FR3080960A1 - DEVICE FOR NON-INTRUSIVE COUPLING OF A CONNECTOR TO AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE BAR SET (S) - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling device (DC) comprises a coupling part (PC) having: a first part (P1) having a shape adapted to its placement against a part of a game (JB) of conducting bar (s) electrically, and fixedly secured to this portion of the game (JB), and - a second portion (P2) fixedly secured to this first portion (P1) and comprising first coupling means (MC1) cooperating with second coupling means (MC2 ) a connector (CN) to be connected to the game (JB) to couple this connector (CN) to this first part (P1).

Description

NON-INTRUSIVE COUPLING DEVICE OF A CONNECTOR TO AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE BAR (S) GAME SET

The invention relates to coupling devices which are intended to couple an electrical element to a connector.

In many fields, such as that of vehicles, possibly motor vehicles, it frequently happens that an electrical element, such as for example an electric cable or an electric harness, has to be electrically connected to a connector.

To facilitate this connection, it is possible to use a coupling device, sometimes called a clip, of the so-called CPIO type. An example of such a coupling device is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, it comprises a PCT coupling part having:

- a PS ’type" fir "stand intended to be introduced almost irreversibly into a corresponding hole located in the immediate vicinity of, or on, the electrical element to be connected,

- a coupling part PC2 'secured to the foot PS' and comprising first coupling means MC1 'intended to cooperate with second coupling means MC2' of a connector CN 'to be connected to the electrical element in order to couple this CN connector 'at the PS foot', as well as possibly

- a skirt J defined at the connection between the foot PS ’and the coupling part PC2’ and responsible for obstructing the hole in order to prevent the passage of dust from the hole towards the coupling part PC2 ’.

When it is impossible to, or when we do not want to, define a hole near the electrical element to be connected, we are forced to define this hole in this electrical element. However, the definition of such a hole proves impossible to carry out when the electrical element is a set of busbar (s) electrically conductive (or in English "bus-bar"), for a safety reason . Indeed, this would require in particular to perforate the protective sheath which electrically insulates each bar (generally made of copper or aluminum).

It is recalled that such busbars (s) are more rigid than electric cables, and therefore can be shaped fairly precisely in order to pass through narrow areas while minimizing the space occupied. For example, busbars (s) can be used in particular inside batteries, but then the problem arises of their connection to connectors because it is impossible to define holes in the housings. protection (or sarcophagi) of these batteries so as not to affect the seal. In addition, it is also impossible to define holes sufficiently deep on the cellular modules of the batteries, located near the busbars (s), because their protective envelopes are generally very thin, typically between 1 mm and 1.5 mm thick.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation when the electrical elements to be connected are busbar (s) (or bus-bar).

To this end, it notably proposes a coupling device comprising a coupling part having:

a first part having a shape adapted to its placement against a part of a set of electrically conductive busbar (s), and intended to be fixedly secured to this part of the set, and

- a second part fixedly secured to this first part and comprising first coupling means intended to cooperate with second coupling means of a connector to be connected to the game in order to couple this connector to the first part.

This adaptation of the shape of the first part to the shape of the game advantageously allows a non-intrusive coupling of the connector to the game, since there is no longer a hole to make in this game or near it .

The coupling device according to the invention may include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- The first and second parts can extend mutually by defining a one-piece coupling part;

- The first coupling means may include two parallel ribs intended to be housed tightly in a slide of the second coupling means;

- The second part of the coupling part can comprise first immobilization means intended to cooperate with second means of immobilization of the connector in order to immobilize the latter relative to the first part of the coupling part once the first coupling means cooperate with the second coupling means;

> the first immobilization means may include an open housing defined in the second part of the coupling part before the parallel ribs and intended to accommodate a protuberance of the second immobilization means;

• the second part of the coupling part can comprise an inclined face defined before the open housing and facilitating disassembly / assembly (or decoupling / coupling) of the connector with a tool;

- The first part of the coupling part can comprise at least two plane walls, perpendicular to each other, and intended to be placed respectively against two faces of the part of the game.

The invention also provides a set of electrically conductive bar (s) (or bus-bar) and comprising a part to which is fixedly secured a coupling device of the type presented above.

For example, the coupling device can be fixedly secured to the part of the game by means of at least one adhesive tape adhering to its first part and to the part of the game.

The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type, and comprising at least one set of electrically conductive busbar (s) of the type presented above.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained, for one of them, in CAD / CAD ("Design Assisted by

Computer / Computer Aided Drawing "), hence the apparently discontinuous nature of certain lines), on which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an example of a coupling device of the CPIO type of the prior art, to which a connector is coupled,

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention, before its coupling to a connector and its attachment to a busbar (s),

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a connector intended to be coupled to the coupling device of FIG. 2, and

- Figure 4 illustrates schematically, in a perspective view, the coupling device of Figure 2 coupled to the connector of Figure 3 and fixedly secured to a busbar (s) by two adhesive tapes.

The purpose of the invention is in particular to propose a DC coupling device intended to ensure non-intrusive coupling of a CN connector to a JB busbar (s) (or bus-bar).

In what follows, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that the busbar (s) (or bus-bar) JB is intended to equip a vehicle, possibly of automobile type (such as for example a car). But the invention is not limited to this application. In fact, it relates to any electrical appliance (including household appliance type), electrical system, installation (including industrial), or building comprising at least one busbar (s) which must be connected to at least one connector.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of nonlimiting example, that the busbar (s) (or bus-bar) JB is intended to be part of a vehicle battery. But it could be part of other electrical equipment (or apparatus) in a vehicle.

There is schematically shown in Figure 2 a DC coupling device according to the invention, before its coupling to a CN connector and its attachment to a busbar (s) JB.

As illustrated, a DC coupling device according to the invention comprises a PC coupling part having first P1 and second P2 parts fixedly secured to each other.

It will be noted that the first P1 and second P2 parts can be extended mutually by defining a one-piece PC coupling part. In this case, the PC coupling part can, for example, be entirely made by molding a plastic material, preferably electrically insulating. For example, this plastic material can be polyamide (or PA). But it could be envisaged that the first P1 and second P2 parts are two elements which are manufactured separately, then fixedly fixed to one another, for example by clipping, gluing or screwing.

The first part P1 of the coupling part PC has a shape which is adapted to its placement against a part of a set JB of electrically conductive bar (s), as can be observed in FIG. 4.

For example, when the part of the set JB has a rectangular section (possibly square), the first part P1 can comprise, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 4, at least two plane PP walls, perpendicular to each other, and intended to be placed respectively against two sides of this part of the JB game. It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 4, the first part P1 comprises two walls PP, but it could include three. It will also be noted that the first part P1 could possibly include pre-holding means (for example by clipping).

The first part P1 is also intended to be fixedly secured to the part of the JB set. For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 4, this fixed attachment of the first part P1 (and therefore of the coupling device DC) to the part of the set JB can be done by means of at least one adhesive tape RA. In this case, the latter (RA) adheres to the first part P1 and to the part of the game JB. In an alternative embodiment, this joining could be done by means of at least one link, possibly elastic, very closely surrounding the first part P1 and the part of the set JB. Such a link could, for example, be a plastic strap. In another alternative embodiment, this joining could be done by gluing the first part

P1 on the JB game part.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 4, the first part P1 is fixedly secured to the part of the set JB by two adhesive tapes RA. But we could use only one RA adhesive tape or more than two RA adhesive tapes (for example three).

The second part P2 of the coupling part PC is fixedly secured to the first part P1 and comprises first coupling means MC1 which are intended to cooperate with second coupling means MC2 of the connector CN which must be connected to the set JB in order to couple this CN connector to the first part P1.

Thanks to this form of the first part P1 adapted to the form of the JB set, it is advantageous to make a non-intrusive coupling of the CN connector to the JB set, since no hole must be made in this JB set or close to it. (JB).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first coupling means MC1 can comprise two parallel ribs which are intended to be housed tightly in a slide of the second coupling means MC2. Here, the slide MC2 is defined on a lower face of the connector CN by two walls facing each other and in the general shape of L in order to each define a space allowing the sliding of the corresponding parallel rib MC1. It will be understood that with such an arrangement, the coupling of the connector CN to the second part P2 of the coupling part PC is done by introducing the parallel ribs MC1 in the slide MC2 then by translating the connector CN relative to the first part P1 in order to slide the parallel ribs MC1 into the slide MC2. In order to limit this sliding, the slide MC2 can comprise at least one stop abutment BA at one of its two opposite ends, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 3.

Other types of first MC1 and second MC2 coupling means than those described above by way of example can be envisaged. Thus, the second coupling means MC2 could, for example, comprise two parallel ribs intended to be housed tightly in a slide of the first coupling means MC1.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the second part P2 may also include first immobilization means MI1 which are intended to cooperate with second immobilization means MI2 of the CN connector in order to immobilize this last (CN) with respect to the first part P1 once the first coupling means MC1 cooperate with the second coupling means MC2.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, these first immobilization means MI1 can comprise an open housing which is defined in the second part P2 before the parallel ribs MC1 and which is intended to accommodate a protuberance of the second immobilization means MI2 once the parallel ribs MC1 cooperate with the slide MC2. It will be understood that once the protuberance MI2 has reached this open housing MI1, its shape is predefined so as to prevent its exit from the latter (MI1) and thus prevent sliding of the connector CN relative to the first part P1 such as to induce decoupling of the CN connector from the PC coupling part. To allow this prevention, the protuberance MI2 can, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figure 3, have a sawtooth shape with an inclined face allowing its introduction into the open housing MI1 and a substantially vertical face preventing its exit MI1 open housing.

Other types of first MI1 and second MI2 immobilization means than those described above by way of example can be envisaged. Thus, the first immobilization means MI1 could, for example, include a protuberance intended to be housed in an open housing of the second immobilization means MI2.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 2, that in the case of the non-limiting arrangement here described the second part P2 may also include an inclined face F1 defined before the open housing MI1 and facilitating disassembly / assembly (or decoupling / coupling) of the CN connector with a tool (such as a screwdriver). In fact, it facilitates the passage of this tool. Note that chamfers are defined in the CN connector.

It will also be noted that the DC coupling device can be fixedly secured to a JB game in a chosen location either at the last moment (that is to say just before the installation of this JB game), or beforehand in 5 l ' JB game manufacturing plant (i.e. well before the installation of this pre-equipped JB game). The latter alternative advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of different types to be managed and stored both in the warehouse and on an assembly line (for example of vehicles).

The invention offers several advantages, including:

- it allows non-intrusive fixing of a coupling device on a busbar (s) to facilitate adaptation to the environment,

- it offers a very wide choice of connector layout,

- it avoids having to define fixing holes in the environment of the busbar (s)

- it offers a simpler coupling device than a conventional CPIO type coupling device, due to the absence of fir base and sealing skirt,

- It can allow a cost reduction when the busbar (s) arrives pre-equipped with its coupling device on an assembly line.

Claims (11)

1. Coupling device (DC), characterized in that it comprises a coupling part (PC) having i) a first part (P1) having a shape adapted to its placement against a part of a set (JB) of electrically conductive bar (s), and intended to be fixedly fixed to this part of said set (JB), and ii) a second part (P2) fixedly fixed to said first part (P1) and comprising first coupling means (MC1) intended to cooperate with second coupling means (MC2) of a connector (CN) to be connected to said set (JB) in order to couple this connector (CN) to said first part (P1). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first (P1) and second (P2) parts extend mutually by defining a coupling piece (PC) in one piece. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first coupling means (MC1) comprise two parallel ribs intended to be housed tightly in a slide of said second coupling means (MC2). 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises first immobilization means (MI1) intended to cooperate with second immobilization means (MI2) of said connector (CN ) to immobilize the latter (CN) relative to said first part (P1) once said first coupling means (MC1) cooperate with said second coupling means (MC2). 5. Device according to the combination of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said first immobilization means (MI1) comprise an open housing defined in said second part (P2) before said parallel ribs (MC1) and intended to house a protuberance said second immobilization means (MI2). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises an inclined face (Fl) defined before said open housing (MI1) and facilitating disassembly / assembly of said connector (CN) with a tool. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first part (P1) comprises at least two planar walls (PP), 5 perpendicular to each other, and intended to be placed respectively against two faces of said part of the game (JB). 8. Set (JB) of busbar (s) electrically, characterized in that it comprises a part to which is fixedly secured a coupling device (DC) according to one of the preceding claims. ίο 9. Game according to claim 8, characterized in that said coupling device (DC) is fixedly secured to said part of the game (JB) by means of at least one adhesive tape (RA) adhering to its first part (P1) and to said part of the game (JB). 10. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one set of 15 bar (s) (JB) according to one of claims 8 and 9.