Electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connector (2) that electrically connects a printed circuit board (1) to an electrical component (3), wherein the printed circuit board (1) has a first end face (5) and a second end face (7) opposite the first end face (5), wherein the first end face (5) and the second end face (7) are connected to each other by a side wall (9), wherein the electrical connector (2) comprises a base (4) in contact with the electrical component (3) and at least two holding elements (6), wherein each holding element (6) is configured to be in mechanical contact with the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1), wherein the printed circuit board (1) has a cutout portion in which the electrical connector (2) is received, so that elastic deformations of the holding elements (6), perpendicular to and towards the second end face (7),allow the maintenance of mechanical contact between each holding element (6) and the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1), wherein the mechanical contact between each holding element (6) and the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1) is accessible through the opening.,

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to an electrical assembly for such a vehicle provided with an electrical connector. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] As is known, an electric or hybrid motor vehicle has an electric drive system comprising an electric motor (i.e., a rotating electric machine) that must be supplied with power, for example, from a high-voltage power supply battery, to provide mechanical power to ensure the propulsion of the vehicle. The electric motor comprises a stator, referred to as a fixed part of the electric motor, and a rotor, referred to as a rotating part of the electric motor. The electric drive system further comprises an inverter configured to convert a direct current (DC) voltage coming from a high-voltage power supply battery into an alternating current (AC) voltage for supplying the AC voltage to the stator of the electric motor.

[0004] The electric drivetrain and other vehicle elements generate vibrations that are transmitted to the vehicle's electronic components. Traditionally, securing electrical components connected to an inverter's printed circuit board (PCB) to the PCB relies on mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets. While these methods provide a degree of stability, they can introduce stress points that cause vibration-related problems in the PCB or other components attached to the PCB. These types of fasteners also pose tolerance issues, complicating assembly operations.

[0005] The invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a solution for connecting an electrical component to a PCB that allows tolerance adjustment, simplifies the manufacturing process of an electrical device, such as an inverter, and allows damping of vibrations transmitted to the PCB. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided which is configured for electrically connecting a substantially planar printed circuit board to an electrical component, the printed circuit board having a first end face configured to receive a printed circuit and a second end face opposite the first end face, the first end face and the second end face being connected to each other by a side wall, the electrical connector comprising a base configured to be in contact with the electrical component and at least two retaining elements, each retaining element being configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the second end face of the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a cutout portion in which the electrical connector is received, such that elastic deformations of the retaining elements,perpendicular to and towards the second end face, allowing the maintenance of direct mechanical contact between each holding element and the second end face of the circuit board, and defining an opening, wherein the direct mechanical contact between each holding element and the second end face of the circuit board is accessible through the opening.

[0007] This combination of features enables a mechanical and electrical connection of an electrical component to an electronic board, such as a printed circuit board. Through elastic deformation, such an electrical connector dampens the vibrations transmitted from the electronic component to the printed circuit board, thereby increasing the safety of the board and other electronic components attached to such a board. Furthermore, elastic deformation eliminates tolerance errors during assembly, ensuring that the connector is pressed firmly against the printed circuit board. Furthermore, such an opening allows an operator to easily weld the electrical connector and the printed circuit board, with the contact area between the electrical connector and the second end face of the printed circuit board 1 being directly accessible through the opening.

[0008] According to another aspect, each retaining element comprises a Z-shaped structure, the Z-shaped structure having a first end integral with the base and a second end configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the second end face of the circuit board, the Z-shaped structure having elastically deformable portions. As a result, the Z-shaped structure achieves a "spring" effect, thereby enhancing the pressing of the electrical connector against the second end face of the circuit board. The elastically deformable portions of the Z-shaped structure are positioned at the vertices of the "Z." When the Z-shaped structure is subjected to a compressive force, the elastically deformable portions bend according to the beam theory.

[0009] Advantageously, each retaining element is configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the sidewall of the printed circuit board. This improves the retention of the electrical connector in contact with the printed circuit board, thereby improving the contact area.

[0010] Advantageously, the electrical connector comprises a first retaining element configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face of the circuit board and a first portion of the side wall, the electrical connector further comprising a second retaining element configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face of the circuit board and a second portion of the side wall, the elastic deformation of the first retaining element and the second retaining element being perpendicular to and towards the second end face, the first portion of the side wall and the second portion of the side wall facing each other.As a result, the Z-shaped structure, in which all retaining elements point towards each other, achieves a "spring" effect, which improves the pressing of the electrical connector against the side wall of the printed circuit board when a lateral force is applied to the electrical connector.

[0011] Advantageously, the electrical connector comprises a third retaining element configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face of the circuit board and the first portion of the sidewall, the electrical connector further comprising a fourth retaining element configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face of the circuit board and the second portion of the sidewall, the third retaining element being elastically deformable in the same way as the first retaining element, and the fourth retaining element being elastically deformable in the same way as the second retaining element. Thus, with four retaining elements, the number of degrees of freedom of the electrical connector with respect to the circuit board is reduced by eliminating any possibility of rotation of the electrical connector.

[0012] Advantageously, the first retaining element and the third retaining element are secured to one another by a first spacer, and the second retaining element and the fourth retaining element are secured to one another by a second spacer. As a result, the rigidity of the retaining elements is improved.

[0013] Advantageously, the first spacer is in direct mechanical contact with the first portion of the sidewall, and the second spacer is in direct mechanical contact with the second portion of the sidewall. Thus, the spacers allow for a larger contact area between the sidewalls and the retaining elements.

[0014] Advantageously, the base of the electrical connector is substantially planar, extending parallel to the printed circuit board. As a result, the base has a larger contact area with the end of the electrical component, thereby improving the robustness of the assembly.

[0015] Advantageously, the base comprises a contact portion in direct mechanical contact with the electrical device and a recessed portion, the recessed portion facing an area of ​​direct mechanical contact with the electrical component. The recessed portion can act as a dust collector, collecting dust resulting from friction and welding of the printed circuit board to the electrical connector.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, an electrical arrangement is provided comprising: - an electrical connector according to one of the claims described above; - a substantially planar printed circuit board; - at least one electrical component;wherein the electrical connector electrically connects the circuit board to the electrical component.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling an electrical assembly as described above, the method comprising: - Welding the base of the electrical connector to the electrical component; - Cutting out the cutout section on the printed circuit board in which the electrical connector will be accommodated; - inserting the electrical connector into the cutout portion of the circuit board by elastically deforming the holding elements by applying a compressive force in a direction opposite to the second end face of the circuit board; - releasing the retaining elements so that elastic deformation of the retaining elements of the electrical connector allows direct mechanical contact to be maintained between each retaining element and the second face of the printed circuit board; - Welding each holding element to the second end face of the circuit board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are provided as non-limiting examples for implementing various aspects of the invention. The description refers to the accompanying figures, which also illustrate an embodiment of the invention by way of example: - Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an electrical connector and an electrical component according to a first embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of the electrical connector of Fig. 2 in an electrical arrangement according to another aspect of the invention; - Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] With reference to Fig. 1, an electrical connector 2 is provided. The electrical connector 2 comprises a base 4 configured to be in contact with an electrical component 3. Furthermore, the electrical connector 2 comprises at least two retaining elements 6. The retaining elements 6 are configured to be elastically deformable. Here, the retaining elements 6 are all identical.

[0020] In the described embodiment, the support elements 6 each comprise a Z-shaped structure 8, each Z-shaped structure 8 having a first end 10 integral with the base 4, a second end 12, and elastically deformable portions 14. The elastically deformable portions 14 extend between the first end 10 and the second end 12 of each Z-shaped structure. In particular, the deformable portions 14 are positioned at the vertices of the "Z." When the Z-shaped structure is subjected to a compressive force, the elastically deformable portions undergo bending according to the beam theory.

[0021] The base 4 of the electrical connector 2 is substantially planar so that the mechanical contact between the electrical component 3 and the electrical connector 2 is maximized. Furthermore, the base 4 comprises a contact portion 20 configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the electrical component 3, and a recessed portion 22. The recessed portion 22 faces a region of direct mechanical contact 20 with the electrical component 3. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, an electrical connector 2 according to a further embodiment of the invention is provided. In particular, in Fig. 3, the electrical connector 2 is shown in an electrical assembly according to a further aspect of the invention. The electrical assembly comprises a previously described electrical component 3 and a substantially planar printed circuit board 1. The electrical connector 2 is configured to electrically and mechanically connect the printed circuit board 1 and the electrical component 3. The printed circuit board 1 comprises a first end face 5 configured to receive a printed circuit, and a second end face 7 opposite the first end face 5. The first end face 5 and the second end face 7 are connected to one another by a side wall 9.

[0022] The holding elements 6 are configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the second end face 7 of the printed circuit board 1. Here, the printed circuit board 1 has a cutout portion configured to receive the electrical connector 2, such that elastic deformations of the holding elements 6, perpendicular to and toward the second end face 7 of the printed circuit board 1, allow the maintenance of direct mechanical contact between each holding element 6 and the second end face 7 of the printed circuit board. This combination of features enables a mechanical and electrical connection of the electrical component 3 to the printed circuit board 1. Through the elastic deformation, the electrical connector 2 dampens the vibrations transmitted from the electronic component 3 to the printed circuit board 1, thereby increasing the safety of the printed circuit board 1 and other electronic components attached to such a board.Furthermore, the elastic deformation eliminates tolerance errors during assembly, ensuring that the connector 2 is pressed firmly against the printed circuit board 1. The cutout section is located at the edges of the printed circuit board 1 as shown, but can alternatively be realized within the printed circuit board 1 so that the side wall 9 defines a closed outline.

[0023] Furthermore, the direct mechanical contact between each retaining element 6 and the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 is accessible through an opening. The opening allows an operator to easily weld the electrical connector 2 and the circuit board 1, with the contact area between the electrical connector 2 and the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 being directly accessible through the opening.

[0024] In the embodiment of the electrical connector 2 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the holding elements 6 are configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 and the side wall 9 of the circuit board 1. Thus, the holding of the electrical connector 2 in contact with the circuit board 1 is improved, thereby improving the contact area.

[0025] The electrical connector 2 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 differs from the electrical connector 2 of Fig. 1 in that it comprises a first holding element 6 in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 and a first portion 11 of the side wall 9, and a second holding element 6 in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 and a second portion 13 of the side wall 9, wherein the first portion 11 of the side wall 9 and the second portion 13 of the side wall 9 face each other. Here, the Z-shaped structures 8 of the first and second holding elements 6 also face each other, with the "Z" oriented in opposite directions. In other words, the electrical connector 2 has a first symmetrical plane and a second symmetrical plane, wherein the Z-shaped structures 8 of the first and second holding elements 6 are each located on one side of the first plane and are crossed by the second plane. The first plane and the second plane are orthogonal.As a result, the Z-shaped structures 8, in which all holding elements 6 point towards each other, achieve a “spring” effect, which improves the pressing of the electrical connector 2 against the side wall 9 of the printed circuit board 1 when a transverse force is applied to the electrical connector 2.

[0026] Independently of the first and second retaining elements 6, the electrical connector 2 can comprise a third retaining element 6 in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 and the first portion 11 of the side wall 9, wherein the electrical connector 2 further comprises a fourth retaining element 6 in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1 and the second portion 13 of the side wall 9, wherein the third retaining element 6 is elastically deformable in the same way as the first retaining element 6 and the fourth retaining element 6 is elastically deformable in the same way as the second retaining element 6. As with the first and second retaining elements 6, the Z-shaped structures 8 of the third and fourth retaining elements 6 also face each other, with the "Z" oriented in opposite directions.With four holding elements 6, two of which point towards the other two, the number of degrees of freedom of the electrical connector 2 with respect to the printed circuit board 1 is reduced by eliminating any possibility of rotation of the electrical connector 2 within the cutout section of the printed circuit board 1.

[0027] The electrical connector 2 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 also differs from the electrical connector 2 of Fig. 1, that it comprises a first spacer 16 which attaches the first holding element 6 and the third holding element 6 to each other. The first spacer 16 may be welded to the first and third holding elements 6, but may alternatively be made integrally with the first and third holding elements 6. The electrical connector 2 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 further includes a second spacer 18 that attaches the second retaining element 6 and the fourth retaining element 6 to each other. The second spacer 18 may be welded to the second and fourth retaining elements 6, but may alternatively be made integrally with the second and fourth retaining elements 6. The first and second spacers 16, 18 increase the rigidity of the retaining elements 6.

[0028] As in Fig. 3, the first spacer 16 and the second spacer 18 (hidden by the circuit board 1) are in direct mechanical contact with the first portion 11 of the side wall 9 for the first spacer 16 and the second portion 13 of the side wall 9 for the second spacer 18, respectively. Thus, the spacers 16, 18 allow a larger contact area between the portions 11, 13 of the side wall 9 and the holding elements 6.

[0029] To achieve the Fig. 3, a method of assembly according to another aspect of the invention is provided. The method comprises the following steps: - welding the base 4 of the electrical connector 2 to the electrical component 3; - cutting out the cutout section in which the electrical connector 2 is received on the printed circuit board 1; - inserting the electrical connector 2 into the cutout section of the circuit board 1 by elastically deforming the holding elements 6 by applying a compressive force in a direction opposite to the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1; - releasing the retaining elements 6 so that elastic deformation of the retaining elements 6 of the electrical connector 2 allows direct mechanical contact to be maintained between each retaining element 6 and the second end face 7 of the printed circuit board 1; - Welding each holding element 6 to the second end face 7 of the circuit board 1.

[0030] The present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments. Both the description and the drawings are intended to aid in understanding the invention and not to limit its scope. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications are intended to be covered by this description. The invention is defined by the following claims.

[0031] In particular, the electrical connector 2 may comprise a first holding element 6 and a second holding element as shown in Fig. 4. The electrical connector of Fig. 4 differs from that in Fig. 2 and Fig.3 in that the first spacer 16 is attached only to the first holding element 6 and that the second spacer 18 is attached only to the second holding element 6. Furthermore, the electrical connector 2 here comprises a first plane of symmetry, with the Z-shaped structure 8 of the first holding element 6 and the first spacer located on one side of the first plane of symmetry and the Z-shaped structure 8 of the second element 6 and the second spacer located on the other side of the first plane of symmetry. In this particular embodiment, the electrical connector 2 is achieved with less material, thereby reducing its manufacturing costs while ensuring adequate retention.

Claims

[1] An electrical connector (2) configured to electrically connect a substantially planar printed circuit board (1) to an electrical component (3), wherein the printed circuit board (1) has a first end face (5) configured to receive a printed circuit, and a second end face (7) opposite the first end face (5), wherein the first end face (5) and the second end face (7) are connected to each other by a side wall (9), wherein the electrical connector (2) has a base (4) configured to be in contact with the electrical component (3) and at least two holding elements (6), wherein each holding element (6) is configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1), wherein the printed circuit board (1) has a cutout portion in which the electrical connector (2) is received, so that elastic deformations of the holding elements (6,perpendicular to and towards the second end face (7), allowing the maintenance of direct mechanical contact between each holding element (6) and the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1), and defining an opening, wherein the direct mechanical contact between each holding element (6) and the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1) is accessible through the opening. [2] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 1, wherein each holding element (6) comprises a Z-shaped structure (8), the Z-shaped structure (8) having a first end (10) integral with the base (4) and a second end (12) configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1), the Z-shaped structure (8) having elastically deformable portions (14). [3] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 1 to 2, wherein each holding element (6) is configured to be in direct mechanical contact with the side wall (9) of the printed circuit board (1). [4] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 2 to 3, wherein a first holding element (6) is configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face (7) of the circuit board (1) and a first portion (11) of the side wall (9), wherein the electrical connector (2) further comprises a second holding element (6) configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face (7) of the circuit board (1) and a second portion (13) of the side wall (9), wherein the elastic deformation of the first holding element (6) and the second holding element (6) takes place perpendicular to and towards the second end face (7), wherein the first portion (11) of the side wall (9) and the second portion (13) of the side wall (9) face each other. [5] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 4, comprising a third holding element (6) configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face (7) of the circuit board (1) and the first portion (11) of the side wall (9), wherein the electrical connector (2) further comprises a fourth holding element (6) configured to be in direct mechanical contact with both the second end face (7) of the circuit board (1) and the second portion (11) of the side wall (9), wherein the third holding element (6) is elastically deformable in the same way as the first holding element (6) and the fourth holding element (6) is elastically deformable in the same way as the second holding element (6). [6] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 5, wherein the first holding element (6) and the third holding element (6) are attached to each other by a first spacer (16) and the second holding element (6) and the fourth holding element (6) are attached to each other by a second spacer (18). [7] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 6, wherein the first spacer (16) is in direct mechanical contact with the first portion (11) of the side wall (9) and the second spacer (18) is in direct mechanical contact with the second portion (13) of the side wall (9). [8] Electrical connector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (4) of the electrical connector (2) is substantially planar, the base (4) extending parallel to the circuit board (1). [9] Electrical connector (2) according to claim 8, wherein the base (4) comprises a contact portion (20) in direct mechanical contact with the electrical component (3) and a recessed portion (22), the recessed portion (22) opposite a region of direct mechanical contact (20) with the electrical component (3). [10] Electrical arrangement comprising: - an electrical connector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9; - a substantially planar printed circuit board (1); - at least one electrical component (3); wherein the electrical connector (2) electrically connects the printed circuit board (1) to the electrical component (3). [11] A method of assembling the electrical assembly of claim 10, the method comprising the steps of: - welding the base (4) of the electrical connector (2) to the electrical component (3); - cutting out the cut-out section in which the electrical connector (2) is received on the printed circuit board (1); - inserting the electrical connector (2) into the cutout section of the printed circuit board (1) by elastically deforming the holding elements (6) by applying a compressive force in a direction opposite to the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1); - releasing the retaining elements (6) so that elastic deformation of the retaining elements (6) of the electrical connector (2) allows direct mechanical contact to be maintained between each retaining element (6) and the second end face (7) of the printed circuit board (1); - Welding each holding element (6) to the second end face (7) of the circuit board (1).

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