SE545590C2 - Method of providing an Electrical Connection Arrangement and Vehicle comprising an Electrical Connection Arrangement - Google Patents
Method of providing an Electrical Connection Arrangement and Vehicle comprising an Electrical Connection ArrangementInfo
- Publication number
- SE545590C2 SE545590C2 SE2150636A SE2150636A SE545590C2 SE 545590 C2 SE545590 C2 SE 545590C2 SE 2150636 A SE2150636 A SE 2150636A SE 2150636 A SE2150636 A SE 2150636A SE 545590 C2 SE545590 C2 SE 545590C2
- Authority
- SE
- Sweden
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- connection member
- fastening element
- hole
- section
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 50
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 110
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 239000012799 electrically-conductive coating Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- QELJHCBNGDEXLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel zinc Chemical compound [Ni].[Zn] QELJHCBNGDEXLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010957 pewter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000498 pewter Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001172 regenerating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/34—Conductive members located under head of screw
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
- H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
- H01R4/646—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail for cables or flexible cylindrical bodies
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/18—End pieces terminating in a probe
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/305—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member having means for facilitating engagement of conductive member or for holding it in position
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
- H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/12—End pieces terminating in an eye, hook, or fork
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A method (100) of providing an electrical connection arrangement (1) of a vehicle (2) is disclosed. The arrangement (1) comprises a connection member (3) comprising an electrically conductive surface (13’) and a first through hole (5) and a first fastening element (7) provided with a first portion (p1) comprising a number of serrations (15). The method (100) comprises the steps of pressing (110) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into a first hole (4) of a section (6) of the vehicle (2), pressing (120) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first through hole (5), and attaching (130) a first and a second electrical conductors (c1, c2) to the connection member (3). The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle (2) comprising a first and a second electrical conductor (c1 , c2) and an electrical connection arrangement (1).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing an electrical connection arrangement between a first and a second electrical conductor of a vehicle. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising a first and a second electrical conductor and an electrical
connection arrangement.
BACKGROUND
Modern vehicles comprise numerous components and systems that require a supply of electricity such as for example light emitting units, electrical servo systems, actuators, control units, driver aid systems, and the like. A low voltage electric system is normally used for powering such components and systems of the vehicle. ln a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, the vehicle usually comprises a generator driven by the engine, wherein the generator is configured to supply electricity to a low voltage electric system of the vehicle. Moreover, the low voltage electric system usually comprises one or more batteries being charged by the generator. A low voltage system of the vehicle can for example have an operating voltage below 60 volts, such as 6 volts, 12 volts, or 24 volts. A lower operating voltage is normally used for smaller types of vehicles, such as motorcycles and cars, and a higher operating voltage is normally used for large types of vehicles, such as trucks, busses,
construction vehicles, and the like.
ln vehicles comprising an electric propulsion system, the vehicle usually comprises a high voltage system for providing electricity to the electric propulsion system and a low voltage system for providing electricity to other components and systems of the vehicle, as the above given examples. A high voltage system can have a considerable higher voltage than the low voltage system. According to the international standard ISO 6469-3, a direct current electric system of a vehicle having a maximum working voltage between zero and 60 volts falls within the voltage class A, whereas a direct current electric system electric system of a vehicle having a maximum working voltage between 60 and 1 500 volts falls within the voltage class B. Electric systems falling within voltage class A can thus be referred to as low voltage electric systems and electric systems falling within voltage class B can be referred to
as high voltage electric systems.
Vehicles comprising an electric propulsion system can be divided into the categories pure
electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Pure electric vehicles, sometimes referred to asbattery electric vehicles, only-electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles, comprise a pure electric powertrain and comprise no internal combustion engine and therefore produce no
emissions in the place where they are used.
A hybrid electric vehicle comprises two or more distinct types of power, such as an internal combustion engine and an electric propulsion system. The combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric propulsion system provides advantages with regard to energy efficiency, partly because of the poor energy efficiency of an internal combustion engine at lower power output levels. Moreover, some hybrid electric vehicles are capable of
operating in pure electric drive when wanted, such as when driving in certain areas.
Pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles comprise one or more electric energy storage units, such as one or more rechargeable propulsion batteries, connected to an electric system of the vehicle, which in most cases is a high voltage electric system referred to above, even though low voltage systems are used in some hybrid electric vehicles for providing motive power to the vehicle. Apart from charging using an external power supply, one or more electric propulsion motors of the vehicle may act as a generator in some operational conditions for charging the one or more propulsion batteries, such as during
braking of the vehicle. Such charging is usually referred to as regenerating braking.
As explained above, modern vehicles comprise numerous components and systems that require a supply of electricity such as for example light emitting units, electrical servo systems, actuators, control units, driver aid systems, and the like. ln addition, these components and systems are usually arranged at various places on the vehicle. ln order to reduce the need for cables between a negative pole of a battery and each component, a frame, chassis, or engine of the vehicle may be utilized as a return path for electric current to a negative pole of the battery. That is, in a vehicle comprising an engine, a frame, and a chassis, two or more of these can be electrically connected to each other. Moreover, the negative pole of the battery is normally electrically connected to one or more of the engine, the frame, and the chassis. Thereby, the total need for cables in the vehicle is significantly reduced because a system or component can be electrically connected to a portion of the engine, the frame, or the chassis instead of the negative pole of the battery. Such connecting
of components and systems is also referred to as grounding.
Grounding can also be used to obtain equipotential bonding and protective grounding, also referred to as protective earth. Also in such cases, a frame, a chassis, and/or an engine of
the vehicle may be utilized as an electrical conductor.
Grounding is an efficient means of reducing the need for wires and cables in a vehicle and thereby also of reducing the cost and complexity of the vehicle. Some vehicles utilize so called grounding rails to which several cables of different components and systems are
connected.
Grounding is also associated with some problems and drawbacks. One problem is reliability and durability. That is, if the electrical connection between a grounding wire and the engine, the frame, or the chassis of the vehicle is broken, one or more systems and components of the vehicle are likely to malfunction. Thus, it is a great advantage if an electrical connection arrangement can be made durable and reliable. However, electric systems of vehicles are usually subjected to varying temperatures, humidity, vibration, and the like, which may cause
grounding errors and malfunction of electrical connection arrangements.
A further problem is that outer surfaces of an engine, a frame, and a chassis are normally painted. The paint prevents corrosion and wear but also leads to a non-electrically conductive outer surface of the component. One solution is to leave one or more sections unpainted. However, this adds complexity and manufacturing costs and may cause corrosion of the unpainted section. Another solution could be to paint the structure in a conductive painting or to apply another type of electrically conductive coating layer onto the structure. However, also such solutions significantly add complexity and manufacturing costs of the
vehicle.
Another general problem is that modern vehicles comprise numerous components and systems that require a space. Therefore, it is an advantage is arrangements of a vehicle can
be made compact.
Furthermore, generally, on today's consumer market, it is an advantage if products, such as vehicles and associated components, systems, and arrangements, have conditions and/or
characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
SUMMARY lt is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the
above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method of providing
an electrical connection arrangement between a first and a second electrical conductor of avehicle. The arrangement comprises a connection member comprising an electrically conductive surface and a first through hole. The arrangement further comprises a first fastening element. The first fastening element is provided with a first portion comprising a number of serrations. The method comprises the steps of: - pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into a first hole of a section of the vehicle, - pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first through hole of the connection member, and
- attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member.
Since the method comprises the steps of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member, the connection member is attached to the section of the vehicle in a simple and quick manner. Moreover, in this manner, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle during the step of attaching the first and the second
electrical conductor to the connection member.
Thus, due to these features, the first and the second electrical conductor can be attached to the connection member in a quick, simple, and reliable manner without requiring any further mounting steps of the connection member relative to the section of the vehicle prior to the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member. Moreover, conditions are provided for a quick, simple, and reliable attachment of one or both of the first and the second electrical conductors to the connection member for example using
a portion of the first fastening element.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the attachment of the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member may further secure the connection member against the section of the vehicle. Thereby, the total number of mounting steps of the
electrical connection arrangement can be reduced.
ln addition, if one or both of the first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, for example during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement, the first portion of the first fastening element being pressed into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member can ensure that the connection member is securely held relative to the section of the vehicle even if one or both of the first and second electrical
conductors is/are removed from the connection member.
Furthermore, since the connection member comprises the electrically conductive surface, an efficient and reliable electrical connection can be provided the first and second electrical conductors when these are attached to the connection member. Moreover, due to the connection member, the need for painting the section of the vehicle in a conductive painting or applying another type of electrically conductive coating layer onto the structure is
circumvented as well as the need for leaving the section of the vehicle unpainted/untreated.
Moreover, since the method has conditions for reducing the total number of mounting steps of the electrical connection arrangement, and due to the features of the electrical connection arrangement, a compact and cost-efficient electrical connection arrangement can be
provided requiring little space.
ln addition, conditions are provided for connecting one or more further electrical conductors to the connection member in a quick, simple, and reliable manner, so as to provide a
connection terminal to which several electrical conductors are connected.
Thus, in summary, a method is provided having conditions for reducing manufacturing and assembling costs of vehicles while providing a reliable connection between electrical
conductors of a vehicle.
Accordingly, a method is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is
achieved.
The steps of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member are preferably performed prior to the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the
connection member.
Optionally, the method comprises the step of: - providing the connection member with an electrically conductive surface by applying
an electrically conductive coating layer onto the connection member.
Thereby, the method provides conditions for providing a more reliable and durable electrical connection arrangement between the first and the second electrical conductor. This because
a more mechanically resistant electrically conductive coating layer can be provided capableof providing an efficient electrical connection between electrical conductors of the vehicle
while corrosion and wear of the connection member can be avoided in an efficient manner.
The step of providing the connection member with the electrically conductive surface is preferably performed prior to the steps of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member and prior to the step of attaching the first and the second electrical
conductor to the connection member.
Optionally, the step of providing the connection member with the electrically conductive surface comprises the step of: - electrochemically depositing the electrically conductive coating layer onto the
connection member.
Thereby, the method provides conditions for providing an even more reliable and durable electrical connection arrangement between the first and the second electrical conductor. This because a more mechanically resistant electrically conductive coating layer can be provided capable of providing an efficient electrical connection between the first and the second electrical conductor while corrosion and wear of the connection member can be avoided in
an efficient manner. Moreover, it can be ensured that an even coating layer is obtained.
Optionally, the electrically conductive coating layer comprises zinc. Thereby, the method provides conditions for providing an even more reliable and durable electrical connection arrangement between the first and the second electrical conductor. This because a resistant electrically conductive coating layer can be provided capable of electrically connecting the first and the second electrical conductor in an efficient manner while corrosion and wear of
the connection member can be avoided in an efficient manner.
Optionally, the number of serrations of the first portion of the first fastening element extends in directions parallel to a centre axis of the first fastening element. Thereby, the first portion of the first fastening element can be pressed into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member in a further simpler and quicker manner. Moreover, the first portion of the first fastening element can retain the connection member against the section of the vehicle in an efficient manner when being pressed into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection
member.Optionally, the first fastening element comprises a second portion being separate from the first portion, and wherein the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member comprises the step of:
- attaching the first electrical conductor to the electrically conductive surface of the
connection member using the second portion of the first fastening element.
Thereby, conditions are provided for a quick, simple, and reliable attachment of the first
electrical conductor to the connection member.
Moreover, the attachment of the first electrical conductor to the electrically conductive surface of the connection member, using the second portion of the first fastening element, can provide a further secure attachment of the connection member against the section of the vehicle. Thus, in this manner, the need for one or more further fastening units for attaching the connection member against the section of the vehicle is circumvented or is at least reduced. Moreover, in this manner, the need for one or more further mounting steps for mounting the connection member against the section of the vehicle is circumvented or is at
least reduced.
Thus, due to these features, a method is provided having conditions for further reducing
manufacturing and assembling costs of vehicles.
Optionally, the second portion of the first fastening element comprises threads, and wherein the step of attaching the first electrical conductor to the electrically conductive surface comprises the step of: - clamping the first electrical conductor against the electrically conductive surface of the connection member by threading a fastening unit onto the second portion of the first
fastening element.
Thereby, conditions are provided for a further quicker, simpler, and more reliable attachment
of the first electrical conductor to the connection member.
Moreover, the clamping of the first electrical conductor against the electrically conductive surface of the connection member by the threading of the fastening unit onto the second portion of the first fastening element can provide a further secure attachment of the connection member against the section of the vehicle. Thus, in this manner, the need for one or more further fastening units for attaching the connection member against the section of
the vehicle is circumvented, or at least reduced. Moreover, in this manner, the need for oneor more further mounting steps for mounting the connection member against the section of
the vehicle is circumvented or is at least reduced.
Furthermore, if the fastening unit is removed, such as during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement, the first portion of the first fastening element being pressed into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member can ensure that the connection member stays in place even if the fastening unit is removed from the second portion of the first fastening
element.
Thus, due to these features, a method is provided having conditions for further reducing
manufacturing and assembling costs of vehicles.
Optionally, the first hole of the section of the vehicle is a through hole and wherein the step of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole comprises the step of:
- pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole from a first
side of the section of the vehicle, and
wherein the step of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first through hole of the connection member comprises the step of:
- pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first through hole of the
connection member at a second side of the section of the vehicle.
ln this manner, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner during the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member. Furthermore, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner when one or both of the first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, for example during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement. Moreover, the need for any further mounting steps or further mounting units for
attaching the connection member against the section of the vehicle is further reduced.
Optionally, the first fastening element comprises a third portion having a larger diameter than a diameter of the first hole. ln this manner, the connection member can be securely held relative to the section of the vehicle during the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member. Furthermore, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner even if one or both of the
first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, forexample during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement. Moreover, the need for any further mounting steps or further mounting units for attaching the connection member against the section of the vehicle is
further reduced.
Optionally, the step of pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole comprises the step of: - pressing the first portion of the first fastening element into the first hole until the third
portion of the first fastening element abuts against the section of the vehicle.
ln this manner, a method is provided ensuring that the connection member can be securely held relative to the section of the vehicle during the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member. Furthermore, the method ensures that the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner even if one or both of the first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, for example during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement. Moreover, the need for any further mounting steps or further mounting units for attaching the connection member against the
section of the vehicle is further reduced.
Optionally, the arrangement comprises a second fastening element provided with a first portion comprising a number of serrations, and wherein the connection member comprises a second through hole arranged at a distance from the first through hole, and wherein the method further comprises:
- pressing the first portion of the second fastening element into a second hole of the
section of the vehicle, and - pressing the first portion of the second fastening element into the second through
hole of the connection member.
Thereby, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in an even more secure manner during the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member. Furthermore, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner even if one or both of the first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, for example during a service or repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement. ln
addition, due to the second fastening element, conditions are provided for a quick, simple,
and reliable attachment of one or both of the first and the second electrical conductors to the
connection member using a portion of the second fastening element.
Optionally, the number of serrations of the first portion of the second fastening element extends in directions parallel to a centre axis of the second fastening element. Thereby, the first portion of the second fastening element can be pressed into the second hole of the section of the vehicle and into the second through hole of the connection member in a further simpler and quicker manner. Moreover, the first portion of the second fastening element can retain the connection member against the section of the vehicle in an efficient manner when being pressed into the second hole of the section of the vehicle and into the second through
hole of the connection member.
Optionally, the second fastening element comprises a second portion being separate from the first portion, and wherein the step of attaching the first and the second electrical conductor to the connection member comprises the step of:
- attaching the second electrical conductor to the electrically conductive surface of the
connection member using the second portion of the second fastening element.
Thereby, conditions are provided for a quick, simple, and reliable attachment of the second
electrical conductor to the connection member.
Moreover, the attachment of the second electrical conductor to the electrically conductive surface of the connection member, using the second portion of the second fastening element, can provide a further secure attachment of the connection member against the section of the vehicle. Thus, in this manner, the need for one or more further fastening units for attaching the connection member against the section of the vehicle is further reduced. Moreover, in this manner, the need for one or more further mounting steps for mounting the
connection member against the section of the vehicle is further reduced.
Thus, due to these features, a method is provided having conditions for further reducing
manufacturing and assembling costs of vehicles.
According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a first and a second electrical conductor and an electrical connection arrangement. The electrical connection arrangement comprises a connection member comprising an electrically conductive surface and a first through hole. The electrical connection arrangement further
comprises a first fastening element provided with a first portion comprising a number ofserrations. The connection member is fastened to a section of the vehicle by the first portion of the first fastening element being pressed into a first hole of the section of the vehicle and being pressed into the first through hole of the connection member. The first and the second
electrical conductor are electrically connected to each other via the connection member.
Since the connection member is fastened to a section of the vehicle by the first portion of the first fastening element being pressed into a first hole of the section of the vehicle and being pressed into the first through hole of the connection member, the connection member can be fastened to the section of the vehicle in a simple and efficient manner prior to electrically
connecting the first and the second electrical conductors to the connection member.
Thus, due to these features, the electrical connection arrangement of the vehicle has conditions for being assembled in a cost-efficient manner while having conditions for providing a reliable and compact electrical connection between electrical conductors of the
vehicle.
Accordingly, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is
achieved.
Optionally, the first fastening element comprises a second portion being separate from the first portion, and wherein the first electrical conductor is clamped against the electrically conductive surface of the connection member by a fastening unit being threaded onto the
second portion of the first fastening element.
Thereby, conditions are provided for a further quicker, simpler, and more reliable attachment of the first electrical conductor to the connection member. Moreover, the clamping of the first electrical conductor against the electrically conductive surface of the connection member by the fastening unit can provide a further secure attachment of the connection member against the section of the vehicle. Thus, in this manner, the need for one or more further fastening units for attaching the connection member against the section of the vehicle is circumvented, or at least reduced. Moreover, in this manner, the need for one or more further mounting steps for mounting the connection member against the section of the vehicle is circumvented
or is at least reduced.
Furthermore, if the fastening unit is removed, such as during a service or repair procedure of
a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement, the first portion of the firstfastening element being pressed into the first hole of the section of the vehicle and into the first through hole of the connection member can ensure that the connection member stays in place even if the fastening unit is removed from the second portion of the first fastening
element.
Optionally, the first hole of the section of the vehicle is a through hole and the first fastening element comprises a third portion having a larger diameter than a diameter of the first hole, and wherein the first portion of the first fastening is pressed into the first hole from a first side
of the section of the vehicle, and the first portion of the first fastening element is pressed into
the first through hole of the connection member at a second side of the section of the vehicle.
ln this manner, the first fastening element can be utilized for fastening the connection member to the section of the vehicle as well as for attaching the first electrical conductor to the connection member in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner, and the need for any further mounting steps or further mounting units for attaching the connection member against
the section of the vehicle is reduced.
Moreover, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner when attaching the first and the second electrical conductors to the connection member. Furthermore, the connection member can be held relative to the section of the vehicle in a further secure manner when one or both of the first and second electrical conductors is/are removed from the connection member, for example during a service or
repair procedure of a vehicle comprising the electrical connection arrangement.
Optionally, at least one of the first and second electrical conductors is connected to a
grounding wire.
Thereby, a vehicle is provided having an electrical connection arrangement capable of functioning as an efficient and compact electrical grounding arrangement while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-
efficient manner.
Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when
studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSVarious aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed
description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of a section of the vehicle and an electrical connection arrangement of the vehicle according to some embodiments in an unassembled state,
Fig. 3 illustrates a fastening element of the electrical connection arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of the section of the vehicle and of the electrical connection arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2, wherein the electrical connection arrangement is illustrated in a partially assembled state.
Fig. 5 illustrates the enlarged view of the section of the vehicle and the electrical connection arrangement of the vehicle illustrated in an assembled state, and
Fig. 6 illustrates a method of providing an electrical connection arrangement between a first
and a second electrical conductor of a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described
in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 is a truck, i.e. a type of heavy vehicle. According to further embodiments, the vehicle 2, as referred to herein, may be another type of heavy or lighter type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land or water based propulsion
such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, a boat, or the like.
The vehicle 2 comprises a powertrain 40. According to the illustrated embodiments, the powertrain 40 is configured to provide motive power to the vehicle 2 via wheels 47 of the vehicle 2. The powertrain 40 may comprise an internal combustion engine and/or one or more electric propulsion motors configured to provide motive power to the vehicle 2. That is, the powertrain 40 of the vehicle 2 may be a pure electric powertrain, i.e. a powertrain comprising no internal combustion engine. As an alternative, the powertrain 40 of the vehicle 2 may be a so called hybrid electric powertrain comprising a combustion engine in addition to one or more electric propulsion motors for providing motive power to the vehicle 2. ln Fig. 1,
a section 6 of the vehicle 2 is indicated.Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and an electrical connection arrangement 1 of the vehicle 2, according to some embodiments, in an unassembled state. The electrical connection arrangement 1 of the vehicle 2 is also indicated in Fig. 1. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if not indicated otherwise. According to the illustrated embodiments, the section 6 of the vehicle 2 is a section of a chassis of the vehicle 2. According to further embodiments, the section 6 of the vehicle 2, as referred to herein, may be another type of section of the vehicle 2, such as a section of a frame of the vehicle 2, a section of an engine of the vehicle 2, or the like. Moreover, the section 6 of the vehicle 2, as referred to herein, may be a section of a
component mounted to a frame, a chassis, or an engine of the vehicle
ln Fig. 2, a number of electrical conductors c1 - c3 of the vehicle 2 can be seen. ln some places herein, one of the electrical conductors c1 is referred to as a first electrical conductor c1 and another of the electrical conductor c2 is referred to as a second electrical conductor c2. Moreover, one of the electrical conductors c3 can be referred to as a third electrical conductor c3. One or more of the electrical conductors c1 - c3 may form part of a high voltage electric system of the vehicle 2 or a low voltage electric system of the vehicle 2, as is
further explained herein.
The electrical connection arrangement 1 comprises a connection member 3. The connection member 3 comprises an electrically conductive surface 13' and a number of through holes 5, 5', 5”. ln some places herein, one of the through holes 5 is referred to as a first through hole 5 and another of the number of trough holes 5' is referred to as a second through hole 5”. Moreover, one of the through holes 5” can be referred to as a third through hole 5”. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the through holes 5, 5', 5” is circular. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3 have the same diameter D5. According to the illustrated embodiments,
the connection member 3 is plate-like and may also be referred to as a connection plate.
The electrical connection arrangement 1 further comprises a number of fastening elements 7, 7', 7”. ln some places herein, one of the fastening elements 7 is referred to as a first fastening element 7 and another fastening element 7' is referred to as a second fastening element 7”. Moreover, one of the fastening elements 7” can be referred to as a third fastening element 7”. According to the illustrated embodiments, the fastening elements 7, 7',
7” have identical design and comprise the same features, functions, and advantages.
Fig. 3 illustrates a fastening element of the electrical connection arrangement 1 illustrated in Fig. 2. Since the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” of the electrical connection arrangement 1 according to the illustrated embodiments have the same design and can be said to be identical, Fig. 3 can be said to illustrate the first fastening element 7, the second fastening
element 7”, as well as the third fastening element 7”, referred to above.
However, even though the features, functions, and advantages explained are applicable on the first, second, and third fastening element 7, 7”, 7” referred to above, for reasons of brevity and clarity, in the following, the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” illustrated in Fig. 3 is simply referred to the fastening element 7, 7”, 7”. The fastening element 7, 7”, 7” is provided with a first portion p1. The first portion p1 comprises a number of serrations 15. According to the illustrated embodiments, the serrations 15 extend in directions d1 parallel to a centre axis Ca of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7”. According to further embodiments, the serrations 15 may
extend in directions being angled relative to a centre axis Ca of the first fastening element
Since the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” comprises a number of serrations 15, the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” may also be referred to as a serrated portion of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7”. According to the illustrated embodiments, the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” of the electrical connection arrangement 1 are a type of press screw. Therefore, one or more of the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7”, as referred to herein, may also be referred to as a press screw. The fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” of the electrical connection arrangement 1 may be made of steel. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” has a circular cross section in a plane
perpendicular to the centre axis Ca of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7”.
Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and of the electrical connection arrangement 1 illustrated in Fig. 2, wherein the electrical connection arrangement 1 is illustrated in a partially assembled state. ln Fig. 4, the cross section is made in a plane comprising the centre axis Ca of one of the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7”. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the connection member 3 is fastened to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 by the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” being pressed into a hole 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and being pressed into a through hole 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3. ln this manner, the connection member 3 can be attached to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 in a quick, simple, and efficient manner before further attaching the connection member 3 to
the section 6 of the vehicle 2, as is further explained herein.As is indicated in Fig. 2, the section 6 of the vehicle 2 comprises a number of holes 4, 4', 4”. ln some places herein, one of the holes 4 is referred to as a first hole 4 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and another hole 4' is referred to as a second hole 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. Moreover, one of the holes 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 may be referred to as a third hole 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of
the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 is a through hole.
Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 is circular. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 have the same diameter D4. The diameter D4 is indicated in Fig. 4. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 have the same diameter D4 as the diameter D5 of the
through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3, indicated in Fig.
The diameter D1 of the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7”, indicated in Fig. 3 is slightly larger than the diameter D4 of the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and than the diameter D5 of the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3. According to some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” is 0.2% - 5%, or 0.5% - 3%, greater than the diameter D4 of the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and than the diameter D5 of the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3. ln this manner, a rigid attachment of the connection member 3 relative to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 can be provided when the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7”, 7” is pressed into the hole 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and into the through
hole 5, 5', 5” of the connection member
As understood from the above described, since the electrical connection arrangement 1 comprises fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” of identical design and since the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 have the same diameter D4 and the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3 have the same diameter D5, Fig. 4 can be said to illustrate a first fastening element 7, wherein the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 is pressed into a first hole 4 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and being pressed into a first through hole 5 of the connection member 3. Likewise, Fig. 4 can be said to illustrate a second fastening element 7”, wherein the first portion p1 of the second fastening element 7' is pressed into a second hole 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and being pressed into a second through hole 5' of the connection member 3. Likewise, Fig. 4 can be said to illustrate a third fastening element 7”, wherein the first portion p1 of the third fastening element 7” is pressed into a
third hole 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and being pressed into a third through hole 5” ofthe connection member 3. These features and aspects of the electrical connection
arrangement 1 have been collected in one figure for reasons of brevity and clarity.
Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 4, if not indicated otherwise. As is indicated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the fastening element 7, 7', 7” comprises a second portion p2. The second portion p2 is separate from the first portion p1. According to the illustrated embodiments, the second portion p2 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” has a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the centre axis Ca of the fastening element 7, 7', 7”. Moreover, the second portion p2 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” and has a smaller diameter D2 than the diameter D1 of the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7”. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the diameter D2 of the second portion p2 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” is smaller than the diameter D4 of the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and is smaller than the diameter D5 of the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3. As can be seen in Fig. 4, according to the illustrated
embodiments, the second portion p2 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” comprises threads
Moreover, as clearly seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the fastening element 7, 7', 7” comprises a third portion p3. The third portion p3 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” has a larger diameter D3 than a diameter D4 of the hole 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the third portion p3 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” has a considerable larger diameter D3 than a diameter D4 of the hole 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the third portion p3 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” may also be referred to as a head of the fastening element 7, 7', 7”. Furthermore, as seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second portion p2 and the third portion p3 each comprise a respective end portion of the fastening element 7, 7', 7”. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” is arranged between the second and third
portions p2, p3 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7”.
ln Fig. 4, a first side S1 and a second side S2 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 are indicated. ln Fig. 2, the second side S2 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 can be seen. Moreover, as explained above, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the holes 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 is a through hole. According to the illustrated embodiments, a respective first portion p1 of a number of fastening elements 7, 7', 7” is pressed into a respective hole 4, 4', 4' of a section 6 of the vehicle 2 from the first side S1 of the section 6 of
the vehicle 2. Moreover, a respective first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7” ispressed into a respective through hole 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3 at the second
side S2 of the section 6 of the vehicle
Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, an assembler, or an assembling machine, may insert a number of fastening elements 7, 7', 7" in the direction d1 indicated in Fig. 4 into a respective hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 from the first side S1 of the section 6. The direction d1 indicated in Fig. 4 coincides with the direction of the centre axis Ca of the fastening element 7, 7', 7". The assembler, or the assembling machine, may then press a respective first portion p1 of the number of fastening elements 7, 7', 7” into the respective hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. The pressing direction coincides with the
direction d1 indicated in Fig.
The respective fastening element 7, 7', 7” may be pressed into a respective hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 until the third portion p3 of the first fastening element 7 abuts against the section 6 of the vehicle 2. Then, assembler, or the assembling machine, may press the connection member 3 against the section 6 of the vehicle 2 such that a respective first portion p1 of the fastening element 7, 7', 7" is pressed into a respective through hole 5, 5', 5" of the connection member 3 at the second side S2 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2. ln this manner, the electrical connection arrangement 1 can be partially assembled into the state illustrated in Fig. 4 in a quick, simple, and efficient manner. The assembler, or the assembling machine, may apply a counterforce onto the number of fastening elements 7, 7', 7" in the direction d1 while pressing the connection member 3 against the section 6 of the
vehicle 2 in a direction opposite to the direction d
As an alternative, first portions p1 of one or more fastening elements 7, 7', 7" may be pressed into a respective hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and into a respective through hole 5, 5', 5" of the connection member 3 in one pressing step. Also in such one pressing step, the pressing direction may coincide with the direction d1 indicated in Fig. 4. Moreover, also in such one pressing step, the respective fastening element 7, 7', 7" may be pressed into a respective hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 until the third portion p3 of the first fastening element 7 abuts against the section 6 of the vehicle 2. ln these embodiments, the connection member 3 may be held relative to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 such that through holes 5, 5', 5" of the connection member 3 are coaxial with holes 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 before one or more fastening elements 7, 7', 7" is/are pressed into the hole 4, 4', 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and the through hole 5, 5', 5" of
the connection member 3. Also in this manner, the electrical connection arrangement 1 canbe partially assembled into the state illustrated in Fig. 4 in a quick, simple, and efficient
mannef.
Fig. 5 illustrates the enlarged view of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 and the electrical connection arrangement 1 of the vehicle 2 illustrated in an assembled state. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5, if not indicated othenNise. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 2, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5, the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 have been positioned against a respective second portion p2 of a fastening element 7, 7”, 7” in Fig 5. Moreover, a fastening unit 8, 8', 8” has been threaded onto a respective second portion p2 of a respective fastening element 7, 7”, 7” such that the electrical conductor c1, c2, c3 is clamped against the electrically conductive surface 13' of the connection member 3. ln this manner, an efficient electrical connection can be ensured between the electrical conductors c1, c2, c
The electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 are thus electrically connected to each other via the connection member 3 when being attached to the connection member 3. ln addition, by tightening the fastening units 8, 8', 8” at the second side S2 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2, the connection member 3 of the electrical connection arrangement 1 is further clamped and attached against the section 6 of the vehicle 2. This is because the third portion p3 of the respective fastening element 7, 7”, 7” is abutting against the first side S1 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 while the fastening units 8, 8', 8” are tightened at the second side S2 of the
section 6 of the vehicle
Moreover, since the respective first portion p1 of the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” is pressed into a respective through hole 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3 and pressed into a hole 4, 4', 4” of the section 6 of the vehicle 2, it can be ensured that the connection member 3 stays in place relative to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 when the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 are positioned against a respective second portion p2 of a fastening element 7, 7”, 7” and when the fastening units 8, 8', 8” are threaded and tightened onto the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7”. ln addition, the serrations 15 of the first portion p1 of the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” prevents the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7” from turning when the fastening units 8, 8', 8” are tightened. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the connection member 3 stays in place relative to the section 6 of the vehicle 2 when the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 and the fastening unit 8, 8', 8” are removed from the fastening elements 7, 7”, 7”, such as during a service and repair procedure of a vehicle 2 comprising the electrical connection arrangement
According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 comprise a respective cable lug each comprising a through hole threaded over a second portion p2 of a fastening element 7, 7', 7”. According to further embodiments, the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3, as referred to herein, may have another type of design. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the fastening units 8, 8', 8” are in the form of nuts. However, according to further embodiments, the fastening units 8, 8', 8” may have another type of
design.
As indicated in Fig. 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the connection member 3 comprises an electrically conductive coating layer 13. The electrically conductive coating layer 13 may for example comprise an electrically conductive paint. According to some embodiments, the electrically conductive coating layer 13 comprises zinc Zn, such as a Zinc- Nickel ZnNi compound, a Zinc-lron ZnFe compound, or the like. Thereby, a reliable and durable electrical connection arrangement 1 can be provided capable of transferring electrical current between the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 in an efficient manner, while
corrosion and wear of the connection member can be avoided.
According to some embodiments, the connection member 3 is made of steel. However, according to some further embodiments, the connection member 3 may be made of another type of material such as copper Cu. Moreover, the electrically conductive coating layer 13 may comprise other types of material than zinc. Purely as examples, the electrically
conductive coating layer 13 may comprise tin Sn, pewter, gold Au, silver Ag, or the like.
Moreover, according to some embodiments, the electrically conductive coating layer 13 may be applied onto the connection member 3 by electrochemically depositing the electrically conductive coating layer 13 onto the connection member 3. ln this manner, an even and
resistant electrically conductive coating layer 13 can be provided.
As understood from the above described, due to the features of the electrical connection arrangement 1, the electrical connection arrangement 1 provides conditions for a quick, reliable, and cost-efficient electrical connection of electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 of a vehicle 2. Moreover, as schematically indicated in Fig. 5, one of electrical conductors c2 may be connected to a grounding wire 30. ln such embodiments, the electrical connection arrangement 1 may thus function as an electrical grounding arrangement for grounding a number of components and systems of the vehicle 2 in a quick, reliable, and cost-efficient manner. The electrical connection arrangement 1 may be utilized for electrically connecting
conductors of a low voltage electrical system of a vehicle as well as for electricallyconnecting conductors of a high voltage electrical system of a vehicle. The electrical system may be a direct current electrical system or an alternating current electrical system. ln embodiments in which one of electrical conductors c2 is connected to a grounding wire 30, the grounding wire 30 may be electrically connected to a negative pole of one or more
batteries of the vehicle, for example via a frame, a chassis, or an engine of the vehicle.
Moreover, due to the features of the electrical connection arrangement 1, a space efficient electrical connection arrangement 1 is provided requiring little space for electrically connecting a number of electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 of a vehicle 2. Moreover, the electrical connection arrangement 1 circumvents the need for painting the section 6 of the vehicle 2 in an electrically conductive paint, circumvents the need for applying another type of electrically conductive coating layer onto the section 6, and circumvents the need for
leaving portions of the section 6 unpainted.
ln the above described, reference has been made to three fastening elements 7, 7', 7” and three electrical conductors c1, c2, c3. However, the electrical connection arrangement 1 may be utilized to electrically connect more than three electrical conductors c1, c2, c3. According to the illustrated embodiments, the through holes 5, 5', 5” of the connection member 3 are aligned to form a straight row of through holes 5, 5', 5”. ln this manner, the electrical conductors c1, c2, c3 can be attached to the connection member 3, and removed from the connection member 3, in quick and simple manner. However, according to further embodiments, the connection member 3 may comprise through holes 5, 5', 5” arranged in another manner on the connection member 3. As an example, the connection member 3 may comprise two or more rows of through holes 5, 5', 5” and may be larger in size than the
connection member 3 according to the illustrated embodiments.
Fig. 6 illustrates a method 100 of providing an electrical connection arrangement between a first and a second electrical conductor of a vehicle. The electrical connection arrangement may be an electrical connection arrangement 1 explained with reference to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5. Likewise, the vehicle may be a vehicle 2 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig.
Therefore, below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig.
The method 100 is a method of providing an electrical connection arrangement 1 between a first and a second electrical conductor c1, c2 of a vehicle 2. The electrical connection arrangement 1 comprises a connection member 3 comprising an electrically conductive
surface 13' and a first through hole 5. The electrical connection arrangement 1 furthercomprises and a first fastening element 7 provided with a first portion p1 comprising a number of serrations 15. The method 100 comprises the steps of: - pressing 110 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into a first hole 4 of a section 6 of the vehicle 2, - pressing 120 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the first through hole 5 of the connection member 3, and - attaching 130 the first and the second electrical conductor c1, c2 to the
connection member
One or more of the steps 110, 120 and 130 may be performed by an assembler, or an assembling machine. Moreover, the steps 110 and 120 may be performed in one pressing step. The step of pressing 110 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into a first hole 4 of a section 6 of the vehicle 2 and the step of pressing 120 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the first through hole 5 of the connection member 3 are preferably performed prior to the step of attaching 130 the first and the second electrical
conductor c1, c2 to the connection member
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the method 100 may comprise the step of: - providing 101 the connection member 3 with an electrically conductive surface 13' by applying an electrically conductive coating layer 13 onto the connection
member
The step of providing 101 the connection member 3 with an electrically conductive surface may be performed by an assembler, or a machine. Moreover, the step of providing 101 the connection member 3 with the electrically conductive surface is preferably performed prior to the steps 110, 120, and 130 referred to above.
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the step of providing 101 the connection member 3 with the electrically conductive surface 13' may comprise the step of: - electrochemically depositing 103 the electrically conductive coating layeronto the connection member
According to some embodiments, the electrically conductive coating layer 13 comprises zinc.
Moreover, according to some embodiments, the first fastening element 7 comprises a
second portion p2 being separate from the first portion p1, and wherein the step of attaching130 the first and the second electrical conductor c1, c2 to the connection membercomprises the step of:
- attaching 132 the first electrical conductor c1 to the electrically conductive surface 13' of the connection member 3 using the second portion p2 of the first
fastening element
The step of attaching 132 the first electrical conductor c1 to the electrically conductive
surface 13' may be performed by an assembler or an assembling machine.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the second portion p2 of the first fastening
element 7 comprises threads 17, and wherein the step of attaching 132 the first electrical
conductor c1 to the electrically conductive surface 13' comprises the step of:
- clamping 134 the first electrical conductor c1 against the electrically conductive surface 13' of the connection member 3 by threading a fastening unit 8 onto the
second portion p2 of the first fastening element
The step of clamping 134 the first electrical conductor c1 against the electrically conductive
surface 13' may be performed by an assembler or an assembling machine.
According to some embodiments, the first hole 4 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2 is a through
hole and wherein the step of pressing 110 the first portion p1 of the first fastening elementinto the first hole 4 comprises the step of:
- pressing 112 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the first hole 4 from a first side S1 of the section 6 of the vehicle 2, and
wherein the step of pressing 120 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the
first through hole 5 of the connection member 3 comprises the step of:
- pressing 122 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the first through hole 5 of the connection member 3 at a second side S2 of the sectionof the vehicle
One or both of the steps 112 and 122 may be performed by an assembler, or an assembling
machine. Moreover, the steps 112 and 122 may be performed in one pressing step.
According to some embodiments, the first fastening element 7 comprises a third portion phaving a larger diameter D3 than a diameter D4 of the first holeMoreover, according to some embodiments, the step of pressing 112 the first portion p1 of
the first fastening element 7 into the first hole 4 comprises the step of:
- pressing 114 the first portion p1 of the first fastening element 7 into the first hole 4 until the third portion p3 of the first fastening element 7 abuts against the
section 6 of the vehicle
Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the electrical connection arrangement 1 comprises a second fastening element 7' provided with a first portion p1 comprising a number of serrations 15, and wherein the connection member 3 comprises a second through hole 5' arranged at a distance from the first through hole 5, and wherein the method 100 further comprises:
- pressing 116 the first portion p1 of the second fastening element 7' into a
second hole 4' of the section 6 of the vehicle 2, and - pressing 124 the first portion p1 of the second fastening element 7' into the
second through hole 5' of the connection member
One or both of the steps 116 and 124 may be performed by an assembler, or an assembling
machine. Moreover, the steps 116 and 124 may be performed in one pressing step.
According to some embodiments, the second fastening element 7' comprises a second portion p2 being separate from the first portion p1, and wherein the step of attaching 130 the first and the second electrical conductor c1, c2 to the connection member 3 comprises the step of:
- attaching 136 the second electrical conductor c2 to the electrically conductive
surface 13' of the connection member 3 using the second portion p2 of the
second fastening element 7'.
The step of attaching 136 the second electrical conductor c2 to the electrically conductive surface 13' of the connection member 3 may be performed by an assembler, or an assembling machine. The step of attaching 136 the second electrical conductor c2 to the electrically conductive surface 13' is preferably performed after the steps 116 andreferred to above.
lt is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different
features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than
those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.
As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not prec|ude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.
Claims (1)
- Claims A method (100) of providing an electrical connection arrangement (1) between a first and a second electrical conductor (c1, c2) of a vehicle (2), the arrangement (1) comprising: a connection member (3) comprising an electrically conductive surface (13') and a (5),__;= first through hole - a first fastening element (7) provided with a first portion (p1) comprising a number of serrations (15), and wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - pressing (110) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into a first hole (4) of a section (6) of the vehicle (2), - pressing (120) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first through hole (5) of the connection member (3), and - attaching (130) the first and the second electrical conductor (c1, c2) to the connection member (3). The method (100) according to claim 1, method (100) comprises the step of: - providing (101) the connection member (3) with an electrically conductive surface (13') by applying an electrically conductive coating layer (13) onto the connection member (3). The method (100) according to claim 2, step of providing (101) the connection member (3) with the electrically conductive surface (13') comprises the step of: - electrochemically depositing (103) the electrically conductive coating layer (13) onto the connection member (3). The method (100) according to claim 2 or 3, and electrically conductive coating layer (13) comprises zinc. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, ~ >~,.==,=š1:~:=s\§ second electrical conductor (c1, c2) to the connection member (3) comprises the step of: - attaching (132) the first electrical conductor (c1) to the electrically conductive surface (13') of the connection member (3) using the second portion (p2) of the first fastening element (7). =~ i second The method (100) according to claim 5, \ portion (p2) of the first fastening element (7) comprises threads (17), and wherein the step of attaching (132) the first electrical conductor (c1) to the electrically conductive surface (13') comprises the step of: - clamping (134) the first electrical conductor (c1) against the electrically conductive surface (13') of the connection member (3) by threading a fastening unit (8) onto the second portion (p2) of the first fastening element (7). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, i _ u". ,. .<- ššï käck “sf-the first hole (4) of the section (6) of the vehicle (2) is a through hole and wherein the step of pressing (110) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first hole (4) comprises the step of: - pressing (112) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first hole (4) from a first side (S1) of the section (6) of the vehicle (2), and wherein the step of pressing (120) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first through hole (5) of the connection member (3) comprises the step of: - pressing (122) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first through hole (5) of the connection member (3) at a second side (S2) of the section (6) of the vehicle (2). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, \-\fš\~.s\r\<=\šr:~»«the first fastening element (7) comprises a third portion (p3) having a larger diameter (D3) than a diameter (D4) of the first hole (4). The method (100) according to claim 7 and 8, hä» step of pressing (112) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first hole (4) comprises the step of: - pressing (114) the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) into the first hole (4) until the third portion (p3) of the first fastening element (7) abuts against the section (6) of the vehicle (2). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, .w »vsw m ska »væëss.~.=1s:~í~~:=æ»the arrangement (1) comprises a second fastening element (7') provided with a first portion (p1) comprising a number of serrations (15), and Wherein the connection member (3) comprises a second through hole (5') arranged at a distance from the first through hole (5), and wherein the method (100) further comprises: - pressing (116) the first portion (p1) of the second fastening element (7') into a second hole (4') of the section (6) of the vehicle (2), and - pressing (124) the first portion (p1) of the second fastening element (7') into the second through hole (5') of the connection member (3). The method (100) according to claim 10, second fastening element (7') comprises a second portion (p2) being separate from the first portion (p1), and wherein the step of attaching (130) the first and the second electrical conductor (c1, c2) to the connection member (3) comprises the step of: - attaching (136) the second electrical conductor (c2) to the electrically conductive surface (13') of the connection member (3) using the second portion (p2) of the second fastening element (7'). A vehicle (2) comprising a first and a second electrical conductor (c1, c2) and an electrical connection arrangement (1), the electrical connection arrangement (1) comprising: ¿»_ ______ __a connection member (3) comprising an electrically conductive surface (13') and a first through hole (5), and w g * c -* v' ~. U \ t . . , a m; f m “tät v _. . _. *canusàtsšlwrš mâšlu än smet där: 11::::1nï\.=r_:l::r_:l:a = s ' u: - a first fastening element (7) provided with a first portion (p1) comprising a number of serrations (15), and wherein the connection member (3) is fastened to a section (6) of the vehicle (2) by the first portion (p1) of the first fastening element (7) being pressed into a first hole (4) of the section (6) of the vehicle (2) and being pressed into the first through hole (5) of the connection member (3), and wherein the first and the second electrical conductor (c1, c2) are electrically connected to each other via the connection member (3). The vehicle (2) according to claim 12, least one of the first and second electrical conductors (c1, c2) is connected to a grounding wire (30).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE2150636A SE545590C2 (en) | 2021-05-19 | 2021-05-19 | Method of providing an Electrical Connection Arrangement and Vehicle comprising an Electrical Connection Arrangement |
DE102022108726.3A DE102022108726A1 (en) | 2021-05-19 | 2022-04-11 | Method of providing an electrical connector assembly and vehicle having an electrical connector assembly |
BR102022009329-6A BR102022009329A2 (en) | 2021-05-19 | 2022-05-13 | METHOD OF SUPPLY OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT AND VEHICLE COMPRISING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE2150636A SE545590C2 (en) | 2021-05-19 | 2021-05-19 | Method of providing an Electrical Connection Arrangement and Vehicle comprising an Electrical Connection Arrangement |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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SE2150636A1 SE2150636A1 (en) | 2022-11-20 |
SE545590C2 true SE545590C2 (en) | 2023-11-07 |
Family
ID=83899049
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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SE2150636A SE545590C2 (en) | 2021-05-19 | 2021-05-19 | Method of providing an Electrical Connection Arrangement and Vehicle comprising an Electrical Connection Arrangement |
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BR (1) | BR102022009329A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102022108726A1 (en) |
SE (1) | SE545590C2 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070270002A1 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-11-22 | Braden Stephen M | Ground stud installation on composite structures for electrostatic charges |
US20150107870A1 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2015-04-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Light weight bus bars, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
DE202017105688U1 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2017-11-06 | Eaton Electrical Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electronic component |
JP2017218139A (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2017-12-14 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Earth routing structure for vehicle |
DE102016117835A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-04-05 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | Electrical connection assembly and method of making an electrical connection assembly |
-
2021
- 2021-05-19 SE SE2150636A patent/SE545590C2/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-04-11 DE DE102022108726.3A patent/DE102022108726A1/en active Pending
- 2022-05-13 BR BR102022009329-6A patent/BR102022009329A2/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070270002A1 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-11-22 | Braden Stephen M | Ground stud installation on composite structures for electrostatic charges |
US20150107870A1 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2015-04-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Light weight bus bars, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
JP2017218139A (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2017-12-14 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Earth routing structure for vehicle |
DE102016117835A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-04-05 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | Electrical connection assembly and method of making an electrical connection assembly |
DE202017105688U1 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2017-11-06 | Eaton Electrical Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electronic component |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SE2150636A1 (en) | 2022-11-20 |
DE102022108726A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
BR102022009329A2 (en) | 2023-01-17 |
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