FR3083951A1 - HEATING ELEMENT AND INSERT FOR VEHICLE ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating element (4) of an electric heating device (1) of a vehicle comprising at least one pair of electrodes (6), each electrode (6) comprising a body (9) extending in a main longitudinal plane (A) and a first longitudinal end end (7) provided with a tongue (17). The tongue (17) has a first part (18) provided with a first opening (22) and a second part (19) provided with a second opening (23), the first part (18) and the second part (19 ) of the tongue (17) being linked by a fold line (20). The first part (18) is arranged in the main longitudinal plane (A) of the body of the electrode, the second part (19) being folded over the first part (18) so that the second orifice (23) and the first orifice (22) are superimposed coaxially. Application to motor vehicles.

Description

The field of the present invention is that of ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning systems of a motor vehicle, and it relates to the main heating devices, of the electric type, intended to be mounted in a ventilation, heating installation. and / or air conditioning of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a heating device provided with heating elements with electrical resistances, for example resistors with a positive temperature coefficient, for providing heat in the passenger compartment of vehicles.

Electric heating devices of this type are known for heating an air flow passing in particular through a duct of a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning installation of a motor vehicle, in which a frame is suitable for wear heating elements diffusing heat under the effect of an electrical potential.

The frame has an electrical connection interface electrically linked to at least one heating element extending longitudinally inside the frame. The heating elements usually include heat sinks associated with electrodes arranged on either side of one or more stones with a positive temperature coefficient forming parts of the heating element.

The connection interface allows on the one hand the electrical connection of the heating elements to an electrical network on board the vehicle and on the other hand the mechanical fixing of the electric heating device in the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning installation d 'a motor vehicle.

In heating devices of this type, it is necessary to ensure that the electrical connection of the heating elements via the electrical connection interface is correctly carried out for the correct electrical supply of the resistances of these heating elements and therefore the optimal realization of the heating function of the air flow passing through the installation. The electrical connection consists in particular of an assembly operation by fitting the heating element and the electrical connection interface, by inserting a tongue arranged projecting from the heating element in an insertion slot formed. in the electrical connection interface. The design of the tabs of the heating elements and the insertion slots is particularly important in that it can happen that the heating elements are not permanently maintained in the electrical connection interface and that the electrical connection is not carried out correctly. .

In this context, the invention aims to propose an alternative to known embodiments of heating devices, both with regard to the proper design of the heating elements and of the electrical connection interface and with regard to their cooperation, which allows safe and reliable positioning of the various components of a device relating to the electrical connection of the heating elements.

The present invention relates to a heating element of an electric heating device of a vehicle comprising at least one pair of electrodes, the electrodes of the pair enclosing at least one resistive element, and being associated respectively with a heat sink, said electrode comprising a body extending in a main longitudinal plane and a first longitudinal end end provided with a tongue, characterized in that the tongue comprises a first part provided with a first opening and a second part provided with a second opening, the first part and the second part of the tongue being linked by a fold line, the first part is arranged in the main longitudinal plane of the body of the electrode, the second part being folded over the first part so that the second port and the first port are superposed coaxially.

Each heating element contains one or more resistive elements between a pair of electrodes, the resistive elements corresponding to ceramic stones with a positive temperature coefficient. The electrode is of monobloc structure. Its body and the tongue are therefore inseparable without damaging the integrity of the electrode.

The tongue is arranged in the axial extension of the body of the electrode. It allows both mechanical maintenance of the electrode and therefore of the associated heating element in the electric heating device, and an electrical connection of the heating element with the vehicle's power supply network allowing the elements to operate. heaters of the electric heater.

The making of the electrode includes an operation of folding a strip, this strip advantageously being made of an electrically conductive and ductile material. Very advantageously, the electrode is made of a metal strip, for example a copper strip. The folding operation is carried out on the tongue at the fold line, which is rectilinear. The folding operation gives its shape to the tongue: the first part of the tongue is in the longitudinal plane of the body of the electrode and the second part of the tongue which is folded over the first part actually extends out of this same plane.

The tab is of different size relative to the body of the electrode. The body of the electrode has a rectangular shape with in the main longitudinal plane a main dimension, or length, along an axis of elongation and a determined width. The width of the tongue, also measured perpendicularly to the axis of elongation of the electrode, is different from that of the body of the electrode. Advantageously, the tongue is thinner in width than the body.

The first orifice and the second orifice are superimposed coaxially: their respective centers are aligned along an alignment axis perpendicular to the longitudinal main plane. Each of these orifices is through, produced during a drilling operation on the tongue. The drilling operation is for example carried out using a punch. The drilling operation takes place before or after the tongue folding operation. Advantageously, the first orifice and the second orifice are of substantially equal dimensions. Advantageously also, the first orifice and the second orifice are of substantially identical shapes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the second part of the tongue extends in a secondary plane parallel to the main longitudinal plane of the electrode. The second part of the tongue is fully folded against the first part of the tongue. Thus, the longitudinal section of the tongue has a hairpin profile, the fold line forming a 180 ° fold between the second part and the first part of the tongue.

By being folded in this way, the tab occupies a volume that is generally picked up along the axis of elongation of the electrode, and it has an end edge of curved shape which can facilitate its insertion into an electrical connection interface. The tongue is in fact intended to integrate a slot made in an insert, in order to maintain the electrode in the electric heating device and to allow its electrical connection.

Advantageously, the first part and the second part of the tongue are facing one another once the tongue is folded, without being in contact with each other, with a gap which may be of the order 0.2 or 0.3mm. A spring effect can thus appear when the second part of the tongue, that is to say the part folded over the part arranged in the extension of the body of the electrode, is constrained in a direction consisting of approximation towards the first part.

According to a characteristic of the invention, when it is folded, the tongue has a decreasing width, from the body of the electrode towards the fold line. A narrower width on the side of the folding area, in addition to facilitating the folding operation, facilitates progressive insertion into the slot intended to accommodate this tab in the electric heating device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first longitudinal terminal end of the electrode comprises a reinforcement zone of the tongue forming a stamp projecting from the main longitudinal plane. During the manufacturing of the electrode, the metal strip is worked to shape the electrode and to stamp it. The metal strip is worked so as to form a relief therein constituting the reinforcement zone. A stamping operation is for example carried out in a press using a die. The matrix, having the shape which it is desired to give to the reinforcement zone, is applied between the press and the electrode so that the electrode matches the shape of the matrix. In particular, the relief protrudes on a side opposite to the second folded part, in other words the relief is produced so that the resulting boss on one of the faces is on the side opposite to the second folded part .

The presence of this reinforcement zone has the effect of stiffening the tongue. The tongue is thin, for example having a thickness of about 0.5 mm. The reinforcement zone can in particular avoid or reduce the deformation of the electrode, which is sensitive due to its thinness.

According to one aspect of the invention, the tongue reinforcement zone is formed at least partially in the tongue. This position promotes stiffening of the tongue located nearby. In particular, the reinforcement zone overlaps the tongue and the body of the electrode.

According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcement zone, the first orifice and the second orifice are aligned along an axis of the tongue. The center of the first orifice and that of the second orifice, as well as the central point of the reinforcement zone, are in the same plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal plane of the electrode including the axis of the tongue. In particular, the largest dimension of the elongated shape of the reinforcement zone is in the axis of elongation of the tongue.

According to one aspect of the invention, the axis of the tongue is parallel to the axis of extension of the electrode, the axis of the tongue and the axis of extension of the electrode being distinct. The tongue is thus off-center with respect to the body of the electrode, although their elongation takes a similar direction by their respective parallel and distinct axes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the electrode has a constant thickness at the level of the body of the electrode and in each of the parts of the tongue. The thickness of the electrode is measured from one side of the electrode to the other, perpendicular to the main longitudinal plane of the electrode and perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the electrode. In the tongue, the second part of the tongue and the first part of the tongue are considered individually. The thickness of the electrode at the level of the tongue can thus be at least double compared to the thickness of the body of the electrode if we consider the whole of the tongue with the second part of the tongue folded over the first part of the tongue.

The electrode is bent at its tongue and pressed at its reinforcement area. The stamping operation does not significantly change the thickness of the electrode, unlike the folding operation which tends to double the thickness of the electrode at the tongue.

The invention also relates to an insert configured to be placed in an electrical connection interface of an electric vehicle heating device, the electric heating device comprising at least one pair of electrodes, the insert comprising a clamp with two branches. linked together to form jaws, the first branch being provided with a first tooth and the second branch being provided with a second tooth facing the first tooth, the first tooth being intended to be inserted into the first orifice of the electrode and the second tooth being intended to be inserted into the second orifice of the electrode.

The insert is intended to cooperate with the electrode of the heating element to form an electrical connection assembly. The insert thus forms a device for holding and connecting the electrode in this electrical connection assembly. The insert is made of an electrically conductive material. Advantageously, this conductive material is a metallic material, for example copper.

The clamp is intended to cooperate with a single electrode. The insert holds the electrode by pinching it using the forceps. The first branch and the second branch of the clamp are both of longitudinal extension. They each have an end which links them, and a free end at the level of which teeth are formed. The first branch and the second branch preferably have their free ends somewhat inclined towards one another so as to ensure pinching at the teeth. The clamp has an elastic restoring force due to its elastic deformation capacities. This elastic deformation contributes to securing the maintenance of the electrode. The first branch and the second branch can be moved apart from one another by mechanical force and an elastic restoring force returns the clamp to an original position.

The jaws, provided with teeth arranged in the vicinity of the free end of each branch, correspond to jaws of the forceps, making it possible to maintain the electrode in the insert. In the presence of the electrode, the jaws lock the electrode in the insert by inserting their teeth into the first opening and the second opening of the tongue. The first tooth and the second tooth can ensure pinching without being in contact with each other, since they are inserted respectively in the first opening and the second opening of the tongue.

The insert is included in the electrical connection interface. In this connection interface, the first branch and the second branch of the clamp are left free on the side of their free ends so that their deformation can be ensured in order to maintain the electrode.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first branch and the second branch define between them an insertion slot having an open inlet end and an end forming a bottom opposite the inlet end. The clamp is allowed to deform by the presence of the insertion slot separating the first branch and the second branch.

The insertion slot is configured and sized to accommodate the folded electrode. The electrode tab enters it through the entry end. The entry end is configured to direct the tab as it slides through the slot toward the teeth.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insertion slot comprises two recesses among which a first recess arranged in the vicinity of the entry end and a second recess located in the bottom of the insertion slot. The second recess makes it easier to separate the first branch and the second branch from each other. The first recess authorizes the first tooth and the second tooth to be inserted respectively into the first opening and the second opening of the tongue and therefore participates in the maintenance of the tongue.

Between the first recess and the second obviously, the insertion slot has a narrow neck so that the first branch and the second branch are supported on the tongue when it has been inserted. The area where the tongue and the first branch come into contact with the tongue and the second branch corresponds to the electrical connection surface between the electrode and the insert.

The fold line of the tab fits into the bottom of the insertion slot. In particular, the fold line abuts this bottom.

According to one aspect of the invention, the free end of the first branch and the free end of the second branch are bevelled so as to form a ramp towards the insertion slot. The ramp is located at the entry end of the insertion slot. To form the ramp, the beveled shape defines an inclined plane oriented so as to narrow the passage towards the insertion slot. The ramp sees its interest in guiding the electrode during an interlocking assembly operation consisting in inserting the tab of the electrode into the insertion slot of the clamp.

The insertion ramp is the part of the clamp first encountered by the electrode during the interlocking assembly operation. Its bevelled shape facilitates the insertion of the electrode tongue, avoiding collisions between the clamp and the tongue.

The teeth are located between the insertion ramp and the first recess. The insertion ramp allows the first tooth to be inserted into the first opening of the tongue and the second tooth to be inserted into the second opening of the tongue.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert comprises a transverse extension base and a plurality of clamps arranged on one side of the base which connects them, the clamps, among which at least one clamp with two branches, having axes parallel extension. The base constitutes the main part of the insert in the sense that it connects all of the components of the insert. It has two transverse ends. The clips of the plurality of clips are connected to each other through the base. Advantageously, there are pliers at the two transverse ends of the base.

When the insert has a plurality of clamps, it is configured to hold several electrodes, each clamp being intended to lock a single electrode.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert comprises a plurality of two clips. Two electrodes can therefore be held by this insert. In particular, one and the other clamps are located at the transverse ends of the base.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert comprises a plurality of four clips. Four electrodes can therefore be held by this insert. In particular, one clamp is located at one of the transverse ends of the base, another clamp is located at the other transverse end of the base, and two other clamps are distributed between the two transverse ends of the base. Advantageously, the distribution of the clips is homogeneous on the side of the base carrying them.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert comprises an electrical connection pin connected to the plurality of clips by the base and positioned on a side of the base opposite the side carrying the plurality of clips, the electrical connection pin extending in the axis of extension of one of the clamps. An insert with an electrical connection pin is a connection insert.

The base thus has a carrier side of the clamps and a carrier side of the electrical connection pin. The electrical connection pin is intended in particular to interact with a printed circuit board, known by the acronym "PCB" for "Printed Circuit Board", via an appropriate PCB connector. Thus, the insert connects each of the electrodes to the control elements carried by the printed circuit card. The size is thus reduced thanks to the presence of this electrical connection pin dedicated to several clamps and therefore electrodes.

The electrical connection pin can be arranged asymmetrically on the base and in relation to the entire insert. This asymmetry makes it possible to have a steerable insert, the electrical connection pin being closer to one or the other of the transverse ends of the base. The asymmetry allows you to reverse the position of the insert as needed, for example to facilitate connection to the printed circuit.

According to an alternative aspect of the invention, the insert has no electrical connection pin. In this case, it is a coupling insert. A coupling insert connects the electrodes together without being used to connect them to a printed circuit board. This role is assigned to another element of the electrical heating system.

According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the insert comprises at least one perforated reinforcement tab and disposed between two clips. The base attaches the reinforcement tab to the other elements of the insert. The reinforcement tab is positioned on the side of the base carrying the clamps, opposite the electrical connection pin when it is present.

The reinforcement tab has the effect of stiffening the insert, and in particular its base. Indeed, the base of a slender structure requires the presence of thickening between the clamps to ensure the rigidity of its structure.

The punch hole in the reinforcement tab reduces the amount of material used to make the insert. In addition, the insert being overmolded in the electrical connection interface, the hole performs various functions during overmolding. On the one hand, the hole is used to position the insert before injecting material. On the other hand, the material used for overmolding is housed in this hole and thus secures the position of the insert in the electrical connection interface.

The invention further relates to an electrical vehicle fueling device comprising a heating element as described above and an electrical connection interface comprising an insert as described above. The electrical connection interface is intended to provide an electrical connection between at least the heating element of the heating device and an electrical supply of a vehicle. The heating element has the tab of the electrode inserted in the clamp of the insert in order to make this connection.

According to one aspect of the invention, the tongue of the electrode is in abutment against the first branch and of the second branch in the insertion slot of the insert, the first tooth fitting into the first orifice, the second tooth fitting into the second hole.

In the electric heater, the first port and the second port of the tongue cooperate with the first tooth and the second tooth. The electrode is thus locked by the clamp. The interaction between the jaws and the tongue limits the friction of the electrode with the insert. As a result, the wear of these elements is also limited.

The tongue is supported on the first branch and the second branch of the clamp while being inserted into the insertion slot of the clamp. By this close cooperation, clamp and electrode are electrically connected. The support is reinforced in the electric heater so that the electrical connection is permanently established.

According to one aspect of the invention, the fold line of the tongue is inserted in the second recess.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert is arranged in an electrical connection interface. The insert is made of an electrically conductive material. 11 is partially inserted in an electrically non-conductive overmold corresponding to the electrical connection interface.

should be chosen for the realization of this molding a resistant material which can withstand the operating temperature. By way of nonlimiting example, a material can be chosen from polyamide filled with glass fiber, of type PA66 + GF3O, or else polybutylene terepbtalate also loaded with glass fiber, of type PBT + GF2O.

Once the overmolding has been carried out, the electronic connection pin and the clamp are left free. The electronic connection pin protrudes from the overmolding. It can thus be capped with the "PCB" connector. The clamp is left free so that it can be deployed. Its first branch and its second branch can thus deviate during the assembly operation by interlocking the tongue. In order to protect the clamps from potential breakage, each of the clamps is integrated into a recess in the overmolding.

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According to one aspect of the invention, a first set of three inserts is included in a first plane and a second set of three inserts is included in a second plane distinct from the first plane, the first plane and the second plane both being perpendicular to the main longitudinal plane of the body of an electrode.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electric heating device is provided with six inputs. Three inputs correspond to three pins with electronic connection carried by three connection inserts of the first set. Three other inputs correspond to three pins with electronic connection carried by three connection inserts of the second set. The number of “PCB” connector linked is thus reduced , as well as the size of the electrical connection assembly.

According to one aspect of the invention, each insert comprises four clamps and an electrical connection pin.

In this exemplary embodiment, the electric heating device is provided with twenty-four outputs. The twenty-four outputs correspond to four clamps carried by each of the six connection inserts, the connection inserts being three in number for the first set and three for the second set. This configuration endows the insert with numerous electrodes while guaranteeing the compactness of the whole. The heating elements including two electrodes are then twelve in number, which is brought to generate a significant heating power. As an indication, 8.5kWatt are provided. Advantageously, the connection assembly is used for a high voltage electric heating device.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an electric heating device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a detail of the electric heating device of FIG. 1, making visible inserts and electrodes according to one aspect of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a longitudinal end of one of the electrodes that is part of the electric heating device according to the invention,

- Figure 4 is a sectional view of an insert and two electrodes of the electric heating device according to the invention, n

- Figures 5> 6 and 7 illustrate by sectional views of the successive steps of an assembly operation by fitting an electrode into an insert clamp according to one aspect of the invention.

it should first be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

In the following description, the longitudinal and transverse names can be assessed in relation to one of the electrodes of the heating element according to the invention and to its main longitudinal plane A, the longitudinal dimension and in particular a corresponding longitudinal X axis to the largest dimension of the electrode.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown an electric heater 1 of a vehicle as a whole. Only some of the heat sinks 2 included in the electric heating device 1 are shown so as to facilitate the readability of FIG. 1.

The electric heating device 1 comprises a heating body 100 and an electrical connection assembly 3 · The heating body 100 comprises a plurality of heating elements 4 and heat sinks 2. The electrical connection assembly 3 comprises a plurality of 'inserts 5 for holding the heating elements 4 ·

The heating elements 4 consist of a pair of electrodes 6 and resistive elements 10, like stones with PTC effect, that is to say positive temperature coefficient. Each electrode 6 extends along an extension axis X. In this example, the extension axes X of the electrodes 6 are parallel and coplanar. An electrode 6 comprises a first longitudinal terminal end 7> a second longitudinal terminal end 8 opposite the first longitudinal terminal end and a body 9 disposed between the first longitudinal terminal end 7 and the second longitudinal terminal end 8.

The first longitudinal terminal end 7 is provided with a tongue extending along an axis of the tongue and inserted in the insert 5 · The elements characterizing the first longitudinal terminal end 7 are detailed in FIG. 3 ·

The body 9> plane, extends in a main longitudinal plane A including the elongation axis X. The second longitudinal terminal end 8 is also included in this main longitudinal plane A. The first longitudinal terminal end 7 is partly included in this main longitudinal plane A.

The electrodes 6 of the pair enclose several resistive elements 10. The resistive elements 10 are distributed regularly over the body 9 between the first longitudinal end 7 and the second longitudinal terminal end 8 of the pairs of electrodes 6. A pair of electrodes and the resistive elements which the electrodes enclose can be housed in a tube at one end of which the first longitudinal end 8 of the electrode projects.

The heat sinks 2 are attached to an outer face of the tube surrounding the pair of electrodes. The heat sink 2 takes the form of fins extending from a tube to the adjacent tube. The heat sinks 2 also extend over the whole of the body 9 and the second longitudinal terminal end 8 of the electrode 6.

The inserts 5 are arranged in an electrical connection interface 11. In order to join the different inserts 5 to each other, but also to insulate them electrically and thermally, they are molded in this electrical connection interface 11. Only remain accessible to the electrical connection connection inputs and connection outputs of the inserts 5 · As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, each insert 5 is configured to form an input and several outputs.

The electrical connection interface 11 makes it possible to electrically connect the heating elements 4 to an electrical network supplying it, on board the vehicle. It also allows the mechanical fixing of the electric heating device 1 in a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning installation of said vehicle.

Three inserts 5 are part of a first set 12 of insert 5 · This first set 12 is included in a first plane Pl. Three other inserts 5 are part of a second set 13 of inserts 5 · This second set 13 is included in a second P2 plan. The first plane Pl and the second plane P2 are both perpendicular to the main longitudinal plane A of the body 9 of an electrode 6.

The electric heating device 1 is intended to heat an air flow LA circulating through heat sinks 2. The air flow LA follows a trajectory perpendicular to the main elongation axis X of the electrode, this trajectory being parallel to the longitudinal plane A of the body 9 of the electrode 6. The electrical connection interface 11 is intended to be connected to a power supply which supplies current to the electrodes 6, flowing via the insert 5 which is electrically conductive. Current flows through electrodes 6 and resistive elements 10 which are therefore heated. The resistive elements 10 transmit, by thermal conduction, their heat to the heat sinks 2. The air flow LA captures this heat by licking the surfaces of the electrodes 6 and the heat sinks 2. The heat sinks 2 make it possible to increase the surface area d heat exchange between the electric heating device 1 and the air flow FA.

FIG. 2 shows more precisely the insert 5 according to a section of the electric heating device 1 passing through the first plane Pl. This view makes it possible to visualize the relative position of the electrodes 6 in the electric heating device 1. The cooperation of the insert 5 with the electrical connection interface 11 and with the electrodes 6 of the heating elements 4 is also detailed.

For a pair of electrodes 6 of a heating element 4> the axes Y of the tongues 17 of one and of the other electrode 6 of the pair are located in separate parallel planes. One of the tongues 17 of the electrode pair 6 has a Y axis arranged in the first plane P1 while the other tab of the pair has a Y axis arranged in the second plane P2. This arrangement makes it possible to connect an electrode 6 of the pair to an insert 5 arranged in the first plane P1, and the other electrode 6 of the pair to an insert 5 arranged in the second plane P2, and it is understood that this arrangement allows each electrode of the same pair to be connected to different power supply terminals.

In the example illustrated, the insert 5 comprises four clamps 14 and an electrical connection pin 15 · Each electrical connection pin 15 corresponds to an electrical connection input and each clamp 14 corresponds to an electrical connection output. Thus, due to the presence of the first set 12 and the second set 13, the electric heating device 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has six inputs and twenty-four outputs.

The clamps 14 are integrated into a niche 16 formed in the overmolding formed by the electrical connection interface 11. The four clamps 14 of an insert 5 are oriented towards the electrodes 6. They allow the electrodes 6 to be held in the interface electrical connection 3 · The clamps 14 are left free in the recess 16 so that they can move away when the electrodes 6 are received.

The electrical connection pin 15, arranged opposite the clamps 14, is in turn projecting from the electrical connection interface 11. This electrical connection pin 15 can thus be plugged into a “PCB” connector, not shown here. and which connects the electrical connection assembly to a printed circuit board.

The clamps 14 of the same insert 5 hold only one of the electrodes 6 of a pair. The other electrode 6 of the pair is held by means of another insert 5 · The inserts 5 of the first set 12 are electrically connected with the electrodes 6 whose tongues 17 have an axis Y arranged in the same first plane Pi of the first set 12. The inserts 5 of the second set 13 are electrically connected with the electrodes 6, the tongues 17 of which have an axis Y arranged in the same second plane P2 of the second set 13 ·

Referring now to Figure 3> we see the first longitudinal end 7 of the electrode 6, isolated from the insert 5 · It has the tongue 17 extending along its own axis Y, distinct from the axis d 'elongation X of the body 9 of the electrode 6 and parallel to the latter. Here, the axis Y of the tongue 17 is offset transversely with respect to the axis of elongation X but could just as easily be placed elsewhere on the electrode 6 without departing from the scope of the invention, since the tongue 17 can be positioned in line with the clamp 14 of the insert 5 on which it depends.

The tongue 17 has a first part 18 and a second part 19 linked by a fold line 20 of the tongue 17 ·

The second part 19 of the tongue 17 is folded 180 ° over the first part 18 by the fold line 20. The first part 18 of the tongue 17 is formed by the extension of the body 9 of the electrode 6 and is thus disposed in the main longitudinal plane A of this body 9 · The second part 19, when it is folded over the first part 18, is arranged in a secondary plane B parallel and distinct from the main longitudinal plane A. The second part 19 and the first part 18 are thus arranged side by side, and can be in contact without this being limiting of the invention.

In the longitudinal dimension, taken along the axis Y of the tongue 17, the second part 19 is shorter than the first part 18, so that the second part 19 only partially covers the first part 18.

The tongue 17 extends the body 9 at its first longitudinal terminal end 7 · Two leaves 21 form a curved transition between the body 9 and the tongue 17 so as to facilitate obtaining by molding the electrode 6 and so as to stiffen the tongue when inserting the electrodes into the insert.

The second part 19 is provided with a second orifice 23 · The first part 18 is provided with a first orifice, here not visible due to the angle of view, but apparent in the section of Figures 5 to 7 · The first orifice 22 and the second orifice 23 are coaxial, centered on the same axis C intersecting with the axis Y of the tongue 17 · The first orifice 22 and the second orifice 23 are dimensioned to receive teeth described elsewhere, so that that the first opening 22 and the second opening 23 participate in the anchoring of the electrode 6, making it possible to ensure its immobility once the electrode 6 is inserted in the clamp 14 ·

The first longitudinal terminal end 7 of the electrode 6 comprises a reinforcement zone 24 of the tongue 17 · It is located in the vicinity of the tongue 17 in order to reinforce the latter. Specifically, the reinforcement zone 24 is located at the birth of the first part 18 of the tongue 17, between the fold line 20 and the body 9, between the fillets 21.

This reinforcement zone 24 is formed by a stamping produced at least in part on the first part 18 of the tongue 17 · More particularly, half of this reinforcement zone can be placed on the body of the electrode and the other half of this reinforcement zone can be arranged on the first part of the tongue. The reinforcement zone 24 formed by a stamp generates a projection relative to the main longitudinal plane A. The stamp is in this example ellipsoid, but other shapes could be envisaged. This stamp is centered on the Y axis of the tongue 17, extending its largest dimension along this same Y axis, in accordance with the first and second orifices.

FIG. 4 illustrates the profile of the insert 5 and the profile of electrodes 6 inserted in the insert 5, in a section passing through the second plane P2. To better appreciate the profile of the insert 5, the latter only has two electrodes 6 and not four, as its structure with four clamps allows 14 · The electrode 6 is visible in part at its first longitudinal terminal end 7 carrying the tongue 17 ·

The insert 5 comprises four clamps 14, an electrical connection pin 15, two reinforcement tabs 25 and a base 26 connecting the clamps 14, the electrical connection pin 15 and the reinforcement tabs 25 ·

Each clamp 14 has a first branch 27 linked to a second branch 28, each branch having a free end 33 and a connection zone 34 which makes it possible to connect the branches of the same clamp together. Recesses 38, 45 are provided on each of the branches 27, 28, these recesses 38, 45 being opposite one branch to the other with the same clamp. The first branch 27 and the second branch 28 locally form jaws 29 provided with teeth 30, 3 'on the side of their free end 33, a first of the recesses 45 participating in the formation of the teeth 3θ> 3' · A second recess 38 is made at the bottom 37 of the insertion slot 35 ·

The first recess 45 is formed in the first branch 27 and in the second branch on the side of the free end 33 · 11 participates in forming a first tooth 3θ and a second tooth 3 '· The first tooth 3θ is part of the first branch 27 · The first tooth 3θ is intended to be inserted in the first orifice 22 of the tongue 17 of the electrode 6, while the second tooth 3L part in the second branch 28, is intended to be inserted in the second orifice 23 of the tongue 17 of the electrode 6.

The first tooth 3θ and the second tooth 3 'face each other. The first branch 27 and the second branch 28 are separated from one another in a rest position so that the insertion of the tongue in the slot between the branches forces the branches to move apart on the other, by elastic deformation of these branches as presented by way of example in FIGS. 5 to 7 · The second recess 38 contributes to the flexibility of the first branch 27 relative to the second branch 28.

The first branch 27 and the second branch 28 aim to resume their position elastically and thus enclose the tongue 17 of the electrode 6. This elastic return effect forces the first tooth 30 and the second tooth 3 'to be housed in the corresponding holes 23, 22 when these arrive at the height of the teeth during the insertion of the tongue into the slot. In this way, the jaws 29 lock the position of the electrode 6 in the clamp 14, the first tooth 3θ and the second tooth 3 'being of dimensions substantially equal to those of the orifices 23,22, thus limiting the play of the electrode 6 in the clamp 14 ·

The first branch 27 and the second branch 28 are each bevelled on the side of their free end 33 facing the electrode 6. This bevel forms a ramp 32 guiding the tongue 17 towards an insertion slot 35 during an operation of assembly by interlocking of the clamp 14 with the tongue 17 · The assembly operation by interlocking is described in FIGS. 5 to 7 ·

The first branch 27 and the second branch 28 delimit between them the insertion slot 35 "dimensioned to accommodate the tongue 17 of the electrode 6 and to force the elastic spacing of the branches 27, 28 as described above. The insertion slot 35 has an inlet end 36 located on the side of the free ends 33 of the first branch 27 and the second branch 28, the first recesses 45 being arranged directly downstream of this inlet end 36.

As has just been specified previously, the tongue 17 is held tightly by the clamp 14 by the elastic return force of the branches, and a contact zone is notably created at an electrical connection surface 44 located between the first recess 45 and the second recess 38. It is understood that according to the invention, the cooperation of the teeth 30, 31 and the orifices 23, 22 ensures the position of the electrode relative to the electrical connection assembly while the close contact between the electrical connection surface 44 and the tongue 17 allows the passage of the electric current from the clamp 14 to the electrode 6.

The electrical connection pin 15 is unique on the insert 5 and has a main direction of longitudinal extension. In the example illustrated, without this being limiting of the invention if the ratio between the dimensions were opposite, the transverse dimension of the electrical connection pin 15 is equivalent to that of the clamp 14, while the longitudinal dimension of the electrical connection pin 15 is larger than that of the clamp 14 ·

The four clamps 14 extend longitudinally along extension axes D1 to D4 located between the main longitudinal planes A and secondary plane B of the electrodes 6 which they hold. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection pin 15 extends along the extension axis D2. This example is not limiting, the electrical connection pin 15 being able to extend along a different axis without departing from the scope of the invention. The clamps 14 have extension axes D1 to D4 parallel and in the plane P2 of the section.

The electrical connection pin 15 is positioned asymmetrically on the base 26. This electrical connection pin 15 extends along one of the main longitudinal planes A of one of the electrodes 6, in this case carried by the one of the clamps 14, specifically that of extension along the axis D2. The asymmetry allows a shift between two electronic connection pins 15 located in parallel planes, as illustrated in FIG. 2 with an electrical connection pin 15 in the main longitudinal plane A and an electrical connection pin 15 in the secondary plane B, these electronic connection pins 15 extending in main longitudinal planes A of different electrodes 6.

The reinforcement tab 25 is a part of the insert 5 which is smaller than the clamp 14 in the longitudinal dimension, and which has a dimension substantially equivalent to this clamp from the transverse point of view. The reinforcement tab 25 has a perforation hole 39 · As shown in FIG. 2, most of the insert 5 is included in the overmolding of the electrical connection interface 11. In particular, the material of the overmolding s 'intrudes into the hole 39 of each reinforcement tab 25, participating in the holding of the insert 5 in the electrical connection interface 11.

The reinforcement tab 25 is arranged between two clamps 14, between the extension axis D1 and the extension axis D2 on the one hand, and between the extension axis D3 and the extension axis D4 on the other hand.

The base 26 is perpendicular to the extension axis Dl. The base 26 extends perpendicularly to the main longitudinal plane A. It has two transverse ends 42, 43 opposite one another in the largest dimension of the base 26. The base 26 is reinforced by the tabs of reinforcement 25

The clamps 14 are arranged on a 4θ side of the base 26 which connects them. In the example illustrated, the reinforcement tabs 25 extend on the same side as the clips 14 · The electrical connection pin 15 is located on the other side 41 of the base 26. A clip 14 is located at each transverse end 42, 43 of the base 26. The other two clamps 14 are distributed between the transverse ends 42, 43 of the base 26 so that the four clamps 14 are distributed equidistantly from each other.

The stamp forming the reinforcement zone 24 projects from the main longitudinal plane A. The reinforcement zone 24 is generally included in a plane which is specific to it, also distinct from the secondary plane B.

The electrode 6 is formed by a sheet of constant thickness "e", the folding of the first part 18 onto the second part 19 locally doubling the thickness of the electrode at the level of the tongue.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an electrode 6 with the clamp 14 receiving it, here the clamp 14 having the extension axis Dl, as presented in Figure 4 · Figures 5 to 7 could however represent any of the clamps 14 · The electrode 6 and the clamp 14 are isolated to facilitate reading of FIGS. 5 to 7 · The reader may refer to FIGS. 3 and 4 for the detailed description of these two elements.

Figures 5 to 7 describe a succession of steps, presented chronologically, representative of the assembly operation by interlocking the tongue 17 of the electrode 6 in the clamp 14 ·

Figure 5 shows a first step of the assembly operation in an insertion direction represented by an arrow 46. The clamp 14 is presented at the free end 33 of the first branch 27 and the second branch 28. The ramp 32 is formed from the fact that the free ends 33 are bevelled. The fold line 20 is guided by this ramp when it engages in the entry end 36 of the insertion slot 35

Figure 6 shows a second step in the assembly operation. The tongue 17 slides along the ramp 32 in the direction of insertion represented by the arrow 46 to be inserted between the first branch 27 and the second branch 28. The passage requires forcing on the first branch 19 and the second branch 18: thanks to their flexibility and the presence of the second recess 38 at the base of the branches, the latter deviate from their original position as shown in FIG. 5 · Thus, the free ends 33 deviate from one on the other by moving away from the extension axis D1 of the clamp, so as to create a passage sufficient for the insertion of the tongue 17 further into the insertion slot 35 · As may have been be specified before, the insertion of the tongue is also facilitated by the flexibility of this tongue generated by its production by folding with a gap formed between the two parts of the tongue folded down opposite one another e. When passing between the first branch 27 and the second branch 28, the tongue can retract slightly to enter the insert before returning to its original position.

Figure 7 shows a third step in the assembly process. The tongue 17 progresses into the insertion slot 35 until, by an elastic restoring force, the clamp 14 closes. The clamp 14 closes when the first tooth 3θ is disposed facing the second orifice 23 of the tongue 17 and when the second tooth 31 is disposed opposite the first orifice 22 of the tongue 17 · The jaws 29 then lock the electrode 6 in the insertion slot 35 · The clamp 14 thus closed tends to return to its initial position, enclosing the electrode 6 at its tongue 17 and also creating the electrical connection surface 44 · The electrode 6 can also be deformed by crushing, all in all slight, caused by the clamp 14 ·

The electrical connection surface 44 is notably ensured due to an appropriate dimensioning of the insert with respect to the dimensioning of the tab of the electrode. It is expected that the spacing between the first and second branches 27, 28 of the insert is of a dimension less than the sum of the corresponding dimensions of the first part of the tongue, of the second part of the tongue and of the gap between these two parts. The return to the initial position of the clamp when it closes is thus blocked by the presence of the tongue which thus generates the electrical connection surface 44 ·

It is understood from reading the above that the present invention provides an electric vehicle heating device comprising a heating element and an electrical connection interface comprising an insert, configured to effectively secure the heating element and the insert. This electrical heating device also gains in compactness and power, offering a higher density of heating element and a simplified electronic connection advantageously designed to satisfy high voltage systems. The reliability of the maintenance of the heating element by the insert also makes it possible to perpetuate this maintenance, limiting the wear by friction of the constituents of the heating element.

The invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here, and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technical combination operating such means. In particular, the shape of the electrical cauauage device can be modified without harming the invention, insofar as the electrical cauauffage device, ultimately, fulfills the same functions as those described in this document.

Claims (10)

1. Heating element (4) of an electric heating device (1) of a vehicle comprising at least one pair of electrodes (6), the electrodes (6) of the pair enclosing at least one resistive element (1O) , and being associated respectively with a heat sink (2), each electrode (6) comprising a body (9) extending in a main longitudinal plane (A) and a first longitudinal terminal end (7) provided with a tongue ( 17), characterized in that the tongue (17) comprises a first part (18) provided with a first orifice (22) and a second part (19) provided with a second orifice (23), the first part (18 ) and the second part (19) of the tongue (17) being linked by a fold line (20), and characterized in that the first part (18) is arranged in the main longitudinal plane (A) of the body of the electrode, the second part (19) being folded over the first part (18) so that the he second orifice (23) and the first orifice (22) are superimposed coaxially. 2. Heating element (4) according to claim 1, in which the second part (19) of the tongue (17) extends in a secondary plane (B) parallel to the main longitudinal plane (A) of the electrode (6 ). 3- Heating element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first longitudinal terminal end (7) of the electrode (6) comprises a reinforcement zone (24) forming a stamp projecting from the main longitudinal plane. (AT). 4. Heating element (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the reinforcement zone (24), the first orifice (22) and the second orifice (23) are aligned along an axis (Y) of the tongue (17) · 5- insert (5) configured to be disposed in an electrical connection interface (11) of an electric heating device (1) of a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the electric heating device (1) comprising at least a pair of electrodes (6), the insert (5) comprising at least one clamp (14) with two branches (27, 28) linked together to form jaws (29), the first branch being provided with a first tooth (30) and the second branch being provided with a second tooth (31) facing the first tooth, the first tooth (30) being intended to be inserted in the first orifice (22) of the electrode ( 6) and the second tooth (31) being intended to be inserted into the second orifice (23) of the electrode (6). 6. Insert (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first branch (27) and the second branch (28) define between them an insertion slot (35) having an open inlet end (36) and an end forming a bottom (37) opposite the inlet end (36). 7- insert (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insertion slot (35) comprises two recesses (38,45) among which a first recess (45) disposed at 5 in the vicinity of the entry end (36) and a second recess (38) located in the bottom (37) of the insertion slot (35) · 8. Insert (5) according to any one of claims 5 to 7. comprising a base (26) of transverse extension and a plurality of clips (14) arranged on one side (40) of the base (26) which connects, the clamps (14), among which at least one clamp with two branches (27, 10 28), having axes of extension (Dl, D2, D3, D4) parallel. 9- Electric vehicle heating device (1) comprising a heating element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an electrical connection interface (11) comprising an insert (5) according to one of claims 5 at 8. 10. Electric heating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the tongue (17) of the electrode (6) bears on the first branch (27) and the second branch (28) in the slot insert (35) of the insert (5), the first tooth (30) fitting into the first hole (22) and the second tooth (31) fitting into the second hole (23) ·