Electrical equipment connection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing (6), an electrical component (4) accommodated in the housing (6), at least one electrical plug pin (12) having a connection portion (14) with the electrical component (4) and a free portion (16), and a connection interface (10) attached to the housing (6), the connection interface (10) having at least one opening (22) through which the free portion (16) of the at least one electrical plug pin (12) can pass and at least one opening (22) can be inserted into the at least one opening (22). a connection interface (10) in which a free portion (16) of at least one electric plug pin (12) can be fixed such that an end of the free portion (16) of the at least one electric plug pin (12) extends a predetermined distance from the at least one opening (22) thereof, and the at least one electric plug pin (12) further comprises a deformable portion (18) located between the free portion (16) and a connection portion (14) with the electric equipment (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical connections in the automotive field, in particular to electrical and electronic equipment in motor vehicles, for example electrical connections in the tank of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connection device for electrical equipment and a method for manufacturing the connection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art is known that utilizes electrical components in motor vehicles to perform various functions related to the utilization of the tank of the vehicle. Non-limiting examples include devices such as electrically controlled valves and sensors provided to perform measurements inside the tank. The components are connected to an electrical network provided to provide energy to the components themselves and / or for their operation. The vehicle must therefore be equipped with elements that allow the electrical components to be connected to the electrical network.

[0003] It is known to provide the electrical equipment with a connection device that serves to enable the connection. The connection device may comprise an electric plug pin made of a conductive material, which is electrically connected to the electrical equipment and facilitates the electrical connection with the electrical network. The part of the electrical network that is to be connected with the electric plug pin may be embodied as a female part that can be added to the electric plug pin to achieve the electrical connection. The female part is held in a coupling part, while the electrical equipment and the electric plug pin are accommodated in a housing. Patent documents 1 to 3 disclose such a connection device, and patent document 1 discloses a connection device in the first part of claim 8.

[0004] A problem with this type of connection concerns the cooperation between the electric plug pin and the female part. Indeed, the housing and the coupling part must cooperate with each other in such a way that a good electrical connection between the electric plug pin and the female part is obtained. In other words, the electrical connection depends on the cooperation between the housing and the coupling part. For this reason, the position of the free end of the electric plug pin relative to the housing must be properly controlled so that the coupling of the coupling part to the housing results in a good connection of the electric plug pin to the female part, which cannot be guaranteed if the coupling part and the housing are manufactured separately. In particular, the coupling part and / or the female part may be regulated by standards, in particular connection standards, which must be taken into account when manufacturing the connection device so that it is compatible with and corresponds to the coupling part.

[0005] One solution to this problem is to add an additional intermediate element to achieve the connection between the electrical plug pin and the female part. Depending on the configuration of the electrical plug pin, a suitable intermediate element can be selected from known devices such as domino connectors or complementary plug pins. However, such a solution is unsatisfactory in that the need to use additional elements increases the manufacturing costs of the electrical equipment. Moreover, there is generally very little free space inside the vehicle and in order to better accommodate the space constraints, it is preferable not to increase the number of elements. Furthermore, different types of coupling parts require different types of intermediate elements, which complicates the use of the electrical equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] French Patent Application Publication No. 3073987 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2006 / 123915 [Patent Document 3] French Patent Application Publication No. 3095899 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims inter alia to solve these problems by making it possible to ensure compatibility of electrical connections between electrical equipment and coupling parts without the need for dedicated additional elements to perform that function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a connection device for an electrical component, the method comprising: a housing; an electrical component housed within the housing; and at least one electrical plug pin having a connection portion for connection with a portion of the electrical component and a free portion, the method comprising the steps of: - adding a connection interface to the housing, the connection interface having at least one opening, such that a free portion of at least one electrical plug pin passes through the at least one opening; At least one of the electrical plug pins further has a deformable portion located between the free portion and the connection portion with the electrical equipment; - deforming the deformable portion of the at least one electric plug pin and fixing the free portion of the at least one electric plug pin in the at least one opening such that a free end of the free portion of the at least one electric plug pin extends a predetermined distance from the at least one opening. The method includes the steps of:

[0009] The deformable portion of the at least one electric plug pin therefore allows the at least one electric plug pin to be slid into the opening to a position where good cooperation between the connection interface and the cooperating female part can be achieved, and then the at least one electric plug pin can be fixed in this position. It can therefore be seen that no additional elements are required to achieve a good connection of the at least one electric plug pin in the interface. This solution also makes the invention flexible and adaptable, since it allows the electric plug pin to be adapted to different configurations of the female part without the need to change the structure of the connection device. Finally, this solution allows to compensate for play and dimensional variations of the respective elements of the electrical connection assembled together.

[0010] Advantageously, the deformable portion of at least one electric plug pin comprises at least two bends arranged such that the free portion and the portion for connection with the electrical equipment extend along respective axes which form an angle α between each other, the angle α being between 0° and 30°.

[0011] Therefore, the flexible portion of the at least one electric plug pin is easy to manufacture and easy to deform.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle α is 0° and the two axes are parallel.

[0013] Therefore, the presence of the deformable portion does not change the orientation of the entire electrical plug pin in the connection device and does not affect the overall structure of the connection device.

[0014] Advantageously, a free end of the at least one electrical plug pin is fixed in the at least one opening by crimping, welding, riveting, latching or by geometric cooperation.

[0015] Thus, fixing of the at least one electrical plug pin in the at least one opening can be easily achieved using means selected to better suit the construction of the connecting device.

[0016] Advantageously, the connection interface forms a protective hood designed to close the housing.

[0017] This allows the electrical components to be protected within the housing.

[0018] Advantageously, a coupling part having at least one hole is added to the connection interface, such that said at least one hole communicates with at least one opening of the connection interface.

[0019] Therefore, a coupling part is provided at the connection interface, which allows the female part to be coupled for connection with the free portion of the electrical plug pin, thereby facilitating the electrical connection between the electrical plug pin and the female part.

[0020] Preferably, the coupling parts are made in one piece with the connection interface.

[0021] Therefore, the number of parts forming the connection device is reduced, which contributes to simplifying the manufacture of the connection device without making it expensive.

[0022] Advantageously, the connection device comprises a number of electrical plug pins which are identical to one another and a number of openings which are identical to one another.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention can be adapted to connection devices of various configurations.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is provided a connection device for electrical equipment, comprising: - A housing; - an electrical component housed in a housing; - at least one electrical plug pin having a connection portion for connecting to an electrical component and a free portion; - a connection interface attached to the housing, the connection interface having at least one opening through which a free portion of the at least one electrical plug pin can pass and into which the free portion of the at least one electrical plug pin can be fixed, such that a free end of the free portion of the at least one electrical plug pin extends a predetermined distance from the at least one opening; A connection device comprising:

[0025] The at least one electrical plug pin further comprises a deformable portion located between the free portion and the connection portion with the electrical equipment.

[0026] Advantageously, the deformable portion of at least one electric plug pin comprises at least two bends arranged such that the free portion and the portion for connection with the electrical equipment extend along respective axes forming an angle α between each other, the angle α being between 0° and 30°.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle α is 0° and the two axes are parallel.

[0028] Advantageously, the angle β formed between the deformable portion and a plane perpendicular to the connection portion is less than 45° or less than 30°.

[0029] This configuration allows for a large variation in the position of the free end of the free section in the direction of the free section, so that play in the direction of the free section in the connecting device can be effectively compensated for without causing mechanical stresses which could damage the electrical plug pin.

[0030] Advantageously, the free portion of the at least one electrical plug pin is fixed in the at least one opening by crimping, welding, riveting, latching or by geometric cooperation.

[0031] Advantageously, the connection interface forms a protective hood designed to close the housing.

[0032] Advantageously, the device further comprises a coupling part having at least one hole, the coupling part being affixed to the connection interface such that the at least one hole communicates with the at least one opening of the connection interface.

[0033] Preferably, the coupling parts are made in one piece with the connection interface.

[0034] Advantageously, the connection device comprises a number of electrical plug pins which are identical to one another and a number of openings which are identical to one another.

[0035] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical equipment connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a housing of the connection device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connection interface of the connection device of FIG. 1; [Figure 5a] 2A-2C are contour views of the electrical plug pins of the connection device of FIG. 1 in two different configurations; [Figure 5b] 2A-2C are contour views of the electrical plug pins of the connection device of FIG. 1 in two different configurations; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrical plug pin within the connection interface of the device of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] 1 and 2 show a connection device 2 for an electrical component 4 according to the invention. Here, the connection device 2 and the electrical component 4 are intended to be installed in a tank (not shown) of a vehicle, the electrical component 4 being prepared to perform a function in the tank. According to one embodiment, the electrical component is an electrically controlled valve, commonly referred to by the expression "e-valve", but the electrical component may be embodied in any other form.

[0038] The connection device 2 comprises a housing 6, here made of a plastic material, in which the electrical component 4 is accommodated as shown in Fig. 3. The housing 6 comprises a support 8 configured to support and hold the electrical component 4 immovably in a predetermined position within the housing 6. According to one embodiment, the support 8 is fixed within the housing 6 and the electrical component 4 is fixed within the support 8.

[0039] The housing 6 is open on one of its faces, here the top face in FIG. 1, which would be considered to correspond to the face facing upwards if the housing 6 were installed in a vehicle. This open part of the housing 6 is closed by the connection interface 10 shown in FIG. 4, which is added to the housing 6 to form an internal volume 11 defined by the housing 6 and the connection interface 10. In other words, the connection interface 10 forms a protective hood designed to close the housing 6. The housing 6 and the connection interface 10 form two separate parts. The connection interface 10 is fixed to the housing 6 by any means, but the fixation can be removable in the sense that the connection interface 10 can be removed from the housing 6 without breaking or damaging the respective elements.

[0040] The connection device 2 comprises at least one electric plug pin 12 made of a conductive material. The number of electric plug pins 12 can be any number. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection device 2 comprises three electric plug pins. When the number of electric plug pins is more than one, it is preferred that all electric plug pins are identical.

[0041] Each electric plug pin 12 comprises a portion called a connection portion 14 connected to the electric equipment, a free portion 16 and a deformable portion 18 located between the free portion 16 and the connection portion 14. The connection portion 14 is fixed to the electric equipment 4 and extends through the support 8 all the way into the housing 6. The free portion 16 extends partly inside the internal volume 11 and partly outside the internal volume 11. The connection portion 14 and the free portion 16 are each shaped like a straight rod, at least in the zone adjacent to the deformable portion 18. In particular, the free portion 16 defines a central axis 17 of the electric plug pin 12. The deformable portion 18 comprises two bends 20 arranged such that, in the zone adjacent to at least one deformable portion 18, the free portion 16 and the connection portion 14 extend along respective axes that form an angle α between each other, the angle α being between 0° and 30°. 1, 3, 5a and 5b, the angle α is 0°, so that the connection portion 14 and the free portion 16 extend along parallel axes. By bending the bends 20 slightly, the shape of the deformable portion 18 can be changed, thereby changing the position of the free portion 16 relative to the connection portion 14.

[0042] In figures 5a and 5b a more detailed view of one of the electric plug pins 12 is shown. In these figures, the angle β is defined as the angle formed between the deformable portion 18 and a plane perpendicular to the connection portion 14. This angle allows to give the definition of the expression "deformable" which characterizes the deformable portion 18 of the electric plug pin 12 in the sense that the angle β can be changed without breaking the electric plug pin 12.

[0043] In the configuration of Fig. 5a, the angle β1 is greater than 45°, and may even be greater than 60°. As represented by the dashed line, a change in the angle β1 causes a movement of the free end of the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12. The movement of the free end is small along the central axis 17 (A1), i.e., in the direction of the free portion 16, and large in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 17 (L1). Thus, this configuration allows only a small range of possible variations in the axial position of the free end of the free portion 16.

[0044] In the configuration of Fig. 5b, the angle β2 is less than 45°, and may even be less than 30°. As represented by the dashed line, a change in the angle β2 causes a movement of the free end of the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12. The movement of the free end is greater along the central axis 17 (A2), i.e., towards the free portion 16, and less in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 17 (L2). Thus, this configuration allows for a greater possibility of variation in the axial position of the free end of the free portion 16, which is preferred in the sense of the present invention over the configuration of Fig. 5a.

[0045] In other words, it is advantageous for the angle β to be less than 45°, or even less than 30°, for example around 15°. Geometrically, an equivalent definition is to select the angle β such that a change in the angle β due to deformation of the deformable portion 18 can result in a movement of more than 0.3 mm of the free end of the free portion 16 along the central axis 17. The value is such that, taking into account the dimensions of conventional connecting devices, the axial play in the connecting device 2 can be effectively compensated for without causing mechanical stresses that could damage the electrical plug pin 12.

[0046] To further reduce mechanical stresses which could damage the electric plug pin 12, it is conceivable to make the connection part 14 also deformable. As shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 5b, a slight movement of the free end of the free part 16 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 17 (L2) can be compensated for by a slight deformation of the connection part 14 (see dotted curve) if the free end of the free part 16 has to be kept on the central axis 17.

[0047] The connection interface 10 has three openings 22, i.e. the same as the number of electrical plug pins 12, each of which allows the passage and subsequent fixing of one free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12, whereby the free portion 16 of each electrical plug pin 12 extends partly into the internal volume 11 and partly beyond the opening 22 outside said internal volume 11. The fixing of the free portion 16 of each electrical plug pin 12 in the openings is performed in such a way that the free end of each free portion 16 extends a predetermined distance D from the opening 22, as shown in Fig. 6. The fixing of the free portion 16 of each electrical plug pin 12 is performed by crimping, welding, riveting, latching or by geometric cooperation.

[0048] The connection device 2 comprises a coupling part 24 with at least one hole 26, which is added to the connection interface 10 in such a way that the at least one hole 26 of the coupling part 24 communicates with the opening 22 of the connection interface 10. The number of holes 26 here is the same as the number of openings 22, but it is also possible to provide a coupling part 24 with only one hole, for example in the form of a slit, communicating with each opening. The free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12 passes through the opening 22 and also through the hole 26. The coupling part 24 forms a receiving compartment for a female part (not shown) which is adapted to be electrically connected to the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12 and to act like a socket. The dimensions of the coupling part 24 are generally standardized and known, and the distance D' separating the free end of the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12 and the free end of the coupling part 24 can be derived from the distance D defined above.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the coupling part 24 and the connection interface 10 are produced in one piece. According to one variant, the coupling part is added and fixed to the connection interface.

[0050] To manufacture the connection device 2, - adding a connection interface 10 to the housing 6 so that the free portions 16 of the electrical plug pins 12 pass through the openings 22; - deforming the deformable portion 18 of the electrical plug pin 12 and fixing the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12 in the opening 22 such that a free end of the free portion 16 of the electrical plug pin 12 extends a predetermined distance D from the opening 22; Do the following.

[0051] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented, and other embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art.

[0052] It is possible to replace the openings of the connection interface provided for each electrical plug pin with a single opening which can receive all the electrical plug pins and fix them in the opening.

[0053] It is possible for the deformable portion of at least one electric plug pin to have more than two bends, which allows for more freedom in moving the free portion relative to the connecting portion, thereby improving the adaptability of the connecting device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2 Connection Device 4. Electrical equipment 6. Chassis 8 Support 10 Connection Interface 11 Internal volume 12 Electrical Plug Pins 14 Connection Site 16 Free part 17 Center axis 18 Transformable parts 20 Bend 22 Opening 24 Connecting parts 26 holes

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a connection device (2) for an electrical component, the connection device (2) comprising a housing (6), an electrical component (4) accommodated in the housing (6), and at least one electrical plug pin (12) having a connection portion (14) with the electrical component (4) and a free portion (16), the method comprising the steps of: - a method in which a step is performed of attaching to said housing (6) a connection interface (10) having at least one opening (22) so that said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) passes through said at least one opening (22), The at least one electrical plug pin (12) further comprises a deformable portion (18) located between the free portion (16) and the connection portion (14) with the electrical equipment (4), - deforming said deformable portion (18) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) and fixing said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) in said at least one opening (22) such that an end of said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) extends a predetermined distance from said at least one opening (22). A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deformable portion (18) of the at least one electrical plug pin (12) comprises at least two bends (20) configured such that the free portion (16) and the connection portion (14) with the electrical component (4) extend along respective axes forming an angle α therebetween, the angle α being between 0° and 30°.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the free portion (16) of the at least one electrical plug pin (12) is fixed in the at least one opening (22) by crimping, welding, riveting, latching or geometric cooperation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection interface (10) forms a protective hood designed to close the housing (6).

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising adding a coupling part (24) having at least one hole (26) to the connection interface (10) such that the at least one hole (26) of the coupling part (24) is in communication with the at least one opening (22) of the connection interface (10).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the coupling part (24) is made in one piece with the connection interface (10).

7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection device (2) comprises a plurality of electric plug pins (12) which are identical to one another and a plurality of openings (22) which are identical to one another.

8. a housing (6), - an electrical component (4) housed in said housing (6); at least one electric plug pin (12) having a connection part (14) for said electrical equipment (4) and a free part (16); a connection interface (10) attached to said housing (6), said connection interface (10) comprising at least one opening (22) through which said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) can pass and in which said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) can be fixed, such that an end of said free portion (16) of said at least one electrical plug pin (12) extends a predetermined distance from said at least one opening (22); In a connection device (2) for electrical equipment, The connection device (2), characterized in that the at least one electrical plug pin (12) further comprises a deformable portion (18) located between the free portion (16) and the connection portion (14) with the electrical equipment (4).

9. 9. The connection device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the deformable portion (18) of the at least one electrical plug pin (12) comprises at least two bends (20) configured such that the free portion (16) and the connection portion (14) with the electrical equipment (4) extend along respective axes forming an angle α therebetween, the angle α being between 0° and 30°.

10. 10. A connection device (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the angle β formed between the deformable portion (18) and a plane perpendicular to the connection portion (14) is less than 45° or less than 30°.

11. 11. The connection device (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the free portion (16) of the at least one electrical plug pin (12) is fixed in the at least one opening (22) by crimping, welding, riveting, latching or geometric cooperation.

12. Connection device (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the connection interface (10) forms a protective hood designed to close the housing (6).

13. 13. The connection device (2) of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a coupling part (24) having at least one hole (26) attached to the connection interface (10) such that the at least one hole (26) is in communication with the at least one opening (22) of the connection interface (10).

14. The connection device (2) according to claim 13, wherein the coupling part (24) is made in one piece with the connection interface (10).

15. 15. A connection device (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, comprising a plurality of electrical plug pins (12) which are identical to one another and a plurality of openings (22) which are identical to one another.

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