DE102020132974A1 - Plug-in contact device to avoid an electric arc when disconnecting a direct current connection - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug contact device (200) for extinguishing an arc when a direct current connection is disconnected is described. The plug contact device (200) comprises a plug connector (210) with a main contact, HA (212). The HA (212) comprises a first contact half, HA1 (212-1), designed as a pin contact, and a second contact half, HA2 (212-2), designed as a socket contact, which can be detachably plugged together. The HA1 (212-1) comprises a load contact section, LA (219), an isolating section, TA (217), and an auxiliary contact section, HI (214). The HA (212) is designed to connect the LA (219) and the HA2 (212-2) in an electrically conductive manner in an assembled state (T0); to galvanically separate the LA (219) and the HI (214) from the HA2 (212-2) in a released state (T3); in a first intermediate state (T1) between T0 and T3, to galvanically separate the LA (219) and the HA2 (212-2) and to bring at least the TA (217) into contact with a contact point (213) of the HA2 (212-2); and in a second intermediate state (T2) between T1 and T3, to connect the HI (214) to the HA2 (212-2) in an electrically conductive manner. The plug contact device (200) further comprises an electronic switching unit (220) between the LA (219) and the HI (214). In response to a transition from T0 to T1, the electronic switching unit (220) becomes electrically conductive. In response to a transition from T1 to T2 and / or from T2 to T3, the electronic switching unit (220) becomes electrically disconnected.

Description

The invention relates to a plug contact device for avoiding or extinguishing an arc when a direct current connection is disconnected or closed.

When disconnecting or closing a direct current connection (DC connection), in contrast to an alternating current application (AC application), an electric arc must be expected more often. This is a challenge, especially with connectors. On the one hand, the arc leads to damage to the connector, both to housing parts and to the contacts. On the other hand, the arc also harbors a danger for the operator.

There are various concepts for extinguishing the arc with mechanical aids, such as sacrificial zones, or by means of a so-called blow magnet (due to the Lorentz force acting on the plasma of the arc) or due to a speed of contact separation.

Another alternative is electronic spark extinguishing. The arc is suppressed with the help of electronic components. The principle can be compared to an electronic switch. As with a mechanical switch, the circuit is broken. However, since no physical contact is opened, no arcing occurs. The circuit is interrupted by electronic components. Semiconductor components such as bipolar transistors with insulated gate electrodes (IGBTs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or varistors shift the switching power to the electronic assemblies and the contacts are thus protected. Such technologies are for example in the publications EP 2 742 565 B1 , US 2018/0006447 A1 , DE000020253749A1 and DE10 2007 043 512 A1 described.

In normal operation, the current either flows permanently through the electronics, which continuously generates power loss, or during the switching process, the current flow is briefly passed through the electronics and switched off, which is significantly better in terms of energy. In this case, an additional auxiliary contact is required, which is parallel to one of the load contacts and enables the current to flow through the electronics. These variants, as for example in the publications EP 2 742 565 B1 and US 2018/0006447 A1 described, can be integrated in a connector housing, as well as in a connector strip or in a control cabinet. The central placement of the electronics in a connector strip or in a control cabinet described last has the advantage that any number of connectors can be operated with one module. As in the document, for example EP 2 742 565 B1 In this case, appropriate diodes must be installed in the supply lines to each of the auxiliary contacts so that no short-circuit occurs between the various strings of several connectors and only the current of the string currently switched (or the connector to be disconnected or connected) flows through the electronics.

Through the in the document EP 2 742 565 B1 Although several connectors can be supplied in parallel with a single electronic module, this only works for unidirectional networks. A special feature of DC networks is that energy flows can be bidirectional, as is the case with accumulators (secondary cells), which can be both a source and a consumer of direct current. Electric machines can also work as consumers of direct current, but can also feed back energy as a generator when braking. In the case of a bidirectional application, for example the change between motor and generator operation of an electric machine, the diode circuit described does not work. Here, a more complex switching of each individual auxiliary contact would have to be implemented with a significant additional effort.

The object is therefore to provide a plug contact device for avoiding or extinguishing an arc when a direct current connection is disconnected or closed, which can be operated both in a unidirectional and in a bidirectional network. As an alternative or in addition, the task is to enable a compact design of a plug contact device.

The task or tasks is or will be achieved with the features of the independent claim. Appropriate configurations and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with partial reference to the figures.

According to one aspect, a plug contact device is provided for avoiding or extinguishing an arc when separating or closing a direct current connection. The plug contact device comprises at least one plug connector with a main contact (HA), the HA comprising a first contact half (HA1) and a second contact half (HA2), which can be detachably plugged together. The HA1 includes a load contact section (LA), a separation section (TA), and a Auxiliary contact section (HI). The HA is designed to, in an assembled state ( T ₀ ) of the respective connector to connect the LA and the HA2 in an electrically conductive manner and preferably to galvanically separate the HI and the HA2. The HA is also designed to be in a released state ( T ₃ ) of the respective connector to galvanically separate the LA and the HI (the HA1) from the HA2. Furthermore, the HA is designed to, in a first intermediate state ( T ₁ ) of the respective connector between the mated state ( T ₀ ) and the dissolved state ( T ₃ ) to galvanically separate the LA (of the HA1) and the HA2 and preferably to bring at least the TA into contact with a contact point of the HA2 (for example in mechanical contact). The HA is also designed to switch between the first intermediate state ( _{T 2) of the respective connector in a second intermediate state (} T ₁ ) and the dissolved state ( T ₃ ) to connect the HI (of the HA1) to the HA2 in an electrically conductive manner and preferably to galvanically separate the LA (of the HA1) from the HA2. The plug contact device also comprises an electronic switching unit, the first connection of which is connected to the LA and the second connection of which is electrically conductively connected to the HI. The electronic switching unit is designed to respond to a transition from the assembled state ( T ₀ ) in the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) to connect the first connection and the second connection in an electrically conductive manner or to reduce an impedance between the first connection and the second connection, and in response to a transition from the first intermediate state ( T ₁ ) to the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) and / or from the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) to the dissolved state ( T ₃ ) to electrically separate the first connection and the second connection or to increase an impedance between the first connection and the second connection.

Embodiments of the plug contact device can make it possible to dispense with diodes on auxiliary contacts. In order to be able to do without the diode, it is provided that the auxiliary contact section (HI) of the first contact half (HA1) is galvanically separated from the second contact half (HA2) in the plugged-together state, for example by means of a spatial separation and / or an electrical insulation formed separating section (TA) to the load contact section (LA) of the HA1.

The load contact section (LA, also: load contact) and the auxiliary contact section (HI, also auxiliary contact or control contact) can be integrated in a (for example coaxial) pin contact or socket contact (ie the HA1), preferably along a longitudinal axis of the pin contact or socket contact (ie the HA1 ). For this purpose, existing coaxial pin contacts or socket contacts (also: coaxial contacts) can be used or developed, for example pin contacts or socket contacts from data and / or signal technology, charging plugs (for example as used on power supplies) or jack plugs (for example as used on audio cables ).

The (for example coaxial) pin contact or socket contact (i.e. the HA1) of the plug connector can comprise two galvanically separated sections as LA and HI. A front portion (for example, a front part in the mated state of the connector) of the pin contact or the socket contact (i.e., the HA1) may be configured as an HI. A rear portion (for example, a rear part in the mated state of the connector) of the pin contact or the socket contact (i.e., the HA1) may be formed as LA. The TA can be located on the HA1 longitudinally (i.e. the direction of the longitudinal axis) between the LA and the HI.

The LA can be connected to either the positive pole or the negative pole of a DC power source. The HI can be connected to the electronic switching unit (also: extinguishing electronics).

In the mated state (also: completely mated state) the pin contact or socket contact (i.e. the HA1) can dip into the socket contact or pin contact (i.e. the HA2) so far that the front section (i.e. the HI) of the HA1 meets the contact point (the one in the In the case of a socket contact as HA2 can also be referred to as engagement) the socket contact or pin contact (ie the HA2) is not touched and thus HI and HA2 are galvanically separated.

If the connector is disconnected, the electrical connection at the LA of the HA1 is broken. An arc can arise between the HA2 (ie the HA2 designed as a socket contact or pin contact and the LA of the HA1 designed as a pin contact or socket contact, while the HA2 comes into contact with the HI of the HA1 (ie the auxiliary contact section of the pin contact or socket contact) Arc preferably triggers the electronic switching unit, for example by first reducing an impedance (preferably an ohmic resistor) of the electronic switching unit, which then interrupts the circuit via the HI, for example after a specified period of time, and thus extinguishes the arc.

In the case of a plug contact device with several plug connectors, which are also referred to as strands, exemplary embodiments of the plug contact device can enable the individual strands to be separated from one another by the electrical (preferably physical or galvanic) separation of the respective auxiliary contacts (HI) of the plug contact device in the mated state.

A state of galvanic isolation can also be referred to here as an open state. A state of electrically conductive connection can also be referred to as a closed state.

The at least one plug connector can, in addition to the main contact (HA), comprise a mating contact (GE), which can also be referred to as a second main contact or second load contact, and / or a grounding contact (PE, “physical earth”). The GE and / or the PE can each comprise a first contact half and a second contact half.

The main contact (HA) can be connected or connectable to the positive pole of a direct current source. The mating contact (GE) can or can be connected to the negative pole of a direct current source. The GE and / or the PE can be plugged together ( T ₀ ), in the first intermediate state ( T ₁ ) and in the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) electrically connected and in the released state ( T ₃ ) must be galvanically separated.

The electronic switching unit can be designed to determine or determine the transition between the respective states on the basis of a change in a voltage between the first and second connection.

The electronic switching unit can comprise at least one semiconductor switch. The electronic switching unit can be connected in series with the HI of the at least one connector. The electronic switching unit can also be referred to as extinguishing electronics.

The electronic switching unit can also be designed to respond to a transition from the released state ( T ₃ ) to the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) and / or from the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) to the first intermediate state ( T ₁ ) to connect the first connection and the second connection in an electrically conductive manner or to reduce an impedance between the first connection and the second connection, and in response to a transition from the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) to the mated state ( T ₀ ) to electrically separate the first connection and the second connection or to increase an impedance between the first connection and the second connection.

The electronic switching unit can be designed to connect the first connection and the second connection for a bidirectional current flow or for both current directions in an electrically conductive manner. A bidirectional current flow can be guaranteed by a rectifier.

A pole of a direct current source of the direct current connection, preferably a positive pole of the direct current source, can be connected or connectable to the HA1 of the HA and / or the first connection of the electronic switching unit in an electrically conductive manner. A pole of an electrical consumer, preferably a positive pole of the consumer, can be connected or connectable to the HA2 of the HA in an electrically conductive manner. Alternatively or in addition, a pole of a direct current source of the direct current connection, preferably a positive pole of the direct current source, can be connected or connectable to the HA2 of the main contact in an electrically conductive manner. A pole of an electrical consumer, preferably a positive pole of the consumer, can be connected or connectable to the HA1 of the main contact and / or the first connection of the electronic switching unit in an electrically conductive manner.

For example, the direct current source can comprise a rechargeable electrical energy store (preferably secondary cells) and the electrical consumer can comprise an electric machine (e-machine). The electric machine can be operated as a generator (preferably temporarily), with the current direction of the direct current reversing (preferably for recuperation) through the plug contact device.

The HA1 can comprise a pin contact and the HA2 a socket contact (also: a socket). Alternatively, the HA2 can comprise a pin contact and the HA1 a socket contact.

An outer profile of the pin contact and / or an inner profile of the socket contact of the HA of the respective connector can have a round, oval or polygonal cross section. The HA can have a longitudinal axis. The HA1 and the HA2 can be plugged together and detachable along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or in addition, the HA1 and the HA2 can be plugged together and detachable along a transverse axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The LA and the HI of the HA1 can be arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis. The HI can be arranged along the longitudinal axis in the mating direction in front of the TA and the TA can be arranged along the longitudinal axis in the mating direction in front of the LA of the HA1.

The TA of the HA1 can include circumferential insulation. The TA can comprise an outer (from the perspective of the mating direction) partial length of the pin contact or socket contact.

The extent of the circumferential insulation along the longitudinal axis can be at least as great as the extent of the contact point of the HA2 of the respective HA.

The HA2 of the HA can have only one contact point along the longitudinal axis.

The electronic switching unit can comprise at least one semiconductor switch which is designed to reduce the impedance between the first connection and the second connection or to make the first connection and the second connection electrically conductive when an electrical voltage is applied between the first connection and the second connection connect.

The electronic switching unit can be designed for bidirectional current flow between the first connection and the second connection. The electronic switching unit for bidirectional current flow can preferably comprise a rectifier bridge. The electronic switching unit can comprise a rectifier bridge which is linked to the at least one semiconductor switch. For example, a rectifier bridge is concatenated with one or more semiconductor switches, which optionally connect and disconnect the first connection and the second connection in an electrically conductive manner or optionally increase and decrease the impedance between the first connection and the second connection. Two opposite connections of the rectifier bridge can comprise the first connection and the second connection of the electronic switching unit. Two further opposite connections of the rectifier bridge can be connected or connectable to one another via a semiconductor switch and / or an RC element and / or a capacitor and / or a varistor and / or a thermistor.

The electronic switching unit can comprise two semiconductor switches connected in series with one another in opposite directions, each of which has a diode connected in parallel in the reverse direction. The diode connected in parallel can act as a bypass in the reverse direction of the semiconductor. Optionally, the electronic switching unit can furthermore comprise a trigger circuit which is designed to cause a semiconductor switch to close when the electrical voltage is applied between the first connection and the second connection. Furthermore, the trigger circuit can optionally comprise the rectifier bridge.

Alternatively or in addition, the electronic switching unit can be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and / or a bipolar transistor with an insulated gate electrode (IGBT) and / or an RC element with a capacitor and a variable resistor, for example a varistor and / or thermistor.

The plug contact device can comprise at least two plug connectors, each with an HA and an electronic switching unit. The first connection of the electronic switching unit can be connected in an electrically conductive manner to the LA of the HA1 of each HA. The second connection of the electronic switching unit can be connected in an electrically conductive manner to the HI of the HA1 of each HA. The first connector halves of the at least two connectors can be connected to the same direct current source and / or connected in parallel.

The at least one plug connector can furthermore comprise an opposing pole contact (GE) with a first contact half (GE1) and a second contact half (GE2) for an opposing pole of the direct current connection with respect to the LA of the HA. The GE is preferably designed to, when plugged together ( T ₀ ) of the respective connector, in the first intermediate state ( T ₁ ) of the respective connector and in the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) of the respective connector to connect the GE1 and the GE2 in an electrically conductive manner. The contact half GE1 can be longer than the LA of the HA (for example as a pin contact with respect to the respective contact point of the socket contact to GE2 or HA2). In particular, the contact half GE1 or GE2 of the GE can have the same length as the HI of the HA.

The at least one plug connector can furthermore comprise a ground contact (PE or “physical earth”) with a first contact half (PE1) and a second contact half (PE2). The PE can be designed to, when plugged together ( T ₀ ) of the respective connector, in the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) of the respective connector and in the second intermediate state ( T ₂ ) of the respective connector to connect PE1 and PE2 in an electrically conductive manner. The contact half PE1 can be longer than the HI of the HA and / or than the GE2 (for example as a pin contact with respect to the respective contact point of the socket contact to PE2 or HA2 or GE2).

The GE1 and / or the PE1 can be designed as pin contacts. The GE2 and / or the PE2 can be designed as socket contacts. Alternatively, the GE1 and / or the PE1 can be designed as a socket contact and the GE2 and / or PE2 as a pin contact. Alternatively or in addition, the HA, the GE and optionally the PE of the respective connector can be hermaphroditic.

The at least one connector can each comprise a first connector half and a second connector half. The first The connector half can include the HA1 of the HA as well as the GE1 of the GE and optionally the PE1 of the PE. The second connector half can include the HA2 of the HA as well as the GE2 of the GE and optionally the PE2 of the PE. The first half of the connector can also be referred to as a socket. The second half of the connector can also be referred to as a power plug.

The first connector half and the second connector half of the respective connector can be mechanically connected in the mated state. The first connector half and the second connector half of the respective connector can be spatially separated in the released state.

Each connector half can comprise a housing.

• 1 ein aus dem Stand der Technik bekanntes Mehrfachstecksystem;
• 2 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Steckkontaktvorrichtung mit einem Hauptkontakt und einem Gegenpolkontakt mit elektronischer Schalteinheit;
• 3A bis 3C ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Steckkontaktvorrichtung mit einem Hauptkontakt, Gegenpolkontakt und Erdungskontakt mit elektronischer Schalteinheit im zusammengesteckten Zustand und in Zwischenzuständen bei einem beispielhaften Trennvorgang;
• 4 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der Steckkontaktvorrichtung als beispielhaftes Mehrfachstecksystem; und
• 5A und 5B zwei Ausführungsbeispiele einer bidirektionalen elektronischen Schalteinhei.

Further features and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a multiple connector system known from the prior art;
• 2 an embodiment of a plug contact device with a main contact and an opposite pole contact with an electronic switching unit;
• 3A to 3C a second embodiment of a plug contact device with a main contact, opposite pole contact and grounding contact with electronic switching unit in the assembled state and in intermediate states in an exemplary disconnection process;
• 4th a third embodiment of the plug contact device as an exemplary multiple plug system; and
• 5A and 5B two embodiments of a bidirectional electronic switching unit.

1 shows schematically one from the document EP 2 742 565 B1 well-known mechatronic multiple connector system. The multiple connector system comprises at least two connectors S ₁ , S ₂ ..., each with a main contact 8th with a main plug contact and with a main mating contact and one each to the main contact 8th auxiliary contact lagging when unplugging 9 have with an auxiliary plug contact and with an auxiliary mating contact. Furthermore, the multiple plug-in system comprises the document EP 2 742 565 B1 a single semiconductor electronics common _{to the connectors S 1} , S ₂ ... to extinguish an electric arc that occurs in the course of an unplugging process 10 that with the auxiliary contact 9 each connector S ₁ , S ₂ ... is connected in series via a diode 17 to avoid a short circuit, for example the connectors S ₂ and S ₃ , in the course of an unplugging process of one or more individual connectors, for example S ₁ , and the Semiconductor electronics 10 has two series-connected semiconductor switches and an energy storage device connected to the semiconductor switches, which taps the arc voltage between the semiconductor switches for charging during the unplugging process.

2 Figure 11 shows an embodiment of one generally with reference numerals 200 designated plug contact device to avoid or extinguish an arc when separating or closing a direct current connection. The plug contact device 200 includes a generally numbered 210 designated connector with a main contact (HA) 212 with a first contact half (HA1) designed as a coaxial pin contact 212-1 and a second contact half (HA2) designed as a socket contact 212-2 . The HA1 212-1 includes a load contact section (LA) 219 and an auxiliary contact section (HI) 214 with a separating section (TA) designed as a circumferential insulation 217 . In the assembly direction along a longitudinal axis of the HA 212 is the HA1 212-1 designed coaxially with the HI 214 in front of the revolving TA 217 , which in turn is in front of the (outward-facing) LA 219 is arranged. The LA 219 and the HI 214 are on an exterior surface of the HA1 212-1 through the circumferential insulation of the TA 217 galvanically isolated. Furthermore, the LA 219 and the HI 214 axially separated by the same or another insulation. An electronic switching unit 220 is via a first connection 222 parallel to LA 219 switched. The HI 214 is via a second connection 224 connected in series with the electronic switching unit 220 . The plug contact device 200 is in 2 when assembled T ₀ shown in the LA 219 of the pin contact 212-1 with the socket contact (HA2) 212-2 via the contact point 213 is electrically connected and the HI 214 spatially from the contact point 213 is separated. The connector 210 further comprises an opposite pole contact 216 with a first contact half GE1 216-1 and a second contact half 216-2 . A first half 210-1 of the connector 210 includes the HA1 212-1 and the GE1 216-1 . A second half 210-2 of the connector 210 includes the HA2 212-2 and the GE 216-2 . As in 2 shown, the GE1 216-1 as a pin contact and the GE2 216-2 be designed as a socket contact. Alternatively, the connector 210 Be hermaphroditic with a GE1 designed as a socket contact 216-1 and a GE2 designed as a pin contact 216-2 .

In the in 2 The embodiment shown is the HA1 212-1 with one pole, for example the positive pole, a direct current source 230 connected and the HA2 212-1 with the same pole of a load 240 . The GE1 216-1 is with the opposite pole, for example the negative pole, of the direct current source 230 connected and the GE 216-2 with the corresponding pole of the load 240 .

The electronic switching unit 220 in 2 includes an RC element ("Resistor Capacitor"). The RC element can be designed as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) or a bipolar transistor with an insulated gate electrode (IGBT). As an alternative or in addition, several RC elements, for example an IGBT and a MOSFET, can also be connected in series. Optionally, the electronic switching unit further comprises a rectifier bridge (not shown), which enables a bidirectional current flow in the direct current system. By reversing the direction of the current, braking energy from an electric machine operated as a generator can be recuperated, for example.

3A to 3D each show a plug contact device 200 , their connectors 210 a ground contact ("physical search" or PE) 218 includes. The same components of the plug contact device as in 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The PE 218 comprises a first contact half PE1 218-1 that the first half 210-1 of the connector 210 is assigned and a second contact half PE2 218-2 that the second half 210-2 of the connector 210 assigned.

3A shows the plug contact device 200 when assembled T ₀ . The LA 219 of the HA 212 is connected to one pole, preferably the positive pole, of the DC voltage source 230 , electrically connected and connected via the contact point 213 of the HA2 212-2 with the assigned pole of the load 240 connected. The GE 216 is with the opposite pole of the DC voltage source 230 and the load 240 electrically connected. The PE 218 is also connected in an electrically conductive manner. The contact HI 214 spatially from the contact point 213 of the HA2 212-2 Cut. The main contact and the opposite pole contact of the plug contact device 200 in 3A agrees with the one in 2 match. The plug contact device 200 is in normal operation.

3B shows the plug contact device 200 in the first intermediate state T ₁ , for example when disconnecting the DC connection, with the connector 210 is no longer fully plugged together. The LA 219 is galvanically separated from the HA2 212-2 . The TA 217 , which can be designed as a circumferential insulation, lies at the contact point 213 the HA2 212-2 at. Between the LA 219 and the contact point 213 of the HA2 212-2 an arc is created. About the first connection 222 becomes the electronic switching unit 220 activated. Activation causes the electronic switching unit 220 (or its RC element) becomes conductive. The HI is already optional 214 via the contact point 213 with the HA2 212-2 conductively connected.

3C shows the plug contact device 200 in the second intermediate state T ₂ in which the connector 210 is not yet completely separated. The TA, designed as a circumferential insulation 217 is located outside of the socket contact HA2 212-2 . The HI 214 is via the contact point 213 with the HA 212-2 electrically connected. The direct current now flows from the direct current source 230 from the electronic switching unit 220 , the HI 214 and the HA2 212-2 . The electronic switching unit preferably comprises 220 a timer which causes the current to flow through the HI 214 and the HA2 212-2 is interrupted after a predetermined period of time. The interruption of the current flow can take place before a galvanic separation of the HI 214 from the HA2 212-2 and / or a galvanic separation of the GE 216 and / or PE 218 respectively. After the current flow is interrupted, the first half can 210-1 and the second half 210-2 of the connector 210 can be separated without an arc.

3D shows the plug contact device 200 at the transition from the second intermediate state T ₂ to the dissolved state T ₃ . This transition can also be referred to as the third intermediate state. The HI 214 is in this state from the HA2 212-2 galvanically isolated. Furthermore, the GE 216 galvanically isolated, while the grounding contact is PE 218 is still electrically connected. In the released state (not shown) T ₃ are all contacts HA 212 (both St. 214 as well as LA 219 from HA2 212-2 ), GE 116 and PE 118 galvanically isolated. In the released state T ₃ can use the two contact halves 210-1 and 210-2 of the connector 210 be spatially separated.

4th shows a plug contact device 200 with three connectors 210 . Every connector 210 is identical to the connector 210 according to 3A and when assembled T ₀ shown. Every HI 214 is in the assembled state T ₀ (by the TA 217 galvanically and) spatially from the HA2 212-2 Cut. On the side of the DC power source 230 are the HI 214 all connectors 210 at the point 226 connected in parallel so that all HI 214 with only one (common) electronic switching unit 220 via the second connection 224 are electrically connected. The (common) electronic switching unit 220 is on point with them 227 parallel LA 219 all connectors 210 electrically connected. The GE 218 all connectors 210 are connected in parallel at point 228.

Becomes a first of the connectors 210 separated, so as with reference to 3A to 3D described the associated St. 214 transferred to the conductive second (and optionally first) intermediate state T ₂ (and optionally T ₁ ) and a connection to the electronic switching unit 220 produced. The connectors 210 in the other (mated) strands are from the separation of the first connector 210 and the resulting arc in the associated HA 212 as well as current flow in the associated St. 214 not affected as their respective HI 214 furthermore (galvanically and) spatially from the (common) electronic switching unit 220 are separated. In normal operation there is no short circuit between different strings. As in the ETA patent, there is still a problem analogous to that in the patent specification EP 2 742 565 B1 described only if more than one connector 210 can be separated at the same time. Will be two (or more) connectors 210 pulled at the same time, a short circuit can occur between these two (or more) strands.

The embodiments of 2 , 3A to 4D and 4th assign pin contacts as HA1 212-1 , GE1 216-1 and PE1 218-1 and socket contacts as HA2 212-2 , GE2 216-2 and PE2 218-2 on. Further exemplary embodiments (not shown) correspond to an interchange of the respective socket contacts and pin contacts. Any hermaphroditic combinations of the connector halves are possible.

Through the plug contact device 200 , in particular by the order of the TA 217 and the HI 214 in a coaxial pin or socket contact HA1 212-1 with the LA 219 , Further components, in particular diodes in or on the first contact half HA1 212-1 , be avoided.

The (for example in the embodiment of 4th The multiple connector system shown can be scaled up to the building installation level. The electronic switching unit (for example the switching unit 220 ) is accordingly not integrated in a multiple plug-in system, but, for example, centrally in a sub-distribution of a room or a floor. Therefore the described auxiliary contact (e.g. HI 214 ) via an additional line to the electronic switching unit (e.g. switching unit 220 ) get connected. Since it is not a control line or a signal line, this connection can also be referred to as a (coaxial) X-conductor.

5A and 5B show two exemplary embodiments of a bidirectional electronic switching unit 220 which includes a rectifier bridge. The rectifier bridge is over a first connection 222 with the LA1 219 and a second connection 224 Can be connected to the HI 214.

The two other (inner) connections of the rectifier bridge are in the in 5A The embodiment shown is connected to one another via a parallel connection of a semiconductor switch and an RC element with a variable resistance, the impedance of the semiconductor switch being able to be changed by means of a control signal (shown in dashed lines). The diodes of the rectifier bridge ensure a specific polarity and a bidirectional current flow through the HA2 regardless of a polarity applied externally (at the first and second connection) to the (two further) inner connections 212-2 and the LA1 219 as well as the HA2 212-2 and the HI1 214 enables.

In the in 5B The embodiment shown includes the electronic switching unit 220 polarity reversal protection, which comprises two semiconductor switches connected in series with one another in opposite directions and one diode each connected in parallel in reverse direction (left in 5B) . The diode connected in parallel acts as a bypass in the reverse direction of the semiconductor switch. Furthermore, the electronic switching unit comprises 220 in 5B a trigger circuit that connects the other two (inner) connections of the rectifier bridge (right in 5B) connects. The trigger circuit changes (eg reduces) the impedance of one or both of the two series-connected semiconductor switches by means of control signals (shown in dashed lines) depending on an externally applied polarity. Alternatively, a unipolar semiconductor switch can also be used.

The lead to the electronic switching unit (for example switching unit 220 ) may still be obvious to someone with a technical background and does not in itself constitute a technical innovation. However, in the state of the art, for example in the patent EP 2 742 565 B1 , each connector (for example, consisting of a socket unit on the DC power source 4th and load-side connector unit 5 ) with a diode 7th , either in the connector, or at least somewhere in the auxiliary line (designed as a control line). In the plug contact device according to the invention 200 are these diodes through a safe (galvanic and) spatial separation of the auxiliary contacts (e.g. the HI 214 ) replaced. The auxiliary contact (e.g. HI 214 ) is via an (insulating) separating section 217 in a coaxial (for example designed as a pin contact) first contact half with the load contact (for example LA 219 ) integrated, which in the plugged-together state the metallic contact partner of the (for example designed as a pin contact) first Contact half of the integrated auxiliary contact and the (for example, designed as a socket contact) second contact half spatially separates from each other. The design in the form of a round pin and a round socket is only an example. Such an insulator can also be used for hermaphroditic contacts or for flat contacts. Since the auxiliary contacts (e.g. HI 214 ) of all connectors (e.g. connectors 210 ) from the socket contacts or pin contacts (e.g. HA 212-2 ) are (galvanically and) spatially separated, a short circuit between different connectors cannot occur. A conductive connection to the electronic switching unit (for example the switching unit 220 ) produced.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents used as replacements. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but rather encompasses all exemplary embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

List of reference symbols

DC source

2

load

3

Socket unit

4th

Connector unit

5

Outward ladder

6th

Return conductor

7th

Main contact

8th

Auxiliary contact

9

electronics

10

Bypass / line

11, 12

Third contact

13th

management

14, 15, 16

diode

17th

Plug contact device

200

Connectors

210

First connector half

210-1

Second connector half

210-2

Main contact

212

First contact half of the main contact

212-1

Second contact half of the main contact

212-2

Contact point of the main contact

213

Auxiliary contact section

214

Load contact section

219

Opposite pole contact

216

First contact half of the opposite pole contact

216-1

Second contact half of the opposite pole contact

216-2

Separation section

217

Ground contact

218

First contact half of the earth contact

218-1

Second contact half of the earthing contact

218-2

Electronic switching unit

220

First connection

222

Second connection

224

Parallel connection of auxiliary contacts

226

Parallel connection of load contacts

227

Parallel connection of opposite pole contacts

228

DC power source

230

load

240

Assembled condition

T ₀

First intermediate state

T ₁

Second intermediate state

T ₂

Dissolved state

T ₃

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2742565 B1 [0004, 0005, 0006, 0045, 0055, 0062]
• US 2018/0006447 A1 [0004, 0005]
• DE 000020253749 A1 [0004]
• DE 102007043512 A1 [0004]

Claims (18)

Plug-in contact device (200) for avoiding or extinguishing an arc when separating or closing a direct current connection, comprising: at least one plug connector (210) with a main contact, HA (212), the HA (212) having a first contact half, HA1 (212-1) , and a second contact half, HA2 (212-2), which can be detachably plugged together, the HA1 (212-1) having a load contact section, LA (219), a separating section, TA (217), and an auxiliary contact section, HI ( 214), wherein the HA (212) is designed to - in an assembled state (T ₀ ) of the respective connector (210) to connect the LA (219) and the HA2 (212-2) in an electrically conductive manner and the HI (214) to be galvanically separated from the HA2 (212-2), - in a released state (T ₃ ) of the respective connector (210) the LA (219) and the HI (214) from the HA2 (212-2) galvanically to separate, - in a first intermediate state (T ₁ ) of the respective connector (210) between the together plugged state (T ₀ ) and the released state (T ₃ ) to galvanically separate the LA (219) and the HA2 (212-2) and at least the TA (217) with a contact point (213) of the HA2 (212-2) to bring into plant; and - in a second intermediate state (T ₂ ) of the respective connector (210) between the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) and the released state (T ₃ ) to connect the HI (214) to the HA2 (212-2) in an electrically conductive manner and to galvanically separate the LA (219) and the HA2 (212-2); and an electronic switching unit (220) whose first connection (222) is connected to the LA (219) and whose second connection (224) is connected to the HI (214) in an electrically conductive manner, the electronic switching unit (220) being designed to be in Reaction to a transition from the mated state (T ₀ ) to the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) to connect the first connection (222) and the second connection (224) in an electrically conductive manner or an impedance between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224), and in response to a transition from the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) to the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) and / or from the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) to the released state (T ₃ ) the first connection (222 ) and to electrically separate the second connection (224) or to increase an impedance between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224). Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 1 , wherein the electronic switching unit (220) is further designed, in response to a transition from the released state (T ₃ ) to the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) and / or from the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) to the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) to connect the first connection (222) and the second connection (224) in an electrically conductive manner or to reduce an impedance between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224), and in response to a transition from the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) in the mated state (T ₀ ) to electrically separate the first connection (222) and the second connection (224) or to increase an impedance between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224). Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a pole of a direct current source (230) of the direct current connection, preferably a positive pole of the direct current source (230), with the HA1 (212-1) of the HA (212) and / or the first connection (222) of the electronic switching unit (220) electrically is conductively connected or connectable, and wherein one pole of an electrical consumer, preferably a positive pole of the consumer, is electrically conductively connected or connectable to the HA2 (212-2) of the HA (212); and / or wherein one pole of a direct current source (230) of the direct current connection, preferably a positive pole of the direct current source (230), is electrically conductively connected or connectable to the HA2 (212-2) of the main contact (212), and wherein one pole of an electrical consumer , preferably a positive pole of the consumer, with which HA1 (212-1) of the main contact (212) and / or the first connection (222) of the electronic switching unit (220) is electrically conductively connected or can be connected. Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the HA1 (212-1) comprises a pin contact and the HA2 (212-2) comprises a socket contact, or wherein the HA2 (212-2) comprises a pin contact and the HA1 (212-1) comprises a socket contact. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 4 , wherein an outer profile of the pin contact and / or an inner profile of the socket contact of the HA (212) of the respective connector (210) has a round, oval or polygonal cross section. Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein the HA (212) has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the HA1 (212-1) and the HA2 (212-2) can be plugged together and detached along the longitudinal axis, or wherein the HA1 (212-1) and the HA2 (212 -2) can be plugged together and detached along a transverse axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 6 , the LA (219) and the HI (214) of the HA1 (212-1) being arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis and the HI (214) being arranged along the longitudinal axis in the mating direction in front of the TA (217) and the TA ( 217) along the longitudinal axis in the direction of of the mating is arranged in front of the LA (219) of the HA1 (212-1). Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 6 or 7th , wherein the TA (217) of the HA1 (212-1) comprises a circumferential insulation. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 8 , the extent of the circumferential insulation along the longitudinal axis being at least as great as the extent of the contact point (213) of the HA2 (212-2) of the respective HA (212). Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 6 to 9 wherein the HA2 (212-2) of the HA (212) has only one contact point (213) along the longitudinal axis. Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , wherein the electronic switching unit (220) is designed for bidirectional current flow between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224). Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , wherein the electronic switching unit (220) comprises at least one semiconductor switch which is designed to reduce the impedance between the first connection (222) and the second connection when an electrical voltage is applied between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224) (224) or to connect the first connection (222) and the second connection (224) in an electrically conductive manner. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 11 and 12th wherein the electronic switching unit (220) comprises a rectifier bridge which is linked to the at least one semiconductor switch. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 12 or 13th , wherein the electronic switching unit (220) comprises two semiconductor switches connected in series with one another in opposite directions, each of which is connected in parallel with a diode in the reverse direction, optionally wherein the electronic switching unit (220) further comprises a trigger circuit which is designed to to cause a semiconductor switch to close when the electrical voltage is applied between the first connection (222) and the second connection (224), optionally wherein the trigger circuit comprises a rectifier bridge. Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14th , wherein the plug contact device (200) comprises at least two plug connectors (210) each with an HA (212) and an electronic switching unit (220), and wherein the first connection (222) of the electronic switching unit (220) with the LA (219) of the HA1 (212-1) of each HA (212) is electrically connected and the second connection (224) of the electronic switching unit (220) is electrically connected to the HI (214) of the HA1 (212-1) of each HA (212) . Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 15th , wherein the at least one connector (210) further comprises an opposite pole contact, GE (216), with a first contact half, GE1 (216-1), and a second contact half, GE2 (216-2), for an opposite pole of the direct current connection with respect to the LA (219) of the HA (212), preferably wherein the GE (216) is designed to operate in the mated state (T ₀ ) of the respective connector, in the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) of the respective connector and in the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) of the respective connector to connect the GE1 (216-1) and the GE2 (216-2) in an electrically conductive manner. Plug contact device (200) according to one of the Claims 1 to 16 , wherein the at least one connector (210) further comprises a ground contact, PE (218), with a first contact half, PE1 (218-1), and a second contact half, PE2 (218-2), wherein the PE (218) is designed for this purpose, in the mated state (T ₀ ) of the respective connector, in the first intermediate state (T ₁ ) of the respective connector and in the second intermediate state (T ₂ ) of the respective connector, the PE1 (218-1) and the PE2 (218-2 ) to be connected electrically conductive. Plug contact device (200) according to Claim 16 or 17th , wherein the at least one connector (210) each comprises a first connector half (210-1) and a second connector half (210-2), and wherein the first connector half (210-1) the HA1 (212-1) of the HA (212 ) as well as the GE1 (216-1) of the GE (216) and / or the PE1 (218-1) of the PE (218) and the second connector half (210-2) the HA2 (212-2) of the HA (212 ) as well as GE2 (216-2) of GE (216) and / or PE2 (218-2) of PE (218).

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