EP3599670A1 - Socket, plug pin and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug socket (10), a plug pin (20) and a plug (1), in particular for the transmission of high currents in a vehicle (2). The socket has a hollow body (13), a plurality of grooves (15), an annular spring and a sealing element (6). One end of the hollow body (13) is set up to receive a plug pin (20). The grooves (15) are formed in the inside of the outer surface of the hollow body (13) by reshaping and extends all around the entire circumference of the hollow body (13). The ring spring (5) and the sealing element (6) are arranged in the grooves (15). The connector pin is made by pulling a hollow body without additional machining of the contact surface.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a plug socket, a plug pin and a plug, in particular for the transmission of high currents. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a plug, a manufacturing method for a plug socket and a manufacturing method for a plug pin.

Technical background

A connector connection can be used to hold or lock and disconnect or unlock. In particular, this can be used sensibly with live connections. The design of the connector can depend in particular on the respective requirements and the intended use. The currents to be transmitted, the environmental influences, such as moisture, shocks or temperature, and the frequency of connection and disconnection can influence the connector design. Furthermore, the plug should offer a reliable contact between the two elements of the socket and the plug pin, so that there is always a constant electrical connection.

Plug sockets and plug pins can be machined so that the tolerances between the two components are small and there is good contact. Furthermore, the connection between the socket and the plug pin can be made via a ring spring, which creates a conductive connection at several points and can simultaneously compensate for vibrations or temperature influences.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a plug connection for high currents, which can be produced inexpensively in comparison to known systems.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Embodiments and developments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a plug socket, in particular for the transmission of high currents, for a plug of a vehicle. This plug socket has a tubular hollow body which has a first end and a second end and is set up to receive a plug pin. A groove is provided which is formed between the first and the second end through the inner circumferential surface of the hollow body in the circumferential direction thereof. In addition, the plug socket has an annular spring which is arranged in the groove for electrical contacting of the plug pin which can be inserted into the hollow body, the tubular hollow body being formed at least in sections to form the groove into an outwardly directed bulge.

The connector is particularly suitable for the transmission of high currents, e.g. 500 A at 1000 V. In addition, the plug socket can be made reshaping, for example by beading rollers or hydraulic expansion. ie the raw material is changed in shape without adding or removing material. The connector socket can thus be manufactured quickly, easily, in a material-saving, weight-optimized and inexpensive manner. For this purpose, a groove can be made from the inside into a hollow body, such as a tube (with different cross sections). A hollow body blank, for example a tube, can be used as a Serve starting material for the plug socket. The connector can be cut to the desired length on the one hand before the groove is inserted and on the other hand after the groove has been inserted. The groove can be made all the way around the outer surface of the hollow body and is parallel to the detachable contact. Alternatively or additionally, the groove for the ring spring can also not be parallel to the detachable contact. The groove can be configured to receive an annular spring. This ring spring can then establish the electrically conductive connection between a plug pin and the socket. The current can flow through the windings of the ring spring and the respective contact surfaces of the inner surface of the socket and the outer surface of the plug pin. Furthermore, the ring spring can compensate for tolerances, both on the socket and on the plug pin. These tolerances can be caused by manufacturing (manufacturing), temperature fluctuations (temperature expansion), vibrations or wear (wear). The hollow body has an opening for receiving the plug pin, which forms the releasable contact. The other end of the hollow body can form a fixed contact, which can be connected to an electrical line. The fixed contact can, for example, be crimped, welded or soldered to a busbar or a cable. Furthermore, the hollow body can have an angle so that the releasable contact and the fixed contact are not on a straight line. By using a hollow body and by manufacturing by means of forming, the wall thickness of the plug socket can be reduced, which can save weight. Furthermore, the hollow body has a large surface area due to its inner and outer surface, as a result of which heat loss can be dissipated well.

It should be noted that the ring spring makes an electrical contact between the plug socket and the plug pin in several points, as a result of which current can flow. Furthermore, it should be noted that ring springs with a different number of turns can be inserted into the groove, that is to say with a different number of contact points. By inserting the plug pin into the socket, the ring spring is in the radial direction compressed and this exerts a counterforce on the groove of the socket and the detachable contact of the plug pin, so that a reliable contact can be ensured.

According to one embodiment, a bulge is introduced into the outside of the outer surface of the hollow body by means of the deformation, which bulge extends outward from the surface of the outer surface away from the outer surface to form the groove in the interior of the hollow body. In other words, the groove is an inner groove, so that the inner diameter of the hollow body is smaller than the inner diameter of the groove.

According to one embodiment, the ring spring and the groove have mutually coordinated dimensions and the ring spring is at least displaceable or deformable when the plug pin is inserted into the hollow body by the plug pin such that the plug pin can be inserted over the ring spring arranged in the groove.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body is formed by hydraulic expansion or beading to form the groove.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body has a plurality of mutually parallel grooves between the first and the second end.

According to one embodiment, a sealing element is arranged in at least one of the grooves, which is made of a different material than the ring spring.

According to one embodiment, at least three grooves are formed in the hollow body and the ring element is arranged in at least one of the outer grooves of the at least three grooves related to the first and / or second end.

According to one embodiment, the first or second end of the hollow body is connected to a conductor, for example in the form of a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part, which is set up for attaching an electrical line. The end can in particular be integrally connected to the contact part.

According to one embodiment, the contact part has a through opening in which the end of the hollow body is arranged at least in sections.

According to one embodiment, an inner circumferential surface and / or an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body is coated with a second metal material which has a higher electrical conductivity than a first metal material from which the hollow body is made.

According to one embodiment, the plug socket is made from a tube by means of forming. The tube can serve as a starting material. Furthermore, it can be provided that the tube is first cut to length and then the groove is formed by means of forming, or else that the groove is formed by means of forming and then the tube is cut to length with the groove.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body is a drawn tube, which is cut to length and then the inner groove is introduced by means of forming.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body is preferably cylindrical. However, the hollow body can also have other shapes and cross sections. For example, the hollow body can have an oval, a triangular or a square cross section. It should be noted that in the case of a plug with several plug sockets, the respective Hollow bodies can also have different cross sections. Reverse polarity protection can thus be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the groove is introduced into the lateral surface of the hollow body by means of hydraulic expansion or beading rollers.

According to a further embodiment, the fixed contact part is set up to be connected to an electrical line by means of crimping, welding or soldering. It should be noted that the cross section of the fixed contact part of the plug socket can be changed in particular by crimping. The cross sections of the plug socket and / or the plug pin thus relate to cross sections before the fixed contact part has been contacted. In other words, the cross section relates to a manufactured socket.

According to one embodiment, the fixed contact part, similar to a tubular cable lug, is flattened in order to form a connection lug. This connection lug can then be welded, soldered or screwed in order to make contact with an electrical line.

According to one embodiment, the fixed contact part has an angle between 90 ° and 180 ° with respect to the releasable contact. In other words, the socket can form an angle. The connector can therefore be used in a variety of ways, depending on the respective application scenario.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body also has at least one second groove with a second ring spring, which is arranged parallel to the groove with the ring spring. A larger contact area can be produced by the second groove and / or redundancy in the plug can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the second groove can also not run parallel to the groove. It should be noted that three, four or more ring springs can also be arranged in corresponding grooves in the plug socket.

According to one embodiment, the plug socket also has an inner and an outer contact protection. The touch guard is designed to prevent a person from touching a live part of the socket with a finger. The protection against accidental contact can increase safety when handling the plug, since a person can touch areas of the plug socket that are no longer live with their hands. The touch protection of the plug socket can for example be made of an insulating material such as Plastic. Furthermore, the touch guard can have an outer housing and an inner pin. It can thus be effectively prevented that the person can touch a current-carrying area of the plug socket with his finger. It should be noted that the touch protection of the plug socket is matched to the touch protection of the corresponding plug pin, and vice versa, so that the plug socket can accommodate the plug pin with touch protection.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a connector pin, in particular for the transmission of high currents, for a connector of a vehicle. It has a tubular hollow body which has a first end and a second end and is set up for insertion into a plug socket. An electrically insulating cap is provided, which is arranged at the first end of the hollow body, the hollow body being able to be connected to a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part at the second end of the hollow body opposite the cap, which is set up for attaching an electrical line.

According to one embodiment, the tubular hollow body has a contact surface which is produced by pulling a tube without having been machined additionally (after and / or before), in particular without turning or grinding.

According to one embodiment, the cap engages around the first end of the hollow body in sections, and a radial outside of the cap is essentially flush with an outer lateral surface of the hollow body.

According to one embodiment, the cap is held on the first end of the hollow body in a positive, non-positive or positive and non-positive manner.

According to one embodiment, an inner circumferential surface and / or an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body is coated with a second metal material which has a higher electrical conductivity than a first metal material from which the hollow body is made.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body has an arithmetic mean roughness value, Ra, of 0.5 to 1.1, preferably of 0.8, on an outer lateral surface, which at least in sections forms a contact section for electrical contacting with the plug socket.

The plug pin can have a fixed contact with a first outer diameter and a detachable contact with a second outer diameter. However, both diameters can also be identical. The detachable contact of the plug pin is set up to be received by a detachable contact of a plug socket. If the first outer diameter of the fixed contact or of a hollow body is larger than the second outer diameter of the releasable contact, the second outer diameter of the releasable contact can be produced by reshaping, in that the hollow body is correspondingly compressed, pressed or compressed.

The plug pin can also be produced by means of forming. The plug pin can, for example, form a releasable contact with a second, smaller outer diameter than the first outer diameter of the hollow body from a tube by compressing, compressing or pressing. This means that the connector pin can be manufactured simply, quickly, weight-optimized, material-saving and cost-effective. Furthermore, the heat loss can be dissipated through a hollow connector pin, since the surface is enlarged. The second outer diameter of the detachable contact is advantageously smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding plug socket.

It should be noted that properties and embodiments which have been described in connection with the plug socket also apply to the plug pin.

According to one embodiment, the connector pin is a hollow body and the connector pin is produced from a tube by means of forming. For example, the tube can be a tubular cable lug.

According to one embodiment, the hollow body of the plug pin is preferably cylindrical. However, the hollow body can also have other shapes and cross sections. For example, the hollow body can have an oval, a triangular or a square cross section. It should be noted that in the case of a connector with a plurality of connector pins, the respective hollow bodies can also have different cross sections. Reverse polarity protection can thus be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the plug pin also has a touch guard in the form of a cap. The touch guard is designed to prevent a person from touching a current-carrying part of the plug pin with a finger. The protection against accidental contact can increase the safety when handling the plug, since the person can no longer touch live areas of the plug pin with their hands. The touch protection of the plug pin can for example consist of an insulating material such as plastic, furthermore the touch protection can have an inner lining of the plug pin and a collar, the collar protruding beyond the end of the releasable contact of the plug pin. It should be noted that the distance between the collar and the releasable contact of the plug pin can be designed in such a way that the plug socket can be accommodated with touch protection, but a person's finger does not fit into this distance. This can prevent a person from touching a current-carrying area of the plug pin with his finger.

Another aspect relates to a connector, in particular for the transmission of high currents. The touch protection of a connector pin can have a larger inner diameter than the contact-carrying outer diameter of the connector pin. The contact protection thus has a securing mechanism which is set up to release the plug connection only when a separating force on the plug exceeds a predefined threshold value, which is significantly higher than the pure displacement force of the plug pin in the plug socket.

The touch protection of the plug pin and the socket can be designed to interact with each other, so that a safety mechanism against unintentional opening can be implemented.

According to one embodiment, the plug has a plug pin described above and below and a plug socket described above and below.

In other words, the plug socket and the plug pin together form the plug. This connector can be used to selectively connect and disconnect two current-carrying elements, such as an electrical cable. The plug can be used in particular in a vehicle to connect battery elements or the battery to the vehicle electrical system, but is not limited to this. It should be noted that the plug socket can also interact with a plug pin, which has not been produced in a reshaping manner, as a plug. For example, the connector pin can be produced in the latter case by means of a machining manufacturing process.

According to one embodiment, the plug socket, the plug pin and / or the plug are made of copper and, if appropriate, are at least partially coated with a conductive material. Alternatively or additionally, the socket and the plug pin can also consist of the other conductive material such as a metal, such as silver, aluminum or gold, or an alloy.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a connector described above and below. The plug can in particular be used to connect battery elements or the battery to the vehicle electrical system.

• Erzeugen eines rohrförmigen Hohlkörpers, der ein erstes Ende und ein zweites Ende aufweist und zum Aufnehmen eines Steckerpins eingerichtet ist;
• zumindest abschnittsweises Umformen der rohrförmige Hohlkörper zum Ausbilden einer Nut in eine nach außen gerichteten Ausbuchtung zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Ende
• Anordnen einer Ringfeder in der Nut für eine elektrische Kontaktierung des in den Hohlkörper einführbaren Steckerpins.

One aspect relates to a method for producing a plug socket for a plug, in particular a plug described above and below, of a vehicle, in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising the steps:

• Producing a tubular hollow body which has a first end and a second end and is configured to receive a plug pin;
• at least sectionally reshaping the tubular hollow body to form a groove in an outward bulge between the first and the second end
• Arranging an annular spring in the groove for electrical contacting of the plug pin that can be inserted into the hollow body.

• Ziehen eines Rohres;
• Ablängen des Rohres zum Erzeugen eines rohrförmigen Hohlkörpers, der ein erstes Ende und ein zweites Ende aufweist und zum Einstecken in eine Steckerbuchse eingerichtet ist;
• Formen des ersten Ende des Hohlkörpers und Anordnen einer elektrisch isolierenden Kappe an dem ersten Ende des Hohlkörpers;
• Verbinden des Hohlkörpers an dem der Kappe gegenüberliegenden zweiten Ende des Hohlkörpers mit einem plattenförmigen oder blechförmigen Kontaktteil, das zum Anbringen einer elektrischen Leitung eingerichtet ist.

One aspect relates to a method for producing a connector pin, in particular a connector pin described above and below, for a connector of a vehicle, in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising the steps:

• Pulling a pipe;
• Cutting the tube to length to produce a tubular hollow body which has a first end and a second end and is designed for insertion into a plug socket;
• Forming the first end of the hollow body and placing an electrically insulating cap on the first end of the hollow body;
• Connecting the hollow body at the second end of the hollow body opposite the cap to a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part which is set up for attaching an electrical line.

Further features, advantages and possible uses of the invention result from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and figures. The figures are schematic and not to scale. If the same reference numerals are given in different figures in the following description, they designate the same or similar elements.

Brief description of the figures

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a plug socket according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 2 shows a quarter-sectional view of a plug socket according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of a groove for a ring spring according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 4 shows a ring spring.
• Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a connector pin according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 6 shows a quarter-sectional view of a connector pin according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of a plug according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a plug according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 10 shows a plug socket with a touch guard according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 11 shows a connector pin with a touch guard according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a plug with touch protection in the separated state according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of a plug with touch protection in the separated state according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of a plug with touch protection in the connected state according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 15 shows a vehicle with a plug according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 16 shows a flow diagram for a method for producing a plug socket according to an embodiment.
• Fig. 17 shows a flow diagram for a method for producing a plug pin according to an embodiment.
• 18A-E show several views of a plug with plug pin and socket according to an embodiment.
• 19A-E show several views of a plug with plug pin and socket according to another embodiment.

Detailed description of embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a socket 10. The socket 10 is essentially a cylindrical hollow body 13 with a first and a second end. It should be noted that the hollow body 13 can also have a different cross section, for example oval, triangular or square. In particular, different geometries can be provided for the plug socket 10 as reverse polarity protection. The first end here forms a fixed contact 11, which can be firmly connected to an electrical conductor, for example a cable or a busbar. The connection to an electrical conductor can be made by crimping, welding or soldering, or the fixed contact 11 is flattened, so that a connecting lug is created. The second end of the hollow body 13 forms a releasable contact 12 and is set up to receive a plug pin. Furthermore, in Fig. 1 to see a circumferential groove 15, which was introduced into the outer surface of the hollow body by means of forming. The groove 15 can be introduced into the lateral surface of the hollow body 13 by means of hydraulic expansion or beading rollers. Furthermore, the groove 15 is parallel to the end of the releasable contact 12. The groove 15 is an inner groove, so that the inner diameter of the hollow body is smaller than the inside diameter of the groove 15. Furthermore, the groove is set up to accommodate an annular spring, so that a current flow between the plug pin and the socket 10 is possible via the annular spring. The hollow body 13 can be, for example, a drawn tube, into which the groove is subsequently introduced. Furthermore, the hollow body 13 can consist of a conductive material, preferably copper. The heat can be dissipated better through the hollow body 13, since the surface is significantly enlarged in contrast to a solid body. Material can be saved by producing the groove by means of forming, since the wall thickness of the hollow body 13 can be reduced in comparison to a milled part or a turned part. Furthermore, the material saving leads to a weight and cost reduction. The waste can also be reduced by a reshaping process for manufacturing. Furthermore, the machining time can be reduced in comparison to the machining by shaping and thus the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Fig. 2 shows a quarter-sectional view of the socket 10. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 the hollow body 13 can be seen. This has two ends and is made hollow throughout. For example, the hollow body 13 can be a tube. The first end of the hollow body can form a fixed contact 11 and the second end can form a releasable contact 12. The fixed contact 11 is located on the side facing away from the groove 15. This fixed contact 11 is set up to be connected to an electrical conductor, such as a cable or a busbar, by means of crimping, welding or soldering. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed contact 11 can also be flattened like a tubular cable lug in order to form a connecting lug. Furthermore, the groove 15 is set up to receive an annular spring. The detachable contact 12 can be set up to receive a plug pin, so that a current flow via the ring spring between the plug pin and the socket is possible. Furthermore, a groove 15 is made in the hollow body 13 by means of forming. This groove 15 is arranged all around and parallel to the detachable contact 12.

The hollow body 13 from Fig. 2 has, for example, an outer diameter of 20 mm. The wall thickness of the hollow body is, for example, 2.25 mm, which results in an inner diameter of 15.5 mm. In Fig. 2 a phase on the fixed contact 11 and on the detachable contact 12 can also be recognized, which facilitates the insertion of the plug pin or the cable. The plug socket 10 can consist of a conductive material, for example copper. However, other metals or alloys, such as iron, aluminum, silver or gold, are also conceivable. The total length of the socket 10 Fig. 2 is, for example, 49.5 mm, the center of the groove being, for example, 43 mm from the fixed contact 11 and 6.5 mm from the releasable contact 12.

Fig. 3 shows a detailed view from point A. Fig. 2 , Here, the groove 15 can be seen in the hollow body 13 of the socket 10. The groove 15 was introduced into the socket 10 by means of forming, for example hydraulic expansion or beading rollers. The deformation results in a bulge on the outside of the outer surface of the hollow body 13, which extends outward from the surface of the outer surface away from the outer surface to form the groove 15 in the interior of the hollow body 13. Furthermore, the groove 15 can have an angle between the two groove inner surfaces of approximately 135 °. It should be noted that the deformation exerts a pressure on the hollow body 13, which leads to the hollow body 13 being partially deformed and forming the groove 15. In the example shown, the groove can have a width of 3.55 mm and a maximum depth of 2.4 mm.

Fig. 4 shows a ring spring 5 for insertion into a socket. This ring spring 5 consists of a conductive material, such as copper, a copper alloy or silver. Furthermore, the ring spring 5 forms a torus, which has a hole in the middle which can accommodate a plug pin. Furthermore, the ring spring 5 is constructed spirally. In other words, a coil spring is connected at its two end points, so that an annular spring 5 is formed. The ring spring 5 can transmit current between the plug socket and the plug pin via each of its contact points and can at the same time compensate for their tolerances, so that good contact is always guaranteed. When the plug pin is inserted into the plug socket, the ring spring 5 is compressed by the releasable contact of the plug pin and thus exerts a counterforce on the groove of the plug socket and on the releasable contact of the plug pin.

Fig. 5 shows a connector pin 20 for a connector. The plug pin 20 has a hollow body 23 with a first and a second end. It should be noted that the hollow body 23 can have, for example, an oval, round, triangular or square cross section. In particular, different geometries can be provided for the connector pin 20 as reverse polarity protection. The first end of the hollow body 23 forms the fixed contact 21, which can be firmly connected to an electrical conductor, for example a cable or a busbar. The connection to an electrical conductor can be made by crimping, welding or soldering, or the fixed contact 21 is flattened, so that a connecting lug is created. The second end of the hollow body 23 forms a releasable contact 22 and is set up to be received by a plug socket. The Fig. 5 it can be seen that the outer diameter of the releasable contact 22 is smaller than the outer diameter of the hollow body 23. The outer diameter of the hollow body 23 is reduced accordingly by means of reshaping, for example pressing, in order to obtain the outer diameter of the releasable contact 22. The hollow body 23 can be, for example, a drawn tube, in which the outer diameter is subsequently reduced accordingly. Furthermore, the hollow body 23 can consist of a conductive material, preferably copper. The heat can be better dissipated through the hollow body 23 since the surface is enlarged. Material can be saved by producing the plug-in pin 20 by means of forming, since the wall thickness of the hollow body 13 can be reduced in comparison to a milled part or a full part. Furthermore, the material saving leads to a weight and cost reduction. Can also by one reshaping process for manufacturing the waste is reduced. Furthermore, the machining time can be reduced in comparison to the machining by shaping and thus the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Fig. 6 shows a quarter-sectional view of the connector pin 20. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 the hollow body of the connector pin 20 can be seen. This has two ends and is made hollow throughout. For example, the hollow body can be a tube. The first end of the hollow body can form a fixed contact 21 and the second end can form a releasable contact 22. The fixed contact 21 or the hollow body have a first outer diameter d1. The detachable contact 22 has a second outer diameter d2, which is smaller than the first outer diameter d1. The second outer diameter d2 or the releasable contact 22 are produced from the hollow body 23 by means of forming. This fixed contact 21 is set up to be connected to an electrical conductor, such as a cable or a busbar, by means of crimping, welding or soldering. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed contact 21 can be flattened like a tubular cable lug to form a connection lug. It should be noted that the first outer diameter d1 is described before the connection to the electrical line, since the cross section of the fixed contact 21 is subsequently changed, in particular during crimping.

The hollow body out Fig. 6 has, for example, a first outer diameter d1 of 20 mm. The wall thickness of the hollow body can be 2.25 mm, which results in an inner diameter of 15.5 mm on the fixed contact 21. The second outer diameter can be 15 mm, so that the plug pin 20 can be received through the plug socket. In Fig. 6 a phase can also be seen on the fixed contact 21, which facilitates the insertion of the cable. Furthermore, the tip of the detachable contact 22 has a radius of, for example, 2.5 mm. This radius is also introduced into the releasable contact 22 of the connector pin 20 by means of shaping. In particular, the radius can be present if the connector pin has no protection against accidental contact. This can facilitate the insertion into the socket. The connector pin 20 can consist of a conductive material, for example copper. However, other metals or alloys, such as iron, aluminum, silver or gold, are also conceivable. The total length of the connector pin 20 Fig. 6 can be 55 mm, the fixed contact 21 having a length of 35 mm and the releasable contact 22 having a length of 14 mm. There is a transition region between the fixed contact 21 and the releasable contact 22, in which the hollow body merges from the first outer diameter d1 into the second outer diameter d2.

Fig. 7 shows a connector 1, in particular a connector 1 for transmitting high currents for a vehicle. The plug 1 has a plug socket 10 with an annular spring 5 in a groove and a plug pin 20. The plug pin 20 can be received by the plug socket 10, with which the plug 1 can be closed and an electrical contact is made. The two parts are joined along their longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the connector 1 can be disconnected again, so that no more current flows between the connector socket 10 and the connector pin 20. A high current can flow via the plug 1, for example 500 A at 1000 V. The contact between the detachable contact of the plug socket 10 and the detachable contact of the plug pin 20 is established via the ring spring 5. Tolerances in the manufacture of the plug socket 10 and / or the plug pin 20 can be compensated for via the ring spring 5. Furthermore, the ring spring 5 can be used to make contact with many contact points, as a result of which there is reliable contact between the plug socket 10 and the plug pin 20.

Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the closed plug 1. Here, the detachable contact 22 of the plug pin 20 is in the detachable contact 12 of the socket 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that the ring spring 5 is arranged in the groove of the socket 10 and surrounds the plug pin 20, so that there is electrical contact between the socket 10 and the plug pin 20. The total length of the connector 1 in Fig. 8 can amount to 90 mm, for example, 35 mm being taken in each case by the hollow body or the fixed contacts 11, 21 of the plug socket 10 or the plug pin 20. The detachable contact 22 of the plug pin 20 has a length of 12 mm the second outer diameter, which is smaller than the inner diameter of the detachable contact 12 of the plug socket 10. In the middle of this piece, the ring spring 5 contacts the detachable contact 22 of the plug pin 20.

Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of the detached plug 1. Here, the ring spring 5 is arranged in the groove 15 of the socket 10 and set up to receive the detachable contact 22 of the plug pin 20.

Fig. 10 shows a plug socket 10 with a touch guard 14, 14a, 14b. This touch guard 14, 14a, 14b consists of an insulator (for example a plastic) and surrounds the current-carrying areas of the plug socket 10, so that a finger 3 of a person cannot touch any current-carrying area of the plug socket 10. The touch guard 14, 14a, 14b can consist of a housing 14a and an inner pin 14b, so that the finger 3 cannot be inserted into the socket 10. The housing 14a encloses the socket 10 and the inner pin 14b is arranged centrally within the hollow body of the socket 10.

Fig. 11 shows a connector pin 20 with a touch guard 24, 24a, 24b. This contact protection 24, 24a, 24b consists of an insulator and surrounds current-carrying areas of the plug pin 20, so that a finger 3 of a person cannot touch a current-carrying area of the plug pin 20. The contact protection 24, 24a, 24b can consist of a collar 24a, which surrounds the connector pin 20, and an inner lining 24b for the interior of the connector pin 20, so that the finger 3 cannot reach the connector pin 20. The collar 24a has a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the releasable contact 22 of the plug pin 20. In other words, the collar 24a surrounds the detachable one Contact 22 of the connector pin 20 with a certain distance. The inner lining 24b rests on the inside of the releasable contact 22 of the plug pin 20 and projects beyond the end of the releasable contact 22, so that a finger 3 of a person cannot touch the inside of the plug pin 20.

Fig. 12 shows an isometric view of the plug pin 20 and the socket 10 with touch protection 14, 14a, 14b, 24. 24a, 24b in the open or separated state. Here, the plug socket 20 including the touch guard (only the housing 14a shown here) fits into the collar 24a of the touch guard 24 of the plug pin 20. The respective fixed contacts are connected to an electrical line.

Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of the plug pin 20 and the socket 10 with touch protection 14, 14a, 14b, 24, 24a, 24b in the open state. It can be seen here that the plug pin 20 fits into the socket 10, the touch protection 24, 24a, 24b of the plug pin 20 accommodates the socket 10 including its touch protection 14, 14a, 14b and the inner pin 14b of the touch protection 14 of the socket 10 in the hollow releasable contact of the connector pin 20 can be inserted. Furthermore, the housing 14a of the touch guard 14, 14a, 14b of the plug socket 10 fits into the collar 24b of the touch guard 24, 24a, 24b of the plug pin 20.

Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the plug pin 20 and the socket 10 with the contact protection 14, 14a, 14b, 24, 24a, 24b in the closed state. The plug 1 and its current-carrying areas cannot be touched by a person's finger either in the open or in the closed state. It can also be seen that a conductive connection between the plug pin 20 and the socket 10 via the ring spring 5 is nevertheless possible.

Fig. 15 shows a vehicle with at least one plug 1 described above and below. This plug 1 can have a plug pin and a socket described. In particular, the plug can be used to connect battery elements to one another or to connect the battery to the vehicle electrical system, but is not limited to this.

Fig. 16 shows a flow diagram of a method for producing a plug socket for a plug. In step S11, a hollow body is created. This hollow body can be, for example, a tube or a tubular cable lug. Furthermore, the hollow body can be produced by extrusion or by a drawing process or can already be present as a prefabricated tube. In step S12, a groove is made in the inside of the outer surface of the hollow body by means of shaping, for example by beading rolls or hydraulic expansion. This groove is set up to take out an annular spring. The hollow body can be cut to the desired length between steps S11 and S12 or after step S12. In step S13, a fixed contact part is formed on one end of the hollow body. The end of the fixed contact part can be the end facing away from the groove.

Fig. 17 shows a flowchart for producing a connector pin for a connector. In step S21, a hollow body with a first outer diameter is produced, for example by pulling a tube, followed by a cutting or parting step. Furthermore, the hollow body can be produced by extrusion or can already be present as a pre-assembled tube. In step S22, one end of the hollow body is machined, for example by milling. The hollow body can be cut to the desired length between steps S21 and S22 or after step S22. In step S23, a fixed contact part is attached to the other end of the hollow body.

FIGS.18A-E show several views of a connector 1 with connector pin 20 and socket 10 according to an embodiment having two grooves 15. In Figure 18A the plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part 100 is also shown, which is connected to the end of the hollow body 13 and which is set up for attaching an electrical line. Also shown is the plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part 101, which is connected to the hollow body 102 of the plug pin. An annular spring 5 is provided in each of the grooves 15. The cap 24 is attached to the front end of the pin 20 and is held by a circumferential elevation in the form of a snap-fit connection. Instead of one of the ring springs 5, a sealing element 6 can also be provided. The front end of the plug pin 20 protrudes from the socket 10.

19A-E show several views of a connector 1 with connector pin 20 and socket 10 according to a further embodiment, which has three grooves 15, but otherwise the embodiment of FIG Figures 18A-E equivalent. A sealing element 6 is provided in each case in the outer grooves, and an annular spring 5 in the central groove 15.

The sealing elements 6 serve to dampen vibrations and seal. As a result, the service life of the connector can be extended even under heavy mechanical stress.

In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprehensive" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a large number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictions.

Claims (17)

Plug socket (10) for a plug (1) of a vehicle, in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising: a tubular hollow body (13) which has a first end and a second end and is designed to receive a plug pin (20); a groove (15) which extends between the first and the second end through the inner circumferential surface of the hollow body in the circumferential direction thereof; and an annular spring (5) which is arranged in the groove for electrical contacting of the plug pin which can be inserted into the hollow body; wherein the tubular hollow body is formed at least in sections to form the groove in an outward bulge. Plug socket (10) according to claim 1,
wherein the hollow body (13) for forming the groove (15) is formed by hydraulic expansion or beading. Plug socket (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the hollow body (13) has a plurality of mutually parallel grooves (15) between the first and the second end. Plug socket (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein in at least one of the grooves (15) a sealing element (6) is arranged, which is made of a different material than the ring spring (5). Plug socket (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least three grooves (15) are formed in the hollow body (13) and a sealing element (6) is arranged in at least one of the outer grooves of the at least three grooves related to the first and / or second end. Plug socket (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first or second end of the hollow body (13) is connected to a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part (100), in particular by pressing or laser welding, which is set up to attach an electrical line. Plug socket (10) according to claim 6,
wherein the contact part (100) has a through opening in which the end of the hollow body (13) is arranged at least in sections. Plug socket (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein an inner circumferential surface and / or an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body is coated with a second metal material which has a higher electrical conductivity than a first metal material from which the hollow body is made. Plug pin (20) for a plug (1) of a vehicle (2), in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising: a tubular hollow body (102) which has a first end and a second end and is designed for insertion into a plug socket (10); an electrically insulating cap (24) disposed at the first end of the hollow body; the hollow body being connected to a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped conductor (101) at the second end of the hollow body opposite the cap. Plug pin (20) according to claim 9,
wherein the tubular hollow body (102) has a contact surface which is produced by pulling a tube without having been machined additionally. Plug pin (20) according to claim 9 or 10,
wherein the cap (24) engages around the first end of the hollow body (20) in sections and a radial outside of the cap is essentially flush with an outer surface of the hollow body. Plug pin (20) according to one of claims 9 to 11,
wherein the cap is positively, non-positively or positively and non-positively held at the first end of the hollow body. Plug pin (20) according to one of claims 9 to 12,
wherein an inner circumferential surface and / or an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body is coated with a second metal material which has a higher electrical conductivity than a first metal material from which the hollow body is made. Plug pin (20) according to one of claims 9 to 13,
wherein the tubular hollow body (102) has an arithmetic mean roughness value, Ra, of 0.5 to 1.1, preferably 0.8, on an outer lateral surface, which at least in sections forms a contact section for electrical contacting with the plug socket (10) , Method for producing a connector pin (20) for a connector (1) of a vehicle (2), in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising the steps: Pulling a pipe; Cutting the tube to length to produce a tubular hollow body (102) which has a first end and a second end and for insertion into a plug socket (10) is set up, in particular without further machining of the outer contact area; Forming the first end of the hollow body and placing an electrically insulating cap (24) on the first end of the hollow body; Providing the hollow body with a galvanic surface, especially silver; Connecting the hollow body at the second end of the hollow body opposite the cap to a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped contact part (101) which is set up to attach an electrical line. Method for producing a plug socket (10) for a plug (1) of a vehicle, in particular for the transmission of high currents, comprising the steps: Producing a tubular hollow body (13) which has a first end and a second end and is set up to receive a plug pin (20); reshaping the tubular hollow body at least in sections to form a groove (15) into an outward bulge between the first and the second end; Providing the tubular hollow body with a galvanic surface, especially silver; Arranging an annular spring (5) in the groove for electrical contacting of the plug pin that can be inserted into the hollow body. Vehicle (2) with a plug (1) having a plug socket (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a plug pin (20) according to one of claims 9 to 14.

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