WO2024041902A1

WO2024041902A1 - Fixing element, fixing arrangement and electrical connection

Info

Publication number: WO2024041902A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/072149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Pscheiden
Original assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-08-25
Filing date: 2023-08-10
Publication date: 2024-02-29
Also published as: EP4329102A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing element (1) for an electrical connector (2) in order to at least mechanically connect the electrical connector (2) to a corresponding electrical mating connector (3). The fixing element (1) has a mechanical interface (6) for rotationally fixed connection to a screwing tool (7), and also has a contact area (8), which is averted from the mechanical interface (6), for bearing against a component (9) of the electrical connector (2). The fixing element (1) also has a metal fixing shaft (10) for direct mechanical connection to a fixing mating element (5) of an electrical mating connector (3), the metal fixing shaft extending away from the mechanical interface (6) along a longitudinal axis (L) starting from the contact area (8). The fixing element (10) also has an electrically insulating contact-protection element (13), which at least partially surrounds at least the fixing shaft (10). A fixing recess (11) is provided, which extends through the fixing shaft (10) along the longitudinal axis (L) starting from a front end of the fixing shaft (10), the front end being averted from the contact area (8), and can be screwed to a fixing pin (12) of the fixing mating element (5).

Description

Fastener, fastening arrangement and electrical connection

The present application claims the priority of European patent application No. 22 192 094.5, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

The invention relates to a fastening element for an electrical connector in order to at least mechanically connect the electrical connector to a corresponding electrical mating connector, comprising a mechanical interface, a contact surface, a metallic fastening shaft and an electrically insulating contact protection element which at least partially surrounds at least the fastening shaft, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a fastening arrangement for an electrical connection, in particular for a high-voltage connection, comprising a fastening element and a fastening mating element of an electrical mating connector.

Finally, the invention also relates to an electrical connection, in particular a high-voltage connection, having a fastening arrangement, an electrical connector and an electrical mating connector.

Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering for transmitting electrical supply signals and/or data signals to corresponding mating connectors. Special requirements are placed on electrical connections, particularly in the high-voltage range. High-voltage connectors are used in the vehicle sector, especially in electric and/or hybrid vehicles, to supply a vehicle battery with charging current or to remove the stored energy from the battery and supply it to the electric drive. The electrical connection must permanently and safely prevent the ingress of moisture and contaminants and ensure perfect transmission of high currents with preferably low transfer impedance.

Since the electrically conductive components (e.g. the contact elements) of the connector can be subjected to high voltages during operation and sometimes also during assembly, it is generally intended to surround the contact elements with non-conductive housing components in order to prevent this that the live components can be accidentally touched by a human finger or a tool. Contact protection should first and foremost be safe. However, due to the connectors' mass suitability, it must also be easy and cost-effective to produce.

In particular, electrically conductive components that must initially be accessible during assembly, such as electrically conductive fastening screws, can generally only be secured against unintentional contact with great design effort. Because one The fastening screw naturally protrudes with its shaft in the assembly direction from the component to be fastened in order to be screwed into a complementary recess, for example a screw nut. Contact protection on the shaft of a fastening screw must generally be provided on the side surfaces and also on the front side and at the same time must not block the screwability of the fastening screw, i.e. its external thread. In addition, it is often necessary to also secure the screw head of the fastening screw against accidental contact.

To provide contact protection for a front, pointed end of a conductive fastening screw of a connector, US 10,205,274 B2 proposes placing an insulating protective cap on the front of the pointed end of the screw shaft in order to cover at least the pointed end. This can block unintentional frontal contact with the front end of the fastening screw. In order to simultaneously provide suitable lateral contact protection along the shaft, additional insulating protection elements are required, which surround the pin at a radial distance all around. For this purpose, the insulating protection elements protrude as individual webs from a connector housing. In addition to the contact protection in the area of the screw shaft, a protective cap is also provided for the screw head.

Alternatively, it is known from US 10,756,451 B1 to surround a conductive fastening shaft with a dielectric sleeve, with a radial gap between the sleeve and the fastening shaft being chosen so that contact protection is sufficiently ensured, but the use of the thread is still possible. The insulating sleeve also projects beyond the conductive fastening shaft in the axial direction.

The structure of the known connectors for providing contact protection is therefore extremely complex and requires significantly more space than is necessary for the pure electrical connection. The known connectors are therefore only comparatively complex and expensive to produce and use.

In view of the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a fastening element which ensures particularly safe and preferably economically producible contact protection for electrically conductive components and is therefore preferably advantageous for use with an electrical connector, in particular with a high-voltage connector can be suitable.

Finally, it is also an object of the invention to provide a fastening arrangement and an electrical connection which ensures particularly safe and preferably economically producible contact protection for electrically conductive components and can therefore be advantageously suitable for use in high-voltage technology.

The task is solved for the fastening element with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the fastening arrangement, the task is solved by the features of claim 7 and with regard to the electrical connection by claim 8. The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

A fastening element is provided for an electrical connector, in particular for a high-voltage connector, in order to connect the electrical connector at least mechanically and preferably also electrically under certain circumstances to a corresponding electrical mating connector.

The mechanical connection is preferably established directly between the fastening element of the connector and a fastening mating element of the mating connector, with components of the connector and components of the mating connector preferably being connected to one another, in particular clamped indirectly or directly against one another (e.g. a contact element of the connector and a mating contact element the mating connector and/or housing components of the connection partners).

The electrical connection is preferably established between a contact element of the connector and a mating contact element of the mating connector (directly or indirectly, for example using the contact sleeve mentioned below), with a direct electrical connection between the fastening element and the mating fastening element being optional, but not mandatory. Although the fastening element connected to the fastening counter-element can contribute to the transmission of electrical current, the primary current flow preferably does not take place via the fastening element and the fastening counter-element.

An electrical connector or electrical mating connector can be a plug, a circuit board connector, a built-in plug, a socket, a coupling or an adapter.

The term “connector” or “counter-connector” used in the context of the invention represents all variants. Connectors and mating connectors do not necessarily have to be pluggable, as is known from a plug connector. It can also be provided that the connector can be electrically and mechanically connected to the mating connector in a different way (non-positive and/or positive).

According to the invention, the fastening element has a mechanical interface for a rotation-proof connection to a tool, in particular a screwing tool.

The mechanical interface serves for a preferably positive connection to the tool and can in particular be designed in the manner of a screw head. The mechanical interface can therefore form the so-called “drive” of the fastening element. The mechanical interface is preferably designed to enable the transmission of a torque and/or a force vector from the tool to the fastening element.

The tool can be operated manually by a fitter (e.g. screwdriver or wrench) or can be operated mechanically by a device independent of the fastening element. The mechanical interface can basically have any shape for a positive and/or non-positive connection with a mating interface of the tool, preferably an outer polygonal shape, but alternatively or additionally if necessary also an inner polygonal shape. For example, the mechanical interface can form an external hexagon, external hexalobular, internal hexagonal, internal hexalobular, slotted or cross-recessed drive.

According to the invention, the fastening element has a contact surface facing away from the mechanical interface for contact with a component of the electrical connector.

The contact surface of the fastening element, sometimes also referred to as the “chin” or “underhead rest”, is preferably designed for direct force transmission in order to transfer the force intended for fastening, in particular an axial force along the longitudinal axis or longitudinal extent of the fastening element, to the component of the electrical connector to apply.

The contact surface is preferably designed symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the fastening element, for example as an annular surface. The longitudinal axis of the fastening element preferably runs orthogonally through the contact surface.

The contact surface can be completely flat or flat, but can also have a curved or conical shape. Preferably, the component of the electrical connector has a corresponding counter surface, which is particularly preferably flat or flat, but which can also be a negative shape of the contact surface, so that the contact surface at least partially penetrates into the component, i.e. is at least partially “recessed”. (e.g. the contact surface can have a convex shape and the counter surface can have a concave shape).

According to the invention, the fastening element has a metallic, preferably electrically conductive fastening shaft for direct mechanical connection to the fastening mating element of the electrical mating connector. Starting from the contact surface, the fastening shaft extends away from the mechanical interface along the longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

The component of the electrical connector, against which the fastening element rests with its contact surface, can preferably have a passage for the fastening shaft of the fastening element.

The fastening shaft preferably runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the fastening element and in particular orthogonally to the contact surface. Preferably, the fastening shaft is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, in particular cylindrical.

The fastening shaft is preferably made of steel for high mechanical strength. In special cases, for example, copper, aluminum and/or gold or another metal material can also be provided. In principle, any metals and/or metal alloys can be used be provided in order to be able to realize sufficient torque, in particular holding torque, with the fastening shaft.

Optionally, the material of the fastening shaft can be selected in order to be able to contribute to the transmission of electrical current with low electrical resistance. In principle, however, it is not absolutely necessary that the fastening shaft can be used for low-resistance power transmission, especially if an electrical connector equipped with the fastening element additionally has at least one contact element for the actual or primary power transmission.

According to the invention, the fastening element has an electrically insulating contact protection element. The insulating contact protection element at least partially surrounds the fastening shaft.

The insulating contact protection element can in particular be an insulating body made of a plastic, preferably a rigid plastic or hard plastic. Plastics referred to as hard plastics can in particular belong to the group of both thermoplastics and thermosets.

Preferably, the contact protection element surrounds the fastening shaft in such a way that contact with the metallic or electrically conductive part of the fastening shaft is excluded - at least in a state in which the fastening element is connected to the electrical connector (e.g. in a pre-assembly state or in an assembled one Condition).

The contact protection element can enclose the entire area of the fastening section or only partially, e.g. B. grid-like, so that although gaps remain in the contact protection element, these are not large enough to cause the fastening shaft to come into contact with a finger or with the tool.

The contact protection element is preferably connected directly to the fastening element. The contact protection element can be arranged and designed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The contact protection element can be distributed in one piece or in several pieces over the fastening element (i.e. not necessarily only in the area of the fastening shaft).

According to the invention, the fastening element has a fastening recess which, starting from a front end of the fastening shaft facing away from the contact surface, extends along the longitudinal axis through the fastening shaft. The fastening recess or the fastening shaft provided with the fastening recess can be screwed to a fastening pin of the fastening counter element.

The fastening recess preferably runs coaxially through the fastening shaft and can in particular be designed as a blind hole. For example, a through hole, stepped hole or other recess are also possible. The fastening shaft is preferably designed to be hollow cylindrical. The fastening element can be designed as a fastening screw with an internal thread (sometimes known as a “sleeve screw”). The fastening element can also be referred to as a “fastening nut” due to the internal thread. The fastening pin of the fastening counter element preferably has a corresponding external thread.

The fastening pin of the fastening counter element is preferably also made of a metal material, preferably steel. Preferably, the fastening pin can be made of the same material as the fastening shaft.

Through the internal thread of the fastening element, a screw connection with a sufficient holding torque can be realized with the complementary external thread of the fastening counter element. The internal and external thread can basically be any thread. However, a metric ISO thread (DIN 13-1) is preferably provided, preferably a standard thread with nominal dimensions M3, M4, M5 (particularly preferred), M6 or M8. However, other nominal dimensions or thread standards can also be suitable.

It can also be provided that the fastening element or the fastening recess or the fastening counter element or the fastening pin does not have a thread, so that the thread is actually cut by the respective counterpart. A so-called self-tapping thread connection can also be provided.

In contrast to the known prior art, in the present case a drivable fastening element is provided which has a fastening recess in the fastening shaft in order to establish the direct mechanical connection with a fastening pin of the fastening counter element. The use of a drivable fastening element with said fastening recess in combination with a contact protection element has proven to be particularly advantageous, since in this case the contact protection function does not collide with the fastening function. It is not absolutely necessary to space the contact protection element from the outer surface of the fastening shaft in order not to impair the threaded connection. A corresponding electrical connector can therefore be designed to be more compact and the internal thread can remain easily accessible despite contact protection. Preferably, the fastening shaft can therefore also be completely covered with the contact protection element, whereby it may be sufficient to leave the end face, i.e. the pointed end, free or not to cover it.

In the case of a fastening element with an internal thread in a fastening recess, the above-mentioned feedthrough in the component of the electrical connector can also be optimally adapted to the outer diameter of the fastening shaft. According to the prior art, it is necessary that the component of the electrical connector or the contact element has an oversized bushing so that the external thread of the fastening shaft can be passed through. Unfortunately, the fastening element that is completely inserted into the contact element can then tilt in the through hole or the feedthrough of the contact element. On In this way, the contact protection can be impaired, since by tilting the fastening element a finger or a tool can be inserted into the intermediate area between the fastening element and, if necessary, a separate contact protection housing. With the fastening element proposed here, tilting of the fastening element can preferably be excluded. The outer diameter of the fastening shaft therefore preferably corresponds to the inner diameter of the feedthrough in the component, so that the fastening shaft can be accommodated in the feedthrough without play.

The proposed touch-protected fastening element can ultimately be particularly safe, robust and also economical to produce.

Advantageously, a non-destructively detachable mechanical and possibly electrical connection can be provided between an electrical connector and an electrical mating connector, in combination with safe and easily implemented contact protection.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the contact protection element envelops the fastening shaft along the longitudinal axis at least in a front end section, starting from the front end of the fastening shaft.

Preferably, the contact protection element completely envelops the fastening shaft along the longitudinal axis.

In particular, it can be provided that the contact protection element does not cover an end face or end face of the fastening shaft or at least the fastening recess, so that the fastening recess remains accessible to the fastening pin without further measures. In special cases, however, it can also be provided that the contact protection element covers the fastening recess, so that the contact protection element can first be pierced by the fastening pin when screwed to the fastening pin or removed in some other way immediately before screwing.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the contact protection element projects with an axial section (preferably an end section) beyond the front, free end of the fastening shaft in order to further improve the contact protection.

The contact protection element can optionally be conical in an axial section in order to implement a collecting funnel function for the fastening pin. This can be provided in particular in an axial end section of the contact protection, for example in an axial section of the contact protection element which axially projects beyond the front, free end of the fastening shaft.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the contact protection element forms the mechanical interface or forms at least part of the mechanical interface. The mechanical interface can therefore preferably be electrically insulated or at least designed in such a way that no electrical connection can be established with the metallic or electrically conductive fastening shaft and/or the component of the electrical connector by touching the mechanical interface.

It can be provided that the fastening element has a base body made of a metal material (in particular made of steel, as described above with regard to the fastening shaft), which forms the fastening shaft, the contact surface and optionally also at least partially a part of the mechanical interface in a one-piece manner. To mechanically reinforce the mechanical interface, it can be provided in particular that an inner part of the mechanical interface, which is covered by the contact protection element, is formed from the base body and merges in one piece into the contact surface and the fastening shaft.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the contact surface and/or at least the base body arranged within the mechanical interface are formed in one piece with the fastening shaft.

The contact protection element can be arranged distributed on said base body (flat or partial). In this way, a particularly high mechanical stability and resilience of the fastening element can be ensured, while at the same time providing good protection against contact.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the contact protection element is applied directly to an outer surface of the fastening shaft.

In particular, the contact protection element can be designed as a plastic coating. In principle, however, the contact protection element can be designed in any way, for example as a separate plastic element, for example as an insulating contact protection sleeve or contact protection cap, which is connected to the fastening shaft in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or material-locking manner.

Preferably, the contact surface is not provided with a contact protection or is covered by the contact protection element in order to enable direct mechanical contact with the component of the electrical connector. In this way, a particularly robust mechanical connection can be provided, which is also comparatively long-lasting, since, for example, relaxation due to aging effects or overloading of the contact protection element, which is usually made of plastic, can be avoided. A hard screw case can preferably be made possible without an intermediate element between the contact surface and the mating surface of the component of the electrical connector.

The invention also relates to a fastening arrangement for an electrical connection, in particular for a high-voltage connection. The fastening arrangement has a fastening element according to the above and following features, as well as the fastening mating element of the electrical mating connector. The fastening pin of the fastening counter element can be screwed into the fastening recess of the fastening element in order to provide a mechanical and preferably under Circumstances also bring about an electrical connection between the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector.

The invention also relates to an electrical connection, in particular a high-voltage connection. The electrical connection has a fastening arrangement according to the above and following statements, as well as the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector. The electrical connector has an electrical contact element and the electrical mating connector has an electrical mating contact element.

The electrical contact element can be connected to the electrical counter-contact element (through direct contact or indirectly, for example via at least one of the contact sleeves mentioned below).

The electrical connection according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously within a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The term “vehicle” describes any means of transport, in particular vehicles on land, water or in the air, including spacecraft. Possible areas of application include high-voltage plug connections, especially in electric and/or hybrid vehicles. The electrical connector is therefore preferably part of a high-voltage system of a vehicle and is designed, for example, as a module connector. The electrical mating connector can in particular be part of a charging connection that is independent of the vehicle.

The invention is particularly advantageous for transmitting high electrical currents (e.g. up to 100 amps, up to 200 amps, up to 300 amps, up to 400 amps, up to 500 amps, up to 600 amps, up to 2,000 amps or more) at preferably high electrical voltages (e.g. up to 500 volts, up to 600 volts, up to 700 volts, up to 800 volts, up to 900 volts, up to 1,000 volts, up to 1,100 volts, up to 1,500 volts, up to 2,000 volts or more), for example in vehicle technology, particularly preferably in the field of electromobility.

The conductor cross section of the contact element or mating contact element can be, for example, up to 10 mm ² , preferably up to 30 mm ² , particularly preferably up to 60 mm ² , even more preferably up to 90 mm ² , for example up to 200 mm ² or more. In particular, a conductor cross section can be provided that is suitable for electrical energy transmission in high-voltage technology, i.e. for transmitting high electrical currents (for example 100 amperes, up to 2,000 amperes) at alternating voltages of 30 volts to 1,000 volts or more or direct voltages of 60 volts up to 2,000 volts or more, especially in vehicle technology.

However, the plug connection according to the invention is suitable for any application within the entire electrical engineering sector and is not to be understood as being limited to use in vehicle technology or to use in high-voltage technology.

The electrical connector can have a connection area for connecting the contact element to a busbar or an electrical conductor of an electrical line. The contact element can also be designed as a busbar itself. The same applies to the electrical mating connector and the mating contact element.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the component provided for contact with the contact surface of the fastening element is the electrical contact element of the electrical connector. The above-mentioned passage for the fastening shaft of the fastening element can be formed in the contact element.

The contact element can in particular be a contact element for high-voltage technology, for example a rigid contact element, such as a busbar. In principle, however, the contact element can be any contact element of an electrical connector or an electrical plug connector, for example also a sleeve-shaped contact element crimped or welded to an electrical conductor or a line.

It should be mentioned at this point that the component of the electrical connector with which the contact surface of the fastening element creates a direct mechanical connection can also be a non-electrically conductive component of the electrical connector, such as. B. a housing component. However, the component is preferably said contact element.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the fastening counter element is connected to the electrical counter contact element of the electrical counter connector in at least a rotation-proof manner.

The fastening counter element is preferably a rigid and immovable element of the fastening arrangement, in particular an element secured against rotation. Preferably, in order to produce the mechanical connection between the fastening element and the fastening counter-element, only the fastening element can be driven or rotated. The fastening counter element is preferably fixed to the electrical counter contact element, i.e. in particular also in the axial direction.

The fastening pin can be mechanically fixed to the counter-contact element or formed in one piece with the counter-contact element. The fastening counter element can, for example, be connected to the counter contact element of the electrical counter connector in a form-fitting, non-positive and/or material-locking manner. In particular, the fastening counter element can be welded or pressed with the electrical counter contact element of the electrical counter connector, for example within a through hole of a counter contact element designed as a busbar. The fastening counter element can therefore preferably be designed in the manner of a bolt or threaded bolt arranged in a rotation-proof manner.

The fastening pin can in particular be designed as a stud bolt. In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the electrical connector has a first contact protection housing which surrounds at least the electrical contact element.

The first contact protection housing is preferably designed in several parts, preferably in two parts.

The first contact protection housing can in particular have a primary housing shell and a secondary housing shell, which can be connected to one another, for example can be locked, screwed or pressed, so that preferably at least the contact element of the electrical connector can be accommodated in a touch-safe manner at least in sections within the first contact protection housing. Furthermore, the first contact protection housing is preferably designed to at least partially accommodate the fastening element, in particular protected against contact, optionally in combination with the contact protection element of the fastening element.

The first contact protection housing and also the second contact protection housing mentioned below can preferably be a plastic housing. In principle, however, any electrically non-conductive material can be provided.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the fastening element is captively accommodated in the first contact protection housing.

In this way, the safety of the contact protection can be further improved. Because if the fastening element is removed from the first contact protection housing (for example unintentionally), access to the contact element of the connector may be permitted.

The first contact protection housing preferably has a mounting access through which the tool can be fed to the mechanical interface of the fastening element while the fastening element is located within the first contact protection housing.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical connection has an electrically conductive, in particular metallic, contact sleeve arranged between the contact element and the mating contact element, which, when the fastening pin and the fastening shaft are screwed, ensures electrical and mechanical contact between the contact element and the mating contact element produces, especially via their respective end faces.

The contact sleeve can be advantageous for bridging an axial distance between the contact element and the mating contact element.

Optionally, several contact sleeves can also be provided, for example a first contact sleeve that is assigned to the contact element and a second contact sleeve that is assigned to the mating contact element. However, the electrical connection preferably has exactly a single contact sleeve (the first contact sleeve or the second contact sleeve) or no contact sleeve. Another contact sleeve, for example one connected to the contact element of the electrical connector Contact sleeve is preferably not provided. In this way, the installation space of the electrical connection can be reduced.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical mating connector has a second contact protection housing which surrounds at least the electrical mating contact element.

Preferably, a multi-part, in particular two-part, second contact protection housing is provided. Features and advantages that have already been described above with regard to the first contact protection housing can also be applied to the second contact protection housing - and vice versa.

Optionally, it can also be provided that the second contact protection housing at least partially accommodates the fastening counter-element in a touch-safe manner, preferably even in the state that is not yet screwed to the fastening element. An access opening or assembly access to the counter-fastening element is generally not required, since the counter-fastening element is preferably connected to the counter-contact element of the counter-connector in a rotation-proof manner or is not driven to establish the electrical connection.

The contact sleeve(s) can optionally be mechanically and electrically connected to the contact element or the counter-contact element or formed in one piece with the contact element or counter-contact element.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the contact sleeve is mechanically firmly and directly connected to the counter-contact element, for example is pressed into a recess of the counter-contact element, in particular is pressed between the fastening counter-element and an inner lateral surface of the recess of the counter-contact element.

In the case of the contact sleeve connected to the counter-contact element, full contact protection can preferably be dispensed with. This is generally possible due to the application, since, for example, when installing or using the mating connector in the context of a charging connection, exposure of the mating contact element to a high voltage or any electrical voltage at all can be avoided. It may therefore be sufficient to provide only one connection partner with complete protection against contact.

In principle, however, contact protection can also be provided for the contact sleeve. The second contact protection housing can then protrude beyond the contact sleeve at a front end, in particular along the central axis of the contact sleeve. Finally, the contact element of the electrical connector can preferably have a first receptacle into which the front end of the second contact protection housing can be immersed when the fastening pin and the fastening shaft are screwed. In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the electrical connection also has a separate contact protection sleeve which is arranged radially within the contact sleeve and which radially surrounds or envelops the fastening pin of the fastening counter element. The separate contact protection sleeve is therefore preferably arranged between the contact sleeve and the fastening pin.

The separate contact protection sleeve can protrude beyond the contact sleeve and the fastening pin at one front end in the direction of the electrical connector.

The contact element of the electrical connector preferably has a second receptacle into which the front end of the separate contact protection sleeve can be immersed when the fastening pin and the fastening shaft are screwed.

The separate contact protection sleeve can be mounted in the contact sleeve, for example pressed in. If necessary, the contact sleeve can have a stepped through hole, with the separate contact protection sleeve being axially supported on a step of said through hole.

In particular, it can also be provided that the contact sleeve is arranged between the separate contact protection sleeve and the second contact protection housing (in particular one of the housing shells of the second contact protection housing), with the second contact protection housing preferably projecting beyond the contact sleeve in the axial direction. The contact sleeve can therefore preferably be protected against contact between the second contact protection housing and the separate contact protection sleeve.

The invention also relates to an electrical connector, in particular a high-voltage connector. The electrical connector has a fastening element according to the above and following statements in order to at least mechanically connect the electrical connector to a corresponding electrical mating connector, as well as the component for contact with the contact surface of the fastening element, preferably an electrical contact element.

Features that have been described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely given by the fastening element, the fastening arrangement, the electrical connector and the electrical connection, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that were mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood in relation to the other objects of the invention.

In addition, it should be noted that terms such as “comprising”, “having” or “with” do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the", which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a puristic embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms “comprising”, “having” or “with”. are finally listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example considered for each claim. The invention can, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

It should be mentioned that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or method features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values and parameters described here represent deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respectively named Value or parameter included, provided that these deviations are not excluded when implementing the invention in practice. The specification of ranges through initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that are included in the respectively named range, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.

The invention also relates to a further electrical connection independent of claim 1 and claim 7. The applicant reserves the right to independently claim said further electrical connection. Said further electrical connection, in particular high-voltage connection, has an electrical connector with a contact element and an electrical mating connector with a mating contact element. For the electrical and mechanical connection between the contact element and the mating contact element, a single contact sleeve is provided, which is arranged directly between the contact element and the mating contact element (the contact sleeve therefore contacts the contact element or the mating contact element with their respective end faces). Only optionally, a fastening arrangement with a fastening element of the connector and a fastening mating element of the electrical mating connector is provided for this further electrical connection, for example according to the above and following statements. The further features of the patent claims and the present description relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this further electrical connection.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of one exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further sensible combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numbers. It shows schematically:

Figure 1 shows a fastening element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a first perspective view;

Figure 2 shows the fastening element of Figure 1 in a second perspective view;

Figure 3 shows a fastening arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a screwed state of the fastening element and the fastening counter-element, together with an exemplary tool for driving the fastening element, in a perspective view;

Figure 4 shows an electrical connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an unconnected state, in a perspective view;

Figure 5 shows the electrical connection of Figure 4 in a sectioned, perspective view;

Figure 6 shows the electrical connection of Figure 4 according to the view from Figure 5 in a connected state of the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector;

Figure 7 shows an electrical connection according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention with contact protection on both sides in an unconnected state, in a perspective view; and

Figure 8 shows the electrical connection of Figure 7 in a sectioned, perspective view.

In Figures 1 and 2, a fastening element 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in a perspective view from above (Figure 1) and from below (Figure 2). The fastening element 1 can advantageously be used to produce an electrical and mechanical connection between an electrical connector 2 and an electrical mating connector 3 (cf. following Figures 4 to 8). The fastening element 1 can be a component of the electrical connector 2 and the fastening mating element 5 can be a component of the electrical mating connector 3.

3 also shows a fastening arrangement 4 consisting of the fastening element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and a counter-fastening element 5 in a connected state, in which the fastening element 1 and the counter-fastening element 5 are screwed into one another. The fastening arrangement 4 is particularly suitable for use in high-voltage technology.

The fastening element 1 has a mechanical interface 6 for a rotation-proof connection to a screwing tool 7 (see dashed line in Figure 3). The drive for the fastening element 1 can thus be provided via the mechanical interface 6, whereby this Fastening counter element 5 is preferably fixed or immovably arranged in the counter connector 3. The mechanical interface 6 can preferably be designed in the manner of a screw head and in particular have a polygonal shape in order to enable a rotation-proof connection for transmitting a torque starting from the screwing tool 7.

The fastening element 1 has a contact surface 8 facing away from the mechanical interface 6 for contact with a component of the electrical connector 2. In the exemplary embodiments, the contact surface 8 is brought into contact with the contact element 9 of the electrical connector 2 (see, for example, FIG. 5). The contact surface 8 forms the "chin" of the fastening element 1 and is preferably flat in order to enable full-surface mechanical contact with the contact element 9 of the electrical connector 2.

The fastening element 1 also has an electrically conductive, metallic fastening shaft 10 (see, among others, Figure 2 and Figure 5) for direct mechanical connection to the fastening counter element 5, the fastening shaft 10 starting from the contact surface 8 along the longitudinal axis L of the fastening element 1 the mechanical interface 6 extends away. A fastening recess 11 designed as a blind hole is provided in the fastening shaft 10, which extends from the front end of the fastening shaft 10 through the fastening shaft 10 and into which a corresponding fastening pin 12 of the fastening counter element 5 can be screwed. For this purpose, the fastening recess 11 of the fastening shaft 10 and the fastening pin 12 of the fastening counter element 5 can have a corresponding threaded connection (not shown). The fastening counter element 5 is designed as a stud bolt in the exemplary embodiments.

The fastening element 1 has an electrically insulating contact protection element 13, which at least partially surrounds the fastening shaft 10 along the longitudinal axis L. In the exemplary embodiments, the contact protection element 13 is formed completely along the longitudinal axis L of the fastening shaft 10 and also projects beyond the fastening shaft 10 in the axial direction (see, for example, FIG. 5). The front end face of the fastening shaft 10 is preferably not covered by the contact protection element 13, in particular if the touch protection element 13 axially sufficiently projects beyond the front, free end of the fastening shaft 10, so that the end face is already sufficiently protected from contact by this measure.

The contact surface 8 and a base body 14 arranged within the mechanical interface 6 are formed in one piece with the fastening shaft 10 (see sectional view of FIG. 5) and preferably made of a common metal material. In order to enable a hard screwing situation, the contact surface 8 is preferably excluded from the contact protection element 13. The contact protection element 13 simultaneously forms the mechanical interface 6. The contact protection element 13 is preferably applied directly to the outer surface of the fastening element 1 in the corresponding areas as a plastic coating. Alternatively, the contact protection element 13 can also be pressed with the fastening element 5 or fastened in some other way. 4 to 6 show an electrical connection 15 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a non-connected state (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and in a connected state (see FIG. 6). The electrical connection 15 is preferably a high-voltage connection that includes the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3. The electrical connector 2 has the electrical contact element 9 and the electrical mating connector 3 has an electrical mating contact element 16.

A passage 17 for the fastening shaft 10 of the fastening element 1 is formed in the contact element 9, so that the fastening shaft 10 together with the contact protection element 13 can preferably be passed through the contact element 9 with a precise fit (cf. in particular FIG. 5). An oversized feedthrough 17 is also basically possible, although not necessarily preferred (see Figure 8).

In particular - but not exclusively - in the case of an oversized bushing 17, it can be advantageous to provide a preferably play-free axial guidance between the mechanical interface 6 or the "head" of the fastening element 5 and the first contact protection housing 19. The fastening element 5, in particular the contact protection element 13 arranged in the area of the mechanical interface 6, can be shaped like a plate, for example, so that the fastening element 5 is guided laterally within the first contact protection housing 19. In this way, tilting of the fastening element 5 can be avoided even with an oversized bushing 17 and a centering aid can also be provided when screwing. Loss protection and contact protection can also be improved. A plate-like shape of the contact protection element 5 in the area of the mechanical interface 6 can be provided as an optional feature in all embodiments and variants of the invention.

When the fastening element 1 and the counter-fastening element 5 are connected or screwed together, the contact surface 8 is mechanically pressed against a counter-surface of the contact element 9, thus ultimately creating a mechanical and electrical connection between the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 3. The fastening counter-element 5 is preferably connected to the electrical counter-contact element 16 of the electrical counter-connector 3 in a rotation-proof manner, for example pressed within a passage of the counter-contact element 16. In the exemplary embodiments, however, the fastening counter element 5 is not pressed directly within the passage of the counter contact element 16, but only indirectly, via a contact sleeve 18 mentioned below.

The electrical connector 2 has a two-part first contact protection housing 19, which has a primary housing shell 19a and a secondary housing shell 19b, which can be connected to one another, so that the electrical contact element 9 and the fastening element 1 are received in a contact-protected manner within the first contact protection housing 19 when the two housing shells 19a, 19b are connected to one another. The fastening element 1 is preferably captively accommodated in the first contact protection housing 19, for which purpose a correspondingly dimensioned collar 20 at a mounting access 21 can be used. Because the fastening element 1 is captive within the First contact protection housing 19 is arranged, a falling out of the fastening element 1 and an associated loss of the contact protection of the contact element 9 can be avoided.

The electrical connection 15 also includes a second contact protection housing 22 of the electrical mating connector 3, which in the exemplary embodiments is also designed in two parts and includes a primary housing shell 22a and a secondary housing shell 22b. However, a mounting access is not provided in the second contact protection housing 22, since the fastening counter element 5 is preferably immovably connected to the counter contact element 16.

In the exemplary embodiments, a metallic contact sleeve 18 is provided, which is arranged between the contact element 9 and the counter-contact element 16 and, when the fastening pin 12 and the fastening shaft 10 are screwed, is able to establish electrical and mechanical contact between the contact element 9 and the counter-contact element 16 via their respective end faces . The contact sleeve 18 can therefore be advantageously used to bridge the axial distance between the contact element 9 and the mating contact element 16. In principle, however, a contact sleeve 18 is not absolutely necessary, since an electrical connection between the contact element 9 and the mating contact element 16 can, if necessary, also be able to be established directly.

In the exemplary embodiments, the contact sleeve 18 is pressed between an inner lateral surface of a feedthrough of the counter-contact element 16 and the fastening counter-element 5 (see, for example, Figure 5).

Depending on the application, contact protection for the contact sleeve 18 of the mating connector 3 may be dispensed with. Because sometimes it can be sufficient to provide only one of the two connection partners 2, 3 completely with contact protection. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, additional contact protection for the contact sleeve 18 is therefore dispensed with.

On the other hand, a further exemplary embodiment of the invention with touch protection on both sides (i.e. on the connector side and the opposite connector side) will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, in which, in addition to the electrical connector 2, all conductive components of the mating connector 3 are also touch protected.

For this purpose, a separate contact protection sleeve 23 is provided for extended contact protection of the mating connector 3. The separate contact protection sleeve 23 protrudes at one front end in the direction of the electrical connector 2 beyond the contact sleeve 18 and the fastening counter element 5. The second contact protection housing 22 is also correspondingly extended. In order to enable the mating connector 3 to be completely inserted into the electrical connector 2, the contact element 9 of the electrical connector 2 preferably has a first receptacle 24 into which the front end of the second contact protection housing 22 can be immersed when the fastening pin 12 is screwed. Furthermore, the contact element 9 preferably has a second receptacle 25, into which the front end of the separate contact protection sleeve 23 can be immersed when the fastening pin 12 is screwed, the second receptacle 25 also being inside the bushing 17 in the contact element 9 can be formed, as shown in Figure 8. A correspondingly oversized implementation 17 can therefore be provided.

Claims

P atent claims

1 . Fastening element (1) for an electrical connector (2) in order to at least mechanically connect the electrical connector (2) to a corresponding electrical mating connector (3), having a mechanical interface (6) for a rotation-proof connection to a screwing tool (7); a contact surface (8) facing away from the mechanical interface (6) for contact with a component (9) of the electrical connector (2); a metallic fastening shaft (10) for direct mechanical connection to a fastening mating element (5) of an electrical mating connector (3), which extends away from the mechanical interface (6) starting from the contact surface (8) along a longitudinal axis (L); and an electrically insulating contact protection element (13), which at least partially surrounds at least the fastening shaft (10), characterized by a fastening recess (1 1) which extends from a front end of the fastening shaft (10) facing away from the contact surface (8). the longitudinal axis (L) extends through the fastening shaft (10) and can be screwed to a fastening pin (12) of the fastening counter element (5).

2. Fastening element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact protection element (13) envelops the fastening shaft (10) along the longitudinal axis (L) at least in a front end section, starting from the front end of the fastening shaft (10), whereby the Contact protection element (13) preferably completely envelops the fastening shaft (10) along the longitudinal axis (L).

3. Fastening element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact protection element (13) projects with an axial section beyond the front, free end of the fastening shaft (10), the contact protection element (13) preferably being conical in said section is to implement a catch funnel function for the fastening pin (12).

4. Fastening element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contact protection element (13) forms the mechanical interface (6).

5. Fastening element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contact surface (8) and / or at least one base body (14) arranged within the mechanical interface (6) are formed in one piece with the fastening shaft (10).

6. Fastening element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact protection element (13) is applied directly to an outer surface of the fastening shaft (10), in particular as a plastic coating of the metallic fastening shaft (10).

7. Fastening arrangement (4) for an electrical connection (15), in particular for a high-voltage connection, comprising a fastening element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and the fastening counter element (5) of the electrical mating connector (3), wherein the fastening pin (12 ) of the fastening counter element (5) can be screwed into the fastening recess (11) of the fastening element (1) in order to bring about a mechanical connection between the electrical connector (2) and the electrical counter connector (3).

8. Electrical connection (15), in particular high-voltage connection, comprising a fastening arrangement (4) according to claim 7, the electrical connector (2) and the electrical mating connector (3), wherein the electrical connector (2) has an electrical contact element (9) and the electrical mating connector (3) has an electrical mating contact element (16) which can be connected to the contact element (9).

9. Electrical connection (15) according to claim 8, characterized in that the component provided for contact with the contact surface (8) of the fastening element (1) is the electrical contact element (9) of the electrical connector (2), in in which a passage (17) is formed for the fastening shaft (10) of the fastening element (1).

10. Electrical connection (15) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fastening counter-element (5) is at least connected to the electrical counter-contact element (16) of the electrical counter-connector (3) in a rotation-proof manner, preferably on the electrical counter-contact element (16). is fixed.

11. Electrical connection (15) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the electrical connector (2) has a first contact protection housing (19) which surrounds at least the electrical contact element (9), preferably a two-part first contact protection housing (19) and /or that the electrical mating connector (3) is a second Touch protection housing (22), which surrounds at least the electrical counter-contact element (16), preferably a two-part second touch protection housing (22). Electrical connection (15) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the fastening element (1) is captively accommodated in the first contact protection housing (19), and wherein the first contact protection housing (19) has a mounting access (21) through which the screwing tool ( 7) can be fed to the mechanical interface (6) of the fastening element (1). Electrical connection (15) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by a metallic contact sleeve (18) arranged between the contact element (9) and the mating contact element (16), which in the screwed state of the fastening pin (12) and the fastening shaft (10 ) establishes electrical and mechanical contact between the contact element (9) and the mating contact element (16) via their respective end faces. Electrical connection (15) according to claim 1 1 and 13, characterized in that the contact sleeve (18) is mechanically firmly and directly connected to the mating contact element (16), the second contact protection housing (22) being located along the central axis of the contact sleeve (18). a front end protrudes beyond the contact sleeve (18), and wherein the contact element (9) of the electrical connector (2) preferably has a first receptacle (24) into which the front end of the second contact protection housing (22) when the fastening pin is screwed ( 12) and the fastening shaft (10) can immerse. Electrical connection (15) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by a separate contact protection sleeve (23) which is arranged radially within the contact sleeve (18) and which radially surrounds the fastening pin (12) of the fastening counter element (5), the separate contact protection sleeve ( 23) protrudes at a front end in the direction of the electrical connector (2) beyond the contact sleeve (18) and the fastening pin (12), and wherein the contact element (9) of the electrical connector (2) preferably has a second receptacle (25). , into which the front end of the separate contact protection sleeve (23) can be immersed when the fastening pin (12) and the fastening shaft (10) are screwed.