EP0288406A1 - Captive screw nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules - Google Patents

Captive screw nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0288406A1
EP0288406A1 EP88450016A EP88450016A EP0288406A1 EP 0288406 A1 EP0288406 A1 EP 0288406A1 EP 88450016 A EP88450016 A EP 88450016A EP 88450016 A EP88450016 A EP 88450016A EP 0288406 A1 EP0288406 A1 EP 0288406A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
nut
terminal
tab
module
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP88450016A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0288406B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Louis Mallet
Jean-Louis Landais
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Power Compact SA
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Power Compact SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Power Compact SA filed Critical Power Compact SA
Publication of EP0288406A1 publication Critical patent/EP0288406A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0288406B1 publication Critical patent/EP0288406B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
    • H01R12/58—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals terminals for insertion into holes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electronic modules, in particular power modules, and relates more precisely to screw and nut connection systems with which the power connectors of such modules are usually fitted.
  • This type of connector is often connected to the electronic power circuits for which the module is intended, by a screw and nut system, the screw being engaged in a hole made in the end of the power connector projecting above the module and curved at right angles parallel to the surface of said module.
  • connection system requires correct positioning of the nut under the curved end of the connector, so that the fixing between the power connectors and the external terminals is as perfect as possible.
  • the nuts are put in place during the manufacture of the module under the curved tabs of the power connectors while being held captive by the resin enveloping the circuits of the module.
  • the straight connectors are welded without curved tabs, a molded plastic cover is inserted, and then the tabs are folded over the cover.
  • the latter includes in the appropriate places a hexagonal imprint for captive nut.
  • the drawback of this method is the lack of flexibility in the placement of the electrical terminals in relation to the module circuits, the location of these terminals being fixed by the choice of mold, cover as well as by the machines and tools for the folding connectors.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing, in the production of this type of module, a system for positioning the nuts opposite the holes in the bent tabs of the power connectors ensuring, with all certainty, the correct placement of the nut in the axis of the hole when the connection screw is screwed and allowing the electrical terminal to be easily positioned in variable locations on the circuits thanks to a connector and captive nut terminal fastening and to easy placement through a guide piece.
  • the subject of the invention is a captive nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules, of the type comprising a tab protruding above the resin embedding the circuits of the module, bent at right angles above the upper face of the module and provided with a hole for the subsequent passage of a connection screw to an external terminal and of a nut placed under said tab in line with the hole, said terminal being characterized in that the nut is held captive in a housing of dimension and configuration allowing a slight multidirectional play with the nut but preventing its rotation, said housing being provided on the upper face of an insert and positioned on the connector, under the tab, and provided, on at least one of its lateral flanks, a recess ensuring the anchoring of said part in said resin.
  • said part has a dice shape comprising on its upper face a housing hexagonal with dimensions slightly greater than those of the nut to be received, pierced in its central part with a well intended to receive the end of the connection screw, while the side face turned towards the vertical part of the power connector is provided fixing means by clipping the die on said connector.
  • the part of the connector to receive by clipping the dice-shaped part is pierced with a hole allowing the insertion of a point of glue, thus ensuring a lasting effective joining between the part and the connector, allowing their manipulation without precaution and therefore facilitating the manufacture, installation and welding of the connector on the power circuits of the module.
  • the die is provided on its three other lateral faces with a horizontal groove serving for anchoring in the resin.
  • Figure 1 there is shown, fixed to a heat dissipating sole 1, three ceramic plates 2 carrying power circuits of an electronic module.
  • circuits will be subsequently, at the end of the manufacture of the module, surrounded by a wall symbolized at 3 which will be filled with an appropriate resin so that the ends of the power connectors 4 of the circuits of the wafers 2 protrude from the surface of the module.
  • the connectors 4 are constituted by a flat conductor, the lower end 4a of which is of reduced and sinuous section to take account of any expansions consecutive to the temperature rises generated by the power circuits in particular.
  • the upper end of the connectors 4 is in the form of a tab 4b folded at a right angle slightly above the resin layer, the upper face of which has been symbolized at 5 in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the connector 4 has a flat vertical part 4c parallel to the wall.
  • FIG. 1 for the sake of clarity, only three connectors 4 have been shown arranged near one of the sides of the wall 3, three other connectors (not shown) being arranged opposite the three which are visible.
  • the horizontal tabs of the connectors are pierced with holes 6 for the subsequent engagement of connection screws to external terminals.
  • the dice 7 are for example made of molded plastic and comprise, on the upper face turned towards the tabs 4b, a hexagonal imprint 8 of dimensions slightly larger than those of the nut which must be received there, in order to allow the latter a slight play practically in all directions while preventing it from turning with the screw.
  • the center of the cavity 8 is pierced with a blind hole or well 9 intended to receive the end of the screw.
  • the lateral face of the die facing upwards from part 4c of the connector is clipped onto said part 4c by means of a large notch 10 formed in said lateral face of the die, over its entire height.
  • the notch 10 does not occupy the entire width of the face of the die so as to provide two parallel projecting ribs 11 separated by a distance equal to the width of the connector 4c.
  • the material of the die has a certain elasticity facilitating the engagement of the die on the connector 4c as illustrated by FIG. 3, the cavity 8 provided with its nut (not shown) being located under the tab 4b, at very short distance from that -this and practically in the axis of the hole 6, while the two ribs 11 resiliently enclose the part 4c of the connector by pressing it against the die 7.
  • the three other vertical lateral faces of the die 7 are provided with horizontal recesses or grooves 13.
  • the grooves 13 preferably terminate at a distance from the ribs 11 so as not to disturb the clipping, while on the face opposite the latter the groove 13 runs over the entire width of the die .
  • the grooves 13 have the role of anchoring the die in the resin of the module whose upper level 5 is located slightly below the upper face of the die.
  • the positioning of the connectors 4 takes place in the following manner. All the connectors are held vertically in line with the weld zones on the boards 2 using a horizontal guide board (not shown) in which are pierced rectangular windows in which are inserted, with a slight clearance, the 4-die connector assemblies 7 which are thus wedged laterally.
  • Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a variant of realization of the means for fixing the die on the connector.
  • the die 7 ′ which is also identical to the die 7 in FIG. 3, is provided on its face turned towards the vertical part 4′c of the connector 4 ′ with a tongue 14 covering the entire face of the die facing the connector.
  • This tongue 14 of small thickness, is attached to the die 7 ′ by a bridging 15 in the vicinity of one of the edges of the die and delimits between it and the face of the die a conduit 16 for passage of the part 4′c, of rectangular section corresponding to that of said part 4′c.
  • the tongue 14 On the side of the conduit 16 opposite the bridging 15, the tongue 14 is provided internally with a hook rim 19 cooperating with a projection 20 conformed facing the face of the thimble 7 'turned towards the part 4'c.
  • the part 4′c of the connector 4 ′ engages laterally in the conduit 16 of the die in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5.
  • the projections 19 and 20 move apart and when the connector is fully engaged in the conduit 16, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 4 to 6, it is locked in place in both directions by said projections 19, 20, on the one hand, and the projection 17, somewhere else.
  • the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment shown and described above but on the contrary covers all the variants in particular with regard to the shapes and dimensions of the part 7, 7 ′, 1a nature of means for fixing the part 7, 7 ′ on the connector 4, 4 ′, the shapes and dimensions of the housing 8 for receiving the nut as well as the auxiliary means (13) for anchoring the part 7, 7 ′ in the resin and any positioning of the 4,4′-piece 7,7 ′ connector assembly on said guide plate.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)

Abstract

L'objet de l'invention est une borne à écrou prisonnier pour connecteur de puissance (4) de modules électroniques, du type comprenant une patte (4b) faisant saillie au-dessus de la résine noyant les circuits du module, recourbée à angle droit au-dessus de la face supérieure du module et munie d'un trou (6) en vue du passage ultérieur d'une vis de raçcordement à une borne extérieure et d'un écrou disposé sous ladite patte au droit du trou, ladite borne étant caractérisée en ce que l'écrou est retenu prisonnier dans un logement (8) de dimension et configuration autorisant un léger jeu multidirectionnel à l'écrou mais interdisant sa rotation, ledit logement étant ménagé sur la face supérieure d'une pièce (7) rapportée et positionnée sur le connecteur (4), sous la patte (4b), et munie, sur au moins un de ses flancs latéraux, d'un creux (13) assurant l'ancrage de ladite pièce dans ladite résine.Application aux modules électroniques notamment de puissance.The object of the invention is a captive nut terminal for a power connector (4) of electronic modules, of the type comprising a tab (4b) projecting above the resin embedding the circuits of the module, bent at right angles above the upper face of the module and provided with a hole (6) for the subsequent passage of a connecting screw to an external terminal and a nut arranged under said tab to the right of the hole, said terminal being characterized in that the nut is held captive in a housing (8) of size and configuration allowing a slight multidirectional play in the nut but preventing its rotation, said housing being provided on the upper face of an attached part (7) and positioned on the connector (4), under the tab (4b), and provided, on at least one of its lateral sides, with a recess (13) ensuring the anchoring of said part in said resin. especially power.

Description

La présente invention a trait aux modules électroniques notamment de puissance et se rapporte plus précisément aux systèmes de connexion par vis et écrou dont sont munis habituellement les connecteurs de puissance de tels modules.The present invention relates to electronic modules, in particular power modules, and relates more precisely to screw and nut connection systems with which the power connectors of such modules are usually fitted.

Ce type de connecteur est souvent relié aux circuits électroniques de puissance auxquels est destiné le module, par un système à vis et écrou, la vis étant engagée dans un trou ménagé dans l'extrémité du connecteur de puissance faisant saillie au-dessus du module et recourbée angle droit parallélement à la surface dudit module.This type of connector is often connected to the electronic power circuits for which the module is intended, by a screw and nut system, the screw being engaged in a hole made in the end of the power connector projecting above the module and curved at right angles parallel to the surface of said module.

Un tel système de connexion nécessite un positionnement correct de l'écrou sous l'extrémité recourbée du connecteur, afin que la fixation entre les connecteurs de puissance et les bornes extérieures soit aussi parfaite que possible.Such a connection system requires correct positioning of the nut under the curved end of the connector, so that the fixing between the power connectors and the external terminals is as perfect as possible.

Les écrous sont mis en place lors de la fabrication du module sous les pattes recourbées des connecteurs de puissance en étant retenus prisonniers par la résine enveloppant les circuits du module.The nuts are put in place during the manufacture of the module under the curved tabs of the power connectors while being held captive by the resin enveloping the circuits of the module.

Il s'ensuit souvent que la position de l'écrou n'est pas correcte, soit que l'axe de l'écrou soit incliné par rapport à celui du trou en regard de la patte recourbée, soit que l'écrou soit légérement décalé par rapport au trou, soit les deux. Ceci pose bien entendu des problèmes lors de l'engagement de la vis d'assemblage des bornes à réunir, les pièces risquant d'être mal serrées, voire de présenter entre elles un léger jeu consécutif à une impossibilité de visser à fond la vis.It often follows that the position of the nut is not correct, either that the axis of the nut is inclined relative to that of the hole opposite the bent tab, or that the nut is slightly offset relative to the hole, or both. This naturally poses problems during the engagement of the assembly screw of the terminals to be joined, the parts being liable to be loosely tightened, or even to present between they have a slight play due to the impossibility of tightening the screw fully.

Suivant une autre manière de procéder connue, on soude les connecteurs droits sans pattes recourbées, on insère un couvercle en plastique moulé et, ensuite, on replie les pattes sur le couvercle. Ce dernier comporte aux endroits adéquats une empreinte hexagonale pour écrou captif.According to another known way of proceeding, the straight connectors are welded without curved tabs, a molded plastic cover is inserted, and then the tabs are folded over the cover. The latter includes in the appropriate places a hexagonal imprint for captive nut.

L'inconvénient de cette méthode est l'absence de flexibilité dans le placement des bornes électriques par rapport aux circuits du module, l'emplacement de ces bornes étant figé par le choix du moule, du couvercle ainsi que par les machines et outillages pour le pliage des connecteurs.The drawback of this method is the lack of flexibility in the placement of the electrical terminals in relation to the module circuits, the location of these terminals being fixed by the choice of mold, cover as well as by the machines and tools for the folding connectors.

Le but de l'invention est de pallier ces inconvénients en proposant dans la réalisation de ce type de module un système de positionnement des écrous en regard des trous des pattes recourbées des connecteurs de puissance assurant en toute certitude le placement correct de l'écrou dans l'axe du trou au moment du vissage de la vis de connexion et permettant de positionner facilement la borne électrique en des lieux variables sur les circuits grâce à une solidarisation connecteur et borne à écrou prisonnier et à un placement aisé à travers une pièce guide.The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing, in the production of this type of module, a system for positioning the nuts opposite the holes in the bent tabs of the power connectors ensuring, with all certainty, the correct placement of the nut in the axis of the hole when the connection screw is screwed and allowing the electrical terminal to be easily positioned in variable locations on the circuits thanks to a connector and captive nut terminal fastening and to easy placement through a guide piece.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une borne à écrou prisonnier pour connecteur de puissance de modules électroniques, du type comprenant une patte faisant saillie au-dessus de la résine noyant les circuits du module, recourbée à angle droit au-dessus de la face supérieure du module et munie d'un trou en vue du passage ultérieur d'une vis de raccordement à une borne extérieure et d'un écrou disposé sous ladite patte au droit du trou, ladite borne étant caractérisée en ce que l'écrou est retenu prisonnier dans un logement de dimension et configuration autorisant un léger jeu multidirectionnel à l'écrou mais interdisant sa rotation, ledit logement étant ménagé sur la face supérieure d'une pièce rapportée et positionnée sur le connecteur, sous la patte, et munie, sur au moins un de ses flancs latéraux, d'un creux assurant l'ancrage de ladite pièce dans ladite résine.To this end, the subject of the invention is a captive nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules, of the type comprising a tab protruding above the resin embedding the circuits of the module, bent at right angles above the upper face of the module and provided with a hole for the subsequent passage of a connection screw to an external terminal and of a nut placed under said tab in line with the hole, said terminal being characterized in that the nut is held captive in a housing of dimension and configuration allowing a slight multidirectional play with the nut but preventing its rotation, said housing being provided on the upper face of an insert and positioned on the connector, under the tab, and provided, on at least one of its lateral flanks, a recess ensuring the anchoring of said part in said resin.

Suivant un mode de réalisation, ladite pièce a une forme de dé comportant sur sa face supérieure un logement hexagonal de dimensions légèrement supérieures à celles de l'écrou à recevoir, percé en sa partie centrale d'un puits destiné recevoir l'extrémité de la vis de connexion, cependant que la face latérale tournée vers la partie verticale du connecteur de puissance est munie de moyens de fixation par clipsage du dé sur ledit connecteur.According to one embodiment, said part has a dice shape comprising on its upper face a housing hexagonal with dimensions slightly greater than those of the nut to be received, pierced in its central part with a well intended to receive the end of the connection screw, while the side face turned towards the vertical part of the power connector is provided fixing means by clipping the die on said connector.

Eventuellement, la partie du connecteur devant recevoir par clipsage la pièce en forme de dé est percée d'un trou permettant l'insertion d'un point de colle, assurant ainsi une solidarisation effective durable entre la pièce et le connecteur, autorisant leur manipulation sans précaution préalable et facilitant donc d'autant la fabrication, la mise en place et le soudage du connecteur sur les circuits de puissance du module.Optionally, the part of the connector to receive by clipping the dice-shaped part is pierced with a hole allowing the insertion of a point of glue, thus ensuring a lasting effective joining between the part and the connector, allowing their manipulation without precaution and therefore facilitating the manufacture, installation and welding of the connector on the power circuits of the module.

Suivant une autre caractéristique du dispositif selon l'invention, le dé est muni sur ses trois autres faces latérales d'une gorge horizontale servant à l'ancrage dans la résine.According to another characteristic of the device according to the invention, the die is provided on its three other lateral faces with a horizontal groove serving for anchoring in the resin.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages ressortiront de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, description donnée à titre d'exemple et en regard du dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • - Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un module muni de connecteurs de puissance équipés de bornes à écrou prisonnier conforme à l'invention ;
  • - Figure 2 est une vue agrandie en élévation d'un connec­teur de puissance de la figure 1 ;
  • - Figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la pièce en forme de dé retenant l'écrou prisonnier ;
  • - Figure 4 est une vue en élévation latérale d'une variante de réalisation d'un dé du type de la figure 3 ;
  • - Figure 5 est une vue de la gauche du dispositif de la figure 4, et
  • - Figure 6 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de la figure 4.
Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows of an embodiment of the device of the invention, description given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a module provided with power connectors fitted with captive nut terminals according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation view of a power connector of Figure 1;
  • - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dice-shaped part retaining the captive nut;
  • - Figure 4 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a die of the type of Figure 3;
  • - Figure 5 is a view from the left of the device of Figure 4, and
  • - Figure 6 is a top view of the device of Figure 4.

Sur la figure 1 on a représente, fixées sur une semelle dissipatrice de chaleur 1, trois plaquettes de céramique 2 portant des circuits de puissance d'un module électronique.In Figure 1 there is shown, fixed to a heat dissipating sole 1, three ceramic plates 2 carrying power circuits of an electronic module.

Ces circuits seront ultérieurement, en fin de fabrication du module, entourés par un mur symbolisé en 3 qui sera rempli d'une résine appropriée de façon qu'en surface du module fassent saillie les extrémités des connecteurs de puissance 4 des circuits des plaquettes 2.These circuits will be subsequently, at the end of the manufacture of the module, surrounded by a wall symbolized at 3 which will be filled with an appropriate resin so that the ends of the power connectors 4 of the circuits of the wafers 2 protrude from the surface of the module.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, les connecteurs 4 sont constitués par un conducteur plat dont l'extrémité inférieure 4a est de section réduite et sinueuse pour tenir compte des éventuelles dilatations consécutives aux élévations de température engendrées par les circuits de puissance en particulier.In the embodiment shown, the connectors 4 are constituted by a flat conductor, the lower end 4a of which is of reduced and sinuous section to take account of any expansions consecutive to the temperature rises generated by the power circuits in particular.

L'extrémité supérieure des connecteurs 4 est en forme de patte 4b rabattue à angle droit légèrement au-dessus de la couche de résine dont on a symbolisé en 5 la face supérieure sur les figures 2 et 3.The upper end of the connectors 4 is in the form of a tab 4b folded at a right angle slightly above the resin layer, the upper face of which has been symbolized at 5 in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Entre la patte 4b horizontale et l'extrémité inférieure 4a soudée aux circuits des plaquettes 2, le connecteur 4 présente une partie verticale plane 4c parallèle au mur.Between the horizontal tab 4b and the lower end 4a welded to the circuits of the plates 2, the connector 4 has a flat vertical part 4c parallel to the wall.

Sur la figure 1, par souci de clarté on n'a représenté que trois connecteurs 4 disposés à proximité d'un des côtés du mur 3, trois autres connecteurs (non représentés) étant disposés en vis à vis des trois qui sont visibles.In FIG. 1, for the sake of clarity, only three connectors 4 have been shown arranged near one of the sides of the wall 3, three other connectors (not shown) being arranged opposite the three which are visible.

Les pattes horizontales des connecteurs sont percées de trous 6 pour l'engagement ultérieur de vis de connexion à des bornes extérieures.The horizontal tabs of the connectors are pierced with holes 6 for the subsequent engagement of connection screws to external terminals.

Ces vis sont destinées à coopérer avec des écrous retenus prisonniers sous chaque patte 4b dans une pièce 7 en forme de dé dans le mode de réalisation représenté.These screws are intended to cooperate with nuts held captive under each tab 4b in a part 7 in the form of a die in the embodiment shown.

Les dés 7 sont par exemple en matière plastique moulée et comportent, sur la face supérieure tournée vers les pattes 4b, une empreinte hexagonale 8 de dimensions légèrement supérieures à celles de l'écrou qui doit y être reçu, afin de permettre à ce dernier un léger jeu pratiquement dans toutes les directions tout en lui interdisant de tourner avec la vis. Le centre de l'empreinte 8 est percé d'un trou borgne ou puits 9 destiné à accueillir l'extrémité de la vis.The dice 7 are for example made of molded plastic and comprise, on the upper face turned towards the tabs 4b, a hexagonal imprint 8 of dimensions slightly larger than those of the nut which must be received there, in order to allow the latter a slight play practically in all directions while preventing it from turning with the screw. The center of the cavity 8 is pierced with a blind hole or well 9 intended to receive the end of the screw.

Afin de solidariser le dé du connecteur 4, la face latérale du dé tournée vers le haut de la partie 4c du connecteur est clipsée sur ladite partie 4c grâce à une large encoche 10 ménagée dans ladite face latérale du dé, sur toute sa hauteur. L'encoche 10, cependant, n'occupe pas toute la largeur de la face du dé de façon à ménager deux nervures en saillies parallèles 11 séparées par une distance égale à la largeur du connecteur 4c.In order to secure the die of connector 4, the lateral face of the die facing upwards from part 4c of the connector is clipped onto said part 4c by means of a large notch 10 formed in said lateral face of the die, over its entire height. The notch 10, however, does not occupy the entire width of the face of the die so as to provide two parallel projecting ribs 11 separated by a distance equal to the width of the connector 4c.

Le matériau du dé présente une certaine élasticité facilitant l'engagement du dé sur le connecteur 4c comme illustré par la figure 3, l'empreinte 8 munie de son écrou (non représenté) se trouvant sous la patte 4b, à très faible distance de celle-ci et pratiquement dans l'axe du trou 6, cependant que les deux nervures 11 viennent enserrer élastiquement la partie 4c du connecteur en la plaquant contre le dé 7.The material of the die has a certain elasticity facilitating the engagement of the die on the connector 4c as illustrated by FIG. 3, the cavity 8 provided with its nut (not shown) being located under the tab 4b, at very short distance from that -this and practically in the axis of the hole 6, while the two ribs 11 resiliently enclose the part 4c of the connector by pressing it against the die 7.

Pour parfaire cette solidarisation on peut réaliser un trou 12 dans la partie 4c du connecteur, au droit du dé 7 (figure 2) afin d'y placer une goutte de colle liant ainsi le dé au connecteur. L'ensemble peut être de la sorte manipulé sans risque de séparation des élèments.To complete this connection, it is possible to make a hole 12 in the part 4c of the connector, in line with the die 7 (FIG. 2) in order to place a drop of glue therein thus binding the die to the connector. The assembly can thus be manipulated without risk of separation of the elements.

Comme représenté sur la figure 3, les trois autres faces latérales verticales du dé 7 sont pourvues de creux ou gorges horizontales 13.As shown in FIG. 3, the three other vertical lateral faces of the die 7 are provided with horizontal recesses or grooves 13.

Sur les faces contiguës à la face de clipsage du dé, les gorges 13 se terminent de préférence à distance des nervures 11 pour ne pas perturber le clipsage, cependant que sur la face opposée à ce dernier la gorge 13 court sur toute la largeur du dé.On the faces contiguous to the clipping face of the die, the grooves 13 preferably terminate at a distance from the ribs 11 so as not to disturb the clipping, while on the face opposite the latter the groove 13 runs over the entire width of the die .

Les gorges 13 ont un rôle d'ancrage du dé dans la résine du module dont le niveau supérieur 5 se trouve légèrement au-dessous de la face supérieure du dé.The grooves 13 have the role of anchoring the die in the resin of the module whose upper level 5 is located slightly below the upper face of the die.

La mise en place des connecteurs 4 s'opère de la manière suivante. Tous les connecteurs sont maintenus à la verticale à l'aplomb des zones de soudure sur les plaquettes 2 à l'aide d'une plaquette horizontale de guidage (non représentée) dans laquelle sont percées des fenêtres rectangulaires dans lesquelles sont insérés, avec un léger jeu, les ensembles connecteur 4-dé 7 qui sont ainsi calés latéralement.The positioning of the connectors 4 takes place in the following manner. All the connectors are held vertically in line with the weld zones on the boards 2 using a horizontal guide board (not shown) in which are pierced rectangular windows in which are inserted, with a slight clearance, the 4-die connector assemblies 7 which are thus wedged laterally.

Les figures 4 à 6 illustrent une variante de réalisation des moyens de fixation du dé sur le connecteur.Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a variant of realization of the means for fixing the die on the connector.

Selon cette variante, le dé 7′, par ailleurs identique au dé 7 de la figure 3, est muni sur sa face tournée vers la partie verticale 4′c du connecteur 4′ d'une languette 14 recouvrant la totalité de la face du dé tournée vers le connecteur.According to this variant, the die 7 ′, which is also identical to the die 7 in FIG. 3, is provided on its face turned towards the vertical part 4′c of the connector 4 ′ with a tongue 14 covering the entire face of the die facing the connector.

Cette languette 14, de faible épaisseur, est rattachée au dé 7′ par un pontage 15 au voisinage de l'une des arêtes du dé et délimite entre elle et la face du dé un conduit 16 de passage de la partie 4′c, de section rectangulaire correspondant à celle de ladite partie 4′c.This tongue 14, of small thickness, is attached to the die 7 ′ by a bridging 15 in the vicinity of one of the edges of the die and delimits between it and the face of the die a conduit 16 for passage of the part 4′c, of rectangular section corresponding to that of said part 4′c.

Dans ledit conduit 16 est ménagé transversalement une saillie 17 de blocage en position de la partie 4′c qui est pourvue, à cet effet, d'une encoche correspondante 18 (figure 5).In said conduit 16 is formed transversely a projection 17 for locking in position of the part 4′c which is provided, for this purpose, with a corresponding notch 18 (FIG. 5).

Du côté du conduit 16 opposé au pontage 15, la languette 14 est munie intérieurement d'un rebord en crochet 19 coopérant avec une saillie 20 conformée en regard sur la face du dé 7′ tournée vers la partie 4'c.On the side of the conduit 16 opposite the bridging 15, the tongue 14 is provided internally with a hook rim 19 cooperating with a projection 20 conformed facing the face of the thimble 7 'turned towards the part 4'c.

Grâce à l'élasticité de la languette 14, la partie 4′c du connecteur 4′ s'engage latéralement dans le conduit 16 du dé suivant le sens de la flèche de la figure 5. Les saillies 19 et 20 s'écartent et lorsque le connecteur est engagé à fond dans le conduit 16, comme illustré en tiretés sur les figures 4 à 6, il est bloqué en place dans les deux directions par lesdites saillies 19, 20, d'une part, et la saillie 17, d'autre part.Thanks to the elasticity of the tongue 14, the part 4′c of the connector 4 ′ engages laterally in the conduit 16 of the die in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5. The projections 19 and 20 move apart and when the connector is fully engaged in the conduit 16, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 4 to 6, it is locked in place in both directions by said projections 19, 20, on the one hand, and the projection 17, somewhere else.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est évidemment pas limitée au mode de réalisation représenté et décrit ci-dessus mais en couvre au contraire toutes les variantes notamment en ce qui concerne les formes et dimensions de la pièce 7, 7′,1a nature des moyens de fixation de la pièce 7, 7′ sur le connecteur 4, 4′, les formes et dimensions du logement 8 de réception de l'écrou ainsi que les moyens auxiliaires (13) d'ancrage de la pièce 7, 7′ dans la résine et d'éventuel positionnement de l'ensemble connecteur 4,4′-pièce 7,7′ sur ladite plaquette de guidage.Of course, the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment shown and described above but on the contrary covers all the variants in particular with regard to the shapes and dimensions of the part 7, 7 ′, 1a nature of means for fixing the part 7, 7 ′ on the connector 4, 4 ′, the shapes and dimensions of the housing 8 for receiving the nut as well as the auxiliary means (13) for anchoring the part 7, 7 ′ in the resin and any positioning of the 4,4′-piece 7,7 ′ connector assembly on said guide plate.

Claims (6)

1. Borne à écrou prisonnier pour connecteur de puissance (4,4′) de modules électroniques, du type comprenant une patte (4b) faisant saillie au-dessus de la résine noyant les circuits du module, recourbée à angle droit au-dessus de la face supérieure du module et munie d'un trou (6) en vue du passage ultérieur d'une vis de raccordement à une borne extérieure et d'un écrou disposé sous ladite patte au droit du trou, ladite borne étant caractérisée en ce que l'écrou est retenu prisonnier dans un logement (8) de dimension et configuration autorisant un léger jeu multidirectionnel à l'écrou mais interdisant sa rotation, ledit logement étant ménagé sur la face supérieure d'une pièce (7, 7′) rapportée et positionnée sur le connecteur (4,4′), sous la patte (4b), et munie, sur au moins un de ses flancs latéraux, d'un creux (13) assurant l'ancrage de ladite pièce dans ladite résine.1. Captive nut terminal for power connector (4,4 ′) of electronic modules, of the type comprising a tab (4b) protruding above the resin embedding the circuits of the module, bent at right angles above the upper face of the module and provided with a hole (6) for the subsequent passage of a screw for connection to an external terminal and of a nut placed under said tab in line with the hole, said terminal being characterized in that the nut is held captive in a housing (8) of dimension and configuration allowing a slight multidirectional play to the nut but preventing its rotation, said housing being formed on the upper face of an attached part (7, 7 ′) and positioned on the connector (4,4 ′), under the tab (4b), and provided, on at least one of its lateral flanks, with a recess (13) ensuring the anchoring of said part in said resin. 2. Borne suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite pièce (7,7′) a une forme de dé comportant sur sa face supérieure un logement hexagonal (8) de dimensions légèrement supérieures à celles de l'écrou à recevoir, percé en sa partie centrale d'un puits (9) destiné à recevoir l'extrémité de la vis de connexion, cependant que la face latérale tournée vers la partie verticale du connecteur de puissance est munie de moyens (10,11) de fixation par clipsage du dé sur ledit connecteur (4, 4′).2. Terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that said part (7,7 ′) has a dice shape comprising on its upper face a hexagonal housing (8) of dimensions slightly larger than those of the nut to be received, drilled in its central part of a well (9) intended to receive the end of the connection screw, while the side face turned towards the vertical part of the power connector is provided with means (10,11) for fixing by clipping of the die on said connector (4, 4 ′). 3. Borne suivant la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de clipsage sont constitués par une encoche (10) dans laquelle est reçue la partie supérieure (4c) du connecteur (4), les deux bords en saillie (11) de ladite encoche se faisant face et venant emprisonner élastiquement les bords opposés de ladite partie (4c) du connecteur.3. Terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that said clipping means consist of a notch (10) in which is received the upper part (4c) of the connector (4), the two projecting edges (11) of said notch facing and elastically trapping the opposite edges of said part (4c) of the connector. 4. Borne suivant l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie du connecteur (4c) faisant face à ladite pièce en forme de dé (7) est percée d'un trou (12) susceptible de recevoir un point de colle.4. Terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said part of the connector (4c) facing said dice-shaped part (7) is pierced with a hole (12) capable of receiving a point glue. 5. Borne suivant la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de clipsage sont constitués d'une languette (14) ménagée sur la face du dé (7′) tournée vers la partie supérieure (4′c) du connecteur (4′) et susceptible de recevoir ladite partie (4′c), retenue prisonnière par des saillies ou crochet (17,19,20) appropriés.5. Terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that said clipping means consist of a tongue (14) formed on the face of the die (7 ′) facing the upper part (4′c) of the connector (4 ′ ) and capable of receiving said part (4′c), held captive by appropriate projections or hook (17,19,20). 6. Borne suivant l'une des revendications 2 à 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite pièce en forme de dé (7,7′) est munie, sur tout ou partie de ses faces latérales, d'une gorge (13) ou analogue permettant l'ancrage de la pièce (7, 7′) dans la résine noyant les circuits du module.6. Terminal according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said dice-shaped part (7.7 ′) is provided, on all or part of its lateral faces, with a groove (13) or the like allowing the anchoring of the part (7, 7 ′) in the resin embedding the circuits of the module.
EP88450016A 1987-04-22 1988-04-21 Captive screw nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules Expired - Lifetime EP0288406B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8705877 1987-04-22
FR8705877A FR2614473B1 (en) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 PRISONER NUT TERMINAL FOR ELECTRONIC MODULE POWER CONNECTOR

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0288406A1 true EP0288406A1 (en) 1988-10-26
EP0288406B1 EP0288406B1 (en) 1992-12-23

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ID=9350479

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88450016A Expired - Lifetime EP0288406B1 (en) 1987-04-22 1988-04-21 Captive screw nut terminal for the power connector of electronic modules

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4836808A (en)
EP (1) EP0288406B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3876840D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2614473B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5772479A (en) * 1996-05-10 1998-06-30 Fleege; Dennis William Circuit breaker with terminal nut retainer
DE19734306C1 (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-02-04 Mannesmann Vdo Ag High current contact device

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5030141A (en) * 1990-06-28 1991-07-09 Hughes Aircraft Company Key connector
DE19630424A1 (en) * 1996-07-27 1998-01-29 Mannesmann Vdo Ag High-current electrical contact e.g. for motor vehicles
FR2769404B1 (en) * 1997-10-08 1999-12-24 Schneider Electric Sa HOUSING FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER
DE102004046808B3 (en) * 2004-09-27 2006-04-27 eupec Europäische Gesellschaft für Leistungshalbleiter mbH Connector and method of making a connector
JP5565946B2 (en) * 2010-06-15 2014-08-06 矢崎総業株式会社 connector
DE102019217862A1 (en) * 2019-11-20 2021-05-20 Robert Bosch Gmbh Connector with a guide plate

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DE1094333B (en) * 1955-02-14 1960-12-08 Krone Kg Contact plate or the like.
GB2039691A (en) * 1978-12-08 1980-08-13 Litton Systems Ltd Electrical connectors

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BE629550A (en) *
US1517017A (en) * 1923-09-28 1924-11-25 Raymond T Roth Terminal block
US1536024A (en) * 1924-12-13 1925-04-28 Kvaal Albert Connection piece for cable heads
US2849699A (en) * 1954-05-11 1958-08-26 Demurjian Ashod Charles Molded terminal block
FR2333362A1 (en) * 1975-11-26 1977-06-24 Alsthom Cgee SCREW TERMINAL UNDER HEAD

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DE1094333B (en) * 1955-02-14 1960-12-08 Krone Kg Contact plate or the like.
GB2039691A (en) * 1978-12-08 1980-08-13 Litton Systems Ltd Electrical connectors

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5772479A (en) * 1996-05-10 1998-06-30 Fleege; Dennis William Circuit breaker with terminal nut retainer
DE19734306C1 (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-02-04 Mannesmann Vdo Ag High current contact device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3876840D1 (en) 1993-02-04
EP0288406B1 (en) 1992-12-23
FR2614473A1 (en) 1988-10-28
FR2614473B1 (en) 1989-07-07
US4836808A (en) 1989-06-06

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