EP3174161A1 - Device for interconnecting an electric member with pairs of electric cables - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (DI) is dedicated to the interconnection of an electrical member (OE), comprising two electrical pins (BE1, BE2), to first (P1) and second (P2) pairs of electric cables, and comprises two pods (C1, C2) each comprising two ends (E11-E22), opposite and adapted to be crimped respectively on free ends (EL) of two electric cables of each pair (P1, P2), and a central portion (PC1, PC2) connecting these ends (E11-E22) and adapted to be electrically coupled to one of the electrical pins (BE1, BE2).

Description

The invention relates to interconnection devices which are intended to interconnect an electrical member to electric cables.

In many areas, such as for example vehicles, possibly automobiles, it often happens that a first electrical member must be electrically coupled to two other electrical organs. By way of illustrative example, it is for example the case of an electric machine (or motor) providing at least part of the propulsion of a vehicle and to be electrically coupled to a battery and to a charger.

To achieve this coupling is generally used first and second devices (or boxes) interconnection and coupling means. The first interconnection device (or housing) provides interconnection between a first pair of electrical cables connected to the second electrical member and a first pair of electrical pins of the first electrical member. The second interconnection device (or housing) provides interconnection between a second pair of electrical cables connected to the third electrical member and a second pair of electrical pins of the first electrical member. The coupling means provide electrical coupling between the two pairs of electrical pins in the first electrical member.

The use of two devices (or boxes) interconnection, for the power supply and the distribution of electrical energy, proves not only expensive, but also cumbersome. In addition, it imposes specific arrangements within the first electrical member (presence of two pairs of electrical pins and coupling means) which complicates the first electrical member and increases the cost.

The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation.

In particular, it proposes for this purpose an interconnection for interconnecting an electrical member, comprising two electrical pins, to electrical cables. This interconnection device is characterized in that it comprises two lugs each comprising, on the one hand, two ends, opposite and adapted to be crimped respectively on free ends of two electric cables belonging to two different pairs, and, on the other hand, a central portion connecting these ends and adapted to be electrically coupled to one of the electrical pins.

Thus, a single interconnection device interconnects a single pair of electrical pins of a first electrical member to two pairs of electric cables respectively connected to two other electrical organs, which allows to group the power function electric first electrical member and the distribution of electrical energy to another electrical member. This results in particular a reduction in the size and cost, as well as the complexity of the first electrical member.

• il peut également comprendre, d'une part, une embase propre à être solidarisée fixement à la machine électrique et munie d'au moins un logement central propre à loger une partie des broches électriques, et, d'autre part, un couvercle solidarisé à cette embase et propre à masquer les cosses et les extrémités libres des câbles électriques sur lesquelles sont serties les cosses ;
  • 
    l'embase peut comprendre deux trous, et il peut également comprendre deux pièces de maintien propres chacune à couvrir partiellement les câbles électriques de l'une des paires juste avant leurs extrémités libres et comportant un trou central pour le passage d'une vis destinée à traverser l'un des trous pour maintenir les câbles électriques par rapport à l'embase ;
    • chaque pièce de maintien peut être propre à couvrir partiellement les câbles électriques de l'une des paires sur une portion blindée autour de laquelle une portion d'une gaine a été préalablement retirée ;
  • 
    l'embase peut comprendre au moins deux logements auxiliaires communiquant avec le(s) logement(s) central (centraux) et propres à loger partiellement les câbles électriques des paires et les extrémités opposées des cosses ;
    • l'embase peut comprendre deux logements centraux associés chacun à l'une des cosses, et quatre logements auxiliaires qui pour deux d'entre eux communiquent avec l'un des logements centraux et pour deux autres d'entre eux communiquent avec l'autre logement central ;
• chaque partie centrale d'une cosse peut comprendre un fût de forme cylindrique circulaire et propre à loger en la contactant étroitement une partie de l'une des broches électriques pour lui être couplé électriquement.

The interconnection device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• it may also comprise, on the one hand, a base adapted to be solidly attached to the electrical machine and provided with at least one central housing adapted to house a portion of the electrical pins, and, on the other hand, a lid secured to this base and proper to hide the pods and the free ends of the electric cables on which are crimped the pods;
  • 
    the base may comprise two holes, and it may also comprise two holding pieces each adapted to partially cover the electrical cables of one of the pairs just before their free ends and having a central hole for the passage of a screw intended for pass through one of the holes to hold the electrical cables relative to the base;
    • each holding piece may be able to partially cover the electrical cables of one of the pairs on an armored portion around which a portion of a sheath has been previously removed;
  • 
    the base may comprise at least two auxiliary housing communicating with the (s) housing (s) central (central) and adapted to partially house the electrical cables pairs and opposite ends of the pods;
    • the base can include two central housing each associated with one of the pods, and four auxiliary housing which for two of them communicate with one of the central housing and two other of them communicate with the other housing central;
• each central portion of a lug may comprise a circular cylindrical barrel and adapted to house by closely contacting a portion of one of the electrical pins to be coupled electrically.

The invention also provides an electrical member comprising two electrical pins, adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second pairs of electric cables, and at least one interconnection device of the type shown above.

Such an electrical member may, for example, be an electric machine (or motor).

The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of automotive type, and comprising at least one electrical element of the type of that presented above.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, un exemple de machine électrique équipée d'un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'interconnexion selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, le dispositif d'interconnexion de la figure 1, sans son couvercle, et
• la figure 3 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, le dispositif d'interconnexion de la figure 1, sans ses embase et couvercle.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained in CAD / CAD ("Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Design"), from which the apparently discontinuous nature of certain lines), on which:

• the figure 1 illustrates schematically, in a perspective view, an example of an electric machine equipped with an exemplary embodiment of an interconnection device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the interconnection device of the figure 1 , without its lid, and
• the figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the interconnection device of the figure 1 , without its base and cover.

The object of the invention is notably to propose an interconnection device DI intended to ensure the interconnection of a first electrical member OE with two pairs Pk (k = 1 or 2) of electric cables respectively connected to two other electrical members.

In the following, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the electrical components are intended to equip a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type (such as a car). But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, it relates to any device, system, installation (including industrial), or building to include at least one electrical member to be connected to two other electrical organs.

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the first electrical member OE is an electric machine (or motor) providing at least part of the propulsion of a vehicle and to be coupled ( e) electrically to a second electrical component constituting a battery and to a third electrical component constituting a charger. But the invention is not limited to this application. Thus, the first electrical member OE could, for example, be a DC / DC type converter.

We have schematically represented on the figure 1 an example of (first) electrical member OE, here an electrical machine, having a reception area ZA in which is fixedly installed an embodiment of an interconnection device DI according to the invention.

The reception area ZA is for example a flat surface defined in a housing or a carcass of the electric member OE.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 1 , the interconnection device DI is fixedly secured to the housing of the electric member OE, in its home area ZA, by means of two screws V to which we will return later. The housing comprises for this purpose two threaded holes (not shown) for screwing the ends of the threaded rods of the two screws V.

As illustrated on figures 2 and 3 , an interconnection device DI, according to the invention, comprises at least two pods Cj (j = 1 or 2) monoblock and each comprising two ends E1j and E2j, opposite to each other, and a central portion PCj.

The two ends E1j and E2j of each lug Cj are adapted to be crimped respectively on free ends EL of two electric cables belonging to two different pairs Pk. More specifically, the first end E11 of the first lug C1 is crimped on the free end EL of one of the two electrical cables of the first pair P1, the second end E21 of the first lug C1 is crimped on the free end EL of one of the two electrical cables of the second pair P2, the first end E12 of the second lug C2 is crimped on the free end EL of the other electrical cable of the first pair P1, and the second end E22 of the second lug C2 is crimped on the free end EL of the other electric cable of the second pair P2.

Here, although it does not appear on the Figures 1 to 3 the first pair P1 of electrical cables is intended to be connected to a second electrical component constituting, for example, a battery, and the second pair P2 of electrical cables is intended to be connected to a third electrical component constituting a example a charger.

Each electrical cable of a pair Pk preferably comprises a metal core surrounded by a sheath G, optionally (and preferably) with the interposition of a shield.

The central portion PCj of each lug Cj connects the two opposite ends E1j and E2j and is adapted to be electrically coupled to one of the two electrical pins BEj of the (first) electric member OE. More specifically, the central portion PC1 of the first lug C1 connects the two opposite ends E11 and E21 of the latter (C1) and is electrically coupled to the first electric pin BE1, and the central portion PC2 of the second lug C2 connects the two opposite ends E12 and E22 of the latter (C2) and is electrically coupled to the second electrical pin BE2.

Thanks to the invention, it only needs a single interconnection device DI to ensure the interconnection of a first electrical member OE two pairs P1 and P2 of electric cables respectively connected to two other electrical organs , moreover via a unique pair of electrical pins BEj. This makes it possible to group the power supply function of the first electrical member OE and the function of distribution of electrical energy to another electrical member. This results in not only a reduction in space and costs, but also a simplification inside the first electrical member OE.

As illustrated without limitation on Figures 1 and 2 in order to protect and isolate the interconnection, it is particularly advantageous that the interconnection device DI also comprises an ED base and a CD cover.

The base ED is adapted to be fixedly secured to the first electrical member OE, here in the zone ZA of its housing. Furthermore, this base ED is provided with at least one central housing LCj which is adapted to house a portion of the electrical pins BEj.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated, not limitation, on the figure 2 the base ED comprises two central housings LCj distant and adapted to house respectively two parts of the two electrical pins BEj. These central housings LCj are either through or placed over the holes, to allow the passage of BEj electrical pins that pass through the housing in the reception area ZA.

For example, this base ED can be made of an insulating plastic material, such as a polypropylene (or PP) or a polyethylene (or PE).

The lid CD is secured to the base ED and able to hide the lugs Cj and the free ends EL of the electric cables on which the lugs Cj are crimped.

For example, this lid CD may be made of an insulating plastic material, such as a polypropylene (or PP) or a polyethylene (or PE).

In order to facilitate the maintenance of the electric cables with respect to the base ED, it is advantageous, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 2 , that the interconnection device DI also comprises two PMk holding pieces each adapted to partially cover the electrical cables of one of the pairs Pk just before their free ends EL. In this case, these PMk holding parts, sometimes called ferules in the electrical field, each comprise a central hole TC for the passage of a screw V for passing through a corresponding TP hole defined in the ED base.

Each holding piece PMk comprises two bent parts adapted respectively to house portions of two electric cables, and connected by a flat central part in which is defined the central hole TC.

It will be understood that the screws V are here intended to pass through the central holes TC and the holes TP in order to keep the holding pieces PMk at least with respect to the base ED. Preferably, these screws V are also intended to immobilize at least the base ED relative to the housing of the first electrical member OE. In this case, as indicated above, the housing must comprise two threaded holes for screwing the ends of the threaded rods of the two screws V.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation, that these screws V can also be used to secure the lid CD to the base ED. In this case, the cover CD comprises two through holes for the passage of the threaded rods of the screws V, and the heads of the latter are tightly tightened against the outer face of the cover CD. The plating of the holding pieces PMk against the ED base then results from the plating of the inner face of the lid CD against the bent portions of the holding pieces PMk.

But in an alternative embodiment a first pair of screws could ensure only the attachment of PMK holding parts to the ED base, and a second pair of screws could ensure only the attachment of the CD cover to the base ED, the securing of the base ED to the casing of the first electrical member OE is then done by means of the first pair of screws, for example.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated, not limitation, on the figure 2 each holding piece PMk partially covers the electrical cables of one of the pairs Pk on a shielded portion PB around which a portion of the sheath G has previously been removed. This very advantageous embodiment is intended to place the two shields to an electrical potential identical to that of the housing of the first electrical member OE, when screws V join the holding parts PMk to this housing. We will understand indeed that it allows to evacuate in the housing, via the screws V, the electromagnetic disturbances captured by the shieldings. But the electrical continuity between the holding parts PMk and the OE member could be done in another way, that is to say without the help of screws V, and for example by a simple contact in a suitable place .

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 2 , that the base ED may comprise at least two auxiliary housing LAjk communicating with the / a central housing LCj and adapted to partially house the electrical cables pairs Pk and the opposite ends E1j and E2j pods Cj.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 the base ED comprises two central housings LCj each associated with one of the pods Cj, and four auxiliary housing LAjk which for two of them communicate with one of the central housing LCj and for two others of them communicate with the other central housing LCj '(j' ≠ j). More specifically, the first central housing LC1 communicates with two auxiliary housings LA11 and LA12 which respectively house portions of two electrical cables of the first pair P1 and second P2, and the second central housing LC2 communicates with two auxiliary housings LA21 and LA22 respectively housing portions of two other electrical cables of the first pair P1 and second P2. This makes it possible to immobilize these portions of the electric cables relatively to the base ED, while reducing the "vertical" size of the interconnection device DI.

It will also be noted that each electrical cable may comprise around its sheath G a seal JE intended to prevent the entry of liquid and dust inside the cover CD, via the passages defined for these electrical cables in the ED base and / or CD cover.

It will also be noted that the electrical coupling of the central portions PCj of the two lugs Cj respectively to the two electrical terminals BEj can be done in different ways.

In a first illustrated way, not limited to the figure 3 each central portion PCj of a lug Cj may comprise a cylindrical drum FC of circular shape and adapted to house, by contacting it closely, a part of one of the electrical pins BEj to be electrically coupled to it. In this case, the FC drums are housed respectively in the central housing LCj.

In a second, non-illustrated manner, each central portion PCj of a lug Cj may comprise a flat sub-part providing a so-called flat contact with a part of one of the electrical pins BEj to be electrically coupled to it.

In a third way, not illustrated, the free end of each electrical pin BEj may comprise a thread intended to allow the screwing of a nut until the latter is pressed tightly against the central portion PCj of a terminal Cj for to be electrically coupled to it. This third way requires the use of electrical pins BEj longer.

In a fourth way, the electrical pins BEj may be screws whose ends of the threaded rods are intended to be screwed into threaded holes of the first electrical member OE, connected to an electric circuit of the latter (OE), after the ED base equipped with crimped terminals Cj has been installed in the zone ZA. In this case, the head of each screw BEj is pressed tightly against the central portion PCj of a terminal Cj to be electrically coupled thereto.

Claims (10)

Device (DI) for interconnecting an electric member (OE), comprising two electrical pins (BEj), to electrical cables, characterized in that it comprises two terminals (Cj) each comprising two opposite ends (E1j, E2j) and adapted to be set respectively on free ends (EL) of two electric cables belonging to two different pairs (Pk), and a central part (PCj) connecting said ends (E1j, E2j) and adapted to be electrically coupled to one of said electrical pins (BEj). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a base (ED) adapted to be fixedly secured to said electric member (OE) and provided with at least one central housing (LCj) adapted to house a portion of said electrical pins ( BEj), and a cover (CD) secured to said base (ED) and suitable for masking said lugs (Cj) and said free ends (EL) on which are crimped said lugs (Cj). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said base (ED) comprises two holes (TP), and in that it further comprises two holding pieces (PMk) each adapted to partially cover said electric cables of one said pairs (Pk) just before their free ends (EL) and having a central hole (TC) for the passage of a screw (V) for passing through one of said holes (TP) for holding said electric cables with respect to said base (ED). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each holding piece (PMk) is able to partially cover said electric cables of one of said pairs (Pk) on an armored portion (PB) around which a portion of a sheath (G) was previously removed. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said base (ED) comprises at least two auxiliary housings (LAjk) communicating with said central housing (LCj) and adapted to partially house said electrical cables of said pairs (Pk) and said opposite ends (E1j, E2j) of the pods (Cj). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said base (ED) comprises two central housings (LCj) each associated with one of said terminals (Cj), and four auxiliary housings (LAjk) which for two of them communicate with one of said central housings (LCj) and two other of them communicate with the other central housing (LCj). Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each central portion (PCj) of a lug (Cj) comprises a drum (FC) circular cylindrical shape and adapted to house by contacting closely a part of the one of said electrical pins (BEj) to be electrically coupled thereto. Electrical member (OE) comprising two electrical pins (BEj) adapted to be electrically coupled to electrical cables, characterized in that it comprises at least one interconnection device (DI) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one electric member (OE) according to claim 8. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of automobile type.

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