WO2022106693A1 - Hvil plug assembly, hvil connection device and method for removing hvil plug assembly - Google Patents

Hvil plug assembly, hvil connection device and method for removing hvil plug assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022106693A1
WO2022106693A1 PCT/EP2021/082533 EP2021082533W WO2022106693A1 WO 2022106693 A1 WO2022106693 A1 WO 2022106693A1 EP 2021082533 W EP2021082533 W EP 2021082533W WO 2022106693 A1 WO2022106693 A1 WO 2022106693A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hvil
main body
plug assembly
electrical device
separation delay
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/082533
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Renjiang XIANG
Jian Liu
Jacky GU
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Ip Limited
Borgwarner France Sas
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CN202011321656.5A external-priority patent/CN114614283A/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2018931.2A external-priority patent/GB202018931D0/en
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Ip Limited, Borgwarner France Sas filed Critical Delphi Technologies Ip Limited
Publication of WO2022106693A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022106693A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L3/00—Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
    • B60L3/04—Cutting off the power supply under fault conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
    • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/707—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch interlocked with contact members or counterpart
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles

Definitions

  • HVIL PLUG ASSEMBLY HVIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING HVIL PLUG ASSEMBLY
  • the present invention relates to electrical systems, in particular to a high-voltage interlock connection system of a vehicle high-voltage system.
  • HVIL high-voltage interlock
  • HVIL is a safe design that uses low-voltage signals to monitor the continuity of the high-voltage circuit of electric vehicles.
  • the low-voltage monitoring circuit of the HVIL is connected earlier and disconnected later than the high-voltage circuit. For example, when it is detected that the high-voltage circuit is incomplete and disconnected, the system prohibits high-voltage power-on, so as to avoid potential safety accidents, especially to prevent safety accidents caused by human misoperation.
  • the electrical components with HVIL function are mainly high-voltage connectors, Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) and other electrical interface components that require manual operation to achieve connection and disconnection of the circuit.
  • MSD Manual Service Disconnect
  • such electrical interface components are usually configured to integrate a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interface and a HVIL interface. After the electrical interface components are separated and disconnected, the high-voltage circuit will still remain powered on for a period of time, for example, a few seconds. This is very dangerous for the operator, because the exposed interior of the separated electrical interface can be touched by the operator. If the power is kept on during this period of time, there is a risk of electric shock.
  • HVIL and HVDC interfaces need to integrate multiple components in a single-piece component, resulting in a complex structure, bulky volume, and high cost.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to overcome one or more drawbacks that have been found in the background art.
  • a HVIL plug assembly configured to establish (high voltage) circuit continuity/integrity when coupled to a HVIL connector in a HVIL circuit and disable (high voltage) circuit continuity when decoupled from the HVIL connector.
  • the HVIL plug assembly comprises:
  • main body configured to abut against an access opening of a housing of an electrical device, wherein removal of the main body enables access, via the access opening, to components in the electrical device electrically connected to the HVIL circuit;
  • HVIL terminal coupled to the main body and configured to couple to the HVIL connector so as to establish circuit continuity when the main body is coupled to the access opening of the electrical device;
  • a fastener coupled to the main body and configured to move between a fastened position and a loosened position, wherein in the fastened position, the main body abuts against and covers the access opening via the fastener so as to prevent the access to the components in the electrical device, and in the loosened position, the main body is adapted to be separated and later to be removed;
  • a separation delay member coupled to the main body and, in cooperation with the housing of the electrical device, configured to allow the main body to move from a separation delay position to a removal position when the fastener is in the loosened position, wherein in the separation delay position, the HVIL terminal is decoupled from the HVIL connector and the main body is prevented from being further separated and removed from the accessing opening and prevents access to the components in the electrical device, and in the removal position, the main body is free to be removed so as to enable access to components in the electrical device.
  • the HVIL plug assembly according to the present invention is independent of and separated from the high-voltage direct current interface, and the separation delay function is added. Therefore, after the HVIL is disconnected, the HVIL plug assembly cannot be separated immediately and limit the access to the opening so as to prevent contact with high-voltage components before the high voltage circuit is off. Only after a further operation on the separation delay member which lasts a period of time after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the high-voltage interlock plug assembly can be finally separated to operate the internal high-voltage components. It should be noted that the delay time is obtained by virtue of the structure of the separation delay element of the present invention. Such an arrangement increases the safety of the HVIL system. In addition, because of the design of the independent structure of the HVIL plug, the structure complexity is reduced, thereby also reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs.
  • the separation delay member comprises non-permanent locking element, so as to facilitate the separation operation of the delay element.
  • the non-permanent locking element comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion arranged on the latch arm (for example, arranged to close to the free end of the latch arm) and adapted to be engaged with a complementary latch portion on the housing of the electrical device, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while limiting the access to the opening and preventing the main body to be further removed.
  • the locking structure may include more than two latch arms and their respective latch portions.
  • the complementary latch portion on the housing may be in a form of slot, so that the latch portion can be held in the slot and slide therein, so that the main body can shift between the separate delay position and the removal position along with the separation delay member, and limit the slide of the latch portion to prevent its further separation.
  • the latch portion of the separation delay member can be disengaged and separated from the slot, which can be performed by tools or manually.
  • the specific operation mode depends on the form of the latch portion and the slot.
  • the arrangement of the latch arm containing the latch portion and the slot can be interchanged, which means the latch arm can be arranged on the housing of the electrical device, and the slot can be arranged on the main body of the HVIL plug assembly.
  • the specific arrangement of the separation delay element can be designed according to the characteristics of the HVIL circuit, which means the delay time can be adjusted according to the time that the high-voltage circuit remains on after the HVIL circuit is disconnected.
  • the main body is a cover member having an outer surface and an inner surface which is configured to be disposed against the access opening of a housing of an electrical device, and the separation delay member coupled to the inner surface of the cover.
  • the separation delay member is made of elastic material, such as engineering plastics (ABS).
  • ABS engineering plastics
  • the main body can also be made of the same elastic material, so that it can be integrally formed with the separation delay member, which is convenient for production.
  • the HVIL terminal comprises a chamfer structure adapted to guide the connector to couple.
  • the fastener is a screw.
  • it may have an E-shaped washer, so that when it is loosened, it can drive the main body to move together, thereby separating the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector.
  • HVIL connection device comprising:
  • an electrical device configured to electrically couple to a high voltage interlock circuit, the electrical device comprising:
  • the high voltage interlock connection device further comprises a HVIL system comprising:
  • the HVIL connection device of the present invention has a different arrangement than the traditional integrated electrical interface element.
  • its HVIL interface mechanism and the HVDC interface mechanism are separately and independently arranged, so as to achieve compact size, convenient operation, and reduced structure the complexity.
  • the separation delay member comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion, and the housing has a complementary latch portion, such that the latch portion is adapted to be engaged with the complementary latch portion, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while preventing the main body to be removed.
  • a HVIL plug assembly according to the present invention from the abovementioned HVIL connection device, comprising:
  • the operation of the HVIL connection device can be safe, which means after the HVIL circuit is disconnected, the high-voltage circuit can be kept powered on for a period of time, and the physical structure can be set to prevent the high voltage components from being touched by the operator due to the temporarily retained HVIL assemble still covering and limiting the access to the opening. Then after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the main body of the high-voltage interlock plug assembly can be removed in order to operate the internal high-voltage components.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a HVIL connection device according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical device of the HVIL connection device in Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the HVIL plug assembly of the HVIL connection device in Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the HVIL connection device according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 4, in which the HVIL plug assembly is coupled with the electrical device.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 4, in which the main body of the HVIL plug assembly is in the separation delay position.
  • FIGS 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams respectively showing the HVIL plug assembly in the loosened position, the separation delay position and the removal position during the removal method according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a HVIL connection device according to the present invention.
  • the HVIL connection device can be electrically connected to a vehicle high-voltage circuit for connecting batteries, generators, motors and other devices to form a HVIL circuit so as to establish the high-voltage system of hybrid or electric vehicles.
  • an embodiment of the HVIL connection device includes an electrical device 20 that can be electrically coupled to a HVIL circuit.
  • the electrical device 20 includes:
  • At least one electrical component electrically coupled to the HVIL circuit such as an inverter module (not shown), which can receive high-voltage from the battery and provide high-voltage alternating current (AC) to the vehicle drive motor, or collect high-voltage current from the motor and convert it into direct current that recharges the battery (DC); and
  • an inverter module (not shown) which can receive high-voltage from the battery and provide high-voltage alternating current (AC) to the vehicle drive motor, or collect high-voltage current from the motor and convert it into direct current that recharges the battery (DC); and
  • a housing 25 which can accommodate the above-mentioned electrical components, and has an access opening 23 so that the electrical components can be accessed.
  • the HVIL connection device also includes a HVIL system, which is used to ensure that the high-voltage circuit is disconnected before touching the electrical components.
  • the HVIL system includes:
  • FIGS 3 and 4 show the HVIL plug assembly 10 according to the present invention, which includes:
  • a main body 11 which in the embodiment has a shape of a cover plate, which can cooperate with the access opening 23 of the electrical equipment 20 to cover the access opening so that the electrical components cannot be accessed by an operator.
  • the access opening is exposed and electrical components can be accessed.
  • the cover-shaped body 11 has an outer surface 11a and an inner surface lib, wherein the inner surface lib faces the access opening.
  • HVIL terminal 12 which is coupled to and projected from the inner surface lib of the cover-shaped body 11, and is configured to couple with the above- mentioned HVIL connector 21, so as to establish the continuity of the HVIL circuit after they are engaged .
  • the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 may be arranged in the form of male plug and female socket, so that when the main body 11 engages with the access opening 23, that is, when the main body 11 covers the access opening 23, the male plug is inserted into the female socket Realize circuit continuity.
  • it can also be configured to have a chamfered structure to guide the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 to smoothly couple with each other.
  • the fastener 14 which can be arranged on the main body 11 and can fix the main body 11 against the access opening 23 (as shown in Figure 5), and the fastener 14 is in its fastened position. After the fastener is loosened, it enters the loosening position. Whereby, the main body 11 can be separated from the access opening, so that the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 can be separated from each other for the later removal.
  • the fastener 14 is in the form of a screw, and it has an E-shaped washer 14a, so that when it is loosened, it can drive the main body to move together, thereby separating the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector.
  • a separation delay member 13 which is coupled to the main body 11, for example, as shown in Figure 3, is provided on the inner surface lib of the covershaped main body 11 and located on the edge of the main body 11.
  • the separation delay member 13 is configured to allow the main body 11 to be temporally locked and then move from the separation delay position to the removal position by cooperating with the housing 25 of the electrical device 20, when the fastener 14 is in the loosened position.
  • Figure 6 shows the situation where the main body 11 is in the separation delay position. In this position, the main body 11 is slightly separated from the access opening for a tiny distance, so that the HVIL terminal 12 is disconnected from the HVIL connector 21, and due to the cooperation of the separation delay member 13 with the housing, further separation is restricted.
  • the main body 11 prevents the electrical components of the electrical equipment 20 from being contacted and accessed by an operator.
  • the main body 11 is able to move to the removal position, and the main body 11 can be removed freely so that the components of the electrical device 20 can be contacted and accessed.
  • the separation delay member 13 is, for example, a non-permanent locking member, such as a latch structure, which includes a latch arm extending from the inner surface of the main body 11 in the normal direction of the inner surface lib, and a wedge-shaped latch portion provided on and projecting from the free end of the latch arm.
  • the latch portion engages with a complementary portion 26 which is in the form of a slot provided on the housing of the electrical device.
  • This arrangement allows the main body 11 to slide along the slot when the main body 11 is separated from the electrical equipment 20, so that the HVIL terminal 12 is disconnected from the HVIL connector 12, while the slotted structure of the complementary portion 26 can stop the sliding of the latch portion of the separation delay member 13, and it can prevent the separation delay member 13 from further separating , which also ensures that the separation distance between the main body 11 and the access opening is limited to the extent that the internal electrical components of the electrical equipment cannot be accessed.
  • the temporary locking structure of the separation delay member 13 needs to be further operated, that is, it needs to release its locking state so that the latch portion can escape the slot, so as to allow the main body 11 to be further separated to the removal position for final removal. The specific operation method will be detailed later.
  • the separation delay member 13 is made of an elastic material, such as engineering plastic (ABS).
  • ABS engineering plastic
  • the main body 11 can also be made of the same elastic material, so that it can be integrally formed with the separation delay member, which is convenient for production.
  • Figures 7 to 9 show important positions in the process of removing the HVIL interlock plug assembly.
  • removal method comprises:
  • the fastener 14 is loosened and in the loosened position, as shown in Figure 7.
  • the main body 11 is gradually and slightly separated from the access opening 23 of the housing, so that the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 begin to disengage, that is, the male plug of the HVIL connector slides out the female socket of the HVIL terminal.
  • the main body 11 is further separated from the access opening of the housing 25 of the electrical device to disconnect the HVIL terminal and the HVIL connector. Since the latch portion of the separation delay member 13 is restricted by the slot 26 on the housing 25, the main body 11 cannot be further separated, and is temporally locked in the separation delay position, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the latch portion of the separation delay member is actuated, for example, by using a finger or a hand tool of a suitable size to bend the latch portion so as to disengage it from the slot 26, so that the main body 11 can move from its separation delay position to the removal position, wherein the main body can be further separated from the electrical device.
  • the actuation step needs to last for a period of time, such as 5 seconds or more, which is greater than the time when the circuit continuity of the HVIL circuit is cut off and the high voltage is no longer on.
  • the main body 11 is removed from the HVIL connection device to completely expose the access opening to allow the access to internal electrical components via the access opening. Since there is no electric current in the high- voltage circuit, safe operation can be performed.
  • the operation of the HVIL connection device is safe.
  • the physical structure can prevent the access to the high voltage parts by the operator. Only after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the main body of the HVIL plug assembly can be removed for operating the high-voltage components.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a HVIL plug assembly (10) configured to establish circuit continuity when coupled to a HVIL connector (21) in a high voltage interlock circuit and disable circuit continuity when decoupled from the HVIL connector, the HVIL plug assembly (10) comprising:- a main body (11) configured to abut against an access opening (23) of a housing (25) of an electrical device (20); - a HVIL terminal (12) coupled to the main body (11) and configured to couple to the HVIL connector (21); - a fastener (14) coupled to the main body (11) and configured to move between a fastened position and a loosened position, wherein in the fastened position, the main body (11) abuts against the access opening (23) via the fastener (14) so as to prevent the access to the components in the electrical device (20), and in the loosened position, the main body (11) is adapted to be removed; and - a separation delay member (13) coupled to the main body (11) and, in cooperation with the housing (25) of the electrical device, configured to allow the main body (11) to move from a separation delay position to a removal position when the fastener (13) is in the loosened position, wherein in the separation delay position, the HVIL terminal (12) is decoupled from the HVIL connector (21) and the main body (11) is prevented from removal from the accessing opening (23) and prevents access to the components in the electrical device (20), and in the removal position, the main body (11) is free to be removed. The invention increases the safety of the high-voltage interlock system, and has simple structure, low manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Description

HVIL PLUG ASSEMBLY, HVIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING HVIL PLUG ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical systems, in particular to a high-voltage interlock connection system of a vehicle high-voltage system.
BACKGROUND
With the much stricter requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy vehicles with low or zero emissions, i.e. hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles, are increasingly used in daily life. These new energy vehicles often use high-voltage circuit systems, which include, for example, high- voltage power supplies and drive motors.
In order to ensure the safety of the high-voltage circuit system, such as ensuring the continuity of the high-voltage circuit and preventing high-voltage electric shock, the prior art proposes a high-voltage interlock (HVIL) system. HVIL is a safe design that uses low-voltage signals to monitor the continuity of the high-voltage circuit of electric vehicles. Generally, the low-voltage monitoring circuit of the HVIL is connected earlier and disconnected later than the high-voltage circuit. For example, when it is detected that the high-voltage circuit is incomplete and disconnected, the system prohibits high-voltage power-on, so as to avoid potential safety accidents, especially to prevent safety accidents caused by human misoperation.
In the high-voltage circuit of electric vehicles, the electrical components with HVIL function are mainly high-voltage connectors, Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) and other electrical interface components that require manual operation to achieve connection and disconnection of the circuit. In the prior art, such electrical interface components are usually configured to integrate a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interface and a HVIL interface. After the electrical interface components are separated and disconnected, the high-voltage circuit will still remain powered on for a period of time, for example, a few seconds. This is very dangerous for the operator, because the exposed interior of the separated electrical interface can be touched by the operator. If the power is kept on during this period of time, there is a risk of electric shock. Such integrated electrical interface components in the art includes HVIL and HVDC interfaces and need to integrate multiple components in a single-piece component, resulting in a complex structure, bulky volume, and high cost. SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It should be noted that the purpose of the present invention is to overcome one or more drawbacks that have been found in the background art.
To this end, according to a first aspect of the present invention, it provides a HVIL plug assembly configured to establish (high voltage) circuit continuity/integrity when coupled to a HVIL connector in a HVIL circuit and disable (high voltage) circuit continuity when decoupled from the HVIL connector. The HVIL plug assembly comprises:
- a main body configured to abut against an access opening of a housing of an electrical device, wherein removal of the main body enables access, via the access opening, to components in the electrical device electrically connected to the HVIL circuit;
- a HVIL terminal coupled to the main body and configured to couple to the HVIL connector so as to establish circuit continuity when the main body is coupled to the access opening of the electrical device;
- a fastener coupled to the main body and configured to move between a fastened position and a loosened position, wherein in the fastened position, the main body abuts against and covers the access opening via the fastener so as to prevent the access to the components in the electrical device, and in the loosened position, the main body is adapted to be separated and later to be removed; and
- a separation delay member coupled to the main body and, in cooperation with the housing of the electrical device, configured to allow the main body to move from a separation delay position to a removal position when the fastener is in the loosened position, wherein in the separation delay position, the HVIL terminal is decoupled from the HVIL connector and the main body is prevented from being further separated and removed from the accessing opening and prevents access to the components in the electrical device, and in the removal position, the main body is free to be removed so as to enable access to components in the electrical device.
According to the above arrangement, the HVIL plug assembly according to the present invention is independent of and separated from the high-voltage direct current interface, and the separation delay function is added. Therefore, after the HVIL is disconnected, the HVIL plug assembly cannot be separated immediately and limit the access to the opening so as to prevent contact with high-voltage components before the high voltage circuit is off. Only after a further operation on the separation delay member which lasts a period of time after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the high-voltage interlock plug assembly can be finally separated to operate the internal high-voltage components. It should be noted that the delay time is obtained by virtue of the structure of the separation delay element of the present invention. Such an arrangement increases the safety of the HVIL system. In addition, because of the design of the independent structure of the HVIL plug, the structure complexity is reduced, thereby also reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Alternatively, the separation delay member comprises non-permanent locking element, so as to facilitate the separation operation of the delay element.
Furthermore, the non-permanent locking element comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion arranged on the latch arm (for example, arranged to close to the free end of the latch arm) and adapted to be engaged with a complementary latch portion on the housing of the electrical device, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while limiting the access to the opening and preventing the main body to be further removed.
The locking structure may include more than two latch arms and their respective latch portions. The complementary latch portion on the housing may be in a form of slot, so that the latch portion can be held in the slot and slide therein, so that the main body can shift between the separate delay position and the removal position along with the separation delay member, and limit the slide of the latch portion to prevent its further separation. In the removal position, the latch portion of the separation delay member can be disengaged and separated from the slot, which can be performed by tools or manually. The specific operation mode depends on the form of the latch portion and the slot. Alternatively, the arrangement of the latch arm containing the latch portion and the slot can be interchanged, which means the latch arm can be arranged on the housing of the electrical device, and the slot can be arranged on the main body of the HVIL plug assembly. In addition, other forms of lock structure can also be used, as long as the main body is temporarily locked in the separation delay position and then is able to shift to the removal position for further separation (removal). Preferably, the specific arrangement of the separation delay element can be designed according to the characteristics of the HVIL circuit, which means the delay time can be adjusted according to the time that the high-voltage circuit remains on after the HVIL circuit is disconnected.
Alternatively, the main body is a cover member having an outer surface and an inner surface which is configured to be disposed against the access opening of a housing of an electrical device, and the separation delay member coupled to the inner surface of the cover. Furthermore, the separation delay member is made of elastic material, such as engineering plastics (ABS). In addition, the main body can also be made of the same elastic material, so that it can be integrally formed with the separation delay member, which is convenient for production.
Alternatively, the HVIL terminal comprises a chamfer structure adapted to guide the connector to couple.
Alternatively, the fastener is a screw. For example, it may have an E-shaped washer, so that when it is loosened, it can drive the main body to move together, thereby separating the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector.
According to a second aspect of the invention, it provides HVIL connection device, comprising:
- an electrical device configured to electrically couple to a high voltage interlock circuit, the electrical device comprising:
- at least one electrical component electrically coupled to the high voltage interlock circuit;
- a housing configured to accommodate the at least one electrical component and having an access opening; the high voltage interlock connection device further comprises a HVIL system comprising:
- an HVIL connector disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the high voltage interlock circuit; and
- the abovementioned HVIL plug assembly.
According to the HVIL connection device of the present invention, it has a different arrangement than the traditional integrated electrical interface element. In particular, its HVIL interface mechanism and the HVDC interface mechanism are separately and independently arranged, so as to achieve compact size, convenient operation, and reduced structure the complexity.
Alternatively, in the HVIL connection device according to the present invention, as described earlier, the separation delay member comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion, and the housing has a complementary latch portion, such that the latch portion is adapted to be engaged with the complementary latch portion, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while preventing the main body to be removed. The other settings of the latch structure and its complementary parts are already described in the foregoing, and will not be repeated.
According to a third aspect of the invention, it provides a method of removing a HVIL plug assembly according to the present invention from the abovementioned HVIL connection device, comprising:
- loosening the fastener so that the fastener is the loosened position;
- separating the main body from the accessing opening of the housing of the electrical device so as to enter into separation delay position and decouple the HVIL terminal and the HVIL connector;
- actuating the separation delay member so as to move the main body from the separation delay position to the removal position, wherein the step of actuating is arranged to last for a period until disabling circuit continuity of the high voltage interlock circuit; and
- removing the main body from the HVIL connection device.
By virtue of the method according to the present invention, the operation of the HVIL connection device can be safe, which means after the HVIL circuit is disconnected, the high-voltage circuit can be kept powered on for a period of time, and the physical structure can be set to prevent the high voltage components from being touched by the operator due to the temporarily retained HVIL assemble still covering and limiting the access to the opening. Then after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the main body of the high-voltage interlock plug assembly can be removed in order to operate the internal high-voltage components.
The characteristics and advantages of other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in the following embodiments. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand the content of the present invention and the technical effects obtained based on the these exemplary embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It should be understood that, in the present invention, all features, modifications, and/or specific embodiments can be combined according to various combinations except for obvious contradictions or incompatibility.
The other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent by referring to the following specific embodiments without limiting the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a HVIL connection device according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical device of the HVIL connection device in Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the HVIL plug assembly of the HVIL connection device in Fig. 1.
- Figure 4 is a top view of the HVIL connection device according to the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 4, in which the HVIL plug assembly is coupled with the electrical device.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 4, in which the main body of the HVIL plug assembly is in the separation delay position.
- Figures 7 to 9 are schematic diagrams respectively showing the HVIL plug assembly in the loosened position, the separation delay position and the removal position during the removal method according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following are exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. The relevant definitions below are used to describe exemplary embodiments, rather than to limit the scope of the present invention. Since the embodiments described here are exemplary, they can also be extended to modifications related to the function, purpose, and/or structure of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a HVIL connection device according to the present invention. The HVIL connection device can be electrically connected to a vehicle high-voltage circuit for connecting batteries, generators, motors and other devices to form a HVIL circuit so as to establish the high-voltage system of hybrid or electric vehicles. As shown in Figure 1, an embodiment of the HVIL connection device includes an electrical device 20 that can be electrically coupled to a HVIL circuit. As shown in Figure 2, the electrical device 20 includes:
- At least one electrical component electrically coupled to the HVIL circuit, such as an inverter module (not shown), which can receive high-voltage from the battery and provide high-voltage alternating current (AC) to the vehicle drive motor, or collect high-voltage current from the motor and convert it into direct current that recharges the battery (DC); and
- A housing 25, which can accommodate the above-mentioned electrical components, and has an access opening 23 so that the electrical components can be accessed.
The HVIL connection device also includes a HVIL system, which is used to ensure that the high-voltage circuit is disconnected before touching the electrical components. The HVIL system includes:
- A HVIL connector 21, which is arranged inside the electrical equipment 20, for example on its housing 25; and
- A HVIL plug assembly 10 according to the present invention, and its specific structure will be described in detail below.
Figures 3 and 4 show the HVIL plug assembly 10 according to the present invention, which includes:
- A main body 11, which in the embodiment has a shape of a cover plate, which can cooperate with the access opening 23 of the electrical equipment 20 to cover the access opening so that the electrical components cannot be accessed by an operator. When the main body 11 is removed, the access opening is exposed and electrical components can be accessed. In addition, the cover-shaped body 11 has an outer surface 11a and an inner surface lib, wherein the inner surface lib faces the access opening.
- A HVIL terminal 12, which is coupled to and projected from the inner surface lib of the cover-shaped body 11, and is configured to couple with the above- mentioned HVIL connector 21, so as to establish the continuity of the HVIL circuit after they are engaged . Specifically, the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 may be arranged in the form of male plug and female socket, so that when the main body 11 engages with the access opening 23, that is, when the main body 11 covers the access opening 23, the male plug is inserted into the female socket Realize circuit continuity. In addition, it can also be configured to have a chamfered structure to guide the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 to smoothly couple with each other. - Fastener 14, which can be arranged on the main body 11 and can fix the main body 11 against the access opening 23 (as shown in Figure 5), and the fastener 14 is in its fastened position. After the fastener is loosened, it enters the loosening position. Whereby, the main body 11 can be separated from the access opening, so that the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 can be separated from each other for the later removal. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the fastener 14 is in the form of a screw, and it has an E-shaped washer 14a, so that when it is loosened, it can drive the main body to move together, thereby separating the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector.
- A separation delay member 13, which is coupled to the main body 11, for example, as shown in Figure 3, is provided on the inner surface lib of the covershaped main body 11 and located on the edge of the main body 11. The separation delay member 13 is configured to allow the main body 11 to be temporally locked and then move from the separation delay position to the removal position by cooperating with the housing 25 of the electrical device 20, when the fastener 14 is in the loosened position. In particular, Figure 6 shows the situation where the main body 11 is in the separation delay position. In this position, the main body 11 is slightly separated from the access opening for a tiny distance, so that the HVIL terminal 12 is disconnected from the HVIL connector 21, and due to the cooperation of the separation delay member 13 with the housing, further separation is restricted. Thus, the main body 11 prevents the electrical components of the electrical equipment 20 from being contacted and accessed by an operator. By manipulating separation delay member 13 and thus releasing the temporary lock, the main body 11 is able to move to the removal position, and the main body 11 can be removed freely so that the components of the electrical device 20 can be contacted and accessed.
In the illustrated embodiment, the separation delay member 13 is, for example, a non-permanent locking member, such as a latch structure, which includes a latch arm extending from the inner surface of the main body 11 in the normal direction of the inner surface lib, and a wedge-shaped latch portion provided on and projecting from the free end of the latch arm. The latch portion engages with a complementary portion 26 which is in the form of a slot provided on the housing of the electrical device. This arrangement allows the main body 11 to slide along the slot when the main body 11 is separated from the electrical equipment 20, so that the HVIL terminal 12 is disconnected from the HVIL connector 12, while the slotted structure of the complementary portion 26 can stop the sliding of the latch portion of the separation delay member 13, and it can prevent the separation delay member 13 from further separating , which also ensures that the separation distance between the main body 11 and the access opening is limited to the extent that the internal electrical components of the electrical equipment cannot be accessed. In order to further separate the main body 11, the temporary locking structure of the separation delay member 13 needs to be further operated, that is, it needs to release its locking state so that the latch portion can escape the slot, so as to allow the main body 11 to be further separated to the removal position for final removal. The specific operation method will be detailed later.
Preferably, the separation delay member 13 is made of an elastic material, such as engineering plastic (ABS). In addition, the main body 11 can also be made of the same elastic material, so that it can be integrally formed with the separation delay member, which is convenient for production.
The method of removing the HVIL plug assembly from the HVIL connection device according to the present invention will be described below.
Figures 7 to 9 show important positions in the process of removing the HVIL interlock plug assembly. In particular, removal method comprises:
First, the fastener 14 is loosened and in the loosened position, as shown in Figure 7. At this time, as the fastener is loosened, the main body 11 is gradually and slightly separated from the access opening 23 of the housing, so that the HVIL terminal 12 and the HVIL connector 21 begin to disengage, that is, the male plug of the HVIL connector slides out the female socket of the HVIL terminal.
Then, the main body 11 is further separated from the access opening of the housing 25 of the electrical device to disconnect the HVIL terminal and the HVIL connector. Since the latch portion of the separation delay member 13 is restricted by the slot 26 on the housing 25, the main body 11 cannot be further separated, and is temporally locked in the separation delay position, as shown in Figure 8.
Afterwards, the latch portion of the separation delay member is actuated, for example, by using a finger or a hand tool of a suitable size to bend the latch portion so as to disengage it from the slot 26, so that the main body 11 can move from its separation delay position to the removal position, wherein the main body can be further separated from the electrical device. Due to the arrangement of the separation delay element, the actuation step needs to last for a period of time, such as 5 seconds or more, which is greater than the time when the circuit continuity of the HVIL circuit is cut off and the high voltage is no longer on.
Finally, the main body 11 is removed from the HVIL connection device to completely expose the access opening to allow the access to internal electrical components via the access opening. Since there is no electric current in the high- voltage circuit, safe operation can be performed.
Thanks to the method according to the present invention, the operation of the HVIL connection device is safe. In particular, after the HVIL interface is disconnected, when the HVIL circuit can be kept powered on for a period of time, the physical structure can prevent the access to the high voltage parts by the operator. Only after the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the main body of the HVIL plug assembly can be removed for operating the high-voltage components. On the basis of the present invention as descried above, those skilled in the art may envisage other various embodiments and various modifications and improvements. In particular, it should be noted that, except for obvious contradictions or incompatibility, the features, modifications, and/or specific embodiments described in the present invention can be combined with each other. All these embodiments and modifications and improvements fall in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A high voltage interlock (HVIL) plug assembly (10), configured to establish circuit continuity when coupled to a HVIL connector (21) in a high voltage interlock circuit and disable circuit continuity when decoupled from the HVIL connector, the HVIL plug assembly (10) comprising:
- a main body (11) configured to abut against an access opening (23) of a housing (25) of an electrical device (20), wherein removal of the main body (11) enables access to components in the electrical device (20) electrically connected to the high voltage interlock circuit;
- a HVIL terminal (12) coupled to the main body (11) and configured to couple to the HVIL connector (21) so as to establish circuit continuity when the main body (11) is coupled to the access opening (23) of the electrical device (20);
- a fastener (14) coupled to the main body (11) and configured to move between a fastened position and a loosened position, wherein in the fastened position, the main body (11) abuts against the access opening (23) via the fastener (14) so as to prevent the access to the components in the electrical device (20), and in the loosened position, the main body (11) is adapted to be removed; and
- a separation delay member (13) coupled to the main body (11) and configured to, in cooperation with the housing (25) of the electrical device, allow the main body (11) to move from a separation delay position to a removal position when the fastener (13) is in the loosened position, wherein in the separation delay position, the HVIL terminal (12) is decoupled from the HVIL connector (21) and the main body (11) is prevented from removal from the accessing opening (23) and prevents access to the components in the electrical device (20), and in the removal position, the main body (11) is free to be removed so as to enable access to components in the electrical device (20).
2. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the separation delay member comprises non-permanent locking element.
3. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 2, wherein the non-permanent locking element comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion adapted to be engaged with a complementary latch portion on the housing of the electrical device, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while preventing the main body to be removed.
4. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main body is a cover member having an outer surface and an inner surface which is configured to be disposed against the access opening of a housing of an electrical device, and the separation delay member is coupled to the inner surface of the cover.
5. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the separation delay member (13) is made of elastic material.
6. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the HVIL terminal comprises a chamfer structure adapted to guide the HVIL connector to couple with the HVIL terminal.
7. The HVIL plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is a screw.
8. A HVIL connection device, comprising:
- an electrical device (20) configured to electrically couple to a high voltage interlock circuit, the electrical device comprising:
- at least one electrical component electrically coupled to the high voltage interlock circuit;
- a housing (25) configured to accommodate the at least one electrical component and having an access opening (23); the HVIL connection device further comprises a HVIL system comprising:
- a HVIL connector (21) disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the high voltage interlock circuit; and
- a HVIL plug assembly (10) according to claim 1.
9. The HVIL connection device according to claim 8, wherein the separation delay member comprises latch structure having a latch arm and latch portion, and the housing has a complementary latch portion, such that the latch portion is adapted to be engaged with the complementary latch portion, wherein in the separation delay position, the latch structure enables the main body slightly separate from the accessing opening for decoupling the HVIL terminal from the HVIL connector while preventing the main body to be removed.
10. A method of removing a HVIL plug assembly from the HVIL connection device according to claim 8, comprising:
- loosening the fastener so that the fastener is the loosened position;
- separating the main body from the accessing opening of the housing of the electrical device so as to enter into the separation delay position and decouple the HVIL terminal and the HVIL connector;
- actuating the separation delay member so as to move the main body from the separation delay position to the removal position, wherein the step of actuating lasts for a period until disabling circuit continuity of the HVIL circuit; and - removing the main body from the HVIL connection device.
PCT/EP2021/082533 2020-11-23 2021-11-22 Hvil plug assembly, hvil connection device and method for removing hvil plug assembly WO2022106693A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202011321656.5 2020-11-23
CN202011321656.5A CN114614283A (en) 2020-11-23 2020-11-23 High-voltage interlocking plug assembly, high-voltage interlocking connection device and method for removing high-voltage interlocking plug assembly
GBGB2018931.2A GB202018931D0 (en) 2020-12-01 2020-12-01 HVIL plug assembly, HVIL connection device and method for removing HVIL plug assembly
GB2018931.2 2020-12-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022106693A1 true WO2022106693A1 (en) 2022-05-27

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7084361B1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2006-08-01 General Motors Corporation High voltage interlock switch
US20120281342A1 (en) * 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Topolewski John N Interlock for an electrical system
EP2672573A1 (en) * 2012-06-05 2013-12-11 Tyco Electronics France SAS Manual service disconnect

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7084361B1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2006-08-01 General Motors Corporation High voltage interlock switch
US20120281342A1 (en) * 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Topolewski John N Interlock for an electrical system
EP2672573A1 (en) * 2012-06-05 2013-12-11 Tyco Electronics France SAS Manual service disconnect

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