Diode accommodation core

Abstract

A diode accommodation core, for use in solenoids of starter engines and accommodation of the diodes in these solenoids without thereby affect the structural configuration of the diodes or the structures of starter engines. The diode accommodation core includes a structural body having opening for the accommodation of body of diode, and two contact sides opposite each other, wherein each side is provided with accommodation guide of the respective terminals of the diode, which has a surface portion in which at least one of the terminals is supported and at least partially exposed regarding the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body, in order to promote electrical contact with at least one adjacent component by pressure.

Claims

1. Starter engine solenoid comprising a cover, a magnetic core, a diode and a diode accommodation core, CHARACTERIZED in that said diode accommodation core is positioned in a space defined between the cover and the magnetic core and said diode accommodation core comprises a structural body being manufactured in a flexible and insulating material, said structural body provided with: an opening of accommodation of body of the diode; two contact sides opposite to each other, wherein each contact side is provided with accommodation guide of terminals of the diode; each accommodation guide comprising a surface portion in which at least one of said terminals is supported and at least partially exposed to the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body, in order to be electrically contacted with at least one adjacent component by pressing when said cover presses the diode accommodation core against the magnetic core.

2. Starter engine solenoid according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that one terminal of the diode is supported and at least partially exposed regarding the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body, and the another terminal is crimped to the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body, or connected thereto by interference or other suitable means.

3. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the two terminals of the diode are supported and at least partially exposed regarding the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body.

4. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, characterized in that each accommodation guide extends from said opening, and is formed by a rising portion, inclined toward the surface of the respective contact side, and said surface portion.

5. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that each accommodation guide extends from said opening and is formed only by a surface portion arranged in the surface of the corresponding contact side of structural body.

6. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural body comprises a tablet shape.

7. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said opening has slots for the passage of contact terminals of diode.

8. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural body is manufactured in a material selected from rubber, silicone, plastic or other polymer.

9. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that said locking portion comprises ribs.

10. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that at least the surface of contact sides of structural body must be coated with or consists of an insulating material.

11. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural body comprises at least one locking portion for engagement in openings or slots provided on cover of solenoid.

12. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said surface portions of the accommodation guides comprise a channel profile.

13. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural body comprises a shape corresponding to the shape of the head of screw.

14. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural body comprises a hexagonal shape.

15. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said opening is positioned at the center of structural body.

16. Starter engine solenoid, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said opening is positioned in an asymmetrical or decentralized manner in structural body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The features, advantages and technical effects of the present invention, as outlined above, will be best understood by one skilled in the art from the following detailed description, made merely by way of example, and not limitation, of preferred embodiments, and with reference to the appended schematic figures, which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a conventional starter engine for automotive vehicles;

(3) FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the solenoid cover of a starter engine, as shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the solenoid cover as shown in FIG. 2A;

(5) FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged sectional view according to the lines C-C shown in solenoid cover illustrated in FIG. 2B;

(6) FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention, with the suppressor diode uncoupled;

(7) FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of the diode accommodation core object of the present invention in different viewing angles;

(8) FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention, positioned on the fixture screw of borne #50 of the solenoid; and

(9) FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of the detail of the diode contact terminal touching the surface of the fixture screw of borne #50 according to the present invention;

(10) FIG. 5C shows another enlarged view of the detail of the other diode contact terminal touching the surface of the magnetic core of the solenoid according to the present invention;

(11) FIGS. 6A and 6B show perspective views, from opposite sides, of a constructive embodiment of the diode accommodation core object of the present invention;

(12) FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views of another constructive embodiment of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention, with and without the suppressor diode, respectively;

(13) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of opposite sides to those illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention, with and without the suppressor diode, respectively;

(14) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of the diode accommodation core, according to the present invention;

(15) FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the diode accommodation core perspective according to the invention, with said diode uncoupled;

(16) FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of the diode accommodation core similar to FIG. 10A, but with said diode coupled;

(17) FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a solenoid cover according to the present invention with and without the diode accommodation core, respectively;

(18) FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention;

(19) FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate perspective views of a solenoid cover according to the present invention without and with the coupled diode accommodation core, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) According to the schematic figure indicated above, some examples of possible and preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below, but it should be clear that this is a purely exemplary and non-limiting description, since this diode accommodation core can have different details and structural and dimensional aspects without thereby being out of the scope of protection.

(21) Additionally, it is noteworthy that some references indicative of the features of the present invention will not be fully reproduced in all the above mentioned figures, considering that the reproduction of all references in all the figures could affect the understanding and definition of the present scope of protection.

(22) accordance with the accompanying drawings, particularly with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C, it is seen that the diode accommodation core object of the present invention is preferably applied to starter engines (M), which are made of a structure comprising essentially a solenoid (S) which cooperates with a driving lever (A) which, in turn, moves the sprocket or freewheel (R) for connection to the combustion engine. The actuation and operation of these components is well known to those skilled in the art and was also briefly noted above, reason for which it is believed that it is unnecessary to go into detail again.

(23) In this regard, it is noted that said solenoid (S) comprises a cover (T) where the bornes of electrical contact are positioned, including borne #50 (B) that is fixed with the body of the cover (T) through screw (P).

(24) Additionally, it is noted that said cover (T) is fitted with the solenoid body (S) in order to press the magnetic core (N), forming between the screw head (P) and said magnetic core (N) a space (E) which is currently totally free of any material. FIG. 2C shows more clearly that space (E) between the screw head (P) and the surface of the magnetic core (N), the diode accommodation core object of the present invention is preferably inserted and positioned in this space (E).

(25) Thus, referring now to the other figures, and particularly to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, it is noted that the diode accommodation core according to the present invention comprises a structural body 1, preferably in tablet form, provided with opening 2 for accommodating the body 4 of the diode (D) and two contact sides 3a and 3b opposing each other, each provided with accommodation guide 5, 5 of the respective terminal 6, 6 of diode (D).

(26) More specifically, each accommodation guide 5, 5 extends from said opening 2, and can be formed by an rising portion 7, which is inclined toward the surface of the respective contact side 3a or 3b, and a surface portion 8 in which said terminal 6, 6 is supported and at least partially exposed regarding the surface of the corresponding contact side 3a or 3b of the structural body 1. This configuration of the accommodation guides 5 5 is preferred in the case of the diode (D) be horizontally accommodated in the opening 2, i.e. parallel to said contact sides 3a and 3b in order to promote electrical contact with at least one adjacent component by pressure, and therefore, without requiring the welding of components. Note that such a construction discloses a single part capable of promoting pressure connection, significantly in a more simple, practical and efficient manner than that achieved with the use of similar known ones.

(27) It should be noted that although the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended figures shows that in both terminals 6, 6 the electrical contact is made by pressing of the components, it is possible that only one terminal 6 acts under pressure and the complementary terminal 6 acts by crimping, or vice versa, without thereby standing out of the scope of protection required here. Alternatively, it is possible to perform the electrical contact of the complementary terminal by interference assembly or other suitable technique available.

(28) FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show in more detail the configuration and arrangement of said diode (D) properly embedded and accommodated in the diode accommodation core object of the present invention. More particularly, it can be seen that body 4 of the diode (D) is accommodated in opening 2 of structural body 1, and the respective contact terminals 6, 6 are folded and rested on respective accommodation guides 5, 5 of each contact side 3a and 3b of structural body 1. As can be seen, by this arrangement it is possible to ensure that said contact terminals 6, 6 remain separated and primarily isolated from one another, each contact terminal 6, 6 is positioned in one of said contact sides 3a, 3b of structural body 1.

(29) Although the accompanying drawings illustrate configurations in which the accommodation guides 5, 5 comprise said rising portion 7, alternatively, and depending on the space (E) available in the cover (T), said diode (D) could be positioned in opening 2 at an angle so that, in this condition, it is even possible to eliminate rising portion 7, said terminals 6, 6 already being in the level of said surface portion 8 and thus providing proper electrical contact with screw head (P) and the magnetic core (N).

(30) At the time that said cover (T) is positioned with the body of solenoid (S), an axial pressure occurs by interference to ensure the electrical connection of diode (D) with screw (P) and magnetic core (N).

(31) Particularly with respect to FIG. 5B, it is noted that the contact terminal 6 is positioned on the accommodation guide 5 provided in said side 3b of the structural body 1, therewith, when the diode is allocated in the accommodation core, and side 3b positioned adjacent/on the head of screw (P), it is ensured that there will be contact between the head of screw (P) and diode (D) due to the terminal portion (6) be accommodated in the surface portion (8). Opposite, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, terminal contact 6 is positioned on accommodation guide 5 provided in side 3a of structural body 1 so that, when the diode is allocated in the accommodation core, and side 3a positioned adjacent to magnetic core (N), it can ensure contact between magnetic core (N) and diode (D) due to terminal portion (6) be accommodated in surface portion (8) of contact side 3a. Thus, by this arrangement, it is possible to close the connection of diode (D) with borne #50 and said electrical ground reference, in this case magnetic core (N), without the need for any soldering or crimping process.

(32) Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, it can be seen in a somewhat more detailed manner the diode accommodation core, more specifically structural body 1, that is comprised by opening 2 for receiving body 4 of diode (D), wherein said opening 2 has slits 9 for the passage of contact terminals 6, 6 of the diode (D), to enable folding and support of these terminals on accommodation guides 5, 5, particularly, positioning such terminals 6, 6 on rising portions 7 and, in sequence, on surface portions 8.

(33) According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said structural body 1 of the diode accommodation core is manufactured in a flexible and insulating material, and which is mainly susceptible to partial deshapeion when subjected to pressure when coupling the cover (T) in the body of the solenoid (S). Most preferably, this material may be selected from rubber, silicone, plastics and other insulating polymers. More particularly, it should be clear that at least the surface of the contact sides 3a and 3b should be coated or consists of an insulating material.

(34) The structural body 1 of the diode accommodating core according to the present invention may also comprise a locking portion 10 whose purpose is to penetrate and fit into openings or grooves provided in the cover (T) of the solenoid (S). Of course, as it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this locking portion 10 can comprise different arrangements, since it should correspond to the formed and geometrical characteristics of cover (T). Optionally, this locking portion 10 can comprise ribs 11 which enhance the flexibility, but improve the adhesion with the surface of the cover (T).

(35) FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B show in more detail the characteristics of the diode accommodation core, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, in which case the structural body 1 comprises two locking portions 10, one smooth and the other with a series of ribs 11 to ensure the perfect fit and keep the same with the cover. It is noted that the geometrical arrangement of this embodiment is designed to meet the shape and configuration of cover (T) of solenoid (S), in which there is provision for a hole and space around the head of screw (P) of borne #50 (B).

(36) FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B show another constructive embodiment of structural body 1 of the diode accommodation core according to the present invention. More particularly, in this case, it appears that there is only one locking portion 10, which is provided with a series of ribs 11 to promote proper adhesion of structural body 1 with cover (T). Further, it is noted that said cap (T) comprises a region whose geometry corresponds to locking portion 10, allowing the frame body 1 with the diode thereof (D) to be embedded in cover (T) without occupying or disrupting the operation of other components of solenoid (S).

(37) As a rule, as should be noted, the geometric configuration of structural body 1 and the possible locking portions 10 thereof are designed to meet the needs and settings of each solenoid model, and more particularly to each model of cover (T) of solenoids (S).

(38) According to one preferably advantageous embodiment, and as can be seen in some of the attached figures, said surface portions 8 of accommodation guides 5, 5 may comprise a channel profile, in order to ensure the positioning of contact terminals 6, 6 of diode (D), thereby avoiding any risk of diode (D) to move and provide eventual contact failures.

(39) Also, according to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, said structural body 1 comprises a hexagonal shape, since the vast majority of the solenoid models known in the current market has a borne #50 fixed by a standard screw of hexagonal head typeM6, and thus it is possible to accommodate said core in space (E) generated between screw (P) and magnetic core (C) of solenoid (S). Therefore, the shape of structural body 1 depends on the solution used in the cover of solenoid (S) which provides space (E) between the connection of borne #50 and magnetic core (N), not being necessarily hexagonal.

(40) Further, attention is drawn to the fact that although the illustrative figures present a second opening 2 relatively disposed in the center of structural body 1, the present invention should not be limited and restricted to this condition, since it is possible to arrange said opening 2 in an asymmetric or decentralized manner.

(41) According to the above, it becomes possible to verify that the diode accommodation core, according to the possible embodiments of the present invention, is able to promote a series of advantages and technical, practical and functional benefits, eliminating processes steps which are complex, expensive and difficult to perform. In addition, it becomes possible to ensure proper positioning of terminals 6, 6 of diode (D) in relation to borne #50 (B) through the head of screw (P) and said electrical ground reference, in this case the magnetic core (C) of solenoid (S).

(42) This proper positioning and connection are also possible due to the fact that terminals 6, 6 of diode (D) are separated and insulated from each other without providing any risk of contact between them and hence it is eliminated eventual risk of failure in the operation of the diode and, as a result, one can reduce the problems and inconveniences generated by the electrical pulses generated by the energizing and de-energizing the solenoid coils. More particularly, it becomes clear that the diode accommodation core object of the present invention can achieve as a practical results the proper support of diode (D), and at the same time, ensures that the terminals of said diode (D) are pressed against the contact of borne #50 and the electrical ground reference, more preferably, through contact with the head of screw (P) and magnetic core (N) of solenoid (S).

(43) Finally, considering all the above, it is important to note that the present disclosure is solely intended to describe in an exemplificative manner the preferred embodiments of the diode accommodation core for starters engines, according to the instant invention. So, as well comprised by the skilled technician in the art, numerous constructive modifications, variations and combinations of the elements performing the same function in substantially the same way are possible to achieve the same results, which should be included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.