Stecker und Buchse gewährleisten.Electrical consumers are usually connected to a voltage or power supply by means of plugs that can be detachably connected to corresponding sockets. The plugs and sockets have electrical contacts which, when the plugs are correctly inserted into a socket, ensure a secure electrical connection with a low electrical contact resistance between the plug and socket.

Der elektrische Übergangswiderstand hängt bspw. von den für die elektrischen Kontakte verwendeten Materialien und der gemeinsamen Kontaktfläche ab. Das für die Kontakte verwendete Material muss einerseits eine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit aufweisen und andererseits eine Oberflächenhärte haben, die möglichst viele Steckzyklen ohne starken Verschleiß der Oberfläche gewährleistet. Die Belastung der gemeinsamen Kontaktflächen hängt dabei sehr stark von dem Design der Kontakte von Stecker und Buchse ab, insbesondere davon, wie hoch eine Reibbelastung zwischen den Kontakten im Moment des Verbindens ist.The electrical contact resistance depends, for example, on the materials used for the electrical contacts and the common contact area. The material used for the contacts must, on the one hand, have good electrical conductivity and, on the other hand, have a surface hardness that ensures as many mating cycles as possible without excessive surface wear. The load on the common contact surfaces depends very much on the design of the contacts of the plug and socket, in particular on how high the frictional load is between the contacts at the moment of connection.

Die Belastbarkeit der Kontaktflächen kann durch Beschichtung mit verschleißfesten Materialien vergrößert werden, jedoch häufig zu Lasten der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit.The load-bearing capacity of the contact surfaces can be increased by coating them with wear-resistant materials, but often at the expense of electrical conductivity.

Bei elektrischen Verbrauchern, die eine große Anschlussleistung bei verhältnismäßig niedriger Spannung haben, fließen sehr hohe Ströme die, trotz aller Bemühungen, geringe elektrische Übergangswiderstände zwischen Stecker und Buchse sicherzustellen, zu einer starken Temperaturerhöhung an der gemeinsamen Kontaktfläche führen. Die Temperatur an der Kontaktfläche darf einen Wert nicht überschreiten, der abhängig vom Material der Kontakte, vom Material des Stecker- und/oder Buchsengehäuses, von der Temperaturbelastbarkeit in der Umgebung befindlicher anderer Komponenten und dergleichen bestimmt wird, bspw. um die Form und damit die Funktionsfähigkeit von Stecker und Buchse zu erhalten oder das Entstehen von Schwelbränden oder sogar offenem Feuer zu verhindern.In the case of electrical consumers that have a large connected load at a relatively low voltage, very high currents flow which, despite all efforts to ensure low electrical contact resistances between plug and socket, lead to a sharp increase in temperature at the common contact surface. The temperature at the contact surface is allowed Do not exceed a value that is determined depending on the material of the contacts, the material of the plug and / or socket housing, the temperature resistance of other components in the vicinity and the like, e.g. to the shape and thus the functionality of the plug and socket or to prevent smoldering fires or even open flames from occurring.

Ein Beispiel für elektrische Verbraucher mit hoher Anschlussleistung sind Elektrofahrzeuge, deren Batterien möglichst schnell geladen werden müssen. Für das Laden der Batterien von Elektrofahrzeugen existieren mehrere Standards, in denen die Form von Stecker und Buchse sowie die Ladespannung und die Ladeströme festgelegt sind. Die gebräuchlichsten Standards sind derzeit die Supercharger des US-Amerikanischen Herstellers Tesla ®, die bei einer Gleichspannung von 480 V eine Ladeleistung von bis zu 145 kW erreichen, der CHAdeMO-Standard, der bei Gleichspannungen zwischen 300 und 500 V eine Ladeleistung von bis zu 150 kW erreicht, und das Combined Charging System (CCS), das Ladeleistungen von bis zu 100 kW mit Gleichspannungen bis zu 850 V oder Dreiphasen-Wechselspannungen bis zu 500 V erreicht. Bei den höchsten Ladeleistungen können Ströme von bis zu 350 A fließen. Höhere Ladeleistungen mit höheren Strömen werden in Zukunft benötigt werden, um die Ladezeiten zu verringern.An example of electrical consumers with high connected loads are electric vehicles whose batteries have to be charged as quickly as possible. There are several standards for charging the batteries of electric vehicles, in which the shape of the plug and socket as well as the charging voltage and the charging currents are specified. The most common standards are currently the superchargers from the US manufacturer Tesla ®, which achieve a charging power of up to 145 kW with a DC voltage of 480 V, the CHAdeMO standard, which has a charging power of up to 150 at DC voltages between 300 and 500 V. kW, and the Combined Charging System (CCS), which achieves charging capacities of up to 100 kW with direct voltages of up to 850 V or three-phase alternating voltages of up to 500 V. With the highest charging capacities, currents of up to 350 A can flow. Higher charging capacities with higher currents will be required in the future in order to reduce charging times.

Bereits bei der heutigen höchsten Ladeleistung fällt an einem Übergangswiderstand von nur 10 mOhm eine Verlustleistung von 1,2 kW an, die als Wärme vom Stecker abgeleitet werden muss. Bei einer Ladung mit sehr hoher Leistung erreichen die Stecker innerhalb kurzer Zeit eine Temperatur von mehr als 90°C. Die Temperatur von Stecker und/oder Buchse wird daher überwacht, und bei Überschreiten eines zulässigen Höchstwertes wird der Ladevorgang abgebrochen oder die Ladeleistung verringert, was in jedem Fall eine unerwünschte Verlängerung der Ladezeit bedeutet.Even with today's highest charging power, a contact resistance of only 10 mOhm results in a power loss of 1.2 kW, which has to be dissipated as heat from the plug. When charged with very high power, the plugs reach a temperature of more than 90 ° C within a short time. The temperature of the plug and / or socket is therefore monitored, and if a permissible maximum value is exceeded, the charging process is interrupted or the charging power is reduced, which in any case means an undesirable increase in the charging time.

Aus der JP S60-124873 U1 ist ein Erdungspfahl für elektrische Maschinen und Apparate bekannt, der zusätzlich dazu eingerichtet ist, Schnee in der Umgebung seines Aufstellungsortes zu schmelzen. Dazu ist der Erdungspfahl innen hohl ausgeführt und der Hohlraum ist mit einem Kühlmittel gefüllt, das auch bei niedrigen Temperaturen weit unterhalb des Schmelzpunkts von Metallen flüssig oder gasförmig vorliegt. Das Kühlmittel wird durch die Wärme des Erdreichs in der Umgebung des Aufstellungsortes erhitzt und in einen konvektiven Kreislauf versetzt, so dass erhitztes Kühlmittel nach oben aufsteigt, dort Wärme an kältere Teile weiter oben (z.B. gefrorener Erdboden oder Schnee) abgibt und sich abkühlt. Abgekühltes Kühlmittel sinkt wieder nach unten ab.From the JP S60-124873 U1 a grounding post for electrical machines and apparatus is known, which is also set up to melt snow in the vicinity of its installation site. For this purpose, the grounding post is designed to be hollow on the inside and the cavity is filled with a coolant filled, which is liquid or gaseous even at low temperatures well below the melting point of metals. The coolant is heated by the heat of the ground in the vicinity of the installation site and put into a convective circuit so that heated coolant rises to the top, gives off heat to colder parts higher up (e.g. frozen ground or snow) and cools down. Cooled coolant sinks back down.

Hiervon ausgehend hat die vorliegende Erfindung die Aufgabe, ein elektrisches Kontaktelement zu schaffen, das einen geringen elektrischenBased on this, the present invention has the object of creating an electrical contact element that has a low electrical

Übergangswiderstand und eine gegenüber einem massiven Kontaktelement verbesserte Wärmeableitung aufweist, sowie ein Stecksystem mit mindestens einem solchen Kontaktelement.Has transition resistance and an improved heat dissipation compared to a solid contact element, as well as a plug-in system with at least one such contact element.

Zusammenfassung der ErfindungSummary of the invention

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe schlägt die Erfindung nach einem ersten Aspekt ein elektrisches Kontaktelement mit einem aus einem elektrisch leitfähigen ersten Material bestehenden Körper vor, der an einem ersten Ende eine erste elektrische Kontaktfläche zur Herstellung eines elektrischen Kontakts mit einem zweiten elektrischen Kontaktelement aufweist. Der Körper weist einen geschlossenen Hohlraum auf, der sich von der ersten Kontaktfläche ausgehend zumindest über einen Teil der Länge des Körpers erstreckt, und der zumindest teilweise mit einem zweiten, elektrisch leitfähigen Material gefüllt ist, welches bei einer Temperatur unterhalb des Schmelzpunktes des ersten Materials flüssig und/oder gasförmig vorliegt.To achieve this object, the invention proposes, according to a first aspect, an electrical contact element with a body made of an electrically conductive first material, which has a first electrical contact surface at a first end for making electrical contact with a second electrical contact element. The body has a closed cavity which extends from the first contact surface at least over part of the length of the body, and which is at least partially filled with a second, electrically conductive material which is liquid at a temperature below the melting point of the first material and / or in gaseous form.

Die erste Kontaktfläche kann eine Oberfläche aufweisen die, wenn sie mit einem entsprechenden zweiten Kontaktelement des Stecksystems zu einer elektrischen Verbindung zusammenbracht ist, plan an einer elektrischen Kontaktfläche des zweiten Kontaktelements anliegt.The first contact surface can have a surface which, when it is brought together to form an electrical connection with a corresponding second contact element of the plug-in system, lies flat against an electrical contact surface of the second contact element.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele wird die erste elektrische Kontaktfläche mit dem zweiten Kontaktelement des Stecksystems reibungsfrei mittels einer im Wesentlichen normal zu der elektrischen Kontaktfläche wirkenden Kraft zusammengebracht.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the first electrical contact surface is brought together with the second contact element of the plug-in system without friction by means of a force acting essentially normal to the electrical contact surface.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele ist die erste elektrische Kontaktfläche kreisförmig. Das entsprechende zweite Kontaktelement das Stecksystems kann ebenfalls eine kreisförmige elektrische Kontaktfläche aufweisen, die vorzugsweise die gleichen Abmessungen hat.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the first electrical contact area is circular. The corresponding second contact element of the plug-in system can also have a circular electrical contact surface, which preferably has the same dimensions.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele weist der Körper des elektrischen Kontaktelements im Bereich der ersten elektrischen Kontaktfläche einen Querschnitt auf, der größer ist als in einem von ersten elektrischen Kontaktfläche entfernter liegenden Bereich.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the body of the electrical contact element in the area of the first electrical contact area has a cross section which is larger than in a remote area from the first electrical contact area.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele weist der Hohlraum im Bereich der ersten elektrischen Kontaktfläche einen größeren Querschnitt auf als in einem von der ersten elektrischen Kontaktfläche entfernter liegenden Bereich.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the cavity has a larger cross section in the area of the first electrical contact area than in an area that is further away from the first electrical contact area.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele weist der Hohlraum eine Struktur auf, welche Ströme flüssigen oder gasförmigen Fluids leitet und/oder voneinander getrennt führt. Eine solche Struktur kann eine Strukturierung der Oberfläche im Innern des Hohlraums umfassen, bspw. Rillen, Rippen oder rohrförmige Elemente, die einen konvektiven Stoffkreislauf begünstigen. Sie kann aber auch andere fluidleitende Maßnahmen umfassen, bspw. eine docht- oder gitterartige Struktur, welche im Innern des Hohlraums angeordnet ist und die Ströme flüssigen oder gasförmigen Fluids voneinander getrennt führt, bspw. wie bei einem Wärmerohr.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the cavity has a structure which guides flows of liquid or gaseous fluids and / or guides them separately from one another. Such a structure can comprise a structuring of the surface in the interior of the cavity, for example grooves, ribs or tubular elements which promote a convective material cycle. However, it can also include other fluid-conducting measures, for example a wick-like or grid-like structure which is arranged in the interior of the cavity and guides the flows of liquid or gaseous fluids separately from one another, for example as in a heat pipe.

Da das zweite Material elektrisch leitfähig ist, kann es zum Stromtransport beitragen. Die elektrische Leitfähigkeit liegt vorzugsweise in derselben Größenordnung wie die des ersten Materials. Das zweite Material kann eine größere thermische Leitfähigkeit als das erste Material aufweisen. Dies ist jedoch nicht zwingend nötig und kann durch gezielte Maßnahmen zum verbesserten Wärmetransport, bspw. Konvektion im flüssigen Zustand oder Wärmetransport in einem Wärmerohr, mehr als ausgeglichen werden. Das zweite Material kann außerdem eine größere Wärmekapazität als das erste Material aufweisen. Zweite Materialien mit unterschiedlichen Kombinationen der vorstehend genannten Eigenschaften können für das erfindungsgemäße Kontaktelement verwendet werden.Since the second material is electrically conductive, it can contribute to the transport of electricity. The electrical conductivity is preferably of the same order of magnitude as that of the first material. The second material can have a greater thermal conductivity than the first material. However, this is not absolutely necessary and can be more than compensated for by targeted measures for improved heat transport, for example convection in the liquid state or heat transport in a heat pipe. The second material can also have a greater thermal capacity than the first material. Second materials with different combinations of the aforementioned properties can be used for the contact element according to the invention.

Bei einem oder mehreren der hierin beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele ist das zweite Material Natrium (Na), dessen Tripelpunkt bei einer Temperatur von 370,98 K liegt, und das bei einer Temperatur von 1156 K siedet. Der Schmelzpunkt von Natrium liegt bei 370,96 K (Quelle: NIST). Natrium weist eine hohe elektrische Leitfähigkeit von 23·106 S/m für elektrischen Strom auf, ähnlich der des für elektrische Kontakte häufig verwendeten Messings (19·106 S/m - 33·106 S/m), die nur wenig unter der von Kupfer (64·106 S/m) liegt (Quelle: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics). Da Schmelz- und Tripelpunkt des Natriums deutlich unter den Schmelzpunkten von Kupfer, Aluminium, Messing, und anderen für elektrische Kontakte verwendeten Metallen und Legierungen liegt, und vor allem in einem Temperaturbereich liegt, der die Herstellung eines Stecker- oder Buchsengehäuses mit handelsüblichen, isolierenden Materialien, insbesondere Kunststoffen, zulässt, ist Natrium als zweites Material für das erfindungsgemäße elektrische Kontaktelement gut geeignet.In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the second material is sodium (Na), the triple point of which is at a temperature of 370.98 K and which boils at a temperature of 1156 K. Of the The melting point of sodium is 370.96 K (source: NIST). Sodium has a high electrical conductivity of 23 · 10 6 S / m for electric current, similar to that of the brass frequently used for electrical contacts (19 · 10 6 S / m - 33 · 10 6 S / m), which is only slightly below that of copper (64 · 10 6 S / m) (source: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics). Since the melting and triple point of sodium is well below the melting points of copper, aluminum, brass, and other metals and alloys used for electrical contacts, and above all in a temperature range that allows the manufacture of a plug or socket housing with commercially available, insulating materials , in particular plastics, sodium is well suited as a second material for the electrical contact element according to the invention.

Bei einem vollständig mit Natrium gefüllten Hohlraum des elektrischen Kontaktelements liegt dieses bei üblichen Außentemperaturen in fester Form vor. Sobald sich das elektrische Kontaktelement aufgrund der an dem zwangsläufig vorhandenen Übergangswiderstand entstehenden, mit dem Strom quadratisch zunehmenden Verluste bis auf die Schmelztemperatur des Natriums erwärmt wird das Natrium flüssig. Aufgrund der bei dem Phasenübergang von fest nach flüssig von dem Natrium aufgenommenen latenten Wärme steigt die Temperatur solange nicht weiter an, bis das gesamte Natrium flüssig vorliegt.If the cavity of the electrical contact element is completely filled with sodium, this is in solid form at normal outside temperatures. As soon as the electrical contact element is heated up to the melting temperature of the sodium due to the inevitably present contact resistance, the losses increasing quadratically with the current, the sodium becomes liquid. Due to the latent heat absorbed by the sodium during the phase transition from solid to liquid, the temperature does not rise any further until all of the sodium is liquid.

Die wärmste Stelle des Kontaktelements liegt an der elektrischen Kontaktfläche. Die Wärmeleitfähigkeit des ersten Materials des Kontaktelements führt dazu, dass weiter von der elektrischen Kontaktfläche entfernt liegende Bereiche sich ebenfalls erwärmen. Dennoch wird ein Temperaturunterschied zwischen der elektrischen Kontaktfläche und weiter davon entfernt liegenden Bereichen verbleiben. Sobald ein Teil des Natriums verflüssigt ist und ein für eine Zirkulation des flüssigen Natriums ausreichender Kanal vorliegt, kann nun ein Stoffstrom entstehen, der gleichzeitig einen verbesserten Wärmetransport in Richtung kälterer Bereiche des Kontaktelements ermöglicht. Hierdurch wird Wärme von der heißesten Stelle des elektrischen Kontaktelements abgeführt und kann in Bereiche geleitet werden, welche leichter durch weitere Kühlmaßnahmen gekühlt werden können, z.B. durch Kühlrippen oder -bleche, ggf. unterstützt durch Lüfter oder Gebläse, oder dergleichen. Auch ein thermischer Anschluss an eine Kühlvorrichtung kann vorgesehen sein. Als weitere Wärmesenke kann auch ein mit einem der Kontakte verbundener Leiter dienen, der ebenfalls zur besseren Wärmeabgabe strukturiert und/oder an eine Kühlvorrichtung angeschlossen sein kann. Flüssiges Natrium, das Energie an kühlere Bereiche des Kontaktelements abgegeben hat strömt zurück und kann erneut Wärme aufnehmen.The warmest point of the contact element is on the electrical contact surface. The thermal conductivity of the first material of the contact element means that areas further away from the electrical contact surface also heat up. Nevertheless, a temperature difference will remain between the electrical contact surface and areas further away from it. As soon as part of the sodium is liquefied and there is a sufficient channel for the circulation of the liquid sodium, a material flow can now arise which at the same time enables improved heat transport in the direction of colder areas of the contact element. As a result, heat is dissipated from the hottest point of the electrical contact element and can be conducted into areas which can be more easily achieved by further cooling measures can be cooled, for example by cooling fins or plates, possibly supported by fans or blowers, or the like. A thermal connection to a cooling device can also be provided. A conductor connected to one of the contacts can also serve as a further heat sink, which conductor can likewise be structured for better heat dissipation and / or can be connected to a cooling device. Liquid sodium that has given up energy to cooler areas of the contact element flows back and can absorb heat again.

Bei entsprechender Auslegung kann ein besonders effektiver Wärmetransport von der elektrischen Kontaktstelle zu kälteren Bereichen durch ein einen Verdampfungs-Kondensations-Kreislauf erreicht werden. Dieser Kreislauf wird in Wärmerohren (engl.: heat pipes) zum besonders effektiven Wärmetransport von Wärmequellen hin zu kälteren Bereichen genutzt. Dabei wird ein in dem Wärmeleiter vorhandener Hohlraum nur teilweise mit einem geeigneten Fluid gefüllt. Bei Erwärmung verdampft ein Teil des Fluids und strömt zu kühleren Bereichen, wo der Fluiddampf kondensiert. Dabei gibt das Fluid Wärme ab. Das nun wieder flüssig vorliegende Fluid strömt zurück zur Wärmequelle, und der Kreislauf beginnt von neuem. Zur Verbesserung der Führung der flüssigen und gasförmigen Stoffströme können weitere konstruktive Maßnahmen vorgesehen sein. Diese können bspw. eine docht- oder röhrenartige Struktur umfassen, die den Transport des flüssigen Fluids aufgrund des Kapillareffekts begünstigt, und zugleich eine Trennung des flüssigen Stroms vom Gasstrom bewirken kann.With an appropriate design, a particularly effective heat transport from the electrical contact point to colder areas can be achieved by an evaporation-condensation circuit. This circuit is used in heat pipes for particularly effective heat transport from heat sources to colder areas. In this case, a cavity present in the heat conductor is only partially filled with a suitable fluid. When heated, some of the fluid evaporates and flows to cooler areas where the fluid vapor condenses. The fluid gives off heat. The fluid, which is now back in liquid form, flows back to the heat source and the cycle begins again. To improve the guidance of the liquid and gaseous material flows, further design measures can be provided. These can, for example, comprise a wick-like or tube-like structure which favors the transport of the liquid fluid due to the capillary effect and at the same time can separate the liquid flow from the gas flow.

Sowohl eine Zirkulation eines flüssigen Wärmeträgers als auch ein Verdampfungs-Kondensations-Kreislauf ermöglichen einen effektiven Transport von Wärme, die an einer lokal eng begrenzten, schlecht für zusätzliche Kühlmaßnahmen zugänglichen Stelle entsteht, hin zu einer Stelle, an der weitere Kühlmaßnahmen leichter zu implementieren sind. Die elektrischen Kontakte eines Steckers sind solche lokal eng begrenzten Stellen, an denen z.B. bei großen elektrischen Strömen hohe Temperaturen vorliegen können. Eine deutliche Vergrößerung der Kontakte des Steckers nur zu dem Zweck, eine bessere Wärmeableitung zu erreichen, kann ebenfalls den gewünschten Effekt erreichen. Dies ist aber bei z.B. durch einen Standard vorgegebenen Dimensionen des Steckers und seiner Komponenten nicht möglich.Both a circulation of a liquid heat transfer medium and an evaporation-condensation circuit enable the effective transport of heat that arises at a locally narrowly limited location that is difficult to access for additional cooling measures, to a location where further cooling measures are easier to implement. The electrical contacts of a plug are those localized, narrowly delimited points at which, for example, high temperatures can exist with large electrical currents. A significant enlargement of the contacts of the plug only for the purpose of achieving better heat dissipation can also achieve the desired effect. However, this is not possible with the dimensions of the plug and its components given by a standard, for example.

Vorstehend wurde das erfindungsgemäße elektrische Kontaktelement am Beispiel einer Füllung mit Natrium beschrieben. Es ist natürlich ebenfalls möglich, andere Stoffe als Natrium als zweite Materialien zu verwenden. Hierbei können insbesondere auch Flüssigkeiten oder Lösungen verwendet werden, deren Schmelz- und Tripelpunkte in geeigneten Temperaturbereichen liegen. Es kommt dabei nicht notwendigerweise auf deren elektrische Leitfähigkeit an, wenngleich eine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit keinen Nachteil darstellt. Der Stoffstrom des zweiten Materials verbessert in jedem Fall den Wärmetransport von einer Wärmequelle an eine Wärmesenke über einen alleine durch Wärmeleitung in einem massiven Kontaktteil erzielbaren Wärmestrom hinaus.The electrical contact element according to the invention has been described above using the example of a filling with sodium. It is of course also possible to use substances other than sodium as second materials. Liquids or solutions whose melting and triple points are in suitable temperature ranges can also be used here. Their electrical conductivity is not necessarily important, although good electrical conductivity is not a disadvantage. The material flow of the second material in any case improves the heat transport from a heat source to a heat sink beyond a heat flow that can be achieved solely through heat conduction in a solid contact part.

Nach einem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung weist ein Stecker und/oder eine Buchse eines elektrischen Stecksystems mindestens eines der vorstehend beschriebenen elektrischen Kontaktelemente auf.According to a second aspect of the invention, a plug and / or a socket of an electrical plug system has at least one of the electrical contact elements described above.

Bei einem oder mehreren Ausführungsbeispielen des zweiten Aspekts ist das mindestens eine elektrische Kontaktelement in gegen eine in Längsrichtung des elektrischen Kontaktelements wirkende Kraft verschieblich gelagert. Die in Längsrichtung des elektrischen Kontaktelements wirkende Kraft kann bspw. durch eine in dem das elektrische Kontaktteil aufnehmenden Gehäuse gelagerte Feder oder ein flexibles Gehäuseteil erzeugt werden.In one or more exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, the at least one electrical contact element is mounted displaceably against a force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element. The force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element can be generated, for example, by a spring mounted in the housing receiving the electrical contact part, or by a flexible housing part.

Bei einem oder mehreren Ausführungsbeispielen des zweiten Aspekts weist der Stecker mindestens einen ersten Bereich auf, der mit einem entsprechenden zweiten Bereich der Buchse lösbar formschlüssig verbindbar ist. Im verbundenen Zustand von Stecker und Buchse werden deren elektrische Kontaktelemente durch die in Längsrichtung wirkende Kraft aneinandergedrückt.In one or more exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, the plug has at least one first area which can be releasably connected in a form-fitting manner to a corresponding second area of the socket. When the plug and socket are connected, their electrical contact elements are pressed against one another by the force acting in the longitudinal direction.

Bei einem oder mehreren Ausführungsbeispielen des zweiten Aspekts greift das Gehäuse des Steckers über dasjenige der Buchse, oder das Gehäuse der Buchse greift über dasjenige des Steckers.In one or more exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, the housing of the plug engages over that of the socket, or the housing of the socket engages over that of the plug.

Bei einem oder mehreren Ausführungsbeispielen des zweiten Aspekts sind die Gehäuse von Stecker und Buchse so konstruiert, dass ein Eindringen von Fluiden und/oder Festkörpern verhindert wird. Dies kann bspw. durch am Stecker- und/oder Buchsengehäuse vorgesehene Dichtmittel und/oder besondere Passgenauigkeit der Gehäuse erreicht werden.In one or more exemplary embodiments of the second aspect, the housings of the plug and socket are constructed in such a way that the ingress of fluids and / or solids is prevented. This can be achieved, for example, by means of sealing means provided on the plug and / or socket housing and / or a special fit of the housing.

Mit dem vorstehend beschriebenen elektrischen Kontaktelement lässt sich eine gegenüber einem massiven Kontaktelement verbesserte Kühlung der Kontaktfläche durch die verbesserte Ableitung der Wärme bei vorgegebenen Abmessungen erreichen, insbesondere auch bei kleinen Kontaktflächen. Dies kann beispielsweise bei Schnelladesystemen für Elektrofahrzeuge, über deren Kontakte hohe Ströme fließen, von Vorteil sein. Grundsätzlich ist das erfindungsgemäße Kontaktelement aber für alle elektrischen Steck- oder Kontaktsysteme geeignet, an deren Kontaktflächen hohe Temperaturen auftreten können. Die von der Kontaktfläche zu andern Bereichen des Systems geleitete Wärme kann dann in diesen Bereichen aus dem System abgeführt werden.With the electrical contact element described above, improved cooling of the contact surface compared to a solid contact element can be achieved through the improved dissipation of heat with given dimensions, in particular even with small contact surfaces. This can be an advantage, for example, in the case of fast charging systems for electric vehicles, through whose contacts high currents flow. In principle, however, the contact element according to the invention is suitable for all electrical plug-in or contact systems, on whose contact surfaces high temperatures can occur. The heat conducted from the contact surface to other areas of the system can then be dissipated from the system in these areas.

Wenn die Abmessungen der Kontakte nicht vorgegeben sind, können sie bei gleicher Strombelastbarkeit und maximaler Betriebstemperatur kleiner ausgeführt werden, und dadurch Rohstoffe eingespart werden.If the dimensions of the contacts are not specified, they can be made smaller with the same current carrying capacity and maximum operating temperature, thus saving raw materials.

Beschreibung der Zeichnung und des AusführungsbeispielsDescription of the drawing and the exemplary embodiment

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand einer Ausführungsform unter Bezugnahme auf die begleitende Zeichnung exemplarisch näher erläutert. Die Zeichnung ist rein schematisch und nicht maßstäblich.In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment example with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing is purely schematic and not to scale.

Die einzige Figur zeigt ein exemplarisches Beispiel von Stecker 100 und Buchse 200 eines Stecksystems zum Anschluss eines elektrischen Verbrauchers an eine Stromversorgung. Stecker 100 und Buchse 200 weisen je ein Gehäuse 101 bzw. 201 auf, in welchen aus elektrisch leitfähigem ersten Material bestehende Kontaktelemente 102, 202 verschieblich gelagert sind. In der Figur sind Stecker 100 und Buchse 200 im verbundenen Zustand dargestellt, in dem die Kontaktelemente 102, 202 von Stecker 100 und Buchse 200 an einer Kontaktfläche 204 plan aneinander anliegen und leitfähig verbunden sind. Die Kontaktelemente 102, 202 werden jeweils von einer Feder 108 bzw. 208 in Richtung der Kontaktfläche 204 gedrückt. Die Federn 108, 208 stützen sich dabei am Gehäuse 101 bzw. 201 ab. Anstelle der Feder kann auch ein flexibles Gehäuseteil (nicht in der Figur gezeigt) die Kraft erzeugen. Kontaktelement 202 der Buchse weist einen Hohlraum 206 auf, der sich von der Kontaktfläche 204 ausgehend zumindest über einen Teil der Länge L des Kontaktelements 202 erstreckt. Hohlraum 206 ist mit einem zweiten Material gefüllt (nicht in der Figur dargestellt), das bei einer Temperatur unterhalb des Schmelzpunktes des ersten Materials flüssig und/oder gasförmig vorliegt. Hohlraum 206 kann auch nur teilweise mit dem zweiten Material gefüllt sein (nicht in der Figur dargestellt).The single figure shows an exemplary example of plug 100 and socket 200 of a plug-in system for connecting an electrical consumer to a power supply. Plug 100 and socket 200 each have a housing 101 or 201, in which contact elements 102, 202 made of an electrically conductive first material are displaceably mounted. In the figure, plug 100 and socket 200 are shown in the connected state, in which the contact elements 102, 202 of plug 100 and socket 200 are connected to a Contact surfaces 204 lie flat against one another and are conductively connected. The contact elements 102, 202 are each pressed by a spring 108 or 208 in the direction of the contact surface 204. The springs 108, 208 are supported on the housing 101 and 201, respectively. Instead of the spring, a flexible housing part (not shown in the figure) can also generate the force. Contact element 202 of the socket has a cavity 206 which, starting from contact surface 204, extends at least over part of the length L of contact element 202. Cavity 206 is filled with a second material (not shown in the figure), which is liquid and / or gaseous at a temperature below the melting point of the first material. Cavity 206 can also be only partially filled with the second material (not shown in the figure).

Die Kontaktelemente 102, 202 weisen im Bereich der Kontaktfläche 204 einen größeren Querschnitt auf als in einem von der Kontaktfläche 204 entfernt liegenden Bereich. Der Hohlraum 206 folgt der Kontur des Kontaktelements 202 und weist ebenfalls im Bereich der Kontaktfläche 204 einen größeren Querschnitt auf als in einem von der Kontaktfläche 204 entfernt liegenden Bereich. Die Kontaktelemente 102, 202 können im Bereich der Kontaktfläche 204, aber auch als ganzes rotationssymmetrisch sein.The contact elements 102, 202 have a larger cross section in the area of the contact surface 204 than in an area remote from the contact surface 204. The cavity 206 follows the contour of the contact element 202 and also has a larger cross section in the area of the contact surface 204 than in an area remote from the contact surface 204. The contact elements 102, 202 can be rotationally symmetrical in the area of the contact surface 204, but also as a whole.

Das Gehäuse 101 von Stecker 100 weist zweit Öffnungen 110 auf, in welche entsprechende Rastnasen 210 am Gehäuse 201 von Buchse 200 eingreifen und so eine lösbare Rastverbindung herstellen.The housing 101 of the plug 100 has two openings 110 into which corresponding latching lugs 210 on the housing 201 of the socket 200 engage and thus produce a detachable latching connection.

Kontaktelement 102 von Stecker 100 ist mit einer Anschlussleitung 112 verbunden, die zu einem nicht in der Figur gezeigten elektrischen Verbraucher führt. Kontaktelement 202 weist an einem der Kontaktfläche 204 gegenüberliegenden Ende ein Element 214 auf, welches zum Anschluss an eine Stromquelle dient. Im Bereich des der Kontaktfläche 204 gegenüberliegenden Endes können auch ein oder mehrere nicht in der Figur dargestellte Elemente und/oder Vorrichtungen zur Wärmeabgabe an eine Umgebung und/oder eine Kühlvorrichtung angeordnet sein.Contact element 102 of plug 100 is connected to a connection line 112, which leads to an electrical consumer not shown in the figure. At an end opposite the contact surface 204, the contact element 202 has an element 214 which is used for connection to a power source. In the region of the end opposite the contact surface 204, one or more elements and / or devices (not shown in the figure) for dissipating heat to an environment and / or a cooling device can also be arranged.

Die in der Beschreibung genannte zusätzliche Struktur, welche Ströme flüssigen oder gasförmigen Fluids leitet und/oder voneinander getrennt führt, ist in der Figur aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit ebenfalls nicht in der Figur gezeigt.The additional structure mentioned in the description, which conducts flows of liquid or gaseous fluids and / or conducts them separately from one another, is likewise not shown in the figure for reasons of clarity.

In der Figur weist die Buchse 200 das erfindungsgemäße Kontaktelement 202 auf, während der Stecker 100 ein massives Kontaktelement 102 aufweist. Bei diesem Beispiel wird davon ausgegangen, dass eine ausreichende Abfuhr von Wärme in einem die Buchse 200 aufweisenden Gerät einfacher erfolgen kann, als über die Anschlussleitung 112.In the figure, the socket 200 has the contact element 202 according to the invention, while the plug 100 has a solid contact element 102. In this example, it is assumed that a sufficient dissipation of heat in a device having the socket 200 can take place more easily than via the connecting line 112.

Es ist natürlich auch möglich, die Buchse 200 mit einem massiven Kontaktelement auszuführen, und den Stecker 100 mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktelement auszuführen, oder erfindungsgemäße Kontaktelemente sowohl im Stecker 100 als auch in der Buchse 200 vorzusehen. Die Auswahl bleibt dem Fachmann freigestellt und wird von diesem unter Berücksichtigung von unterschiedlichen Systemmerkmalen zu treffen sein.It is of course also possible to design the socket 200 with a solid contact element and to design the plug 100 with a contact element according to the invention, or to provide contact elements according to the invention both in the plug 100 and in the socket 200. The choice is left to the person skilled in the art and will have to be made by him, taking into account different system features.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

100100
Steckerplug
101101
SteckergehäuseConnector housing
102102
massives Kontaktelementmassive contact element
108108
Federfeather
110110
Öffnungopening
112112
AnschlussleitungConnecting cable
200200
BuchseRifle
201201
BuchsengehäuseSocket housing
202202
Kontaktelement mit HohlraumContact element with cavity
204204
KontaktflächeContact area
206206
Hohlraumcavity
208208
Federfeather
210210
RastnaseLocking lug
214214
AnschlusselementConnection element
LL.
Längelength

Claims (14)

  1. An electrical contact element (202) of a plug-in system (100, 200) for the detachable connection of an electrical load to a power supply having a body consisting of an electrically conductive first material, which has a first electrical contact surface (204) on its first end for establishing an electrical contact with a second electrical contact element (102), wherein the body has a closed cavity (206), which extends from the first contact surface (204) at least over a part of the length (L) of the body,
    characterized in that the cavity (206) is filled at least partially with a second, electrically conductive material, which is present in liquid and/or gaseous form at a temperature below the melting point of the first material.
  2. The electrical contact element (202) according to claim 1, wherein the first contact surface (204) has a surface, which, if it is brought together with a corresponding second contact element (102) of the plug-in system to form an electrical connection, abuts in a planar manner against an electrical contact surface of the second contact element (102).
  3. The electrical contact element (202) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical contact surface (204) is circular.
  4. The electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the electrical contact element (202) has a cross section in the region of the first electrical contact surface (204), which is larger than in the region lying further away from the first electrical contact surface (204).
  5. The electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (206) in the region of the first electrical contact surface (204) has a larger cross section than in the region laying further away from the first electrical contact surface (204).
  6. The electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (206) has a structure, which conducts flows of liquid or gaseous fluids and/or conducts them separately from one another.
  7. The electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of the preceding claims, wherein the second material has a greater thermal conductivity than the first material, and wherein the electrical conductivity of the second material lies within the order of magnitude of the electrical conductivity of the first material.
  8. The electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of the preceding claims, wherein in a region lying away from the first electrical contact surface (204) one or several elements and/or devices for heat dissipation to an environment and/or a cooling device are provided.
  9. A plug (100) or socket (200) of an electrical plug-in system having at least one electrical contact element (202) according to one or several of claims 1 to 8.
  10. The plug (100) or socket (200) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one electrical contact element (202) is displaceably mounted against a force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element (202).
  11. The plug (100) or socket (200) according to claim 10, wherein the force acting in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact element (202) is generated by a spring (108, 208) mounted in the housing accommodating the electrical contact element (202) or by a flexible housing part.
  12. The plug (100) or socket (200) according to claim 11, wherein the plug (100) has at least one first region (110), which can be detachably positively connected to a corresponding second region (210) of the socket (200), wherein in the connected state of the plug (100) and socket (200) their electrical contact elements (102, 202) are pressed together by the force acting in the longitudinal direction.
  13. The plug (100) or socket (200) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the housing (101) of the plug (100) engages over that of the socket (200) or the housing (201) of the socket (200) engages over that of the plug (100).
  14. The plug (100) or socket (200) according to one or several of claims 11 to 13, wherein the housings (101, 201) of plug (100) and socket (200) in the connected state prevent a penetration of solid bodies and/or fluids.
EP17306829.7A 2017-12-19 2017-12-19 Electrical contact element of a plug system Active EP3503304B1 (en)

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EP17306829.7A EP3503304B1 (en) 2017-12-19 2017-12-19 Electrical contact element of a plug system

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EP17306829.7A EP3503304B1 (en) 2017-12-19 2017-12-19 Electrical contact element of a plug system

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EP3503304B1 true EP3503304B1 (en) 2020-08-26

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JPS60124873U (en) * 1984-02-02 1985-08-22 株式会社高岳製作所 ground rod
US6490160B2 (en) * 1999-07-15 2002-12-03 Incep Technologies, Inc. Vapor chamber with integrated pin array
CN105207130B (en) * 2009-09-14 2018-11-23 阿雷沃国际公司 underground modular high-voltage direct current electric power transmission system
CN103715573A (en) * 2013-12-20 2014-04-09 镇江市丹徒区佳兴电子有限公司 Radio frequency coaxial connector internal conductor
KR101804465B1 (en) * 2016-08-24 2017-12-04 주식회사 유라코퍼레이션 Terminal assembly

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