SE544264C2

SE544264C2 - An apparatus for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor to an electrically conductive member

Info

Publication number: SE544264C2
Application number: SE2050814A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Andreas Zafeiropoulos; Ramona Mohammadi
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2020-07-01
Filing date: 2020-07-01
Publication date: 2022-03-22
Also published as: SE2050814A1

Abstract

An apparatus (100) comprising a first electrically conductive member (102), a second electrically conductive member (104), and an interface (110) for providing a first electrical connection (112, 212) between a first electrical conductor (114, 214) and the first electrically conductive member (102) and for providing a second electrical connection (116, 216) between a second electrical conductor (118, 218) and the second electrically conductive member (104). The interface (110) comprises a housing (130), which at least partly houses the first and second electrically conductive members (102, 104). The interface (110) comprises one or more openings (134) formed by the housing (130). The interface (110) comprises one or more seats (140) configured to receive and hold one or more holders (142, 242) configured to hold the first and second electrical conductors (114, 214, 118, 218). The opening (134) is configured to allow therethrough one or more of the first and second electrical connections (112, 212, 116, 216). A connection arrangement (300) comprising the apparatus (100).

Description

lO AN APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF AN ELECTRICALCONDUCTOR TO AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE MEMBER Technical field Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus for the electrical connection ofan electrical conductor to an electrically conductive member. Further, aspects of thepresent invention relate to a connection arrangement including an apparatus of the above-mentioned sort.

Background I general, hybrid vehicles, which have both a combustion engine and one or moreelectrical machines for driving the drive wheels of the vehicle, or electric vehicles withone or more electrical machines only for driving the drive wheels of the vehicle haveone or more electrical batteries for providing electric power to the electrical machine.ln general, the hybrid vehicle or the electric vehicle has a vehicle electrical system,which may be called vehicle high voltage system (VCB), which may be electricallyconnected, or connectable, to the electric battery or electric batteries of the vehicle.For example, the vehicle electrical system transfers electric power or electric currentbetween various electrical devices or units included in the hybrid vehicle or the electric vehicle.

Summary Conventionally, the vehicle high voltage system (VCB) of a hybrid vehicle or an electricvehicle has included electrical cables for the transfer of electric current betweenelectrical devices or units, for example to and/or from the electric battery or the electricbattery pack. The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in theconventional use of electrical cables in conventional vehicle high voltage systems, forexample in the conventional connections of electrical cables, but also in otherconventional high voltage systems. Further, the inventors of the present invention haveidentified limitations with regard to electrical cable sizing for high currents. The use ofbusbars in a vehicle high voltage system, instead of using electrical cables, mayaddress at least some of these drawbacks. However, the inventors of the present lO invention have found drawbacks in conventional connection configurations for busbars.For example, the quality of at least some conventional connection configurations forbusbars may not be sufficient for a vehicle high voltage system of a hybrid vehicle oran electric vehicle, or in other high voltage systems.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates orsolves drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independentclaim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects areachieved with an apparatus comprising a first electrically conductive member, a second electrically conductive member, and an interface for providing a first electrical connection between a first electricalconductor and the first electrically conductive member and for providing a secondelectrical connection between a second electrical conductor and the second electricallyconductive member, wherein the interface comprises: a housing, which at least partly, for example completely, houses the first andsecond electrically conductive members; one or more openings, which is/are formed (such as defined or limited) by thehousing; and one or more seats configured to receive and hold one or more holdersconfigured to hold the first and second electrical conductors, wherein the opening is configured to allow therethrough one or more of the first and second electrical connections.

As stated above, it is the holder or the holders which is/are configured to hold the firstand second electrical conductors. Each of the first and second electrical conductorsmay be an electrical cable or a busbar. ln hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, forexample in tractor vehicles or trucks, electrical components, for example various lO couplers, connectors, interrupters, switches, fuses and charging interface etc., may belocated and arranged in different housings or boxes (or containers), for example madeof aluminum. These housings may then be connected or coupled to one another, or toan electric battery or other connection interfaces. More specifically, for example, theelectrical components of a first housing may be electrically connected to the electricalcomponents of a second housing, for example via electrical cables.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the innovativeinterface enables the first and second electrically conductive members of the housingto be connected to either electrical cables or busbars without requiring a modificationof the housing. Thus, electrical components, which are housed in the housing and maybe electrically connected to the first and second electrically conductive members of thehousing, may be electrically connected to electrical components housed, for example,in another housing through either busbars or cables without changing the housing.Thus, a modular coupling or connection concept is introduced by the apparatus and its innovative interface.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that a more flexiblecoupling or connection of the electrical components housed in the housing is providedin relation to conventional solutions. An advantage of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect is that the electrical connection of electrical components or equipment,which are housed in the housing, to other electrical components of equipment, forexample housed in another housing, to the vehicle high voltage system and to theelectric battery or electric battery pack, or to other interfaces, is facilitated.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the production ofthe equipment and the various parts of the vehicle high voltage system, the productionof the housings and the installation of the vehicle high voltage system in the vehicleare simplified, since only one type of housing or box need to be used andmanufactured. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that anefficient electrical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the firstand second electrically conductive members, i.e. an efficient electrical connection ofthe first electrical conductor to the first electrically conductive member and an efficient lO electrical connection of the second electrical conductor to the second electricallyconductive member, is provided.

Each of the first and second electrically conductive members may be configured toconduct or carry a direct current. Each of the first and second electrical conductors.may be configured to conduct or carry a direct current. One of the first and secondelectrically conductive members may be configured to carry or conduct DC+ while theother one of the first and second electrically conductive members may be configuredto carry or conduct DC-. Consequently, one of the first and second electricalconductors may be configured to carry or conduct DC+ while the other one of the firstand second electrical conductors may be configured to carry or conduct DC-. lt maybe defined that the first and second electrically conductive members are spaced apartfrom one another. lt may be defined that the first and second electrically conductive members are electrically insulated from one another.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that a busbar connection,more specifically a busbar-to-housing(box) connection, which is sufficient to be usedin a vehicle high voltage system (VCB) of a vehicle, can be attained. The electricpower, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the vehicle high voltagesystem (VCB) is transferred at a high voltage, for example above 60 V, such as above400 V. The electric power, or the electric current, of the vehicle high voltage system (VCB) may be transferred at a voltage up to 1500 V.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the seat is attachable to the holder. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe mechanical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the interfaceis facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connection of thefirst and second electrical conductors to the first and second electrically conductivemembers of the housing is further facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is thatan efficient electrical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the firstand second electrically conductive members of the housing is provided. lO The seat may be attachable to the holder by any suitable attachments or means ofattachments, for example screws, rivets etc. However, other types of attachments are possible.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the seat is configured to receive and hold the holder holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the seat is adjacent to the opening. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe mechanical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the interfaceis further facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connectionof the first and second electrical conductors to the first and second electricallyconductive members of the housing is further facilitated. An advantage of thisembodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and second electricalconductors to the first and second electrically conductive members of the housing is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the seat surrounds the opening. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe mechanical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the interfaceis further facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connectionof the first and second electrical conductors to the first and second electricallyconductive members of the housing is further facilitated. An advantage of thisembodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and second electricalconductors to the first and second electrically conductive members of the housing is provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the housing comprises the seat. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe mechanical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the interfaceis further facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connectionof the first and second electrical conductors to the first and second electrically lO conductive members of the housing is further facilitated. An advantage of thisembodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and second electricalconductors to the first and second electrically conductive members of the housing isprovided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the housing forms the seat. An advantage of this embodiment is that themechanical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the interface isfurther facilitated. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient electricalconnection of the first and second electrical conductors to the first and secondelectrically conductive members of the housing is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the opening is configured to be covered by one or more of the group of: o the holder; o the holders; o the first electrical conductor; o the second electrical conductor; and o one or more casings holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors.

An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient sealing of the housing, morespecifically the interior of the housing, may be attained. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the first and second electrical connections may be sufficientlywatertight and dust-tight for the vehicle high voltage system. An advantage of thisembodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and second electricalconductors to the first and second electrically conductive members of the housing is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the opening is sealable by one or more of the group of:o the holder;o the holders; lO o the first electrical conductor; o the second electrical conductor; and o one or more casings holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors.

An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient sealing of the housing, morespecifically the interior of the housing, is attained. An advantage of this embodiment isthat the first and second electrical connections are sufficiently watertight and dust-tightfor the vehicle high voltage system. An advantage of this embodiment is that anefficient electrical connection of the first and second electrical conductors to the firstand second electrically conductive members of the housing is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the housing comprises one or more housing walls forming the opening. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the mechanical connection of the first and secondelectrical conductors to the interface is further facilitated. An advantage of thisembodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and second electricalconductors to the first and second electrically conductive members of the housing isprovided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the interface comprises one or more first intermediate electrically conductive elements configured toelectrically connect the first electrical conductor to the first electrically conductivemember, and one or more second intermediate electrically conductive elements configuredto electrically connect the second electrical conductor to the second electricallyconductive member.An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the electrical connection ofthe first and second electrical conductors to the first and second electrically conductivemembers of the housing is further improved in relation to conventional solutions. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient electrical connection of the first and lO second electrical conductors to the first and second electrically conductive membersof the housing is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the housing houses the first and second intermediate electrically conductiveelements. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient electrical connection ofthe first and second electrical conductors to the first and second electrically conductivemembers of the housing is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, each of the first and second electrically conductive members is configuredto conduct or carry a direct current, for example at a high voltage, such as a voltageabove 60 V, for example a voltage above 400 V. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient and robust vehicle high voltage system can be attained.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the housing is configured to the be electrically grounded, wherein each of thefirst and second electrically conductive members is spaced apart from the housing (orhousing wall). lt may be defined that the first and second electrically conductivemembers are electrically insulated from the housing (or the housing walls).

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, each of the first and second electrically conductive members comprises orconsists of a busbar attached to the housing. An advantage of this embodiment is thatrobust and efficient first and second electrical connections are attained.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the seat is configured to receive and hold the holder holding one or moreof the first and second electrical conductors, each of the first and second electricalconductors comprising or consisting of any one of the group of: o an electrical cable; and o a busbar. lO As also described above, an advantage of this embodiment is that the innovativeinterface enables the first and second electrically conductive members of the housingto be connected to either electrical cables or busbars without requiring a modificationof the housing. Thus, a modular coupling or connection concept is introduced by theapparatus and its innovative interface. An advantage of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect is that a more flexible coupling or connection of the electrical componentshoused in the housing is provided in relation to conventional solutions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the interface comprises the holder.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, each of the first and second electrically conductive members is electricallyconnectable to a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle. The vehicle electrical systemmay be configured for direct current.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, each of the first and second electrically conductive members is electricallyconnectable to a vehicle high voltage system of a vehicle. The vehicle high voltagesystem may be configured for direct current. The vehicle high voltage system may beconfigured for a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a connection arrangement comprising the apparatus according toany one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments, wherein the connection arrangement comprises the first and second electrical conductors.

The advantages of the connection arrangement according to the second aspect andits embodiments correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of theapparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments. lO lO According to an advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement accordingto the second aspect, each of the first and second electrical conductors is configuredto carry or conduct a direct current, for example at a high voltage, such as a voltageabove 60 V, for example a voltage above 400 V.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangementaccording to the second aspect, the connection arrangement comprises a casing whichhouses the first and second electrical conductors. The casing may provide an electricalinsulation of the first and second electrical conductors. The casing may be an electricalinsulating casing configured to electrical insulate the first and second electricalconductors. When the first and second electrical conductors are busbars, the casingmay be referred to as a busbar casing and may provide an electrical insulation of thebusbars housed in the busbar casing. The busbar casing may be an electrical insulating casing configured to electrical insulate the busbars housed therein.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a vehicle high voltage system comprising one or more of the groupof: o an apparatus according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments; ando a connection arrangement according to any one of the above- or below- mentioned embodiments.

The advantages of the vehicle high voltage system according to the third aspect andits embodiments correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of theapparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

As mentioned above, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for directcurrent. The vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a high voltage, suchas a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. lO ll According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a vehicle comprising one or more of the group of:o an apparatus according to any one of the above- or below-mentionedembodiments;o a connection arrangement according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments; ando a vehicle high voltage system according to any one of the above- or below- mentioned embodiments.

The advantages of the vehicle according to the fourth aspect and its embodimentscorrespond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus accordingto the first aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may include a vehicle electrical system electrically connectable to one ormore electric batteries. The vehicle electrical system may be, or referred to as, avehicle high voltage system (VCB).

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle mayfor example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a truck or a car. Other types of vehicles are possible.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the apparatus, the connectionarrangement, the vehicle high voltage system and the vehicle, respectively, may becombined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the apparatus, the connection arrangement,the vehicle high voltage system and the vehicle according to the present invention andfurther advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description hereinbelow. lO 12 Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which: Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatusaccording to the first aspect of the invention as viewed in the directiontoward a bottom side of the housing and with the front side removed fori||ustrative purposes; is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 according to thefirst aspect of the invention as viewed into the housing and toward the floorof the housing, the floor being provided on the bottom side of the housing;is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 2 but withelectrical components connected to the first and second electricallyconductive members; is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 as viewed in thedirection toward the bottom side of the housing, wherein the apparatus isconnected to external electrical cables, but with the external electricalcables per se removed for i||ustrative purposes, and still with the front sideremoved for i||ustrative purposes; is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 4 as viewed intothe housing and toward the floor of the housing, configured for theconnection of external electrical cables, but with some intermediateelectrically conductive elements removed for i||ustrative purposes; is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 4 as viewed in thedirection toward the bottom side of the housing with the external electricalcables present; is a schematic front view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, still with the front sideand some intermediate electrically conductive elements removed fori||ustrative purposes; is a schematic front view of the apparatus of Fig. 7, still with the front sideremoved for i||ustrative purposes; lO 13 Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 as viewed in thedirection toward the floor of the housing, wherein the apparatus isconnected to external busbars, the front side still being removed for illustrative purposes; Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 9 as viewed in thedirection toward the bottom side of the housing; Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 9, still with thefront side removed for illustrative purposes; Fig. 12 is a schematic bottom view of the apparatus of Fig. 9; and Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to thefourth aspect of the invention comprising an embodiment of the apparatusaccording to the first aspect, an embodiment of the connectionarrangement according to the second aspect and/or an embodiment of thevehicle high voltage system according to the third aspect.

Detailed Description With reference to Figs. 1 to 12, a first embodiment of the apparatus 100 according tothe first aspect is schematically illustrated. The apparatus 100 includes a firstelectrically conductive member 102 and a second electrically conductive member 104.Each one 102, 104 of the electrically conductive members 102, 104 may be made ofany suitable electrically conductive material, such as a material comprising orconsisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum.However, other materials are possible. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, eachof the first and second electrically conductive members 102, 104 may comprise orconsist of a busbar 106, 108. With reference to Fig. 3, each of the first and secondelectrically conductive members 102, 104 is illustrated with an electrical component105, 107 electrically connected thereto. Each of the first and second electricallyconductive members 102, 104 may be electrically connectable to an electricalcomponent 105, 107. Each of the first and second electrically conductive members102, 104 may be configured to hold one or more electrical component 105, 107 electrically connected thereto. lO 14 Each of the first and second electrically conductive members 102, 104 may beconfigured to carry or conduct a direct current, for example at a high voltage, such asabove 60 V, for example above 400 V. One 102, 104 of the first and second electricallyconductive members 102, 104 may be configured to carry or conduct DC+ while theother one 102, 104 of the first and second electrically conductive members 102, 104 may be configured to carry or conduct DC-.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 12, the apparatus 100 includes an interface 110 forproviding a first electrical connection 112, 212 (see Figs. 7 and 9) between a firstelectrical conductor 114, 214 (see Figs. 4, 6, 7 and 12) and the first electricallyconductive member 102 and for providing a second electrical connection 116, 216 (seeFigs. 8 and 9) between a second electrical conductor 118, 218 (see Figs. 4, 6, 8 and12) and the second electrically conductive member 104. An electrical conductor maybe any member which allows the electric current to flow through it. Each of the first andsecond electrical conductors 114, 214, 118, 218 may comprise or consist of any oneof the group of: an electrical cable 120, 122 (see Figs. 4 to 8); and a busbar 220, 222(see Figs. 9 to 12). Each of the busbars 220, 222 may be made of an electricallyconductive material, such as a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum. Other materials are possible.

With reference to Figs, 9 to 12, the busbars 220, 222 of the first and second electricalconductors 214, 218 may be housed in a casing 360. The casing 360 may beconfigured to provide an electrical insulation of the busbars 220, 222. The casing 360may be an electrical insulating casing 360 configured to electrical insulate the busbars220, 222. The casing 360 may be made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example aluminum, or any other material.

Each 106, 108, 220, 222 of the above-mentioned busbars 106, 108, 220, 222 may bedescribed as a bar, for example a rigid bar.

Each 114, 214, 118, 218 of the first and second electrical conductors 114, 214, 118,218 may be configured to carry or conduct a direct current, for example at a highvoltage, such as above 60 V, for example above 400 V. One 114, 214, 118, 218 of the lO first and second electrical conductors 114, 214, 118, 218 may be configured to carryor conduct DC+ while the other one 114, 21 4, 118, 21 8 of the first and second electricalconductors 114, 214, 118, 218 may be configured to carry or conduct DC-.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 12, the interface 110 includes a housing 130 which at leastpartly, or completely, houses the first and second electrically conductive members 102,104. The housing 130 may include one or more housing walls 132, as shown in theillustrated embodiment. ln the shown embodiment, the housing 130 completely housesthe first and second electrically conductive members 102, 104, i.e. the first and secondelectrically conductive members 102, 104 are located inside the housing 130. The firstand second electrically conductive members 102, 104 may be attachable, or attached,to the housing 130, such as to the inside of the housing 130, for example to one 132of the housing walls 132. When each of the first and second electrically conductivemembers 102, 104 comprises a busbar 106, 108, the busbar 106, 108 may beattachable, or attached, to the housing 130, more specifically, for example, attached tothe inside of the housing 130, for example to one 132 of the housing walls 132.

The housing 130 may be made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or ametal alloy, for example aluminum. Other materials are possible. The busbars 220,222 of the first and second electrical conductors 214, 218 may be located outside thehousing 130. The casing 360 mentioned above may be located outside the housing130. The housing 130 may be configured to be electrically grounded. The housing 130may be electrically connectable to the vehicle ground (i.e. the electrical ground of avehicle) of a vehicle 500 (see Fig. 13) carrying the apparatus 100. For example, thehousing 130 may be electrically connectable to the vehicle ground via other similarhousings and/or via electrical cables. Each of the first and second electricallyconductive members 102, 104 may be spaced apart from the housing 130 or thehousing walls 132, for example by way of an electrically insulating element or unit, forexample an intermediate electrically insulating element or unit. lt may be defined thatthe first and second electrically conductive members 102, 104 are electrically insulatedfrom the housing 130 and/or the housing walls 132. lO 16 With reference to Figs. 1 to 3, the interface 110 includes one or more openings 134which is/are formed (defined and/or limited) by the housing 130. Thus, the housing 130comprises the opening 134 or openings 134. ln the shown embodiment, the housing130 has one opening 134. ln the shown embodiment, the opening 134 has arectangular shape. However, any shape of the opening 134 is possible. The opening134 is configured to allow therethrough one or more of the first and second electricalconnections 112, 212, 116, 21 6. ln the shown embodiment, one and the same opening134 allows therethrough both of the first and second electrical connections 112, 212,116, 216. The opening 134 may be defined, or limited, by an inner wall 136 of thehousing 130 or an inner wall 136 of one 132 of the housing walls 132. ln the opening134 per se, only a part of each of the first and second electrical connections 112, 212,116, 216 may be located or situated. However, each of the first and second electricalconnections 112, 212, 116, 216 extends through the opening 134. lt may be definedthat the housing 130 is configured to allow one or more of the first and second electricalconnections 112, 212, 116, 216 through the opening 134.

Further, with to Figs. 1 to 12, the interface 110 includes one or more seats 140configured to receive and hold one or more holders 142, 242. The holder 142, 242 orholders 142, 242 is/are configured to hold the first and second electrical conductors114, 214, 118, 218. ln the shown embodiment, one holder 142, 242 is held by the seat140 or seats 140. ln the shown embodiment, the seat or seats 140 is/are configured toreceive and hold the holder 142, 242 which holds one or more of the first and secondelectrical conductors 114, 214, 118, 218. lt may be defined that the holder 142, 242 orthe holder 142, 242 hold/s the first and second first and second electrical conductors114, 214, 118, 218. The seat 140 or seats 140 may be attachable to the holder 142,242, for example by way of one or more attachments 143, such as one or more screwsor one or more rivets 144, or any other attachment or means of attachment, which maybe included in the interface 110. The housing 130 and/or one of the housing walls 132may be attachable to the holder 142, 242. The seat 140 may be configured to receiveand hold the holder 142, 242 holding an electrical cable 120, 122 and/or a busbar 220,222. lt may be defined that the interface 110 comprises the holder 142, 242. The seat 140 may comprise a part, a portion, a base, and/or a surface on which the holder 142 lO 17 may rest or be held. The holder 142, 242 may comprise an attachment, for exampleformed by a plate. However, the holder 142, 242 may have various designs.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 3, the seat 140 or seats 140 may be adjacent or proximalto the opening 134. With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the seat 140 may surround theopening 134. ln the shown embodiment, the housing 130 comprises the seat 140 orseats 140. lt may be defined that the housing 140 forms or defines the seat 140 orseats 140.

With reference to Figs. 4, 5, 10 and 12, the opening 134 may be configured to becovered by one or more of the group of: the holder 142, 242; the holders 142, 242; thefirst electrical conductor 114, 214; the second electrical conductor 118, 218; and oneor more casings 360 holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors114, 214, 118, 218, such as the casing 360 mentioned above.

With reference to Figs. 4, 5, 10 and 12, the opening 134 may be sealable by one ormore of the group of: the holder 142, 242; the holders 142, 242; the first electricalconductor114, 214; the second electrical conductor118, 218; and one or more casings360 holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors 114, 214, 118, 218, for example the casing 360 mentioned above.

With reference to Figs. 5, 7, 8 and 9, the interface 110 may comprise one or more firstintermediate electrically conductive elements 146, 148, 246, 248 configured toelectrically connect the first electrical conductor 114, 214 to the first electricallyconductive member 102. The interface 110 may comprise one or more secondintermediate electrically conductive elements 150, 152, 250, 252 configured toelectrically connect the second electrical conductor 118 to the second electricallyconductive member 104. Each of the first and second intermediate electricallyconductive elements 146, 148, 246, 248, 150, 152, 250, 252 may be made of anysuitable electrically conductive material, such as a material comprising or consisting ofa metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass or aluminum. However, othermaterials are possible. Each of the first and second intermediate electrically conductiveelements 146, 148, 246, 248, 150, 152, 250, 252 may be spaced apart from the lO 18 housing 130 or the housing walls 132. lt may be defined that each of the first andsecond intermediate electrically conductive elements 146, 148, 246, 248, 150, 152,250, 252 are electrically insulated from the housing 130 and/or the housing wall 132.The first and second intermediate electrically conductive elements 146, 148, 150, 152which electrically connect an electrical cable 120 to the first electrically conductivemember 102 and electrically connect an electrical cable 122 to the second electricallyconductive member 104 may include one or more ring terminals 154, 156 attached andelectrically connected to the electrical cable 120, 122. The housing 130 may house thefirst and second intermediate electrically conductive elements 146, 148, 246, 248, 150,152, 250, 252. lt is to be understood that the first and second intermediate electricallyconductive elements 146, 148, 246, 248, 150, 152, 250, 252 are optional.

With reference to Fig. 6 to 13, each of the first and second electrically conductivemembers 102, 104 may be electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system 400of a vehicle 500. More specifically, each of the first and second electrically conductivemembers 102, 104 may be electrically connectable to a vehicle high voltage system400 of a vehicle 500. ln Figs. 1 to 12, only a portion or part of the housing 130 is shown for illustrativepurposes, although Fig. 1 may show almost the entire housing. lt is to be understoodthat when the apparatus is in use and installed, in general, the entire housing 130 is present or involved.

The apparatus 100 may be described as including a modular interface 1 10, for examplea modular coupling or connection interface 110, for example as disclosed above. Theapparatus 100 provides a modular coupling or connection concept. The apparatus 100and/or the housing 130 may be attachable to a vehicle (see Fig. 13).

With reference to Figs. 6 to 13, an embodiment of the connection arrangement 300according to the second aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. ln theshown embodiment, the connection arrangement 300 includes an embodiment of theapparatus 100 as disclosed above. Further, the connection arrangement 300 includesthe first and second electrical conductors 114, 214, 118, 218. With reference to Figs. lO 19 9 to 12, the connection arrangement 300 may comprise a casing 360, for example asdisclosed above, which houses the first and second electrical conductors 214, 218.The casing 360 may provide an electrical insulation of the first and second electricalconductors 214, 218. The casing 360 may be an electrical insulating casing 360configured to electrical insulate the first and second electrical conductors 214, 218.When the first and second electrical conductors 214, 218 are busbars 220, 222, thecasing 360 may be referred to as a busbar casing 360 and may provide an electricalinsulation of the busbars 220, 222 housed in the busbar casing 360. The busbar casing360 may be an electrical insulating casing 360 configured to electrical insulate thebusbars 220, 222 housed therein.

With reference to Figs. 6 to 13, an embodiment of the vehicle high voltage system 400according to the third aspect of the invention is also schematically illustrated. Thevehicle high voltage system 400 comprises one or more of the group of: an apparatus100 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; and a connectionarrangement 300 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. Thevehicle high voltage system 400 may be configured for direct current. The vehicle highvoltage system 400 may be configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60V, for example above 400 V. The vehicle high voltage system 400 may be configuredfor a voltage up to 1500 V. The vehicle high voltage system 400 may be described asa vehicle electrical system. The vehicle high voltage system 400 may be referred to asa VCB.

The vehicle high voltage system 400 may be electrically connected, or connectable, toone or more electric batteries 566 and/or one or more electric battery packs 568 of thevehicle 500 (see Fig. 13). lt is to be understood that each of the electric battery 566and electric battery pack 568 may comprises a plurality of electric battery cells. Electricbatteries 566, electric battery packs 568 and electric battery cells are known to the skilled person and thus not described in further detail.

With reference to Fig. 13, an embodiment of the vehicle 500 according to the fourthaspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. ln Fig. 13, the vehicle 500 isillustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 500 may, lO for example, be a bus, a truck, or a car. Other types of vehicles are possible. Thevehicle 500 may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybridelectric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

With reference to Fig. 13, the vehicle 500 may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle 500having wheels 562. Only the wheels 562 on the left-hand side of the vehicle 500 arevisible in Fig. 13. lt is to be understood that the vehicle 500 may have fewer or morewheels than what is shown in Fig. 13. The vehicle 500 may comprise a powertrain 564,for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. lt is to be understood that thevehicle 500 may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/ormechanical components, a combustion engine and other devices required for a vehicle500, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference to Fig. 13, the vehicle 500 comprises one or more of the group of: anapparatus 100 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; aconnection arrangement 300 according to any one of the above-mentionedembodiments; and a vehicle high voltage system 400 according to any one of theabove-mentioned embodiments. As mentioned above, the vehicle high voltage system400 (VCB) may be electrically connected to one or more electric batteries 566 and/orelectric battery packs 568 carried by the vehicle 500. ln general, and as mentionedabove, the electric power, or the electric current, of a vehicle high voltage system 400 is transferred at a high voltage, for example above 60 V, such as above 400 V.

By means of the embodiments of the apparatus 100 and/or the connectionarrangement 300 disclosed above, a busbar connection (for example busbar-to-housing/box connection), which is sufficiently watertight and sufficiently dust-tight andprovides sufficient electrical insulation, may be provided, especially for busbars to beused in a vehicle high voltage system (VCB) 400 of a vehicle 500 as disclosed above,for example. As mentioned above, the vehicle high voltage system 400 is configuredto transfer the electric power, or the electric current, at a high voltage, for exampleabove 60 V, such as above 400 V. lO 21 lt to be understood that other applications of the embodiments of the apparatus 100and the embodiments of the connection arrangement 300, in addition to an applicationto a vehicle electrical system, are possible.

By means of the embodiments of the apparatus 100 and/or the connectionarrangement 300 disclosed above, a busbar connection may be provided which fulfilsone or more of the requirements of lP6K9K, lP6K7 and lP6K6K of the lngressProtection (IP) rating system and/or requirements for a VCB of a vehicle 500, such asISO 6469/3.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. lnstead, thepresent invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments beingincluded within the scope of the appended independent claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) comprising a first electrically conductive member (102), a second electrically conductive member (104), and an interface (1 10) for providing a first electrical connection (112, 212) betweena first electrical conductor(114, 214) and the first electrically conductive member (102)and for providing a second electrical connection (116, 216) between a second electricalconductor (118, 218) and the second electrically conductive member (104), whereinthe interface (110) comprises a housing (130), which at least partly houses the first and second electricallyconductive members (102, 104), one or more openings (134) formed by the housing (130), and one or more seats (140) configured to receive and hold one or more holders(142, 242) configured to hold the first and second electrical conductors (114, 214, 118,218), and wherein the opening (134) is configured to allow therethrough one or more ofthe first and second electrical connections (112, 212, 116, 216).

2. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the seat (140) is attachableto the holder (142, 242).

3. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat (140) isconfigured to receive and hold the holder (142, 242) holding one or more of the firstand second electrical conductors (114, 214, 118, 218).

4. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the seat(140) is adjacent to the opening (134).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein thehousing (130) comprises the seat (140).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein theopening (134) is configured to be covered by one or more of the group of: o the holder (142, 242); o the holders (142, 242); o the first electrical conductor (114, 214); o the second electrical conductor (118, 218); and o one or more casings (360) holding one or more of the first and second electrical conductors.

7. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein theinterface (110) comprises one or more first intermediate electrically conductive elements (146, 148, 246,248) configured to electrically connect the first electrical conductor (114, 214) to thefirst electrically conductive member (102), and one or more second intermediate electrically conductive elements (150, 152,250, 252) configured to electrically connect the second electrical conductor (118, 218)to the second electrically conductive member (104).

8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein each ofthe first and second electrically conductive members (102, 104) is configured to conduct a direct current.

9. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein thehousing (130) is configured to be electrically grounded, and wherein each of the firstand second electrically conductive members (102, 104) is spaced apart from thehousing (130).

10. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein each ofthe first and second electrically conductive members (102, 104) comprises or consistsof a busbar (106, 108) attached to the housing (130).

11. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein theseat (140) is configured to receive and hold the holder (142, 242) holding one or moreof the first and second electrical conductors (114, 214, 118, 218), each of the first andsecond electrical conductors (114, 214, 118, 218) comprising or consisting of any oneof the group of: o an electrical cable (120, 122); and o a busbar (220, 222).

12. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein eachof the first and second electrically conductive members (102, 104) is electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system (400) of a vehicle (500).

13. A connection arrangement (300) comprising the apparatus (100) according toany one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the connection arrangement (300) comprisesthe first and second electrical conductors (114, 214, 118, 218).

14. A vehicle high voltage system (400) comprising one or more of the group of:o an apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12; and o a connection arrangement (300) according to claim 13.

15. A vehicle (500) comprising one or more of the group of:o an apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12;o a connection arrangement (300) according to claim 13; and o a vehicle high voltage system (400) according to claim 14.