Battery module for control unit of electrical circuit breaker, control unit and electrical circuit breaker

Abstract

The battery module (200) is configured to be inserted into a battery housing (201) leading to a front face (22) of a control unit (20) of the electrical circuit breaker. The battery module includes a housing (210) having a proximal wall (214) substantially orthogonal to a main axis (A214) and a peripheral wall (216) extending from the proximal wall and presenting a continuous profile about the main axis, the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together defining a cavity (211) for receiving a battery (212). The battery module includes a conductive element (220B) partially housed in the cavity and configured to be connected to an electrode of the battery. The proximal wall and the peripheral wall together form a continuous portion of the housing extending from the proximal wall and according to the main axis at a minimum distance (L240) greater than or equal to 14 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module for a control unit of an electrical circuit breaker, a control unit comprising such a battery module, and an electrical circuit breaker comprising such a control unit. Background Art

[0002] As is known, in particular from EP-0 843 332-A1, an electrical circuit breaker comprises a circuit breaker unit and an electronic control unit. This control unit is typically configured to measure the operating state of the circuit breaker in real time and to command the circuit breaker unit to open in the event of a circuit breaker fault. The control unit is reversibly housed in a housing disposed within the circuit breaker unit and is located on the front face of the circuit breaker, allowing a user to read and / or adjust certain operating parameters of the electrical circuit breaker. The control unit is removable, so that the user can replace the control unit in the event of a fault without having to disconnect the circuit breaker unit from the rest of the electrical installation.

[0003] Depending on these applications, electrical circuit breakers operate at voltages of hundreds or even thousands of volts and at currents of up to several thousand amperes. In general, electrical circuit breakers, especially control units, must have sufficient electrical isolation to ensure personal safety. For example, the IEC 947-1:2019 standard (Tables 13 and 15) defines isolation levels, corresponding to the minimum distance to be considered between a live point (or potentially live point) and a user. The isolation distance depends, in particular, on the isolation level sought and the voltage at which the electrical circuit breaker operates. In the context of this specification, two main voltage ranges are considered, the first range corresponding to voltages less than or equal to 690V and the second range corresponding to voltages strictly greater than 690V. For voltages greater than 690V, Class 1 isolation requires a gap greater than 7mm and a creepage distance greater than 10mm, while Class 2 isolation requires these distances to be doubled. For voltages below 690V, Class 2 isolation requires a gap greater than 10mm.

[0004] For example, EP 3 290 935-A1 describes a control unit comprising a housing made of insulating material, within which are housed several components, such as a printed circuit board, voltage divider components, etc. A power supply module is typically provided to supply power to the control unit when the circuit breaker is energized. A battery is typically provided and housed in a housing disposed within the housing, particularly to allow for the backup of various data during activation of the circuit breaker or when the circuit breaker is not energized.

[0005] However, such batteries must be replaced periodically. With prior art electrical circuit breakers, it is necessary to remove the control unit from the circuit breaker unit, which requires specific authorization from the user and interrupts service to the electrical equipment, making battery replacement a seemingly simple task, but a burdensome and complex operation. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to replace the battery from the front without interrupting service and ensuring human safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention notably aims to solve these needs by proposing a battery module that can be mounted on the control unit from the front, while ensuring human protection.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a battery module for a control unit of an electrical circuit breaker, the battery module being configured to be inserted into an associated battery housing of the control unit, the housing opening onto the front face of the control unit and exhibiting an elongated shape according to a depth axis orthogonal to the front face, the control unit comprising two electrical contact pads arranged in the bottom of the housing, wherein:

[0008] -Battery module includes:

[0009] a housing comprising a proximal wall substantially orthogonal to the main axis and a peripheral wall extending protruding from the proximal wall and presenting a continuous contour around the main axis, the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together delimiting a cavity of the housing, the cavity being configured to receive a battery presenting two electrodes, the cavity opening out from the housing through a distal opening positioned opposite the proximal wall according to the main axis,

[0010] a cover movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover at least partially closes the cavity, the cover in the closed position being configured to retain the battery in the cavity, the battery module then being in the closed configuration,

[0011] two electrically conductive elements, each comprising an input lug configured to be connected to a respective pole of a battery and an output lug configured to be connected to a respective electrical contact pad of a control unit when the battery module is in a closed configuration and housed in a respective housing in an assembled configuration of the battery module to the control unit,

[0012] The proximal end wall and the peripheral wall together form a continuous portion of the housing, the continuous portion extending from the proximal end wall to a minimum distance, measured with respect to the main axis, greater than or equal to 14 mm.

[0013] Thanks to the present invention, it is ensured that the Class 2 isolation distance according to the IEC 947-1:2019 standard is always adhered to, regardless of the position of the battery module during its assembly into the control unit, in other words, in the assembled configuration of the control unit and during the insertion of the battery module into the housing of the control unit. Thus, even when the housing opens onto the front of the battery module, it is possible to replace the battery module from the front, in other words, without having to displace the battery module relative to the rest of the electrical circuit breaker.

[0014] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a battery module may combine one or more of the following features, alone or in any technically permissible combination:

[0015] The lid is pivotally hinged relative to the housing about a hinge axis between an open position and a closed position.

[0016] - a battery module configured to accommodate a battery having two electrodes located on opposite faces of the battery,

[0017] The two conductive elements include a first element carried by the cover and a second element carried by the housing,

[0018] The output lugs each include a terminal portion generally in the shape of a straight blade,

[0019] When the battery module is in the closed configuration, the two terminal parts are opened from the cavity by channels provided in the cover, the two terminal parts extend parallel to the main axis and are offset relative to each other according to a transverse axis orthogonal to the main axis.

[0020] - when the battery module is in the closed configuration, the terminal parts are geometrically carried by the same connection plane, the connection plane being parallel to the main axis and parallel to the transverse axis,

[0021] The cover comprises two extensions, each associated with a respective channel,

[0022] Each extension provides a conduit extending parallel to the main axis from the associated channel when the battery module is in the closed configuration, the terminal portion opening passing through the channel in question being at least partially housed in the associated conduit,

[0023] And while the two conduits open according to the same connection direction, the connection direction is orthogonal to the connection plane, thereby allowing electrical connection on each terminal portion according to the connection direction.

[0024] - each terminal portion comprises an end portion, the ends of the terminal portions being aligned relative to each other according to a transverse axis,

[0025] Each extension portion has a lug, which protrudes from the rest of the extension portion in the corresponding conduit, and each lug is placed between the extension portion and the corresponding terminal portion according to the connection direction, and each lug supports the corresponding terminal portion.

[0026] And the lugs are aligned according to the transverse axis.

[0027] each terminal part comprises an end portion having a terminal protrusion which projects relative to the remainder of the corresponding terminal part and extends according to the connection direction, each terminal protrusion being configured to bear on an associated contact pad,

[0028] Each extension portion has a terminal protrusion that protrudes relative to the remaining portion of the corresponding extension portion according to the connection direction, and each terminal protrusion is aligned with the terminal protrusion of the corresponding terminal portion according to the main axis.

[0029] The invention also relates to a control unit for an electrical circuit breaker, the control unit comprising:

[0030] - an example of a battery module as defined above, and

[0031] - a housing made of an insulating material and having a housing for accommodating a battery module arranged therein, the housing being arranged recessed from the front plane and opening toward the front according to a depth axis,

[0032] in:

[0033] - the control unit comprises two contact pads arranged in the bottom of the housing,

[0034] - When the control unit is in the assembled configuration, the two output lugs are configured to be electrically connected to corresponding contact pads.

[0035] Advantageously:

[0036] -Battery module as defined above,

[0037] The housing includes a bottom wall in which an opening is provided, and the contact pad is located on an opposite side of the housing relative to the bottom wall.

[0038] And when the control unit is in the assembled configuration, each extension and associated terminal portion passes through the corresponding opening, with the terminal portion supported on the corresponding contact pad.

[0039] - The opening has an IP2x protection index as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard, for example.

[0040] -Battery module as defined above,

[0041] Each terminal protrusion is configured to bear against the contour of the corresponding opening during the movement of inserting the battery module into the battery housing, thereby guiding each extension and the associated terminal portion when passing through the opening and preventing the terminal protrusion of the terminal portion under consideration from hitting the contour of the opening.

[0042] The present invention also relates to an electrical circuit breaker, comprising:

[0043] a circuit breaker unit comprising at least one actuator and a circuit breaker device which can be triggered by the actuator,

[0044] - an example of a control unit as defined above,

[0045] in:

[0046] - the circuit breaker unit provides a container which opens onto the front face of the circuit breaker unit,

[0047] In an assembled configuration of the electrical circuit breaker, a control unit is accommodated in a receptacle of the circuit breaker unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the actuator in order to trigger the circuit breaker arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will be better understood and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment of a battery module, a control unit and an electrical circuit breaker, which description is based on the principles of the invention, is given by way of example only and refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] - Figure 1 In the two illustrations a) and b) there is shown a perspective view and a partially exploded perspective view, respectively, of an electrical circuit breaker according to the invention, comprising a control unit also according to the invention;

[0050] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a control unit;

[0051] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of a control unit comprising a battery module according to the present invention;

[0052] - Figure 4 The three illustrations a), b) and c) show the Figure 3 The control unit of arrow IV and Figure 3 An enlarged view of a battery module, the battery module is shown in perspective and exploded perspective views in illustrations b) and c);

[0053] - Figure 5 The two illustrations a) and b) show the Figure 3 Certain components of the battery module;

[0054] - Figure 6 The two illustrations a) and b) show the Figure 3 Certain components of the battery module;

[0055] - Figure 7 The two illustrations a) and b) show the open configuration. Figure 3 a perspective view of a battery module, and a perspective view of a cover of the battery module;

[0056] - Figure 8 The two illustrations a) and b) show cross-sectional views of the control unit in two consecutive intermediate configurations during assembly of the battery module to the rest of the control unit;

[0057] - Figure 9 The two illustrations a) and b) show, respectively, cross-sectional views of the control unit in a third intermediate configuration and in an assembled configuration during assembly of the battery module to the rest of the control unit;

[0058] - Figure 10 is a perspective view of a detail of the control unit in the assembled configuration, with some components hidden. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1 , an electrical circuit breaker 10 is shown. The electrical circuit breaker 10, also referred to as a circuit breaker 10 for short, is a multi-pole electrical circuit breaker, in particular a three-pole electrical circuit breaker. The number of poles of the circuit breaker 10 is not limited. As is known, a multi-pole electrical circuit breaker includes input and output power terminals for each pole, which are respectively connected to each other or electrically isolated via a circuit breaker device of the electrical circuit breaker. The circuit breaker device includes, for example, separable movable contacts, which are housed in a circuit breaker chamber of the electrical circuit breaker 10 and whose movement is controlled by an actuator. Thus, the circuit breaker device can be triggered by the actuator. The circuit breaker chamber is implemented here by three grids 12 visible on the upper surface of the circuit breaker 10, and other elements of the circuit breaker device are not shown.

[0060] An electrical circuit breaker 10 is intended for use in electrical equipment, such as for controlling the power supply of a machine tool. In a normal use configuration, the electrical circuit breaker 10 is typically placed in an electrical cabinet, with the electrical circuit breaker 10 presenting a front face 14 that is oriented toward a user standing in front of the electrical cabinet. The electrical cabinet is not shown.

[0061] The electrical circuit breaker 10 comprises a circuit breaker unit 16 comprising in particular each circuit breaker compartment as well as circuit breaker devices and associated actuators.

[0062] The electrical circuit breaker 10 advantageously includes a cover 18 that is removable from the circuit breaker unit 16. The cover 18 is made of an electrically insulating material and generally extends according to a front plane P14 that defines a portion of the front face 14 of the electrical circuit breaker 10 and extends through the extended circuit breaker unit 16. The cover 18 thus serves to protect the user from damage to the circuit breaker 10. Figure 1 In a), the cover 18 is shown assembled to the circuit breaker unit 16, which corresponds to the normal use configuration of the circuit breaker 10. Figure 1 In b), the cover 18 is spaced apart from the circuit breaker unit 16 , such as would be found during maintenance of the circuit breaker unit 16 .

[0063] The electrical circuit breaker 10 further comprises a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to analyse the status of the circuit breaker unit 16 and to trigger the actuator based on the results of these analyses, thereby separating the separable contacts.

[0064] The control unit 20 includes a front face 22. The front face 22 is generally flat and geometrically defined by a front plane P22, which is orthogonal to a depth axis A22 of the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 is in its normal use configuration, the front face 22 is oriented toward the user. The front face 22 thus defines a forward direction D22 that is parallel to the depth axis A22. The forward direction D22 is indicated by an arrow. Concepts such as "forward," "backward," "upward," and "downward" are defined relative to elements such as those shown in the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that in practice, other conditions may apply.

[0065] The cover 18 includes a window 19 through which the front face 22 of the circuit breaker unit 20 is visible. The window 19 is preferably closed by a transparent shutter. The shutter is not shown.

[0066] The control unit 20 is reversibly assembled to the circuit breaker unit 16. Figure 1 In the examples of a) and 1b), the control unit 20 is shown in the assembled configuration of the circuit breaker unit 16. The control unit 20 is Figure 2 The circuit breaker unit 16 provides a receptacle that opens to the front face 14 of the circuit breaker unit 16, and the control unit 20 is housed in the receptacle such that the front face 22 of the control unit 20 in the assembled configuration is substantially aligned with the front face 14 of the circuit breaker unit 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The container is not shown.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 2 and 3 The control unit 20 is described.

[0068] The control unit 20 comprises a housing 30 which is made of an insulating material and forms a receiving volume for the various components of the control unit 20. In particular, the housing 30 houses a printed circuit board 32 which is Figure 3 The printed circuit board 32 comprises a printed circuit and several electronic components, such as a microprocessor and the like.

[0069] In the example shown, printed circuit board 32 includes multiple sections that are interconnected here via a communication bus. The communication bus is not shown. Optionally, one or more sections of printed circuit board 32 are flexible. Alternatively, printed circuit board 32 includes multiple sections that are not interconnected via the communication bus. Alternatively, the printed circuit board is a single piece.

[0070] Housing 30 includes a front subassembly 100. By extension, subassembly 100 belongs to control unit 20. Front subassembly 100 includes a generally flat central portion 102 having a front side 102A and a rear side 102B opposite front side 102A. Central portion 102 is configured to receive at least one human-machine interface element 104. Front side 102A of central portion 102 is preferably oriented according to a forward direction D22. A human-machine interface is also referred to as an HMI. Human-machine interface elements 104 are also referred to as "HMI elements" 104. In the example shown, central portion 102 includes a plurality of HMI elements 104. HMI elements 104 include three indicator lights 104A, a transparent portion 104B through which a screen can be viewed, and four buttons 104C. These examples are not limiting, and the type, number, and arrangement of HMI elements 104 may vary during the design of front subassembly 100.

[0071] The front subassembly 100 is assembled in a reversible manner to the rest of the control unit 20, in particular the housing 30. Thus, in the event of a fault, the front subassembly 100 can be replaced. The central portion 102 thus forms part of the front face 22 of the control unit 120.

[0072] The housing 30 includes at least one shell 98 , here three shells, each of which is arranged to be recessed from the front plane P22 and open to the front face 22 .

[0073] The control unit 20 also comprises at least one functional module 99, here three functional modules 99, each housing being associated with a respective functional module. Thus, each functional module 99 is configured to be reversibly housed in the associated housing, the functional module 99 being in an assembled configuration.

[0074] Preferably, the control unit 20 includes a plurality of functional modules 99. In the example shown, the control unit 20 includes three functional modules 99, which are different from one another and include a first module, here a module designed to receive a battery, referred to as a battery module 200, a second module, here a wired connection module 300, and a third module, here a wireless communication module 400. Each functional module 99 is associated with a corresponding housing 98. Each functional module 99 is configured to be reversibly accommodated in the associated housing 98, with the functional modules 99 then being in an assembled configuration. In the example shown, each functional module 99 is configured to be inserted into the corresponding housing 98 according to an insertion movement, which is a translation movement parallel to the depth axis A22 and is oriented according to a rearward direction, in other words, in a direction opposite to the forward direction D22.

[0075] exist Figure 3 , the control unit 20 is shown in a partially exploded perspective view, with the battery module 200, the connection module 300, and the communication module 400 shown as being spaced apart from the housing. Thus, the battery module 200 is associated with the battery housing 201, while the connection module 300 is associated with the connection housing 301, and the communication module 400 is associated with a housing arranged at the edge of the front face 22 and designated as the front housing 401. In the example shown, the control unit 20 includes a cover 308, which is hinged relative to the housing and closes the connection housing 301. The cover 308 is located at Figure 2 Shown in the closed position, Figure 3 Shown in the open position.

[0076] The battery module 200 and the battery case 201 will now be described.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 a) The battery housing 201 has a generally cylindrical shape along an axis parallel to the depth axis A22. The battery housing 201 is delimited here by a peripheral wall 202 and a bottom wall 204. The bottom wall 204 delimits the battery housing 201 at the rear and is part of the housing 30. The bottom wall 204 is thus arranged to be recessed relative to the front plane P22 according to the forward direction D22 and to open onto the front plane P22.

[0078] The battery housing 201 includes an opening 206 provided in the bottom wall 204 and leading to the battery housing 201. A portion of the printed circuit board 32 is located on the rear side of the bottom wall and includes a connection area 34 comprising at least one contact pad 36. Each contact pad 36 comprises a substantially flat conductive element located on the surface of the printed circuit board 32. Each contact pad 36 is capable of being electrically connected to a corresponding complementary connector 220 belonging to the battery module 200, each complementary connector 220 being in contact with a corresponding contact pad 36. Advantageously, the contact pads 36 are part of the printed circuit of the printed circuit board 32; in other words, they are manufactured simultaneously with the printed circuit board 32.

[0079] In the example shown, the connection region 34 comprises two contact pads 36 which are located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and are accessible from the battery housing 201 via the opening 206. The two contact pads 36 and the connection region 34 which first extends are thus associated with the battery housing 201.

[0080] Each opening 206 has a profile having an inscribed circle with a diameter strictly less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.9 mm, so as to comply with the IP2x protection index as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard. This therefore reduces the risk of accidental entry of objects through the opening, reducing the risk of electrical accidents.

[0081] Each contact pad 36 of the associated connection area 34 is positioned recessed from the front plane P22 and spaced apart from the front plane P22 by a distance greater than a predetermined first threshold S1, as measured along the depth axis A22. The first threshold S1 is selected such that the gap distance between each contact pad 36 and the front plane P22 is greater than the Class 2 isolation distance at voltages greater than 690 V, the gap distance and the Class 2 isolation distance being in accordance with the IEC 947-1:2019 standard. Illustratively, the gap distance between two points is the shortest path between the two points while bypassing any obstacles.

[0082] Preferably, the first threshold value S1 is greater than or equal to 14 mm. Preferably, the gap distance between the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front plane P22 is greater than the first threshold value S1. This ensures a minimum distance between all live components located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front face 22 of the control unit 20, which improves safety in use.

[0083] The battery module 200 includes a housing 210 made of an electrically insulating material and defining a cavity 211. The cavity 211 is configured to accommodate a battery 212 having two electrodes. The battery 212 is a cylindrical battery with two electrodes located on opposite sides. Figure 4 The principle of the present invention can naturally be applied to other types of batteries.

[0084] The housing 210 includes a proximal wall 214 and a peripheral wall 216. The proximal wall 214 is generally orthogonal to the main axis A214. The peripheral wall 216 extends from the proximal wall and presents a continuous contour about the main axis A214. The proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together define a cavity 211. Once the battery module 200 is housed in the battery housing 201 in an assembled configuration, the main axis A214 is substantially parallel to the depth axis A22. The cavity 211 opens from the housing 210 through a distal opening 218, which is positioned opposite the proximal wall 214 with respect to the main axis A214.

[0085] When the battery module 200 is housed in the battery housing 201, the outer cover 210 at least partially closes the battery housing 201 so that the creepage distance from each contact pad 36 to the front plane P22 is greater than the Class 2 isolation distance at a voltage greater than 690 V, the creepage distance according to the IEC 947-1:2019 standard.

[0086] When the battery module 200 is in the assembled configuration, the distal opening 218 is advantageously oriented toward the corresponding connection area 34, and the cavity 211 shields the contact pad 36 toward the front, so that the creepage distance from each contact pad 36 to the front plane P22 is greater than a predetermined second threshold S2, and the second threshold S2 is greater than the first threshold S1. In a simplified manner, the creepage distance between two points is the minimum distance between these two points. By traveling along the surface of the material, an air gap of less than 1.5 mm can still be passed through the air. Advantageously, the second threshold S2 is greater than the Class 2 isolation distance as defined in the IEC 947-1:2019 standard. Preferably, the second threshold S2 is equal to 20 mm.

[0087] In addition to the insulating housing 210, the battery module 200 also includes at least one complementary contact 220 made of metal, which is partially housed in the cavity 211 and protrudes outside the housing 210 through the distal opening 218. Each complementary contact 220 is configured to reversibly connect to a corresponding contact pad 36 of the corresponding housing when the first module 200 is in the assembled configuration. Therefore, the presence of the electrical contacts, and more generally, the presence of any other electrical or electronic device housed in the cavity, has no impact on the level of protection in terms of clearance distances or creepage distances.

[0088] In the example shown, the battery module 200 includes two complementary contacts 220 that connect the electrodes of the battery 212 to the contact pads 36 associated with the first battery housing 201. Advantageously, the battery module 200 also includes a cover 222 that is movable relative to the housing 210 between an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover 222 at least partially closes the cavity 211, and the cover 222 in the closed position is configured to retain the battery 212 in the cavity 211, and the battery module 200 is then in the closed configuration.

[0089] The complementary contact 220 here comprises a first conductive element 220A and a second conductive element 220B, which are formed by cutting and folding a metal sheet. Figure 4 Visible in b).

[0090] Here, the first conductive element 220A is carried by the cover 222 , while the second conductive element 220B is carried by the housing 210 .

[0091] The two conductive elements 220A and 220B each include an input tab 224 configured to be connected to a corresponding pole of the battery 212 and an output tab 226 configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical contact pad 36 of the battery housing when the battery module is in a closed configuration and housed in the corresponding housing in an assembled configuration of the battery module to the control unit, as shown. Figure 5 b). Here, the output lug 226 includes a terminal portion 227, which here exhibits a straight blade shape. When the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, the terminal portion 227 is geometrically supported by the same connection plane P227, which is parallel to the main axis A214 and the transverse axis T214.

[0092] When the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, the two terminal portions 227 are exposed from the cavity 211 by passages 228 provided in the cover 222. In the illustrated example, the two terminal portions 227 extend parallel to the main axis A214 and are offset relative to each other along a transverse axis T214, which is orthogonal to the main axis A214. Thus, the ends of the terminal portions 227 are aligned relative to each other along the transverse axis T214.

[0093] Each terminal portion 227 advantageously terminates in a terminal protrusion 229. Each terminal protrusion 229 projects relative to the remainder of the corresponding terminal portion 227 and extends according to the connection direction D232. Each terminal protrusion 229 is configured to press against an associated contact pad 36. Thus, the terminal protrusions 229 are aligned relative to one another according to the transverse axis T214. The terminal portion 227 of each output lug 226 is advantageously elastically deformable, thereby ensuring sufficient contact pressure between the terminal protrusion 229 and the corresponding contact pad 36.

[0094] The cover 222 comprises two extensions 230, each associated with a corresponding channel 228 and extending protruding from the rest of the cover 222. Each extension 230 provides a duct 232 extending from the associated channel 228 parallel to the main axis A214 when the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, each terminal portion 227 opened by the channel 228 in question being at least partially housed in the associated duct 232.

[0095] The two conduits 232 open in the same connection direction D232, which is orthogonal to the connection plane P227, and the two conduits 232 open on the same side of the connection plane P227 to allow electrical connection to each terminal portion 227 in accordance with the connection direction D232. Therefore, when the battery module 200 is removed from the control unit 20, each extension 230 protects the terminal portion 227, for example, to prevent the terminal portion 227 from being accidentally bent.

[0096] Each extension 230 has a lug 234 that protrudes from the rest of the extension 230 within the corresponding conduit 232. Each lug 234 is therefore placed between the extension 230 and the corresponding terminal portion 227 according to the connection direction D232. The lugs 234 are aligned relative to each other according to the transverse axis T214. Each lug 234 is therefore pressed against the corresponding terminal portion 227. Therefore, for each terminal portion 227, the length between the free end of the terminal portion 227 and the support area of ​​the corresponding lug 234 on the terminal portion 227 is substantially the same. Although the terminal portions 227 of the two output blades 226 have different lengths from each other, the lug 234 ensures that the pressure of each terminal portion 227 on the corresponding contact pad 36 is substantially the same, thereby providing good electrical contact in a reproducible manner each time the battery module 200 is assembled to the rest of the control unit 20.

[0097] Advantageously, each extension 232 has a terminal protrusion 239 that projects relative to the rest of the corresponding extension 232 according to the connection direction D232 and is aligned with the corresponding terminal protrusion 229 according to the main axis A214. Each terminal protrusion 239 thus protects the corresponding terminal protrusion 229 from accidental contact.

[0098] like Figure 7As shown in FIG. 2 a), the cover 222 is advantageously pivotally hinged relative to the housing 210 about a hinge axis A222 between an open position and a closed position. Here, the hinge axis A222 is an axis parallel to the transverse axis T214. The cover 222 is therefore considered non-removable. During installation of the battery module 200, the operator inserts the battery 212 into the cavity 211 of the housing 201, naturally observing the orientation of the electrodes (if necessary), and then moves the cover 222 into the closed position, ensuring contact between each input lug and the corresponding electrode of the battery 212.

[0099] The proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together form a continuous portion of the housing 210, which extends from the proximal wall 214 to a minimum distance equal to 14 mm measured relative to the main axis. In other words, the proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 do not have any openings that connect the cavity 211 to the exterior of the housing, which openings are located less than 14 mm relative to the main axis A214.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the housing 210 has a recess 240 disposed in the peripheral wall 216 and defining a portion of the distal opening 218, as shown. Figure 4 b). Here, a recess 240 is used during assembly of the second conductive element 220B in the housing 210. The bottom of the recess forms the point closest to the proximal wall 214, through which the cavity 211 opens out from the housing 210. A distance L240, measured parallel to the main axis A214, is defined between the bottom of the recess 240 and the proximal wall 214. Distance L240 is greater than 14 mm. Here, distance L240 is equal to 20.8 mm.

[0101] Now refer to Figures 8 to 10 The sequence of assembling the battery module 200 to the rest of the control unit 20 is described.

[0102] exist Figure 8 In a), the battery module 200 is inserted into the battery housing 201 , with the main axis A214 being substantially aligned with the depth axis A22 . The insertion movement is substantially a translation movement of the battery module 200 towards the rear of the control unit 20 .

[0103] As the insertion movement of the battery module 200 continues, the terminal protrusion 239 comes into contact with a portion of the contour of the opening 206. More precisely, the housing 30 advantageously includes a ramp 208 that provides an inclined surface that forms a connection between the peripheral wall 202 and the opening 206 and, by extension, forms a portion of the contour of the opening 206. The control unit 20 is then in Figure 8 b) Configuration. It will be appreciated that the terminal protrusion 239 prevents contact between the terminal portion 229 and the housing 30. This therefore reduces the risk of the terminal portion 227 on the housing 20 being caught.

[0104] As the insertion movement of the battery module 200 continues, each terminal protrusion 239 presses against the contour of the corresponding opening 206, in particular on the ramp 208, so as to guide each extension 230 and the associated terminal portion 227 during the passage through the opening 206, thereby preventing the terminal protrusion 229 of the terminal portion 227 and / or extension 230 in question from hitting the contour of the opening 206. The control unit 20 is then in Figure 9 a) Configuration.

[0105] As the insertion movement of the battery module 200 continues, each terminal protrusion 239 is now located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 of the battery housing 201, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 b) and Figure 10 As shown, the printed circuit board 32 has a recess 33 in which the terminal protrusions 239 are received. Each terminal protrusion 229 is pressed against a corresponding contact pad 36. Each terminal portion 227 is sandwiched between the corresponding lug 234 and the contour of the corresponding opening 206, and the terminal portion elastically deforms to ensure satisfactory contact force between the terminal protrusion 229 and the corresponding contact pad 36.

[0106] The above-mentioned embodiments and alternatives can be combined with each other to create new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A battery module (200) for a control unit (20) of an electrical circuit breaker, the battery module (200) being configured to be inserted into an associated battery housing (201) of the control unit (20), the housing (201) being open to a front face (22) of the control unit (20) and presenting an elongated shape along a depth axis (A22) orthogonal to the front face (22), the control unit (20) comprising two electrical contact pads (36) arranged in the bottom of the housing (201), wherein: - The battery module (200) comprises: a housing (210) comprising a proximal wall (214) substantially orthogonal to the main axis (A214) and a peripheral wall (216) extending protruding from the proximal wall (214) and presenting a continuous contour around the main axis (A214), the proximal wall (214) and the peripheral wall (216) together defining a cavity (211) of the housing (210), the cavity (211) being configured to receive a battery (212) presenting two electrodes, the cavity (211) opening out from the housing (210) through a distal opening (218), the distal opening (218) being positioned opposite the proximal wall (214) according to the main axis (A214), a cover (222) movable relative to the housing (210) between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover (222) at least partially closes the cavity (211), the cover (222) in the closed position being configured to retain the battery (212) in the cavity (211), the battery module (200) then being in the closed configuration, two conductive elements (220A, 220B), each comprising an input lug (224) configured to connect to a respective pole of the battery (212), and an output lug (226) configured to connect to a respective electrical contact pad (36) of the control unit (20) when the battery module (200) is in a closed configuration and is received in a respective housing (201) in an assembled configuration of the battery module (200) to the control unit (20), The proximal wall (214) and the peripheral wall (216) together form a continuous portion of the housing (210), which extends from the proximal wall (214) to a minimum distance (L240) measured according to the main axis (A214) and greater than or equal to 14 mm.

2. The battery module (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The cover (222) is pivotally hinged relative to the housing (210) about a hinge axis (A222) between an open position and a closed position.

3. The battery module (200) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in: - the battery module is configured to receive a battery (212) having two electrodes located on opposite sides of the battery (212), - the two conductive elements (220A, 220B) comprise a first element (220A) carried by the cover (222) and a second element (220B) carried by the housing (210), - said output lugs (226) each comprise a terminal portion (227) substantially in the shape of a straight blade, -When the battery module (200) is in the closed configuration, the two terminal parts (227) are opened from the cavity (211) through a channel (218) provided in the cover (222), the two terminal parts (227) extending parallel to the main axis (A214) and offset relative to each other according to a transverse axis (T214) orthogonal to the main axis (A214).

4. The battery module (200) according to claim 3, wherein: - when the battery module (200) is in the closed configuration, the terminal portions (227) are geometrically carried by the same connection plane (P227), which is parallel to the main axis (A214) and to the transverse axis, - said cover (222) comprises two extensions (230), each associated with a respective channel (218), - each extension (230) provides a duct (232) extending from the associated channel (218) parallel to the main axis (A214) when the battery module (200) is in the closed configuration, the terminal portion (227) opened by the channel (218) in question being at least partially received in the associated duct (232), - The two ducts (232) open according to the same connection direction (D232), the connection direction (232) being orthogonal to the connection plane (P227), thereby allowing electrical connection on each terminal portion (227) according to the connection direction.

5. The battery module (200) according to claim 4, wherein: - each terminal portion (227) comprises an end portion, the ends of the terminal portions being aligned relative to each other according to said transverse axis (T214), - each extension (230) has a lug (234) that protrudes from the rest of the extension within the corresponding conduit (232), each lug (234) being positioned between the extension (230) and the corresponding terminal portion (227) according to the connection direction (D232), each lug (234) being pressed against the corresponding terminal portion (227), - The lugs (234) are aligned according to the transverse axis (T214).

6. The battery module (200) according to claim 4, wherein: - each terminal portion (227) comprises an end portion presenting a terminal protrusion (229) which is arranged to project relative to the remainder of the corresponding terminal portion (227) and extends according to said connection direction (D232), each terminal protrusion (229) being configured to press against an associated contact pad (36), - Each extension (230) has a terminal protrusion (239) which is arranged to protrude relative to the rest of the corresponding extension (230) according to the connection direction (D232), and each terminal protrusion (239) is aligned with the terminal protrusion (229) of the corresponding terminal part (227) according to the main axis (A214).

7. A control unit (20) for an electrical circuit breaker, the control unit (20) comprising: - an example of a battery module (200) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, and - a housing (30) made of insulating material and having a housing (201) for receiving the battery module (200) arranged therein, the housing (201) being arranged recessed from the front plane (P22) and opening toward the front face (22) according to a depth axis (A22), in: - the control unit (20) comprises two contact pads (36) arranged in the bottom of the housing (201), - two output lugs (216) configured to be electrically connected to corresponding contact pads (36) when the control unit (20) is in the assembled configuration.

8. The control unit (20) according to claim 7, wherein: - the battery module (200) is a battery module according to claim 4, - the housing (201) comprises a bottom wall (204) in which an opening (206) is provided, the contact pad (36) being located on an opposite side of the housing (201) relative to the bottom wall (204), - When the control unit (20) is in the assembled configuration, each extension (230) and the associated terminal portion (207) pass through the corresponding opening (206), the terminal portion (227) being pressed against the corresponding contact pad (36).

9. The control unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein: - said opening (206) exhibits an IP2x protection index as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard.

10. The control unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein: - the battery module (200) is a battery module according to claim 6, - Each terminal protrusion (239) is configured to press against the contour (208) of the corresponding opening during the movement of inserting the battery module (200) into the battery housing (201) so as to guide each extension (230) and the associated terminal portion (227) during passage through the opening (206) and prevent the terminal protrusion (229) of the terminal portion (227) in question from hitting the contour of the opening (206).

11. An electrical circuit breaker (10), comprising: - a circuit breaker unit (16) comprising at least one actuator and a circuit breaker device which can be triggered by the actuator, - one example of a control unit (20) according to claim 7, in: - the circuit breaker unit (20) provides a container which opens onto the front face (14) of the circuit breaker unit, In an assembled configuration of the electrical circuit breaker (10), the control unit (20) is received in a receptacle of the circuit breaker unit (16), wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control the actuator in order to trigger the circuit breaker device.

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