Watertight assembly, particularly for an inverter

Abstract

Watertight assembly, particularly for an inverter. The invention relates to a watertight assembly (1), particularly for a rotating electrical machine inverter, comprising: a first component (2), in particular a cover, having at least one mounting hole (3); a second component (7), in particular an electrical connector, having a locking pin (8), this locking pin having an axis (X) and being configured to cooperate with the mounting hole (3) of the first component to allow the first and second components to be joined together along the axis of the locking pin; an adhesive gasket (10) interposed between the first and second components, around the mounting hole (3). Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Waterproof assembly, in particular for an inverter

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a sealed assembly, in particular for an inverter of a rotating electrical machine. The inverter is in particular of the type installed on board a vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle can be land, sea or air.

[0003] In automotive applications, reversible rotating electrical machines can be associated with inverters. An inverter is a power electronic device for generating alternating voltages and currents from a direct electrical energy source such as a battery.

[0004] The inverter may be provided with an electrical signal connector for transmitting control signals to the inverter. Generally, this electrical signal connector is a specific part for each customer. This electrical signal connector is made, for example, of plastic and assembled with a metal cover of the inverter. For each customer, the routing of the conductive elements of the electrical signal connector changes, and therefore also the attachment points between the connector and the cover.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to limit the cost and the impact of the fixing points on the routing, while ensuring good sealing of the assembly.

[0006] The invention thus relates to a sealed assembly, in particular for an inverter of a rotating electrical machine, comprising: - a first component, in particular a cover, comprising at least one fixing hole, - a second component, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a riveting pin, this riveting pin having an axis and being configured to cooperate with the fixing orifice of the first component to enable the first and second components to be secured together along the axis of the riveting pin, - an adhesive seal interposed between the first and second components, around the fixing orifice so as, on the one hand, to provide a seal preventing debris or liquid from penetrating into the fixing orifice and, on the other hand, to participate in the fixing of the first and second components together along the axis of the pin and also along a plane perpendicular to this axis of the pin.

[0007] The invention allows, thanks to the riveting pin, to achieve simplified fixing and inexpensive, in particular which allows to do without screws which generate a significant bulk and which are more expensive. In addition, the adhesive joint ensures both, the sealing around the fixing hole(s) and a mechanical hold along the plane perpendicular to the axis of the pin. The riveting pin and the corresponding fixing hole, due to a clearance existing between them in the plane perpendicular to this axis of the pin, do not allow a blocking of the assembly in this plane. It is the adhesive joint which allows to obtain this blocking. The riveting pin and the adhesive joint thus allow a blocking in the three directions of space. The riveting pin(s) can thus provide a mechanical hold along the axis of the pin, to guarantee a mechanical hold in vibration and reinforce the resistance to a tearing force, for example under a tensile force of 150 N (Newton).In addition, the riveting pin(s) allow the second component and the first component to be kept at the correct distance so that the sealing function of the joint is achieved while the adhesive joint polymerizes during manufacturing.

[0008] Furthermore, the riveting pins can be compact in height, and in particular much more compact than screws, which leaves great freedom of placement of these pins without risk of touching a printed circuit board which is placed behind the cover (the first component).

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive seal is in the form of a bead going around at least one fixing orifice of the first component.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive seal is a silicone adhesive. Other types of adhesive seal may be used.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint is interposed between a flat face of the first component and a flat face of the second component.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the riveting pin of the second component is produced in a single piece with a body of this second component, which is in particular made of plastic.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the riveting pin comprises a rod extending into the fixing orifice of the first component and a head bearing on a face of this first component.

[0014] This plastic head has undergone, during a riveting operation, a deformation by the addition of heat which fixes it to the first component.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the second component comprises a plurality of riveting pins each cooperating with a fixing orifice of the first component.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint is in the form of a closed bead surrounding a group of at least one fixing orifice of the first component. For example, said closed bead surrounds a group of several fixing orifices fixing the first component.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint is in the form of several closed beads each surrounding a group of at least one fixing orifice of the first component and in particular several fixing orifices of the first component.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint is in the form of several closed beads, each surrounding a single fixing orifice of the first component.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint comprises an intermediate bead extending, in contact, between two closed beads surrounding fixing holes. This intermediate adhesive joint makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical support between the two components.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, this intermediate cord follows an open line.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the first component comprises an opening for the passage of one or more electrical pins belonging to the second component, and the adhesive joint comprises a closed bead surrounding this opening.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, this adhesive seal bead which surrounds the opening is configured to also surround fixing orifices which cooperate with riveting pins.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive seal is deposited on an external face of the first component formed in particular by a cover. Alternatively, the adhesive seal is deposited on a face of the second component.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the second component is an electrical signal connector, configured to receive and transmit signals, in particular control signals from an inverter.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical pin(s) which pass through the opening of the first component are pins for transmitting electrical signals.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the second component comprises a body made of electrically insulating material and in particular plastic.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical connector comprises an external connection part, in particular of the female type, configured to cooperate with an electrical plug, in particular of the male type, configured for example to connect the inverter to an on-board control unit of the vehicle.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the external connection part comprises an annular base surrounding the pins for connection.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, this base is made in one piece with the body of the electrical connector.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical connector comprises electrically conductive elements, for example in the form of traces, configured to electrically connect the external connection part of the electrical connector to an internal connection part of the electrical connector.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, this internal connection part of the electrical connector comprises electrical pins for transmitting electrical signals, configured to be connected in particular to electrical tracks of a printed circuit board housed under the cover formed by the first component.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal connection portion of the electrical connector comprises an annular skirt surrounding electrical connection pins.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, this annular skirt extends into the opening of the cover formed by the first component.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrically conductive elements formed by traces are at least partially embedded in the plastic material of the body of the electrical connector.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the electrical connector comprises a plate having an internal face on which the riveting pin(s) are connected. This makes it possible to improve the sealing of the connector. Alternatively, the traces can be arranged on the surface of the body of the connector.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal face of the patina is opposite the cover.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the external connection part is formed on an external face of this plate.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive joint extends over the internal face of this plate.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate comprises a first widened region facing the opening of the cover, and a bead of adhesive seal is interposed between this first widened region and the cover.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate comprises a second enlarged region connecting to the external connection part, and a bead of adhesive seal is interposed between this second enlarged region and the cover.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, these first and second enlarged regions have at least locally rounded edges.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, an adhesive joint, which forms an intermediate bead, can be deposited on the plate, between the first and second enlarged regions, to reinforce the mechanical strength.

[0043] This is particularly advantageous when the electrical connector is rela- tively large area, with a need to have good mechanical strength throughout.

[0044] The electrical connector, or second component, can be made into several versions for installation on different vehicle models. However, to limit significant changes between each version, it is possible to modify the electrical connector only at its external connection part, which interfaces with a separate electrical plug whose configuration can vary from one vehicle model to another.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the first component which defines a cover of an inverter is formed from metal.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises a flat main face on which the second component, in particular the electrical connector, is mounted.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises an external annular skirt.

[0048] The invention also relates to an inverter comprising a sealed assembly as mentioned above.

[0049] The inverter is in particular an electronic power device making it possible to generate alternating voltages and currents from a direct electrical energy source.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the inverter comprises a casing closed by the first component forming a cover.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the casing comprises a bottom wall, opposite the cover.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, this inverter is configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid propulsion vehicle, and to be connected to the rotating electrical machine of the vehicle.

[0053] This rotating electrical machine can form a motor or an alternator or an alternator-starter of the vehicle. This rotating electrical machine can be powered via the inverter by a battery whose nominal voltage is 12 V or 48 V or a value greater than 300 V, for example.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sealed assembly, in particular for an inverter of a rotating electrical machine, comprising the following steps: - provide a first component, in particular a cover, comprising at least one fixing hole, - provide a second component, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a riveting pin, this riveting pin having an axis, - apply a glue seal on the first component, around the fixing hole, or on the second component, - assemble the first and second components by inserting the bolting pin into the fixing hole, - deform the punching pin, particularly when hot, to ensure that the first and second components are supported against each other.

[0055] Thanks to the invention, the adhesive joint interposed between the first and second components, around the fixing orifice, makes it possible to participate in maintaining the first and second components during the polymerization of the adhesive joint.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the pin before punching is substantially cylindrical over its entire height, and has a mushroom shape after punching.

[0057] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0058] - [Fig.l] illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, an inverter according to an example of implementation of the invention;

[0059] - [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, the cover of the inverter of [Fig.l], with the electrical connector mounted on it;

[0060] - [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, the cover of the inverter of [Fig.l], without representing the electrical connector;

[0061] - [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, the connector electrical of the inverter of [Fig.l];

[0062] - [Fig.5] illustrates, schematically and partially, in section, the connector electric of [Fig.4] mounted on the cover;

[0063] - [Fig.6] illustrates, schematically and partially, in section, another view of the connector of [Fig.4].

[0064] [Fig. 1] shows an inverter 100 comprising a sealed assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The inverter 100 makes it possible to generate alternating voltages and currents from a direct electrical energy source.

[0066] The inverter 100 comprises a casing 101 closed, using screws, by a cover 2 forming the first component of the sealed assembly 1.

[0067] The casing 101 further comprises a bottom wall 102, opposite the cover 2. The electronics of the inverter are housed in this casing 101.

[0068] The cover 2 comprises an external annular skirt 37.

[0069] This inverter 100 is configured to be installed on an electric or hybrid propulsion vehicle, and to be connected to the rotating electrical machine of the vehicle.

[0070] This rotating electrical machine can form a motor or an alternator or an alternator-starter of the vehicle. This rotating electrical machine can be powered via the inverter by a battery with a nominal voltage of 12 V or 48 V or a value higher than 300 V, for example.

[0071] The sealed assembly 1 comprises in the example illustrated here: - the first component, here a metal cover 2, comprising fixing holes 3 arranged in a group 4 of three holes 3 and a group 5 of two holes 3, - a second component, here an electrical connector 7, comprising riveting pins 8, each riveting pin 8 having an axis X and being configured to cooperate with one of the fixing orifices 3 of the first component 2 to enable the first and second components 2 and 7 to be secured together along the axis X of the riveting pins 8 (see figures 4 and 5), - an adhesive seal 10 interposed between the first and second components 2 and 7.

[0072] It will be understood that a different number of orifices 3 can be used in each group.

[0073] The adhesive seal 10 is in the form of two closed cords 11 and 12 surrounding respectively the groups 4 and 5 of fixing holes 3 of the cover 2, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0074] The adhesive joint 10 further comprises an intermediate bead 20 extending, in contact, between two closed beads 11 and 12.

[0075] This intermediate cord 20 follows a curved, open line.

[0076] The adhesive seal 10 is a silicone adhesive. Other types of adhesive seal may be used.

[0077] The adhesive seal 10 is interposed between a flat face 14 of the cover 2 and a flat face 15 of the electrical connector 7, as can be seen in [Fig.5].

[0078] The adhesive joint 10 participates in fixing the first and second components 2 and 7 together along the axis X of the pin 8 and also along a plane PP perpendicular to this axis X of the pin.

[0079] The riveting pins 8 of the electrical connector 7 are made in a single piece with a body 16 of this electrical connector 7, which is made of plastic.

[0080] Each riveting pin 8 comprises a rod 17 extending into the fixing orifice 3 and a head 18 bearing on an internal face 19 of the cover 2.

[0081] This plastic head 18 has undergone, during a riveting operation, a deformation by the addition of heat which fixes it to the cover 2.

[0082] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the cover 2 comprises an opening 21 for the passage of electrical pins 22 belonging to the electrical connector 7, and the closed bead 12 of glue seal 10 surrounds this opening 21 as well as the group 5 of orifices 3.

[0083] The electrical connector 7 is configured to receive and transmit signals such as control signals from the inverter 100.

[0084] Thus the electrical pins 22 which pass through the opening 21 of the cover 2 are pins for transmitting electrical signals.

[0085] The electrical connector 7 comprises an external connection part 25, of the female type, configured to cooperate with an electrical plug, not shown, of the male type, configured for example to connect the inverter 100 to an on-board control unit of the vehicle.

[0086] The external connection part 25 comprises an annular base 26 surrounding pins 27 for connection.

[0087] This base 26 is made in one piece with the body 16 of the electrical connector 7.

[0088] The electrical connector 7 comprises electrically conductive elements 29, in the form of traces, configured to electrically connect the external connection part 25 of the electrical connector to an internal connection part 30 of the electrical connector 7, which comprises the pins 22.

[0089] The electrical pins 22 are connected to electrical tracks of a printed circuit board, not shown, housed under the cover 2.

[0090] The internal connection portion 30 of the electrical connector 7 comprises an annular skirt 31 surrounding electrical connection pins 22.

[0091] This annular skirt 31 extends into the opening 21 of the cover 2.

[0092] The electrically conductive elements 29 formed by bars embedded in the plastic material of the body 16 of the electrical connector.

[0093] The body 16 of the electrical connector 7 comprises a plate 34 having the internal face 15 on which the riveting pins 8 are connected. This plate can for example be formed by overmolding.

[0094] This internal face 15 of the patina 34 is opposite the cover 2.

[0095] The external connection part 25 is formed on an external face of this plate 34.

[0096] The adhesive seal 10 extends over the internal face 15 of this plate 34.

[0097] The plate 34 comprises a first enlarged region 35 opposite the opening 21 of the cover 2, and the adhesive seal bead 12 is interposed between this first enlarged region 35 and the cover 2.

[0098] The plate 34 comprises a second enlarged region 36 connecting to the external connection part 25, and the adhesive seal bead 11 is interposed between this second enlarged region 36 and the cover 2.

[0099] These first and second enlarged regions 35 and 36 have rounded edges.

[0100] The intermediate cord 20 is deposited on the plate 34, between the first and second enlarged regions 35 and 36, to reinforce the mechanical strength.

[0101] The manufacture of the sealed assembly 1 in the example illustrated in the figures thus involves the following steps: - place the adhesive seal 10 on the cover 2, around the fixing holes 3, - assemble the cover 2 and the electrical connector 7 by inserting the riveting pins 8 into the fixing holes 3, - deform the hot stamping pins 8.

[0102] The manufacture of the sealed assembly may also then include a step of polymerization of the adhesive joint 10. This polymerization step may be carried out in ambient air or using an oven.

Claims

Claims

1. Sealed assembly (1), in particular for an inverter (100) of a rotating electrical machine, comprising: - a first component (2), in particular a cover, comprising at least one fixing orifice (3), - a second component (7), in particular an electrical connector, comprising a riveting pin (8), this riveting pin having an axis (X) and being configured to cooperate with the fixing orifice (3) of the first component to allow the first and second components to be secured together along the axis of the riveting pin, - an adhesive seal (10) interposed between the first and second components, around the fixing orifice (3) so as, on the one hand, to provide a seal preventing debris or a liquid from penetrating into the fixing orifice (3) and, on the other hand, to participate in the fixing of the first and second components together along the axis (X) of the pin and also along a plane perpendicular (PP) to this axis of the pin.

2. Sealed assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the adhesive seal (10) is in the form of a bead (11; 12) going around at least one fixing orifice (3) of the first component.

3. Waterproof assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the riveting pin (8) of the second component is produced in a single piece with a body (16) of this second component (7), which is in particular made of plastic.

4. Sealed assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the adhesive seal (10) is in the form of several closed beads (11, 12) each surrounding a group (4, 5) of at least one fixing orifice of the first component.

5. Sealed assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the adhesive seal (10) comprises an intermediate bead (20) extending, in contact, between two closed beads (11, 12) surrounding fixing orifices.

6. A sealed assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first component (2) comprises an opening (21) for the passage of one or more electrical pins (22) belonging to the second component, and the adhesive joint (10) comprises a closed bead (12) surrounding this opening (21).

7. A sealed assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (7) is an electrical signal connector, configured to receive and transmit signals, in particular control signals from an inverter.

8. Waterproof assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical connector comprises a plate (34) having an internal face on which the riveting pin(s) are connected.

9. Inverter (100) comprising a sealed assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Method for manufacturing a sealed assembly, in particular for an inverter (100) of a rotating electrical machine, comprising the following steps: - providing a first component (2), in particular a cover, comprising at least one fixing orifice, - providing a second component (7), in particular an electrical connector, comprising at least one riveting pin, this riveting pin (8) having an axis (X), - depositing an adhesive seal (10) on the first component, around the fixing orifice (3), or on the second component around the riveting pin, - assembling the first and second components by introducing the riveting pin (8) into the fixing orifice (3), - deforming the riveting pin (8), in particular hot, to ensure the support of the first and second components against each other.

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