ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR A BATTERY MODULE AND CORRESPONDING WIRING KIT

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electric batteries for motor vehicles.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to the field of electrical connection for the maintenance of electric batteries.

[0003] The invention relates specifically to the connection used for upgrading the electrical charge of a battery module within a battery pack, typically to reversible connection means for repeated use, usable in particular for charging and / or discharging a battery, in particular for the purpose of upgrading the electrical charge of a battery module within a battery pack, for example when this module replaces a defective battery module.

[0004] The invention can be generalized to other situations in which it is necessary to provide electrical connections allowing the flow of charging current to a battery, and more particularly when these connections are temporary, for initial charging, control and / or maintenance operations. 2. Prior art

[0005] Electric and hybrid vehicles are generating a lot of interest and are currently being increasingly developed by car manufacturers.

[0006] These vehicles use a battery pack generally made up of several battery modules placed side by side and connected together in a protective casing.

[0007] Each module comprises a number of electrical energy storage cells, or "electric cells", placed side by side and connected to each other, which can take a cylindrical, prismatic, or sachet shape (in English " pouch-cell ").

[0008] Furthermore, within the module, the electric cells, which are generally connected in series, are individually accessible via control circuits - typically simple wiring - including in particular the possibility of measuring their individual charging voltage, as well as, in certain cases, other parameters of each cell and each module, such as their temperature.

[0009] During the life of a battery pack, it may happen that a module becomes defective: in this case, it is necessary to extract it from the battery pack and replace it with a new module to ensure the operation of the battery.

[0010] However, at the time of installation, the new module may have a different charge level, or electrical voltage, than the other modules in the battery pack, which is not desirable, as it results in an uneven level of wear and a discharging speed within the battery pack.

[0011] The electrical voltage of this new module must then be leveled (in English " leveled ”) compared to the electrical voltage of the other modules of the battery pack, so as to present an equivalent charge level.

[0012] In practice, the module must be subjected to a differential charge or discharge operation, in order to restore a uniform charge level within the different modules.

[0013] Leveling, "equalization", or leveling, (in English " levelization ") of the charge of a module among a series of modules of a battery pack can also be carried out on a non-defective module having a charge level and / or voltage different from the other modules, and without this module therefore necessarily being replaced.

[0014] The electrical cells that make up the module must then be electronically controlled to determine whether the desired charge level has been reached.

[0015] In order to carry out load leveling and load control operations, it is necessary to use a module load control and leveling station (in English " balancer module "), to which the module can be connected.

[0016] To achieve load leveling, a three-legged Y-shaped load leveling cable, or "two-in-one" cable, is typically used between the module and the load leveling and control station.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to carry out the electronic verification and control (in English "monitoring") of the state of charge of the electric cells, an electronic control cable is conventionally used between the module and the control and charge leveling station. Document CN 204 538 142 U describes a connector for a large capacity lithium battery according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0018] So, as illustrated on the figure 1 , a module charge control and leveling installation comprises at least one battery module 2, from a battery pack 100, connected to a charge control and leveling station 1 via two cables, a first cable, called charge leveling cable 3 and a second cable, called electronic control cable 4.

[0019] A load control and leveling station typically has a connection interface, shown in the figure 3 , having on the one hand at least a first charging connector 10 intended to cooperate with one end of a first branch of the charging leveling cable 3, more precisely the rod of the Y, and on the other hand at least a second connector 11 intended to cooperate with one end of the electronic control cable 4.

[0020] The battery module, for its part, comprises on the one hand two charging terminals 20, 21, positive and negative, illustrated on the figure 2 intended to cooperate with the ends of the other two branches of the load leveling cable 3, and on the other hand an electronic control connector 22 intended to cooperate with the end of the electronic control cable 4.

[0021] Module 2 illustrated on the figure 2 is just one example of a battery module. There are many types of modules, designed by various car manufacturers, which can be very different from each other, but always have at least two charging terminals and at least one electronic control connector.

[0022] The load terminals 20, 21 of a module are generally in the form of tapped holes or threaded rods.

[0023] The branches of the charge leveling cable 3 generally have a threaded end (respectively tapped), so as to be mechanically and electrically secured, reversibly, by screwing with the complementary parts (tapped and / or screwed) of the charge terminals 20, 21.

[0024] However, this screwing operation typically causes internal twisting of the cable, which can ultimately damage the electrical wires and compromise the battery module's charge leveling operation.

[0025] There is therefore a need to provide a technical solution that allows an operator to screw the ends of the cable branches, without creating internal torsion in the cable. 3. Summary of the invention

[0026] For this purpose, the invention provides an electrical connection plug for an electrical cable to an electrical terminal according to claim 1.

[0027] When the connection plug is “at rest”, that is to say when it is not being handled by an operator for its assembly on a battery module (respectively disassembly), the elastic return means make it possible on the one hand to firmly maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the end piece, more generally the connection plug, and the electrical terminal of the module so that the electrical and mechanical contact is well ensured; and on the other hand to keep fixed relative to the end piece, thanks to a friction force, the connection element of the cable, so that it cannot freely rotate around it during the module charge leveling operations, which could injure the operator or hinder maneuvers.

[0028] When the connection plug is "in use", i.e. mounted (respectively dismounted) by an operator on the battery module, the latter jointly rotates the wheel and the end piece by compressing the spring in such a way that the friction force is overcome: the assembly formed by the end piece and the wheel can then be pivoted without the cable connection element being driven in turn in rotation.

[0029] The latter, and consequently the cable, then remains immobile relative to the tip. This arrangement also makes it possible to stiffen the connection plug, which makes it easier for an operator to screw it in with one hand.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, said elastic return means consist of a helical return spring mounted under pressure around the end piece between said wheel and said conductive element.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, said second end of said conductive element is mounted around the tip between said coil spring and a stop formed between the first and second ends of the tip.

[0032] The return means exert a thrust on the cable connection element which is pushed back against the stop so as to ensure electrical contact. Furthermore, the connection element is thus pressed against the stop, which creates the friction force which prevents it from pivoting around the end piece when the connection plug is “at rest”.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, said means for connecting the end piece with said terminal comprise a thread at said first end of said end piece capable of cooperating with a complementary tapping provided at said terminal.

[0034] In this case, said means for connecting said end piece with said terminal may comprise a bayonet-type fixing or a fixing by plugging the end piece into or onto said terminal then locking by a screwed cap placed around said end piece.

[0035] According to a variant of the invention, said means for connecting the end piece with said terminal comprise a thread at one end (for example the first end) of said end piece capable of cooperating with a complementary thread provided at said terminal, said end piece being secured to said terminal by screwing onto said terminal.

[0036] The connection of the tip with the terminal is therefore made by screwing the tip relative to the electrical terminal. The end of the tip can be threaded, if the terminal has a thread. The end of the tip can have a threaded hole, if the terminal has a threaded rod.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, said wheel can be detached from said end piece, and the surface of the end piece (in particular at the second end) comprises at least one flat, intended to cooperate with the end of at least one locking part screwed into said wheel.

[0038] In this case, said end piece may comprise a pin forming the second end of said end piece, said helical return spring being mounted under pressure around the pin, the pin comprising said at least one flat, intended to cooperate with the end of at least one locking part screwed into said wheel.

[0039] The assembly consisting of the flat part and the locking piece forms a system for securing the wheel to the end piece which is simple and inexpensive to produce.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, the external surface of said wheel has gripping irregularities, such as grooves or the like.

[0041] This makes the wheel more ergonomic and easier for the operator to grip.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, said conductive element for connecting the cable comprises a tab comprising a first connection orifice to said cable, in said first end of said conductive element, and a second connection orifice to said end piece, in said second end of said conductive element.

[0043] The second connection orifice to said end piece may, according to one embodiment of the invention, be connected to said pin.

[0044] According to an example not forming part of the invention, the end piece comprises at least one intermediate part and one contact part, said parts being configured to cooperate with a cable lug and with a battery terminal.

[0045] According to an example not forming part of the invention, an electrical connection plug of an electrical cable to an electrical terminal of a battery module, comprising: a conductive end piece comprising at least two separate parts, one end of which has means of mechanical and electrical connection with said electrical terminal, and one end of which has a wheel for actuating rotation of at least one of the parts of said end piece and a conductive element for connecting said electrical cable, provided with means for mechanical and electrical securing of said conductive element with said electrical cable, and provided with means of mechanical and electrical connection of said end piece ensuring freedom of rotation of at least one part of the end piece relative to said cable (in particular to the terminal of said cable), the securing / dissecting of said means for connecting said plug to said terminal being carried out by a rotational movement printed by means of said wheel, without rotating said electric cable and / or the conductive element for connecting said cable.

[0046] According to an example not forming part of the invention, said tip comprises a rod, an intermediate part and / or a contact part.

[0047] According to another possible characteristic, the mechanical and electrical connection means with said electrical terminal are formed by the rod or the contact piece.

[0048] According to another possible feature, the wheel is mounted on the intermediate piece.

[0049] According to another possible characteristic, the means of mechanical and electrical attachment of said conductive element to said electrical cable are formed either by the intermediate piece and the contact piece, or by the intermediate piece, the contact piece and the rod.

[0050] According to another possible feature, the intermediate piece and the contact piece are configured to cooperate with a cable lug and with a battery terminal.

[0051] According to another possible feature, the stem is topped with a wheel.

[0052] According to another possible characteristic, the rod, the intermediate part and / or the contact part are made of an electrically conductive material. According to another possible characteristic, the contact part comprises a central part, substantially cylindrical, configured so that a cable lug comes, in the mounted position, to surround said central part (said lug being able to rotate around the central part until the contact part comes into contact with said battery terminal).

[0053] According to another possible characteristic, According to another possible characteristic, the intermediate part has a through hole opening into a retaining groove, the contact part having a crown configured to engage in said retaining groove.

[0054] The retaining groove thus limits the movement of the contact part along the longitudinal axis of the tip.

[0055] According to another possible characteristic, the intermediate part and the contact part are configured to be driven in rotation jointly by means of the wheel (for example by means of shapes, such as flats, arranged on each of the parts cooperating with each other).

[0056] According to another possible characteristic, the rotation of the intermediate and contact parts, by means of the wheel, fixes (or secures) the cable lug against the intermediate part and the contact part (in particular against the lower end of the intermediate part and against a collar of the contact part).

[0057] The invention also relates to a charging wiring kit for a battery module comprising a set of at least two electrical charging cables, each provided with an electrical connection plug as described above. 4. Figures

[0058] Other characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which: there figure 1 illustrates a battery module charge control and leveling station connected to a battery module via a first charge leveling cable, and a second electronic charge control cable; figure 2 illustrates an example of a battery module, comprising on the one hand two electrical charging terminals and on the other hand an electronic control connector; the figure 3 illustrates the interface of a load control and leveling station, comprising at least one load connector dedicated to load leveling and at least one connector dedicated to electronic control; the figure 4illustrates a Y-shaped load leveling cable, comprising a main branch intended to be connected to the charging connector of the station and two secondary cable branches intended to be connected to the electrical terminals of the module via a connection plug according to the invention; the Figure 5 is an exploded view of a connection plug according to the invention; the figure 6 is a view of the connection plug of the Figure 5 , assembly; the figure 7 is a view of the connection plug according to a second embodiment of the invention; the figure 8 is a side view of the connection plug according to the second embodiment of the invention, and the figure 9 illustrates an example of a battery module, comprising on the one hand two electrical charging terminals and on the other hand an electronic control connector, according to a second embodiment, adapted for the connection plugs of the figures 7 and 8 ; there figure 10represents an exploded view of a connection plug according to an example not forming part of the invention; the figure 11 is a view of the connection plug of the figure 10 in assembled form. 5. Detailed description 5.1 General principle of the invention

[0059] The invention therefore proposes a technical solution that is simple to implement to prevent twisting of the end of the load leveling cable when it is placed on the module terminals.

[0060] To do this, the invention proposes implementing an electrical connection plug between an electrical terminal of the battery module and the end of the charge leveling cable, which has a tip that the operator can rotate so as to secure it to the terminal, without the cable being rotated.

[0061] To this end, an element to which the cable is secured is mounted to rotate freely around the end piece, so that the load leveling cable fixed to this holding element remains stationary when the end piece performs a rotational movement. 5.2 Description of a first embodiment of the invention

[0062] There figure 4 illustrates a load equalization / leveling cable 3 having a substantially Y shape, called a “two-in-one cable”.

[0063] This load leveling cable 3 is in fact formed of two cables 31, 32 respectively forming the two branches of the Y, grouped inside a sheath so as to form a third branch 33.

[0064] The end of the third branch 33 comprises a connector 34 intended to cooperate with the charging connector 10 of the charging control and leveling station 1.

[0065] The end of the two branches 31, 32 is intended to be connected to two electrical terminals 20, 21, respectively positive and negative, of a battery module whose charge level, in other words the voltage, is to be modified.

[0066] For this, the end of each of the two branches 31, 32 is made integral with an electrical connection plug 5, mounted, in particular screwed, on the battery module 2, making it possible to electrically connect the charge leveling cable 3 and the battery module 2.

[0067] This electrical connection plug 5 is described below, in relation to the Figures 5 and 6 .

[0068] It comprises an end piece 51, which in this embodiment is a main rod 51, the lower end of which is intended to be connected with the terminal 20, 21 of a battery module.

[0069] The rod, or at least its lower part, is made of conductive material, the electrical contact between the rod and the terminal of the module generally being ensured by the screw threads and / or by an annular surface for bearing the rod on a complementary receiving surface of the terminal of the battery module.

[0070] The lower end of the rod 51 has for this purpose an excess thickness 511 whose peripheral surface is threaded (not shown), this thread being intended to cooperate with a tapping provided in an orifice forming the electrical terminal 20, 21 of the battery module as shown in the figure 2 .

[0071] In the case where the electrical terminal 20 21 of the module is in the form of a threaded rod, the lower end of the rod 51 may have a threaded orifice (second embodiment).

[0072] Any other type of rotational attachment, involving even slight rotation of the rod, may be used within the scope of the invention. For example, the attachment between the rod 51 and the terminal 20, 21 may be of the bayonet type.

[0073] The terminal 20, 21 of the battery module, whether male (second embodiment) or female (first embodiment), can also have a truncated cone shape onto which the rod 51 is inserted, tightening being ensured by a screwed cap.

[0074] The upper end of the rod 51 has three flats 512 facing each other, formed regularly around its circumference.

[0075] This upper end of the rod 51 is engaged inside a wheel 56, or wheel knob, having an orifice of complementary shape.

[0076] The head of the wheel 56 (or upper portion of the wheel) is illustrated with a circular shape, but could take other shapes, for example parallelepiped

[0077] In its circular version, the outer surface of the head of the wheel is advantageously provided with grooves, grooves, or any other type of surface modeling, in regular or irregular form, making it easier for the user to grip and maneuver.

[0078] The body of the wheel 56 (located under the head of the wheel) is provided with three holes 561 (only one of which is shown), regularly distributed around its periphery, which coincide with the positioning of the flats 512 of the upper end of the rod 51.

[0079] Three flat-bottomed screws 57 then make it possible to secure the wheel 56 and the rod 51.

[0080] According to another particular embodiment, the wheel is made of insulating material, for example a plastic and / or macromolecular material, overmolded to engage on roughness or fins provided in - or attached to - the upper end of the rod.

[0081] The wheel 56 forms a handle for the operator. When it is rotated, during the assembly of the electrical connection plug 5 on the battery module 2, it drives the rod 51 in rotation which, cooperating in rotation with the terminal 20, 21 of the battery module, is screwed (respectively unscrewed when the wheel is turned in the opposite direction for the purpose of dismantling the connection plug).

[0082] Furthermore, a copper tab 52, or tongue, is mounted to rotate freely around the rod 1.

[0083] Of substantially elongated shape, it has at one of its ends a first orifice 521 where the rod 51 is introduced, and at the other of its ends a second orifice 522 where the load leveling cable 3 is secured.

[0084] More precisely, the load leveling cable 3 ends with a stirrup made of conductive material which is secured to the lug 52 by means of a screw inserted into the orifice 522. In order to guarantee both the mechanical securing and the electrical connection, the two parts (cable and lug) are advantageously welded or brazed to each other, depending on the nature of their respective conductive materials, while respecting the compatibilities between materials.

[0085] As illustrated on the Figures 5 and 6 , the leg 52 has a Z-shaped profile, the two orifices 521, 522 and the leg portion 52 then being positioned along parallel planes, slightly apart from each other.

[0086] The tab 52 is naturally positioned by one of its faces, at the level of the orifice 521, against the edge 5111 of the excess thickness 511 formed at the bottom of the rod 51, which thus forms a stop.

[0087] In order to maintain permanent contact between the tab 52 and the rim 5111, a pressure spring 54, preferably helical, is mounted around the rod, above the tab 52.

[0088] In the assembled configuration ( figure 6 ) of the electrical connection plug 5, the spring 54 is slightly compressed.

[0089] Consequently, the tab 52 is compressed between the rim 5111 of the lower end of the rod 51 and the spring 54.

[0090] A guide washer 53 and a flat washer 55 are mounted on either side of the spring 54, around the rod 51.

[0091] The guide washer 53 substantially forms a tube provided with a collar 531 oriented towards the lug 52, and acts as a “martyr part”: the collar 531 in fact offers a direct contact surface for the spring 54, which makes it possible to avoid any damage to the copper lug 52, which is a more fragile and abradable material.

[0092] The pressure spring 54 has several functions.

[0093] It firstly allows the tab 52 to be pressed against the stop of the rod 51, by means of the washer 53, which creates between the washer 53, the tab 52 and the rod 51 a friction force such that the tab 52 is immobilized when the electrical connection plug 5 is not being handled by an operator, in other words “at rest”. Thus, the tab 52 is not likely to rotate freely around the rod, which could hinder the operator during the operation of leveling the charge of the battery module, or even injure him.

[0094] Furthermore, it makes it possible to produce, when the connection plug 5 is mounted on the battery module (“at rest” configuration), an extension force to be created, in the axial direction of the rod 51 so as to tension the connection zone between the rod 51 and the terminal 20, 21. In this way, the possible risks of unscrewing the rod 51 relative to the terminal 20, 21 are minimized.

[0095] Finally, this extension force inside the electrical connection plug 5 prevents any unwanted rotation of the wheel 56 relative to the rod 51, resulting from any play between these two elements, which stiffens the electrical connection plug 5 and thus facilitates the one-handed screwing operation.

[0096] When the connection plug 5 is mounted in terminal 20, 21 of the module, there is, through the charge leveling cable 3, a flow of electric current from the control and leveling station 1 to the module 2, and vice versa, making it possible to regulate the charge level of the module.

[0097] In order to mount the connection plug 5 on the battery module (respectively to dismount it), the operator exerts pressure on the wheel 56 while rotating it.

[0098] In this “use” configuration of the connection plug 5, the rotational movement of the assembly formed by the wheel 56 and the rod 51 generates a force greater than the friction force holding the tab 52 fixed around the rod 51.

[0099] This has the effect that the rod 51 rotates (so as to be screwed or unscrewed into or onto the module terminal) without the tab 52 holding the cable in place itself being subject to rotation.

[0100] This therefore ensures that the load levelling cable 3 is not subject to twisting when it is electrically connected to terminal 20, 21.

[0101] The connection plug 5 may be provided to operators in a battery module charging wiring kit comprising a set of at least two charge leveling cables (3) each provided with an electrical connection plug 5.

[0102] Obviously, the proposed technical solution is not limited to the embodiment described above and provided solely as an example. It includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art within the framework of the problem posed. 5.3 Description of a second embodiment of the invention

[0103] In this second embodiment, the battery module 2', the charge level of which is to be modified, has two terminals 20', 21' threaded around their periphery. Such a battery module 2' is illustrated in figure 9 .

[0104] Thus, to connect the two branches 31, 32 of the charge leveling cable to these two terminals 20', 21' called "male", the end of each of the two branches 31, 32 is made integral with an electrical connection plug 5' called "female", mounted, in particular screwed, on the battery module 2', making it possible to electrically connect the charge leveling cable 3 and the battery module 2'.

[0105] This 5' electrical connection plug is described below, in relation to the figures 7 and 8 .

[0106] It has a 51' end piece, the lower end of which is intended to be connected to the 20', 21' terminal of a battery module.

[0107] This lower end has a 510' thread.

[0108] More particularly, the lower end can be connected with the 20', 21' terminal of a 2' battery module by screwing.

[0109] In other words, the means for connecting the end piece 51' with the terminal 20', 21' comprise a thread at the first end of the end piece 51' capable of cooperating with a complementary thread provided at the terminal 20', 21'.

[0110] In this embodiment, the end piece 51' is thus secured by screwing onto the terminal 20', 21'.

[0111] The end piece 51', or at least its lower part (corresponding in particular to the first end), is made of conductive material, the electrical contact between the end piece and the terminal of the module generally being ensured by the screw threads (or threading) and / or by an annular support surface of the end piece on a complementary receiving surface of the terminal of the battery module.

[0112] The terminal 20', 21' of the battery module has a threaded rod, which can be cylindrical in shape, onto which the end piece 51' is fitted, tightening being ensured by a screwed cap.

[0113] Terminal 20', 21' of the battery module can also be truncated cone-shaped, the tightening also being ensured by a screw cap.

[0114] The upper end, or second end, of the end piece 51' is formed by a pin 58.

[0115] This pin 58 may, depending on the embodiment illustrated, include three flats (not illustrated on the figures 7 and 8 ) facing each other, formed regularly around the perimeter of pawn 58.

[0116] This pin 58 is engaged inside a wheel 56, or wheel button, having a complementary shaped orifice.

[0117] The head of the wheel 56 (or upper portion of the wheel) is illustrated with a circular shape, but could take other shapes, for example parallelepiped

[0118] In its circular version, the outer surface of the head of the wheel is advantageously provided with grooves, grooves, or any other type of surface modeling, in regular or irregular form, making it easier for the user to grip and maneuver.

[0119] The body of the wheel 56 (located under the head of the wheel) is provided with three holes 561 (only one of which is shown), regularly distributed around its periphery, which coincide with the positioning of the flats of the pin 58 forming the second end of the end piece 51'.

[0120] Three flat-bottomed screws, similar to the flat-bottomed screws of the first embodiment, then make it possible to secure the wheel 56 and the end piece 51' (by means of the pin 58).

[0121] According to another particular embodiment, the wheel is made of insulating material, for example a plastic and / or macromolecular material, overmolded to engage on roughnesses or fins provided in - or attached to - the upper end of the end piece 51', i.e. on the pin 58.

[0122] The wheel 56 forms a handle for the operator. When it is rotated, during the assembly of the electrical connection plug 5' on the battery module 2', it drives the end piece 51' in rotation which, cooperating in rotation with the terminal 20', 21' of the battery module, is screwed (respectively unscrewed when the wheel is turned in the opposite direction for the purpose of dismantling the connection plug).

[0123] Furthermore, a copper tab 52, or tongue, is mounted to rotate freely around the end piece 51'.

[0124] Of substantially elongated shape, it has at one of its ends a first orifice where the pin 58 is introduced, and at the other of its ends a second orifice where the load leveling cable is secured.

[0125] As for the first embodiment, the tab 52 has a Z-shaped profile, the two orifices and the portion of the tab 52 then being positioned along parallel planes, slightly apart from each other.

[0126] The tab 52 is naturally positioned by one of its faces, at the level of the orifice, against the edge 5111' of the excess thickness formed between the first and second ends of the end piece 51'.

[0127] In order to maintain permanent contact between the tab 52 and the rim 5111', a pressure spring 54, preferably helical, is mounted around the pin 58, above the tab 52.

[0128] When these elements are assembled, as shown in figures 7 and 8 , spring 54 is slightly compressed.

[0129] Consequently, the tab 52 is compressed between the rim 5111' of the end piece 51' and the spring 54.

[0130] A guide washer (not shown) and a flat washer (not shown), similar to those used in the first embodiment, can be mounted on either side of the spring 54, around the end piece 51'.

[0131] The pressure spring 54 has several functions.

[0132] It firstly allows the tab 52 to be pressed against the stop of the end piece 51', by means of the washer, which creates a friction force between the tab and the end piece such that the tab 52 is immobilized when the electrical connection plug 5' is not being handled by an operator, in other words "at rest". Thus, the tab 52 is not likely to rotate freely around the end piece, which could hinder the operator during the load leveling operation of the module 2', or even injure him.

[0133] Furthermore, it makes it possible to produce, when the connection plug 5' is mounted on the battery module 2' (configuration "at rest"), an extension force to be created, in the axial direction of the end piece 51' so as to tension the connection zone between the end piece 51' and the terminal 20', 21'. In this way, the possible risks of detachment, in particular by unscrewing, of the end piece 51' with respect to the terminal 20', 21' are minimized.

[0134] Finally, this extension force inside the 5' electrical connection plug prevents any unwanted rotation of the wheel 56 relative to the end piece 51', resulting from any play between these two elements, which stiffens the 5' electrical connection plug and thus facilitates the one-handed connection operation.

[0135] When the 5' connection plug is mounted on the 20', 21' terminal of the module, there is, through the charge leveling cable, an electric current flow from the control and leveling station to the 2' module, and vice versa, allowing the charge level of the 2' module to be regulated.

[0136] In order to mount the 5' connection plug on the battery module (respectively to dismount it), the operator exerts pressure on the wheel 56 while rotating it.

[0137] In this “use” configuration of the connection plug 5', the rotational movement of the assembly formed by the wheel 56 and the end piece 51' generates a force greater than the friction force holding the tab 52 fixed around the end piece 51'.

[0138] This has the effect that the end piece 51' rotates (so as to be screwed or unscrewed into or onto the module terminal) without the tab 52 holding the cable in place itself being subject to rotation.

[0139] This therefore ensures that the load levelling cable 3 is not subject to twisting when it is electrically connected to terminal 20', 21'. 5.4 Description of an example not forming part of the invention

[0140] According to this example which is not part of the invention, the 5" electrical connection plug is described below, in relation to the Figures 10 and 11 .

[0141] The 5" connection plug has a 51" end piece, the lower end of which is intended to be connected with a female 20, 21 or male 20' or 21' terminal of a battery module, as well as a 56" thumbwheel mounted on said 51" end piece.

[0142] This lower end thus has a thread for female terminals or a tapping for male terminals.

[0143] The 51" tip consists of two or three parts.

[0144] Thus, in a first variant intended to cooperate with female type terminals 20 or 21 of the battery, the end piece 51" comprises a rod 51"a, an intermediate part 51"b having a through hole extending over the height of the part, and a contact part 51"c also having a through hole.

[0145] The rod 51"a has an upper end surmounted by a knurled wheel 511"a, and is preferably threaded over its entire length, the rod 51"a being inserted through the through holes of the intermediate 51"b and contact 51"c parts. The through holes of the intermediate 51"b and / or contact 51"c parts may also have a tapping or threading (intended to cooperate with the threading of the rod), the rod 51"a then screwing through said parts 51"b and / or 51"c, then into the terminal 20 or 21 of the battery. Thus, the end piece 51" is secured by screwing onto the terminal 20, 21, via the rod 51"a. It will be noted that in the mounted position, the rod 51"a, the intermediate piece 51"b and the contact piece 51"c are arranged coaxially with respect to each other.

[0146] The intermediate parts 51"b and contact 51"c, for their part, cooperate with each other, but also with a lug 31a of the cable 31.

[0147] The intermediate part 51"b thus has a substantially cylindrical external shape with a flat 512"a extending over at least part of the height of said part 51"b.

[0148] The intermediate piece 51"b also has two opposite ends, one of the ends having two additional flats 512"b, while the other end has a wall in which an open retaining groove is arranged (the groove being located on the internal face of this wall, not visible on the figure 10 ).

[0149] The 56" wheel, generally made of plastic and having a substantially cylindrical shape, covers (or surrounds) the intermediate part 51"b.

[0150] The 56" wheel thus also comprises a through hole having a flat extending at least over a portion of the height of the 56" wheel.

[0151] The intermediate part 51"b is therefore configured to be inserted at least partially into the wheel 56" and so that the respective flats of said elements cooperate, thus preventing rotation of the wheel 56" relative to the intermediate part 51"b and vice versa (thus in the mounted position, the rotation of the wheel 56" causes rotation of the intermediate part 51"b). It will be noted that the wheel 56" preferably has two parts, a striated / grooved part allowing an operator to turn said wheel 56" by hand and a hexagonal part so that the operator can turn the wheel using a dedicated tool and precisely control the tightening torque.

[0152] In addition, the 56" wheel includes 57" holes arranged to face the flats 512"a and 512'b of the intermediate piece 51"b and allowing fixing means 57", such as flat-bottomed screws, to be inserted to secure the 56" wheel to the intermediate piece 51"b. This assembly makes it possible in particular to prevent longitudinal translation of the 56" wheel relative to the intermediate piece 51"b.

[0153] More particularly, the contact part 51"c comprises a central part 53" of substantially cylindrical shape, the opposite ends of which are respectively surmounted by a crown 53"a (or retaining projection) and a collar 53"b. The central part 53" also has a flat 512"c.

[0154] The crown 53"a of the contact piece 51"c is positioned in the retaining groove of the intermediate piece 51"b, thus preventing the longitudinal translation of the contact piece 51"c relative to the intermediate piece 51"b (there is however a clearance between the intermediate piece and the contact piece, as long as the tip is not positioned adequately on the battery terminal). In addition, the flat 512"c of the contact piece 51"c, in the mounted position, cooperates with the internal flat of the wheel 56 preventing the rotation of the contact piece 51"c relative to the wheel 56 (but also relative to the intermediate piece 51"b).

[0155] Thus, in the mounted position, the lug 31a of the cable 31 surrounds the main body 53" (more particularly the substantially cylindrical part of the main body) and is positioned between the collar 53"b of the contact part 51"c and the crown 53"a of the intermediate part 51"b.

[0156] Thus, when it is desired to secure the 5" connection plug to a female terminal of a battery, the terminal 31a is positioned between the intermediate 51"b and contact 51"c parts, the terminal 31a is then substantially mounted free to rotate on the substantially cylindrical part of the main body 53" and is blocked in translation by said collar 53" and the lower part of the intermediate part 51"b.

[0157] Then the rod 51"a is inserted, successively, through the wheel 56", the intermediate piece 51"b, the terminal 31a and the contact piece 51"c. The end of the rod 51"a is then fixed by screwing onto the terminal 20 or 21 of the battery, the screwing of the rod 51"a being carried out for example by hand by means of the wheel 511"a.

[0158] Subsequently, the intermediate body 51"b (and by extension the contact part 51"c and the terminal 31a) is moved (for example by screwing) by acting on the wheel 56" until the collar 53"b is in contact with the terminal 20 or 21 of the battery. In this (final) position, the terminal 31a is no longer free to rotate and is in contact with the intermediate part 51"b and contact part 51"c of the end piece 51". More particularly, the intermediate part 51"b comprises, at the end comprising the retaining groove, a shoulder 512"c (extending towards the outside of the intermediate part) which then presses homogeneously on the terminal 31a and causes homogeneous mechanical contact between the terminal 31a and the collar 53"b of the contact part 53".

[0159] Indeed, the rod 51"a, the intermediate piece 51"b and the contact piece 51"c are made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) and it is necessary that the electrical contact between the terminal 31a of the cable 31 and the element making up the end piece 51" is the best possible, so as not to create additional resistance which could lead to the creation of a potentially dangerous hot spot for the user of said connection plug.

[0160] In this case, the present example allows the cable to be easily oriented according to the user's needs up to the screwing of the 51" tip, simple and easy screwing ensuring good electrical contact between said plug and the terminal of a battery.

[0161] In a variant of this example not shown, the end of the male terminal 20', 21' can also cooperate directly with a complementary thread (or tapping) provided on the internal wall of the through hole of the intermediate part 51"b. The terminal 20', 21' is inserted through the contact part 51"c and the terminal 31a, the wheel 56" screwing until the rotation of the terminal 31a located between the contact part 51"c and the intermediate part 51"b is blocked. It will be noted that in the context of this variant embodiment, the end piece 51" may not include a rod 51"a, however if this is the case, the rod does not necessarily extend to the battery terminal (but preferably over a part of the height of the intermediate part 51"b).

[0162] In the relevant embodiments, the rod is topped with a wheel, for example made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, so that in the mounted position (i.e. screwed into the intermediate part), said wheel of the rod covers the top of the intermediate part, thus limiting access to the metal intermediate part for the user, thus reducing the risks of false contact, short circuit, or electrocution of the user.

[0163] In another variant not shown, the wheel 56" comprises a stop extending opposite the flat 512"c of the contact piece 51"c (said stop being configured to extend through the lug 31a of the cable 31 without hindering the rotation of said lug 31a around the main body 53" of the contact piece 53").

Claims

1. Plug (5, 5') for electrically connecting an electrical cable (3) to an electrical terminal (20, 21, 20', 21') of a battery module (2, 2'), comprising: - a conductive end fitting (51, 51') comprising, at a first end, means (51) for mechanically and electrically connecting said plug with said electrical terminal, and being provided at a second end with a knob (56) for rotating actuation of said end fitting (51, 51') and - a conductive element for connecting said electrical cable (3), provided with means for mechanically and electrically connecting said conductive element with said electrical cable (3), and provided with means for mechanically and electrically connecting with said end fitting (51, 51') ensuring a freedom of rotation of said end fitting (51, 51') with respect to said cable or to the conductive element connected to said cable, the connection / disconnection of said means of connecting said plug (5, 5') with said terminal (20, 20', 21, 21') being implemented by a rotational movement imparted by means of said knob (56), without rotating at least a part of the conductive element for connecting said electrical cable (3) and / or said cable (3), said conductive element for connecting the cable (3) comprises a lug (52), characterised in that the end fitting (51, 51') forms at its first end a rim (5111, 5111') with a protrusion (511) which thus forms a stop facing and away from the knob (56, 56'), the lug (52) being housed between said stop (5111, 5111') and the knob (56, 56'), and in that said plug (5, 5') comprises elastic return means, disposed between the knob (56, 56') and the lug (52), said elastic return means consist of a pressure spring (54) compressing the lug (52) against the stop (5111, 5111') by exerting an extension force in the axial direction of said end fitting (51, 51') so as to tension said means for connecting the end fitting (51, 51') with the terminal (20, 20', 21, 21'), while exerting a frictional force tending to prevent the rotation of said lug (52) for connecting said electrical cable (3) with respect to said end fitting (51, 51'); said knob (56) being designed to permit a rotational movement of said end fitting (51, 51') relative to said lug (52) by exerting a rotational force greater than said frictional forces.

2. Electrical connection plug (5') according to claim 1, characterised in that said elastic return means consist of a helical return spring (54) mounted under pressure around said end fitting (51') between said knob (56) and said conductive element.

3. Electrical connection plug (5, 5') according to either one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that said conductive element for connecting the cable (3) comprises a lug (52) including a first orifice (522) for connecting to said cable (3), in said first end of said conductive element, and a second orifice (521) for connecting to said end fitting (51, 51'), in said second end of said conductive element.

4. Electrical connection plug (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said means for connecting said end fitting (51) with said terminal (20, 21) comprise a thread at said first end of said end fitting (51) capable of cooperating with a complementary tapping provided at said terminal (20, 21)5. Electrical connection plug (5') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said means for connecting said end fitting (51') with said terminal (20', 21') comprise a tapping (510') at an end of said end fitting (51') capable of cooperating with a complementary thread provided at said terminal (20', 21'), said end fitting (51') being secured to said terminal (20', 21') by screwing onto said terminal (20', 21').

6. Electrical connection plug (5, 5') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said knob (56) is detachable from said end fitting (51, 51'), and in that the end fitting (51, 51') comprises at least one flat (512), intended to cooperate with the end of at least one locking part screwed into said knob (56).

7. Electrical connection plug (5') according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said end fitting (51') comprises a pin (58) forming said second end of said end fitting (51'), said return helical spring (54) being mounted under pressure around said pin (58), said pin including said at least one flat, intended to cooperate with the end of at least one locking part screwed into said knob (56)8. Electrical connection plug (5, 5') according to claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the outer surface of said knob (56) has gripping irregularities, such as grooves or equivalent.

9. Charging-wiring kit for a battery module (2, 2') comprising a set of at least two charging electrical cables (3), each provided with an electrical connection plug (5, 5') according to any one of claims 1 to 8.