NO347723B1

NO347723B1 - Electrical connector for an electric socket for an electric plug of a charging cable, an electric socket comprising such electrical connector, a charging station comprising such electric socket and methods of connecting an electrical connector

Info

Publication number: NO347723B1
Application number: NO20211363A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Kjetil Naesje; Jonas Næsje
Original assignee: Easee As
Priority date: 2021-11-12
Filing date: 2021-11-12
Publication date: 2024-03-11
Also published as: CN118401396A; WO2023085950A1; NO20211363A1; EP4429911A1

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR AN ELECTRIC SOCKET FOR AN ELECTRIC PLUG OF A CHARGING CABLE, AN ELECTRIC SOCKET COMPRISING SUCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, A CHARGING STATION COMPRISING SUCH ELECTRIC SOCKET AND METHODS OF CONNECTING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an electrical connector for an electric socket for an electric plug of a charging cable for connecting an electric vehicle with a charging station. The invention further relates to an electric socket comprising a plurality of such electrical connectors. The invention also relates to a charging station comprising such electric socket. The invention further relates to method of connecting an electrical connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the demand for electric vehicles grows, so does the need for charging stations for such electric vehicles. Many residential areas and workplace parking lots can be found nowadays having several charging stations. In the manufacturing of such charging stations there is an enormous pressure on the manufacturing costs in order to keep the price for the customer acceptable and be competitive in the market.

A charging station is typically connected to the fuse box of a house or other type of residence. This connection is typically hardwired and carried out by an electrician in order to comply with the safety standards. The charging station itself is typically provided with an electric socket (in Europe often a type-2 socket) into which a charging cable is to be plugged for connecting the electric car with the charging station.

Electric sockets typically comprise a plurality of electrical connectors that are spaced apart in accordance with the standard of the plug to be connected, i.e., a type-2 electric plug. In a type-2 electric socket there are 5 larger connector pins, each for receiving a phase (L1, L2, N3, N) or ground (PE), and two smaller connector pins (PP, CP), i.e., the signal pins, which serve for safety purposes.

For a safe product it is of utmost important that all connector pins of the electric socket are properly internally connected to the internal circuitry of the charging station, but also that these connector pins are properly connected to the connector pins of the electric plug of the charging cable. Known technologies for making electrical connections are soldering, crimping, and screw terminals.

The inventors identified a clear need for further reducing the costs of the charging stations while ensuring at least the same level of electric performance and safety or even to achieve a better electric performance. It is impossible to achieve too much safety in this kind of products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

The object is achieved through features which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an electrical connector in accordance with claim 1.

A feature of the electrical connector is that it uses one or more flexible members to define the receiving space. A minimum dimension of the receiving space may be chosen to correspond with a size of the conductor end of the electrical conductor, such as for the at least one flexible member to be caused to be pre-tensioned by bending outwardly when the end of the electrical conductor is sufficiently inserted into the receiving space, which allows the electrical conductor to be clamped in the receiving space while maintaining a good electrical contact between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor. The inventor managed to design the electrical connector such that it may form the electrical contact that remains good over time with a fitting conductor without requiring any soldering, welding, crimping, or screwing. The only handling required is to press the electrical conductor into the receiving space of the first terminal.

It may be important that the conductor end is made relatively stiff, for instance using a single-strain copper conductor. Multi-strain copper conductors, in contrast, may be too elastic, which may render pre-tensioning very difficult. That being said, embodiments of the connector may work as described for connection with a multi-strain conductor. The conductor may be connected with circuitry on a printed circuit board, to a relay in the charging station, to a power rail in the charging station, or to another part of a circuitry in the charging station.

If the electrical conductor that the electrical connector is to receive in the receiving space is an electrical conductor with a relatively broad, rectangular cross-section, it may be beneficial for the electrical connector to have, e.g., two axially extending members of a form that corresponds well with the conductor wherein the two axially extending members defines a slit-like receiving space between them.

In the electrical connector according to the invention the plurality of axially extending members define a rectangular receiving space for receiving a rectangular conductor end of the electrical conductor. An embodiment with a rectangular receiving space is further discussed in the detailed description of the figures.

The alternative technologies for achieving a good electric contact are crimping, soldering, welding, or screw terminals, which each have their own disadvantages. What these technologies all have in common is that they generally require manual handling/operations by a human. Human handling/operations results in a tremendous additional cost in the manufacturing process, particularly in high-wage countries. The applicant identified that they could save more than 10 million euros per year by using the electrical connector according to the invention rather than an electrical connector from prior art that requires soldering. Additionally, a solderless solution is more friendly to the environment.

Soldering, even though quite often used, has several disadvantages as mentioned below: - A lot of manual work and expertise is required to ensure the soldering quality that is required by the application.

- The heating of the materials requires a high amount of energy, i.e., it is not a “green” solution.

- Highly-heated components can cause personnel injuries when accidentally touched.

- Soldering tin is very expensive and must be carefully added during heating (time consuming process).

- Soldering flux (chemicals) must be added to facilitate the soldering process, which may induce galvanic corrosion and/or increased surface conductivity in the supporting insulators, which may cause catastrophic failure.

- The electrical conductivity of tin is much lower than for copper, which may result in higher losses in a soldered connection than for a copper-copper direct connection.

- Soldering has a significant negative environmental footprint.

Crimping has, apart from requiring manual handling, also significant disadvantages as mentioned below:

- This technology works well for multi-strain (copper) wires, but does not work for single-strain conductors, which is due to copper being softer and having less memory than the (outer) crimp material, which is often brass or similar (stiffer) and machinable alloys.

Welding has, apart from requiring manual handling, also some disadvantages as mentioned below:

- During welding the materials will be severely heated and lose some of their initial properties.

- The welding spots will also be subject to excessive stress from movements in the plug assembly. For a typical application, the connection may need to be able to withstand at least 10000 plug-unplug cycles. This will be hard to achieve if stress is concentrated on the already weakened materials in the welding points.

- The excessive heat needed for welding makes it difficult to avoid possible corrosion phenomena at the welding spots during the lifetime of the product.

At least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages form part of the insights of the current invention. The invention overcomes many of these disadvantages in that it provides for a reliable and durable electrical contact without the need for tooling, soldering, chemicals, or additional parts, such as a bolt, nail, spring, screw, terminal, or something similar. The invention provides special features that make the electrical connection easy to manufacture, highly durable and highly electrically conductive using low-cost and non-toxic materials and using standard and widely available machining tools.

In order to facilitate understanding of the invention one or more expressions and aspects are further defined hereinafter.

The first terminal may comprise, e.g., two, three, more than three, four, five, six, eight or more than eight flexible members. In some embodiments, all of a plurality of axially extending members may be flexible. Typically, but not necessarily, the first terminal may comprise a plurality of axially extending members which are arranged symmetrically, forming between them the receiving space. Furthermore, all of the symmetrically arranged axially extending members may be flexible members. A symmetrical arrangement with a plurality of flexible members may be advantageous as it may provide an improved connection between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector for several reasons.

With a higher number of axially extending members, flexible or not, involved in the connection, the grip may be improved by having a higher number of gripping points, a load may be better and more evenly distributed and a higher number of contact points may improve conductivity between the connector and the conductor. Furthermore, it may be easier to machine the connector if a number of all flexible axially extending members are symmetrically arranged around a center area.

For facilitating a good connection between the electrical connector and the conductor, it may be of importance that the size, particularly the diameter, of the receiving space fits with the size, particularly the diameter, of the electrical conductor. The receiving space should have a slightly smaller diameter, in at least one part of the receiving space, than the electrical conductor. The at least one part of the receiving space may be referred to as a “clamping area”. The clamping area should have a diameter large enough for allowing insertion of the electrical conductor into the receiving space but simultaneously small enough that insertion of the electrical conductor into the receiving space causes at least one of the at least one flexible members to become pre-tensioned by bending outwardly. In some embodiments, a distance between two or more axially extending members, at least one of which being a flexible member, in the clamping area, might be of more importance than the area of the clamping area. The electrical connector may be configured to fit a given size of conductor. The diameter of the clamping area, or the distance between two or more of the axially extending members, at least one of which being a flexible member may, be, e.g., 2 millimeter, 3 millimeter, 4 millimeter, less than 2 millimeter or more than 4 millimeter.

One or more of the at least two axially extending members may comprise a protruding part, wherein the protruding part protrudes inwards to narrow the distance between two or more axially extending members, at least one of which being a flexible member, in a clamping area, the clamping area being a narrowest part of the receiving space in which the conductor end of the conductor is to be clamped by the at least one flexible member upon insertion of the conductor end into the receiving space. The protruding part may typically be at or near a distal end of the axially extending member or members, or, in some embodiments, be, e.g., in a middle portion of the axially extending member. In an advantageous embodiment of the electrical connector, each one of a plurality of axially extending members may comprise a protruding part protruding inwards, wherein the protruding parts defines the distance. Some embodiments of the electrical connector may comprise a plurality of protruding parts on one or more or each of the axially extending members.

The protruding part or parts may have a, e.g., a blunt edge or a sharp edge, wherein a sharp edge may be particularly advantageous as it may be configured to make an indentation or notch in the conductor which may improve the electrical connection between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor. The indentation or notch may improve the grip by the electrical connector on the electrical conductor and/or the conductivity between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector, relative to the grip and/or conductivity it would have without such a protruding part. It may be of importance to ensure that the indentation or notch is limited, that it does not run to deep into the electrical conductor. If the electrical connector cuts too deep into the electrical conductor, the conductor may become damaged. The level of the indentation or notch may be obtained e.g. by choosing a configuration of the one or more flexible members, by the stiffness or hardness of the material of the electrical connector/the flexible member or members or by the hardness of the material of the electrical conductor.

In an embodiment of the electrical connector according to the invention each of the protruding part or parts is shaped to define a contact surface with the electrical conductor when the conductor end of the electrical conductor is inserted into the receiving space in operational use and is clamped between the axially extending members in the clamping area. In operational use, the protruding parts are pressed against the electrical conductor by the resilient force(s) of the flexible member(s) and establish a good electrical contact between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor.

In an embodiment of the electrical connector according to the invention, the protruding part or parts are shaped with a tilted surface facing the receiving space such that outward bending of the flexible members is compensated for and a size of the contact surface with the electrical conductor is increased when the conductor end of the electrical conductor is inserted into the receiving space. This feature will be further explained in the detailed description of the figures.

In an embodiment of the electrical connector according to the invention, the narrowing of the receiving space in the clamping area is obtained by the axially extending members being bent towards each other when no electrical conductor is provided between the axially extending members. The one or more of the axially extending members and/or the at least one flexible member may be bent inwards towards the centre of the receiving space prior to insertion of a conductor in the receiving space. The bend may e.g. be a slight bend with an angle of less than 5 degrees or less than 10 degrees, or a greater bend with an angle of more than 10 degrees. The bend may be a bend of a part of the one or more axially extending members and/or the at least one flexible member, such as a distal part. Alternatively, the one or more of the axially extending members and/or the at least one flexible member may be thicker at the distal end than at a base of the members, such that the receiving space is narrower at a distal end of the receiving space than at a base end of the receiving space, thereby defining the clamping area. In embodiments of the electrical connector according to the invention, wherein one or more embodiments of the electrical connector wherein the axially extending members are either bent inwards, or have gradually increasing thickness towards the distal end of the axially extending, in a way that narrows the diameter of the receiving space at the distal end, may be advantageous as it may facilitate an improved connection between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector relative to embodiments of the electrical connector where the axially extending members do not have such a bend or gradually increasing thickness.

In an embodiment of the electrical connector in accordance with the invention the at least one flexible member comprises at least four flexible members spaced apart and provided around the receiving space, and even more preferably, at least six flexible members spaced apart and provided around the receiving space. All of or some of the axially extending members may be flexible members. For some uses, it may be beneficial with a small number of axially extending members, such as four axially extending members, wherein for other uses it may be beneficial with a larger number of axially extending members.

A plurality of axially extending members provides several advantages, e.g., a more even grip on the conductor, distribute a load more evenly, provide more gripping points, more contact points through which to transfer electricity which may increase the conductivity, and it may be make machining of the electrical connector less complicated. It is advantageous to have a plurality of flexible members, as that may, e.g., require less movement from each of the flexible members to provide the necessary grip on the conductor.

A receiving space having a pre-tension functionality as in the current invention can be formed with any number of flexible members, i.e., at least one flexible member that can bend outwardly. In the detailed description of the figures some of the embodiments presented here are discussed.

The electrical connector may comprise or be made of a material having advantageous properties for its use. The properties may include one or more of conductivity, stiffness, hardness, bending strength and other material properties. The material may advantageously be a material comprising copper, like, e.g., copper, tinned copper, or a copper alloy material comprising at least 50% copper, but other materials having suitable properties may be used. It may be of importance that the material has properties that allows for the one or more flexible members to be flexible yet strong and/or stiff enough to provide a good, electric contact between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector. A good electric contact may be one that ensures good conductivity between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector and/or a connection that holds the electrical conductor in place in the receiving space of the electrical connector. The connection may preferably be one that holds the electrical conductor in place in the receiving space even in events of forces up to a certain level that would cause movement of the electrical conductor if not for the grip on the conductor by the axially extending members. Furthermore, the connection may preferably be a gas-free connection, meaning a connection where current can flow directly from metal to metal, from the electrical conductor to the electrical connector, without traveling through a gas in between the two. It may be of importance that the material has properties that keeps the material from flowing, getting permanently deformed and/or becoming fatigued, even after 1000, 3000, 5000, or 10000 cycles of connection to and/or disconnection from the electrical conductor by insertion of and removal of the electrical conductor to and from the receiving space respectively.

The second terminal of the connector may be a male connector terminal, or the second terminal may be a female connector terminal. The second terminal may comprise any one or more of the features mentioned herein as features of the first terminal.

The electrical connector may be made from one piece of metal. The electrical connector may be machined, rolled or in other ways formed from one piece of metal or stamped sheet metal. The electrical connector may be one piece of, e.g., machined metal.

Having the electrical connector made from a single piece of metal has several advantages: It is advantageous in production, as a connector may be made simply through, e.g., machining by a single machine. There is no or little need for assembly after making the connector (although subsequent coating may be advantageous, as may other minor operations). With only one part, there is no need for assembly, no need for making small parts fit together with pristine accuracy of dimensions and tolerances. A single-piece connector may also be less spacious. Furthermore, an electrical connector made from a single piece of metal has fewer parts that can fail, which is a big advantage. The biggest weakness of electrical devices having many parts are often the connection between the parts. Connections may be vulnerable to damage and may cause a loss of energy and heating particularly if they become damaged when high currents are transferred through said connections. The heating may be damaging to material and hazardous to people.

The electrical connector may comprise a one-piece base unit that is machined from one piece of metal, wherein said base unit comprises the first end including the first terminal and the second end including the second terminal and a middle portion of the piece of metal connecting the two ends for transferring current between the two ends.

The axially extending members may be coated with a coating. The coating may be advantageous to improve one or more properties of the electrical connector. Coating of the axially extending members may improve one or more of, e.g., the hardness, the resilience, the electrical conductivity, and the ability to self-repair of the axially extending members. Silver may be used for coating and may be particularly advantageous for its ability to repair minor tears or scratches in the form of a coated axially extending member or similar by flowing back to or towards its original form. Other coating materials are possible, including, but not exclusively, any one of nickel, gold plating, zinc and copper.

In a second aspect, the invention may relate to an electrical assembly comprising the electrical connector according to the first aspect of the invention and the electrical conductor, wherein an end of the electrical conductor is placed inside the receiving space of the electrical connector and clamped by the at least one flexible member and wherein the electrical conductor thereby is connected to the electrical connector. The electrical conductor of the assembly may be connected, e.g., to a printed circuit board, to a relay, to a power rail, or to another part of an electrical circuitry. The printed circuit board, the relay, the power rail, or the other part of an electrical circuitry may be a part of a charging station, for example, or to another electrical apparatus. It should be noted, however, that a skilled person may understand that other uses are possible. It may be said that the electrical assembly is mounted on the printed circuit board. A plurality of such electrical assemblies may be mounted on the printed circuit board. A plurality of such electrical assemblies may be parts of a charging station, for example, or another electrical apparatus. When a plurality of such assemblies are to be mounted on the printed circuit board, these may be placed in a support unit first, before the whole unit is mounted on the printed circuit board. As parts of an electrical apparatus, they may also be placed in a support unit.

The electrical conductor may comprise or be made of a material suitable for an electrical conductor. The material of the electrical conductor may preferably be a material having one or more of the following properties: conductivity for conducting electricity efficiently, stiffness for enabling insertion a part of the electrical conductor into the receiving space without damaging the electrical conductor, and sufficient hardness for avoiding that the axially extending members damages the electrical conductor by scratching, scraping or digging to far into the electrical conductor at a point or points of connection between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor. The material may be e.g. a copper material, like copper, tinned copper, or a copper alloy material. Alternatively, the material may be aluminium. Other materials having suitable properties may also be useable.

The electrical conductor may be a single-strain conductor. A single-strain conductor may be preferable over a multi-strain conductor, as a solid multi-strain conductor may typically be more resilient than a multi-strain conductor.

The end portion of the electrical conductor may be pre-shaped to match a shape of the receiving space of the electrical connector. In the detailed description there is presented some embodiments, wherein the shape is chosen such that the electrical conductor is neatly held within the electrical connector. A shape pre-shaped to fit to the receiving space may be advantageous to improve a connection between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to an electric socket comprising the electrical connector according to the first aspect of the invention. The electric socket may comprise a plurality of the electrical connectors according to the first aspect of the invention. The plurality of electrical connectors may be spaced apart, e.g., spaced apart in accordance with a predefined standard socket, such as a type-2 electric socket. The invention may be commercialized in pre-fabricated electric sockets as well. Hence the applicant is entitled to such claim. Also, the price of such electric sockets is strongly reduced because of the reduced required labour during the solderless provision of the electrical conductor in the electrical connector.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, the charging station comprising the electric socket according to the third aspect of the invention comprising a plurality of electrical connectors spaced apart in accordance with a predefined standard socket such as a type-2 electric socket, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors is connected to electrical conductors in the charging station. The conductors in the charging station may each be connected to a connector in the electric socket in a first end of the conductor and to, e.g., a relay, to a printed circuit board, to a power rail, or to another part of a circuitry in the charging station in a second end of the conductor. The invention may also be commercialized in a complete charging station comprising the pre-fabricated electric sockets. Hence the applicant is entitled to such claim. Also, the price of such electric sockets is strongly reduced because of the reduced required labour during the solderless provision of the electrical conductor in the electrical connector.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method of connecting a terminal end of an electrical connector to a first conductor end of an electrical conductor for a charging station for charging an electrical vehicle, the method comprising steps of:

- providing the electrical conductor;

- providing the electrical connector in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the first terminal of the electrical connector is configured for receiving the first conductor end in the receiving space and for the at least one flexible member to become pre-tensioned upon receiving the first conductor end in the receiving space, and - pushing the first terminal of the electrical connector against the first conductor end to push the first conductor end into the receiving space of the electrical connector, to thereby pre-tension the at least one flexible member, to provide a clamping grip and to establish a good electric contact between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector. The method according to the fifth aspect of the invention may be sufficient to provide a proper electrical connection between the electrical connector and the electrical conductor and eliminate the need for other methods involving, e.g., soldering, crimping or screw terminals. The first terminal of the electrical connector may have a plurality of flexible members. More than one of the plurality of flexible members may be pre-tensioned upon insertion of the conductor into the first terminal. Having a plurality of flexible members, and/or having a plurality of flexible members be pre-tensioned upon insertion of the conductor into the first terminal of the electrical connector may further improve the electrical connection between the conductor and the electrical connector, and may as such be advantageous. The electrical conductor may be part of the charging station. The electrical conductor may have a second conductor end that is connected to, e.g., a printed circuit board, a relay, a power rail, or another part of a circuitry of the charging station.

The method may be repeated for a plurality of electrical connectors, each being connected to one of a plurality of electrical conductors. Each of the electrical connectors may be connected to one of the plurality of electrical conductors in by pushing the first terminal of the electrical connector against the first conductor end to push the first conductor end into the receiving space of the electrical connector, to thereby pre-tension the at least one flexible member, to provide a clamping grip and to establish a good electric contact between the electrical conductor and the electrical connector. The plurality of electrical connectors may be spaced apart in accordance with a predefined standard socket, such as, e.g., a type-2 electric socket. charging station

In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method of connecting a type-2 electric socket to a circuitry for a charging station for an electric vehicle, the type-2 electric socket comprising a plurality of electrical connectors in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the circuitry comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, each for connecting to one of the electrical connectors and each electrical conductor having a first conductor end for connecting to an electrical connector and a second conductor end connected to the circuitry. The method comprises a step of:

- connecting the plurality of electrical connectors to the circuitry by pushing the first terminal of each of the plurality of connectors against the first conductor end of one of the plurality of electrical conductors until the first conductor end of each of the electrical conductors has been pushed far enough into the receiving space of the electrical connector to which the electrical conductor is to connect for the at least one flexible member of the electrical connector to become pre-tensioned and to provide a clamping grip on the electrical conductor. The process of pushing the first conductor ends into the receiving space of the electrical connectors may be done for one connector at a time, or for a plurality of electrical connectors simultaneously.

The circuitry may be a circuitry for passing electricity through the charging station from a power source to an electric vehicle. The conductor may be connected, e.g., to a printed circuit board, to a relay, or to another part of the circuitry of the charging station

There is further disclosed an electrical device having an end portion with a terminal for connecting to a conductor, wherein the terminal comprises at least two axially extending members defining between them a receiving space, wherein at least one of the at least two axially extending members is a flexible member which is configured to be pretensioned by bending outwardly upon insertion of an end portion of the conductor into the receiving space, wherein the device is machined from a single piece of metal.

The electrical device may comprise any one or more of the features of the electrical connector. The electrical device may, e.g., be a device for receiving and using electricity through the terminal for the use of the device. As an example, the electrical device may be a form of a heater. Alternatively, the electrical device may, e.g., be a part of an electrical apparatus, wherein the electrical device is a type of connector for connecting the electrical apparatus to a power source for receiving electricity from the power source, wherein the conductor is for connecting the electrical device to the power source. The electrical device may comprise, in addition to the end portion with the terminal, a middle section for leading currency to, e.g., a heating element or to, e.g., a second terminal for connecting to another part of the electrical apparatus. The electrical device may be particularly advantageous as it offers a terminal for establishing a good electrical connection to a conductor without a need for soldering, cramping or welding, and where the connection between the conductor and the electrical device is simply a two-part connection. The device does not comprise a plurality of parts in its terminal, which reduces the number of connected parts which again reduces a risk of a faulty connection and potentially reduces a loss of energy through the transferring of currency through connections.

Furthermore, there is disclosed a further electrical assembly comprising an electrical connector and a conductor, wherein the conductor is part of a circuitry of an electrical apparatus, wherein the electrical connector and the conductor are connected together, wherein one of the electrical connector and the conductor has a female terminal end and the other has a male terminal end, wherein the female terminal end has at least two axially extending members defining between them a receiving space for receiving the male terminal end, and wherein at least one of the axially extending members is a flexible member arranged to be pre-tensioned upon insertion of the male terminal end into the receiving space of the female terminal end. The flexible member may be configured for providing a clamping grip on the male terminal end to secure a good electrical connection between the connector and the conductor upon insertion of the male terminal end into the female terminal end. The female terminal end may comprise any one or more of the features of the first terminal in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The electrical apparatus may be, e.g., a charging station for an electrical vehicle. The electrical conductor may be connected to a, e.g., printed circuit board, a relay, a power rail, or another part of the circuitry of the electrical apparatus. The electrical assembly may be part of the charging station. But it may alternatively be part of any other electrical apparatus for which it may be advantageous.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following is described examples of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an implementation of an electrical connector;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector of Fig.1;

Fig. 3 shows a different perspective view of the electrical connector of Fig.1;

Fig. 4a shows a sideview of the electrical connector of Fig.1;

Fig.4b shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Fig.4a;

Fig.5a shows part of the cross-sectional view of Fig.4b;

Fig.5b shows an enlarged view of Fig.5a;

Fig. 6a shows a connector assembly of an electrical connector and an electrical conductor just before insertion;

Fig. 6b shows the connector assembly of Fig.6a just after insertion;

Fig. 7 shows a sideview of the connector assembly of Fig.6b;

Fig.8a shows an embodiment of an electrical connector in accordance with the invention;

Fig.8b shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Fig.8;

Fig.9a shows a further embodiment of an electrical connector in accordance with the invention;

Fig.9b shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Fig.9a;

Fig. 9c shows a perspective view of the electrical connector of Fig.9a;

Fig. 10a shows a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of Figs.9a-9c;

Fig. 10b shows a sideview of the connector assembly of Fig.10a;

Fig. 10c shows a different perspective view of the connector assembly of Fig.10a;

Fig. 11a shows a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11b shows a perspective view of the electrical connector of the connector assembly of Fig.11a;

Fig. 11c shows a sideview of the electrical connector of Fig.11b;

Fig. 12a shows a further embodiment of the electrical connector in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 12b shows an enlarged view of part of Fig.12a;

Fig. 12c shows the electrical connector of Fig.12b after insertion of a connector pin;

Fig. 13a shows a charging station without a housing, and

Fig. 13b shows both an electric plug of a charging cable as well as a charging station with a housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various illustrative embodiments of the present subject matter are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present subject matter will now be described with reference to the attached figures. Various systems, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the figures for purposes of explanation only and to not obscure the present disclosure with details that are well known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attached figures are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the present disclosure. The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

The prior art and invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures. The figures will be mainly discussed in as far as they differ from previous figures.

Fig. 1 shows an implementation of an electrical connector 10. The electrical connector 10 comprises a first terminal 10a at a first end 10e1 of the electrical connector 10, and a second terminal 10b at a second end 10e2, opposite to the first end 10e1, as illustrated. The electrical connector 10 further comprises an O-ring track 11 which serves to receive an O-ring (not shown). This O-ring track 11 and the associated O-ring are fully optional and serve for mounting and holding the electrical connector 10, for instance when being provided in an electric socket as will be discussed with reference to other figures. Fig.2 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector 10 of Fig.1. In this figure a receiving space S10a of the first terminal 10a is visible. Six axially extending members 12a are arranged to define between them the receiving space S10a and a circular opening into the receiving space S10a. The axially extending members 12a are spaced apart by slits which substantially extend along the length of each axially extending member 12a.

All six axially extending members 12a are flexible members 12a. The same holds true for all axially extending members 12a shown in all the figures in the set of figures. It is important to point out, therefore, that although the axially extending members 12a shown in the figures are flexible members 12a, it is possible to make functioning embodiments of the electrical connector 10 wherein only one axially extending member 12a is a flexible member 12a.

Fig.3 shows a different perspective view of the electrical connector 10 of Fig.1. In this figure the electrical connector 10 is seen from an opposite angle such that a further receiving space S10b of the second terminal 10a is visible. In the second terminal 10b a further plurality of flexible members 12b is indicated, the further flexible members 12b being arranged akin to the flexible members 12a of the first terminal, defining between them a second receiving space S10b and a circular opening for the second receiving space S10b. Like the flexible members 12a, the further flexible members 12b are also spaced apart by longitudinal slits extending along the length of each of the further flexible members 12b. It can be observed that the diameters of the terminals and the associated receiving spaces are different, that is the first terminal 10a is designed for connection with a (copper) electrical conductor (not shown in Fig.3), while the second terminal 10b is designed for connection with a thicker connector pin (not shown) which dimensions are in accordance with a predefined standard, such as conductor pins for a type-2 electric plug in accordance with the standard IEC 62196.

In this embodiment there are provided six flexible members 12a, 12b for each terminal 10a, 10b, each defining a round receiving space S10a, S10b. However, any other number of axially extending members 12a, 12b above one may be chosen and any other shape of the receiving spaces S10a, S10b, and any number above zero of the axially extending members 12a, 12b may be flexible members 12a, 12b.

Fig.4a shows a sideview of the electrical connector 10 of Fig.1.Fig.4b shows a crosssectional view of the electrical connector 10 of Fig.4a. These figures serve to illustrate the design of the flexible members 12a, 12b and the slits more clearly. Also, the internal shape of the respective receiving spaces S10a, S10b are illustrated.

Fig.5a shows part of the cross-sectional view of Fig.4b. Fig.5b shows an enlarged view of Fig.5a. These figures serve for illustrating the first terminal 10a in more detail. In this embodiment of the electrical connector 10 the first receiving space S10a is designed with a tapered entry 16a for facilitating insertion of an electrical conductor, which transitions towards a narrowed portion of the first receiving space S10a formed by respective parts 14a of the flexible members 12a that are each provided with a protruding part 15a as illustrated. The flexible members 12a each extending in an axial direction A10a as illustrated and the respective protruding parts 15a extend towards each other thereby locally narrowing the first receiving space S10a to a predefined reduced distance. The area with a narrowed first receiving space is an example of what has previously been referred to as the “clamping area”. It is in this area of the receiving space that the pre-tensioned flexible members will clamp on the electrical conductor 20 when the electrical conductor 20 is inserted into the receiving space. In this embodiment the inner walls of the receiving space S10a are coated with a coating material 18a, such as silver, for lowering the contact resistance between the electrical connector 10 and the electrical conductor (not shown) to be inserted. It is this coating layer 18a, which may be prone to wear in particular when the electrical conductor would be inserted and pulled out repetitively, which may, in practise, be more of an issue at the side of the second terminal.

Fig.6a shows a connector assembly 60 of an electrical connector 10 and an electrical conductor 20 just before insertion. This figure illustrates what is meant with a “predefined reduced distance” D10a, which is the smallest dimension between the flexible member 12a as defined by the earlier-discussed protruding parts 15a. This predefined reduced distance D10a is in the clamping area of the first terminal 10a, and is designed to be smaller than a minimum lateral dimension D20 of the electrical conductor 20. The electrical conductor 20 to be inserted for this embodiment of the electrical connector 10 is a (round or circular) single-strain copper wire, for example, which is known to be a stiffer material in terms of flexibility. In Fig.6a, the conductor end 20e is to be inserted in the direction of the electrical conductor as indicated by the fat arrows. Because of the difference in radial dimension the flexible members 12a will be pressed outwardly by the electrical conductor 20 upon insertion of the electrical conductor 20 into the receiving space, as illustrated by the radial arrows.

Fig.6b shows the connector assembly 60 of Fig.6a just after insertion of the electrical conductor 20. The figure shows that the flexible members 12a are slightly bent outwardly. After insertion, the contact surface SCa between the first terminal and the electrical conductor 20 is mainly defined by the protruding parts 15a. It is not clearly visible, but the protruding parts 15a may be provided with a slightly inwardly bent tilted surface TSa to compensate for the outward bending of the flexible members such that the effective contact surface SCa becomes larger after insertion of the electrical conductor 20.

Fig.7 shows a sideview of the connector assembly 60 of Fig.6b, wherein the assembly comprises the combination of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical conductor 20 as illustrated. The figure clearly illustrates how the flexible members 12a are bent outwardly for providing the earlier-discussed pre-tensioning of the flexible members 12a, and a clamping grip on the electrical conductor 20.

With reference to Figs.6a-7 the following is to be noted. The electrical conductor 20 is simply pushed in the first terminal 10a of the electrical connector 10 in order to make a proper electrical connection between the two. No other action is required. The flexible members 12a are non-permanently deformed and at least touch the electrical conductor 20 via the protruding parts 15a near an inner end of each flexible member 12a. The force required for assembling the two parts is dependent on the material and the geometry of the flexible members 12a, and the angle of tapered entry 16a of the first terminal 10a. Even when the electrical conductor 20 is slightly off measurement or deformed, the flexing of the flexible members 12a can compensate for the deviations and ensure good conductivity. Wear and tear will also be compensated for in the same way as well as heat expansion differences between the materials.

Fig.8a shows an embodiment of an electrical connector 10-1 in accordance with the invention. Fig.8b shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 10-1 of Fig.8. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the predefined reduced distance between the flexible members is obtained in a different way. In this embodiment both terminals are each provided with pre-bent flexible members 12a1, 12b1. In other embodiments, only one of the two terminals could have pre-bent flexible members 12a1, 12b1. Fig.8b shows how the predefined reduced distance D10b in the clamping area of the second terminal is obtained by the flexible members 12b1 (originally extending in an axial direction A10b as illustrated) being bent inwardly. The same is done for the first terminal (right side).

With reference to Figs.8a-8b the following is to be noted. No protrusions are formed on the flexible members 12a1, 12b1. Instead, the material has first been machined in a straight line (for example using a bore), then cut into segments (forming the flexible members 12a1, 12b1) and finally deformed in a subsequent squeezing process by exerting sufficient force on parts of the segments. As mentioned, this may be done for both the first and the second terminal of the electrical connector 10 or for only one of them.

Fig.9a shows a further embodiment of an electrical connector 10-2 in accordance with the invention. Fig.9b shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 10-2 of Fig.9a. Fig.9c shows a perspective view of the electrical connector 10-2 of Fig.9a. In this embodiment the second terminal 10b is the same as for the first embodiment. The figure shows how also the second terminal 10b is designed with flexible members 12b having respective parts 14b that form a predefined reduced distance D10b between the flexible members 12b by the provision of respective protruding parts 15b facing each other similar to as discussed for the first terminal 10a of the electrical connector 10 in Fig.1. In this embodiment the geometry of the first terminal has been adapted for facilitating the use of cut copper plates or rails. Such cut copper plates or rails are very beneficial for automated assembly lines. Figs.9a-9c show that the first terminal is provided with only two flexible members 12a2, which are shaped to form a somewhat rectangular receiving space S10a2 as illustrated, yet it includes protruding members as illustrated.

Fig.10a shows a perspective view of a connector assembly 60-2 in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of Figs.9a-9c. Fig.10b shows a sideview of the connector assembly 60-2 of Fig.10a. Fig.10c shows a different perspective view of the connector assembly 60-2 of Fig.10a.The connector assembly 60-2 comprises the electrical connector 10-2 of Figs.9a-9c and a flat copper rail 20-2, which is inserted with its modified conductor end 20-2 into the electrical connector 10-2.

With reference to Figs.10a-10c the following is to be noted. The pre-tensioning of the flexible members is achieved in a similar way as for the other embodiments that have been discussed. However, in this embodiment the pre-tension area of the electrical connector 10-2 is only segmented in two flat flexible members and not so much into fingers that form a round receiving space. This will lead to a more cost-efficient manufacturing process (less processing time required). However, the electrical contact area will be less adaptive to possible deformations or deviations in the flat copper rail 20-2. The next embodiment solves that problem in a very neat way.

Fig.11a shows a perspective view of a connector assembly 60-3 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Fig.11b shows a perspective view of the electrical connector 10-3 of the connector assembly 60-3 of Fig.11a. Fig.11c shows a sideview of the electrical connector 10-3 of Fig.11b. The connector assembly 60-3 comprises modified electrical connector 10-3 with a second terminal that is similar to that of Figs.10a-10c. However, the first terminal is adapted to have six flexible member 12a6 that now define the same rectangular receiving space S10a2. The electrical conductor is the same flat copper rail 20-2 having the same shape and conductor end 20e2 as in Figs.10a-10c.

With reference to Figs.11a-11c the following is to be noted. The contact area between the electrical connector 10-3 and the electrical conductor 20-2 is now optimized by the provision of multiple flexible members with protrusions that individually touch and retain electrical contact with the flat copper plate 20-2. In this way it is ensured that there is a larger number of contact areas that remain even in case of deformations, rotations, or expansions, which is especially beneficial in high-current applications.

Fig.12a shows a further embodiment of the electrical connector 10-4 in accordance with the invention. Fig.12b shows an enlarged view of part of Fig.12a, in particular the second terminal 10b of the electrical connector 10-4. The figure shows how the second terminal 10b is also provided with a tapered entry 16b similar to the predefined reduced distance D10b of the second terminal 10b, similar to as what other embodiments have at the side of the first terminal 10a. Furthermore, a coating layer 18b similar to the coating layer 18a in Fig.5b is illustrated, which may comprise materials such as, e.g., silver, nickel, gold plating, zinc and copper.

Fig.12c shows the electrical connector 10-4 of Fig.12b after insertion of a connector pin 30. The figure illustrates the minimum lateral dimension D30 of the connector pin 30, which is larger than the predefined reduced distance D10b in Fig.12b. During insertion of the connector pin end 30 the flexible members 12b move outwardly to create the required space, but also the earlier-discussed pretension. Fig.12c also illustrates the contact surface SCb between the second terminal 10b and the connector pin 30 as well as what is meant with tilted surface TSb of the second terminal. It can be observed that the surface of the protruding elements of the flexible members is tilted inward, which compensates for the outward movement of the flexible member 12b, i.e., the contact surface SCb is maintained better during this outward movement.

With reference to Figs.12b-12c, the following is to be noted. The connector pin 30 is to be inserted into the second terminal 12b of the electrical connector 10-4. When a connector pin 30 is repeatedly mated in and out of the electrical connector the wear-zone (protruding parts) will be gradually worn down. By giving the surface a slight tilt angle compared to the connector pin 30 it will withstand more wear and keep more of the coating layer 18b (which is often a silver plating or coating layer) longer.

Fig.13a shows a charging station 100 without a housing. This figure serves to illustrate an important application area of the invention, namely charging stations for electric vehicles. However, the invention is not limited to this application area. The earlier-discussed electrical connectors 10 and electrical conductors 20 are shown as part of an electric socket 40, which is a type-2 socket in this embodiment. The contents of a charging station 100 are shown in Fig.13a, which comprise a main printed circuit board 110 and a further printed circuit board 110-2 in this example. These printed circuit boards 110, 110-2 are just shown for illustration purposes. What is important is that the charging station 100 comprises circuitry 120 for allowing charging of the electric vehicle. The further printed circuit board 110-2 in this example comprises further circuitry 120-2. Typical circuit components are integrated circuits, capacitors, inductors, conductive tracks, relays, connector pins, residential current sensors, etc.

Fig.13b shows both an electric plug 50p of a charging cable as well as a charging station 100 with a housing. The electric socket 40 on the charging station 100 is covered with a lid in order to protect against moisture. The electric plug 50p (cable plug) in this figure represents a type-2 electric plug, which typically comprises the following connector pins 30: - a first signal pin PP, which is a short pin;

- a second signal pin CP, which is a longer pin;

- a first phase pin L1;

- a second phase pin L2;

- a third phase pin L3;

- a ground pin PE, and

- a neutral pin N.

It must be stressed, however, that the invention is not limited to type-2 electric plugs and sockets. Other possible standards are: CCS, SAE J1772, CHAdeMO, etc.

The electrical connector 10 shown in the figures is a specific embodiment example of the disclosed electrical device 10. Figures showing the electrical conductor 20 connected to the electrical connector 10 show examples of the further electrical assembly.

The invention may be applied in various applications, such as high-power electrical connectors, plugs, pins & terminals, methods for safe interconnection of conducting elements and materials, spring-loaded electrical connectors, high-power solderless connectors. The invention may serve as a replacement of other (less reliable) solutions, such as solutions that includes soldering, crimping, welding, and/or screw terminals.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.

The invention covers all variants that are covered by the independent claims. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. Electrical connector (10) for an electric socket (40) for an electric plug (50p) of a charging cable (50) for connecting an electric vehicle with a charging station (100), the electrical connector (10) having a first end (10e1) and a second end (10e2) and being configured for allowing electric current to flow from the first end (10e1) to the second end (10e2), wherein the electrical connector (10) comprises a first terminal (10a) at the first end (10e1), the first terminal (10a) being configured for connection with an electrical conductor (20) of the charging station (100),wherein the electrical connector (10) comprises a second terminal (10b) at the second end (10e2), wherein the second terminal (10b) is configured for receiving a connector pin (30) of the electric plug (50p) of the charging cable (50), wherein the first terminal (10a) of the electrical connector (10) comprises at least two axially extending members (12a) spaced apart and defining a receiving space (S10a) in between them for receiving an end portion of the electrical conductor (20), wherein at least one of the at least two axially extending members (12a) is a flexible member (12a), wherein the first terminal (10a) is configured for the at least one flexible member (12a) to be pre-tensioned by bending outwardly upon insertion of the end portion of the conductor (20) into the receiving space (S10a) and to clamp the end portion of the conductor (20) between the axially extending members (12a) for creating and maintaining a good electrical contact between the electrical conductor (20) and the electrical connector (10), wherein the at least one flexible member (12a) comprises at least two flexible members (12a) spaced apart and provided around the receiving space (S10a), c h a r a c -t e r i s e d i n that the plurality of axially extending members (12a) define a rectangular receiving space (S10a2) for receiving a rectangular conductor end (20er) of the electrical conductor (20).

2. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the axially extending members (12a) are provided with a protruding part (15a), wherein the protruding part or parts (15a) are involved in defining a clamping area, the clamping area being a narrowest part of the receiving space (S10a) in which the conductor end (20e) of the conductor (20) is to be clamped by the at least one flexible member (12a) upon insertion of the conductor end (20e) into the receiving space (S10a).

3. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein each of the protruding part or parts (15a) is shaped to define a contact surface (SCa) with the electrical conductor (20) when the conductor end (20e) of the electrical conductor (20)is inserted into the receiving space in operational use and is clamped between the axially extending members (12a) in the clamping area.

4. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein the protruding part or parts (15a) are shaped with a tilted surface (TSa) facing the receiving space (S10a) such that outward bending of the flexible members (12a) is compensated for and a size of the contact surface (SCa) with the electrical conductor (20) is increased when the conductor end (20) of the electrical conductor (20) is inserted into the receiving space (S10a).

5. The electrical connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the narrowing of the receiving space (S10a) in the clamping area is obtained by the axially extending members (12a) being bent towards each other when no electrical conductor is provided between the axially extending members (12a).

6. The electrical connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flexible member (12a) comprises at least three flexible members (12a) spaced apart and provided around the receiving space (S10a), and even more preferably, at least four flexible members (12a) spaced apart and provided around the receiving space (S10a), and even more preferably, at least six flexible members (12a) spaced apart and provided around the receiving space (S10a).

7. The electrical connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector (10) is connected with the electrical conductor (20) provided and clamped in between the at least two axially extending members (12a).

8. The electrical connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector (10) is machined from a single piece of metal.

9. The electrical connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector (10) is formed from a piece of stamped sheet metal.

10. Electric socket (40) comprising a plurality of electrical connectors (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors (10) are spaced apart in accordance with a predefined standard socket (40), such as a type-2 electric socket.

11. Charging station (100) for charging an electric vehicle (200), the charging station (100) comprising the electric socket (40) according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors (10) is connected to electrical conductors (20) in the charging station (100).

12. An electrical assembly comprising the electrical connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the electrical conductor (20), wherein an end of the electrical conductor (20) is placed inside the receiving space of the electrical connector (10) and clamped by the at least one flexible member (12a) and wherein the electrical conductor (20) thereby is connected to the electrical connector (10).

13. The electrical assembly in accordance to claim 12, wherein the electrical assembly is connected to a printed circuit board, a relay, a power rail or another part of a circuitry of a charging station for an electric vehicle.

14. A method of connecting a terminal end (10e1) of an electrical connector (10) to a first conductor end (20e) of an electrical conductor (20) for a charging station (100) for charging an electrical vehicle, the method comprising steps of:

- providing the electrical conductor (20-2);

- providing the electrical connector (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first terminal (10e1) of the electrical connector (10) is configured for receiving the first conductor end (20e2) in the receiving space (S10a) and for the at least one flexible member (S12a) to become pre-tensioned upon receiving the first conductor end (20e2) in the receiving space (S10a), and

- pushing the first terminal (10e1) of the electrical connector (10) against the first conductor end (20e2) to push the first conductor end (20e2) into the receiving space (S10a) of the electrical connector (10), to thereby pre-tension the at least one flexible members (S12a), to provide a clamping grip and to establish a good electric contact between the electrical conductor (20) and the electrical connector (10).

15. A method of connecting a type-2 electric socket (40) to a circuitry for a charging station (100) for an electric vehicle, the type-2 electric socket (40) comprising a plurality of electrical connectors (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the circuitry comprises a plurality of electrical conductors (20), each for connecting to one of the electrical connectors (10) and each electrical conductor (20) having a first conductor end (20e2) for connecting to an electrical connector (10) and a second conductor end connected to the circuitry,

the method comprising a step of:

- connecting the plurality of electrical connectors (10) to the circuitry by pushing the first terminal (10a) of each of the plurality of connectors (10) against the first conductor end (20e2) of one of the plurality of electrical conductors (20) until the first conductor end (20e2) of each of the electrical conductors (20) has been pushed far enough into the receiving space (S10a) of the electrical connector (10) to which the electrical conductor (20) is to connect for the at least one flexible member (12a) of the electrical connector (10) to become pre-tensioned and to provide a clamping grip on the electrical conductor (20), wherein the process of pushing the first conductor ends (20e2) into the receiving space (12a) of the electrical connectors (10) may be done for one connector (10) at a time, or for a plurality of electrical connectors (10) simultaneously.