EP4614730A1

EP4614730A1 - A connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector

Info

Publication number: EP4614730A1
Application number: EP24162041.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Larsson; Torbjörn HAGSTRÖM
Original assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Current assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Priority date: 2024-03-07
Filing date: 2024-03-07
Publication date: 2025-09-10

Abstract

A connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector. Each one of a first and a second inner washer has a respective mating surface shaped as a spherical cap. The inner washers are configured to be provided on opposite sides of a busbar so that said mating surfaces face away from the busbar. Each one of a first and a second outer connecting portion have a mating surface for mating with the mating surface of the respective inner washer such that at least a portion of the first inner washer is stacked between the first outer connecting portion and the first side of the busbar, and such that at least a portion of the second inner washer is stacked between said opposite second side of the busbar and the second outer connecting portion. A fastener extends though the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer and into the electrical connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a connecting arrangement. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to a connecting arrangement connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a busbar-connector assembly comprising such a connecting arrangement. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising such a connecting arrangement or such a busbar-connector assembly. The disclosure can be applied to heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, among other vehicle types. Although the disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, the disclosure is not restricted to any particular vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Electric or hybrid electric vehicles may include a busbar for distribution of power to various subsystems of the vehicles. It is desirable to have a good electrical connection between the busbar and the connector so that transfer of current from the busbar to a connector becomes satisfactory. When a stiff busbar is to be connected to a stiff connector, it may be difficult to achieve proper mechanical alignment, which will also affect the ability to properly transferring current from the busbar to the connector.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector, the connecting arrangement comprising:

a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, configured to connect a busbar to a connector, the fastener comprising a head and a shank,
a first inner washer,
a second inner washer,

each one of the first and second inner washer having a respective mating surface shaped as a spherical cap, wherein the first inner washer and the second inner washer are configured to be provided on a first side and an opposite second side, respectively, of a busbar so that said mating surfaces face away from the busbar,
- a first outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the first inner washer such that at least a portion of the first inner washer is stacked between the first outer connecting portion and the first side of the busbar,
- a second outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the second inner washer such that at least a portion of the second inner washer is stacked between said opposite second side of the busbar and the second outer connecting portion,
wherein the shank of the fastener projects from the head of the fastener and is configured to extend though the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer and into the electrical connector. The first aspect of the disclosure may seek to overcome the problem of properly aligning a busbar in relation to connector, in particular a stiff busbar relative to a stiff connector. A technical benefit may include that by providing components having the above-mentioned mating surfaces, each mating surface shaped as a spherical cap, the busbar can be adjusted to the position and angle of the electrical connector without having to make the busbar itself flexible.

The busbar may suitably be oriented in various different possible positions relative to the electrical connector. For instance, considering an axis of rotation, such as defined by the longitudinal extension of the shaft of the fastener, the busbar may suitable be rotated 360° about said axis of rotation. Furthermore, the busbar may be suitably angled relative to the electrical connector. With respect to said axis of rotation, the busbar may thus be tilted/inclined in different angles relative to said axis of rotation.
In geometry, the term "spherical cap" is known as the region of a sphere which lies above (or below) a given plane. If the plane passes through the centre of the sphere, the spherical cap may also be referred to as a hemisphere. For practical reasons, each mating surface may suitably have a shape of a spherical cap which is smaller than a hemisphere (i.e. the smaller half of the sphere intersected by a given plane). However, it is also technically possible to design the mating surfaces such that the spherical cap shape is equal to or larger than a hemisphere (similarly to a ball joint). As should be understood, a spherical cap shaped mating surface is assumed to have constant, or substantially constant, radius. As should also be understood from the above explanation, each one of the above-mentioned mating surfaces will define a portion of a sphere. As will be understood from discussions later in this disclosure, a mating surface may either form a convex surface, i.e. representing an external side of a geometrical spherical cap shape, or a mating surface may form a concave surface, i.e. representing an internal side of a geometrical spherical cap shape.
By providing inner washers and outer connecting portions, each having mating surfaces shaped as spherical caps, the busbar can be appropriately positioned and angled relative to the electrical connector before the fastener is tightened to fixate the busbar relative to the electrical connector. The fastener, and in particular the shank of the fastener, will normally have a predefined alignment with the electrical connector. By having the mutually abutting rounded mating surfaces on both sides of the busbar, the busbar may be angled in relation to the electrical connector as well as in relation to the fastener.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the mating surface of the first inner washer may have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion. A technical benefit may include that the interfacing area between the mating surface of the first inner washer and the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion can be made relatively large, and thereby providing much flexibility when it comes to positioning and angling of the busbar, in particular when it comes to angling of the busbar relative to the fastener.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the mating surface of the second inner washer may have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion. A technical benefit may include that the interfacing area between the mating surface of the second inner washer and the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion can be made relatively large, and thereby providing much flexibility when it comes to positioning and angling of the busbar, in particular when it comes to angling of the busbar relative to the electrical connector.
In at least some examples, the mating surface of the first inner washer may have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the second inner washer. A technical benefit may include that only one type of inner washer needs to be manufactured, and each inner washer may selectively be used as a first inner washer or as a second inner washer.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the mating surface of one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion may be convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion may be concave. Thus, in examples in which the mating surface of the first inner washer is convex, the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion is concave. Conversely, in examples in which the mating surface of the first inner washer is concave, the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion is convex. Technical benefits may be largely analogous to the above-mentioned benefits.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the mating surface of one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion may be convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion may be concave. Thus, in examples in which the mating surface of the second inner washer is convex, the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion is concave. Conversely, in examples in which the mating surface of the second inner washer is concave, the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion is convex. Technical benefits may be largely analogous to the above-mentioned benefits.
In at least some examples, in which the mating surface of the first inner washer and the mating surface of the second inner washer are both convex, then the spherical cap defined by the mating surface of the first inner washer and the spherical cap defined by the mating surface of the second inner washer may suitably form part of a common geometrical sphere which is intersected by the busbar. A technical benefit may include an improved positional and angular control when connecting the busbar to the electrical connector.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, each one of the first and second inner washers may have a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein, for at least one of the first and second inner washers, the through hole may widen towards the mating surface of that inner washer, thereby facilitating tilting of the shank of the fastener relative to that inner washer during assembling of the connecting arrangement. A technical benefit may include even more flexible positioning and angling control when a busbar is to be connected to an electrical connector. Suitably, the through hole of each one of the first and second inner washers may have such a widening. Thus, the cross-sectional area of each one of the through holes of the first and second inner washers may be gradually reduced towards the centre of the connecting arrangement.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the connector arrangement may comprise said electrical connector, wherein said first outer connecting portion may form part of the head of the fastener, and wherein said second outer connecting portion may form part of the electrical connector. A technical benefit may include that a low number of component may be used, while still providing for the desirable flexibility when it comes to positioning and/or angling of the busbar relative to the electrical connector.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the connecting arrangement may further comprise a first outer washer and a second outer washer, wherein said first outer connecting portion forms part of the first outer washer, wherein the first outer washer is configured to be stacked between the head of the fastener and the first inner washer,

wherein said second outer connecting portion forms part of the second outer washer, wherein the second outer washer is configured to be stacked between the second inner washer and the electrical connector,
wherein the shank of the fastener is configured to extend through the first outer washer, the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer, the second outer washer and into the electrical connector. A technical benefit may include that the head of the fastener, and the electrical connector do not need to be designed to match the curvature of the mating surfaces of the first and second inner washers, respectively. Rather, if desired, the head of the fastener and the electrical connector may have substantially flat surfaces, and instead sandwiched first and second outer washers are provided with the matching curvatures of the mating surfaces.

From the above it can thus be understood that either one of the first and second outer connecting portions can form part of an outer washer (i.e. an additional component), or can be an integral part of the head of the fastener or of the electrical connector. Furthermore, any combination of these options is conceivable. For example, in some examples, the first outer connecting portion may be an integral part of the head of the fastener, mating with the first inner washer, whereas the second inner washer mates with an outer washer sandwiched between the second inner washer and the electrical connector. Similarly, in some examples, the second outer connecting portion may be an integral part of the electrical connector, mating with the second inner washer, whereas the first inner washer mates with an outer washer sandwiched between the first inner washer and the head of the fastener.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, each one of said first outer washer, first inner washer, second inner washer and second outer washer may be provided with a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through holes of the first and second inner washers may have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the first outer washer. A technical benefit may include that, by having relatively large through holes in the inner washers, the shank of the fastener can be tilted within those through holes, thereby allowing for increased flexibility when it comes to positioning and angling of the busbar when connecting it to the electrical connector.
Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the through holes of the first and second inner washers may have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the second outer washer. Analogously to above, a technical benefit may include that, by having relatively large through holes in the inner washers, the shank of the fastener can be tilted within those through holes, thereby allowing for increased flexibility when it comes to positioning and angling of the busbar when connecting it to the electrical connector.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a busbar-connector assembly, comprising:

a busbar,
an electrical connector, and
a connecting arrangement according to the first aspect (including any example thereof), wherein the busbar-connector assembly forms a stack from the head of the fastener to the electrical connector. The second aspect of the disclosure may seek to overcome the corresponding problem and may provide the corresponding technical benefits as discussed above in relation to the first aspect (including any example thereof).

Optionally in some examples of the second aspect, including in at least one preferred example, the busbar may comprise a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through hole of the busbar has a larger diameter than the diameter of the through hole of any one of said washers. A technical benefit may include that the enlarged through hole in the busbar may allow it to receive portions of the inner washers for improved engagement between the busbar and the inner washers, without limiting the alignment flexibility that is achieved by the provision of the inner washers and their mating surfaces shaped as spherical caps.
Optionally in some examples of the second aspect, including in at least one preferred example, at least one of the first inner washer and second inner washer may be configured to be press-fitted to the busbar. A technical benefit may include that the engagement between the busbar and the inner washers may be improved.
Optionally, in some examples of the second aspect, including in at least one preferred example, each one of the first and second inner washers may comprise a central hollow boss extending into the through hole of the busbar. A technical benefit may include that such a central hollow boss may function as a guide and/or provide friction fit when being received by the through hole of the busbar. Thus, the assembling may be facilitated and/or the engagement between the busbar and the inner washers may be improved. For example, the diameter of the outer perimeter of the central hollow boss may suitably correspond to the diameter of the through hole of the busbar to provide such a friction fit. The inner perimeter of the central hollow boss may define a part of the through hole of the inner washer. For example, the central hollow boss may suitably project from a main portion of the inner washer, such that the through hole of the inner washer extends through the main portion as well through as the central hollow boss.
Optionally, in some examples of the second aspect, including in at least one preferred example, the shank of the fastener may be provided with a thread for engaging with a corresponding thread in the electrical connector, wherein the busbar-connector assembly has:

an adjustment state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener and the electrical connector is such that the fastener, together with the first and second outer connecting portions, is tiltable relative to the first and second inner washers, and
a fixation state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener and the electrical connector is such that the first and second outer connecting portions are substantially fixed relative to the first and second inner washers, respectively.

In any aspect of this disclosure, the first inner washer, the second inner washer, the first outer connection portion and the second outer connecting portion may be of metal or other electrically conductive material. Similarly, the fastener may suitably be of metal or other electrically conductive material. Furthermore, in examples that include a first outer washer and a second outer washer, those components may also be of metal or other electrically conductive material.
Although the head of the fastener normally has a larger diameter than the shank, the diameter of the head does not necessarily need to be as large as the component with which it is in contact, as long as it holds the component in place when the stack of components are in a fixation state.
According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a vehicle comprising a connecting arrangement according to the first aspect (including any example thereof) or a busbar-connector assembly according to the second aspect (including any example thereof). The third aspect of the disclosure may seek to overcome the corresponding problem and may provide the corresponding technical benefits as discussed above in relation to the first aspect (including any example thereof) and/or in relation to the second aspect (including any example thereof).
The disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and/or accompanying claims may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to one example of this disclosure.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly including a connecting arrangement, in accordance with one example of this disclosure.
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly including a connecting arrangement, in accordance with another example of this disclosure.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly including a connecting arrangement, in accordance with yet another example of this disclosure.
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates some components of a connecting arrangement prior to connecting a busbar to an electrical connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.
Busbars are commonly used for distributing power to various subsystems of vehicles. However, until now, it has been a challenge to arrange a busbar in a desired positional and/or angular orientation in relation to an electrical connector, while still enabling a satisfactory transfer of electrical current from the busbar to the electrical connector. The limited flexibility in orienting the busbar without compromising on the transfer of electrical current is a hurdle in vehicle manufacturing of today. The present disclosure provides a solution in which great positional and angular flexibility is achievable without compromising on the ability to properly transfer electrical current from the busbar to the electrical connector. In particular, in accordance with the present disclosure, a connecting arrangement is provided with inner washers to be placed on respective sides of a busbar. The inner washers have mating surfaces shaped as spherical caps, each of which cooperating with matching mating surfaces of outer connector portions of the connecting arrangement. This allows for a great freedom of positioning and angling of the busbar relative to the electrical connector.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1 according to one example of this disclosure. The exemplary illustration in FIG. 1 shows a tractor unit for towing a trailer unit (not shown), which together make up a semitrailer vehicle. However, the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to other types of vehicles as well. For instance, the vehicle may be a different type of vehicle for cargo transport, such as a truck, or a truck with a dolly unit arranged to tow a trailer unit, etc. Other conceivable examples include a bus, construction equipment or other vehicle types. The vehicle 1 may, for instance, be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. The illustrated vehicle 1 comprises a cabin 2 in which a driver may operate the vehicle 1. However, in other exemplary embodiments the vehicle 1 may be an autonomous, i.e., self-driving, vehicle.
The vehicle 1 may comprise a connecting arrangement as disclosed herein (including any example thereof) and/or a busbar-connector assembly as disclosed herein (including any example thereof).
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly 10 including a connecting arrangement 12, in accordance with one example of this disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled state, in which a busbar 14 has been connected to an electrical connector 16 by means of the connecting arrangement 12. The connecting arrangement 12 thus provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the busbar 14 and the electrical connector 16.
The connecting arrangement 12 comprises a fastener 18 configured to connect the busbar 14 to the electrical connector 16. The fastener 18 may, for example, be in the form of a screw or a bolt. The fastener 18 comprises a head 18a and a shank 18b projecting from the head 18a. The connecting arrangement 12 also comprises a first inner washer 20 and a second inner washer 22. Each one of the first inner washer 20 and the second inner washer 22 has a respective mating surface 20a, 22a shaped as a spherical cap. The first inner washer 20 is configured to be provided on a first side 14a of the busbar 14. The second inner washer 22 is configured to be provided on an opposite second side 14b of the busbar 14. Each one of said mating surfaces 20a, 22b of the first and second inner washers 20, 22 face away from the busbar 14. In other words, the mating surface 20a of the first inner washer 20 faces an opposite direction compared to the mating surface 22a of the second inner washer 22.
The connecting arrangement 12 further comprises a first outer connecting portion 24 having a mating surface 24a shaped as a spherical cap. In this example, the first outer connecting portion 24 is illustrated as being, or forming part of, a first outer washer 24. However, in other examples, the first outer connecting portion 24 may form part of the head of the fastener. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the mating surface 24a of the first outer connecting portion 24 is configured to mate with the mating surface 20a of the first inner washer 20 such that at least a portion of the first inner washer 20 is stacked between the first outer connecting portion 24 and the first side 14a of the busbar 14. Thus, in the assembled state, at least a portion of the first inner washer 20 can be considered to be sandwiched between the first outer connecting portion 24 and the first side 14a of the busbar 14.
The connecting arrangement 12 further comprises a second outer connecting portion 26 having a mating surface 26a shaped as a spherical cap. In this example, the second outer connecting portion 26 is illustrated as being, or forming part of, a second outer washer 26. However, in other examples, the second outer connecting portion 26 may form part of the electrical connector 16. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the mating surface 26a of the second outer connecting portion 26 is configured to mate with the mating surface 22a of the second inner washer 22 such that at least a portion of the second inner washer 22 is stacked between said opposite second side 14b of the busbar 14 and the second outer connecting portion 26. Thus, in the assembled state, at least a portion of the second inner washer 22 can be considered to be sandwiched between the second outer connecting portion 26 and said opposite second side 14b of the busbar 14.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the shank 18b of the fastener 18 projects from the head 18a of the fastener and is configured to extend through the first inner washer 20, the busbar 14, the second inner washer 26 and into the electrical connector 16. In this example the shank 18b also extends through the first outer washer 24 and the second outer washer 26. Thus, in the illustrated example, the first outer washer 24 is configured to be stacked between the head 18a of the fastener 18 and the first inner washer 20. The second outer washer 26 is configured to be stacked between the second inner washer 22 and the electrical connector 16. Hence, in this example, the shank 18b of the fastener 18 is configured to extend through the first outer washer 24, the first inner washer 20, the busbar 14, the second inner washer 22, the second outer washer 26 and into the electrical connector 16.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2 , each one of the first outer washer 24, first inner washer b, second inner washer 22 and second outer washer 26 is provided with a through hole for receiving the shank 18b of the fastener 18. As further illustrated in the example of FIG. 2 , the through holes of the first and second inner washers 20, 22 may have a larger diameter d1 compared to the diameter d2 of the through holes of the first and second outer washers 24, 26.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2 , the busbar 14 comprises a through hole for receiving the shank 18b of the fastener 18. The through-hole of the busbar 14 may suitably have a larger diameter d3 than the diameter d1, d2 of the through hole of any one of the washers 20, 22, 24, 26. This may also be the case for examples in which only the two inner washers 20, 22 are used and the two outer washers 24, 26 have been replaced by other outer connector portion forming features.
At least one of the first inner washer 20 and the second inner washer 22 may be configured to be press-fitted to the busbar 14. In the illustrated example, both inner washers 20, 22 have been press-fitted to the busbar 14. In particular, the enlarged through-hole of the busbar 14 has been utilized for achieving such a press-fitting. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , each one of the first and second inner washers 20, 22 comprises a central hollow boss 20b, 22b extending into the through hole of the busbar 14. The diameter d1 of the inner perimeter of the central hollow boss 20b, 22b is large enough to conveniently allow the shank 18b of the fastener 18 to be inserted therethrough. However, the diameter of the outer perimeter of the central hollow boss 20b, 22b is dimensioned to tightly fit to a circumferential wall portion 14c of the busbar 14 defining the through hole of the busbar 14. Hereby, a tight press-fit is achievable.
The shank 18b of the fastener 18 may suitably be provided with a thread 18c for engaging with a corresponding thread 16a in the electrical connector 16. The busbar-connector assembly 10 may have an adjustment state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener 18 and the electrical connector 16 is such that the fastener 18, together with the first and second outer connecting portions 24, 26 (in FIG. 2 , first and second outer washers 24, 26), is tiltable relative to the first and second inner washers 20, 22. The busbar-connector assembly 10 may also have a fixation state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener 18 and the electrical connector 16 is such that the first and second outer connecting portions 24, 26 (in FIG. 2 , first and second outer washers 24, 26) are substantially fixed relative to the first and second inner washers 20, 22, respectively. As already explained, in this example in FIG. 2 , the first and second outer connecting portions 24, 26 are formed by the first and second outer washers 24, 26, respectively. However, the corresponding principle of having an adjustment state in which the fastener 18 is tiltable in an adjustment state and is fixable in a fixation state of the stack of components, is implementable in other examples in which the outer connecting portions are presented by other features than said outer washers.
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly 100 including a connecting arrangement 102, in accordance with another example of this disclosure. In this example, the first and second outer washers have been omitted. Instead the outer connecting portions 104, 106 are formed by the head 108a of the fastener 108 and by the electrical connector 110, respectively. Thus, the electrical connector 110 is regarded to form part of the actual connecting arrangement 102. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the electrical connector 110 is shaped to mate with the second inner washer 112. Similarly, the head 108a of the fastener 108 is shaped to mate with the first inner washer 114. Thus, in this example, the connecting arrangement 102 further comprises said electrical connector 110, wherein said first outer connecting portion 104 forms part of the head 108a of the fastener 108, and wherein said second outer connecting portion 106 forms part of the electrical connector 110.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a busbar-connector assembly 200 including a connecting arrangement 202, in accordance with yet another example of this disclosure. As can be seen in this example, each one of the first and second inner washers 204, 206 has a through hole 210, 212 for receiving a shank 208b of a fastener 208, the shank 208b projecting from a head 208a of the fastener 208. The through hole 210 of the first inner washer 204 widens towards the mating surface 204a of the first inner washer 204. Similarly, the through hole 212 of the second inner washer 206 widens towards the mating surface 206a of the second inner washer 206. Having one or two such widening through holes 210, 212 may facilitate tilting of the shank 208b of the fastener 208 relative to the inner washers 204, 206 during assembling of the connecting arrangement 202. Although in this example in FIG. 4 , the connecting arrangement is illustrated as being void of outer washers similarly to the example in FIG. 3 , it should be understood that widening through holes for the inner washers 204, 206 may also be provided in other examples, such as examples which include outer washers (for instance, as in the example of FIG. 2 ).
As illustrated in each one of the examples in FIGS. 2-4 , the mating surface 20a, 114a, 204a of the first inner washer 20, 114, 204 may have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface 24a, 104a of the first outer connecting portion 24, 104. Similarly, the mating surface 22a, 112a, 206a of the second inner washer 22, 112, 206 may have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface 26a, 106a of the second outer connecting portion 26, 106. As furthermore illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 , the mating surface 20a, 114a, 204a of the first inner washer 20, 114, 204 may suitably be convex, and the mating surface 24a, 104a of the first outer connecting portion 24, 104 may be concave. Similarly, the mating surface 22a, 112a, 206a of the second inner washer 22, 112, 206 may be convex, and the mating surface 26a, 106a of the second outer connecting portion 26, 106 may be concave. However, it should be understood that although the drawing figures have illustrated convex mating surfaces for the inner washers and concave mating surfaces for the outer connecting portions, it should be understood that the opposite is also conceivable, i.e. to let one or both of the inner washers have concave mating surfaces, and to let one or both of the outer connecting portions have convex mating surfaces.
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates some components of a connecting arrangement prior to connecting a busbar 304 to an electrical connector (not shown). In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates that a U-shaped clamp 306 may be provided to keep together a package of inner and outer washers 308 on a busbar 304. Thus, the busbar 304 may be prepared in this way before it is brough to the electrical connector for connecting the busbar 304 to the electrical connector.
Example 1: A connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector, the connecting arrangement comprising:

a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, configured to connect a busbar to an electrical connector, the fastener comprising a head and a shank,
a first inner washer,
a second inner washer,

each one of the first and second inner washer having a respective mating surface shaped as a spherical cap, wherein the first inner washer and the second inner washer are configured to be provided on a first side and an opposite second side, respectively, of a busbar so that said mating surfaces face away from the busbar,
- a first outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the first inner washer such that at least a portion of the first inner washer is stacked between the first outer connecting portion and the first side of the busbar,
- a second outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the second inner washer such that at least a portion of the second inner washer is stacked between said opposite second side of the busbar and the second outer connecting portion,
wherein the shank of the fastener projects from the head of the fastener and is configured to extend though the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer and into the electrical connector

Example 2: The device of example 1, wherein the mating surface of the first inner washer has the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion.
Example 3: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-2, wherein the mating surface of the second inner washer has the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion.
Example 4: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-3, wherein the mating surface of one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion is convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion is concave.
Example 5: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-4, wherein the mating surface of one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion is convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion is concave.
Example 6: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-5, wherein each one of the first and second inner washers has a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein, for at least one of the first and second inner washers, the through hole widens towards the mating surface of that inner washer, thereby facilitating tilting of the shank of the fastener relative to that inner washer during assembling of the connecting arrangement.
Example 7: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-6, further comprising said electrical connector, wherein said first outer connecting portion forms part of the head of the fastener, and wherein said second outer connecting portion forms part of the electrical connector.
Example 8: The connecting arrangement of any of examples 1-6, further comprising a first outer washer and a second outer washer,

wherein said first outer connecting portion forms part of the first outer washer, wherein the first outer washer is configured to be stacked between the head of the fastener and the first inner washer,
wherein said second outer connecting portion forms part of the second outer washer, wherein the second outer washer is configured to be stacked between the second inner washer and the electrical connector,
wherein the shank of the fastener is configured to extend through the first outer washer, the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer, the second outer washer and into the electrical connector.

Example 9: The connecting arrangement of example 8, wherein each one of said first outer washer, first inner washer, second inner washer and second outer washer is provided with a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through holes of the first and second inner washers have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the first outer washer.
Example 10: The connecting arrangement of example 9, wherein the through holes of the first and second inner washers have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the second outer washer.
Example 11: A busbar-connector assembly, comprising:

a busbar,
an electrical connector, and
a connecting arrangement according to any one of examples 1-10,

Example 12: The busbar-connector assembly of example 11, wherein the busbar comprises a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through hole of the busbar has a larger diameter than the diameter of the through hole of any one of said washers.
Example 13: The busbar-connector assembly of any one of examples 11-12, wherein at least one of the first inner washer and second inner washer is configured to be press-fitted to the busbar.
Example 14: The busbar-connector assembly of any one of examples 11-13, wherein each one of the first and second inner washers comprises a central hollow boss extending into the through hole of the busbar.
Example 15: The busbar-connector assembly of any one of examples 11-14, wherein the shank of the fastener is provided with a thread for engaging with a corresponding thread in the electrical connector, wherein the busbar-connector assembly has:

Example 16: A vehicle comprising a connecting arrangement according to any one of examples 1-10 or a busbar-connector assembly according to any one of examples 11-15.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

A connecting arrangement for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a busbar and an electrical connector, the connecting arrangement comprising:
- a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, configured to connect a busbar to an electrical connector, the fastener comprising a head and a shank,

- a first inner washer,

- a second inner washer,

each one of the first and second inner washer having a respective mating surface shaped as a spherical cap, wherein the first inner washer and the second inner washer are configured to be provided on a first side and an opposite second side, respectively, of a busbar so that said mating surfaces face away from the busbar,
- a first outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the first inner washer such that at least a portion of the first inner washer is stacked between the first outer connecting portion and the first side of the busbar,

- a second outer connecting portion having a mating surface shaped as a spherical cap and configured to mate with the mating surface of the second inner washer such that at least a portion of the second inner washer is stacked between said opposite second side of the busbar and the second outer connecting portion,

wherein the shank of the fastener projects from the head of the fastener and is configured to extend though the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer and into the electrical connector.
The connecting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the mating surface of the first inner washer has the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the first outer connecting portion.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-2, wherein the mating surface of the second inner washer has the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the mating surface of the second outer connecting portion.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-3, wherein the mating surface of one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion is convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said first inner washer and said first outer connecting portion is concave.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-4, wherein the mating surface of one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion is convex, and the mating surface of the other one of said second inner washer and said second outer connecting portion is concave.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-5, wherein each one of the first and second inner washers has a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein, for at least one of the first and second inner washers, the through hole widens towards the mating surface of that inner washer, thereby facilitating tilting of the shank of the fastener relative to that inner washer during assembling of the connecting arrangement.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-6, further comprising said electrical connector, wherein said first outer connecting portion forms part of the head of the fastener, and wherein said second outer connecting portion forms part of the electrical connector.
The connecting arrangement of any of claims 1-6, further comprising a first outer washer and a second outer washer,
wherein said first outer connecting portion forms part of the first outer washer, wherein the first outer washer is configured to be stacked between the head of the fastener and the first inner washer,

wherein said second outer connecting portion forms part of the second outer washer, wherein the second outer washer is configured to be stacked between the second inner washer and the electrical connector,

wherein the shank of the fastener is configured to extend through the first outer washer, the first inner washer, the busbar, the second inner washer, the second outer washer and into the electrical connector.
The connecting arrangement of claim 8, wherein each one of said first outer washer, first inner washer, second inner washer and second outer washer is provided with a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through holes of the first and second inner washers have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the first outer washer.
The connecting arrangement of claim 9, wherein the through holes of the first and second inner washers have larger diameter compared to the diameter of the through hole of the second outer washer.
A busbar-connector assembly, comprising:
- a busbar,

- an electrical connector, and

- a connecting arrangement according to any one of claims 1-10,
wherein the busbar-connector assembly forms a stack from the head of the fastener to the electrical connector.
The busbar-connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the busbar comprises a through hole for receiving the shank of the fastener, wherein the through hole of the busbar has a larger diameter than the diameter of the through hole of any one of said washers.
The busbar-connector assembly of any one of claims 11-12, wherein at least one of the first inner washer and second inner washer is configured to be press-fitted to the busbar.
The busbar-connector assembly of any one of claims 11-13, wherein each one of the first and second inner washers comprises a central hollow boss extending into the through hole of the busbar.
The busbar-connector assembly of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the shank of the fastener is provided with a thread for engaging with a corresponding thread in the electrical connector, wherein the busbar-connector assembly has:
- an adjustment state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener and the electrical connector is such that the fastener, together with the first and second outer connecting portions, is tiltable relative to the first and second inner washers, and

- a fixation state of the stack, in which the engagement between the fastener and the electrical connector is such that the first and second outer connecting portions are substantially fixed relative to the first and second inner washers, respectively.
A vehicle comprising a connecting arrangement according to any one of claims 1-10 or a busbar-connector assembly according to any one of claims 11-15.