Patent Description:
In the electrical field (electrical engineering, electronics, electrical power engineering etc.), a great number of electrical connection mechanisms are known, which serve to transmit electrical currents, voltages and/or signals at a wide range of currents, voltages and/or frequencies. In the low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage range and/or in the low-current, medium-current or high-current range, connection mechanisms of this kind have to ensure transmission of current, voltage and/or signals in warm, possibly hot, contaminated, humid and/or chemically aggressive environments permanently, repeatedly and/or after a comparatively long service life, possibly at short notice. By virtue of a wide range of applications, a great number of specially configured connection mechanisms are known.

<CIT> teaches an electrical conduction device, in particular for a vehicle, which has an electrical main conductor and an electrical connection contact on the main conductor, the connection contact having an electrical connecting part made of a first material and a connecting piece made of a second material which is different from the first material. The connecting piece being joined to the connecting part in a materially joined manner by means of electromagnetic pulse technology, and the connecting piece being connected in a materially joined manner to the main conductor.

<CIT> discloses a contact part holder clippable onto a flat electrical conductor rail. The contact part holder is used to hold an electrical contact part for contacting the flat conductor rail. For this purpose, the contact part holder has a holder housing with a receiving section for the contact part. The receiving section opens into a connecting section of the holder housing, via which a current can be conducted to the outside by leading an electrical cable, a plug connector or the like there and making contact with the contact part in the connecting section or in the receiving section. The holder housing embraces the flat conductor rail in its transverse direction and has a base part and a cover part that can be clipped onto it.

Cable harnesses with flexible or three-dimensionally deflectable electrical conductors made of copper are used today for transporting currents, in particular centrally transporting currents in a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle. In a comparison with other materials which are suited for electrical conductors, copper has the disadvantage of a comparatively high weight and a comparatively high purchase price for a particular amount of copper. The price disadvantage and weight disadvantage for copper also applies if a copper part is intended to be electrically adequately substituted with a non-copper part. Furthermore, only undirected tensile forces can be mechanically transmitted onto flexible conductors, which makes their structure and assembly laborious as such a structure and/or assembly cannot usually be carried out in an automated manner.

A problem of the invention is to specify a vehicle current transport mechanism, in particular for a motor vehicle, and a current transport mechanism, in particular a current bar, a backbone or a bus bar for the automotive industry. In this case, the current transport mechanism should be able to be manufactured and/or assembled easily, in particular in an automated manner, wherein the current transport mechanism is intended to possess lower manufacturing costs and/or assembly costs relative to an electrically adequate cable harness made of copper. Furthermore, more than just undirected tensile forces are intended to be able to be transmitted by means of the current transport mechanism in order to facilitate an assembly of the current transport mechanism or to be able to optionally carry out an assembly in an automated manner.

The problem of the invention is solved by means of a vehicle current transport mechanism, in particular for a motor vehicle; by means of a current transport mechanism, in particular a current bar, a backbone or a bus bar for the automotive industry; and by means of an entity, a mechanism, a module, a subassembly, an appliance, an apparatus, a machine, a conveying means, a transport means, a system or a unit, according to the independent claims. - Advantageous further developments, additional features and/or advantages of the invention are evident from the dependent claims and the following description.

The vehicle current transport mechanism has an elongated, electromechanical base conductor, the base conductor comprising at least one electrically-rigidly mechanical plug-in connection device which is connected thereto in an electrically-rigidly mechanical manner, and which in turn can be electrically contacted by an electrically-rigidly mechanical mating plug-in connection device. - Consequently, an electrical or electromechanical terminal of a flexible electrical conductor or of a flexible electrical cable at the vehicle current transport mechanism is possible.

In this case, the electromechanical base conductor is formed mechanically stiffly or rigidly at least in sections and in all of its sections or across its entire extension substantially in at least two spatial dimensions. A certain mobility can be provided in the vertical direction of its cross-section, because the base conductor, as a notional elongated flat cuboid, is at its smallest here. This means that not only undirected tensile forces can be transmitted in a dimension, as with a flexible electrical conductor, but directed tensile forces in at least two spatial dimensions and pressure forces can also be transmitted in at least two spatial dimensions. - This also applies for a terminal conductor of an elongated, electromechanical conductor mentioned below, which has the base conductor and, formed thereon, the terminal conductor.

The term 'rigidly mechanical' in 'electrically-rigidly mechanical' is intended to mean that the plug-in connection device itself, a connection between the plug-in connection device and the base conductor (in contrast to a hinge), and the mating plug-in connection device are formed mechanically stiffly or rigidly. This means that mechanical forces and/or torques can be transmitted between these in preferably three spatial dimensions. This of course also relates to the (electromechanical or electrically-rigidly mechanical) base conductor itself (in contrast to a flexible or three-dimensionally deflectable electrical conductor), however in a limited sense, which depends on its length, which enables a certain flexibility in a spatial dimension (where applicable, in sections) (see above).

In this way, for example, a mechanical torque can be introduced on an electrically-rigidly mechanical mating plug-in connection device which is plugged onto an electrically-rigidly mechanical plug-in connection device: from the mating plug-in connection device into the plug-in connection device, from the plug-in connection device over the electrically-rigidly mechanical connection between the plug-in connection device and the electromechanical base conductor, into the base conductor, and from the base conductor further into its suspension (electrical insulation, assembly device, etc.), or vice versa. - The electrically-rigidly mechanical connection between the base conductor and the plug-in connection device can be formed monolithically, integrally, simply, materially/adhesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part.

Formed or connected in one part is intended to mean that the plug-in connection device and the base conductor produce an interconnection, which cannot be mutually moved but which can be easily released by hand or by means of a tool (e.g. by means of deadlock, clipping, screwing, etc.), wherein, for example, a frictional engagement and/or positive engagement can be established between the two structural parts. Moreover, one piece is intended to mean that the plug-in connection device and the base conductor further produce an interconnection, which can no longer be easily released by hand or by means of a tool, which can be the case with crimping, for example (damage to one or both structural parts when releasing the interconnection). A frictional engagement and, where applicable, a positive engagement (preferably) is in this case obligatory.

The current transport mechanism is formed materially/adhesively in one piece if the plug-in connection device is connected to the base conductor in a cohesive manner, where applicable to a frictional engagement and/or positive engagement, i.e. they often cannot be separated without damage. This is the case with an adhesion (in this case, a separation without damage may be possible), soldering (in this case, a separation without damage may also be possible), (spot) welding, etc. The current transport mechanism is formed simply if a connection between the plug-in connection device and the base conductor can no longer be separated without causing damage to or destroying both structural parts. The current transport mechanism is formed integrally if the plug-in connection device and the base conductor are formed substantially homogenous or made in/out of a single original piece.

The latter also applies for a monolithic configuration, the plug-in connection device and the base conductor in this case being connected to each other via cohesion forces and the plug-in connection device being formed with the base conductor at least in a polycrystalline manner. In this case, making a differentiation between the plug-in connection device and the base conductor is only possible by the shape. - These assertions (materially/adhesively in one piece, simply, integrally or monolithically) also apply for a predetermined contact region or the terminal conductor of a electromechanical conductor which is mentioned further below and which has the base conductor and the terminal conductor formed thereon, the predetermined contact region or the plug-in connection device.

The base conductor can be formed substantially solidly and/or have an electrical insulation surrounding it in circumferential direction. - The plug-in connection device can have a mechanical contact section, by means of which the plug-in connection device is fixed on the base conductor. Instead, the plug-in connection device can have a composite contact region, by means of which the plug-in connection device is formed with the base conductor. Furthermore, these plug-in connection devices can each have a plug-in contact section, which can be electrically and mechanically contacted by the mating plug-in connection device. - Furthermore, the vehicle current transport mechanism can be formed and/or manufactured like a current transport mechanism, which is explained hereinafter.

The inventive current transport mechanism has an elongated, electromechanical base conductor with an electrical insulation completely surrounding it in circumferential direction, the electrical insulation having at least one through-recess and the base conductor being electrically contacted by a plug-in connection device in a region of the through-recess, wherein the current transport mechanism has a jacket in a region of the plug-in connection device, and the jacket is formed in sections as a connector housing for a mating plug-in connection device, wherein the jacket is preferably formed as an overmould. The plug-in connection device can comprise a mechanical contact section and a plug-in contact section, the mechanical contact section electrically contacting the base conductor in the region of the through-recess and the plug-in contact section protruding from the base conductor.

The jacket is preferably formed such that it seals the plug-in contact section of the plug-in connection device in a fluid-tight manner, in particular in a water-tight manner or water-vapour-tight manner, from the base conductor in the region of the through-recess. The jacket is formed in sections as a connector housing for a mating plug-in connection device. In this case, a housing of the mating plug-in connection device, if this is present, can be plugged into and/or onto the jacket.

The base conductor can be formed as an electrically-rigidly mechanical base conductor. Furthermore, the plug-in connection device can be formed as a stamped part or a stamped bent part. Moreover, the plug-in connection device can be formed as a tab contact device or a pin contact device. The plug-in connection device can be connected to the base conductor in one part, materially/adhesively in one piece or in one piece, wherein everything said above regarding one part and one piece also applies in this case. Furthermore, the base conductor can be contacted by the plug-in connection device in an electrically-rigidly mechanical manner in the region of the through-recess. Moreover, the base conductor can be deoxidised in the region of the through-recess.

Furthermore, the current transport mechanism can be formed like a vehicle current transport mechanism which is explained above and/or be manufactured like a current transport mechanism which is explained hereinafter. - The current transport mechanism can be scaled as desired and manufactured in an automated manner. An interface (plug-in connection device with a jacket) can be realised in a water-tight embodiment. A plurality or variety of current transport mechanisms on one single base conductor is easily realised.

A method for manufacturing a current transport mechanism, in particular a current bar, a backbone or a bus bar for the automotive industry, is explained in greater detail hereinafter. In a first step, an electrical insulation of an elongated, electromechanical base conductor is completely removed in a region of a plug-in connection device, which hereinafter should be provided on the base conductor, e.g. by cutting open and extracting the electrical insulation, and in a second step which follows the first step, the plug-in connection device is attached to the base conductor. In this case, temporally before the first or the second step, the plug-in connection device can be separated from a carrier strip, e.g. on a reel. In such a way, a plurality of plug-in connection devices can of course be fixedly connected to the base conductor.

In a first step, the electrical insulation is removed down to the base conductor, hence a through-recess is provided in the electrical insulation. Temporally before the second step, the base conductor can be deoxidised in the region (through-recess) of the plug-in connection device, which hereinafter should be provided on the base conductor. The second step can take place, for example, by adhesion, soldering, welding, clinching etc. In this case, the plug-in connection device is fixed on the base conductor with a mechanical contact section which is formed thereon. A plug-in contact section of the plug-in connection device protrudes from the base conductor. Of course, the region of the plug-in connection device, which hereinafter should be provided on the base conductor, must be initially identified, temporally before the first step.

In a third step which follows the second step, a jacket can be provided over the plug-in connection device, which is preferably moulded in. In this case, the jacket can completely encompass the base conductor and partially overlaps its electrical insulation or mechanically contacts it. Preferably, the jacket seals off the plug-in contact section from the base conductor in a fluid-tight manner, in particular in a water-tight or water-vapour tight manner. The jacket can be formed in sections as a connector housing for a mating plug-in connection device. - The current transport mechanism obtained according to the invention can be formed as a vehicle current transport mechanism.

The inventive current transport mechanism has an elongated, electromechanical conductor with an electrical insulation completely surrounding it in circumferential direction, the current transport mechanism having at least one plug-in connection device which is exposed out of the electrical insulation and the electromechanical conductor, wherein the electrical insulation is removed from the current transport mechanism in a region around the resulting plug-in connection device and a material of the electromechanical conductor is also removed.

The plug-in connection device is exposed out of the electrical insulation and the electromechanical conductor of the current transport mechanism, in particular cut free and/or punched out. In this case, the electrical insulation is removed from the current transport mechanism in a region (optionally part of a predetermined contact region, see below) around the resulting plug-in connection device, and a material of the electromechanical conductor is also removed, depending on a shape and/or size of the resulting plug-in connection device, i.e. on two sides or on three sides around the resulting plug-in connection device.

In this case, at least one slot arises laterally at the plug-in connection device (the plug-in connection device at a longitudinal end), but usually two slots arise (the plug-in connection device at the longitudinal centre section) opposite the remaining electromechanical conductor. The plug-in connection device is preferably embedded in the electromechanical conductor. In this case, the plug-in connection device is further provided in a plane of the electromechanical conductor, wherein it is connected on one side to the electromechanical conductor (preferably integrally or monolithically, see below) and is accessible at the side opposite thereto for the mating plug-in connection device.

The current transport mechanism can have at least one predetermined contact region at an outer edge, out of which the plug-in connection device can be exposed. Furthermore, the electromechanical conductor, in particular an electromechanical terminal conductor of the electromechanical conductor, can preferably be coated in the region of the predetermined contact region. In this case, the predetermined contact region can be outwardly marked on/in the electrical insulation of the current transport mechanism, e.g. by means of a box or the like. An established coating can have, for example, silver, tin, etc., the electromechanical conductor or the electromechanical terminal conductor preferably only being coated in a predetermined contact region.

The electromechanical conductor of the current transport mechanism can be formed from a metallic composite product, in particular an aluminium/copper composite product. - The advantage of copper is that it combines a comparatively high electrical conductivity with comparatively good electromechanical properties (plug-in connection, corrosion resistance, etc.); its high price and its comparatively high density (the heavy weight of an entity made of copper) are disadvantageous. The advantages of aluminium are its comparatively good electrical conductivity, its comparatively low density (the low weight of an entity made of aluminium) and its comparatively low price; its vulnerability to moisture is disadvantageous.

In one embodiment, aluminium is used in cases where a comparatively large amount of electrical current must be transported, such that a comparatively large amount of material is needed (costs), and corrosion plays a subordinate role (no or hardly any exposed aluminium). Furthermore, in this embodiment, copper is used in cases where a comparatively small amount of material is needed (costs) and good electrical (contact) properties exist (current transport, mechanical resistance, where applicable corrosion resistance in the case of a partially exposed plug-in connection). - This means that the respective positive properties of these two metals are combined, without having to accept the negative properties to an excessive degree. - Furthermore, the electromechanical conductor of the current transport mechanism can be formed from one single metallic product, in particular an aluminium product.

The electromechanical conductor can comprise an elongated, electromechanical base conductor and an elongated, electromechanical terminal conductor which is arranged parallel thereto, the base conductor having a first metallic product, in particular an aluminium-based product, and the terminal conductor having a second metallic product, in particular a copper-based product, or the base conductor and the terminal conductor having the same metallic product and being formed integrally or monolithically with each other.

Integral in turn means here that the base conductor and the terminal conductor are formed homogenous or made in/out of a single original piece. This also applies for a monolithic configuration, the base conductor and the terminal conductor being connected to each other via cohesion forces and the electromechanical conductor being formed of the base conductor and terminal conductor in a polycrystalline manner. In the latter case, a differentiation between the base conductor and the terminal conductor is only a notional line which cannot be observed at/in the electromechanical conductor.

The terminal conductor can have substantially the same thickness as the base conductor. Furthermore, it is possible that the base conductor is formed thicker or thinner than the terminal conductor. The current transport mechanism can have at least one predetermined contact region at one or both longitudinal sides. Furthermore, the current transport mechanism can have a terminal conductor at one or both longitudinal sides, which terminal conductor extends along a longitudinal section of the base conductor, the terminal conductor preferably extending along an entire longitudinal extension of the base conductor.

With the exception of a coating, a thickness of the plug-in connection device or the terminal conductor can be smaller than, the same as or greater than a thickness of the base conductor. Furthermore, the current transport mechanism can be formed as a multilayer current transport mechanism with a plurality of electromechanical conductors, in particular as a bilayer current transport mechanism with two electromechanical conductors. The base conductor can be formed as an electrically-rigidly mechanical base conductor. Furthermore, the terminal conductor can be formed as an electrically-rigidly mechanical terminal conductor. Moreover, the plug-in connection device can be formed as a tab contact device or a pin contact device. Moreover, the plug-in connection device can be formed monolithically, integrally, simply or materially/adhesively in one piece with the base conductor.

Furthermore, the current transport mechanism can be formed like a vehicle current transport mechanism which is explained above and/or be manufactured like a current transport mechanism which is explained hereinafter. - The current transport mechanism can be scaled as desired and manufactured in an automated manner. A fluid-tight, in particular water-tight or water-vapour-tight, interface (plug-in connection device) can be realised by a housing, e.g. with a seal, of a mating plug-in connection device. A plurality or variety of current transport mechanisms on one single base conductor is easily realised.

A method for manufacturing a current transport mechanism, in particular a current bar, a backbone or a bus bar for the automotive industry, is explained in greater detail hereinafter. The current transport mechanism preferably has, as above, an elongated, electromechanical conductor with an electrical insulation surrounding it in the circumferential direction. In a first step, at a blank of the current transport mechanism, a position of a plug-in connection device, which should be formed therein, is determined, and in a second step, which temporally follows the first step, the plug-in connection device is established in the blank of the current transport mechanism, whereby the actual current transport mechanism is obtained. In this case, the plug-in connection device can be formed as a tab contact device or a pin contact device.

In the first step, a positioning of the plug-in connection device, which should be formed in the blank, is facilitated by a marked, (e.g. on/in the electrical insulation) predetermined contact region. - In the second step, the plug-in connection device is preferably exposed out of the electrical insulation of the blank and the electromechanical conductor, in particular cut free and/or punched out, which can take place successively or simultaneously. If this takes place successively, the electrical insulation is initially removed down to the electromechanical conductor, hence a through-recess is provided in the electrical insulation. Subsequently, the plug-in connection device is formed in the electromechanical conductor.

With the temporal combination of these two substeps, in the second step, the electrical insulation of the electromechanical conductor is completely removed in a region of the plug-in connection device, which hereinafter results in the electromechanical conductor, and furthermore, a material of the electromechanical conductor is removed, depending on a shape and/or size of the resulting plug-in connection device, i.e. on two or three sides around the plug-in connection device.

Preferably, the current transport mechanism or the blank of the current transport mechanism has at least one predetermined contact region at the outer edge, out of which the plug-in connection device is exposed. A plug-in contact section of the plug-in connection device protrudes from the electromechanical conductor, but is preferably established (embedded) therein inside a longitudinal side of the current transport mechanism. - The current transport mechanism obtained according to the invention can be formed as a inventive vehicle current transport mechanism.

An inventive entity, mechanism, module, subassembly, appliance, apparatus, machine, conveying means, transport means, system, unit, etc. comprises an inventive (vehicle) current transport mechanism. In a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the vehicle current transport mechanism or current transport mechanism can be formed as a central current bar, a central power backbone or a central power bus bar.

The invention is explained in greater detail hereinafter using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which are not true to scale. Sections, elements, structural parts, assemblies, diagrams and/or components which possess an identical, univocal or similar embodiment and/or function are characterised in the description of the figures (see below), the list of reference numbers, the claims and in the figures (Fig.) of the drawings with the same reference number. One possible alternative, a steady-state and/or kinematic reversal, a combination, etc., which is not explained in the description (description of the invention (see above), description of the figures (see below)) and which is not illustrated in the drawings and/or not exclusive, to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or a component, a diagram, an assembly, a structural part, an element or a section thereof can furthermore be inferred from the list of reference numbers.

In the invention, a feature (section, element, structural part, assembly, component, function, variable etc.) can be configured to be positive, i.e. present, or negative, i.e. absent, with a negative feature not being explicitly explained as a feature if the fact that it is absent is not deemed to be significant according to the invention. A feature of this specification (description, list of reference numbers, claims, drawings) can be applied not only in a specified manner but rather can also be applied in a different manner (isolation, summary, replacement, addition, unique, omission, etc.). In particular, using a reference number and a feature attributed to this, or vice versa, in the description, the list of reference numbers, the claims and/or the drawings, it is possible to replace, add or omit a feature in the claims and/or the description. Moreover, a feature in a claim can be interpreted and/or specified in greater detail as a result.

The features of this specification can (in view of the (largely unknown) prior art) also be interpreted as optional features; i.e. each feature can be understood as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, i.e. a non-binding feature. It is thus possible to detach a feature, where applicable including its periphery, from an exemplary embodiment, wherein this feature is then transferable to a generalised inventive concept. The lack of a feature (negative feature) in an exemplary embodiment shows that the feature is optional with regard to the invention. Furthermore, in the case of a type term for a feature, a generic term for the feature can also be read alongside this, (where applicable additional hierarchical classification into subgenus, section, etc.) as a result of which it is possible to generalise a or this feature, e.g. taking into account identical effect and/or equivalence. In the figures, which are merely exemplary:.

The invention is explained in greater detail hereinafter in a cursory manner using exemplary embodiments of an embodiment of a first variant (<FIG>) and three exemplary embodiments (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) of a second variant of a (vehicle) current transport mechanism <NUM>, such as an (energy/power) backbone <NUM>, an (energy/power) bus bar <NUM>. However, the invention is not limited to such variants, embodiments and/or the exemplary embodiments which are explained hereinafter, but is of a more fundamental nature, such that it can be applied to all current transport mechanisms in accordance with the invention, e.g. for an appliance <NUM>, a machine <NUM>, a conveying means <NUM>, a system <NUM>, a unit <NUM>, etc., e.g. for a non-automotive industry.

Only the sections which are necessary for understanding the invention are depicted in the drawings. Although the invention is more closely described and illustrated in detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Other variations can be derived herefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

A manufacture and a structure of the embodiment of the first variant is explained in greater detail hereinafter using <FIG>. In this case, an elongated or rod-shaped electrical or electrically (-rigidly) mechanical base conductor <NUM>, such as an actual (current) bar <NUM>, preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, is surmised. Of course, another material can be used. The base conductor <NUM> has an electrical insulation <NUM>, which preferably completely surrounds it in the circumferential direction and which in particular is made of a preferably moulded-in plastic. In this case, in contrast to the depiction, the two end faces of the base conductor <NUM> can also have the electrical insulation <NUM>. In the latter case, the base conductor <NUM> is initially completely encapsulated or electrically insulated.

For the current transport mechanism <NUM>, a region is initially localised on the electrical insulation <NUM> of the base conductor <NUM>, in which region an initially separate, electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical plug-in connection device <NUM> (<FIG>) is intended to be fixedly provided or assembled on the base conductor <NUM> (<FIG>). The preferably integral one-piece or one-part plug-in connection device <NUM> is preferably formed as a (faston) tab contact device <NUM> or a pin contact device; a bushing contact device can of course also be used. In this case, the plug-in connection device <NUM> is preferably manufactured from aluminium or copper or an aluminium alloy or a copper alloy, in particular stamped or stamped and bent.

The plug-in connection device <NUM> has a contact section <NUM> for assembling the plug-in connection device <NUM> on the base conductor <NUM> and a plug-in contact section <NUM>, by means of which the plug-in connection device <NUM> can be electrically contacted by an electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical mating plug-in connection device <NUM> (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>). The plug-in connection device <NUM> can be completely or selectively coated, e.g. with silver <NUM>, tin <NUM>, etc. In the case of a selective coating, only the plug-in contact section <NUM> is also, where applicable, selectively coated on one side or on two sides. The plug-in connection device <NUM> is preferably provided by a carrier strip <NUM>, e.g. on a reel.

Temporally after the localisation of the region for the plug-in connection device <NUM>, the electrical insulation <NUM> is substantially completely removed from the base conductor <NUM> in this region (first step, <FIG>), e.g. by cutting open and extracting the electrical insulation <NUM>. The initial result is an exposed region <NUM> on the base conductor <NUM> or of the base conductor <NUM> under a through-recess <NUM> or recess <NUM> in the electrical insulation <NUM>. Temporally thereafter or shortly before the second step, the region <NUM> of the base conductor <NUM> is preferably deoxidised.

In the second step which temporally follows, the plug-in connection device <NUM> is connected to the base conductor <NUM> in one part, materially/adhesively in one piece or in one piece (<FIG>), i.e. attached thereon, which, for example, can take place by adhesion, soldering, welding, clinching, etc. For this purpose, the mechanical contact section <NUM> of the plug-in connection device <NUM> is fixed on the base conductor <NUM> in the region <NUM>. The plug-in contact section <NUM> of the plug-in connection device <NUM> then protrudes or projects, e.g. laterally, upwardly or downwardly from the base conductor <NUM>.

Consequently, the current transport mechanism <NUM> is obtained. Of course, these steps can be performed repeatedly per se if a plurality of plug-in connection devices <NUM> are intended to be fixedly connected to the base conductor <NUM>. Temporally after the plug-in connection device <NUM> has been fixed to the base conductor <NUM>, a preferably moulded-in jacket <NUM> can be provided over the, where applicable, relevant plug-in connection device <NUM> (third step). In this case, the jacket <NUM> can be partially formed as a connector housing <NUM> for the mating plug-in connection device <NUM>.

A manufacture and a structure of the three embodiments of the second variant is explained in greater detail hereinafter using <FIG>. In this case, an elongated or rod-shaped electrical or electrically (-rigidly) mechanical conductor <NUM>/<NUM>, such as an actual (current) bar <NUM>/<NUM>, preferably made of aluminium and/or copper or an aluminium alloy and/or a copper alloy, is surmised. Of course, another material or other materials or combinations can be used. The electromechanical conductor <NUM>/<NUM> has an electrical insulation <NUM>, which preferably completely surrounds it in the circumferential direction and which in particular is made of a preferably moulded-in plastic (see <FIG>). In this case, the two end faces of the conductor <NUM>/<NUM> preferably also have the electrical insulation <NUM>, i.e. the conductor <NUM>/<NUM> is initially completely encapsulated or electrically insulated.

The electromechanical conductor <NUM>/<NUM> is preferably formed or developed from a metallic composite product or only one single metallic product. In this case, the electromechanical conductor <NUM>/<NUM> can comprise an elongated, electromechanical base conductor <NUM> and an elongated, electromechanical terminal conductor <NUM> which is arranged parallel thereto. - In a first case, (preferably composite products, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) the base conductor <NUM> has a first metallic product, in particular an aluminium product, and the terminal conductor <NUM> has a second metallic product, in particular a copper-based product.

In a second case (<FIG>), the base conductor <NUM> and the terminal conductor <NUM> have the same metallic product, in particular an aluminium product. In this case, the terminal conductor <NUM> and the base conductor <NUM> are preferably formed together, wherein the two of them do not obviously differ from each other, or the base conductor <NUM> continuously passes into the terminal conductor <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>, for example. A differentiation can then be made, firstly irrespective of differences in thickness, shape, etc., on the basis of dimensions. - In both cases, the terminal conductor <NUM> can (as a predetermined contact region <NUM> or even merely as a plug-in connection device (<NUM>), see below) be coated on one side (<FIG>, <FIG>) or on both sides (<FIG>, <FIG>), possibly partially, for at least one potential plug-in connection device <NUM> which should be set up later, which coating can take place with silver <NUM>, tin <NUM>, etc., for example.

The terminal conductor <NUM> can be formed, just like the base conductor <NUM>, as an elongated or rod-shaped, electrical or electrically(-rigidly) mechanical terminal conductor <NUM>, which is formed monolithically, integrally, simply, materially/adhesively in one piece or in one piece with the base conductor <NUM>. In this case, at the base conductor <NUM>, the terminal conductor <NUM> can be provided or established in a blank (<NUM>) for the current transport mechanism <NUM>, being substantially the same length as the base conductor <NUM>. It is of course possible to provide the terminal conductor <NUM> only in sections at the base conductor <NUM>, such that the terminal conductor <NUM> can also be formed as at least one predetermined, electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical contact region <NUM> or even merely as at least one electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical plug-in connection device <NUM> (see both hereinafter).

In the blank (<NUM>) for the current transport mechanism <NUM>, the electromechanical conductor <NUM>/<NUM> or the base conductor <NUM> and at least the terminal conductor <NUM>, and thus the at least one predetermined contact region <NUM> (where applicable of the at least one terminal conductor <NUM>) or the at least one plug-in connection device <NUM> (where applicable of the at least one predetermined contact region <NUM> and/or of a terminal conductor <NUM>) are provided with the electrical insulation <NUM> at least at the only two comparatively large sides (running in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction). Preferably, the blank (<NUM>) is completely provided with the electrical insulation <NUM>.

For manufacturing a current transport mechanism <NUM>, a position of a plug-in connection device <NUM> which should be developed in the blank (<NUM>) is initially determined at the blank (<NUM>) of the current transport mechanism <NUM> (first step). In this case, at least one position in at least one terminal conductor <NUM>, in at least one predetermined contact region <NUM> and/or at least one (still electrically insulated) plug-in connection device <NUM>, for the at least one plug-in connection device <NUM> which should be selected, can be selected. This at least one position can be selected, for example, from a plurality of positions which are marked at/in the electrical insulation <NUM> (cf.

Temporally thereafter, at least one electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical plug-in connection device <NUM> is exposed out of the blank (<NUM>) of the resulting current transport mechanism <NUM>, in particular cut free or punched out (second step). In this case, possibly only the electrical insulation <NUM> is removed from the blank (<NUM>) in a relevant region. Furthermore, the plug-in connection device <NUM> can be formed thereon subsequently or substantially simultaneously. The latter preferably takes place by providing two slots (only one slot is necessary at one longitudinal end) in the longitudinal direction to the right and left of the resulting plug-in connection device <NUM> (cf. An electrical or electrically-rigidly mechanical mating plug-in connection device <NUM> can later be plugged on the resulting (faston) tab contact device <NUM> or pin contact device <NUM> of the actual current transport mechanism <NUM>.

The configurations of the exemplary embodiments of the current transport mechanisms <NUM> depicted in <FIG> are explained in greater detail hereinafter in a cursory manner. - In the case of <FIG>, the base conductor <NUM> and the terminal conductor <NUM> or the predetermined contact region <NUM> are formed substantially with the same thickness, a longitudinal side of the base conductor <NUM> and a longitudinal side of the terminal conductor <NUM> being connected to each other in a composite contact region <NUM>. The plug-in connection device <NUM> was exposed with its plug-in contact section <NUM> out of the terminal conductor <NUM> or the predetermined contact region <NUM>, which also applies for <FIG>.

In the case of <FIG>, the terminal conductor <NUM> is thinner than the base conductor <NUM> and is provided at an outer side, having a large surface area, of the base conductor <NUM>, the terminal conductor <NUM> being embedded with its composite contact region <NUM> in the base conductor <NUM> (the terminal conductor <NUM> preferably partially overlaps the base conductor <NUM> in the transverse direction). The composite contact region <NUM> is not only established longitudinally but also transversely between the terminal conductor <NUM> and the base conductor <NUM>. - <FIG> shows a base conductor <NUM> with two terminal conductors <NUM> which are provided thereon and which are similar to <FIG>, the base conductor <NUM> being formed thicker than the terminal conductors <NUM>, which are fixed thereon, being located diagonally opposite each other with regard to a cross-section of the base conductor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the respective plug-in contact section <NUM> of the relevant plug-in connection device <NUM> protrudes outwardly from the current transport mechanism <NUM> and is accessible from five translatory directions, provided there is enough space in both longitudinal directions. The relevant plug-in contact section <NUM> is not accessible from only one transverse direction. <FIG> do not show a coating <NUM> of the respective plug-in contact sections <NUM> of the plug-in connection devices <NUM> or the plug-in connection devices <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, which each show the first embodiment, such an embodiment can of course be applied.

A transition to the second embodiment is depicted in <FIG> using dashes (this can also be applied in <FIG>). In the second embodiment, the stripped plug-in contact section <NUM> of the relevant plug-in connection device <NUM> is embedded in the current transport mechanism <NUM>, the plug-in contact section <NUM> only being accessible from three translatory directions (the front, above, underneath). This is also shown in <FIG>, which moreover shows a coated terminal conductor <NUM> (coating <NUM>)or a coated, predetermined contact region <NUM> and a coated plug-in connection device <NUM> or a coated plug-in contact section <NUM>. <FIG> shows three plug-in connection devices <NUM> or plug-in contact sections <NUM> of this kind, which are each contacted by a mating plug-in connection device <NUM>.

The following <FIG> show cross-sections of current transport mechanisms <NUM> at a distance in its established plug-in connection devices <NUM> or plug-in contact sections <NUM>; an, as before, fully circumferentially electrically insulated cross-section of the relevant current transport mechanism <NUM> is depicted in each case. In this case, the respective current transport mechanism <NUM> can have at least one exposed plug-in connection device <NUM> or one exposed plug-in contact section <NUM>. This is highlighted in <FIG> by means of in each case a mating plug-in connection device <NUM>, which is plugged onto a plug-in connection device <NUM> which is not depicted or a plug-in contact section <NUM> which is not depicted.

<FIG> shows an aluminium-based base conductor <NUM> of a current transport mechanism <NUM>, at which one single copper-based terminal conductor <NUM> is provided laterally (composite product). In this case, the terminal conductor <NUM> is coated on both sides, in particular with silver <NUM>. - <FIG> shows a configuration which is similar to <FIG>, but wherein the terminal conductor <NUM> and the base conductor <NUM> are both aluminium-based. In this case, it is preferable that the terminal conductor <NUM> is manufactured simultaneously with the base conductor <NUM> (extrusion, rolling, casting, etc.). The base conductor <NUM> and the terminal conductor <NUM> are preferably formed monolithically, integrally and/or simply.

<FIG> shows a depiction of the current transport mechanism <NUM> which is similar to <FIG>, but wherein two double-sided, copper-based terminal conductors <NUM>, which are preferably coated with silver <NUM>, are provided at the transverse sides of the aluminium-based base conductor <NUM>. - Furthermore, <FIG> shows a depiction of the current transport mechanism <NUM> which is similar to <FIG>, wherein two double-sided, aluminium-based terminal conductors <NUM>, which are preferably coated with silver <NUM>, are formed at the transverse sides of the also aluminium-based base conductor <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, the relevant conductors <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed with the same thickness. By way of example, <FIG> highlights that this does not have to be the case with two terminal conductors <NUM> at a single base conductor <NUM>, which terminal conductors <NUM> are of varying thickness and are preferably coated with silver <NUM>. In this case, the relevant terminal conductor <NUM> is preferably thinner (left in <FIG>) than the base conductor <NUM>, or preferably has the same thickness (left in <FIG>) as the base conductor <NUM>. - Furthermore, it can be advantageous in all exemplary embodiments that a coating <NUM> reaches up to the base conductor <NUM> and where applicable slightly overlaps it (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>).

Claim 1:
Current transport mechanism (<NUM>), in particular current bar (<NUM>), backbone (<NUM>) or bus bar (<NUM>) for the automotive industry, wherein
the current transport mechanism (<NUM>) has an elongated, electromechanical base conductor (<NUM>) with an electrical insulation (<NUM>) completely surrounding it in circumferential direction, and
the electrical insulation (<NUM>) has at least one through-recess (<NUM>) and the base conductor (<NUM>) is electrically contacted by a plug-in connection device (<NUM>) in a region (<NUM>) of the through-recess (<NUM>), wherein
the current transport mechanism (<NUM>) has a jacket (<NUM>) in a region of the plug-in connection device (<NUM>), wherein the jacket (<NUM>) is formed in sections as a connector housing (<NUM>) for a mating plug-in connection device (<NUM>), characterized in that the jacket (<NUM>) is formed as an overmould (<NUM>).