DEVICE FOR MEASURING CURRENT WITH VERTICAL MOUNTING TO A BATTERY POLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device for measuring at least one parameter of an electric current, intended to be mounted on a vehicle battery, particularly on one of its terminals. The present invention also relates to a battery equipped with such a device.

[0002] Document EP2622690B1 describes mounting an electronic device on one of a vehicle battery terminals to measure parameters, including the current flowing into and out of the battery. This device incorporates several components: a clamp for attaching to the battery terminal, a ground connection for the battery, and a connector for transmitting a signal of the measured values. The vehicle's power supply current flows between the battery and the vehicle through this device. Electronic components integrated into the device measure this current and transmit the results, for example, to the vehicle's onboard computer. This device is also called a current sensor. The sensor can be housed in a compartment that incorporates one of the battery terminals. In this configuration, the clamp is inserted vertically onto the terminal.A screw is arranged horizontally and cooperates with a bolt to bring the flanges together and tighten them around the vertical terminal of the battery.

[0003] One drawback of this type of current sensor with this clamping flange is that when tightening the nut around the horizontal screw, the flange tends to rise up the terminal. Consequently, once fully tightened, the flange may not be fully engaged on the terminal. This is particularly problematic because the flange is conductive and allows current to flow through the sensor.

[0004] US patent 2011 / 0050240 A1 discloses a battery clamp incorporating a measuring resistor and an evaluation circuit, intended for monitoring the state of charge of a vehicle battery. However, the clamp described in US 2011 / 0050240 A1 has limited mechanical protection and safety features for the clamping mechanism, which may expose the clamp to risks of damage, contamination, or accidental handling.

[0005] One problem that the invention aims to solve is therefore to make the assembly of an electronic device for measuring at least one current parameter on the terminal of a vehicle battery safer.

[0006] To this end, a first object of the invention is an electronic device for measuring at least one parameter of an electric current intended to be mounted on a vehicle battery, the electronic device comprising: an electrical power input and an electrical power output, the power input or the power output being formed by an electrically conductive clamping body and designed to tighten around a first vertical axis by the actuation of a clamping means so as to be able to be clamped around a battery terminal extending in a direction parallel to the first axis, an output of a signal carrying measurement values ​​of said at least one parameter of an electric current flowing between the power input and the power output, in which the clamping means is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by a movement around or along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, the clamping means (20) comprising a clamping actuating means (25), said electronic device comprising a protective enclosure (30) with one or more vertical protective walls (31) surrounding the clamping actuating means (25) over its entire height, said protective enclosure (30) includes a movable upper cover (32) between a closed position in which it is closed above or between the vertical protective walls, and an open position in which it clears access between these vertical protective walls.

[0007] The fact that the electronic device includes a protective enclosure with one or more vertical protective walls surrounding the clamping actuation means over its entire height makes it possible to avoid a lateral connection to the clamping means.

[0008] The fact that the protective enclosure includes a movable upper cover between a closed position in which it is closed above or between the vertical protective walls, and an open position in which it clears access between these vertical protective walls makes it possible to avoid a vertical connection on the clamping means.

[0009] The arrangement of this clamping means allows it to be fitted around one of the terminals of a vehicle battery, this terminal extending in a given direction, such that the first axis is parallel to or corresponds to this direction. The clamping means is then tightened around the terminal with a tool, such as a screwdriver, while simultaneously holding the clamping means pressed against the terminal with this tool. Indeed, whether pushing along the second axis or rotating around it, the tool can bear against the clamping body. The assembly of the device according to the invention is thus more secure.

[0010] When it is in place on the battery, since the electronic measuring device is mounted on the battery, the latter forms a support for this electronic device.

[0011] According to the invention, the electronic measuring device can be arranged to be supported solely by the battery, the only means of attaching this device to the battery being the clamping means.

[0012] According to the invention, when the battery is in place in the vehicle, the first and second axes can be vertical.

[0013] The electronic device according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics: The signal output is formed by a connector, this connector being offset upwards relative to the power input and power output; this allows, once the electronic device is mounted on the battery, and this battery is mounted in the vehicle, for easier connection of this electronic device to a cable, by passing this cable over the battery; this offset can, in particular, be in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis; the electronic device comprises lateral edges circumscribed generally within a rectangle; thus, the electronic device can be arranged so that said electronic device is suitable for mounting on a battery terminal in such a way that no portion of the current sensor intersects planes extending upwards from a rear face and a longitudinal face of the battery; it is thus easier to house it in the space surrounding the battery terminals;This also avoids the risk of interference between the electronic device and other vehicle components; the longitudinal face can be, for example, the left side of the battery; the power output and the signal output are on the same side of the rectangle; furthermore, the clamping means, the power output and the signal output are respectively at a first corner, a second corner and a third corner of the rectangle; the electronic device includes a housing for electronic components; the housing for electronic components is in a fourth corner; viewed from the side where the clamping means can be actuated, the clamping means, the power output, the signal output, and the housing for electronic components are distributed in that order around the first axis in a counter-clockwise direction;Thus, it is possible to place the electronic device on the negative terminal located to the left and rear of the battery, once the latter has been mounted in the vehicle, by placing the power output as far back and to the left as possible, the signal output as far back as possible, and the clamping means on the side of the battery; the clamping means can be a nut mounted on a screw arranged along the second axis; the clamping body includes a U-shaped flange in a section perpendicular to the first axis, this U-shape comprising an arcuate portion and two ends, the arcuate portion defining a passage intended to fit onto one of the terminals of a battery; the flange forms a simple means of clamping a battery terminal;The clamping means comprises a screw, a nut mounted on the screw, and a counterform attached to the screw. The screw is arranged along the second axis and passes between the ends of the U-shape, and the nut and the counterform are arranged along the second axis on either side of these ends. The ends and the counterform have complementary shapes that engage with each other so that a tightening force on the nut is transferred into a force perpendicular to said second axis, thereby bringing the ends of the U-shape closer together. A simple clamping means is thus formed around the first axis by a movement around the second axis. The counterform is a plate comprising curved and / or folded edges substantially parallel to the second axis. The ends of the U-shape have oblique outer faces that approach each other towards the plate and fit between said curved and / or folded edges.This is a simple way of redirecting the force substantially perpendicular to the second axis; the clamping means includes a passage for a battery terminal, the clamping action of the clamping means reducing this passage, the protective enclosure passing over this passage; thus the vertical connection to the battery terminal is also blocked;

[0014] Another object of the invention is a vehicle battery comprising an electronic device according to the invention, this electronic device being mounted on this battery, the clamping body being tightened around one of the terminals of the battery, in particular the negative terminal of the latter.

[0015] Thus, the battery, being equipped with the electronic current measurement device, is ready for use.

[0016] The electronic battery according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics: The electronic device is arranged so that the signal output is on the side of the electronic device closest to a rear face of the battery; this allows the battery to be placed in a vehicle with a sloping hood with this output as far away from the hood as possible; the electronic device is arranged so that the power output is as close as possible to the upper rear left corner of the battery relative to the clamping means, the signal output, and the housing for electronic components; thus, by being as close as possible to this corner, the connection of this power output in different directions is facilitated; the battery includes a recessed space within which is housed the battery terminal on which the electronic device is mounted, the signal output being arranged above this recessed space and forming the highest element of the electronic device;This facilitates the connection of the signal output by running cables over the battery; the signal output is oriented towards the front, so that a cable can be plugged into the front of this output; the battery has a rear left upper corner defined by a longitudinal face, a rear face and a top face, the electronic device being arranged on this top face and fitting completely between the planes extending from the rear face and the longitudinal face above the battery; this avoids the risk of interference between the electronic device and other vehicle components; the battery is thus better adapted to different types of vehicles; the longitudinal face is, for example, the left face.

[0017] Another object of the invention is a vehicle comprising a battery according to the invention.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of the following non-limiting examples, for understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, among which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery according to the invention, where an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the invention is also shown; the figure 2 is a detail of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a perspective view, seen from above and from the front, of the electronic device of the figure 1 , without the battery; the figure 4 is a perspective view, seen from above and from the front, of the figure 3 but from a different angle; the figure 5 is a left side view of the figure 3 ; there figure 6 is a top view of the figure 3 , but without a top cover; the figure 7 is a top view of the figure 1 , with a connector plugged into the signal output; the figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection of the elements of the electronic device according to the invention; the figures 9 à 14 are other embodiments of the electronic device according to the invention.

[0019] In this application, the terms "above", "superior", "high", "below", "lower", "bottom", "vertical", "longitudinal", "front", "rear", "transverse", "left" and "right" are used with respect to the orientation in which the battery and electrical device are intended to be mounted in the vehicle resting with its wheels on a horizontal ground and in a forward driving direction.

[0020] Some of these figures show the X, Y, and Z vectors corresponding to the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical orientations, respectively, of the battery and the electronic device according to the invention within the vehicle. The longitudinal orientation corresponds to an orientation along the vehicle's axis, from rear to front.

[0021] THE figures 1 et 2 illustrate a vehicle battery 2 comprising an electronic device 1 according to an example of a first embodiment of the invention. figure 7 illustrates the same view but with a signal receiving connector 15 plugged into the electronic device, as well as cables and part of the vehicle.

[0022] The electronic device 1 is mounted on this battery 2.

[0023] The electronic device 1 includes a clamping body 11 tightened around the negative terminal 4 of the battery 2 (visible in figure 7 ).

[0024] The electronic device in this example is a current sensor 1.

[0025] This current sensor 1 is illustrated in more detail on its own in figures 3 à 6 .

[0026] The current sensor 1 includes a passage 34 arranged around a first axis A and intended to be fitted onto the negative terminal 4 of the battery 2, as can be seen in figures 1, 2 And 7 This first axis is referred to below as the mounting axis A.

[0027] This negative terminal 4 extends in a vertical direction. Once the current sensor 1 is fitted, the mounting axis A is also vertical.

[0028] The current sensor 1 includes an electrically conductive clamping body 11 which includes this passage 34. This clamping body 11 is designed to tighten around the mounting shaft A by the actuation of a clamping means 20, therefore around the negative terminal 4.

[0029] According to the invention, this clamping body 11 can include, as in this example, a U-shaped flange 27 oriented horizontally and comprising an arc-shaped portion defining the passage 34 and ends 28a and 28b.

[0030] These ends 28a and 28b may have oblique external faces 28c, 28d inclined towards each other downwards, as can be seen in figure 4 The bottom of these ends 28a and 28b fits between the vertical curved edges 29a, 29b of a plate 29 with a U-shaped cross-section, this U being oriented vertically.

[0031] The clamping body 11 includes a clamping means 20 formed by a screw 26, the plate 29 and a nut 25 screwed onto this screw 26.

[0032] In this example, the screw 26 is arranged vertically. The screw head (not shown) rests beneath the plate 29. The threaded shank of the screw 26 passes through the plate 29, between the ends 28a and 28b of the flange 27, and protrudes above them. The nut 25 is screwed onto the end opposite the screw head, in contact with the upper faces of the ends 28a and 28b of the flange 27.

[0033] Thus, by tightening nut 25, plate 29 moves closer to the nut. As a result, the vertical curved edges 29a, 29b of plate 29 slide against the oblique outer faces 28c, 28d of the ends 28a, 28b of flange 27. This causes the flanges to move closer together and therefore narrows the passage 34. When flange 27 is fitted onto the negative terminal 4, it tightens around this terminal 4, thus securing the current sensor 1 to the battery 2.

[0034] This flange 27 being electrically conductive, in particular made of metal, it also ensures the connection of the current sensor 1 to the battery 2.

[0035] The clamping body 11, in particular its flange 27, thus forms the power supply input for the vehicle. The nut 25 here forms the means of clamping the clamping body 11 onto the negative terminal 4.

[0036] In this example, the negative terminal 4 can have a slightly conical shape that narrows towards the top. The arc-shaped portion of the flange 27 also has slightly sloping vertical walls to create a conical fit onto the terminal 4. This fit is simpler to produce.

[0037] Since the nut 25 is rotated around a second vertical axis B, corresponding here to the longitudinal axis B of the screw, it is possible, using the actuating tool, for example a screwdriver, to tighten this nut while simultaneously pressing it downwards. Thus, with one hand and in a single action, the operator mounting the current sensor 1 onto the battery 2 tightens the current sensor onto terminal 4 and holds it downwards in contact with a portion 17 of the upper face 7 of the battery, thereby preventing the current sensor 1 from rising upwards. The assembly is therefore easier.

[0038] According to the invention, viewed from above, the current sensor 1 can comprise four peripheral assemblies: the clamping means 20, the power supply output 12, the signal output 13, and the electronic component housing 14.

[0039] As in this example, the signal output can be formed by a signal output connector 13, including for example a barrel 40, raised above the rest of the current sensor 1. An opening 41 in this barrel gives access to one or more connection pins 42, to bring to output one or more current parameter measurement signals.

[0040] This barrel may include 43, 44 tenons, to allow clipping on a signal receiving connector of complementary shape.

[0041] The power supply outlet 12 is formed here by an electrically conductive power supply stud 12, extending vertically in this case. A lug of a power cable, or supply wire, can be attached to this power supply stud 12 by screwing it vertically.

[0042] These peripheral assemblies can be distributed around the mounting axis A, in particular around the passage 34. This allows the bulk of the current sensor 1 to be minimized outside the battery 2.

[0043] For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, in a counterclockwise direction, i.e. in a trigonometric direction, the peripheral assemblies can be distributed around the mounting axis A in the following order: the clamping means 20, the power supply stud 12, the signal output connector 13, and the electronic component housing 14.

[0044] Thus, the current sensor 1 can, as illustrated, be arranged on the negative terminal 4 of battery 2, so that: the power stud 12 is to be as close as possible to the upper rear left corner 16 of battery 2 relative to the other peripheral assemblies 20, 13 and 14, the signal output connector 13 is to be on the side of the current sensor 1 closest to the rear face 18 of battery 2, the electronic component housing 14 is to be away from the edges of battery 2, in particular away from the rear faces 18 and left face 19 of battery 2.

[0045] This arrangement allows for a combination of different advantages.

[0046] As can be seen in figure 7 The power supply stud 12, located on the rear left corner 16 of the battery, allows connection to power cables 46, 47, 48, and 49 in the four main directions (front, left, rear, and right, respectively) without interfering with the other peripheral components 11, 13, and 14 of the current sensor 1 and without requiring the power cables to be twisted. This simplifies the power supply connection of the vehicle's various devices, especially since power cables are often large in diameter and therefore more difficult to bend. It also provides greater adaptability to different types of vehicles.

[0047] Furthermore, once the battery is installed, this power supply stud 12 is located closest to an access point 51 in the partition wall 50 between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. It is therefore easier to route the power cables 49 behind this partition wall 50.

[0048] Furthermore, in many vehicles, battery 2 is located on the left fender. Its position is often indexed to the positive terminal 3, that is, relative to the center of the vehicle. With a shorter battery 2, the power supply stud 16 will be offset towards the center. Here, this arrangement allows it to remain aligned with access point 51. The current sensor 1 therefore adapts to different battery sizes.

[0049] Also, by placing the signal output connector 13 as far back as possible, it is possible to place battery 2 in a vehicle with a sloping hood by arranging this signal output connector 13 as far away as possible from the sloping hood.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the invention and as in the illustrated example, the upper face 7 of the battery 2 can include around each of its terminals 3, 4, two perpendicular shoulders which form around these terminals a recessed space 5, 6.

[0051] In general, according to the invention, the current sensor 1 can, as here, be housed in this recessed space, here that 6 surrounding the negative terminal 4. The underside of the current sensor 1 is then pressed against a contact face 17 which forms the bottom of this recessed space 6.

[0052] The recessed space 6 is delimited at the front and on the right, respectively by a forward step 9b and a straight step 9b. These steps, which are the vertical walls of the two shoulders partially surrounding the negative terminal 4, form protective walls for the sensor.

[0053] According to the arrangement of the first embodiment, the housing for electronic components 14 is located immediately in the corner where steps 9a and 9b meet, and is therefore protected at the front and on the right. Furthermore, it is positioned as far away as possible from the left and rear sides of battery 2. This protects the electronic components used for current measurement and prevents them from being damaged when battery 2 is installed in the vehicle.

[0054] The electronic component housing 14 may include a housing 10 having a shape complementary to the angle formed by these two steps 9a and 9b, so as to be wedged in this angle once the current sensor 1 is fitted onto the terminal 4.

[0055] The current sensor 1 can be contained within a horizontal rectangle. As can be seen in figure 6 The lateral faces 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the current sensor 1 form, in horizontal sections, a generally rectangular shape. The size of the current sensor 1 is such that, once housed in the recessed space 6, the current sensor 1 is positioned in front of the rear face 18 of the battery and to the right of the left face 19 of battery 2. Consequently, no portion of the current sensor 1 intersects the planes extending upwards from these rear faces 18 and left faces 19 of the battery. Thus, the current sensor 1 is not at risk of interfering with any components of the engine compartment.

[0056] As can be seen in particular in figures 1, 2 And 5The signal output connector 13 is raised above the other peripheral elements 11, 12, and 14, forming the highest element of the current sensor 1. In particular, the shaft 40 of the signal output connector 13 is arranged at a distance from the contact surface 17 greater than the height h of the steps 9a and 9b. It is therefore arranged above the recessed space 6.

[0057] Therefore, a signal receiving connector 15 terminating a signal cable 45 can easily be connected to it, by passing the cable over the battery 2.

[0058] Here, the opening of the drum 40 and the pins 42 are oriented towards the front. This allows for connection from the front, making it easier when installing battery 2, especially when, as is often the case, it is close to the partition wall 50. This signal output connector 13 must be accessible for connection / disconnection during the period of battery 2's use.

[0059] The signal cable 45 is generally more flexible than power cables, and even if it plugs in from the front, it can easily be bent back towards the rear, especially to pass through access 51.

[0060] The signal output connector 13 can be a so-called "4-way" connector area, notably for transmitting four signals at the same time.

[0061] There figure 8 represents the connection diagram of the different elements in the vehicle.

[0062] The negative terminal 4 is electrically connected to the clamping flange 27. The latter is itself electrically connected to the power supply stud 12 by electrical conductors 52 passing through the electronic component housing 14. The power supply stud 12 is itself connected via lugs to the power cables 46, 47, 48, 49. Thus, the supply current to the various devices of the vehicle can pass from the negative terminal 4 to these devices via the current sensor 1, in particular by passing from the flange 27 to the power supply stud 12.

[0063] In their housing 14, the electronic components are connected to the electrical conductors 52, so as to measure various parameters of the supply current. These parameters are converted into several measurement signals corresponding to different parameters, and then sent to the signal connector 13, from where they are transmitted via the signal cable 45 to the vehicle's on-board computer. This can, for example, allow the on-board computer to check the state of charge of the battery 2.

[0064] To prevent any misuse of these measures, it may be useful to prevent access to a connection on the negative terminal 4 or before the current enters the electronic component housing 14.

[0065] For example, when the flange 27 and the screw 26 are made of metal, the screw is therefore electrically connected to the battery. To prevent lateral connection to the screw 26, the current sensor 1 includes a protective enclosure 30 surrounding the nut 25 and the portion of the screw 26 above this nut.

[0066] This protective enclosure 30 includes here a vertical cylindrical protective wall 31 arranged around the nut 25 and the portion of the screw 26 above this nut and over their entire height.

[0067] The protective enclosure 30 also includes an upper cover 32, movable around a hinge 33 and into a closed position, in which it is closed over the vertical protective wall ( figure 7 ), and an open position in which it provides access to bolt 25. The figures 1 à 6 show this upper cover 32 in an intermediate position between its closed position and its open position.

[0068] Thus, when mounting the current sensor 1 on the battery 2, the upper cover 32 is opened, then the tightening is carried out via the bolt 25, then the upper cover 32 is closed.

[0069] As can be seen in figure 7 , the vertical protective wall 31 passes over the passage 34 and therefore over terminal 4 when the sensor 1 is mounted on the battery 2. This also avoids a connection on the negative terminal 4.

[0070] The protective enclosure 30 also helps to prevent short circuits between the power input 11 and the power output 12.

[0071] According to the invention, the housing 10 of the electronic component housing 14 can form a single piece with one, several, or all of the outer walls of the current sensor 1. In particular, it can form a single piece with the vertical protective wall 31.

[0072] The current sensor may include a keying wall 36, located between the clamping means 20 and the supply stud 12. This prevents mispositioning of a lug of the supply wiring on this stud 12 before locking it, in particular by another nut (not shown).

[0073] THE figures 9 à 14 represent other embodiments in which the current sensor also includes the following peripheral elements: a clamping means 20, a power supply output 12, a signal output 13, and a housing for electronic components 14. These peripheral elements are individually similar to those of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are therefore used.

[0074] However, these embodiments differ in the orientation of these peripheral elements and also in their distribution relative to the mounting axis A.

[0075] In figure 9 à 12 et 14 , the connection stud 12 is arranged as in the first embodiment in the rear left corner of the battery and therefore has the same advantages with regard to the connection of power cables.

[0076] The third and seventh embodiments, illustrated respectively in figures 10 And 14 , are the closest to the first embodiment.

[0077] The seventh embodiment, in figure 14 The only difference is that the signal output connector 13 opens towards the rear. Consequently, the receive connector 15 of the signal cable 45 must be plugged into it from the rear of the battery. This is less convenient. The advantage is that, contrary to what is illustrated in figure 14 The 45 signal cable must go to the passenger compartment; less cable length should be used.

[0078] The third embodiment, in figure 10 This offers an intermediate solution, with the signal output connector 13 opening to the right. Consequently, the signal cable receiver connector 45 must be plugged in from the right. This is less convenient than in the first mode but easier than in the third.

[0079] These first, third, and seventh embodiments retain the same advantages regarding the other characteristics of their arrangement, notably that the signal output connector 13 is positioned furthest from the cover if the cover is angled downwards. Furthermore, since the passage 34 is slightly offset to the left, the forward positioning of the clamping means 20 on the left frees up more space on the right. These arrangements therefore offer the most space for housing electronic components 14. Consequently, the latter can be larger and concentrate more electronic components in one location, thus simplifying the design of their connections. Moreover, these components are thus protected by the steps of the shoulder, when the battery 2 is equipped with them.

[0080] The fourth embodiment, illustrated in figure 11 This differs from the third in that the clamping means 20 is oriented to the right. Therefore, it allows for lateral access to the clamping means 20, via the shoulder steps, in cases where no protective enclosure is provided.

[0081] The second and fifth embodiments, illustrated respectively in figures 9 And 12 differ from the embodiments described above in that the signal output connector 13 is forward and to the left in the current sensor 1. The clamping body 11 is oriented so that a direction from the passage 34 to the clamping screw 26 is directed backward and to the right.

[0082] Compared to the embodiments previously mentioned, the absence of a connector on the right of the supply stud 12 frees up space on the right and makes it easier to connect this stud 12 from the right.

[0083] The signal connector 13 opens forward in the fifth embodiment, in figure 12 This facilitates its connection, as already explained above. The signal connector 13 opens to the right in the second embodiment, which makes the connection less straightforward but requires less cable length to reach the dashboard.

[0084] In these second and fifth embodiments, the signal connector 13 passes over the passage 34 and therefore serves as a means of preventing access to the negative terminal 4.

[0085] However, in the case of a sloping hood, the forward positioning of signal connector 13 may place it too close to the hood, potentially interfering with the pedestrian safety zone, which is the theoretical surface above which a hard point, such as a connector, could pose a danger to a pedestrian in the event of a collision. This arrangement remains useful, however, even with a non-sloping hood.

[0086] In the sixth embodiment, illustrated in figure 13 , the current sensor 1 has an arrangement in which, in a counterclockwise direction, i.e. in a trigonometric direction, the peripheral assemblies are distributed around the mounting axis A in the following order: the clamping means 20, the signal output connector 13, the electronic component housing 14 and the power supply stud 12, the signal output connector 13 opening towards the rear.

[0087] All these embodiments, from the first to the seventh, offer advantages of robustness and safety of clamping on the battery terminal, thanks to the vertical actuation of this clamping.

[0088] These different embodiments can be chosen during the design of the current sensor according to the vehicles for which they are intended, according to their advantages and disadvantages, according to the location of the different devices in the vehicle that need to be powered, and the location of the device(s) receiving the signal carrying the current parameters.

[0089] The first method of implementation is the one that presents the best compromise and therefore the best adaptability, regardless of the vehicle.

[0090] In particular, the first embodiment is the best compromise with regard to: compatibility with multiple battery sizes, adaptability to different vehicle environments.

Claims

1. Electronic device (1) for measuring at least one parameter of an electric current intended to be mounted on a vehicle battery (2), the electronic device comprising: - an electrical power supply input (11) and an electrical power supply output (12), the power supply input or the power supply output being formed by an electrically conductive fastening body designed to be tightened around a first vertical axis (A) by the actuation of a fastening means (20), so as to be capable of being fastened around a battery terminal (4) extending in a direction parallel to the first axis (A), - an output of a signal (13) carrying measured values of said at least one parameter of an electric current flowing between the power supply input and the power supply output, wherein the fastening means (20) is arranged so that it can be actuated by a movement around or along a second axis (B) substantially parallel to the first axis (A), the terms "rear face", "longitudinal face", "vertical" and "horizontal", "above", "upper", "top", "below", "lower", "bottom", "vertical", "longitudinal", "front", "rear", "transverse", "left" and "right" being defined with respect to the orientation in which the electronic device is intended to be mounted on the battery when said battery is mounted in the vehicle resting on its wheels on a horizontal ground surface and oriented in the forward driving direction, characterized in that the fastening means (20) comprises a fastening actuation means (25), said electronic device comprising a protective enclosure (30) with one or more vertical protecting walls (31) surrounding the fastening actuation means (25) over the whole of its height, said protective enclosure (30) comprises an upper cover (32) which is movable between a closed position in which it is closed above or between the vertical protecting walls, and an open position in which it allows free access between these vertical protecting walls.

2. Electronic device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the signal output is formed by a connector (13), this connector (13) being offset upwards relative to the power supply input (11) and the power supply output (12).

3. Electronic device (1) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device comprises lateral edges (21, 22, 23, 24) completely contained within a rectangle.

4. Electronic device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a housing for electronic components (14), and wherein, when viewed from the side where the fastening means (20) can be actuated, the fastening means (20), the power supply output (12), the signal output (13), and the electronic component housing (14) are distributed in this order around the first axis (A) in an anti-clockwise direction.

5. Electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening body (11) comprises a clamp (27) which is U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the first axis (A), this U shape comprising a portion forming an arc of a circle and two ends (28a, 28b), the portion forming an arc of a circle defining a passage (34) intended to be fitted on to one of the terminals of the battery (2), and wherein the fastening means (20) comprises a screw (26), a nut (24) mounted on the screw and a counter-shape (29) attached to the screw, the screw being arranged along the second axis (B) and passing between the ends of the U shape, and the nut and the counter-shape being arranged along the second axis on either side of these ends, these ends (28a, 28b) and the counter-shape (29) having complementary shapes engaging with one another so that a screwing force on the nut is transferred into a force substantially perpendicular to said second axis (B), so as to bring the ends of the U shape towards one another.

6. Electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (20) comprises a passage (34) for a terminal (4) of a battery (2), the fastening actuation of the fastening means (13) narrowing this passage, said protective enclosure (30) passing above this passage.

7. Vehicle battery (2) comprising an electronic device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said electronic device being mounted on said battery, the fastening body (11) being fastened around one of the terminals (4) of the battery.

8. Vehicle (1) comprising a battery according to Claim 7.