Classifications

• • 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
  • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
  • H01R4/2404—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation
  • H01R4/2407—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation having saw-tooth projections
• • 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
  • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
  • H01R12/61—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
• • 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
  • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
  • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
  • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
• • 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
  • H01R4/26—Connections in which at least one of the connecting parts has projections which bite into or engage the other connecting part in order to improve the contact
• • 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
  • H01R4/58—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 characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
  • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
  • H01R4/646—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail for cables or flexible cylindrical bodies
• • 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
  • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
  • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
  • H01R43/16—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for manufacturing contact members, e.g. by punching and by bending

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a metallic electrical connector for a flexible electrical conductive strip, in particular a flexible electrical strip comprising a wide conductive path, that is to say at least greater than or equal to 10 mm wide. More particularly, this flexible electrically conductive strip is a surface radiant panel with a power which can be greater than or equal to 500 W / m 2 for a current which can reach 15 A.
• the metal electrical connectors of the prior art for flexible electrical conductive tape are generally suitable for low power and currents, for example of the order of 3A.
• these conductive strips have a narrow conductive path, for example from 2 to 3 mm.
• cracks and breaks may form on the conductive path at the junction with the connector electrical and therefore cause breaks in the continuity of electrical conduction and cause areas of high resistance.
• the metal electrical connectors of the prior art are generally bulky and create an extra thickness which adversely affects the haptics of the conductive strip, in particular when it is a surface radiant panel which aims to be as discreet as possible.
• One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an electrical connector for a flexible conductive strip having improved haptics and in which the risks of formation of cracks in the conductive path are reduced. .
• the present invention therefore relates to a metallic electrical connector for a flexible electrical conductive strip extending along a longitudinal axis, said conductive strip comprising:
• a flexible support layer comprising a first face and a second face opposite the first face
• said electrical connector comprising:
• a base having a general parallelepipedal shape and configured to cover a portion of the conductive strip, said base comprising at least one leading edge intended to face said conductive strip perpendicular to the longitudinal axis,
• the base has increasing flexibility as one approaches the leading edge.
• the base has perforations which increase in concentration as one approaches the leading edge.
• the perforations are slots identical in shape to the leading edge and parallel to said leading edge.
• the junction between the edges of the base contiguous with the leading edge and said leading edge is rounded.
• Limiting sharp angles limits the risk of cracks and cracks forming in the conductive path perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
• the electrical connector comprises first connecting teeth, the base of which is intended to be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive strip.
• the base covers at least 90% of the width of the conductive path and the edges of the base contiguous with the leading edge each have at least a first connecting tooth.
• the electric current is better distributed over the width of the conductive path and the risks of hot spots forming are reduced.
• the electrical connector comprises second connecting teeth in a smaller number than the first connecting teeth and whose base is intended to be disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductive strip.
• These second connecting teeth here have a role for the mechanical strength and maintenance of the electrical connector 1 on the conductive strip.
• the present invention also relates to an assembly comprising:
• a flexible electrically conductive strip extending along a longitudinal axis, said conductive strip comprising a flexible support layer comprising a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and a conductive path arranged on the first face of the flexible support layer , and
• an additional flexible layer is placed between the base of the electrical connector and the conductive strip, the additional flexible layer projecting from the leading edge of the electrical connector and being pierced by the teeth. bond, said additional flexible layer having a flexibility less than that of the conductive strip.
• this additional layer will attenuate the movements of the conductive strip and limit the risk of formation of breaks and cracks at the leading edge.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a conductive strip and its electrical connector according to a first embodiment.
• FIG.2 shows a schematic representation in top view of the conductive strip and of the electrical connector of figure 1.
• Figure 3 shows a schematic bottom view of the strip
• Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a conductive strip and its electrical connector according to a second embodiment.
• Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment.
• Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a conductive strip and its electrical connector according to a second embodiment.
• first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or even first criterion and second criterion, etc.
• indexing does not imply a priority of one element, parameter or criterion over another and it is easy to interchange such names without departing from the scope of the present description.
• This indexation does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.
• Figure 1 shows a side view of a flexible electrical conductor strip 2 and a metal electrical connector 1.
• the flexible electric conductive strip 2 extends more particularly along a longitudinal axis A (visible in Figures 2 and 3) and comprises:
• a flexible support layer 3 comprising a first face and a second face opposite the first face
• a conductive path 4 disposed on the first face of the flexible support layer 3.
• the support layer 3 can for its part be made from a flexible and flexible non-conductive material, for example from a plastic material.
• the support layer 3 can for example have a thickness less than or equal to 1 mm.
• the conductive strip 2 can be a conductive strip for a surface radiant panel in order for example to allow heating within a motor vehicle, in particular at the level of the passenger compartment of the latter.
• This conductive strip 2 can in particular be configured to achieve high power levels, that is to say for example greater than or equal to 500W / m 2 .
• the conductive strip 2 can in particular be configured to withstand currents of the order of 15 A and a voltage of the order of 12 V or even 48 V depending on the supply voltage within the motor vehicle.
• the conductive path 4 can more particularly be a conductive ink placed on the first face of the support layer 3.
• the conductive path 4 can have a thickness less than or equal to 100 ⁇ m, for example less. or equal to 60 ⁇ m.
• the conductive path 4 can also have a large width, for example greater than 5 mm or even greater than 10 mm in order to allow satisfactory heating.
• the electrical connector 1 is for its part made of an electrically conductive metallic material, such as, for example, aluminum or aluminum alloy.
• the electrical connector 1 comprises in particular:
• a base 10 having a generally parallelepipedal shape (visible in FIG. 2) and configured to cover a portion of the conductive strip 2, the base 10 comprising at least one leading edge 101 intended to face the conductive strip 2 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A,
• This connecting member 11 makes it possible to make the connection with a male or female plug, for example crimped on said connecting member 11. This then makes it possible to connect the electrical connector 1 to a complementary plug, for example crimped on an electric cable.
• the electrical connector 1 is preferably made in one piece, for example by
• the base 10, the connecting teeth 12a, 12b as well as the connecting member 11 can thus all be formed during the same manufacturing step.
• the electrical connector 1 may in particular have a thickness less than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably of the order of 0.3 mm.
• This small thickness of the electrical connector 1 makes it possible to limit the extra thickness at the connection with the conductive strip 2 and thus makes it possible to maintain a good haptic of the conductive strip 2.
• good haptic is meant here that the thickness at the level of the connection between the conductive strip 2 and the electrical connector 1 is weak enough to be barely perceptible to the touch. This thickness can thus be in particular less than 400 ⁇ m.
• the base 10 is disposed on the first face of the support layer 3 and covers the conductive path 4.
• the leading edge 101 of the base 10 has a curved profile over the width of said base 10.
• This curved profile makes it possible to limit the risks of formation of breaks and cracks within the conductive path perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the conductive strip 2 and therefore perpendicular to the direction of current flow. This is particularly advantageous for wide conductive paths 4, that is to say for example of a width greater than 5 mm or even greater than 10 mm.
• the leading edge 101 has a single concave portion over its entire width.
• the junction between the edges 102 of the base 10 contiguous with the leading edge 101 and said leading edge 101 is rounded. Indeed, limiting the sharp angles makes it possible to limit the risk of formation of breaks and cracks within the conductive path 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.
• the electrical connector 1 comprises in particular first connecting teeth 12a, the base of which is intended to be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the conductive strip 2.
• the fact that the base of these first connecting teeth 12a are parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the conductive strip 2 makes it possible not to modify the resistance of the conductive path 4 or only slightly. Indeed, if the material constituting the conductive path 4 is particularly rigid, the perforation of said conductive path 4 by the connecting teeth 12a, 12b can create breaks or cracks. If these cracks or cracks were to be placed in the direction of the current, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis A, this would generate a local discontinuity in the conductive path 4 and therefore a local reduction in the passage section current. This local reduction in the current flow section can lead to greater electrical resistance locally and therefore to the formation of a hot spot.
• the base 10 covers at least 90% of the width of the conductive path 4 and the edges 102 of the base 10 contiguous with the leading edge 101 each comprise at least one first bonding tooth 12a.
• the electric current is better distributed over the width of the conductive path 4 and the risks of hot spots forming are reduced.
• the electrical connector 1 may also include second connecting teeth 12b in a smaller number than the first connecting teeth 12a.
• the base of these second connecting teeth 12b is intended to be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the conductive strip 2.
• These second connecting teeth 12b have a role here for the mechanical strength and the maintenance of the electrical connector 1 on the conductive strip 2.
• the first 12a and second 12b connecting teeth are bent, preferably inwardly, here on the second face of the support layer 2, in order to increase the contact force between the electrical connector 1 and the conductive strip 2 and secure the electrical connection.
• the number of first 12a and second 12b connecting teeth is more particularly variable depending on the size of the electrical connector 1 and the width of the conductive path 4. The wider the conductive path 4, the larger the electrical connector 1, the more the number of connecting teeth 12a, 12b will be high.
• the electrical connector 1 comprises in particular two first connecting teeth 12a arranged on each edge 102 of the base 10 contiguous with the leading edge 101.
• the electrical connector 1 also comprises two other first teeth of connection 12a arranged on its base 10 within openings 13, for example produced by stamping or cutting.
• the electrical connector 1 comprises two second connecting teeth 12b arranged on the edge 103 of the base 10 opposite the leading edge 101. These two second connecting teeth 12b are in particular arranged on either side of the connecting member 11.
• the electrical connector 1 is arranged on the conductive strip so that its base 10 is in direct contact with the conductive path 4.
• the first connecting teeth 12a and the second connecting teeth 12b pass through then successively the conductive path 4 and the support layer 3.
• These first connecting teeth 12a and these second connecting teeth 12b are then folded over the second face of the support layer 3 opposite to its first face comprising the conductive path 4.
• the electrical connector 1 is arranged on the conductive strip so that its base 10 is in contact with the second face of the support layer 3 opposite to its first face comprising the conductive path 4
• the first connecting teeth 12a and the second connecting teeth 12b then pass successively through the support layer 3 and the conductive path 4.
• These first connecting teeth 12a and these second connecting teeth 12b are then folded over the conductive path 4.
• FIG. 5 shows an electrical connector 1 according to another embodiment.
• the leading edge 101 comprises several alternating convex and concave portions in order to limit the risks of formation of breaks and cracks.
• the electrical connector 1 or rather its base 10 may have increasing flexibility as one approaches the leading edge 101. This makes it possible to accompany the movements of the conductive strip 2 and thus to limit all the more the risks of formation of breaks and cracks at the leading edge 101.
• the base 10 may comprise perforations 15, the concentration of which increases as one approaches the leading edge 101.
• These perforations 15 may in particular be slots of identical shape. at the leading edge 101 and parallel to said leading edge 101.
• FIG. 6 Another solution illustrated in FIG. 6 is to place between the base 10 of the electrical connector 1 and the conductive strip 2 a layer additional flexible 5. More precisely, the additional layer 5 is placed between the base 10 of the electrical connector 1 and the second face of the support layer 3, opposite its first face comprising the conductive path 4. Like the conductive strip 2, this layer additional 5 is pierced by the connecting teeth 12a, 12d.
• This additional layer 5 has a lower flexibility than that of the conductive strip 2 and protrudes from the leading edge 101. Due to its lower flexibility than that of the conductive strip 2, this additional layer 5 will attenuate the movements of the conductive strip 2 and limit the risks of formation of breaks and cracks at the leading edge 101.
• the additional layer 5 may for example be made of an electrically non-conductive material such as for example a plastic film. This additional layer 5 can in particular have a reduced thickness so as not to damage the haptics of the conductive strip 2. The additional layer 5 can thus have a thickness less than or equal to 200 ⁇ m.
• the electrical connector 1 makes it possible to limit the risks of formation of hot spots at the level of the electrical connection with the conductive path 4 as well as the risks of formation of breaks and cracks of this same path conductor 4 which could adversely affect the electrical conductivity, in particular for conductive strips 2 intended to receive high currents and voltages.
• the structure of the electrical connector 1 makes it possible to limit the formation of an excess thickness at the level of the electrical connection.

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• Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
• Structure Of Printed Boards (AREA)
• Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2019
  • 2019-07-18 FR FR1908110A patent/FR3099005B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2020
  • 2020-07-06 EP EP20750309.5A patent/EP4000136A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2020-07-06 CN CN202080051405.1A patent/CN114175402A/zh active Pending
  • 2020-07-06 US US17/627,943 patent/US20220263256A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2020-07-06 WO PCT/FR2020/051186 patent/WO2021009432A1/fr not_active Ceased

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