WO2017187049A1

WO2017187049A1 - Brush holder device for a starter

Info

Publication number: WO2017187049A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/050930
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rachid Hamdi; Malek AOUADJ
Original assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
Priority date: 2016-04-28
Filing date: 2017-04-19
Publication date: 2017-11-02
Also published as: FR3050880B1; FR3050880A1

Abstract

Brush holder device (28) for an automotive vehicle starter, including: - a brush cage support (33) capable of being mechanically linked to a yoke (3) of the starter (1) and comprising an opening (6) comprising an axis Y, the opening being intended for the passage of an armature shaft bearing a commutator (12); - brush cages (13.1-13.6), made of an electrically insulating material, positioned on said support and each being intended to receive a brush (15.1-15.6) sliding radially into the brush cage with respect to the Y axis; - a circuit (77, 71) linked to a voltage source (26) of the starter (1), which circuit is intended to be connected to a portion of the brushes referred to as positive brushes (15.2, 15.4, 15.6); said support (33) including a first plate (31) that is electrically linked to the electrical earth of the starter, said first plate being intended to be connected to the other portion of the brushes referred to as negative brushes (15.1, 15.3, 15.5). It is envisaged that the brush holder device (28) comprises, for each brush cage (13.1-13.6), a rigid connection terminal (14) comprising a portion (75) outside the cage that is electrically linked to the circuit (77, 71) or to the first plate (31) and an inner portion (76), kept inside the brush cage (13.1-13.6), intended to be linked to the corresponding brush (15.1-15.6).

Description

BRUSH DEVICE FOR STARTER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a brush holder device of a thermal engine starter of a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Motor vehicles comprising a heat engine also include a starting device of this engine, called starter.

FIG. 1 shows a starter 1 for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

This device 1 comprises, firstly, a rotor 2, also called armature, rotatable about an axis, and secondly, a stator 4, also called inductor, placed around the rotor 2. This stator 4 is housed in a yoke 3 of the starter and comprises several pole pieces 4 for the introduction of an inductor coil 5.

The rotor 2 comprises a rotor body 7, an armature winding 8 wound in notches of the rotor body 7 and an armature shaft.

This armature winding 8 forms, on either side of the rotor body 7, a front bun 9 and a rear bun 10. The rotor 2 is provided, at the rear, with a collector 12 supported by the armature shaft comprising a plurality of contact pieces electrically connected to the conductive elements formed in the example in question by wires, armature winding 8. Brushes 15.1 - 15.4 of which only two namely 15.1 and 15.2 are visible on 1, are provided for the power supply of the armature winding 8. At least one of the brushes of the group being connected to the ground of the device 1 and at least one of the brushes of the group being connected to a contactor 17. It is provided here 4 brooms 15.1 - 15.4. However, the brushes can also be for example two, six or eight. The contactor 17 comprises a terminal 29 connected via an electrical connection element, for example a wire 30, to a power supply of the vehicle, in particular a battery 26.

The brushes 15.1 - 15.4 rub on the collector 12 when the rotor 2 is rotating.

The starting device 1 further comprises a launcher 19 slidably mounted on a drive shaft 18 and drivable in rotation about the X axis by the rotor 2.

A gear reduction unit 20 may be interposed between the rotor 2 and the drive shaft 18, in a manner known per se.

The launcher 19 comprises a drive element formed by a pinion 21 and intended to engage on a drive member 74 of the combustion engine. This drive member is for example a ring gear. The launcher 19 further comprises a freewheel 22 and a pulley washer 23 defining between them a groove 24 for receiving the end 25 of a fork 27.

This fork 27 is made for example by molding a plastic material. The fork 27 is actuated by the switch 17 to translate the launcher 19 relative to the drive shaft 18, along the X axis, between a first position in which the launcher 19 is disengaged from the ring gear 74 and a second position in which the launcher 19 drives the combustion engine via the pinion 21. In order for the pinion 21 to drive the motor crown 74, the teeth of the pinion must, after translation of the pinion and the launcher along the X axis, reach an engagement position. According to this engagement position a tooth of the pinion is disposed between two teeth of the crown. The pinion 21 then drives the ring 74 in a direction called positive direction which has the effect of causing when the pinion 21 rotates at a certain speed, the starting of the engine.

After starting the heat engine, the ring 74 continues to rotate in said positive direction. It then drives the pinion but not the rotor 2 thanks to the freewheel 22.

Indeed, the free wheel 22 is disposed between the rotor 2 and the pinion 21 to allow a transmission of the torque of the rotor 2 to the pinion 21 and the ring 74 when it is driven in the positive direction by the pinion, contrary when the ring gear 74 rotates in the positive direction and drives the pinion 21, the rotor 2 is not driven.

FIG. 2 shows a brush holder 1 1 according to the state of the art described in more detail in the patent application FR 2 966 298 published on November 23, 2012, adapted for the starter of a motor vehicle 1. This brush holder 1 1 comprises a support plate 33 of substantially annular shape on which is fixed a set of cages 13.1 -13.4 each serving as a housing for one of the brushes 15.1 -15.4. A Y axis of the support plate 33 corresponds to the axis of the brush holder January 1.

The support plate 33 is a one-piece piece comprising a metal plate 31 and overmolded layers 32 made on either side of the metal plate 31. The overmolded layers 32 are made by means of a plastic material ensuring good electrical insulation. The overmolded layers 32 at least partially protect the brush support face and the opposite face. The overmolded layers 32 cover all the risk areas of the plate 33, that is to say, all the areas where could appear a short circuit.

Overmolded layers 32 are heat sensitive and deformable from a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature corresponds to a temperature beyond which the starter and / or its environment could be damaged. Different plastics can be used depending on the applications and the constraints imposed on them. Typically, the plastic material used for the overmolded layers 32 is a thermoplastic material such as a polyamide PA4.6 or PA6.6 or a PPS polypropylene filled with fiberglass between 40 and 50%. Thermosetting materials can also be envisaged. The metal plate 31 is typically obtained by stamping from a cutting steel such as for example FePO 5.

The support plate 33 and the cages 13.1 -13.4 that it carries are fixed on the cylinder head 3. In addition, the central part of the plate 33 has an orifice 6 through which the assembly that it forms with the cages to broom 13.1 - 13.4 and the brushes 15.1 -15.4 is mounted around the starter rotor shaft.

Each blade 15.1 -15.4 is slidably mounted inside a cage 13.1 -13.4 which is open on the Y-axis side to allow the brushes 15.1 -15.4 to be brought into electrical contact with blades carried by a collector. an electric machine rotor (not shown).

More precisely, as is clearly visible in FIG. 3, each cage 13.1 -13.4 is made by folding a plate of thin sheet so as to form substantially an omega whose end branches are fixed on the plate 33. Each cage 13.1 -13.4 thus comprises two parallel sidewalls 34, 36 facing each other interconnected by an upper wall 49. The end walls 41, 42 corresponding to the branches of the omega are derived from the lower edges of the walls side members 34, 36 of the broom cage 13.1 -13.4. One of the side walls 34 has a notch 43 to allow the passage of the braid 24.1 -24.4 of the brush housed in the cage 13.1 - 13.4 corresponding. The other side wall 36 has an opening 44 to allow the passage of the corresponding spring arm. On the side of the opening side of the manifold side, each broom 13.1 -13.4 may include flaps 45, 46 extending on either side of the blade to prevent dust generated by friction with the collector blades. alter the operation of the brush holder 1 1. One of the flaps 45 has a recess 50 located in the extension of the notch 43 to allow the passage of the braid 24.1 -24.4 closest to the collector. Each cage 13.1 -13.4 further comprises a system 47 for fastening to the plate 33. Each fastening system 47 is formed by two pairs of tabs 48. The tabs 48 of each pair come from two edges opposite the end walls 41, 42. A tab 48 of each pair passes through the plate 33 through an opening 40 made according to its thickness. The other tab 48 of each pair bears against one side of the square-shaped inner contour delimiting the orifice 6. The tabs 48 of each pair are folded towards each other against the plate 33. Alternatively, the system fastener 47 comprises at least one rivet passing through the plate 33 and an end wall 41, 42 of the brush cage.

Furthermore, a spiral spring 35 associated with each cage 13.1 -13.4 radially biases the brush 15.1 -15.4 corresponding to collector contact blades carried by a collector body of electrically insulating material, such as plastic. Each spring 35 is in this case mounted around a holding system 37 here formed by a pin extending axially with respect to the axis Y. This pin 37 is obtained by folding one of the end walls 41 of each cage 13.1 -13.4.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, each spring 35 has a wound portion formed by a plurality of turns. The wound portion ends with an arm 35.1 intended to bear against at least a portion of the rear face of the blade 15.1 -15.4. In this case, the arm 35.1 is terminated by two parts 35.2 in contact against bearing faces 38 located on either side of the zone of attachment of the braid 24.1 -24.4 electrically conductive brush. The attachment zone between the braid 24.1 -24.4 and the blade 15.1 -15.4 is set back relative to the bearing faces 38 in order to maximize a functional operating distance of the brushes 15.1 -15.4.

Brushes 15.1 -15.4 have alternate polarities. Thus, the brushes 15.1 and 15.3 of positive polarity are electrically connected, via their respective braid 24.1, 24.3 to a feed wire from the contactor starter. These brushes 15.1 and 15.3 and their corresponding cage 13.1 and 13.3 are electrically isolated from the negative polarity for proper operation of the starter. This insulation is obtained by the overmolded layers 32 which cover the fields the openings 40 receiving the legs of the cages of positive polarity 13.1, 13.3, as well as at least partly the inner contour of the plate 33. The braids 24.1 and 24.3 may also be covered with an insulating sheath.

Furthermore, the brushes 15.2 and 15.4 of negative polarity for the current return are electrically connected to the mass of the machine by means of their respective braid 24.2, 24.4 welded to the plate 31. The flexible braids 24.1 -24.4 are advantageously made of copper or copper alloy to facilitate welding on the plate 31. Preferably, the openings 40 receiving the tabs 48 of negative polarity cages 13.2 and 13.4 as well as the zones of the inner contour of the plate 33 in contact with other tabs 48 of these cages 13.2, 13.4 are not electrically insulated, so that an electrical contact can occur between the negative polarity cages 13.2, 13.4 and the plate 31 via the tabs 48. This contact is not harmful to the operation of the starter, insofar as it participates in the establishment of the electrical contact between parts intended to be at the same potential, in this case the mass potential in this application. However, this is not valid for all the cages and in particular the cages of positive polarity 13.1 and 13.1 which must be isolated from the plate 31.

Although the brush holder device described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is generally satisfactory, it is desirable to propose improvements permitting a greater robustness of electrical connection between the blade and the plate, particularly when the blade is wearing out. and that the braid must then adapt its shape to make up the displacement of the broom. Furthermore, there is a need for a connection element whose industrialization is easier and in particular the connection to the broom and / or the simpler plate.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to meet this need while overcoming at least one of these disadvantages mentioned above. The invention relates to a brush holder device for a motor vehicle starter, comprising: a broom cage support adapted to be mechanically connected to a yoke of the starter and comprising an opening comprising a Y axis, the opening being intended for the passage of an armature shaft supporting a collector,

- Brush cages of electrically insulating material disposed on said support and being intended to each receive a sliding blade in the brush cage, for example the brushes slide radially relative to the Y axis;

an electrical circuit connector intended to be connected to a voltage source of the starter, intended to be connected to a part of the brushes called positive brushes; said support comprising a first plate intended to be electrically connected to the electric ground of the starter, said first plate being intended to be connected to the other part of the brushes called negative brushes.

According to a general characteristic, the brush holder device comprises, for each brush cage, a rigid connection terminal comprising a portion external to the cage electrically connected to the circuit or to the first plate and an internal portion held in the brush cage intended for be connected to the corresponding broom.

The rigid connection terminal thus proposed is easier to industrialize than the braid. Its connection to the broom and the plate is also simpler. The connection to the broom is more reliable because of the maintenance of the inner portion in the broom. Because of its rigidity, the broom can provide an outlet port fitting without play to the shape of the connection terminal. Thus, the introduction of water and particles into the broom can be reduced. This allows in particular a reduction of the risks of short circuit. On the other hand using cages electrically insulating material, it removes the risk of short circuit by contact with one of the plates or the broom with the broom.

According to other characteristics taken separately or in combination:

- The outer portion of the connection terminal is fixed to the first plate to electrically connect the first plate to the connection terminal. We thus allows a direct and safe connection to the plate. For example, the rigid connection terminal can be welded to the first plate.

- The brush holder device comprises a connection braid, said connection braid electrically connecting the outer portion to the first plate. Thus, one has the advantage of the rigid connection terminal to exit without game of the broom cage, while using a braid to connect to the first plate.

the external portion of the connection terminal is fixed to the circuit for electrically connecting the circuit to the connection terminal. This allows a direct and safe connection to the circuit. For example, the rigid connection terminal can be soldered to the circuit.

it comprises a connection braid, said connection braid electrically connecting the portion external to the circuit. Thus, one has the advantage of the rigid connection terminal to leave without game of the broom cage, while using a braid to connect to the circuit.

- The support comprises a second plate forming said circuit and the support is overmolded with an electrically insulating material, said molded support having holes made in the electrically insulating material to allow passage through the connection terminals. With the aid of this second plate, it is possible for the connection terminals to connect to the circuit or to the first plate to have the same shape. This further simplifies the industrialization of the connection terminal.

- The outer portion of the connection terminal comprises a portion whose section is reduced. This reduced section portion may have a plurality of shapes, such as an arc-shaped profile, an S-shaped profile, a reduced width rectangle-shaped profile, or a horseshoe-shaped profile. The reduction of the section makes it possible to increase the resistance so that this part can act as a fuse.

The invention also relates to a brush holder assembly comprises the brush holder device as described above and a brush by broom cage in their corresponding brush cage. According to a general characteristic, each cage comprising at least one connecting braid electrically connecting the blade to said rigid connection terminal. For example, the bonding braid is flat. This reduces its size. According to other characteristics taken separately or in combination:

- The rigid connection terminal comprises a base on which is fixed said at least one connecting braid.

- The broom cage comprises a perforated bottom to allow the introduction of the brush and a cover to cover the perforated bottom, said base being sandwiched between the end of the at least one connecting braid and said cover. This allows the connection terminal to be maintained via its base within the brush cage.

- The cover has a groove for the output of the rigid connection terminal to the first plate or said circuit. The groove can be adapted to the shape of the connection terminal so as to reduce the risk of introducing particles and water.

- It comprises a spring disposed between the base and the broom. This spring can on the one hand to push the broom to the collector by catching the loss of material due to wear of the brush. It can also help keep the base of the connection terminal against the cover. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a spiral spring with non-contiguous turns working in compression along the axis of its turns. Indeed, this type of spring allows space in the direction of sliding of the minimum broom. Thus, one can provide a longer broom in this direction, which significantly increases the durability of the broom.

- The connecting braid is fixed on the side of the base on which the spring is supported. Advantageously, the braid is fixed in parallel with the spring, which further reduces the bulk in the direction of sliding of the brush. the base comprises a lug for indexing the spring. This allows a relative retention of the base relative to the spring. This allows in particular to maintain the base of the connection terminal.

The invention also relates to a starter comprising a brush holder assembly as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These figures are given for illustrative but not limiting of the invention. Figure 1 already described, shows a view of a starter according to the state of the art; Figure 2 already described, represents a brush holder according to the state of the art; Figure 3 already described, shows a broom cage according to the state of the art; Figures 4 and 5 show a brush holder assembly according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 shows a brush holder assembly according to a second embodiment; Figure 7 shows in particular a plate of the brush holder assembly of the first or second embodiment according to a first variant; Figure 8 shows in particular a plate of the brush holder assembly of the first or second embodiment according to a second variant; Figures 9 and 10 show a brush holder assembly according to a third embodiment; Figure 1 1 shows in particular a plate of the brush holder assembly of the third embodiment; Fig. 12 shows a brush holder device according to the third embodiment; Figure 13 shows a portion of a brush holder device according to the third embodiment; Figures 14 and 15 show in particular a brush and a connection terminal according to one embodiment; FIG. 16 represents in particular a brush and a connection terminal according to another embodiment; Fig. 17 shows a connection terminal; Figs. 18 and 19 show a detail of the brush holder assembly; Fig. 20 shows a brush holder device according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 21 shows a brush holder device according to a fifth embodiment; and Figures 22-25 show a connection terminal according to a plurality of embodiments.

Identical, similar or similar elements retain the same reference from one figure to another.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figures 4 and 5 show a brush holder assembly 1 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This brush holder assembly can be integrated into the starter 1 as described in FIG. This brush holder assembly 1 1 comprises a brush cage support 33, six brush bays 13.1 -13.6 for example of electrically insulating material, a rigid connection terminal 14 for each broom cage 13.1 -13.6, a broom 15.1 -15.6 per broom cage 13.1 -13.6 and a base 51 of a power cable 55.

The support of brush cages 33 comprises an opening 6 comprising a Y axis, the opening 6 being intended for the passage of an armature shaft supporting a collector 12. For example, the Y axis coincides with the X axis mentioned in Figure 1. The brush cage support 33 is mechanically connected to the brush cages. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to crimp the tabs 48 of each of the brushes 13.1 -13.6 as mentioned with reference to FIG. 3. The brush cage support 33 also comprises a first plate 31 electrically connected to the ground. electric starter. The brush cage support 33 is overmolded, for example on its lower and upper face, with an insulating electrical material 32. For example, it is the first plate 31 of the support 33 which is overmolded with the electrically insulating material 32. For example, the overmolded insulating electrical material 32 comprises a thermoplastic plastics material based on polyamide PA4.6 or PA6.6 type or based on polypropylene PPS loaded with fiberglass between 40 and 50%. The overmoulded portion may also include a thermosetting plastic material. The support of brush cages 33 is able to be mechanically connected to a yoke 3 of the starter 1. For this, for example, the first plate 31 of the support 33 of brush cages is sandwiched between a body of the cylinder head and a cover of the cylinder head. Finally, the support 33 of brush cages 33 comprises at least one hole 53 which is related to the manufacture as explained in the following figures.

Each broom cage 13.1 -13.6 has substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped of radial length and comprises a blade 15.1 -15.6 sliding radially in its broom cage 13.1 -13.6 relative to the axis Y. In FIG. 4, only the brushes 15.3 and 15.4 are visible. In Figure 5, the brushes 15.1 -15.6 are visible. Each broom cage comprises a perforated bottom located on the outer side relative to the axis Y of the broom cage to allow the introduction of the broom and a cover 16 to cover the perforated bottom. On the other side of the perforated bottom, ie on the inner side with respect to the Y axis the broom cage is open. It is through this opening that the brush 15.1 -15.6 comes into contact with the collector 12.

According to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, each broom cage 13.1 -13.6 is overmolded on the support 33. According to an example of this embodiment, the electrically insulating material is overmolded at the same time as the cages are overmolded. to broom. It is also still possible according to this embodiment to provide that the broom cages 13.1 -13.6 are formed by overmolding an electrically insulating material. According to this embodiment, the overmoulded insulating electrical material comprises a thermoplastic plastics material based on polyamide of PA4.6 or PA6.6 type or based on polypropylene PPS loaded with fiberglass between 40 and 50%. The overmoulded portion may also include a thermosetting plastic material.

According to this embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the overmolding also makes it possible to fix the brush cage on the brush cage support 33. According to this example, the overmolding can make it possible to replace the crimping mentioned above. However, it is also possible to provide overmolding of the brush cages reinforces their crimping for fixing on the support 33. Whether the brush cages 13.1 -13.6 are overmolded or not, it can be provided that the cages 13.1 - 13.6 are made of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic.

Each of the rigid connection terminals 14 is maintained in the corresponding brush cage 13.1 -13.6 as will be explained in particular in FIGS. 14 to 19. The connection terminal 14 comprises a portion 75 which is external and a portion 76 (not visible on Figures 4 and 5) which is internal to the broom 13.1 -13.6 and which is connected to the corresponding broom. For example, the connection terminal 14 explained in FIGS. 4 and 5 is attached to the brush cage 13.2 and electrically connected to the brush 15.2 of the brush cage 13.2. Furthermore, a portion of the rigid connection terminals 14 are electrically connected to the first plate 31 of the support 33. For this purpose, the overmolded support 33 has holes 52 formed in the material electrically insulating 32 to allow passage through the connection terminal 14.

The base 51 makes it possible to support and bring to the brush holder assembly 1 1, the supply cable 55 which is electrically connected on the one hand to a positive terminal, for example the B + terminal of the voltage source 26 of the starter 1 and on the other hand to a circuit of the brush holder assembly not visible in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Furthermore, in FIG. 5, it can also be seen that the brush holder support of the assembly 1 1 comprises an oblong hole 54 made in the electrically insulating material 32.

Figure 6 shows a brush holder assembly according to a second embodiment. This assembly differs from that of Figures 4 and 5 in that each broom 13.1 -13.6 includes an oblong opening 38 on the upper axial face of the broom cages. This opening saves material to make each broom cage and also facilitates the manufacture by overmoulding the broom cages if necessary.

Figure 7 shows in particular the first plate 31 of the support 33 of the brush holder assembly according to a first variant.

This first plate 31 extends in a first plane perpendicular to the axis Y. It comprises projections 31 .1, 31 .2, 31 .3 towards the axis Y. The first plate 31 also comprises a pin 80, this ergot is used to install the base 51 on the support 33 of cage broom. For example, the base comprises a hole which is inserted on the pin 80 to position it.

FIG. 7 shows a second plate 77 of the support 33. This second plate 77 is raised relative to the first plate 31. That is, the second plate extends in a second plane perpendicular to the Y axis which is above the first plane of the first plate. The first and second planes are therefore parallel. The second plate 77 comprises the opening 6 of axis Y. For example, the first 31 and the second 77 plates are substantially of the same axial thickness. According to one embodiment, the first 31 and the second 77 plates are made of the same material.

On the other hand, the first plate 31 surrounds the second plate 77. In this case, the projections 31 .1, 31 .2, 31 .3 towards the Y axis of the first plate 31 are also directed towards the second plate 77. second plate 77 includes protrusions 77.1, 77.2 and 77.3 towards the first plate 31. For example, the first 31 and the second 77 plates are substantially concentric. The first plate provided with projections 31 .1, 31 .2, 31 .3 and the second plate provided with projections 77.1, 77.2, 77.3 are of complementary shape, so that the set of two plates 31 and 77 has substantially the shape of 'a crown. More specifically, the projections 31 .1, 31 .2, 31 .3 towards the second plate are facing recesses of the second plate and the projections 77.1, 77.2, 77.3 towards the first plate are opposite recesses of the first plate. .

According to one embodiment, the second plate 77 is integral with the first plate 31 via ribs 78 which must be removed. Indeed, the second plate 77 forms the circuit of the brush holder assembly mentioned above and which is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source 26 of the starter 1. In other words, the first plate 31 is electrically connected to the electric ground of the starter while the second plate 77 is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source 26 of the starter 1. It is therefore to avoid a short circuit that we must remove the ribs 78.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a part of said brushes 15.2, 15.4, 15.6 is connected through the holes 52 to the circuit formed here by the second plate 77 and the other part of the so-called negative brushes 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 is connected to the first plate 31 through the holes 52. For this, the outer portion 75 of the rigid connection terminal 14 is electrically connected to the circuit or to the first plate according to whether the brush is positive or negative. Thus, in the case of a rigid connection terminal 14 of a positive brush 15.2, 15.4, 15.6 the outer portion 75 of the connection terminal is fixed to the circuit formed by the second plate 77 to electrically connect the circuit to the terminal As a variant, provision may be made for the brush holder assembly 1 1 to comprise a connection braid and the connection braid electrically connect the external portion 75 to the circuit formed by the second plate 77. In this case, for example , the connection braid is fixed to the circuit formed by the second plate 77.

Whereas in the case of a rigid connection terminal 14 of a negative brush 15.1, 15.3, 15.5, the outer portion 75 of the connection terminal 14 is fixed to the first plate 31 to electrically connect the first plate 31 to the As a variant, provision may be made for the brush holder assembly 1 1 to comprise a connection braid, said connection braid electrically connecting the outer portion 75 to the first plate 31. In this case, for example, the connecting braid 14 is attached to the first plate.

Figure 8 shows the first plate 31 of the brush holder assembly according to a second variant.

First, this first plate 31 differs from that of FIG. 7 in that it is coplanar with the second plate 77. In other words, the second plate 77 and the first plate 31 extend in the same plane perpendicular to the Y axis.

Furthermore, in FIG. 7, the two plates 31 and 77 are still connected by the ribs 78. On the contrary, in FIG. 8, the two plates 31 and 77 of the support 33 are represented after the support 33 has been overmolded and after it has been punched to remove ribs 78.

Punching to remove the ribs 78 is advantageously performed on the support 33 while it has been overmolded, so that the two plates 31 and 77 despite the removal of the ribs keep their relative positioning. The holes 53 already mentioned with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are traces of this punching. The holes 53 are made in the support 33, that is to say through the electrically insulating material 32 and also the two plates 31 and 77 to form holes 79 visible in Figure 8.

According to the first or the second variant, it is possible for the support to be overmoulded so that the second plate 77 is also overmoulded and electrically isolated from the brush cages 13.1 -13.6.

Figures 9 and 10 show a brush holder assembly according to a third embodiment. This brush holder assembly 11 is distinguished from that illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 by the number of brooms which is 4.

Moreover, in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the cable 55 is electrically connected to the circuit of the brush holder assembly here formed by the second plate 77 via a braid 560. For this purpose, the support overmoulded 33 comprises the oblong hole 54 already mentioned with reference to Figure 5 to allow passage through the braid 560.

Figure 1 1 represents in particular the first plate 31 of the brush holder assembly according to a third embodiment. This plate 31 plate is distinguished from the plate 31 illustrated in Figure 8 by its number of projections, namely two: 31 .1, 31 .2. Likewise, the second plate 77 is distinguished from the second plate 77 illustrated in FIG. 8 by its number of projections, namely two as well: 77.1, 77.2. The two plates 31 and 77 are thus adapted to the brush holder assembly 1 1 of the third embodiment comprising 4 brush cages.

Fig. 12 shows a brush holder 28 according to the third embodiment. The brush holder device 28 is one of the components of the brush holder assembly 11. It is distinguished by the absence of brushes 15.1 - 15.4. In other words, the brush holder assembly 1 1 comprises the brush holder device 28 and the brushes 15.1-15.4.

Figure 13 shows a portion of the brush holder 28 according to the third embodiment. More specifically, Figure 13 illustrates brush holder device 28 of Figure 12 but without the covers 16. This allows to show cavities 57 for receiving a broom 15.1 -15.4 and protuberances 56 of the cages. Each of the broom cages 13.1 -13.4 comprises a cavity 57 and two protuberances 56. The two protuberances are located on each of the two transverse faces of a broom cage.

On the other hand, in FIG. 13, the base 51 can be seen in a little more detail. Thus, it comprises a single piece formed of two plates which are perforated to allow the passage of the cable 55.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show in particular a brush 15.1 and a rigid connection terminal 14. This rigid connection terminal 14 comprises an outer portion 75 which is outside the brush cage 13.1 and an inner portion 76 which is located in the cage with broom 13.1. The outer portion 75 comprises a seat 68, if necessary to be fixed to the first 31 or second 77 plate.

The rigid connection terminal 14 also comprises a base 63 on which are fixed two link braids 64 and 65. For example, this base 63 is located inside the broom cage 13.1. It can be expected that the connecting braids 64 and 65 are flat braids. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the base 63 includes a recess 67.

The connecting braids 64 and 65 electrically connect the brush 15.1 to the rigid connection terminal 14. For this purpose, the connecting braid 64 or 65 is fixed on the one hand on the base 63 and on the other hand on a face 70 of the broom 15.1. For example, the base 63 has the shape of a ring provided with two diametrically opposed extensions. In this case, it is on these two extensions that the binding braids 64 and 65 are fixed.

On the other hand we can see in Figures 14 and 15, a spring 66 disposed between the base 63 and the brush 15.1 -15.6. For example, a spiral spring with non-contiguous turns working in compression along the axis of its turns, this axis being aligned in the direction of sliding of the blade. It can be provided that the base 63 comprises a lug 69 (better visible in FIG. 17) for indexing the spring 66. For example, the lug 69 and the recess 67 are made during a single operation of striking the base 63 on the side of the recess. Advantageously, the braid 64 or 65 is fixed in parallel with the spring 66, which makes it possible to reduce the bulk in the broom cage according to the direction of sliding of the blade. FIG. 14 illustrates the already described Y axis and an axis Z corresponding to the radial direction in which the wiper blade 15.1 slides.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the connecting braid 64 is fixed on the side of the base 63 on which the spring 66 presses. Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows the connection terminal 14, the spring 66 and the blade 15.1. when the broom 15.1 has just been installed in the broom cage 13.1. While Figure 15 shows the connection terminal 14, the spring 66 and the brush 15.1 when the blade 15.1 is already worn and the spring moves the brush 15.1 remaining towards the Y axis and the collector 12 to compensate for loss of material. FIG. 16 represents in particular a brush 15.1, a connection terminal 14 and a spring 66 according to another embodiment. According to this other embodiment, the base 63 has the shape of a crown without the two diametrically opposite extensions. It is thus provided that the braids are fixed on the ring of the base 63 and on the side of the base opposite to the side on which the spring 66 presses. To this end, the braid 63 or 64 extends along the axis Z but Also according to the Y axis. Thus, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the base 63 is sandwiched between the spring 66 and the braids. This secures the connection terminal in the brush cage. FIG. 17 shows a connection terminal comprising the outer portion 75 which is outside of the broom cage 13.1, the inner portion 76 which is located in the broom cage 13.1, the recess 67, the seat 68, the lug 69 and the base 63. According to FIG. 17, the base 63 comprises the two diametrically opposite extensions. Figures 18 and 19 show a detail of the brush holder assembly. More specifically, Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the lid 16. This includes a body 61 provided with two faces, a face 72 oriented towards the Y axis and a face 62 on the other side. The face 72 comprises a protrusion 58 intended to cooperate with the recess 67 of the connection terminal 14. Thus, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the base 63 is sandwiched between the end of the braid 64 or 65 and the cover 16. It is also possible to provide that the base 63 is taken in sandwiching between the two ends of the connecting braids 64 and 65 respectively and the cover 16. In both cases, the connection terminal is maintained in the brush cage.

Moreover, whether for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 or for that illustrated in FIG. 16, the spring 66 also makes it possible to hold the base 63 against the cover 16 and thus the maintenance of the connection terminal in FIG. the broom.

The body 61 has a substantially rectangular shape comprising its two sides aligned along the Y axis. These two sides are opposite and located on either side of a transverse plane formed by the Y axis and the Z axis. body comprises on each of these two sides aligned along the Y axis, two arrows 59. The two arrows 59 of each of the two sides form a clip which cooperates with a protrusion 56. Thus the cover is fixed on the brush cage. As can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, one of the two Y-aligned sides comprises a groove 60. This groove 60 allows when the cover covers the perforated bottom of the broom cage 13.3, the exit of the terminal connection 14 of the broom cage 13.3. Thus, the portion of the connection terminal 14 located below the groove 60 is the inner portion 76 while that beyond is the outer portion 75.

Fig. 20 shows a brush holder device according to a fourth embodiment.

This brush device 28 differs from that of the third embodiment in that the circuit to which is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source 26 of the starter 1 comprises a conductive electrical trace 71 arranged on all the brush cages. a side axially opposite the support of brush cages 33.

Like the second plate 77 mentioned with reference to FIG. 7, the conductive electrical trace 71 is connected to a part of the brushes called positive brushes 15.2, 15.4, 15.6. For this purpose, the electrical trace has a ring shape. For example, braids (not shown in Figure 20) are arranged between the brooms 13.2, 13.4 and 13.6 and the electrical conductive trace 71.

Fig. 21 shows a brush holder device according to a fifth embodiment. The fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment are distinguished from the third embodiment in that only a fastening system to the support is provided with tabs 48 visible in FIGS. 20 and 21.

Figures 22 to 25 show a connection terminal according to several embodiments. According to all these embodiments, it is expected that the outer portion 75 of the connection terminal 14 comprises a portion 73 whose section is reduced. Thus, this reduced section portion acts as a fuse when a too strong current passes through the connection terminal 14.

According to Figure 22, there is provided an arcuate profile of the portion 73.

According to Fig. 23, there is provided an S-shaped profile of the portion 73. According to Fig. 24, there is provided a reduced-width rectangle-shaped profile of the portion 73, a portion of the remainder of the outer portion 75 having a rectangle shape.

According to Figure 25, there is provided a horseshoe-shaped section 73.

Claims

1. A brush holder (28) for a motor vehicle starter comprising:

- A brush cage support (33) adapted to be mechanically connected to a yoke (3) of the starter (1) and comprising an opening (6) comprising a Y axis, the opening being intended for the passage of a d-shaped shaft. armature supporting a collector (12),

- brooms (13.1 -13.6) of electrically insulating material disposed on said support and being intended to each receive a broom (15.1 -15.6) sliding in the broom cage;

an electrical circuit connector intended to be connected (77, 71) to a voltage source (26) of the starter (1), intended to be connected to a part of said positive brushes (15.2, 15.4, 15.6); said support (33) having a first plate (31) to be electrically connected to the electric ground of the starter, said first plate being intended to be connected to the other part of the so-called negative brushes (15.1, 15.3, 15.5); characterized in that the brush holder (28) comprises for each brush cage (13.1 -13.6), a rigid connection terminal (14) comprising an external portion (75) to the cage electrically connected to the circuit (77, 71). ) or the first plate (31) and an inner portion (76) held in the brush cage (13.1 -13.6) intended to be connected to the corresponding brush (15.1 -15.6).

2. brush holder device (28) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outer portion (75) of the connection terminal (14) is fixed to the first plate (31) for electrically connecting the first plate (31) at the connection terminal (14).

3. brush holder device (28) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a connection braid, said connection braid electrically connecting the outer portion (75) to the first plate (31).

4. Brush holder device (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer portion (75) of the connection terminal is fixed to the circuit (77, 71) for electrically connecting the circuit (77, 71) at the connection terminal (14).

5. brush holder device (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a connection braid, said connection braid electrically connecting the outer portion (75) to the circuit (77, 71 ).

6. brush holder device (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (33) comprises a second plate (77) forming said circuit and the support (33) is overmolded with an electrically insulator (32), said overmolded carrier (33) having holes formed (52) in the electrically insulating material to allow passage through the connection terminals (14).

7. brush holder device (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer portion (75) of the connection terminal (14) comprises a portion (73) whose section is reduced.

8. Brush holder assembly (1 1) comprising the brush holder device (28) according to any one of the preceding claims and a brush (15.1 -15.6) per brush cage (13.1 -13.6) in their corresponding brush cage, characterized in that each cage (13.1 -13.6) comprises at least one connecting braid (64, 65) electrically connecting the blade (15.1 -15.6) to said rigid connection terminal (14).

9. brush holder assembly (1 1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rigid connection terminal (14) comprises a base (63) on which is fixed said at least one connecting braid (64, 65).

10. Brush assembly (1 1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brush cage (13.1 -13.6) comprises a perforated bottom to allow the introduction of the brush and a cover (16) to cover the perforated bottom said base (63) being sandwiched between the end of the at least one braid (64, 65) and said cover (16).

1 1. Brush assembly (1 1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover (16) has a groove (60) allowing the output of the rigid connection terminal (14) to the first plate (31) or said circuit (71, 77).

12. Brush assembly (1 1) according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises a spring (66) disposed between the base (63) and the blade (15.1 -15.6).

13. Brush assembly (1 1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting braid (64) is fixed on the side of the base (63) on which the spring (66).

14. Brush assembly (1 1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the base (63) comprises a lug (69) for indexing the spring (66).

15. Starter comprising a brush holder assembly (1 1) according to one of claims 8 to 14.