EP2486628A1

EP2486628A1 - Through-connector for a metal structure, and associated insulating component and metal structure

Info

Publication number: EP2486628A1
Application number: EP10755130A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Zieder
Original assignee: Nicomatic SA
Current assignee: Nicomatic SA
Priority date: 2009-10-06
Filing date: 2010-09-14
Publication date: 2012-08-15
Also published as: FR2951030B1; US20120196484A1; WO2011042283A1; FR2951030A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a through-connector for a metal structure (1) having a through-opening, said through-connector comprising: at least one generally L-shaped connection pin (9) including a first arm (9a) and a second arm (9b) which are formed as a single piece; and at least one insulating component (11) to be secured in the opening and comprising at least one passage for receiving the pin (9), said passage including: a first portion which has a partially open circumference and is substantially parallel to the structure in order to receive the first arm (9a), retaining and orienting said arm such that, after mounting the free end thereof is maintained at a pre-determined distance from the structure, allowing reflow soldering; and a second portion which has a closed circumference and is substantially perpendicular to the first portion in order to receive the second arm (9b), retaining and orienting same in such a way that the free end thereof can come into contact with a mating connector.

Description

Through-hole connector for metal support, insulating part and associated metal support

The invention relates to a through connector for insulated metal support, on which electrical connection tracks for electronic components are formed, in particular mounted on the surface of said support, and are referred to as "CMS" components for "Surface Mounted Component" or components using SMT technology for Surface Mounted Technology. Such supports are known in the trade under the acronym "SMI".

Conventionally, such a support comprises a plate of conductive metal material on one side of which is disposed an insulating layer for electrically isolating the electronic components with respect to the metal plate. This insulating layer is further thermally conductive so as to allow efficient removal of the heat dissipated by the electronic components. The heat dissipated by the electronic components is thus transmitted through the insulating layer to the metal plate while ensuring good electrical insulation between the electronic components and the metal plate.

Such a support is particularly suitable for light-emitting diodes.

Generally, it is desired that the connection of a light-emitting diode to a power source is performed on the face opposite to the face of the support carrying the light-emitting diode, thereby forming the illumination face.

However, it is not possible to apply such a connection with the insulated metal support due to the conduction of the metal plate, which would cause a short circuit.

On the contrary, according to a known solution bores are provided on the insulated metal support allowing the passage of the son for a weld on the insulated metal support. This solution requires a relatively long manufacturing time and is particularly expensive.

The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art by allowing to connect a light emitting diode carried by a metal support isolated by the opposite side to the lighting side.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a through connector intended to be mounted on a metal support having on a first face an insulating layer carrying at least one electronic component, and having at least one through opening of said support, characterized in that the connector comprises: at least one generally L-shaped connection pin with first and second branches formed in one piece, and at least one insulating part intended to be fixed in said through opening of said support, and comprising at least one receiving channel of said at least one connecting pin, said receiving channel having: a first portion of circumference partially open, substantially parallel to said support for receiving said first branch while maintaining and orienting said first branch so that the free end of said first branch is maintained after mounting at a distance a predefined said reflow solder support, and a second closed circumferential portion, substantially perpendicular to the first portion, for receiving said second leg while maintaining and orienting said second leg so that the free end of said second leg can contact with a conjugate connector.

The connector may further include one or more of the following features taken separately or in combination:

said insulating part comprises: a cap configured to be disposed on the first face of said support and in which is provided said first portion of the reception channel of said connection pin for receiving said first branch, and an insertion portion configured to be inserted in the opening of said support, and in which is formed the second portion of the receiving channel of said connecting pin for receiving said second branch;

the cap of said insulating part has a sealing lip of dimensions greater than the dimensions of the opening of said support, interposed between the first branch of said connection pin and said support;

said insulating piece is configured to be fixed to said support by a bayonet fitting; the insertion portion of said insulating piece has at its end opposite to that connected to the cap, an oblong portion of width less than the diameter of the insertion portion, said insertion and oblong portions corresponding to the shape of the opening of said support, so as to: allow insertion of the insertion and oblong portions of said insulating member into the opening of said support, allow rotation of said insertion portion in the opening of said support after insertion, and prevent the removing said oblong portion after rotation of said insertion portion;

said insulating part is configured to be fixed to said support by clipping and in that the insertion portion of said insulating part has elastic clipping means configured to cooperate with the second face of said support;

the elastic clipping means comprise two clipping arms on either side of the insertion portion of said insulating part respectively connected by a first end to the insertion portion, and two slots respectively formed between the insertion portion; and each clipping arm traversing said first ends;

each clipping arm carries at its second end a clip configured to abut against the second face of said support;

the elastic clipping means further comprise two resilient members respectively disposed in the slots being respectively fixed firstly to a second end of the clipping arm and secondly to the insertion portion vis-à-vis;

said insulating piece also carries two locking members respectively partially engaged in the slots, and each clipping arm carries on its second end deformation members configured to be constrained radially against the support and at least partially destroyed during the total insertion said locking member in the slot;

the walls vis-à-vis the insertion portion and the clipping arm have a shape complementary to the shape of the locking member;

the insertion portion of said insulating part is fixed on said support by a ring gluing device disposed on the first face of said support around the opening of said support;

said insulating part is made of plastic;

said connector is configured to be clipped onto the conjugate connector;

said connector comprises a seal configured to be disposed between the connector and the conjugate connector; and

said connector integrates electrical and / or electronic components for signal processing in said connection pin and / or said insulating piece.

The invention also relates to an insulating part for a through connector according to the invention intended to be fixed in said through opening of said support by a bayonet fitting, characterized in that it comprises:

at least one receiving channel of said at least one connecting pin, said receiving channel having a first partially open portion of circumference substantially parallel to said support for receiving said first branch while maintaining and orienting said first branch so that the end free of said first branch is maintained after mounting at a predefined distance of said support for reflow soldering, and a second portion of closed circumference substantially perpendicular to the first portion, for receiving said second branch while maintaining and orienting said second branch so that the free end of said second branch can come into contact with a conjugate connector,

a cap configured to be disposed on the first face of said support and in which is formed said first portion of the receiving channel of said connecting pin for receiving said first branch, said cap has a sealing lip of dimensions greater than the dimensions of the opening of said support, interposed between the first branch of said connection pin and said support,

- An insertion portion configured to be inserted into the opening of said support, and wherein is formed the second portion of the receiving channel of said connecting pin for receiving said second leg.

The invention also relates to an insulating part for a through connector according to the invention characterized in that it comprises:

a cap configured to be disposed on the first face of said support and in which is formed said first portion of the receiving channel of said connection pin for receiving said first branch,

an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the opening of said support, and in which the second portion of the receiving channel of said connection pin is formed to receive said second branch,

two clipping arms on either side of the insertion portion of said insulating part respectively connected by a first end to the insertion portion, and respectively carrying at their second end a clip configured to abut against the second face of said support, and

two slots respectively formed between the insertion portion and each clipping arm traversing said first ends.

The invention also relates to a metal support having on a first face an insulating layer carrying at least one electronic component, and having at least one through opening of said support, characterized in that it carries at least one through connector according to the invention.

Said metal support may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken separately or in combination:

said support carries on its first face a light-emitting diode connected to a power source via the connector;

said support has on its first face an electrical connection track electrically connected to both the electronic component and the first branch of said connection pin.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

FIG. 1a is a perspective top view of an insulated metal support carrying two connectors according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 1b is a perspective bottom view of the support of FIG. FIG. 1a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the support of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of a two-point connector according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 3 represents a connection pin in perspective, provided on the support of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a top view in perspective of the support of FIG. 1a before mounting a connector on the support,

FIG. 5a is a sectional view of a connection pin and an insulating part of a connector according to a first variant,

FIG. 5b is a sectional view of a connection pin and an insulating part of a connector according to a second variant,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an insulated metal support secured to a connector connected to a screw terminal block;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a connection pin and an insulating part according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 7b is a top view in perspective of the insulating part of FIG. 7a,

FIG. 7c is a perspective bottom view of the connection pin and the insulating part of FIG. 7a,

FIG. 7d is a perspective view from above of the connection pin and the insulating part of FIG. 7a,

FIG. 8 represents connection pins of FIG. 3 on a carrier strip before mounting on the support of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector comprising cylindrical connection pins,

FIG. 10a is a sectional view of a connection pin and an insulating part mounted on the support of FIG.

FIG. 10b is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 10a showing in greater detail a sealing lip of the insulating part,

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the opening of the support for a two-point connector, FIG. 12 is a view from below of the support of FIG. 1a carrying an insulating part,

FIG. 13a represents an insulated metal support secured to a connector according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 13b is a partial front view of the connector of FIG. 13a,

FIG. 13c is a view from above of a two-point connector according to the second embodiment,

FIG. 14a shows a connector according to a third embodiment before mounting on the insulated metal support,

FIG. 14b is a view from above of the connector of FIG. 14a,

FIG. 14c is a partial sectional view showing in more detail the clipping means of the connector of FIG. 14a,

FIG. 14d is a front view of the connector of FIG. 14a placed on the support,

FIG. 14e is a sectional view schematically showing the locking of the connector of FIG. 14d on the support, and

FIG. 14f is a view showing a detail of the clipping means of the connector of FIG. 14d after mounting on the support.

In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. In addition, the elements of FIGS. 13a to 13c, respectively 14a to 14f, identical to the elements of FIGS. 1a to 12 bear the same references preceded by the one hundred 1, respectively of the one hundred 2.

FIGS. 1 to 1 illustrate an insulated metal support 1 (SMI) with first and second opposing faces.

Conventionally, the support 1 comprises a plate P of conductive metal such as aluminum and an insulating layer I, for example FR-4 abbreviation of the English "Flame Resistant 4", arranged on the plate P of metal. The first face of the support is thus formed by the insulating layer I while the second face lb is formed by the metal plate P.

The support 1 bears on its first face the electronic components such as A light emitting diode 3. A control circuit of the light-emitting diode 3 can also be envisaged on the first face 1a. Electrical connection tracks 5 associated with the electronic components 3 are formed on the first face 1a of the insulating layer I.

These electronic components 3 are generally components mounted on the surface of the support 1, we speak of "CMS" components for "Surface Mounted Component" or "SMC" components in English for "Surface Mounted Component" using "SMT" technology in English for "Surface Mounted Technology". The electronic components 3 can therefore be soldered by reflow on the associated connection tracks 5 of the first face 1a of the support 1.

The support 1 further ensures a transfer of the heat dissipated by the electronic components 3 mounted on its first face, to the metal plate P.

In addition, the support 1 comprises at least one connector 7 for connecting an electronic component 3 to a power source (not shown).

For this purpose, the connector 7 comprises:

at least one connection pin 9, and

an insulating part 11 associated.

According to the embodiment variant illustrated in Figures la and lb, the connector 7 is a connector a point. Of course, one can provide according to the application a two-point connector as shown in Figure 2 or three or four points, a greater number being possible depending on the applications. Such connectors several points can be envisaged for example for the routing of several light emitting diodes on a single connector.

According to the variant of Figure 2, there are two connection pins 9 and a center distance e of 2.54mm for example between the two connection pins 9, with an insulating piece 11 common to the two connection pins 9.

Figure 3 shows in more detail a connection pin 9 of the connector

7.

This connection pin 9 comprises a first branch 9a and a second branch 9b made in one piece with the first branch 9a, for example by cutting and bending, preferably of brass.

In the illustrated example, the first 9a and second 9b branches of the connection pin 9 are rectangular in cross section.

As a variant, first 9a and second 9b substantially cylindrical branches may be provided (FIG. 2) made for example by bar turning.

This connection pin 9 has a general shape in "L".

Moreover, with reference to FIGS. 1a and 4, it can be seen that the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 is in contact with an associated electrical connection track 5 formed on the first face 1a of the insulating layer I of the support 1 and in electrical contact with the electronic component 3 to be powered.

The first branch 9a thus has a connection zone 13 (FIG. 3) for establishing an electrical contact with the electronic component 3 via the associated electrical connection track 5.

In order to fix the connector 7 to the support 1 in order to maintain electrical contact between the connection zone 13 of the first branch 9a and the associated electrical connection track 5, this connection zone 13 may be reflow soldered on the electrical connection track. 5 associated.

According to an alternative not illustrated, the connection pin 9 is directly connected to the electronic component 3 and no longer via the associated electrical connection track 5. For this purpose, it can be provided that the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 has at its free end a clip or a portion that can be crimped to be connected to the electronic component 3.

The second branch 9b of the connecting pin 9 is in turn inserted into an opening 15 provided on the support 1, for example made by drilling, and extends from the first face 1a to the second face 1b of the support 1 (see FIGS. la, lb and 4).

This second branch 9b then comes into contact with a conjugate connector 17, partially shown in Figure 5a, connected to the power source. Of course, the conjugate connector 17 may also be an integral part of the power source.

For this purpose, the second branch 9b has at its free end a shape complementary to the shape of the free end of the conjugate connector 17.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5a, the connecting pin 9a is a pin of the male type and the second leg 9b is in the form of a contact plug which cooperates with a contact slot 19 of the conjugate connector 17.

Alternatively (Fig. 5b), the connecting pin 9a is a female type pin and the second leg 9b has a contact slot 19 'which cooperates with a contact plug (not shown) of the conjugate connector.

Of course, any other means of connection may be provided between the connector 7 and the conjugate connector 17, such as for example a screw terminal type connection means, as shown in Figure 6.

For this purpose, a terminal block 20 is connected to the second branch 9b of the connection pin and has an axial housing 22 to receive a conjugate connection plug. This terminal 20 further includes an opening 24 for receiving a screwing means, such as screw / nut to ensure the attachment. Conversely, the connection plug can be received in the opening 24.

In addition, for such a connection, the insulating part 11 is then configured to absorb the tightening torques.

The connection pin 9 thus enables the electronic component 3 to be connected directly or via electrical connection tracks 5 to the power source.

For applications requiring electrical signal processing, this connection pin 9 may also be configured to integrate signal processing functions. This is called a smart connector that integrates electrical / electronic components for example for filtering the signal. These electrical / electronic components can also be integrated in the insulating part.

In addition, the connecting pin 9 is at least partially surrounded by the insulating part 11 (Figures 7a to 7d) so as to isolate the connecting pin 9 relative to the metal plate P of the carrier 1 which is conductive. According to this embodiment, an insulating part 11 is provided for a connecting pin 9. It is possible alternatively to provide a common insulating part which is sufficiently wide to insulate two pins from each other. 9 or more connection, as shown in Figure 2.

The insulating part 11 has a receiving channel 21 in which is inserted the connection pin 9 (Figures 7a-7d). For this purpose, the reception channel 21 is of complementary shape to that of the connection pin 9.

More specifically, the receiving channel 21 has a first partially open portion 29 of circumference substantially parallel to the support 1 to receive the first branch 9a, for example formed by a recess, and a second portion of closed circumference substantially perpendicular to the first portion 29 to receive the second branch 9b.

The first portion 29 maintains and orients the first leg 9a so that the free end 13 of the first leg 9a is held after mounting at a predefined distance of the support for the soldering by reflow, and the second portion maintains and directs the second leg 9b so that the free end of the second branch 9b can come into contact with the conjugate connector 17.

By way of example, the connection pin 9 can be produced by cutting and supported by a carrier strip as shown in FIG. 8. The insulating part 11 is then routed and inserted on the connection pin 9 to the stop and the connection pin 9 is folded.

In a variant, the connection pin 9 is firstly bent and then the second branch 9b of the connection pin 9 is inserted into the receiving channel 21 of the insulating part 11.

According to another variant partially visible in FIG. 9 according to which the connecting pin 9 is cylindrical, a section change is provided so that the first branch 9a has a first diameter D 1 and the second branch 9b has a second diameter. D2 larger than the first diameter Dl. In a complementary manner, the first portion 29 of the receiving channel 21 of the insulating part 11 has for example a diameter of 1.15 mm to receive the first branch 9a of diameter D1 and the second portion of the receiving channel 21 is wider and For example, it has a diameter of 1.27 mm to receive the second branch 9b of diameter D2.

Thus, the connection pin 9 is inserted in the reception channel 21 to the second branch 9b comes into abutment, then the first leg 9a is folded to obtain the substantially "L" shape of the connecting pin 9.

In addition, according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a to 7d, the insulating part 11 comprises:

a cap 23 disposed on the first face 1a of the support 1,

a substantially cylindrical insertion portion of diameter D, and

an oblong portion 27 of width L less than the diameter D of the insertion portion 25, provided at the end of the insertion portion 25 opposite to that connected to the cap 23,

the insertion and oblong portions 27 being inserted in the opening 15 of the support 1 so as to pass through the support 1.

These three parts 23, 25 and 27 of the insulating part 11 are formed in one piece for example by plastic injection, such as polyetheretherketone, designated by the acronym "PEEK" for "PolyEtherEtherKetone" in English, or Polyphenylene Sulfide also known as phenylene polysulfide, having the acronym

"PPS", to ensure good electrical insulation and good temperature resistance up to reflow temperatures without structural changes.

The cap 23 has a flat portion 23a which allows for example the manipulation of the connector 7 to mount it on the support 1. This flat portion 23a can be adapted according to the intended manipulation, for example for gripper manipulation can be provided for gripping lugs on the flat portion 23a of the insulating part 1.

In addition, the first portion 29 of the receiving channel 21 is formed on the flat portion 23a to receive the first branch 9a of the connecting pin 9. Of course, this first portion 29 is made with a shape complementary to the first branch 9a to receive, for example substantially rectangular in the example of Figure 7b or substantially cylindrical variant in the example of Figure 2.

In addition, the cap 23 has a sealing lip 31 better visible in Figures 10a and 10b. This sealing lip 31 has dimensions greater than those of the opening 15 of the support 1, so as to cover the opening 15 being interposed between the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 and the first face of the support 1. This provides a first face of the support 1 completely airtight.

However, so as to allow electrical contact between the connecting pin 9 and the associated electrical connection track 5 of the support 1, the dimensions of the sealing lip 31 are adapted to leave free the space between the connection zone 13 of the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 and the associated electrical connection track 5.

The sealing lip 31 thus disposed constrains the insulating part 11 and the connecting pin 9 associated in the opening 15 of the support 1, which has the effect of holding the connector 7 in position before it is fastened to the support 1, for example by welding the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 on the first face of the support 1.

In addition, this sealing lip 31 has sufficient elasticity to compensate for differences in thickness between several supports 1.

More specifically, the connector 7 can be put in place on several supports 1 having different thicknesses. The elasticity of the lip 31 is then configured to compensate for predefined thickness tolerances. For example, for a support 1 of conventional thickness of 1. 635 mm, there is a tolerance of plus or minus 0.16 mm that can be compensated by the sealing lip. Thus, the connector 7 can equally well be placed on a support 1 1.5 mm thick than on a support 1 1.7 mm thick.

As an alternative to this sealing lip 31, it is possible to provide an O-ring seal (not shown) disposed around the opening 15 of the support 1, between the cap 23 and the first face 1a of the support 1.

Moreover, the second portion of the receiving channel 21 is formed in the insertion portion 25. Of course, this second portion is made with a shape complementary to the second branch 9b to receive, for example substantially rectangular in the example of FIG. 7b or in a substantially cylindrical variant in the example of Figure 2.

In addition, the insertion portion 25 and the oblong portion 27 (Figures 7a, 7c) have shapes adapted to be inserted into the opening 15 of the support 1 and allow the rotation of the insertion portion 25 for mounting bayonet type on the support 1.

More precisely, referring again to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the opening 15 has a generally oblong shape of width L 'complementary to the shape of the oblong portion 27 of the insulating part 11 to allow the insertion of the oblong portion 27 in the opening 15.

In addition, the opening 15 has substantially at its center a convex circular arc on each longitudinal side of the oblong shape of radius R. This radius R is thus chosen such that the radius R is greater than half the width L ', the circular arcs thus delimit a virtual cylindrical orifice represented in dotted line of diameter D' greater than the width L ', see relation (1).

(1) D '= 2 x R> L'

This cylindrical orifice is of complementary shape to that of the insertion portion 25 of the insulating part 11 to allow insertion and rotation of the insertion portion 25 in the opening 15 of the support 1.

Alternatively, in the case of a connector 7 two points (Figure 2), the insertion portion 25 of the insulating part 11 becomes a substantially oblong portion to receive the two connecting pins 9, greater than the width of width the oblong portion 27, and the opening 15 (Figure 11) has a generally oblong shape with a central portion of width Li "to receive the insertion portion 25 and arcuate ends of maximum width L2" less than the width Li ", to receive the oblong portion 27.

Such an opening 15 whose geometry is adapted to the passage of the connector 7 that it is a point (Figure 4) or two points (Figure 11) can be achieved in a simple manner for example by drilling and / or machining.

Moreover, once the rotation of the insertion portion 25 has been performed, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12 at an angle of 90 °, the oblong portion 27 is then perpendicular to the opening 15 of the support 1, thus preventing the withdrawal by the opening 15 of the insulating part 11 and thus of the connecting pin 9. The connector 7 and the insulated metal support 1 are thus mechanically secured.

For example, the connector 7 can be mounted on the support 1 as follows:

inserting the connection pin 9 and the insulating part 1 1 secured in the opening 15 of the support 1, so that the cap 23 abuts the first face 1a of the support 1 and the second branch 9b of the connecting pin passes through the support 1 to come into contact with the conjugate connector 17,

the insulating part 11 is rotated at an angle, for example 90.degree., until the connection zone 13 of the first branch 9a of the connection pin 9 faces the track of associated electrical connections 5 of the support 1, and

the first branch 9a is welded by reflow onto the associated electrical connection track 5.

Moreover, referring again to FIGS. 5a, 5b, it can be seen that the insulating part 11 can be fixed, for example by clipping, to the conjugate connector 17, to guarantee a connection between the two connectors 7 and 17.

For this purpose, according to a first variant illustrated in FIG. 5a, the conjugate connector 17 has a cylindrical skirt 33 which, in this example, surrounds the contact slot 19 and which has clipping hooks 35 at its end which cooperate with countercuts. complementary clipping hooks 37 carried on the free end of the insulating piece 11.

In addition, there may be provided an O-ring seal 38 compressed between the cylindrical skirt 33 of the conjugate connector 17 and the insulating part 11. This seal 38 improves the seal between the two connectors 7 and 17.

According to a second variant illustrated in FIG. 5b, it is the insulating part 11 of the connector 7 which has a cylindrical skirt 39 surrounding in this example the contact slot 19 'and presenting at its free end clipping hooks 41 which cooperate with complementary clipping counter-hooks (not shown) of the conjugate connector.

Of course, one can consider any other method of attachment between the two connectors 7 and 17.

According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 13a to 13c, the insulating part 111 is mounted on the support 101 by clipping and no longer by a bayonet type mounting as described above.

In this case, an oblong portion of the insulating part 1 1 1 is unnecessary, and the insertion portion 125 of the insulating part has resilient clipping means 143 cooperating with the second face 101b of the support 101, which has the effect to hold the connector 107 in position before fixing it on the support 101, for example by welding the first branch 109a of the connection pin 109 on the first face 101a of the support 101.

These elastic clipping means are also configured to compensate for predefined thickness tolerances of supports 101, such as the elastic lip 31 of the first embodiment.

More precisely, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13b, the connector 107 comprises a cap 133 of generally parallelepipedal shape and an insertion portion 125.

The cap 123 protrudes radially from the insertion portion 125 and has dimensions greater than those of the opening 115 of the support 1 to cover it interposed between the first branch 109a of the connection pin 109 and the first 101a of the support 101, and thus forming a stop 145 against the first face 101a of the support 101.

However, in order to allow electrical contact between the first branch

109a of the connection pin 109 and the associated electrical connection track 105 of the support 101, the dimensions of the cap 123 are adapted to leave free the space between the connection zone 113 of the first branch 109a of the connection pin 109 and the associated electrical connection track 105.

For example, the thickness e between the abutment 145 and the first portion 129 of the receiving channel 121 is of the order of 0.1mm.

The insertion portion 125 of the insulating part 111 laterally carries the elastic clipping means 143. The cap 123, the insertion portion 125 and these elastic clipping means 143 are made in one piece.

According to the embodiment shown, the elastic clipping means 143 are diametrically opposed on either side of the insertion portion 125 and respectively comprise:

a clipping arm 147 whose first end 147a is radially connected to the insertion portion 125 and whose second end 147b opposite the first end 147a has a clip made for example in the form of a hook or harpoon, to abut against the second face 101b of the support 101, and

a slot 149 between the insertion portion 125 and the clipping arm 147, passing through the first end 147a of the clipping arm 147.

In the illustrated example, the insertion portion 125 has two lateral faces connected to the substantially rectangular clipping arms 147.

In addition, four axial grooves 148 which are more visible in FIGS. 13b and 13c are provided on the insertion portion 125. More specifically, a groove 148 is formed near each end of the lateral faces of the insertion portion 125. grooves 148 allow the passage of drilling burrs and machining due to the realization of the opening 115 of the support 101.

The tightening torques are thus absorbed, for example in the case of a screw terminal block connection (FIG. 6) between the conjugate connectors.

An elastic member 150 may be interposed in the slot 149 between the insertion portion 125 and the clipping arm 147 at its second end 147b, the elastic member 150 being fixed on the one hand to the second end 147b and to the second end 147b. the surface of the insertion portion 125 vis-à-vis the second end 147b.

As best seen in Figure 13c, the clipping arm 147 has a substantially rounded general shape corresponding to the shape of the arcuate end of the opening 115 associated with the support 101, as described above. In addition, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to vary the number of points of the connector 107 according to the applications. By way of example, FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate a point connector 107 according to the second embodiment and FIG. 13c illustrates a two point connector 107 according to the second embodiment.

Thus, for the mounting of the connector 107 on the support 101, the second branch 109b of the connector 107 is inserted into the associated opening 115 of the support 101 according to the arrow F1 illustrated in FIG. 13a for a mounting from the front. a pressing force according to the arrow Fl on the connector 107 so that the clip 147b passes through the support 101 and until the stop 145 of the cap 143 bears against the first face 101a of the support 101.

When the constraint is released, the clip 147b abuts against the second face 101b of the support 101. The connector 107 thus held in position, can be fixed the connector 107 and the support 101 by welding the connection pin (s) 109 on the electrical connection tracks on the first face 101a of the support 101.

A third embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 14a to 14f, differs from the second embodiment in that for each clipping arm 247, the second end 247b in the form of a clip further carries at least one deformation member 251 intended to be deformed or destroyed during assembly of the connector 207 on the support 201.

The deformation members 25 are uniformly distributed over the circumference of the clipping arm 247 at the clip 247b, spaced at a constant predefined pitch.

These deformation members 251 are shown in the illustrated example as ailerons. Other suitable forms may be provided for these deformation members 251 such as a staircase shape.

According to this third embodiment, a locking member 253 is carried by the clipping arm 247 partially engaged in the slot 249 and held by means of elastic members 254 provisional fixing shaped to break when exercising a axial bearing force according to the arrow Fl on the locking member 253. The locking member 253 then fully fits into the slot 249 so as to radially constrain the clipping arm 247 by pushing the deformation members 251 against the support 201 until they are deformed or destroyed.

For this purpose, the slot 249 has a shape complementary to this locking member 253.

Furthermore, the walls 257 and 257 'respectively have a rib 261, 261' facing respectively a groove 255 of the locking member 253 and which respectively engage in the grooves 255 associated when a force of 25 support according to the arrow Fl is exerted on the locking member 253.

The connector 207 can therefore be mounted on the support 201 as described below.

The second branch 209b of the connector 207 is inserted into the associated opening 215 of the support 201 along the arrow F1 illustrated in FIG. 14a for a mounting from the front, and a pressing force is exerted along the arrow F 1 on the connector 207 (Figure 14c) so that the second end 247b of the clipping arm passes through the support 201 and until the stop 245 of the cap 243 bears against the first face 201a of the support 201 (Figure 14d).

A bearing force is then exerted along the arrow Fl on the locking member 253 to break the elastic members 254 for temporary fixing so that the locking member 253 fits into the slot 249 until the 257,257 'ribs engage in the grooves 255 of the locking member 253 (Figure 14e).

A radial force F2 then forces the deformation members 251 against the support 201 and are, for example, crushed (FIGS. 14e and 14f).

The connector 207 and the support 201 are then fixed, for example, by welding the connection pin or pins 209 on the electrical connection tracks on the first face 201a of the support 201.

A fourth embodiment (not shown) can still be provided, in which the insulating part 11 is fixed to the support 1 by gluing.

In this case, an adhesive ring (not shown), for example made of silicone or of heat-fusible material, can be placed on the first face of the support 1 around of the opening 15 of the support 1, so as to stick the cap 23 of the insulating part 11 against the first face of the support 1.

The glue ring then combines both the sealing function of the first face of the support 1 and the attachment function of the connector 7 on the support 1.

It is therefore understood that such a support 1, 101,201 insulated metal and secured to the connector 7,107,207 according to the invention allows to simply connect an electronic component, such as a light emitting diode 3 to a power source from the back of the support 1, while ensuring a good mechanical strength and a good seal of the support 1,101,201.

Claims

Through-connector intended to be mounted on a metal support (1,101,201) having on a first face (la, 101a, 201a) an insulating layer (I) carrying at least one electronic component (3), and having at least one opening (15, 115, 215) through said support (1,101,201), characterized in that the connector comprises:

at least one connection pin (9, 109, 209) of general "L" shape with a first (9a, 109a, 209a) and a second (9b, 109b, 209b) branches formed in one piece, and

at least one insulating piece intended to be fixed in said opening (15, 115, 215) passing through said support, and comprising at least one receiving channel (21) of said at least one connection pin (9, 109, 209), said channel receiving (21) presenting:

A first portion (29,129,229) of circumference partially open, substantially parallel to said support (1,101,201) for receiving said first branch (9a, 109a, 209a) while maintaining and orienting said first branch (9a, 109a, 209a) so that the free end (1 3, 1 1 3) of said first leg (9a, 109a, 209a) is maintained after mounting at a predefined distance from said support for reflow soldering, and

A second portion of closed circumference, substantially perpendicular to the first portion (29, 129,229), for receiving said second branch (9b, 109b, 209b) while maintaining and orienting said second branch (9b, 109b, 209b) so that the end free of said second branch (9b, 109b, 209b) can come into contact with a conjugate connector (17).

Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that said insulating part (11, 111, 211) comprises: - a cap (23,123,223) configured to be disposed on the first face (la, 101a, 201a) of said support and in which is formed said first portion (29,129,229) of the receiving channel (21,121,221) of said connection pin (9,109,209) for receiving said first branch (9a, 109a, 209a), and

an insertion portion (25, 125, 255) configured to be inserted into the opening (15, 15, 22) of said support (1), and in which the second portion of the receiving channel of said connecting pin (9, 109, 209) is arranged to receiving said second branch (9b, 109b, 209b).

3. Connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the cap (23) of said insulating part (11) has a sealing lip (31) of dimensions greater than the dimensions of the opening (15) of said support (1) interposed between the first branch (9a) of said connection pin (9) and said support (1).

4. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said insulating piece (11) is configured to be fixed to said support (1) by a bayonet mount.

5. Connector according to one of claims 2 or 3 taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the insertion portion (25) of said insulating part (11) has at its end opposite to that connected to the cap

(23), an oblong portion (27) of width (L) smaller than the diameter (D) of the insertion portion (25), said insertion portions (25) and oblong (27) corresponding to the shape of the opening (15) of said support, so as to:

- allow insertion of the insertion portions (25) and oblong (27) of said insulating part (11) in the opening (15) of said support,

allow rotation of said insertion portion (25) in the opening (15) of said support after insertion, and

- preventing the removal of said oblong portion (27) after rotation of said insertion portion (25).

6. Connector according to claim 2, characterized in that said piece insulation (111,211) is configured to be fixed to said support (101,201) by clipping and in that the insertion portion (125,225) of said insulating piece (111,211) has elastic clipping means configured to cooperate with the second face (101b 201b) of said support (101,201).

7. Connector according to claim 6, characterized in that the resilient clipping means comprise:

two clipping arms (147,247) on either side of the insertion portion (125,225) of said insulating part (1 1 1, 21 1) respectively connected by a first end (147a, 247a) to the portion of insertion (125,225), and

- two slots (149,249) respectively formed between the insertion portion (125,225) and each clipping arm (147,247) passing through said first ends (147a, 247a).

8. Connector according to claim 7, characterized in that each clipping arm (147,247) carries at its second end (147b, 247b) a clip configured to abut against the second face (101b, 201b) of said support (101,201) .

9. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the elastic clipping means further comprise two resilient members (150) respectively arranged in the slots (149) being respectively fixed on the one hand to a second end (147b) of clipping arm (147) and secondly to the insertion portion (125) vis-à-vis.

Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that:

said insulating part (21 1) additionally bears two locking members (253) respectively partially engaged in the slots (249), and in that

each clipping arm (247) carries on its second end (247b) deformation members (251) configured to be constrained radially against the support (201) and at least partially destroyed during the total insertion of said locking member ( 253) in the slot (249).

11. Connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the walls (257,257 ') vis-à-vis the insertion portion (225) and the clipping arm (247) have a shape complementary to the shape of the locking member (253).

12. Connector according to any one of claims 2 to 1 1, characterized in that the insertion portion (25) of said insulating part (1 1) is fixed on said support by a bonding ring disposed on the first face (la) of said support around the opening (15) of said support.

13. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said insulating part (11,111,211) is made of plastic.

14. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to be clipped on the conjugate connector (17).

15. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a seal (38) configured to be disposed between the connector (7,107,207) and the conjugate connector (17).

16. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it incorporates electrical and / or electronic components for signal processing in said connection pin (9,109,209) and / or said insulating part (11, 111, 211). .

17. Insulating part for a through connector according to any one of claims 12 to 16 taken in combination with any one of claims 3 to 5, intended to be fixed in said opening (15) through said support by a bayonet mount, characterized in that it comprises:

at least one reception channel of said at least one connection pin (9), said reception channel having:

A first portion (29) of partially open circumference substantially parallel to said support (1) for receiving said first branch (9a) while maintaining and orienting said first branch (9a) so that the free end (13) of said first branch (9a) maintained after mounting at a predefined distance from said support for reflow soldering, and

A second portion of closed circumference substantially perpendicular to the first portion (29), for receiving said second branch (9b) while maintaining and orienting said second branch (9b) so that the free end of said second branch (9b) can contacting a conjugate connector (17),

a cap (23) configured to be disposed on the first face (1a) of said support and in which is formed said first portion (29) of the receiving channel of said connection pin (9) to receive said first branch (9a) , said cap (23) has a sealing lip (31) of dimensions greater than the dimensions of the opening (15) of said support (1) interposed between the first branch (9a) of said connecting pin (9) and said support (1),

an insertion portion (25) configured to be inserted into the opening (15) of said support (1), and in which is formed the second portion of the receiving channel of said connection pin (9) to receive said second branch (9b).

18. Insulating part for a through connector according to any one of claims 12 to 16 taken in combination with any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that it comprises:

a cap (123,223) configured to be disposed on the first face (101a, 201a) of said support and in which said first portion (129,229) of the receiving channel of said connection pin (109,209) is formed to receive said first branch ( 109a, 209a),

an insertion portion (125, 225) configured to be inserted into the opening (115, 215) of said support (1), and in which is provided the second portion of the receiving channel of said connection pin (109, 209) for receiving said second branch (109b, 209b),

two clipping arms (147,247) on either side of the insertion portion (125,225) of said insulating part (1 1 1, 21 1) respectively connected by a first end (147a, 247a) to the insertion portion (125,225), and respectively carrying at their second end (147b, 247b) a clip configured to abut against the second face (101b, 201b) of said support (101,201), and

19. Metal support having on a first face (la, 101a, 20a) an insulating layer (I) carrying at least one electronic component (3), and having at least one opening (15, 115, 215) through said support (1, 101, 201), characterized in that it carries at least one through connector (7,107,207) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. Support according to claim 19, characterized in that it carries on its first face (la) a light-emitting diode (3) connected to a power source through the connector (7).

21. Support according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that said support has on its first face (la) an electrical connection track (5) electrically connected to both the electronic component (3) and the first branch (9a) of said connection pin (9).