DE102017200206A1 - CONNECTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC POWER SUPPLY - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector device (1) with
- A housing (10) having a via a conductor insertion opening (11) of the housing (10) accessible receiving space (12) for receiving a connecting conductor;
- A in the housing (10) arranged busbar (20) which can be contacted via the receiving space (12) by means of the connecting conductor to be connected, wherein the plug connection device (1) is characterized by the following features:
- The connector device (1) has a thermoelectric generator (30) for converting heat energy into electrical energy;
- The thermoelectric generator (30) is connected to the busbar (20) at least indirectly; and
- The thermoelectric generator (30) has an electrical connection for at least indirect connection of an electrical load (40).

Description

The present invention relates to a plug connection device for the electrical connection of a connection conductor with a further electrical conductor.

Plug-in connection devices are known from the prior art which, in addition to the functionality of the electrical connection of two electrical conductors, can transmit, for example, optical information by means of signal transmitters, for example in the form of light-emitting diodes. Thus, by means of a corresponding light-emitting diode mounted on the plug-and-socket device, it is easy to ascertain whether current is being transmitted via a busbar of the plug-in connection device at a given time or not.

Corresponding plug connection devices are designed, for example, as printed circuit board terminals which can be fastened or fastened to a printed circuit board, connecting pins or connection points of the respective bus bars of the printed circuit board terminal being galvanically connected to electrical leads of the printed circuit board. Thus, for example, formed as light-emitting diode signal generator of the PCB terminals can be supplied with electrical energy, corresponding connections and corresponding electrical lines must be provided on the circuit board to which the PCB terminal is connected. Consequently, in the design of the PCB terminals corresponding electrical lines, electrical connections and other electrical components must be considered and provided, which makes the circuit of the circuit boards correspondingly more complicated.

The present invention has for its object to provide a connector device whose integration in an electrical system is possible in a simplified manner.

The object underlying the present invention is achieved by a plug connection device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the connector device are described in the dependent claims.

More specifically, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by a connector device having a housing having a receiving space accessible via a conductor insertion opening of the housing for receiving a connection conductor. The plug connection device further has a bus bar arranged in the housing, which can be contacted via the receiving space by means of the connecting lead to be connected. The plug connection device according to the invention is characterized in that the plug connection device has an energy conversion device for converting ambient energy into electrical energy, wherein the energy conversion device has an electrical connection for at least indirect connection of an electrical load.

The plug connection device according to the invention has the advantage that the electrical load of the plug connection device has its own power supply, so that, for example, a printed circuit board with which the plug connection device is electrically coupled or is to be electrically coupled, no separate electrical leads needed to power the electrical load. An electrical connection of the connector device according to the invention is also possible in a simplified manner.

The connector device may also be referred to as a connector. Preferably, the plug connection device is designed as a printed circuit board terminal.

The electrical connection conductor to be connected may be, for example, a cable and / or a plug and / or a plug connector and / or a further plug connection device.

The busbar can also be referred to as a current bar or connection conductor.

The energy conversion device is preferably designed to convert heat energy of the busbar and / or kinetic energy of the plug connection device and / or light energy of the environment into electrical energy. Therefore, the environmental energy to be converted into electrical energy is thermal energy and / or kinetic energy and / or light energy.

Preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the energy conversion device has a thermoelectric generator for converting heat energy into electrical energy, wherein the thermoelectric generator is at least indirectly connected to the bus bar, and wherein the thermoelectric generator has an electrical connection for at least indirectly connecting an electrical load ,

The thermoelectric generator can also be referred to as a thermocouple or as a linked thermocouples, which are electrically connected to one another in series. A waste heat of the busbar can be converted into electrical energy by means of the thermoelectric generator. It is a hot side or a warm side of the thermoelectric generator connected to the busbar.

Preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the bus bar is tapered in a contact region, via which the bus bar is in contact with the thermoelectric generator.

Due to the taper of the busbar in the contact region with the thermoelectric generator, a conductor cross section of the busbar in the contact region is smaller than the conductor cross sections of the busbar in the immediate neighboring regions of the contact region. Due to the reduced conductor cross-section in the contact region, the ohmic resistance of the busbar in the contact region increases. This has the consequence that the busbar in the contact region has a higher temperature compared to the rest of the busbar. Thus, due to the increased temperature of the busbar in the contact region more electrical energy can be obtained by means of the thermoelectric generator.

The busbar consequently has a smaller conductor cross section in the area of contact with the thermoelectric generator than in the areas of the busbar directly adjacent to the contact area.

A rejuvenation of the busbar in the contact region with the thermoelectric generator is preferably realized by reducing the thickness of the busbar in the contact region.

Further preferably, a rejuvenation of the busbar in the contact region with the thermoelectric generator is preferably realized by a reduction of the width extension of the busbar in the contact region.

Preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the plug connection device has a cooling element that is attached to a cold side of the thermoelectric generator.

By a corresponding design of the plug connection device, a larger temperature difference between a hot side of the thermoelectric generator and the cold side is made possible, so that the thermoelectric generator can generate more electrical energy.

The cooling element is preferably designed as a cooling rib and / or has at least one cooling fin. Further preferably, the cooling element is arranged in a recess of the housing of the connector device. Thus, the heat of the busbar can be improved to the environment.

Further preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the plug connection device has an energy store electrically connected to the connection of the thermoelectric generator for storing electrical energy.

With a suitably trained connector device, the electrical energy obtained can be stored, even if the electrical load does not require electrical energy.

The energy store is preferably designed as an accumulator or has an accumulator. The energy store is further preferably designed as a capacitor or has a capacitor.

Preferably, the energy store is galvanically connected to the terminal of the thermoelectric generator and galvanically connected to the electrical load. Thus, the electrical load is preferably supplied via the energy storage with electrical energy.

Further preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the plug connection device has a voltage converter electrically connected to the connection of the energy conversion device for converting an electrical voltage generated by the energy conversion device.

With an appropriately designed connector device, the electrical voltage can be converted so that the then converted voltage can be used by the electrical consumer improved.

Preferably, the voltage converter between the energy conversion device and the energy storage and / or the electrical load is arranged. In this case, the voltage converter with the energy conversion device and with the energy storage and / or the electrical load is each electrically connected.

Further preferably, the connector device is designed such that the energy conversion device has an energy conversion device for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.

The energy conversion device is preferably designed as a piezoelectric element. through In particular, the kinetic energy of the plug connection device occurring during vibrations can be effectively converted into electrical energy by means of a piezoelectric element. Vibrations of the plug connection device can occur, for example, when the plug connection device is installed in a mobile device.

More preferably or additionally, the energy conversion device is designed as in a current-carrying coil movable iron core. By an acceleration of the plug connection device and thus of the energy conversion device, the iron core movably mounted relative to the coil moves within the coil, so that an electric current is induced in the coil.

Preferably, the at least one energy conversion device is electrically connected to the energy store and / or the voltage converter.

Further preferably, the connector device is designed such that the energy conversion device has at least one photovoltaic element for converting light energy into electrical energy.

Preferably, the at least one photovoltaic element is electrically connected to the energy store and / or the voltage converter.

Further preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the electrical load is designed as a signal generator.

The signal generator is preferably designed as an optical signal generator. For example, the signal generator is designed as a light emitting diode.

Preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that when exceeding a limit temperature of the busbar in the contact region of the busbar, which is in contact with the thermoelectric generator, sufficient electrical voltage and electric current is generated that the signaler is activated, for example, a light emitting diode light. On the other hand, at a temperature below the limit temperature, not enough electrical voltage and electric current are generated to activate the LED. Thus, a particularly simple monitoring of the functionality of the connector device is possible.

Further preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the plug connection device has at least one temperature sensor for determining a temperature of a component of the plug connection device.

The component of the connector device is preferably the busbar or a busbars. Preferably, the plug connection device has a temperature sensor for each connection point or for each pole.

Further preferably, the connector device is formed such that the connector device comprises an integrated circuit which is electrically connected to the terminal of the power conversion device.

Further preferably, the plug connection device is designed such that the integrated circuit is designed to query and store data representative of a temperature of the component at predetermined time intervals and to transmit the stored data to a receiver.

The transmission of the data to the receiver is preferably wireless. By evaluating the data, a degeneration of the connector device can be determined, whereupon an exchange of the connector device can be requested.

• 1: eine perspektivische Darstellung einer als Leiterplattenklemme ausgebildeten Steckverbindungsvorrichtung, die mit einer Leiterplatte verbunden ist;
• 2: eine Draufsicht auf eine Rückseite der in 1 dargestellten Leiterplattenklemme;
• 3A: eine Querschnittsdarstellung der in den 1 und 2 dargestellten Leiterplattenklemme;
• 3B: eine Querschnittsdarstellung der in 3A dargestellten Leiterplattenklemme ohne Gehäuse;
• 4A: eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer als Leiterplattenklemme ausgebildeten Steckverbindungsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 4B: eine Querschnittsdarstellung der in 4A dargestellten Leiterplattenklemme ohne Gehäuse.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the illustrated embodiments. In detail:

• 1 a perspective view of a designed as a PCB terminal plug connection device which is connected to a circuit board;
• 2 : a top view of a back of the in 1 illustrated PCB terminal;
• 3A : a cross-sectional view of the in the 1 and 2 illustrated PCB terminal;
• 3B : a cross-sectional view of the in 3A illustrated PCB terminal without housing;
• 4A FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a plug-in connection device designed as a printed circuit board terminal according to a further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. and
• 4B : a cross-sectional view of the in 4A shown PCB terminal without housing.

In the following description, like reference numerals designate like components or Same features, so that a description made with respect to a figure with respect to a component also applies to the other figures, so that a repetitive description is avoided. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment may also be used separately in other embodiments.

1 shows a perspective view of a PCB terminal 1 trained plug connection device 1 that with a circuit board 100 connected is. 2 shows a back of the in 1 shown PCB terminal 1 ,

Out 3A , which is a cross-sectional view of the in the 1 and 2 shown PCB terminal 1 shows is the structure of the PCB terminal 1 seen. The circuit board clamp 1 has a housing 10 in which one over a conductor insertion opening 11 of the housing 10 accessible recording room 12 is arranged for receiving a connecting conductor, not shown in the figures. The connection conductor may be, for example, a cable that extends via the conductor insertion opening 11 in the recording room 12 can be inserted. The one in the recording room 12 Inserted connecting conductor is via a clamping screw 14 in the recording room 12 fixable, with the clamping screw 14 over in a housing top of the housing 10 arranged tool opening 13 is operable.

The PCB terminal 10 also has a in the housing 10 arranged busbar 20 on that over the recording room 12 can be contacted by means of the connecting conductor to be connected. Of course, the circuit board clamp 10 a separate in the case 10 arranged busbar 20 exhibit. The busbar 20 in turn is by means of a connection pin 22 with the circuit board 10 galvanically connected, so that an electrical connection between the terminal to be connected and a conductor, not shown in the figures, the printed circuit board 10 is possible.

3B shows in cross section the in 3A shown PCB terminal 1 , where the case 10 is omitted. The printed circuit board terminal according to the invention 10 also has a thermoelectric generator 30 on, which is designed for the conversion of heat energy into electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator 30 which preferably comprises a thermocouple or a plurality of thermoelements connected together in series with each other, is connected to the bus bar 20 connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric generator 30 with the busbar 20 directly connected. Here is a hot side of the thermoelectric generator 30 with the busbar 20 connected. Furthermore, it is also possible that the thermoelectric generator 30 via a not shown in the figures, heat conduction with the busbar 20 connected is. The thermoelectric generator 30 has an electrical connection through which an electrical load 40 with the thermoelectric generator 30 electrically connected.

In the illustrated embodiments according to the 3A to 4B is the electrical consumer 40 as a light-emitting diode 40 educated. The light-emitting diode 40 is via a supply line 41 to the electrical connection of the thermoelectric generator 30 connected. Thus, a supply of the light emitting diode takes place 40 with electrical energy via the supply line 41 through the electrothermal generator 30 ,

From the 3A to 4B It can also be seen that the PCB terminal 1 Further, a cooling element 31 has that on a cold side of the thermoelectric generator 30 is attached. By placing the cooling fins 31 having cooling element 31 on the cold side of the thermoelectric generator 30 becomes an increased temperature gradient between the hot side and the cold side of the thermoelectric generator 30 generated, so by the thermoelectric generator 30 more electrical energy by converting heat energy from the power rail 20 is delivered, can be converted. In the illustrated embodiments, the cooling element 31 attached directly to the cold side of the thermoelectric generator 30. In addition, it is also possible that the cooling element 31 via a heat-conducting element with the cold side of the thermoelectric generator 30 connected is.

In the 4A and 4B is a circuit board clamp according to the invention 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein in 4A the PCB terminal 1 is shown in cross-section and in 4B the PCB terminal 1 without the case 10 is shown. At the PCB terminal 1 According to the further embodiment, the busbar 20 in a contact area 21 over which the power rail 20 with the thermoelectric generator 30 in contact, rejuvenated. The rejuvenation of the power rail 20 in the contact area 21 with the thermoelectric generator 30 is in the illustrated embodiment by reducing the thickness of the extension rail 20 in the contact area 21 realized.

Due to the taper of the busbar 20 in the contact area 21 with the thermoelectric generator 30 is a conductor cross-section of the busbar 20 in the contact area 21 smaller than the conductor cross sections of the busbar 20 in the immediate neighboring areas of the contact area 21 , Due to the reduced conductor cross-section in the contact area 21 increases the ohmic resistance of the busbar 20 in the contact area 21 on, which has the result that the busbar 20 in the contact area 21 one compared to the rest of the power rail 20 having elevated temperature. Therefore, due to the elevated temperature of the busbar 20 in the contact area 21 more electrical energy by means of the thermoelectric generator 30 be won. The rest of the structure in the 4A and 4B shown PCB terminal 1 is identical to the structure of the in the 3A and 3B shown PCB terminal 1 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Plug connection device / PCB terminal

10

casing

11

Conductor insertion opening (of the housing)

12

Recording room (of the housing)

13

Tool opening (of the housing)

14

Clamping screw (the connector device)

20

Busbar / current bar

21

Contact area (the busbar)

22

Connection pin (the busbar)

30

thermoelectric generator

31

Cooling element / cooling fins

40

electrical consumer / signaling device / light emitting diode

41

Supply line (of the electrical consumer)

100

circuit board

Claims (14)

Plug connection device (1) with - A housing (10) having a via a conductor insertion opening (11) of the housing (10) accessible receiving space (12) for receiving a connecting conductor; - A in the housing (10) arranged busbar (20) which can be contacted via the receiving space (12) by means of the connecting conductor to be connected, wherein the plug connection device (1) is characterized by the following features: - The connector device (1) comprises an energy conversion device (30) for converting ambient energy into electrical energy; and - The energy conversion device (30) has an electrical connection for at least indirectly connecting an electrical load (40). Plug connection device (1) after Claim 1 characterized by the following features: - the energy conversion device (30) comprises a thermoelectric generator (30) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy; - The thermoelectric generator (30) is connected to the busbar (20) at least indirectly; and - the thermoelectric generator (30) has an electrical connection for at least indirectly connecting an electrical load (40). Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar (20) in a contact region (21), via which the busbar (20) with the thermoelectric generator (30) is in contact, is tapered. Plug connection device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 3 , characterized in that the plug connection device (1) has a cooling element (31) that is attached to a cold side of the thermoelectric generator (30). Plug connection device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the plug connection device (1) having an electrically connected to the terminal of the thermoelectric generator (30) energy storage for storing electrical energy. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connection device (1) has a voltage converter electrically connected to the connection of the energy conversion device (30) for converting an electrical voltage generated by the energy conversion device (30). Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy conversion device (30) comprises an energy conversion device for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy conversion device (30) has at least one photovoltaic element for converting light energy into electrical energy. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical load (40) is designed as a signal generator (40). Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connection device (1) has at least one temperature sensor for determining a temperature of a component of the plug connection device (1). Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connection device (1) has an integrated circuit which is electrically connected to the terminal of the energy conversion device (30). Plug connection device (1) according to a combination of Claims 10 and 11 , characterized in that the integrated circuit is adapted to interrogate and store data representative of a temperature of the component at predetermined time intervals and to transmit the stored data to a receiver. Plug connection device (1) after Claim 12 , characterized in that the plug connection device (1) is adapted to transmit the data to the receiver wirelessly. Plug connection device (1) after Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the plug connection device (1) is designed so that the data are used to drive actuators.

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