EP1164660A1 - Modular interconnecting box - Google Patents

Abstract

It comprises a support (1) on which are provided at least two receptacles (3a) each capable of receiving a module (3) which comprises a fuse (9), each module (3) being on the one hand connected to an electric cable. (10) one end of which is connected to said fuse of said module and, on the other hand, supplied with electric current from an electrically conductive blade (2) mounted on said support and connected to a source of electric current.

Description

The present invention relates to an interconnection box modular intended more particularly for the automotive industry.

Due to the continuous and significant increase functions in a motor vehicle, such as window regulators electrical, electrical controls for correct positioning seats or for electric heating of these, sunroofs, centralized orders, etc. the number of fuses of different amperages also becomes very important.

The fuses they are of the type called flat fuse that is to say comprising two flat connection tabs, connected by one of their ends of a wire which is the fuse properly and which breaks when the temperature exceeds a predetermined intensity or amperage value, or of the type constituted by a blade which is in contact with terminals of fixed connections, are generally arranged in boxes which are supplied with electric current by the battery of the motor vehicle. Each electrical cable or cable bundle intended for an electrical control function predetermined is connected to the interconnection box, then we proceed to positioning or mounting of the various fuses, after which the box of interconnection is mounted in a space reserved for this purpose either in the engine compartment, or in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The indication amperage of the fuses is performed on the fuse body when it it is a flat fuse or on the fuse when it is a blade.

Such an assembly is therefore carried out in the final phase and it is therefore long, bulky and tedious. In addition, it requires a series of checks, especially electrical, to ensure correct placement of fuses whose sizes or amperages are difficult to identify by their appearance exterior due to the fact that they have the same shape and the same dimensions at least for certain amperage ranges, fuses corresponding to very high amperages being detectable by their size or significant bulk.

Another drawback is that the architecture or structure of these interconnection boxes does not allow them to be adapted easily to various models of motor vehicles including electrical equipment varies from model to model.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above and to propose a modular interconnection box which is able to adapt to a large number of fuses likely to be used in a wide range of vehicle models.

The present invention relates to an interconnection box modular comprising a support on which are formed at least two receptacles capable of each receiving a module which includes a fuse, each module being on the one hand connected to an electric cable of which one end is connected to said fuse of said module and secondly supplied in electric current from an electrically conductive blade mounted on said support and connected to a source of electric current.

An advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that the interconnection box can be connected to the complete harness, control fuses that can be made before mounting in said box interconnection because it becomes possible to carry out this control directly on each independent module. It follows that the cable or harness cables which is directly mounted in the module can also be checked before installation in the interconnection box. Therefore, the final assembly time is considerably reduced and control in final assembly is no longer necessary since it is performed module by module before final assembly.

Another advantage is that it becomes possible to provide a structure of the interconnection box which adapts particularly well to various functions provided in the vehicle. Indeed, the case may include more receptacles there are no modules, so add one or more modules additional options corresponding to the options chosen in the vehicle, without that it is necessary to dismantle said interconnection box for the fitting new fuses and / or checking additional after fitting the new fuses.

In addition, by standardizing the modules, they can be housed in any receptacle, even those that are unoccupied since all the receptacles are crossed by a conductive blade.

It is obviously possible to provide an interconnection box which includes several lines of receptacles to receive a larger number of independent modules, each line of receptacles being associated with a conductive strip which would supply the line of modules and their fuses. Advantageously, the conductive strip comprises a first part arranged to receive blade fuse modules and a second part arranged to receive fuse modules pluggable.

When the interconnection box has a part arranged to receive blade fuse modules, it is advantageously provided retractable means, such as a flexible tongue or a clip, blocking access to the fuse blade when the module is not in place in its receptacle, cooperating with an element of the receptacle for retract and free access to the blade when the module is in place.

Finally, thanks to easy identification of fuses, we limit considerably the risk of error in the ratings of said fuses. In indeed, identification can be made by the given external appearance of the module, for example all the identical sizes being of the same color or bearing a mark given on the body of the module. Likewise, we can also identify, by appropriate marking, the nature and section of the cable corresponding to each module.

In fact, the invention even makes it possible to do without completely of identification when assembling each cable with its module, because a cable assembly line is provided, with its module, a fuse and a cover (only one reference per component).

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du support de la boíte d'interconnexion et des modules indépendants à fusibles lames, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective, conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, d'un ensemble de réceptacles surmoulés sur la lame conductrice et destinés à recevoir des modules à fusibles enfichables, dont un seul est représenté en coupe ;
• la figure 3 est une vue partielle des organes de connexion entre le module et la lame conductrice de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de réceptacles et de modules à fusibles enfichables selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de détail d'un organe de liaison électrique utilisé dans l'ensemble de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un troisième mode de réalisation de boíte d'interconnexion groupant des modules à fusibles à lames et des modules et des modules à fusibles enfichables ;
• la figure 7 représente en coupe éclatée le détail d'un module à fusible à lame, adapté audit troisième mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 8 et 9 représentent en coupe le même module en cours de fixation au boítier puis fixé au boítier ;
• la figure 10 représente en perspective la lame et les modules à fusibles enfichables, du même troisième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 11 est une coupe éclatée d'un module à fusible enfichable.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the description of several embodiments of the invention, as well as the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the support of the interconnection box and independent modules with blade fuses, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view, according to a second embodiment of the invention, of a set of receptacles overmolded on the conductive strip and intended to receive plug-in fuse modules, only one of which is shown in section;
• Figure 3 is a partial view of the connection members between the module and the conductive strip of Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a set of receptacles and pluggable fuse modules according to a third embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 5 is a detail view of an electrical connection member used in the assembly of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the interconnection box grouping blade fuse modules and modules and pluggable fuse modules;
• Figure 7 shows in exploded section the detail of a blade fuse module, adapted to said third embodiment;
• Figures 8 and 9 show in section the same module being fixed to the housing and then fixed to the housing;
• FIG. 10 shows in perspective the blade and the plug-in fuse modules, of the same third embodiment;
• Figure 11 is an exploded section of a plug-in fuse module.

The interconnection box according to a first embodiment is partially shown in Figure 1.

The interconnection box whose protective cover is not not shown, includes a general support 1 on which is fixed, by any suitable means, a conductive strip 2 which is supplied with current at from a source, not shown, which is for example a battery of a motor vehicle. Modules 3, independent of each other, are intended to be mounted in receptacles which, in the example in the figure, are delimited by locations made on said support 1. Each module 3 comprises a hollow body 4 divided into two parts 5, 6, one of which part 5 receives a fixed connection terminal 7 constituted by an insert molded. A terminal 8 is a molded screw used to tighten the blade 2 on the support, and has its upper end which opens into part 6. A fuse 9, in the form of a blade, is provided with two openings for its positioning on terminals 7 and 8 and its fixing. An electric cable 10 is provided with a terminal lug 11 at its free end 12, said lug being fixed to the fixed terminal 7 by a nut 13. On each side face 14, 15 of the body 4 is provided with a wide groove 16. On the support 1 and on each side a terminal 8 are provided with two guide and retaining studs 17 which each have one end in the form of a flexible hook 18 forming a retaining clip intended to come to bear on a notch 19 formed on the upper edge of the corresponding groove 16, so as to maintain in places the body 4, once it is inserted between two consecutive pads 17, which delimit between them the location for housing the body 4, this location constituting a receptacle 3a for a module 3.

The fixed terminal 7 comprises a base overmolded in a stud in plastic 20 which is housed in a corresponding blind hole 21 formed in holder 1.

The power supply of each cable 10 is produced by the conductive strip 2, the terminal 8, the fuse 9 and the fixed terminal 7.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the support 1 and the conductive strip 2 are identical to those of FIG. 1 and the modules 22 have flat fuses 23, as shown in Figure 3. The receptacles 24 for the modules 22 are formed in a receiving assembly 25 comprising a number of receptacles 24, six in the example in Figure 2, which are overmolded on the right side of blade 2.

Each module consists of a hollow body 26 provided with two passages 27, 28, respectively through and blind. The flat fuse 23 usually comprises two flat connection tabs 29, 30 and it is introduced into the body 26 of the module at the end of the body which is opposite to that through which a cable 31 is introduced. Cable 31 comprises at its end, disposed in the body 26, means such than a terminal or other body capable of providing an electrical connection with the connection tab 29. In the body 26 is overmolded a double contact piece 32, for example U-shaped with uneven branches 33 and 34. Each branch 33, 34 ends with a lyre, one of which encloses the connection tab 30 and the other of which encloses a contact 35 which is from or in electrical connection with the conductive or distribution blade of current 2, said contact being formed in each receptacle 24. FIG. 3 represents the detail of an example of connection between contact 35 and lyre 36 of branch 33.

When the module is mounted with its fuse and its cable, checks before inserting the module into its receptacle.

According to a third embodiment shown in the figures 4 and 5, the interconnection box always includes the support 1 and the blade distribution or conductive 2 but with a structure of modules and receptacles different from those shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Each module 40, one of which is shown in exploded view on the Figure 4, includes a hollow body 41, part of which is introduced into a protective cover 42. The body 41 includes a part open to its end and intended to receive a flat fuse not shown but which is identical to the flat fuse 23 in FIG. 3. Two through passages 43 and 44 are also provided in the body 41, one 43 for receiving a cable not shown but which is electrically connected to a tab of connection of the flat fuse and the other 44 housing a connecting member electric 44b (see Figure 5) which connects the other connection tab of the flat fuse on the distribution blade 2; it is cut to form a plurality of tabs 2a (see Figure 1) and emerging from the receptacle in the form of one of said tabs 2a. The body 41 also includes a part 45, in the shape of an inverted L, which comprises at least one element of link or clip 46 which cooperates with a notch 47 formed in the cover 42. Preferably, there are two clips 46 arranged on the lateral sides of the piece 45 and cooperating with two opposite notches 47 of the cover 42. The part 45 also serves as a stop for the module after positioning in the corresponding receptacle. A seal 48 is mounted around of the body 41 and is housed in a peripheral groove 49 formed in the cover 42; alternatively, the seal can be housed in the cover 42 and come lean on the body 41. A locking jumper 50 is provided for block the clips 46 after their positioning in the notches 47, so as to avoid any lateral displacement of the cover 42 relative to the body 41.

A reception assembly 51 for the modules 40 can be formed directly in or attached to the support 1. It is more advantageously overmolded on the blade 2. The receiving assembly 51 includes a series of locations or receptacles 52 for the modules 40. Each receptacle 52 comprises a base 53 in which the part 44a of the body 41 which delimits the through passage 44, and a clamp clip 54 sufficiently elastic to allow positioning and blocking of the module in said clamp. Inside each base 53, there are has an electrical connection member which is the cut-out distribution blade 2 to form side tabs as explained above. A module 40 mounted in its receptacle is shown on the right in FIG. 4.

Figures 6 to 11 show a third embodiment combining both blade fuses and plug-in fuses. The support 1 'comprises the conductive strip 2' made in two parts of different level. On the left side of the figure adapt 3 'modules Blade fuses, while the right side is reserved for modules pluggable.

The blade 2 'has holes 60 (fig. 10) which allow its fixing by screws in the support 1 ', and terminals 8' constituted by screws overmolded in plastic. 3'a receptacles are delimited on the support 1 ', to accommodate the modules 3', and include, in addition to the terminal 8 ', pads 17 'on each side of the receptacle, a circular recess 21', and cutouts 61.

Each 3 'module has a hollow plastic body divided in two parts 5 ', 6', one of which 5 ', is fitted by overmolding a terminal fixed thread 7 'forming below a base 20' intended to penetrate into sinking 21 '. Terminal 7 'can receive one of the holes of a fuse 9 'and be capped by the terminal lug 11' of a cable 10 ', tightened by a 13 'nut. The module 3 'can then be placed in the receptacle 3'a, the terminal 8 'passing through an opening in the bottom of part 6' of the body of the module 3 '. The 3 'module is guided by the 17' studs which cooperate with lateral grooves 16 ′ of the module body, which comprise by elsewhere, at their base, a portion forming an elastic hook tongue 18 ', or clip, capable of engaging elastically at the end of its travel in a cutout or a notch 19 'formed at the foot of the pad 17'. Finally, the 3 'module has a 18 "wedge-shaped clip at the front, advancing towards the bottom and inward of part 6 ', fitted with a low lip 18 "capable to engage on a projection 17 "formed at the front of the receptacle 3'a. Before mounting, the 18 "clip is used to hold the fuse blade 9 'in making a vertical stop, to prevent the blade from bending in its part calibrating when installing the module 3 'on the support plate 1', in the case where the hole in the blade 9 'does not exactly coincide with the molded insert 8 'on the support plate 1' of the modules. 18 "clip moves back when the module is clipped (see Figure 9), which frees access to the blade fuse 9 'and allows to replace it if the fuse blows. The body of the module 3 'also includes at the front of part 5' two elastic hooks which can come and sink into the cutouts 61 of the support 1 '. he then just screw the nut 63 on the terminal 8 'to complete the assembly and fixing of the module 3 'on the support 1', the screwing of the nut 63 being made possible by the recoil of the 18 "clip when clipping.

Clipping is protected, since access to clips is via the underside of the support plate 1 'so that the modules Blade fuses are installed once and for all.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 6, 10 and 11 the section on plug-in fuses.

The blade 2 'is provided on its left side with 6 holes 60 allowing it to be screwed onto the six 8 'inserts molded onto the support plate 1 '. On its right part of the blade 2 'is overmolded a series of receptacles 71 in plastic intended to accommodate the modules 70 of the plug-in fuses.

The receptacles 71 comprise a rectangular frame 72 surrounded of two hooking ears 73. A female lyre type contact 74, part integral with the blade 2 ', projects vertically in the frame 72 and is intended to pinch one of the fuse supply tabs.

The module 70 comprises an open box or base 75 overmolded on an electric wire 76 fitted at its end with a connection 77 formed by a bent lyre set at the end of the wire. The wire 76 provided with this connection 77 is placed in the mold and the plastic base is overmolded on all. The base has lower clips 78 cooperating with the ears 73 for hooking the receptacle 71, and flexible hook tabs superiors 79 coming to pass and hanging in ears 80 of a cover 81 possibly fitted with a seal (for example overmolded inside the hood). Fuse 82, pluggable into box 75, has two tabs that fit into the lyres 74 of the receptacle and 77 of the housing. Furthermore, the fuse 82 is held in place in the housing by the cooperation of vertical abutment surfaces 83, 84 at the bottom of the cover and at back of the fuse. A seal 85 is also provided on the housing 75 for cooperate with the frame 72 of the receptacle 71.

The modules 70 are very easily installed, without a key locking and ensure a good seal at the wire entries electric.

Each 3 'or 70 module can be fitted with a coding (color, mechanical coding) to guarantee the positioning the correct fuse in the correct location.

In the various figures, only one line of receptacles is represented. It goes without saying that the interconnection box according to the invention can include several lines of receptacles, their number depending on that of the fuses to be used for the functions to be controlled in the vehicle equipped with the interconnection box. Amperages or ratings of fuses were not voluntarily indicated because they also depend on current intensities required for a particular function. However, it it is planned to differentiate the modules according to the size of the fuses the differentiation can be done using a color or brand or by printing on the module, in one appropriate location, the amperage or rating of the fuse considered.

Claims (17)

Modular interconnection box, characterized in that it comprises a support (1, 1 ') on which are formed at least two receptacles (3a, 3'a, 24, 52, 71) capable of each receiving a module (3 , 3 ', 26, 40, 70) which comprises a fuse (9, 9', 23, 82), each module being on the one hand connected to an electric cable (10, 10 ', 31, 76) of which one end is connected to said fuse of said module and on the other hand supplied with electric current from an electrically conductive strip (2, 2 ′) mounted on said support and connected to a source of electric current, the strip (2, 2 ') comprising a first part arranged to receive blade fuse modules and a second part arranged to receive plug-in fuse modules. Modular interconnection box according to claim 1, characterized in that each module (3, 3 ') consists of a body (4) comprising a fixed terminal (7, 7') of conduction which is connected to one end of the cable electric (10, 10 '), the fuse being mounted by one end on said fixed terminal (7, 7') and by the other end on a terminal (8, 8 ') which is integral with the conductive blade (2, 2 '). Modular interconnection box according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixed terminal (7, 7 ') is provided with a base (20, 20') which is housed in a corresponding orifice (21, 21 ') formed in the support (1, 1 '). Modular interconnection box according to claim 2, characterized in that each module body (3, 3 ') is made integral with the support (1, 1') by means of clipping hooks (18, 18 ') mounted on the support. Modular interconnection box according to claim 4, characterized in that each module body (3) is provided with notches (19) formed on the opposite side walls (14, 15) and in which the retaining clips ( 17). Modular interconnection box according to claim 1, characterized in that the module body (26) comprises a pin (32) disposed in said body and comprising two parts (33, 34) of which at least one (33) ends in a lyre (36) which clamps an apparent contact (35) formed in the receptacle (24) corresponding to said module body and coming from the conductive strip (2), the other part (34) being in contact with one of the two tongues connection (29) of a flat fuse (23), the other connection tab (30) being connected to a terminal crimped on the end of the electric cable (31). Modular interconnection box according to claim 6, characterized in that the two parts (33, 34) of the pin (32) each end in a lyre, one lyre enclosing said apparent contact (35) and the other enclosing the corresponding connection tab of said flat fuse (23). Modular interconnection box according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the pin (32) is molded into the module body. Modular interconnection box according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the receptacles (24) are formed in a reception assembly (25) comprising a number of receptacles (24) isolated from each other, each receptacle (24) comprising an apparent contact (35) connected to a conductive blade (2) common to all the receptacles. Modular interconnection box according to claim 1, characterized in that each module (40) consists of a body (41) capable of being housed in a protective cover (42), said body (41) being clipped into a housing (52) formed in the support (1). Modular interconnection box according to claim 10, characterized in that the body (41) comprises at least one clip (46) for lateral connection capable of being housed in a notch (47) formed in the cover (42) in alignment with said clip, said body and cover being locked by a locking jumper (50). Modular interconnection box according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking jumper (50) comprises one end which is disposed, in the locking position, on the connection clip (46) to prevent any displacement of said connection clip by relative to said corresponding notch (47). Modular interconnection box according to claim 10, characterized in that the body (41) comprises two superposed passages (43, 44), a first passage (43) for the electric cable which is provided at one end with a terminal provided a lyre intended to enclose a first connection tab of a flat fuse (23) mounted on the body on the side of the protective cover (42), said first tab opening into the first passage, the second passage comprising, at the inside, a connecting member between the second connection tab of the flat fuse and the conductive strip of the support. Modular interconnection box according to claim 13, characterized in that the connecting member consists of a double lyre, one of which encloses the conductive strip (2) and the other of which encloses the second connection tab of the flat fuse. Modular interconnection box according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the module body (41) is provided with a seal (48) which is housed in a groove (49) formed at the end of the cover (42). Modular interconnection box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a part designed to receive blade fuse modules, comprising retractable means (18 ") for blocking access to the blade when the module is not in place in its receptacle, cooperating with an element (17 ") of the receptacle to retract and free access to the blade when the module is in place. Modular interconnection box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blade (2 ') has a part arranged to receive plug-in fuse modules (70) comprising a base (75) overmolded on an electric wire ( 76) fitted at its end with a connection (77) formed by a bent lyre crimped at the end of the wire, intended to receive one of the supply tabs of a fuse (82).

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