FR3109475A1 - Fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud of which is capable of being welded to a support; the securing device (206) comprising at least one spring (210) and at least one locking means (208), such that in a locking position of the securing device (206), the locking means (208) is configured to retain the at least one electrical lug to the stud, the spring (210) being at least partially loaded in the locking position. Figure for abstract: Figure 17

Description

Fixing device

The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud of which is capable of being welded to a support, in particular to a vehicle body (a vehicle body for example) .

It may be necessary, particularly in the automotive field, for several electric cables to be fixed to a support, generally metallic, in order to ensure contact, for example in the case of a ground connection. It is known for this purpose to connect, in particular by crimping, each electric cable to an electric terminal comprising a through hole. The through hole of the electrical lug is intended to be traversed by an electrically conductive stud (or socket head screw) which is welded to the bracket. A nut is then screwed to the stud in order to maintain the electrical terminal in contact with the stud. However, the operation of screwing the nut onto the stud can cause quality defects which result in particular from the control of the tightening torque and the risk of the electrical lugs slipping or slipping relative to each other during screwing.

The object of the present invention is to improve the drawbacks mentioned above relating to fixing by screwing.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a fixing device for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud of which is adapted to be welded to a support. The fixing device comprises at least one spring and at least one locking means, such that in a locking position of the fixing device, the locking means is configured to retain the at least one electrical lug to the stud, the spring being at the least partially loaded in the lock position.

Thus, such a fixing device makes it possible to advantageously dispense with the use of a nut. Consequently, such a fixing device does not require the use of a tool, which makes it possible to further simplify the fixing operation. In addition, thanks to the partially loaded spring in the locking position, contact is ensured without the need for a tightening torque control procedure.

The present invention relating to a fixing device for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud can be further improved by the following embodiments.

According to one embodiment, the fixing device may consist of at least one spring and the locking means, the locking means possibly being integrally formed in one piece.

Thus, no assembly step is necessary to assemble the locking means and the number of parts of the fastening device can be advantageously reduced.

According to one embodiment, the locking means may comprise a through hole adapted to be passed through by a stud, said through hole may have a shape obtained by the partial overlapping of two circles of different diameters.

The partial overlap of the two circles has the effect that the centers of the circles are misaligned, that is, they are not coincident. The distance that separates the respective centers of the circles of the through hole allows a translation of the fixing device relative to a stud.

According to alternatives of the fixing device of the present invention, and in a non-limiting manner:

The at least one spring can be housed in a compartment assembled by snap-fastening.

Thus, the fastening device can be assembled without nuts or tools, that is to say manually, by snap-fastening, which allows for simplified and rapid assembly.

The fixing device may further comprise a thrust surface such that the locking position is reached by exerting pressure in a locking direction on the thrust surface.

Thus, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the push surface. The locking position can thus be reached without the use of tools and by a single continuous movement of an operator. Such a fixing device thus allows simple, easy and rapid locking.

The fixing device may further comprise a hollow rod which extends on either side of the fixing device from the pushing surface towards a surface opposite the pushed surface in the locking direction and which is dimensioned so as to accommodate a stud there.

Thus, the fixing device can be easily assembled to a stud, without requiring the use of a nut or tool.

The fixing device may comprise two compression springs, of which a first spring has a diameter greater than that of a second spring.

Thus, the fixing is further improved thanks to the redundant presence of springs in the fixing device.

In the locking position, a direction of a restoring force exerted by the first spring and a direction of a restoring force exerted by the second spring can be parallel to each other and to a central longitudinal axis of the hollow rod.

Thus, given the arrangement relative to the thrust surface of the hollow rod provided to house a stud, it turns out that the direction of return force exerted by each of the first spring and the second spring is parallel to the direction locking. Therefore, the fixing device is configured such that pressure exerted on the thrust surface in the locking direction makes it possible to load the first spring and the second spring until the locking position is reached. As a result, an operator can activate the locking of the fixing device by a single continuous and manual gesture, that is to say which does not require the use of a tool.

The hollow rod may include on a side wall at least one opening provided to partially receive the locking means.

Thus, beyond being designed to accommodate a pin, the hollow rod also has a locking function. This makes it possible in particular to provide a compact fastening device.

The at least one locking means may comprise a resiliently deformable retaining ring slidably inserted into the locking means in a direction of insertion that is transverse to the locking direction.

Thus, the locking means makes it possible to ensure the locking position without the use of nuts or tools. It is thus not necessary to check the tightening torque, which the use of a nut would have required, and it is possible to avoid the risks associated with the unscrewing of such a nut.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by a fixing assembly comprising a fixing device and an electrical terminal, where the electrical terminal comprises a first portion to which an electrical cable is provided to be connected and a second portion provided with a through hole capable of being passed through by an electrically conductive stud; and wherein the at least one spring is disposed so as to be in contact at least partially with an inner wall of the through hole of the electrical terminal.

Thus, the electrical contact between the electrical terminal and an electrically conductive stud is ensured by means of the spring. Moreover, beyond allowing manual assembly (without tools), such an arrangement of the spring can also make it possible to improve the compactness of the fastening assembly.

The present invention relating to a fixing assembly comprising a fixing device and an electrical terminal can be further improved by the following embodiments.

According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal may further comprise at least one protrusion arranged to provide a bearing surface for the spring.

The protuberance, by providing a bearing surface, offers a surface for receiving and supporting the spring. Thus, the spring can be positioned in the electrical terminal resting on said bearing surface. Therefore, the spring can be pre-assembled to the electrical terminal without requiring the locking means of the fixing device to hold the spring to the electrical terminal. A loss of the spring can thus be avoided even before the locking means is fitted to the electrical terminal.

According to one embodiment, the electrical lug may comprise at least one planar projection which extends partially from the second portion towards the center of the through hole of the electrical lug and in a plane parallel to the bearing surface of the at least a protrusion.

Thus, the at least one flat projection makes it possible to ensure better positioning of the electrical terminal when it is assembled to a stud. In addition, the at least one projection also makes it possible to ensure better control of the deformation of the spring and to avoid the drawbacks linked to the plastic relaxation of the stresses.

In addition, the spring can be held between the flat projection of the electrical terminal and the bearing surface of the protuberance.

According to one embodiment, the locking means can be provided with a groove and a portion of the electrical terminal can be adapted to be slid into said groove of the locking means.

The electrical terminal can thus be easily assembled by means of locking.

According to one embodiment, the locking means and the electrical lug can be adapted to be attached to each other by positive locking.

The electrical lug can thus be easily assembled by means of locking and without the need for tools.

According to alternatives of the fixing assembly of the present invention, and in a non-limiting manner:

A pushing surface of the fixing device can be arranged so that the locking position is reached by exerting pressure in a locking direction on the pushing surface, the locking direction being transverse to a central axis of the through hole of the electrical pod.

Thus, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the push surface. The locking position can thus be reached without the use of tools and by a single continuous movement of an operator. Such a fixing assembly thus allows a simple, easy and quick locking.

The at least one spring may be a radial spring, such that in the locking position a direction of a biasing force exerted by the at least one spring may be transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the through hole of the electric pod.

Thus, in the locking position, the spring is loaded by being compressed between a stud housed in the through hole of the electrical terminal and an internal wall of the electrical terminal. The spring load thus makes it possible to ensure electrical contact between an internal wall of the electrical terminal and a stud.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud of which comprises a head capable of being welded to a support, by means of a fixing device, comprising the steps of: 1) threading the at least one electrical lug and the fastening device onto the stud so that the stud passes through them and the at least one electrical lug is positioned between a head of the stud and the device of fixation ; 2) exerting pressure in the locking direction on a pushing surface of the fixing device until the locking means of the fixing device reaches the locking position.

Thus, the method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud can be carried out simply and without tools. A screwing step and an additional step to check the screwing torque of a nut to the stud are therefore not necessary. The present method thus allows a more rapid fixing method. In addition, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the push surface by a single continuous gesture of an operator. Such a fixing method thus allows simple, easy and quick locking.

According to one embodiment, in step 1), when the at least one electrical lug is positioned between a head of the stud and the fastening device, the center of the larger diameter circle among the two circles of the shape of the the through hole of the locking means may be aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the stud, and in step 2), in the locking position, the center of the circle of smaller diameter among the two circles of the shape of the through hole of the locking means can be aligned with a longitudinal central axis of the stud.

The distance that separates the respective centers of the two circles with which the shape of the through hole is obtained allows a translation of the fastening device relative to a stud between step 1) and step 2).

According to alternatives of the method of the present invention, and in a non-limiting manner:

The direction for threading the at least one electrical lug and stud fastener in step 1), the locking direction and a longitudinal center axis of the stud may be parallel to each other.

Thus, an operator can carry out steps 1) and 2) of the method in the same direction, which advantageously makes it possible to be able to fix such a fixing device in environments where a handling space would be restricted.

The invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail in the following by means of preferred embodiments and based in particular on the following accompanying figures, in which:

shows an exploded view of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

shows a sectional view of the fixing device in an assembled state according to the first embodiment of the invention.

represents a first step of a method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud by means of the attachment device according to the first embodiment.

represents a second step of a method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud by means of the attachment device according to the first embodiment.

shows a sectional view of Figure 4.

shows a view from above and by transparency of figure 4.

represents a third step of a method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud by means of the attachment device according to the first embodiment.

shows a sectional view of Figure 5.

shows a view from above and by transparency of figure 5.

represents a fourth step of a method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud by means of the attachment device according to the first embodiment.

shows a sectional view of Figure 6.

shows a view from above and by transparency of figure 6.

shows an exploded view of a fastener assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

shows the arrangement of a spring in a fixing assembly according to the second embodiment.

represents a locking means according to a second embodiment.

shows a view of the attachment assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention in an unlatched assembled state.

shows a first step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the second embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

shows a second step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the second embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

shows a third step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the second embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

is a sectional view of Figure 11.

shows a top view of four fixing assemblies according to the second embodiment mounted on the same stud.

shows a side view of four fixing assemblies according to the second embodiment mounted on a same stud.

shows a first variant of a radial spring for a fastening assembly.

shows a second alternative radial spring for a fastener assembly.

shows a third alternative radial spring for a fastener assembly.

shows a first variant of an electrical lug for a fixing assembly.

shows a second variant of an electrical lug for a fixing assembly.

shows an exploded view of a fixing assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

shows a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical terminal.

represents a first step for the fixing assembly according to the third embodiment.

shows a top view of Figure 18a.

represents a second step for the fixing assembly according to the third embodiment.

shows a top view of Figure 19a.

shows a first step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the third embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

shows a second step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the third embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

shows a top view of Figure 21a.

shows a third step of a method for attaching at least one attachment assembly according to the third embodiment to an electrically conductive stud.

shows a top view of Figure 22a.

shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 22a.

The invention will now be described in more detail using advantageous embodiments in an exemplary manner and with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are merely possible configurations and it should be borne in mind that individual features as described above may be provided independently of each other or may be omitted altogether when implementing the present invention.

FIG. 1 represents an exploded view of a fixing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The fixing device 1 comprises a cover 3 that can be snapped onto a base 5 along a mounting direction Dm of the fixing device 1. The snap-fastening of the cover 3 to the base 5 is achieved by the interlocking of snap-fit elements 7 of the cover 3 with two rods 9 provided with heads 11 in the form of hooks and projecting from the base 5.

The fixing device 1 further comprises a retaining circlip 13 and a locking part 15. The retaining circlip 13 is deformable in a resilient manner and is intended to be inserted in a sliding manner into the cover 3 according to an insertion direction Di , which is transverse to the mounting direction Dm. The retaining circlip 13 according to the first embodiment of the invention is a flat tongue 13a of essentially "U" shape. Retaining circlip 13 comprises a central part 17 from which extend two flat and resilient arms 19a, 19b. The central part 17 and the arms 19a, 19b delimit an empty internal zone 21 between them. In the plane of the flat tongue 13a and in a state where the retaining circlip 13 is not deformed, that is to say at rest, the empty internal zone 21 has an essentially circular shape at the level of the central part. 17 is a substantially rectangular shape along the resilient arms 19a, 19b. Thus, a distance between each of the resilient arms is longer at the central part 17 (distance 11) than along the rest of the resilient arms 19a, 19b (distance 12). In a variant of the first embodiment, the retaining circlip could have an arc, semicircle or "V" shape.

The locking part 15 comprises a base 23 in the form of a flat ring comprising a first surface 25a and a second surface 25b, opposite to the first surface 25a. Four protrusions 27a-b, 29a-b protrude from surface 25a in a direction opposite to surface 25b. The four protuberances 27a-b, 29a-b are positioned on the surface 25a of the base 23 equidistant from each other. The four protuberances 27a-b, 29a-b each essentially have a triangular section. In the first embodiment of the invention, the protrusions 27a-b are longer than the protrusions 29a-b. The protuberances 27a-b have a guiding function during the assembly of the fixing device 1 – which will be described in more detail below; while the protuberances 29a-b have a function of locking the retaining circlip 13, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a, 5a and 6a. The locking piece 15 comprises a through hole 31 of circular section. The locking piece 15 is dimensioned so as to be housed between the cover 3 and the base 5.

The fixing device 1 further comprises a hollow rod 33 of essentially circular section. The hollow rod 33 is formed of a side wall 35 which extends along a central longitudinal axis A1 of the hollow rod 33. The side wall 35 comprises, along the central longitudinal axis A1, two openings 37a , 37b diametrically opposed to each other. At a first end 39a of the hollow rod 33, there are two lugs 41a, 41b projecting from the side wall 35 towards the outside of the hollow rod 33 in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A1. The lugs 41a, 41b are fixing lugs which allow assembly by snap connection with the base 5. The first end 39a, as well as a second end 39b opposite the first end 39a, each comprise two notches 43a-b which are diametrically opposed to each other. Notches 43a at first end 39a each include a retaining tab 45a which projects from notch 43a along central longitudinal axis A1 toward first end 39a of hollow stem 33.

The fixing device 1 according to the present invention comprises a first spring 47 and a second spring 49. The first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are compression springs. The first spring 47 has a diameter l3 larger than the diameter l4 of the second spring 49. In the first embodiment, the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are cylindrical and helical compression springs.

Alternatively, the fixing device 1 may comprise one or more cylindrical multi-turn wave springs or leaf springs. In another variant, the first spring could be a spring of a different type than that of the second spring, for example a first cylindrical multi-turn wave spring and a second helical spring. The first spring 47 and the second spring 49 can be springs of the same force, or springs of different force. In yet another variant, the fixing device 1 can comprise three or more springs.

The fixing device 1 is further described in the following by means of Figure 2 which shows a sectional view of the fixing device 1 in a mounted and unlocked state.

Elements having the same reference number already used in Figure 1 will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

The structures of the cover 3 and of the base 5 highlighted thanks to the sectional view of FIG. 2 will be described in more detail in the following.

The cover 3 comprises a portion 51 of essentially cylindrical shape. A first flat base 53 of the cylindrical portion 51 is a thrust surface 55 of the fixing device 1. A second base 57, opposite the first base 53, is provided with snap-in elements 7 which protrude perpendicularly from the second base 57 in a direction opposite to the first base 53. A side wall 59 extends perpendicularly from the first base 53 towards the second base 57 so as to define an annular groove 61 along an outer circumference 53a of the first base 53. The annular groove 61 has a width l5 adapted to receive the first spring 47. The cover 3 comprises a plurality of recesses 63 which extend from the first base 53, in order to lighten the structure of the cover 3. In addition, the lid 3 is crossed right through, that is to say from the first base 53 to the second base 57, by a through hole 65 of circular section.

The base 5 comprises a portion 67 of essentially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 67 is delimited by a side wall 67a which extends around a central longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 67. The cylindrical portion 67 comprises a first open end 69, and a second end 71, opposite the first end 69. The second end 71 comprises a planar base 73. The base 73 of the second end 71 of the base 5 is crossed by a through hole 75 of circular section which is centered on the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 67 of the base 5. The base 73 of the second end 71 is further provided with a first annular groove 77, delimited by a first side wall 79 and a second side wall 81, the second side wall 81 protruding from the perimeter of the through hole 75 The first annular groove 77 has a width l6 adapted to house the second spring 49 therein. indrique 67 and a circular annular gutter 85. The second annular groove 83 has a width l7 adapted to house the first spring 47 therein.

The cover 3, the base 5, the locking piece 15 and the hollow rod 33 are made of plastic material. The elements 3, 5, 15 and 33 can in particular be made by injection molding.

The assembly of the fixing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 will now be described in the following.

In the assembled but unlocked state of the fixing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, the hollow rod 33 is fitted to the flat surface 73 at the level of the through hole 75 of the base 5, to which the hollow rod 33 is retained by means of the fixing lugs 41a-b and retaining tabs 45a. The fixing lugs 41a-b and the retaining tabs 45a are snapped into corresponding openings 81a of the second side wall 81 of the base 5 projecting from the periphery of the through hole 75.

The first spring 47 is positioned in the second annular groove 83 of the base 5.

The second spring 79 is threaded around the hollow rod 33 so as to be centered on the central longitudinal axis A1 of the hollow rod 33. The second spring 79 is positioned in the first annular groove 77 of the base 5.

The locking piece 15 is threaded at its through hole 31 to the hollow rod 33. The base surface 25b 23 of the locking piece is thus in contact with the second spring 79.

The retaining circlip 13 is slidably inserted into the cover 3 along an insertion direction Di, which is transverse to the assembly direction Dm. The two flat and resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 extend on either side of the through hole 65 of the cover 3, and partially extend into the through hole 65. In the mounted but unlocked state of the fixing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, the retaining circlip 13 is at rest and is not in a deformed state.

The cover 3 to which the retaining circuit 13 has been inserted is mounted to the rest of the fixing device 1 one according to the mounting direction Dm. One end 47a of the first spring 47 is thus positioned in the annular groove 61 of the cover 3 while a second end 47b of the first spring 47, opposite the first end 47a, is positioned in the annular groove 83 of the base 5. snap-fastening of the cover 3 to the base 5 is achieved by the fitting of the snap-fastening elements 7 of the cover 3 to the two rods 9 provided with heads 11 in the form of hooks and projecting from the base 5. The snap-fastening of the cover 3 to the base 5 creates thus a compartment in which the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are housed and retained. in Figures 1 and 2) of cover 3 to guide the two elements 3 and 5 together.

The mounting of the fixing device 1 being carried out by snap-fastening, this allows a manual, simple and tool-free mounting of the fixing device 1.

Figures 3 to 6 represent successive steps of a method for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud by means of the fixing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Elements having the same reference number already used in Figures 1 and 2 will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

Figure 3 shows a metal support 87, which can for example be the body of a vehicle, on which is welded an electrically conductive stud 89. Stud 89 is essentially cylindrical in shape. The stud 89 comprises at one end 91 a flat head 93 suitable for welding with the support 87. The flat head 93 of the stud 89 comprises a flange 95. The stud 89 is provided with a portion 97 comprising annular grooves 99. One end 101 of the pin, opposite the end 91 of the pin 89, is chamfered.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, four electrical lugs 103a-d, as known from the state of the art, are threaded onto stud 89 and abut against flange 95 of stud 89. The number of electrical lugs n is not limited to four. It will be noted that the fixing device 1 allows the fixing of any type of flat terminals whatever their number and their configuration, because the fixing device 1 is compatible with all thicknesses of flat terminals. In the example shown in Figure 3, the electrical lugs 103a-d are eyelet lugs comprising a first portion 105 to which is provided to be connected an electrical cable (not visible in Figure 3) and a second portion 107 provided with a through hole (not visible in Figure 3) adapted to be crossed by a stud. In a variant, the electrical lugs 103a-d are forked electrical lugs.

In the first step of the method illustrated by FIG. 3, the fixing device 1 is in a mounted and unlocked state. The fixing device 1 is approached above the stud 89 so as to align a longitudinal central axis A3 of the stud 89 with the longitudinal central axis A1 of the hollow rod 33 of the fixing device 1.

Figures 4, 4a and 4b show the fixing device 1 assembled to the stud 89 in an unlocked state.

As shown in Figure 4, the fastening device 1 has been threaded onto the pin 89 in an assembly direction Da, parallel to the central longitudinal axis A3 of the pin 89.

As shown in Figure 4a, the stud 89 is housed in the hollow rod 33 of the fixing device 1. A portion 103 of the base 73 of the base 5 bears against the second portion 107 of the electrical terminals 103a-d. Portion 103 is in direct contact with second portion 107 of electrical terminal 103a. At this stage of the process, where the fixing device 1 is not yet locked, the electrical lugs 103a-d can still be moved radially around the central longitudinal axis of stud A1.

At this stage, the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are at rest, that is to say they are not loaded or compressed. In the state at rest of the springs 47, 49, the cover 3 and the base 5 are spaced from each other by a distance of length l8.

The sectional view of Figure 4a and the top view by transparency of Figure 4b, illustrate the position of the retaining circlip 13 at this stage of the process at which the fixing device 1 is not yet locked. Figure 4a shows that the resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circuit 13 are positioned at the height of the chamfered part of the end 101 of the pin 89.

The hatched areas 109a-b shown in Figure 4b show the portions 109a-b of the resilient arms 19a-b which partially extend into the through-hole 65 of the cover 3.

Figure 4b also shows that, in the assembled state of the fixing device 1, the retaining circlip 13 is inserted into corresponding grooves of the cover 3 according to the direction of insertion Di so that the flat tongue 13a is parallel to the thrust surface 55 of the cover 3.

Figures 5, 5a and 5b show the fixing device 1 assembled to the pin 89 in an intermediate state between a non-locked state and a locked position.

At the step represented by FIG. 5, a pressure force P is applied to the thrust surface 55 of the cover 3 of the fixing device 1. The pressure force P is applied in a locking direction Dv, which is parallel to the assembly direction Da and to the central longitudinal axis A3 of stud 89.

The pressure P exerted on the thrust surface 55 causes the compression of the first spring 47 and the second spring 49. Thus, the distance l9 between the cover 3 and the base 5 has been reduced compared to the distance l8 of the previous step shown in Figure 4 (l8 <l9).

As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the pressure exerted P on the thrust surface 55 has caused the cover 3 to move towards the base 5, so that the hollow rod 33 in which the pin 89 is housed partially engages in the through hole 65 of the cover 3. This displacement of the cover 3 generates an elastic deformation of the resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 (illustrated in FIG. 5b) when the portions 109a-b of the resilient arms 19a, 19b abut against the notches 43b of the end 39b of the hollow rod 33 under the applied pressure P.

Figure 5b illustrates the elastic deformation of the resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 which are further apart from each other compared to a position of the circlip at rest 13 as illustrated in Figure 4b.

In this intermediate state of the process illustrated in FIG. 5a, the resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 are in abutment against the protrusions 29a, 29b of the locking part 15. The locking part 15, under the effect of the applied pressure P pushes the second spring 49 which compresses.

Figures 6, 6a and 6b show the fixing device 1 assembled to the stud 89 in a state of a locking position. In the locked position, the electrical lugs are fixed to the stud 89 by means of the fixing device 1 which is in a locked state.

The pressure P exerted on the thrust surface 55 has caused the compression of the first spring 47 and of the second spring 49 so that, in the locking position, the distance l10 between the cover 3 and the base 5 is less than the distances l8 and 19 shown in Figures 4 and 5 (18<19<110) showing previous steps of the method.

In the locking position, the resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 have returned to their initial state, such as in the step illustrated by FIG. 4b, that is to say that they are no longer in a distorted state. Under the effect of the application of the pressure P on the thrust surface 55 which compressed the springs 47, 49, the retaining circlip 13 was moved and lodged in the locking piece 15. The resilient arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 are partially housed in the openings 37a, 37b of the hollow rod 33. The portions 111a, 111b of the resilient arms 19a, 19b housed in the openings 37a, 37b are indicated by the hatched areas 111a, 111b of the Figure 6b.

In the locked position, the resilient arms 19a, 19b are received in a groove 99 of the pin 89.

Thus, the locking of the fixing device 1 is ensured in the locking position by the retaining circlip 13 itself locked by means of the locking piece 15. Indeed, in the locking position, the retaining circuit 13 is blocked between the base 25a and the protrusions 29a-b of the locking part 15, the base 57 of the cover 3 and the opening 37a, 37b of the hollow rod 33 of the fixing device 1. In addition, the locking part 15 is pushed by the return force F exerted by the second spring 49 in a direction opposite to the locking direction Dv. This makes it possible to block the retaining circlip 13 in the openings 37a, 37b of the hollow rod 33 of the fixing device 1.

The first spring 47 exerts pressure on the first portion 107 of the electrical lugs 103a-d making it possible to ensure electrical contact between the electrical lugs 103a-103d and the stud 89, in particular by pressing the electrical lugs 103a-103d against the collar 95 of stud 89.

In the locked position, radial movement of the electrical terminals 103a-103d around the central longitudinal axis A3 of the stud 89 is prevented by the fixing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

The method for attaching at least one electrical lug to an electrically conductive stud by means of attachment device 1 can be carried out simply and without tools. A screwing step and an additional step to check the screwing torque of a nut to the stud are therefore not necessary. In addition, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the pushing surface 55 by a single continuous gesture of an operator. Such a fixing method thus allows simple, easy and quick locking. Furthermore, the fixing device 1 is compatible with flat electrical lugs of any thickness and configuration. A single fixing device 1 makes it possible to fix several electrical terminals, in particular at least four electrical terminals.

The present invention also relates to an assembly of the fixing device 1 and of the stud 89 comprising at least one annular groove 99 adapted to receive the retaining circlip 13 of the fixing device 1 in the locking position.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a fixing assembly 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fixing assembly 2 comprises an electrical lug 4 and a fixing device 6.

The electrical lug 4 has a shape known from the electrical lugs of the state of the art, such as the electrical eyelet lugs, but the dimensions of which are adapted to the fixing device 6. In the embodiment represented in FIG. , the electrical lug 4 is an eyelet lug comprising a first portion 8 to which an electrical cable is provided to be connected (not visible in FIG. 7) and a second portion 10 provided with a through hole 12 adapted to be passed through by an electrical stud (not shown in Figure 7). Thus, the second portion 10 has the geometry of a flat ring 14. The dimensions of the flat ring 14 of the electrical terminal 4, in particular the thickness L1 of the flat ring 14, are adapted to the dimensions of the fixing device 6 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

The flat ring 14 comprises a first flat surface 16 and a second flat surface 18, opposite the first flat surface 16 along a central longitudinal axis C1 of the through hole 12. The first surface 16 is connected to the second surface 18 by a wall external lateral wall 20 and by an internal lateral wall 22. The internal lateral wall 22 corresponds to an internal lateral wall 24 of the through hole 12 of the electrical terminal 4.

In a variant, the electric lug 4 is an electric fork lug.

As shown in Figure 7, the fixing device 6 comprises a base 26, a spring 28, a cover 30 and a locking means 32 itself comprising a retaining circlip 34 and a locking part 36.

The base 26, the cover 30 and the locking piece 36 are made of plastic material, in particular by injection molding.

The base 26 includes a first surface 38 configured to receive the electrical lug 4, and a second surface 40 opposite the first surface 38 which is intended to be positioned on the head of a stud in an assembled state of the fastening assembly. 2. The base 26 is traversed on either side from the first surface 38 to the second surface 40 by a through hole 42 of essentially circular section and of central longitudinal axis C2. The first surface 38 of the base 26 comprises a housing recess 44 of suitable geometry and dimensions so as to be able to receive the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4. The through hole 42 of the base 26 comprises a shoulder 46 which extends partially from the first surface 38 towards the second surface 40. The shoulder 46 serves as an abutment for the spring 28. The spring 28 is a radial spring. The housing of the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4 in the housing recess 44 and the abutment of the spring 28 on the shoulder 46 of the base 26 are illustrated in Figure 7a. In the pre-assembly state illustrated in Figure 7a, the spring 28 is in a partially charged state under the effect of the stress exerted by the electrical terminal 4 which compresses the spring 28 radially with respect to the axis central longitudinal C1 of the electrical lug 4. There is thus a contact between the electrical lug 4, electrically conductive, and the radial spring 28, which is also electrically conductive. A restoring force of the spring 28 is transverse to the central longitudinal axis C1. The loaded state of the spring 28 will be further detailed below with reference to Figure 12.

Base 26 further includes two retaining holes 48 of substantially rectangular section along an outer side wall 50 of base 26 connecting first surface 38 to second surface 40. The retaining holes 48 of base 26 are adapted to receive respectively a retaining tab 52 of the cover 30.

The cover 30 comprises a first surface 54 configured to receive the locking means 32 and a second surface 56, opposite the first surface 54, which is provided to accommodate the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4.

The cover 30 is crossed on either side from the first surface 54 to the second surface 56 by a through hole 58 of essentially circular section and of central longitudinal axis C3. First surface 54 of cover 30 is connected to second surface 56 at through hole 58 by an inner side wall 60. Retaining tabs 52 of cover 30 are positioned along an outer side wall 62 which connects the first surface 54 to second surface 56 of cover 30. Retaining tabs 52 each extend from a protuberance 64 which projects from first surface 54 of cover 30 in a direction opposite second surface 56. Each of the retaining tabs 52 has a hook-shaped head 66 adapted to be snapped into the corresponding retaining holes 48 of the base 26. The two protrusions 64 which extend from the first surface 56 of the cover 30 further each comprise a groove 68. The two protuberances 64 are arranged so that the grooves 68 are positioned parallel to each other and to face each other.

The second surface 56 of the cover 30, which is not visible in Figure 7, is designed essentially the same as the first surface 38 of the base 26, i.e. the second surface 56 also comprises a housing recess adapted to accommodate the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4 and a shoulder at the level of the through hole 58 adapted to accommodate the spring 28.

The fixing device 6 further comprises a locking means 32, itself comprising a retaining circlip 34 which is intended to be snap-fitted to the locking part 36. The retaining circlip 34 has a flat arc shape and circular and with a longitudinal central axis C4. The retaining circlip 34 comprises two free ends 70a, 70b. Each of the free ends 70a, 70b includes a flat protrusion 72a, 72b which projects in the plane of the retaining ring 34 flat towards the central longitudinal axis C4. The retaining circlip 34 further comprises a flat protuberance 74 positioned equidistant from the free ends 70a, 70b and which projects in the plane of the retaining circlip 34 flat towards the central longitudinal axis C4. The protuberance 74 of the retaining circlip 34 can be snapped into a corresponding notch 76 of the locking piece 36.

The locking piece 36 has an essentially "U" shape. The locking piece 36 comprises a central portion 78 from which extend two arms 80 parallel to each other. Each of the arms 80 includes a tongue 82 which protrudes along the arm 80. The tongues 82 are configured to slide into the corresponding grooves 68 of the cover 30 of the electrical terminal 4.

The notch 76 is positioned at the level of the central portion 78 of the locking piece 36.

FIG. 7b illustrates the locking means 32 in an assembled state, that is to say when the retaining circlip 34 is nested in the locking part 36. The retaining circlip 34 is locked to the locking part 36 at the means of flat protuberances 84a, 84b, 86 which protrude from the locking piece 36.

As illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 7b, the locking piece 36 includes at the central portion 78 a thrust surface 88. The thrust surface 88 is provided by an "L" shaped protrusion 90 which extends from the central portion 78 in a direction opposite to the arms 80 of the locking piece 36. The pushing surface 88 has a corrugated surface so as to improve grip when an operator manually exerts pressure on the surface thrust surface 88. In addition, the thrust surface 88 has a height L2 of length suitable for an operator's finger to be able to exert pressure on the thrust surface 88.

FIG. 7b also makes it possible to demonstrate that a protuberance 92 of triangular section projects from each of the arms 80 of the locking part 36. The protrusions 92 project from a surface 94 of the locking part 36 which is provided for be slid over the first surface 54 of the cover 30. The protrusions 92 serve to maintain the locking means 32 with the cover 30 in a pre-assembly position as illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below.

Alternatively, the function of the retaining circlip 34 is integrated with that of the locking piece 36 so that the locking means 32 is constituted by a single piece formed integrally. The number of components of such a fixing assembly can thus be advantageously reduced.

Figure 8 shows a view of the fixing assembly 2 according to the second embodiment of the invention in an unlocked assembled state. Elements having the same reference number already used in Figures 7, 7a and 7b will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

In the unlocked assembled state, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the fixing device 6 is assembled by snap-fastening so as to retain the electrical terminal 4 and the radial spring 28. In the unlocked assembled state, the spring radial 28 is charged under the effect of the stress exerted by the electrical terminal 4. The spring 28 is kept charged in the compartment formed by the latching of the cover 30 with the base 26. The cover 30 is retained on the base 26 by means of the snapping of the retaining tabs 52 of the cover 30 into the retaining holes 48 of the base 26 (the retaining holes 48 of the base 26 are not visible in Figure 8 - see Figure 7a). In the non-locked assembled state, the locking means 32 is partially slid into the grooves 68 of the cover 30 along an insertion direction Di transverse to the central longitudinal axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4. The locking means 32 is retained on the lid 30 by the abutment of the protrusions 92 of the locking part 36 on the protrusions 96 of complementary shape which project from the first surface 54 of the lid 30. When the locking means 32 are put in place, the tabs retainer 82 of the locking part 36 slide behind the retaining tabs 52 of the cover 30 and come to make accidental decoupling more difficult. Thus, involuntary disassembly of the locking means 32, or even loss of the locking means 32, during transport or storage of the fixing assembly 2 can be avoided.

Figures 9 to 12 represent successive steps of a method for fixing the fixing assembly 2 according to the second embodiment to an electrically conductive stud 98. Elements having the same reference number already used in Figures 7, 7a, 7b and 8 will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

Figure 9 shows a first step of the method for attaching the attachment assembly 2 according to the second embodiment to the electrically conductive stud 98.

Figure 9 illustrates a metal support 100, which may for example be the body of a vehicle, to which an electrically conductive stud 98 is welded. Stud 98 is essentially cylindrical in shape. Stud 98 includes at one end 102 a flat head 104 suitable for welding to bracket 100. Flat head 104 of stud 98 includes a flange 106. Stud 98 is provided with annular grooves 108. The annular grooves 108 are unlimited in number of four in the example illustrated in Figure 9, and are positioned equidistant from each other along a central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98. The annular grooves 108 are spaced from each other by so as to allow a stack of fastener assemblies 2 along the central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98 as shown in Figure 14.

One end 110 of stud 98, opposite end 102 of stud 98, is chamfered.

At the first step of the method illustrated in Figure 9, the attachment assembly 2 is in an assembled and unlocked state. The fixing assembly 2 is approached above the pin 98 so as to align the longitudinal central axis C5 of the pin 98 with the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical lug 4.

Figure 10 shows a second step of the method for attaching the attachment assembly 2 according to the second embodiment to the electrically conductive stud 98.

As shown in Figure 10, the fixing assembly 2 has been threaded onto the stud 98 in an assembly direction Da, parallel to the longitudinal central axis C5 of the stud 98. The stud 98 thus passes through the through hole 42 of the base 26, the through hole 12 of the electrical terminal 4 and the through hole 58 of the cover 30.

Attachment assembly 2, as shown in Figure 10, is not yet locked.

To lock the fixing assembly 2, a pressure P is exerted on the pushing surface 88 of the locking piece 36 of the locking means 32 in a locking direction Dv. The locking direction Dv is transverse to the central longitudinal axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4 and the central longitudinal axis C5 of the stud 98. The unlocking direction Dv is thus transverse to the assembly direction Da in the second mode of realization of the invention.

Figures 11 and 12 show a third step of the method for attaching the attachment assembly 2 according to the second embodiment to the electrically conductive stud 98. At the stage represented by Figures 11 and 12, the attachment assembly 2 is in an assembled and locked state.

The pressure, indicated by the arrow P in Figure 11, exerted on the thrust surface 88 in the locking direction Dv has moved the locking means 32 by sliding the arms 80 of the locking part 36 in the grooves 68 of the cover 30 of the fastening assembly 2. The locking means 32 is slid until it reaches a locking position in which it is fixed to the cover 30 by positive locking.

As shown in Figure 12, which shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled and locked fastener assembly 2 of Figure 11, the protuberances 72a, 72b of the retaining circlip 34 are received in the annular groove 108 of the pin 98 Thus, the retention of the binding assembly 2 is ensured along an axis B1 parallel to the central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98.

In the second embodiment, the attachment assembly 2 can be moved radially around the central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98. The radial displacement of the attachment assembly 2 is indicated by the double arrow B2 at the figure 13. Thus, the second embodiment advantageously makes it possible to be able to adjust or readjust the position of the electrical terminals, even after the assembly and locking steps, without there being any risk that the electrical lugs 4 separate from stud 98. In the second embodiment, it is thus possible to adjust angles α1 to α4 between electrical lugs 4 when fixing assembly 2 is in an assembled state and locked to stud 98 .

Returning to Figure 12, it may be noted that the second surface 40 of the base 26 which is made of plastic material - which is therefore not electrically conductive - is in contact and resting on the collar 106 of the head 104 of the stud 98 electrically driver. In the second embodiment, the electrical contact between the electrical terminal 4 and the pin 98 is ensured by the radial spring 28. In the assembled and locked position, the radial spring 28 is compressed between the internal side wall 22 of the ring flat 14 of the electrical terminal 4 and a side wall 98a of the stud 98. The spring 28 is thus compressed radially in a direction B2 (indicated by the double arrow in FIG. 12) transverse to the central longitudinal axis C5 of the stud 98 and to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4.

Figure 14 shows a side view of four fastener assemblies 2 according to the second embodiment mounted to the pin 98 and stacked on top of each other along the central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98. Thus, the structure of the The fixing assembly 2 is configured so as to be able to stack a plurality of electrical lugs on a single stud, in particular four electrical lugs, as shown in Figure 14.

The method for fixing the at least one fixing assembly 2 to an electrically conductive stud 98 can be carried out in a simple and tool-free manner. A screwing step and an additional step to check the screwing torque of a nut to the stud are therefore not necessary. In addition, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the pushing surface 88 by a single continuous gesture of an operator. Such a fixing method thus allows simple, easy and quick locking. In addition, the fixing assembly 2 makes it possible to adjust the position of the electrical lug(s), even in an assembled and locked state, by allowing radial displacement B2 of the electrical lug(s) around the central longitudinal axis C5 of the stud 98.

Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show examples of radial springs 28a, 28b, 28c of attachment assembly 2.

Figure 15a illustrates a substantially circular and partially open radial spring 28a. The radial spring 28a corresponds to the spring 28 illustrated in Figures 7, 7a, 8, 9 and 12. The radial spring 28a comprises two hoops 112, 114 open so as to define an opening 116 and a through hole 118. The two hoops 112, 114 are interconnected by half turns 120a, 120b. The turns 120a, 120b are positioned such that the turns 120a, 120b are successively oriented opposite one another 120a to the other 120b along the hoops 112, 114. A first set of turns 120a comprises turns 120a positioned and oriented so as to be in contact with a stud when a fastening assembly according to the second embodiment comprising the radial spring 28a is assembled and locked to the stud. A second set of coils 120b includes coils that are positioned and oriented so as to be in contact with an internal side wall of an electrical terminal when the radial spring 28a is assembled to a fastening assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12, previously described, illustrates a cross-section view making it possible to show that a first set of turns of the spring 28 is in contact with the side wall 98a of the stud 98, while a second set of turns is in contact with the inner side wall 22 of the electrical terminal 4.

Figure 15b illustrates a variation of a radial spring for attachment assembly 2. The spring 28b shown in Figure 15b is a semi-radial spring. The semi-radial spring 28b includes a single open hoop 122 defining an opening 124 and a through hole 126. A plurality of tabs 128 project from the hoop 122. A first curved portion 128a of each tab 128 is positioned and oriented so as to be in contact with a stud when a fixing assembly according to the second embodiment comprising the semi-radial spring 28b is assembled and locked to the stud. A second flat portion 128b of each tongue 128 is configured to be in contact with a flat surface of an electrical terminal 4, such as the second flat surface 18 of the electrical terminal 4 illustrated in FIG. 7. The configuration of the semi-radial spring 28b offers more flexibility.

Figure 15c another variation of a radial spring for the clamp assembly 2. The spring 28c shown in Figure 15c includes a flat ring 130 which defines a through hole 132. The flat ring 130 is bounded by a side wall 134 at through hole 132 and by an outer side wall 136. A first set of tabs 138 protrude from the inner side wall 134 of spring 28c. A second set of tabs 140 protrude from the outer side wall 136 of spring 28c. The tongues of the first set 138 and the tongues of the second set 140 protrude in opposite directions from each other (along the Z axis of the Cartesian coordinate system indicated in FIG. 15c) essentially transverse to the plane (XY) of the flat ring 130. The tabs 138, 140 each include a first curved portion 138a, 140a and a second flat portion 138b, 140b which extend along the Z axis. The second flat portion 138b of each tab of the first set of tabs 138 is positioned and oriented to contact a stud when a fastener assembly according to the second embodiment including spring 28c is assembled and locked to the stud. The second flat portion 140b of each tab of the first set of tabs 140 is positioned and oriented to contact an internal side wall of an electrical terminal when the spring 28c is assembled to a fastening assembly according to the second embodiment of the 'invention.

Figures 16a and 16b show electrical lug variants for a fixing assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention. Elements having the same reference number already used in Figures 7 to 14 will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

Figure 16a shows an electrical lug 4a which differs from the electrical lug 4 previously described in Figure 7, in that flat protuberances 142 project from the inner side wall 22 of the electrical lug toward the center of the through hole which passes the longitudinal central axis C1. The flat protuberances 142 have a thickness L1 and have a half-disc shape.

Figure 16a further illustrates a partial view of a fixing assembly 2a according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention comprising the electrical terminal 4a and a plurality of radial springs 28d. The electrical lug 4a being provided with three planar protrusions 142, the fixing assembly 2a comprises three radial springs 28d which are arranged between each protuberance 142 of the electrical lug 4a. The radial springs 28d correspond to cut sections of a radial spring such as the radial spring 28, 28a previously described.

Figure 16b shows an electrical terminal 4b substantially similar to that described in Figure 16a but whose protuberances 142 have a more oval shape in the plane of the first surface 16 east of the second surface 18 of the electrical terminal.

Figure 16b illustrates a partial view of a fixing assembly 2b according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention comprising the electrical terminal 4b and a plurality of radial springs 28e. The electrical lug 4b being provided with four flat protrusions 142, the fixing assembly 2b comprises four radial springs 28e which are arranged between each protuberance 142 of the electrical lug 4b. The radial springs 28e correspond to cut sections of a radial spring such as the spring 28e described above.

Figure 16b also makes it possible to demonstrate that the electrical contact between a stud 98 and the electrical terminal 4b is ensured on the one hand by the contact between the second flat portion 138b of the tongues of the first set of tongues 138 with a wall side 98a of pin 98; and on the other hand, by the contact between the second flat portion 140b of the tabs of the second set of tabs 140 with the internal side wall 22 of the electrical terminal 4b.

The flat protuberances 142 of the electrical lugs 4a, 4b illustrated in Figures 16a and 16b make it possible to ensure better positioning of the electrical lugs 4a, 4b when they are assembled to a stud. In addition, the flat protuberances 142 make it possible to ensure better control of the deformation of the radial springs 28d, 28e and to avoid the disadvantages linked to the relaxation of the stresses over time.

The number of flat protrusions 142 per electrical terminal as well as their geometric shape is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 16a and 16b.

The present invention also relates to a fixing assembly 2 and stud 98 comprising at least one annular groove 108 adapted to receive the retaining circlip 34 of the fixing assembly 2 in the locking position.

Figure 17 shows an exploded view of a fastener assembly 202 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The fixing assembly 202 comprises an electrical lug 204 and a fixing device 206. The fixing device 206 according to the third embodiment consists of a locking means 208 and a spring 210.

The spring 210 is a spiral spring of circular and closed shape, in other words annular. The spring 210 thus comprises a plurality of coils 210a.

In a variant which is not shown, the fixing device 206 according to the third embodiment may consist of a locking means 208 and several springs, for example such that the plurality of springs 28a-e in the attachment assembly 2b shown in Figure 16b.

Below the electrical terminal 204 according to the third embodiment is described then the fixing device 206.

The electrical lug 204 is an electrical lug of the eyelet type and comprises a first portion 212 to which an electrical cable is provided to be connected (not visible in FIG. 17) and a second portion 214 provided with a through hole 216 adapted to be crossed by an electrical stud (not shown in Figure 17).

The second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 comprises a first planar surface 218 and a second planar surface 220, opposite the first planar surface 218 along a central longitudinal axis C1 of the through hole 216. FIG. 17 also illustrates a side external wall 222 and by an internal side wall 224 of the electrical terminal 204. The internal side wall 224 corresponds to an internal side wall 226 of the through hole 216 of the electrical terminal 204.

The dimensions of the electrical terminal 204, in particular the thickness E1 between the first square surface 218 and the second flat surface 220, are adapted to the dimensions of the fixing device 206 according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Like the electrical lugs 4a, 4b of the variants of the second embodiment, the electrical lug 204 according to the third embodiment also comprises flat protrusions 228 which project from the internal side wall 224 of the electrical lug 204 towards the axis central longitudinal C1 of the through hole 216. The flat protrusions 228 have a thickness E1 and the free ends 230 of the flat protrusions 228 have a substantially oval shape.

The structure of the second portion 214 according to the third embodiment differs from those of the second portions 107 and 10 of the electrical terminals 103a-d and 4, 4a, 4b according to the first and second embodiments in that it (214 ) further comprises protrusions 232 arranged to each provide a bearing surface 234 to the spring 210.

The protuberances 232 and the flat protrusions 228 are arranged alternately one (232) with respect to the other (228) around the central longitudinal axis C1.

The electrical terminal 204 illustrated in Figure 17 comprises four protrusions 232. The number of protrusions 232 is not however limiting and can be less or more than four according to variants of the third embodiment.

The four protrusions 232 illustrated in Figure 17 being identical to each other, the singular is used below to describe the protrusions 232. Reference is made in what follows to Figure 17 in combination with Fig 17a, which schematically represents a sectional view of a protuberance 232.

The protrusion 232 comprises a first portion 236 which extends transversely over a length E2 from the second flat surface 220, that is to say in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis C1.

From the first portion 236 extends over a length E3 a second portion 238 of the protrusion 232 in a plane parallel to the second flat surface 220 and towards the central longitudinal axis C1.

Thus, the first portion 236 and the second portion 238 of the protrusion 232 substantially form a right angle between them.

It is the second portion 238 which provides the bearing surface 234 to the spring 210. Said bearing surface 214 comprises a free end 240 opposite an end 242 bordered by the first portion 236.

The protuberance 232, by providing a bearing surface 234, offers a surface for receiving and supporting the spring 210. Thus, the spring 210 can be positioned in the electrical terminal 204 by resting on each bearing surface 234. In fact, what distinguishes the electrical lug 204 of the third embodiment from those of the previous embodiments is that the spring 210 can be preassembled to the electrical lug 204 without the need for the locking means 208 of the fastening device 206 to hold the spring 210 to electrical terminal 204.

The locking means 208 has the function of fixing the electrical terminal 204 to an electrically conductive stud (not shown in Fig. 17, but see Fig. 20 described later).

In the third embodiment, the locking means 208 is integrally formed in one piece. The fixing device 206 is made of plastic material, in particular by injection molding. Thus, no assembly step is necessary to assemble the locking means 208 and the number of parts of the fixing device 206 can be advantageously reduced.

The locking means 208 includes a planar base 244. The planar base 244 includes a first surface 246 configured to contact the electrical lug 204 in an assembled state of the attachment assembly 202 and a second surface 248 opposite the first area 246.

The flat base 244 has a substantially complementary shape to the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204.

The flat base 244 is partially bordered by a side wall 250 which extends transversely over a length E4 from the first surface 246. The length E4 is substantially equal to the length E2, which figure 19c described below further highlights. evidence.

A portion 252 of the flat base 244 is not bordered by the side wall 250 in order to allow insertion, in particular a translation, of the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 in the locking means 208.

For this purpose, the inner face 254 of the side wall 250 is provided with a longitudinal groove 258 of thickness E5. The longitudinal groove 258 is adapted so that the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 can be inserted therein by translation. Thus, the thickness E5 is dimensioned so that the groove 258 can receive the electrical terminal 204 of thickness E1.

Although not visible in Figure 17, the groove 258 includes two projections arranged so that projections 260 extending from the side wall 222 of the electrical terminal 204 are locked against said projections in a position locking assembly 202, further described with reference to Figures 19a, 19b.

The locking means 208 further comprises a through hole 262. In the plane of the planar base 144, the through hole 262 has a shape obtained by the partial overlapping of two circles 264c, 266c (shown in dotted lines in Figure 17) with centers c1, c2 and different diameters d1, d2.

Since the through hole 262 passes through the planar base 144 of the first surface 246 to the second surface 248 of the locking means 208, the through hole 262 has a depth equivalent to the distance between the first surface 246 and the second 248 of the locking means 208.

Each of the circles 264c, 266c extend along the aforementioned depth of the through hole 262. Reference is thus made in the following to overlapping circular "holes" 264, 266. The longitudinal central axes T1, T2 used below correspond to the respective longitudinal central axes of the circular holes 264, 266 and which pass respectively through the centers c1, c2 of the circles 264c, 266c.

The circular holes 264, 266 therefore have the diameters d1, d2 respectively. The diameter d1 of the first circular hole 264 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the second circular hole 266. The diameter d1 of the first circular hole 264 is designed to be substantially equal to the diameter of a groove of a stud to which the assembly of attachment 202 is intended to be attached.

The circular holes 264, 266 overlap, i.e. they partially overlap. The longitudinal central axis T1 of the first circular hole 264 is therefore not aligned with the longitudinal central axis T2 of the second circular hole 266. In other words, the centers c1, c2 of the circles 264c, 266c are not coincident with each other.

The longitudinal central axes T1, T2 of the circular holes 264, 266 are oriented transversely to the planar base 244. In the plane of the planar base 244, the longitudinal central axes T1, T2 of the circular holes 264, 266 are spaced one from the other by a distance E6. In other words, the centers c1, c2 of the circles 264c, 266c are spaced from each other by a distance E6.

In the plane of the flat base 244, the axis T2 of the second circular hole 266 is positioned closer to the free portion 252 of the flat base 244 than the axis T1 of the first circular hole 264

An outer portion 268 of side wall 250, opposite free portion 252, of locking means 208 provides a pushing surface 270. Pushing surface 270 has a corrugated surface so as to improve grip when an operator exercises. manually pressure on the thrust surface 270.

Figures 18a, 18b and 19a, 19d show successive steps for assembling the attachment assembly 202 according to the third embodiment. Elements having the same reference number already used in Figures 17, 17a will not be described again in detail, but reference is made to their description above.

Figures 18a, 18b show a first step for the fixing assembly 202. During this first step, the spring 210 is assembled to the electrical terminal 204 according to an assembly direction Da parallel to the central longitudinal axis C1 of the electrical terminal 204.

The spring 210 is thus arranged at the level of the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204.

As shown in Figure 18b, the spring 210 rests on the bearing surfaces 234 of the protuberances 232. The flat protuberances 228 of the electrical terminal 204 make it possible to further maintain the spring 210 in the position illustrated in Figure 18b.

Thus, the risk of involuntary disassembly of the electrical terminal 204 and the spring 210, or even a loss of the spring 210, can be reduced, even before the locking means 208 is assembled.

Depending on the dimensions of through-hole 216 and protrusions 232 of electrical lug 204 relative to that of the annular diameter d3 of spring 210, spring 210 may be partially loaded into the position shown in Figure 18b. In either case, the spring 210 is intended to be deformed and therefore loaded in the locked assembled state of the attachment assembly 202 shown in Figure 22c and described below.

Figures 19a, 19b show a second step for clamp assembly 202.

During this second step, the electrical lug 204 is slid into the longitudinal groove 258 of the locking means 208 in an insertion direction Di. The insertion direction Di is transverse to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 204 and to the longitudinal central axes T1, T2 of the circular holes 264, 266.

Fastener assembly 202 in Figure 19b is in an unlocked assembled state, i.e., fastener assembly 202 is assembled but not yet mounted or locked to a stud.

In the unlocked assembled condition shown in Figure 19b, the electrical lug 204 is held by the locking means 208 by the locking of the protrusions 260 against projections of the longitudinal groove 258 (not visible in Figs 19b). In other words, the locking means 208 is snapped onto the electrical lug 204. The spring 210 is thus held in a compartment 256 formed by the assembly of the electrical lug 204 and the locking means 208.

In the third embodiment, the locking means 208 of the fixing device 206 being integrally formed in one piece, the mounting of the fixing assembly 202 is simplified.

Figure 20 shows a first step in the method for attaching the attachment assembly 202 according to the third embodiment to an electrically conductive stud 98. Stud 98 has already been described with reference to Figure 9 of the second embodiment.

Figure 20 illustrates a metal support 100, which may for example be the body of a vehicle, to which an electrically conductive stud 98 is welded. Stud 98 is essentially cylindrical in shape. Stud 98 includes at one end 102 a flat head 104 suitable for welding to bracket 100. Flat head 104 of stud 98 includes a flange 106. Stud 98 is provided with annular grooves 108. The annular grooves 108 are unlimited in number of four in the example illustrated in Figure 20, and are positioned equidistant from each other along a central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98. The annular grooves 108 are spaced from each other by so as to allow stacking of fastener assemblies 202 along the central longitudinal axis C5 of stud 98. One end 110 of stud 98, opposite end 102 of stud 98, is chamfered.

In the first step of the process illustrated by Figure 20, the fastener assembly 202 is in an assembled and unlocked state. Fastener assembly 202 is approached over stud 98 so as to align longitudinal centerline C5 of stud 98 with longitudinal centerline T2 of second hole 266 in locking means 208. Locking means 208 is intended to be threaded onto the pin 98 in an assembly direction Da, parallel to the longitudinal central axis C5 of the pin 98.

Figures 21a, 21b show a second step in the method for attaching the attachment assembly 202 according to the third embodiment to the electrically conductive stud 98.

As shown in Figure 21a, fastener assembly 202 has been threaded onto stud 98 in assembly direction Da, parallel to longitudinal centerline C5 of stud 98. Stud 98 thus passes through through hole 262 of the locking means 208.

At this second step of the process, the longitudinal central axis C5 of the pin 98 is aligned, that is to say merged, with the longitudinal central axis T2 of the second hole 266 of the locking means 208

The fixing assembly 202, as shown in Figures 21a, 21b is not yet locked.

To lock the fixing assembly 202, a pressure P is exerted on the pushing surface 270 of the locking means 208 in a locking direction Dv. The locking direction Dv is transverse to the central longitudinal axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4 and the central longitudinal axis C5 of the pin 98. In the third embodiment of the invention, as in the second mode, the direction of unlocking Dv is thus transverse to the assembly direction Da, shown in Figure 20.

Figures 22a and 22b show a third step in the method for attaching fastener assembly 202 according to the third embodiment to electrically conductive stud 98. At the stage represented by Figures 22a and 22b, the attachment assembly 202 is in an assembled and locked state.

The pressure, indicated by the arrow P, exerted on the thrust surface 270 in the locking direction Dv has moved the fastener assembly 202 a distance equal to E6.

The fixing assembly 202 is thus slid until it reaches a locking position in which the longitudinal central axis C5 of the pin 98 is aligned, that is to say merged, with the longitudinal central axis T1 of the first hole 264 of the locking means 208.

Figure 22c shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 22a and illustrates more structural detail of the assembled and locked state.

As illustrated in FIG. 22c, the locking means 208, at the level of the first hole 264, is housed in an annular groove 108 of the stud 98. This is made possible because the diameter d1 of the first hole 264 is dimensioned so as to be substantially equal to the diameter d4 of the pin 98 at the level of the groove 108. Thus, the maintenance of the fixing assembly 202 is ensured by the pin 98.

Figure 22c makes it possible to highlight that from the second step of the method for fixing the fixing assembly 202 according to the third embodiment to the electrically conductive stud 98, that is to say when the assembly of fastener 202 is threaded onto stud 98 in assembly direction Da, spring 210 is deformed radially and therefore loaded under the effect of the stress exerted by stud 98.

Indeed, as shown in Figure 22c, the spring 210 is housed in a compartment 272 formed by the stud 98, the electrical lug 204 and the locking means 208. The width E7 between the stud 98 and the electrical lug 204 is adapted to be substantially shorter than the diameter d0 of a turn 210a of the spring 210 at rest. This difference in size between the turns 210a of the spring 210 and the width E7 of the compartment 271 generates the radial deformation of the spring 210 indicated by the arrows R in Figure 22c.

In the assembled and locked position, the spring 210 is thus compressed between the first portion 236 of the protuberance 232 of the electrical terminal 204 and a side wall 98a of the pin 98. The radial deformation R of the spring 210 makes it possible to ensure the electrical contact between the electrical lug 204 and the stud 98. In the third embodiment, the electrical contact between the electrical lug 204 and the stud 98 is therefore ensured by the spring 210.

Figure 22c also makes it possible to highlight the bearing surface 234 provided by the protuberance 232 of the electrical terminal 204 and already described above.

In a variant which is not shown, several fastener assemblies 204 according to the third embodiment can be mounted to stud 98 and stacked on top of each other along the central longitudinal axis C5 of stud 98.

The method for attaching the attachment assembly 204 according to the third embodiment to an electrically conductive stud 98 can be performed in a simple and tool-free manner. A screwing step and an additional step to check the screwing torque of a nut to the stud are therefore not necessary. Moreover, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by means of the pushing surface 270 by a single continuous gesture of an operator. Such a fixing method thus allows simple, easy and quick locking.

The embodiments described are simply possible configurations and it should be borne in mind that the individual features of the different embodiments can be combined with each other or provided independently of each other.

List of references

1: fixing device

3: cover

5: base

7: snap-in elements

9: rod

11: hook-shaped rod head

13: retaining circlip

13a: flat tongue

15: locking part

17: central part of the circlip

19a, 19b: resilient arms of the circlip

21: empty internal area

23: base of the locking part

25a,25b: opposite surfaces of the base

27a, 27b: protrusions

29a, 29b: protuberances

31: through hole of the locking part

33: hollow rod

35: hollow stem side wall

37a, 37b: hollow stem openings

39a, 39b: ends of the hollow rod

41a, 41b: lugs of the hollow stem

43a, 43b: hollow rod notches

45a: hollow rod retaining tab

47: first spring

47a, 47b: spring end

49: second spring

51: portion of the lid

53: first base

53a: outer circumference of first base

55: cover push surface

57: second base

59: side wall

61: annular groove of the cover

63: obviously from the lid

65: cover through-hole

67: portion of the base

67a: side wall

69: end

71: end

73: base

75: through hole of the base

77: first annular groove of the base

79: first side wall

81: second side wall

81a: opening

83: second annular groove of the base

85: circular annular gutter of the base

87: metal bracket

89: stud

91: end of stud

93: flat head of the stud

95: collar

97: stud portion

99: annular grooves

101: end of stud

103a, 103b, 103c, 103d: electrical terminals

105: first portion

107: second portion

109a, 109b: portions of resilient arms

111a, 111b: portions of resilient arms

A1: longitudinal central axis of the hollow rod

A2: longitudinal central axis of the cylindrical portion of the base

A3: longitudinal central axis of the stud

Da: direction of assembly

Di: insertion direction

Dm: mounting direction

Dv: locking direction

F: spring return force

l1 to l10: lengths

P: pressure force

2, 2a, 2b: mounting assembly

4, 4a, 4b: electrical terminals

6: fixing device

8: first portion of the electrical terminal

10: second portion of the electrical terminal

12: through hole of the electrical lug

14: flat ring

16: first flat surface of the electrical terminal

18: second flat surface of the electrical terminal

20: external side wall of the electrical terminal

22: internal side wall of the electrical terminal

24: internal side wall of the through hole

26: base

28, 28a-e: spring

30: lid

32: means of locking

34: retaining circlip

36: locking part

38: first surface of the base

40: second surface of the base

42: through hole of the base

44: housing recess

46: shoulder

48: retaining holes

50: outer side wall of the plinth

52: cover retaining tab

54: first surface of the cover

56: second surface of the lid

58: cover through hole

60: inner side wall

62: outer side wall

64: protuberance

66: retaining tab head

68: groove

70a, 70b: free ends

72a, 72b: flat protrusions

74: flat protuberance

76: notch

78: central portion of the locking piece

80: arms

82: tongue

84a, 84b: flat protuberances

86: flat protuberance

88: thrust surface

90: protuberance

92: protuberance

94: surface of the locking part

96: protuberance

98: stud

98a: stud side wall

100: metal bracket

102: end of stud

104: stud head

106: bezel

108: annular groove

110: end of stud

112: hoop

114: hoop

116: opening

118: through hole

120a, 120b: coil

122: hoop

124: opening

126: through hole

128: tab

128a: first portion of tab

128b: second portion of tongue

130: flat ring

132: through hole

134: inner side wall

136: outer side wall

138: first set of tabs

138a: second portion of tongue

138b: first portion of tongue

140: second set of tabs

140a: first portion of tongue

140b: second portion of tongue

142: protuberance

C1: central longitudinal axis of the through hole of the electrical lug

C2: central longitudinal axis of the plinth through hole

C3: longitudinal central axis of the cover through hole

C4: longitudinal central axis of the retaining circlip

C5: central longitudinal axis of the stud

B1: longitudinal displacement

B2: radial displacement

L1: thickness of the electrical lug

L2: height of the thrust surface

XYZ: Cartesian coordinate system

202: fixing assembly according to the third embodiment

204: electrical terminal

206: fixing device

208: locking medium

210: spring

210a: coil of the spring

212: first portion of the electrical terminal

214: second portion of the electrical terminal

216: through hole of the electrical lug

218: first flat surface

220: second flat surface

222: side external wall of the electrical terminal 204

224: internal side wall

226: internal side wall

228: flat protrusions

230: free ends

232: protrusions

234: support surface

236: first portion of protuberance 232

238: second portion of the protrusion 232

240: free end

242: end

244: flat base

246: first surface

248: second surface

250: side wall

252: portion of flat base 244

254: internal face of the side wall 250

256: compartment

258: longitudinal groove

260: protrusions

262: through hole of the locking means

264, 266: circular holes

264c, 266c: circles

268: outer wall

270: thrust surface

272: compartment

E1: thickness E1 between the first square surface 218 and the second flat surface 220

E2: length of the first portion 236

E3: length of the second portion 238

E4: side wall length 250

E5: thickness of the longitudinal groove 258

E6: distance between T1 and T2

E7: width between stud 98 and electrical terminal 204

c1: center of circle 264c

c2: center of circle 266c

d0: diameter of a coil of the spring at rest

d1: diameter of the first hole 264

d2: diameter of the second hole 266

d3: annular diameter of the spring 210

d4: diameter of stud 98 at groove 108

T1: longitudinal central axis of the first circular hole 264

T2: longitudinal central axis of the first circular hole 266

R: radial deformation of the spring

Claims (10)

Fixing device for fixing at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud of which is capable of being welded to a support;
the fixing device (1; 6, 206) comprising at least one spring (28, 28a-e; 47, 49, 210) and at least one locking means (13, 15; 32, 208),
such that in a locking position of the fastening device (1; 6, 206), the locking means (13, 15; 32, 208) is configured to retain the at least one electrical lug to the stud,
the spring (28, 28a-e; 47, 49, 210) being at least partially loaded in the locking position.
A securing device according to claim 1, consisting of the at least one spring (210) and the locking means (208), the locking means (208) being integrally formed in one piece.
Fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the locking means (208) comprises a through hole (262) adapted to be passed through by a stud, said through hole (262) having a shape obtained by the partial overlapping of two circles (264c , 266c) of different diameters (d1, d2).
Fixing assembly comprising a fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 3 and an electrical terminal (4, 4a-b, 204),
wherein the electrical terminal (4, 4a-b, 204) comprises a first portion (8, 212) to which an electrical cable is provided to be connected and a second portion (10, 214) provided with a through hole (12 , 216) capable of being crossed by an electrically conductive stud; And
wherein the at least one spring (28, 28a-e, 210) is arranged to at least partially contact an inner wall (22, 24, 232) of the through hole (12, 216) of the electrical terminal (4, 4a-b, 204).
A fastener assembly according to claim 4, wherein the electrical lug (204) further comprises at least one protrusion (232) arranged to provide a bearing surface (234) for the spring (210).
A clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein the electrical lug (204) includes at least one planar projection (228) which extends partially from the second portion (214) toward the center of the through hole (216) of the electrical lug (204) and in a plane parallel to the bearing surface (234) of the at least one protrusion (232).
Fastening assembly according to one of claims 4 to 6, comprising the fastening device according to claim 2, in which the locking means (208) is provided with a groove (258) and a portion (214) of the (204) is adapted to be slid into said groove (258) of the locking means (208).
A clamp assembly according to claim 7, wherein the locking means (208) and the electrical lug (204) are adapted to be positively locked together.
Method for attaching at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conductive stud, the stud (89) of which comprises a head (93) able to be welded to a support (87), by means of a fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the steps of:
1) Thread the at least one electrical lug (204) and the fixing device to the stud (89) so that they are crossed by the stud (89) and the at least one electrical lug (204) is positioned between a head (93) of the stud (89) and the fastener;
2) Exert pressure in the locking direction (Dv) on a thrust surface (270) of the fixing device until the locking means (208) of the fixing device reaches the locking position.
The method according to claim 9 wherein:
in step 1), when the at least one electrical lug (204) is positioned between a head (93) of the stud (98) and the fixing device (206), the center (c2) of the circle (266c) of largest diameter (d2) of the two circles (264c, 266c) of the shape of the through hole (262) of the locking means (208) is aligned with a central longitudinal axis (C5) of the stud (98), and
in step 2), in the locking position, the center (c1) of the circle (264c) of smallest diameter (d1) among the two circles (264c, 266c) of the shape of the through hole (262) of the locking means (208) is aligned with a longitudinal central axis (C5) of the pin (98).