Waterproof electrical connection device, converter and motorization using such a device, stud suitable for use in such a device.

Abstract

Waterproof electrical connection device, converter and motorization using such a device, stud adapted to be used in such a device. The invention relates to an electrical connection device 10 which comprises a stud 1 whose head 2 comprises bosses 6 and a groove 7, a seal 9 arranged in the groove 7 and a conductive tab 11, the stud being engaged with the tab so that the bosses are in electrically conductive contact with the tab and the seal forms a liquid seal between this tab and the head of the stud. Figure for abstract: figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Waterproof electrical connection device, converter and motorization using such a device, stud suitable for use in such a device.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, in particular, but not exclusively, connectors used to connect an inverter of the electric motor of a vehicle.

[0002] Such a connector comprises two connection studs for fixing a terminal of a respective power cable of a battery. For each stud, it comprises a conductive tab held in contact with the head of the stud, ensuring electrical continuity between the battery and an active part of the inverter. The connector comprises a shell overmolded on the studs and the conductive tabs.

[0003] Moisture or water must not be able to infiltrate between the hull and a stud or a lug. This sealing must be ensured even for all-terrain vehicles when crossing watercourses.

[0004] However, the sealing means currently used on inverters do not provide sufficient guarantees of effectiveness.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose means for guaranteeing the sealing of an electrical connection device, in particular of a connection device which can be used for supplying power to an electric motor of a motor vehicle.

[0006] To solve the problem previously set out, the invention proposes a stud substantially of revolution around a longitudinal axis, comprising a head and a rod extending longitudinally from an internal face of the head, this internal face comprising an annular groove, preferably circular, around the rod. The rod may comprise a thread. The internal face advantageously comprises bosses distributed around the axis; preferably these bosses extend radially relative to the axis.

[0007] In the case where the internal face actually comprises bosses: - the groove can be formed between the rod and the bosses; or, - the bosses can be formed between the rod and the groove; or, - the bosses can extend on either side of the throat.

[0008] The stud may include a seal disposed in the groove.

[0009] The invention also provides an electrical connection device which comprises a stud as previously described, made of a conductive material, a seal arranged in the groove of the stud and a conductive tab, the stud being engaged with this tab so that the internal face is in electrically conductive contact with the leg, the gasket forming a liquid seal between the leg and the internal face of the stud head.

[0010] The seal is an O-ring or a sealing glue.

[0011] The invention also provides a voltage converter, comprising a device as previously described.

[0012] The invention also proposes a motorization system, comprising an electric motor, an electrical power supply, preferably a battery, and a converter as previously described, the device of which as previously described is provided for connecting the power supply thereto.

[0013] Several embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0014] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a stud according to the invention;

[0015] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a stud according to the invention with a conductive tab of a connection device according to the invention;

[0016] [Fig.3] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the connection device;

[0017] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of the connection device of the [Fig.3] ; and,

[0018] [Fig.5] illustrates three possible positions for a seal on the internal face of a head of a stud according to the invention.

[0019] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a device 10 according to the invention for connecting an electric battery to the inverter of an electric motor of an electric vehicle.

[0020] The connector 10 comprises a stud 1, made of metal. As particularly illustrated in [Fig.l], this stud comprises a head 2 and a rod 3 extending along a longitudinal axis XI, from an internal face 4 of the head. The rod 3 comprises a thread 8, partially shown in Figures 1 and 4, which allows a terminal of a cable connecting to the battery to be firmly fixed therein, using a nut.

[0021] The device 10 also comprises a conductive tab 11 in electrical contact with the internal face 4.

[0022] An annular groove 7 is formed in the internal face 4, around the axis XL. An O-ring 9 is arranged in the groove 7 in order to ensure a seal between the head 2 and the tab 11. The seal is for example an elastomer seal.

[0023] In this example, the internal face comprises eight bosses 6. These bosses are regularly distributed around the axis and extend radially relative to this axis. For example, the bosses extend between the rod 3 and the groove 7. The bosses 6 make it possible to facilitate electrical contact between the internal face and the tab 11.

[0024] A shell 12 is overmolded onto the head and the leg. This shell ensures that the relative positions of the stud 1 and the leg 11 are maintained, and therefore that the electrical contact between the head 2 and the leg 11 is maintained. The shell forms a wall 13 around the rod 3; this wall ensures protection of the stem against shocks and unwanted contact with conductive elements.

[0025] The shell and the leg together form an annular space 14, around the leg 11. This space is filled with a resin 16 which ensures another seal, between the leg and the shell.

[0026] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the groove 7, and therefore the seal 8 housed therein, can take different positions 5a-5c on the internal face 4 of the head of a stud 1 according to the invention.

[0027] In position 5a, the groove 7 is formed beyond the bosses 6, relative to the axis XL

[0028] In position 5b, the groove 7 is formed around the rod 3, below the bosses 6, relative to the axis XL

[0029] In position 5c, the groove 7 interrupts the bosses 6, so that the bosses extend on either side of the groove.

[0030] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. On the contrary, the invention is defined by the claims which follow.

[0031] It will indeed appear to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0032] Thus, the O-ring can be replaced by a lip seal. Also, the resin forming a seal between the lug and the head of the stud can be replaced by a seal, for example another O-ring. Each of the seals can be pre-assembled in the head of the stud, so that the stud is delivered with its seal(s) pre-assembled.

[0033] Instead of being made of an elastomeric material, the seal can be made of a glue or sealing mastic.

Claims

Claims

1. Stud (1) substantially of revolution around a longitudinal axis (XI) comprising a head (2) and a rod (3) extending longitudinally, from an internal face (4) of said head, characterized in that said internal face comprises an annular groove (7), preferably circular, around the rod and in that the stud comprises a sealing joint (9) arranged in said groove.

2. Stud according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod comprises a thread (8).

3. Stud (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said internal face comprises bosses (6) distributed around the axis.

4. Stud according to claim 3, characterized in that the bosses extend radially relative to the axis.

5. Stud according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the groove is formed between the rod and the bosses.

6. Stud according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the bosses are formed between the rod and the groove.

7. Stud according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the bosses extend on either side of the groove.

8. Stud according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the sealing gasket (9) is an O-ring or a sealing glue.

9. Electrical connection device (10) characterized in that it comprises a stud (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 made of a conductive material, and a conductive tab (11), the stud being engaged with said tab so that the internal face (4, 6) is in electrically conductive contact with the tab and said seal forms a liquid seal between said tab and said internal face of the head of said stud.

10. Voltage converter, characterized in that it comprises a device according to claim 9.

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