Connector for attaching cable to printed circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1) for attaching a cable to a printed circuit (3), the connector (1) being configured to be attached to an edge (3A. 1) of the printed circuit (3), the connector (1) comprising a first attachment portion (1A) for connecting the cable and a second attachment portion (1B) for attaching the connector (1), the second attachment portion (1B) comprising at least three legs (1B. 1, 1B. 1a, 1B. 1b), the first and second attachment portions (1A, 1B) of the connector (1) are connected by a longitudinal section (1C) extending perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit (3), the first attachment portion (1A) being located on the side of the rear face (3A. 3) of the printed circuit (3) and the second attachment portion (1B) being located on the side of the front face (3A. 2), and at least one of the three legs (1B. 1, 1B. 1a, 1B. 1b) passing through the printed circuit (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for attaching a cable to a printed circuit. The present invention also relates to a printed circuit including at least said connector, and a three-phase motor including said printed circuit.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and more particularly to an automotive three-phase motor including at least one printed circuit with a connector. Background Art

[0003] Automobiles generally include a motor with a cooling system, which is essential for the thermal regulation of the motor. In recently designed vehicles, such a cooling system generally includes at least one cooling circuit positioned in contact with the motor, and a coolant liquid flows through the cooling circuit. As the coolant liquid gets hot, it will reduce the temperature of the motor through heat exchange. When the liquid temperature reaches a threshold value that is usually at least 90 °C, a fan is activated to reduce the liquid temperature below this value.

[0004] Therefore, the fan is crucial for the thermal regulation of the motor. The fan generally includes a propeller driven by a three-phase motor, and the three-phase motor itself is controlled by a printed circuit. The printed circuit includes electrical and / or electronic components that can trigger various functions within the motor. The power supply for the three-phase motor and its printed circuit is provided by one or more power cables.

[0005] The above-mentioned cables are usually attached and held in place on the edge of the printed circuit through connectors. However, the high voltage applied to one of these cables can cause them to be torn off, which is harmful to the power supply of the three-phase motor.

[0006] To this end, various connectors have been developed to improve the retention of the cables on the printed circuit. In particular, the published patent document JP 2013-168312 A describes such a connector. The connector includes three attachment tabs attached to one of the faces of the printed circuit, and an attachment portion mounted on the tabs. The attachment portion has a U-shaped cross-section capable of receiving the cable, and the attachment portion is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit. However, this connector is large and fragile, and the connection with the cable is unreliable.

[0007] Another type of connector is described in the published patent document US2016 / 0072200 A1. The connector is configured to be attached to the edge of a printed circuit and includes a first attachment portion for attaching to the circuit and a second attachment portion for attaching to a cable. First, the cable is inserted into a hole provided for this purpose in the edge of the printed circuit, and then the connector is slid onto the printed circuit using the first attachment portion and brought into contact with the cable, bending the cable in such a way that it is parallel to the plane of the printed circuit. However, this type of connector is difficult to manufacture and the electrical connection to the cable may be defective because piercing the cable to reach the conductors may not be carried out correctly.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to reduce the space occupied by the connector on the printed circuit.

[0009] The present invention can also improve the mechanical stress resistance of the cable attached to the connector.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to improve the electrical connection between the printed circuit and the power cable. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The solution proposed by the present invention is a connector for attaching a cable to a printed circuit, the connector being configured to be attached to the edge of the printed circuit, the connector comprising: a first attachment portion configured to connect the cable to the printed circuit, and a second attachment portion configured to attach the connector to the printed circuit, the second attachment portion including at least three tabs, the connector being attached to a portion of the printed circuit that extends in a plane, when the connector is mounted on the circuit, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion of the connector are connected by a longitudinal section that extends perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit, such that the first attachment portion is on the same side as the back of the printed circuit, while the second attachment portion is on the same side as the opposite face of the printed circuit, the opposite face being referred to as the front face, at least one of the three tabs being configured to pass through the printed circuit such that it can be attached by soldering.

[0012] The connector according to the present invention makes it possible to mount a cable on a printed circuit. The position of the connector makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the connector, where the first attachment portion is oriented towards one of the faces of the printed circuit and the second attachment portion is located on the opposite face of the circuit. This thus makes it possible to reduce the space required for the printed circuit, thereby saving space for mounting a three-phase motor.

[0013] The presence of the three attachment tabs allows the connector to be balanced, especially before soldering. Specifically, given its position on the edge of the printed circuit and its weight, the connector is prone to tilting. Thus, regardless of the method used, balancing the connector allows for effective and easy soldering, especially if the printed circuit has to be moved before soldering, especially for placement in an oven.

[0014] Passing one of the tabs through the printed circuit allows for improved balancing of the connector and also allows that tab to be soldered, thus also improving the mechanical strength and electrical connection of the connector.

[0015] Soldering methods that can be used are known to those skilled in the art and can be, for example, brazing, such as reflow soldering or wave soldering. Thus, some of these methods may require passing through an oven.

[0016] The following lists further advantageous features of the device forming the subject of the present invention. Each of these features can be considered individually or in combination with the significant features defined above. Each of these features contributes to appropriately solving the specific technical problems defined earlier in the specification, while the significant features defined above do not necessarily contribute to solving these problems. Where appropriate, these can form the subject of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three tabs of the second attachment portion are arranged such that an angle of 90° is formed between them.

[0018] In the absence of soldering, the 90° arrangement of the tabs can improve the balance of the connector, thus facilitating the installation of the connector on the printed circuit and the quality of soldering.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three tabs of the second attachment portion include two side tabs and one rear tab, and the rear tab has a cross-section parallel to the edge of the printed circuit.

[0020] The side tabs are first used to improve the resistance of the connector to mechanical stress and also to improve the balance of the connector on the printed circuit. The rear tab is intended to allow conductivity between the cable and the printed circuit.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second attachment portion includes a holding section connected to the longitudinal section of the connector, and the three tabs extend from this holding section.

[0022] The presence of the holding section on the second attachment portion allows for a reduction in the size of the connector, thus facilitating correct positioning on the printed circuit of the tabs and holding them in place before soldering.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding section extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the printed circuit.

[0024] The fact that the holding section extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the printed circuit makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the connector on the circuit. The small size of this section also makes it possible to limit the weight of the connector and helps to hold it on the printed circuit.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one of the three soldering tabs is a rear tab.

[0026] Advantageously, at least the rear tab is configured to allow electrical connection to the printed circuit.

[0027] The presence of solder on the rear tab makes it possible to improve the electrical connection between the connector and the printed circuit. This solder also improves the stress resistance of the connector.

[0028] Advantageously, the tabs extend perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit.

[0029] The fact that the tabs are positioned perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit makes it easier to mount and solder the connector on the circuit.

[0030] Advantageously, all the tabs are configured to pass through the printed circuit.

[0031] The fact that all the tabs pass through the printed circuit makes it possible to improve the balance and holding of the connector on the printed circuit before soldering. This also makes it easier to solder one or more tabs on the circuit.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear tab further includes at least one bearing area for bearing against the printed circuit.

[0033] The bearing area of the rear tab makes it possible to facilitate the holding of the connector on the printed circuit before soldering and then to facilitate the soldering process by making the soldering process more repeatable and more effective. Preferably, two bearing areas are formed on the rear tab.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal section of the connector further includes at least one bearing area for bearing against the printed circuit.

[0035] The bearing area of the longitudinal section also makes it possible to facilitate the holding of the connector on the printed circuit before and during the soldering of the connector. Preferably, two bearing areas are formed on the rear tab.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing area of the rear tab or the longitudinal section consists of a square or rectangular protruding section.

[0037] When manufacturing the connector, the shape of the protruding section is easy to produce. The protruding section also enables the soldering process to be facilitated, making it more repeatable and efficient. The presence of the protruding section also enables the increase in the weight of the connector to be limited.

[0038] Advantageously, all the tabs are attached by soldering.

[0039] Adding solder to the side tabs enables the resistance of the connector to the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected to be improved.

[0040] Advantageously, the length of the longitudinal section is between 8 mm and 14 mm.

[0041] The length of the longitudinal section must be sufficient to support the two attachment parts and allow the balancing of the connector. In addition, the connector must maintain a certain degree of elasticity, which is important for its proper operation and for improving the resistance to the stresses applied to the cable. The length of the longitudinal section also allows the connector to remain naturally on the printed circuit without soldering.

[0042] Advantageously, the length of the rear tab and the side tabs is between 4 mm and 6 mm, the width of the side tabs is between 1 mm and 2 mm, and the width of the rear tab is between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0043] In order to allow the connector to remain naturally on the printed circuit and to allow the connector to be balanced, the lengths of the three tabs should preferably be similar. Sufficient tab width can enhance the robustness of the connector and, in the case of the rear tab, allow for sufficient electrical connection to the printed circuit.

[0044] Advantageously, the first attachment part includes: a flat bottom wall extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal section, side walls extending from the bottom wall and forming a U-shaped flap such that the flap and the bottom wall define a space configured to receive an end of a cable.

[0045] Forming the flap in the form of a U-shaped part allows for a lighter connector to be achieved with less material. This U-shaped part also enhances the bonding between the connector and the cable end, allows the cable to be better retained on the printed circuit, and enables better electrical connection. Advantageously, the flap stops at a certain distance from the upper surface of the flat bottom wall and at one edge, which allows the flap to maintain a certain degree of elasticity to facilitate crimping the cable in this part. The U-shape of the flap is also beneficial for crimping. Crimping is the preferred method for attaching the cable to the connector because it is quick and easy to implement, is known to those skilled in the art, and is easy to repeat. However, other methods known to those skilled in the art can also be envisaged.

[0046] Advantageously, the U-shaped flap includes two side branches interconnected by a transverse branch, the side branches extending transversely to the bottom wall.

[0047] The term "lateral" means that the side branch is positioned perpendicular to the bottom wall.

[0048] Advantageously, the connector is made of metal or a metal alloy.

[0049] Advantageously, the connector is made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0050] Connectors made of metallic materials have several advantages. First, it enables the promotion of electrical conduction between the cable and the printed circuit. Additionally, the use of certain metallic materials, such as copper, enables the facilitation of soldering the connector to the printed circuit. A copper alloy refers to an alloy that contains a minimum percentage of at least 5% by weight of copper, more preferably a minimum percentage of at least 50% by weight of copper.

[0051] Advantageously, the second attachment portion is configured to be attached to either one of the two faces of the printed circuit.

[0052] Therefore, soldering can be performed on both sides of the circuit. Alternatively, the printed circuit can also be etched on both sides. Thus, the connector can be placed on either face as required.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a printed circuit, the circuit comprising a structure for supporting one or more electrical / electronic components, the circuit being configured to be electrically connected to one or more cables via at least one connector, which is a connector according to the present invention.

[0054] This connector allows power supply to the printed circuit and has better resistance to mechanical stress compared to connectors of the prior art.

[0055] Advantageously, the edge of the printed circuit has at least one notch or recess for allowing the longitudinal section of the connector to pass through.

[0056] The presence of the notch allows the correct positioning of the connector on the printed circuit. This will also allow the connector to be held in place, especially due to the presence of bearing areas of the longitudinal section, which are complementary to the edges of the notch.

[0057] Advantageously, the printed circuit includes holes, each hole having a shape and size adapted to each tab of the connector, and the size of each tab is respectively adapted to the passage of the corresponding hole, such that the tab is inserted into the hole.

[0058] The term "adapted" means that the size of the hole is equal to or almost equal to the corresponding tab, such that the tab is naturally held in the hole. Each hole enables the reception of one tab of the corresponding connector for soldering at least one tab for electrical connection, or allows better resistance to mechanical stress.

[0059] Advantageously, the printed circuit includes a plurality of connectors, preferably at least four connectors.

[0060] The presence of various connectors enables power supply through multiple cables, which allows the control and / or power supply of motors mounted on a printed circuit. Advantageously, the size of the connectors can be adapted to the size of the cables that have to be connected to the printed circuit.

[0061] Preferably, the size of the cables depends on their function. Thus, at least two variants of the connector according to the invention are described herein, which are capable of receiving two different sizes of cables. The connector for receiving the power cable can be larger than the connector for the signal transmission cable.

[0062] The invention also relates to a three-phase motor comprising at least one printed circuit, said printed circuit being a printed circuit according to the invention.

[0063] Similarly, as required, connectors of various sizes can be used in many different motors and / or different printed circuits.

[0064] Advantageously, the electrical connection can be achieved by techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as by crimping or by soldering. Description of the Drawings

[0065] With reference to the accompanying drawings, other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent by reading the description of the preferred embodiments set forth below. These drawings are provided by way of non-limiting illustrative examples, wherein:

[0066] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a connector according to a first variant embodiment of the invention, which is positioned for mounting on a printed circuit.

[0067] Figure 1b is a perspective view of a connector according to a first variant embodiment of the invention, which is inverted relative to its mounting direction on the printed circuit.

[0068] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first variant embodiment of the invention mounted on a printed circuit.

[0069] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a connector according to a second variant embodiment of the invention, which is positioned for mounting on a printed circuit.

[0070] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a connector according to a second variant embodiment of the invention, which is inverted relative to its mounting direction on the printed circuit.

[0071] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector according to a second variant embodiment of the invention mounted on a printed circuit.

[0072] Figure 5 Views of a connector according to a first variant embodiment and a second variant embodiment of the present invention, the connector being mounted on a printed circuit and attached to a power cable.

[0073] Figure 6 Another view of a connector according to a first variant embodiment and a second variant embodiment of the present invention, attached to a power cable.

[0074] Figure 7 Shows the position of the solder paste of each connector according to two variant embodiments of the present invention on a printed circuit. Detailed Description

[0075] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc. to describe an object merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are being referred to, and does not mean that the objects so described must be in any given order, whether temporal, spatial, hierarchical, etc. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X + Y. Generally, it should be understood that in the various figures, the objects have been drawn arbitrarily to make the figures easier to read.

[0076] In the present application, the axis "x" represents the mounting direction of the connector on the printed circuit along a horizontal axis, from the inside to the outside of the circuit. The axis "y" refers to the direction in which the connector is mounted on the printed circuit along a vertical axis from bottom to top.

[0077] Figure 1a and 1b Show two perspective views of a connector according to a first variant embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The connector 1 according to the present invention includes a first attachment portion 1A for receiving one end of a power supply cable (the cable is visible in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The first attachment portion 1A may include a flat bottom wall 1A.1 extending in a direction parallel to the axis x, the length of the flat bottom wall 1A.1 preferably being between 3 mm and 6 mm and the width being between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0079] The first attachment part 1A may also include a side wall 1A.2, which extends from the flat bottom wall 1A.1 and thus extends in the direction of the axis y. The side wall 1A.2 extends through a U-shaped flap 1A.2a, which stops at a certain distance from the upper surface 1A.1a of the flat bottom wall 1A.1 and at the edge 1A.1b of the wall 1A.1. The assembly including the flap 1A.2a and the side wall 1A.2 defines a space E configured to receive a cable. Specifically, the width of the space E is between 1 mm and 5 mm, and the height is between 4 mm and 8 mm. The space E may be more specifically adapted to the power cable to be received by the first attachment part 1A.

[0080] More specifically, the U-shaped flap 1A.2a includes two side branches 1A.2ai connected to each other by a transverse branch 1A.2aii. The side branches 1A.2ai extend transversely to the flat bottom wall 1A.1, in other words, the side branches 1A.2ai extend perpendicular to the bottom wall 1A.1, with a possible variation of ±5° due to manufacturing and assembly constraints.

[0081] The connector 1 further includes a second attachment part 1B for mounting the connector 1 on a printed circuit (the circuit is not visible in Figure 1a and 1b ). More specifically, the second attachment part 1B includes at least three tabs 1B.1 that allow the connector 1 to be attached to the printed circuit. The three tabs 1B.1 extend from a holding section 1B.2 that extends along the axis x.

[0082] More specifically, the three tabs 1B.1 are advantageously positioned to form an angle of 90° between them, which may vary by ±5° depending on manufacturing constraints and / or the constraints involved in mounting the connector 1 on the printed circuit. The specific position of these tabs 1B.1 particularly makes it easier to correctly position the connector 1 on the printed circuit.

[0083] Preferably, the three tabs 1B.1 of the second attachment part 1B include two side tabs 1B.1a, which extend on either side of the holding section 1B.2 and are perpendicular to the holding section 1B.2, thus parallel to the axis y. The side tabs 1B.1a have a curvature of approximately 90° ±5° at their upper ends 1B.1ai, depending on the manufacturing constraints of the connector 1 and its positioning. This curvature allows the correct orientation of the side tabs 1B.1a to facilitate the anchoring of the connector 1 on the printed circuit. Advantageously, the length of the side tabs 1B.1a is between 4 mm and 6 mm, and the width is between 1 mm and 2 mm. The side tabs 1B.1a are mainly used to improve the balance of the connector 1 and improve the resistance of the connector 1 to mechanical stress. The side tabs 1B.1a may optionally be arranged to be electrically connected to the printed circuit.

[0084] The three tabs 1B.1 of the second attachment part 1B also include a rear tab 1B.1b, the cross-section of which is perpendicular to the direction of the axis x. The rear tab 1B.1b extends from the rear end 1B.2a of the holding section 1B.2, so that the tab 1B.1b is continuous with the section 1B.2. The rear tab 1B.1b also has a curvature of approximately 90° ± 5° at the upper end 1B.1bi, depending on the manufacturing constraints of the connector 1 and its positioning on the printed circuit. In a particularly preferred manner, the rear tab 1B.1b forms an electrical connection between the cable and the printed circuit. The rear tab 1B.1b also includes at least one bearing area 1B.1bii, which will be supported on the printed circuit. The bearing area 1B.1bii is advantageously located on a protruding section 1B.1biii, preferably in a square or rectangular shape. More preferably, the rear tab 1B.1b includes two bearing areas 1B.1bii. The presence of the two bearing areas 1B.1bii on the rear tab 1B.1b improves the stability of the connector 1. The rear tab 1B.1b advantageously has a length between 4 mm and 6 mm and a width between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0085] More specifically, the holding section 1B.2 of the second attachment part 1B preferably extends in the longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of the axis x. Advantageously, the holding section 1B.2 is located at a distance between 0.5 mm and 5 mm from the printed circuit, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. This relatively short distance makes it possible to reduce the volume of the connector 1 and thus the volume of the printed circuit.

[0086] Finally, the connector 1 according to the invention includes a longitudinal section 1C that connects the first attachment part (1A) and the second attachment part (1B) of the connector 1. This section 1C extends in its length direction and thus in the direction of the axis y. Thus, the first attachment part (1A) and the second attachment part (1B) of the connector 1 extend in the direction of the axis x and are perpendicular to the longitudinal section 1C. "Perpendicular" means that the longitudinal section 1C extends at an angle of 90° with respect to the direction of the axis "x", with a variation of ±5° due to the uncertainties in the manufacturing and attachment of the connector 1. More specifically, the first attachment part 1A extends from the first face 1C.1 of the longitudinal section 1C, and more specifically, the attachment part 1A extends perpendicularly from the section 1C. In contrast, the second attachment part 1B extends from the second face 1C.2 of the longitudinal section 1C, which is opposite to the first face 1C.1 of the section 1C. The holding section 1B.2 thus extends from the longitudinal section 1C and is perpendicular to the longitudinal section 1C.

[0087] Said section 1C also includes, at its upper end 1C.4, a protruding section 1C.3 having a square or rectangular shape. At said section 1C.3, there is a bearing area 1C.3a in contact with the printed circuit. Preferably, there are at least two bearing areas 1C.3a on the longitudinal section 1C. These bearing areas 1C.3a are intended to help hold the connector 1 on the printed circuit. More preferably, the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1 has a length between 8 mm and 14 mm. The longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1 also includes a bent lower end 1C.5, which is attached to the second attachment part 1B of said connector 1. The curvature is approximately 90°, with a possible variation of ±5° due to manufacturing and installation uncertainties, allowing for the correct positioning of the second part 1B perpendicular to the longitudinal section 1C and facilitating the positioning of the connector 1 on the printed circuit.

[0088] Advantageously, in order to promote the electrical conductivity of the connector 1, the latter is preferably made of metal or a metal alloy. More preferably, the connector 1 is made of copper or a copper alloy. A copper alloy means an alloy containing a minimum percentage of copper of at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight.

[0089] Figure 2 is mounted on the printed circuit Figure 1a and Figure 1b view of the connector.

[0090] The printed circuit 3 according to the present invention generally includes at least one structure 3A on which electrical and / or electronic components are mounted (said components are not visible in Figure 2 ). The connector 1 according to the present invention is used to electrically connect the printed circuit 3 to a cable (the cable is not visible in Figure 2 ). Thus, the printed circuit 3 can be electrically connected to one or more cables, each cable being connected to said circuit 3 through the connector 1. Preferably, the printed circuit 3 includes a plurality of connectors 1, and particularly preferably, the printed circuit 3 includes four connectors 1.

[0091] The connector 1 according to the present invention is specifically designed to be mounted on the edge 3A.1 of the structure 3A of the printed circuit 3. Therefore, it is important to balance the connector 1 so that it does not tilt before being soldered to said circuit 3. More specifically, the edge 3A.1 of the printed circuit 3 corresponds to an outer part of the printed circuit 3 that is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. The edge 3A.1 of the structure 3A forms a part of the printed circuit 3 that extends in a plane passing through the axis x. Thus, when said connector 1 is mounted on the printed circuit 3, this plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1.

[0092] In addition, the edge 3A.1 of the printed circuit 3 has one or more notches 3A.1a or recesses. At Figure 2In the remainder of the description, for the sake of simplicity, only the term "notch" is used, and it can represent a notch or a recess indifferently. Each notch 3A.1a can receive one of the connectors 1 according to the invention through its longitudinal section 1C. In particular, in the case of the connector 1 according to the first variant embodiment of the invention, the notch 3A.1a has a width between 2 mm and 6 mm. The notch 3A.1a must advantageously be large enough to accommodate the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1, yet not allow the connector 1 to tilt before soldering. Therefore, the width of the notch 3A.1a must more preferably be slightly larger than the width of the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1. Advantageously, the depth of the notch 3A.1a must be sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the longitudinal section 1C in order to ensure the maximum reduction in volume.

[0093] The edge 3A.1 of the printed circuit 3 further includes holes 3A.1b, which have a shape and / or size adapted to each tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the connector 1, and each tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) is inserted into one of the corresponding holes 3A.1b. "Holes 3A.1b having an adapted shape and / or size" means that the size of the holes 3A.1b is equal to or almost equal to the size and / or shape of the corresponding tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b), so that the tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) remains in the hole 3A.1b. Therefore, due to the size difference between the side tab 1B.1a and the rear tab 1B.1b, the hole 3A.1b for the rear tab 1B.1b will be significantly wider than the hole 3A.1b for one of the side tabs 1B.1a. Preferably, the rear tab 1B.1b and the corresponding hole 3A.1b have a cross-section parallel to the edge 3A.1 of the printed circuit 3. "Parallel cross-section" means that the direction of the cross-section of the rear tab 1B.1b and the hole 3A.1b is positioned parallel to the edge 3A.1 of the printed circuit 3.

[0094] The structure 3A of the printed circuit 3 further includes a front side 3A.2 and a back side 3A.3. The first attachment part 1A of the connector 1 extends on the side of the back side 3A.3, and the second attachment part 1B of the connector 1 is attached to the front side 3A.2, or the face opposite to the back side 3A.3 of the circuit 3. The "back side" 3A.3 represents the face of the printed circuit 3 located on the cable side, while the "front side" 3A.2 represents the face opposite to the back side 3A.3, and the second attachment part 1B of the connector 1 is attached to this face.

[0095] More specifically, the holding section 1B.2 of the second attachment part 1B follows a plane parallel to the plane of the printed circuit 3. "Parallel plane" means a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the printed circuit 3 and is thus oriented along the axis x.

[0096] Thus, the tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the connector 1, oriented at 90° with respect to the retaining section 1B.2, extend perpendicularly to the plane of the printed circuit 3. Advantageously, at least one tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) passes through the printed circuit 3 via one of the holes 3A.1b, so that it can be attached by soldering. More preferably, all tabs 1B.1 pass through the printed circuit 3, which facilitates soldering and makes it possible to improve the stability of the connector 1 mounted on said circuit 3 before soldering.

[0097] Alternatively, the second attachment part 1B may be mounted on the back side 3A.3 of the printed circuit 3. In this case, the first attachment part 1A will be positioned on the front side 3A.2.

[0098] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 A view showing a connector according to a second variant embodiment of the invention, mounted or not mounted on a printed circuit.

[0099] In this variant, the connector 1 has Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The connector 1 has the same general features as the first variant of the connector 1 described in the specification. Specifically, the shape of the connector 1 is substantially the same. For simplicity, only the differences with respect to the connector 1 of the first variant embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] Thus, the space E of the first attachment part 1A configured to accommodate the power cable has a width preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, and a height preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm. The length of the bottom wall 1A.1 of the first attachment part 1A is preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm. In addition, the length of the tab 1B.1 of the second attachment part 1B is advantageously between 2 mm and 6 mm, so as to stabilize the connector 1 on the printed circuit 3. More specifically, the width of the side tab 1B.1a is between 1 mm and 2 mm, and the width of the rear tab 1B.1b is between 4 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, in this variant, the length of the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1 is between 8 mm and 14 mm. Advantageously, the retaining section 1B.2 of the second attachment part 1B is located at a distance between 0.5 mm and 5 mm from the front face 3A.2 of the printed circuit 3.

[0101] Finally, these figures show that, in the case of a connector 1 according to a second variant embodiment of the invention, the recess 3A.1a situated in the structure 3A of the printed circuit 3 has a width between 3 and 8 mm in order to accommodate the longitudinal section 1C of the connector 1 while limiting any risk of tilting said connector 1 .

[0102] The connector 1 is more robust and can accommodate larger cables.

[0103] Figure 5 and Figure 6 show two views of a connector according to a first variant embodiment and a second variant embodiment of the present invention, the connector being mounted on a printed circuit (only Figure 5 ) and connected to cables ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0104] In these figures, the first attachment part 1A of the two variant connectors 1 surrounds the stripped end 5A of the cable 5 in each case, connecting the cable 5 to the printed circuit 3 in this way. In particular, the stripped end 5A is inserted into the space E of the first attachment part 1A of the connector 1. Thus, the first attachment part 1A is preferably crimped around the stripped end 5A, in other words, it will be clamped onto the end 5A by pliers. This technique is well known and used by those skilled in the art.

[0105] Furthermore, the two variant connectors 1 do not necessarily accommodate cables 5 of the same size. Thus, either variant can be used as required.

[0106] Figure 7 shows the positions of the solder paste of two variant connectors according to the present invention on a printed circuit.

[0107] In the context of the present invention, at least one of the three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the connector 1 is soldered to the printed circuit 3. The rear tab 1B.1b is particularly preferably soldered. Advantageously, the side tab 1B.1a can also be soldered. Thus, all of the tabs 1B.1 can be soldered to the printed circuit 3. The figure shows an example of the positioning of the solder paste when all of the tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the connector 1 are to be soldered. Soldering the three attachment tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) improves the stress resistance of the connector 1.

[0108] Various methods can be used to attach the connector 1 to the printed circuit 3. A particularly preferred method is soldering by brazing, especially reflow soldering.

[0109] Thus, at least two portions of the solder paste 7 are located on the front side 3A.2 of the printed circuit 3 and surround each side tab 1B.1a and rear tab 1B.1b. Preferably, two portions 7 are located on each side of one of the tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b). Soldering with two portions of the solder paste 7 for each tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) is particularly suitable for the connector 1 according to the first variant embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, for each side tab 1B.1a, the desired volume of the solder paste 7 is between 2.5 mm 3 and 3.5 mm 3 More preferably, the desired volume of the solder paste 7 is about 3 mm 3 . In the case of the rear tab 1B.b, the desired volume of the solder paste 7 is between 4 mm 3 and 6 mm 3 , more preferably about 5 mm 3 .

[0110] Preferably, for the connector 1 according to the second variant embodiment of the present invention, for each side tab 1B.1a, the desired volume of the solder paste 7 is between 4 mm 3 and 6 mm 3 . More preferably, the desired volume is about 5 mm 3 . In the case of the rear tab 1B.1b, the desired volume of the solder paste 7 is between 9 mm 3 and 12 mm 3 , more preferably about 11 mm 3 . In the case of the second variant embodiment of the connector 1, the number of portions of the solder paste 7 will also increase because the volume of the solder paste 7 is larger. Therefore, it is desirable to have three portions 7 for each side tab 1B.1a and rear tab 1B.1b.

[0111] For both variant connectors 1, this volume can also vary depending on the shape and / or dimensions selected for each tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b). A person skilled in the art will measure the preferred amounts based on these characteristics.

[0112] During soldering, the solder paste 7 will enter the holes (not visible in this figure) by capillary action, thereby soldering the corresponding tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) to the printed circuit 3. Two portions of the solder paste 7 allow the solder to surround the entire tab (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b). This type of soldering allows for better reliability and repeatability of the process. The soldering is more effective, more durable and better controlled. Preferably, the material selected for soldering is copper.

[0113] Alternatively, soldering can be performed on the back side of the printed circuit 3 (not visible in this figure). Such soldering can be achieved in particular by wave soldering or other methods known to those skilled in the art. In this case, it is important that one of the tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) protrudes in order to hold the connector 1 in place before and / or during soldering.

[0114] Alternatively, if the position of the connector 1 is reversed, the soldering can also be reversed.

[0115] The invention also relates to a three-phase motor comprising at least one printed circuit and at least one connector according to one of the variant embodiments of the invention. The motor is not shown in these figures. Although the connector according to the invention is particularly suitable for starting the three-phase motor of a fan, it is conceivable that the connector can be used for other purposes, such as for mounting a cable on any type of printed circuit, without being limited to automotive and / or three-phase motors.

[0116] In the embodiments described above, the arrangement of the various elements and / or devices and / or steps of the invention should not be construed as requiring such an arrangement in all embodiments. In any case, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or devices and / or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0117] Furthermore, one or more features set forth in only one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features set forth in only one other embodiment. Similarly, one or more features set forth in only one embodiment can generally be applied to other embodiments, even if the feature or features are only described in combination with other features.

[0118] The use of the verb "comprise" or "include" and its variations does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) to a printed circuit (3), the connector (1) being configured to be attached to an edge (3A.1) of the printed circuit (3), the connector (1) comprising: - a first attachment portion (1A) configured to connect the cable (5) to the printed circuit (3), and - a second attachment portion (1B) configured to attach the connector (1) to the printed circuit (3), the second attachment portion (1B) including at least three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b), the connector (1) being attached to a portion of the printed circuit (3) that extends in a plane, characterized in that when the connector (1) is mounted on the circuit (3), the first attachment portion (1A) and the second attachment portion (1B) of the connector (1) are connected by a longitudinal section (1C) that extends perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit (3), such that the first attachment portion (1A) is on the same side as the back (3A.3) of the printed circuit (3), while the second attachment portion (1B) is on the same side as the opposite face of the printed circuit (3), the opposite face being referred to as the front (3A.2), and in that at least one of the three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) is configured to pass through the printed circuit (3) such that the tab can be attached by soldering.

2. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to claim 1, wherein the three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the second attachment portion (1B) are arranged such that an angle of 90° is formed between the tabs.

3. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) of the second attachment portion (1B) include two side tabs (1B.1a) and one rear tab (1B.1b), the rear tab (1B.1b) having a cross-section parallel to the edge (3A.1) of the printed circuit (3).

4. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second attachment portion (1B) includes a holding section (1B.2) connected to the longitudinal section (1C) of the connector (1), the three tabs (1B.1, 1B.1a, 1B.1b) extending from the holding section.

5. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to claim 4, wherein the holding section (1B.2) extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the printed circuit (3).

6. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to claim 3, wherein the rear tab (1B.1b) further includes at least one bearing area (1B.1bii) intended to bear against the printed circuit (3).

7. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The longitudinal section (1C) of said connector (1) further comprises at least one bearing area (1C.3a) designed to bear against said printed circuit (3).

8. The connector (1) for attaching a cable (5) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the rear tab (1B.1b) or the bearing areas (1B.1bii, 1C.3a) of the longitudinal section (1C) consist of protruding sections (1B.1biii, 1C.3) of square or rectangular shape.

9. A printed circuit (3), said circuit (3) comprising a structure (3A) supporting one or more electrical / electronic components, said circuit (3) being configured to be electrically connected to one or more cables (5) via at least one connector (1), characterized in that the connector (1) is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A three-phase motor comprising at least one printed circuit (3), characterized in that the printed circuit (3) is the printed circuit according to claim 9.

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