EP3206267A1 - Device for interconnecting an electrical member to at least two other electrical members, using bypasses - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (DI) is dedicated to the interconnection of a first group of K electric cables (C11-C12) of a first electrical member to a second group of N * K electric cables (C211-C222) of N second members electric. This device (DI) comprises a first part (P1) housing K means of derivation (MD1-MD2) of type 1 to N and each adapted to be coupled, on the one hand, to an end (EC11, EC12) of the one of the K electric cables (C11-C12) of the first group, and, secondly, N electric cable ends (C211-C222) of the second group, and ii) a second piece (P2) suitable for housing these ends. (EC211-EC222) electric cables (C211-C222) of the second group and adapted to cooperate with the first piece (P1) to ensure the coupling of the ends (EC211-EC222) of the electric cables (C211-C222) of the second group to corresponding ends (EC11-EC12) of the electric cables (C11-C12) of the first group via K means of derivation (MD1-MD2).

Description

The invention relates to interconnection devices which are intended to reversibly interconnect an electrical member with at least two other electrical members.

In many areas, such as for example vehicles, possibly automobiles, it often happens that a first electrical member must be electrically interconnected to two second electrical organs. By way of illustrative example this is for example the case of a battery to be electrically interconnected to a heating resistor and a charger, in order to power them or to be powered.

To obtain this interconnection a first solution is to make splices with the ends of the corresponding electrical cables which are connected to the electrical organs, then to protect these splices in a housing. This solution is long enough to achieve, requires some attention to detail, does not allow fast disconnection, and does not guarantee that the coupling between ends is indeed correct. In addition, this solution is quite difficult to implement when the electrical cables are provided with a shield.

A second solution is to use a housing comprising a busbar (or "bus-bar"), usually copper, and each ensuring the interconnection between the end of one of the electrical cables of the first electrical member and the ends corresponding electric cables of the second electrical organs. However, this second solution is disadvantageous in terms of weight and bulk, and does not allow a quick disconnect. In addition, it requires a lot of operations (mounting the box with screwing for its attachment, then connection of three connectors for a simple derivation). Therefore, this second solution is not economical.

The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation.

It proposes for this purpose an interconnection device for interconnecting a first group of K electric cables of a first electrical component, with K 2 2, to a second group of N * K electric cables N second electrical organs, with N ≥ 2.

• une première pièce logeant K moyens de dérivation de type 1 vers N et propres chacun à être couplés, d'une part, à une extrémité de l'un des K câbles électriques du premier groupe, et, d'autre part, à N extrémités de câbles électriques correspondants du second groupe, et
• une seconde pièce propre à loger ces extrémités des câbles électriques du second groupe et propre à coopérer avec la première pièce pour assurer le couplage des extrémités des câbles électriques du second groupe respectivement aux extrémités correspondantes des câbles électriques du premier groupe via les K moyens de dérivation.

This interconnection device is characterized by the fact that it comprises

• a first piece housing K means of derivation of type 1 to N and each adapted to be coupled, on the one hand, to an end of one of the K electric cables of the first group, and, on the other hand, to N ends corresponding electric cables of the second group, and
• a second room adapted to house these ends of the electrical cables of the second group and adapted to cooperate with the first part to ensure the coupling of the ends of the electric cables of the second group respectively to the corresponding ends of the electric cables of the first group via K means of derivation .

Thanks to the internal branches provided by the branching means, the interconnection device is particularly compact, has a low weight, allows a very easy and very fast disconnection, and ensures that the interconnection is correct.

• sa première pièce peut comprendre N*K premiers moyens de couplage auxquels sont respectivement connectées des extrémités correspondantes des moyens de dérivation, opposées aux extrémités des câbles électriques du premier groupe, et sa seconde pièce peut comprendre N*K seconds moyens de couplage auxquels sont respectivement connectées les extrémités des N*K câbles électriques du second groupe et propres à coopérer étroitement et respectivement avec les N*K premiers moyens de couplage correspondants ;
  • 
    les premiers moyens de couplage peuvent être de type mâle, et les seconds moyens de couplage peuvent être de type femelle ;
  • 
    en variante, les premiers moyens de couplage peuvent être de type femelle, et les seconds moyens de couplage peuvent être de type mâle ;
• l'une au moins de ses première et seconde pièces peut comprendre des moyens de verrouillage propres à être placés dans un état dit de verrouillage en cas d'actionnement consécutif à une coopération correcte par accouplement entre les première et seconde pièces ;
• l'une au moins de ses première et seconde pièces peut comprendre des moyens de fixation propres à participer à sa fixation sur un équipement ;
• N peut être égal à deux ;
• K peut être égal à deux.

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

• its first part may comprise N * K first coupling means to which respective ends of the shunt means opposite to the ends of the electric cables of the first group are respectively connected, and its second part may comprise N * K second coupling means to which are respectively connected the ends of the N * K electric cables of the second group and adapted to cooperate closely and respectively with the N * K first corresponding coupling means;
  • 
    the first coupling means may be of the male type, and the second coupling means may be of the female type;
  • 
    alternatively, the first coupling means may be of the type female, and the second coupling means may be of the male type;
• at least one of its first and second parts may include locking means adapted to be placed in a so-called locking state in case of actuation following a correct cooperation by coupling between the first and second parts;
• at least one of its first and second parts may include fastening means adapted to participate in its attachment to equipment;
• N can be equal to two;
• K can be equal to two.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of automotive type, and comprising at least a first electrical member provided with a first group of K electric cables, with K 2 2, N second electric members provided together with N * K electrical cables constituting a second group, with N ≥ 2, and at least one interconnection device of the type shown above and able to interconnect the electric cables of the second group to the corresponding electric cables of the first group.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement et fonctionnellement un dispositif d'interconnexion selon l'invention, auquel sont connectés les câbles électriques de trois organes électriques,
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement et fonctionnellement, dans une vue en coupe dans un plan longitudinal, un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'interconnexion selon l'invention, auquel sont connectés les câbles électriques de trois organes électriques, avant l'accouplement de ses première et seconde pièces, et
• la figure 3 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, les première et seconde pièces d'un dispositif d'interconnexion similaire à celui de la figure 2, avant qu'elles ne soient connectées à des câbles électriques d'organes électriques, et avant qu'elles ne soient accouplées entre elles.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained, for one of them, in CAD / CAM ("Computer Aided Design"). Computer Aided Drawing "), hence the apparently discontinuous character of certain lines), on which:

• the figure 1 schematically and functionally illustrates an interconnection device according to the invention, to which are connected the electric cables of three electrical components,
• the figure 2 illustrates diagrammatically and functionally, in a sectional view in a longitudinal plane, an embodiment of an interconnection device according to the invention, to which are connected the electric cables of three electrical components, before the coupling of its first and second pieces, and
• the figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the first and second parts of an interconnection device similar to that of the figure 2 , before they are connected to electrical cables of electrical organs, and before they are coupled together.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose an interconnection device DI intended to ensure the interconnection between a first group of K electric cables C1 k of a first electrical member 01, with K≥2, and a second group of N * K C2kn electrical cables of N second O2n electrical organs, with N ≥ 2.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the electrical organs 01 and O2n are intended to equip a vehicle, possibly of 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 at least two other electrical organs.

We have schematically represented on the figure 1 an interconnection device DI according to the invention, to which are connected the K electric cables C1 k (k = 1 to K) of a first electrical member and the N * K electric cables C2kn (n = 1 to N) of seconds electric devices 02n.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 1 , the interconnection device DI only allows the connection of two second electrical organs 021 (n = 1) and 022 (n = 2). Therefore N is here equal to 2. But in alternative embodiments it could allow the connection of more than two second electrical organs O2n, and for example three (N = 3) or four (N = 4), or even more.

By way of example, the first electrical member 01 may be a battery of a vehicle that is to supply power to a second electrical component 021 constituting an electrical resistance (possibly of the CTP ("Positive Temperature Coefficient") type) and which can be powered by another second electrical member 022 constituting a charger. But the invention is not limited to this application.

As illustrated on Figures 1 and 2 , an interconnection device DI, according to the invention, comprises first P1 and second P2 parts (or plugs) intended to be coupled to one another.

For example, these first P1 and second P2 pieces (or taken) can be made by molding a rigid plastic material. Note that in order to facilitate the connection of the electrical cables C1k and C2kn to the inner parts of these first P1 and second P2 parts, the latter (P1, P2) may each consist of at least two sub-parts solidly fixed to the to one another by means of securing MS. For example, the latter (MS) may be clipping means (as illustrated without limitation), or screws. These subparts can, for example, constitute shells.

It will be noted that the first P1 and second P2 parts may optionally comprise an internal shield.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 each electrical member 01, O2n is connected to the first ends of two electrical cables C1 k, C2kn. Consequently K is here equal to 2, and thus k = 1 or 2. But in variant embodiments K could be greater than two, and for example equal to three (K = 3) or four (K = 4), or even Moreover.

For example, each electrical cable C1 k, C2kn comprises a metal core surrounded by a sheath, possibly with the interposition of a shield.

The first piece P1 houses, fixedly and possibly tightly, K means of derivation MDk type 1 to N. Each branching means MDk is adapted to be coupled, on the one hand, to a (second) end EC1 k of the one of the K electric cables C1 k of the first group (of the first electrical member O1), and, secondly, N corresponding electrical cable C2kn ends of the second group (second electrical members 02n).

• un premier moyen de dérivation MD1 comprend i) une première branche (ici supérieure) comprenant une première extrémité (ici à droite) à laquelle est solidarisée fixement la seconde extrémité EC11 du premier câble électrique C11 du premier groupe, et une seconde extrémité (ici à gauche) destinée à être couplée indirectement à la seconde extrémité EC211 de l'un des deux premiers câbles électriques C211 du second groupe, et ii) une seconde branche (ici inférieure) comprenant une première extrémité (ici à droite) solidarisée fixement à la première extrémité de la première branche, et une seconde extrémité (ici à gauche) destinée à être couplée indirectement à la seconde extrémité EC212 de l'autre premier câble électrique C212 du second groupe, et
• un second moyen de dérivation MD2 comprend i) une première branche (ici supérieure) comprenant une première extrémité (ici à droite) à laquelle est solidarisée fixement la seconde extrémité EC12 du second câble électrique C12 du premier groupe, et une seconde extrémité (ici à gauche) destinée à être couplée indirectement à la seconde extrémité EC221 de l'un des deux seconds câbles électriques C221 du second groupe, et ii) une seconde branche (ici inférieure) comprenant une première extrémité (ici à droite) solidarisée fixement à la première extrémité de la première branche, et une seconde extrémité (ici à gauche) destinée à être couplée indirectement à la seconde extrémité EC222 de l'autre second câble électrique C222 du second groupe.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 :

• a first branching means MD1 comprises i) a first branch (here upper) comprising a first end (here on the right) to which the second end EC11 of the first electrical cable C11 of the first group is fixedly secured, and a second end (here at left) intended to be coupled indirectly to the second end EC211 of one of the first two electrical cables C211 of the second group, and ii) a second branch (here below) comprising a first end (here on the right) solidly fixed to the first end of the first branch, and a second end (here on the left) intended to be coupled indirectly to the second end EC212 of the other first electrical cable C212 of the second group, and
• a second branching means MD2 comprises i) a first branch (here upper) comprising a first end (here on the right) to which is fixedly secured the second end EC12 of the second electric cable C12 of the first group, and a second end (here to left) intended to be coupled indirectly to the second end EC221 of one of the two second electrical cables C221 of the second group, and ii) a second branch (here below) comprising a first end (here on the right) firmly fixed to the first end of the first branch, and a second end (here on the left) intended to be coupled indirectly to the second end EC222 of the other second electrical cable C222 of the second group.

For example, the first and second branches of each branching means MDk may constitute two rigid tracks of a single piece of electrically conductive material and in the general form of U, V, h, or Y. This material may, for example, be copper. Alternatively, they could be arranged in the form of electrical cable portions.

Moreover, the fixed connection of the first end of a first branch to the second end EC1k of an electric cable C1 k of the first group can be done by any known means, and in particular by welding or screwing.

The second piece P2 is adapted to house, fixedly and possibly sealingly, (second) ends EC2kn C2kn electrical cables of the second group and to cooperate with the first piece P1 to provide indirect electrical coupling of these second ends EC2kn cables C2kn electrical of the second group respectively to the second ends EC1 k corresponding electrical cables C1 k of the first group via K means of derivation MDk.

• la seconde extrémité EC211 de l'un des premiers câbles électriques C211 du second groupe est destinée à être couplée électriquement à la seconde extrémité EC11 du premier câble électrique C11 du premier groupe via la première branche du premier moyen de dérivation MD1,
• la seconde extrémité EC212 de l'autre premier câble électrique C212 du second groupe est destinée à être couplée électriquement à la seconde extrémité EC11 du premier câble électrique C11 du premier groupe via la seconde branche du premier moyen de dérivation MD1,
• la seconde extrémité EC221 de l'un des seconds câbles électriques C221 du second groupe est destinée à être couplée électriquement à la seconde extrémité EC12 du second câble électrique C12 du premier groupe via la première branche du second moyen de dérivation MD2,
• la seconde extrémité EC222 de l'autre second câble électrique C222 du second groupe est destinée à être couplée électriquement à la seconde extrémité EC12 du second câble électrique C12 du premier groupe via la seconde branche du second moyen de dérivation MD2.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 :

• the second end EC211 of one of the first C211 electrical cables of the second group is intended to be electrically coupled to the second end EC11 of the first electrical cable C11 of the first group via the first branch of the first branching means MD1,
• the second end EC212 of the other first electrical cable C212 of the second group is intended to be electrically coupled to the second end EC11 of the first electric cable C11 of the first group via the second branch of the first branching means MD1,
• the second end EC221 of one of the second electrical cables C221 of the second group is intended to be electrically coupled to the second end EC12 of the second electric cable C12 of the first group via the first branch of the second branching means MD2,
• the second end EC222 of the other second electric cable C222 of the second group is intended to be electrically coupled to the second end EC12 of the second electric cable C12 of the first group via the second branch of the second branching means MD2.

The internal branches provided by the branching means MDk allow the interconnection device DI to be compact, while having a low weight and allowing a very easy and very fast uncoupling of its first P1 and second P2 parts (or taken). .

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figure 2 the first piece P1 may comprise N * K first coupling means MC1 kn and the second piece P2 may comprise N * K second coupling means MC2kn. In this case, the first N * K coupling means MC1 kn are respectively connected to the corresponding second ends of the branching means MDk, which are opposite to the second ends EC1 k of the electric cables C1 k of the first group. Likewise, the N * K second coupling means MC2kn are respectively connected to the second ends EC2kn of the N * K C2kn electrical cables of the second group and are adapted to cooperate closely and respectively with the corresponding N * K first coupling means MC1 kn.

The first N * K coupling means MC1 kn can be respectively connected to the corresponding second ends of the MDk branching means by welding or screwing.

Likewise, the N * K second coupling means MC2kn can be respectively connected to the corresponding second ends EC2kn of the N * K C2kn electric cables by welding or screwing.

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 the first coupling means MC1kn are of a first male type and the second coupling means MC2kn are of a second female type (complementary to this first type). For example, the first coupling means MC1 kn may be conductive metal tongues, while the second coupling means MC2kn are conductive clips. Alternatively, the first coupling means MC1 kn could be metal pins or plugs, and the second coupling means MC2kn could be hollow circular cylinders or hollow parallelepipeds.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, a reverse arrangement of that described in the previous paragraph may be considered. In this case, the first coupling means MC1kn are of a first female type and the second coupling means MC2kn are of a second male type (complementary to this first type).

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 2 , that at least one of the first P1 and second P2 parts may advantageously comprise locking means MV which are adapted to be placed in a so-called locking state in case of manual actuation by a technician, following a correct cooperation by coupling between the first P1 and second P2 parts. This option is intended to ensure that the interconnection (or coupling) of the first P1 and second P2 parts is correct. It will be understood that only if the first P1 and second P2 parts have been correctly coupled to one another can the technician place the locking means MV in their locked state in which they prevent uncoupling.

Note also, although this does not appear on the figure 2 , that at least one of the first P1 and second P2 parts may comprise fastening means adapted to participate in the attachment of the DI device on equipment (here a vehicle). For example, these fixing means may be in the form of a clip (possibly type "fir") or a clip defined (e) on the outer face of one of the first P1 and second P2 parts.

• elle permet d'au moins dédoubler (et plus généralement « N-doubler ») une ligne alimentation,
• elle permet d'économiser une ou plusieurs connectiques sur une alimentation,
• elle permet d'ajouter très facilement un ou plusieurs nouveaux organes électriques dans une architecture électrique,
• elle évite d'avoir à développer un nouveau boîtier d'interconnexion chaque fois qu'une nouvelle configuration est envisagée, ce qui est économique,
• elle permet de réduire le temps d'implantation dans un système du fait que l'implantation d'un boîtier d'interconnexion nécessite un vissage ou un collage ou l'utilisation d'un ruban adhésif,
• elle s'avère plus ergonomique qu'un boîtier d'interconnexion,
• elle offre une fiabilité supérieure à celle offerte par des épissures.

The invention offers several advantages, among which:

• it allows to at least split (and more generally "N-doubling") a power line,
• it saves one or more connectors on a power supply,
• it makes it very easy to add one or more new electrical components in an electrical architecture,
• it avoids having to develop a new interconnection box whenever a new configuration is considered, which is economical,
• it makes it possible to reduce the installation time in a system because the implantation of an interconnection box requires a screwing or gluing or the use of an adhesive tape,
• it is more ergonomic than an interconnection box,
• it offers greater reliability than that offered by splices.

Claims (10)

Device (DI) for interconnecting a first group of K electric cables (C1 k) of a first electrical component (O1), with K 2 2, to a second group of N * K electric cables (C2kn) of N second electrical components (02n), with N ≥ 2, characterized in that it comprises i) a first piece (P1) housing K means of derivation (MDk) of type 1 to N and each adapted to be coupled, on the one hand, to one end (EC1k) of one of said K electric cables (C1 k) of the first group, and secondly N ends (EC2kn) of corresponding electric cables (C2kn) of the second group, and ii) a second piece (P2) capable of housing said ends (EC2kn) of the electric cables (C2kn) of the second group and adapted to cooperate with said first piece (P1) to ensure the coupling of the ends (EC2kn) of the electric cables (C2kn) of the second group respectively to said corresponding ends (EC1 k) of the electric cables (C1 k) of the first r group via said K means of derivation (MDk). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first piece (P1) comprises N * K first coupling means (MC1kn) to which corresponding ends of said branching means (MDk) opposite said ends (EC1 k) are respectively connected. electric cables (C1 k) of the first group, and said second piece (P2) comprises N * K second coupling means (MC2kn) to which said ends (EC2kn) of the N * K electric cables (C2kn) of the second group are respectively connected and adapted to cooperate closely and respectively with said corresponding N * K first coupling means (MC1 kn). Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said first coupling means (MC1 kn) are of the male type and the said second coupling means (MC2kn) are of the female type. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first coupling means (MC1 kn) are of the female type and said second coupling means (MC2kn) are of the male type. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of said first (P1) and second (P2) parts comprises locking means (MV) adapted to be placed in a so-called locking state in case of actuation following a correct cooperation by coupling between said first (P1) and second (P2) parts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said first (P1) and second (P2) parts comprises fastening means adapted to participate in fixing said device (DI) on a device . Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that N is equal to two. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that K is equal to two. Vehicle comprising at least a first electric member (O1) provided with a first group of K electric cables (C1 k), with K 2 2, and N second electric members (02n) provided together with N * K electric cables (C2kn) constituting a second group, with N ≥ 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one interconnection device (DI) according to one of the preceding claims, capable of interconnecting said electric cables (C2kn) of the second group to said electric cables (C1 k) correspondents of the first group. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of automobile type.

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