Passive detection of overheating in a power connector
AssigneeAptiv Technologies AG
InventorsJean Fabre, Pascal Menard, Mélanie Guillanton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Electrical connector comprising a detection device for detecting potential overheating, which comprises an electrically conductive element and an electrically insulating element inserted between the electrically conductive element and a low-voltage line. The electrically conductive element exerts an elastic force on the insulating element. For example, the electrically conductive element is a spring. In the event of overheating, the insulating element deforms under the pressure of the electrically conductive element and enables an electrical connection between two low-voltage lines. The overheating is detected as a consequence of the electrical design of this connection between the low-voltage lines.
Claims11
Electrical connector comprising:
- a housing that houses at least one first conductive component configured so as to be integrated in a first low-voltage electrical line and at least one second conductive component configured so as to be integrated in a second low-voltage electrical line, at least one first material forming the housing,
- at least one electrically insulating element and at least one electrically conductive element, inserted between the first conductive component and the second conductive component,
- wherein the electrically insulating element consisting of a second material having a melting temperature less than or equal to the melting temperature of the at least one first material, and
- wherein the electrically conductive element exerting an elastic force on the electrically insulating element that is suitable for deforming the electrically insulating element, when the electrically insulating element has a temperature greater than or equal to its melting temperature and establishing an electrical connection between the first conductive component and the second conductive component.
Method for detecting overheating in a connection assembly, wherein the deformation of an electrically insulating element made of plastic, under stress from an electrically conductive element, is used to modify an electrical circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.