electrical connection tab for electrical modular assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection tab (3) for electrically coupling two electrical poles (21) of two adjacent electrical batteries (2), the electrical connection tab (3) comprising a first electrical connection platform (31), a second electrical connection platform (32) and a fusible zone (34) located between the first electrical connection platform (31) and the second electrical connection platform (32). The fusible zone (34) forms a central zone of the electrical connection tab (3) and has reduced dimensions compared to the electrical connection platforms (31, 32), in order to be able to break or melt early in the event of overheating. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: electrical connection tab for electrical modular assembly

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of electric battery modules, and in particular high electric current battery modules. More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical connection tab and to an electrical modular assembly.

[0002] In the state of the art, a modular architecture is known in which electric batteries are coupled together in a modular electric assembly, such a modular electric assembly being able to be connected to an external bus allowing data to be sent to a supervisor.

[0003] In such electrical modular assemblies, the electrical batteries are held between two strips which hold the electrical batteries at their terminal ends, i.e. at their electrical poles. This holding is particularly important because it guarantees the stability of the electrical contact between an electrical pole of each electrical battery and an electrical tab making it possible to electrically connect two adjacent batteries. This type of known modular assembly thus makes it possible to produce a series or parallel electrical assembly of the electrical batteries, in order to provide the expected electrical current at the output of the electrical modular assembly.

[0004] In particular, in order to electrically interconnect the different electric batteries forming the electrical modular assembly, the use of electrical connection tabs is known which make it possible to electrically connect the adjacent electric poles of two adjacent electric batteries. Such electrical tabs thus take the form of flat metal tabs which are welded at the poles of the two electric batteries to be connected. This known configuration thus makes it possible to construct a series and / or parallel structure of the different electric batteries placed between the bezels of the electrical modular assembly.

[0005] The disadvantage of known electrical connection tabs is their poor behavior in the event of a short circuit. Indeed, in the event of a short circuit established on the electrical modular assembly, the known electrical connection tabs begin to heat up, and their geometry leads to resisting this heating. Subsequently, in the event of projection onto the electrical connection tabs of the electrolyte present in the electric batteries, then the electrolyte, under the effect of the temperature of the electrical connection tab, catches fire. Such an outbreak of fire then leads to complete destruction of the electrical modular assembly.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose a new electrical connection tab in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to reduce the risk of fire.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved. with an electrical connection tab allowing two electrical poles of two adjacent electric batteries to be electrically coupled, the electrical connection tab comprising:

[0009] - a first electrical connection platform;

[0010] - a second electrical connection platform;

[0011] - a fusible zone located between the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the electrical connection tab takes the form of a thin plate. In particular, a thickness of the electrical connection tab is significantly less than a width or a length of said electrical connection tab. By significantly less, it is understood that the thickness of the electrical connection tab is at least less than one tenth of the width.

[0013] In a non-limiting manner, the electrical connection tab has a flat shape: it extends in a reference plane defined by a specific elongation axis which corresponds to the largest dimension of one side of the electrical connection tab according to the first aspect of the invention. In general, the electrical connection tab has a generally rectangular conformation, the connection tab extending along the specific elongation axis. The width of the electrical connection tab is taken in a direction perpendicular to the specific elongation axis, called the transverse axis. The transverse axis and the specific elongation axis together define the reference plane of the electrical connection tab.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform form contact zones with the electrical poles of the electric batteries with which the electrical connection tab is intended to collaborate. By contact zone, it is understood that the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform are intended to be placed in abutment against the electrical pole of the electric batteries located opposite, so as to allow the establishment of an electric current from said electrical pole and through said electrical connection platform. Preferably, the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform form welding zones against the electrical pole located opposite the electric battery.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the fusible zone of the electrical connection tab is a portion of said electrical connection tab which is intended to melt or break in the event of heating of the electrical connection tab beyond a melting temperature of said electrical connection tab. The fusible zone is made in one piece with the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform. The fusible zone thus forms a rupture zone of the electrical connection tab which is configured to break following a rise in temperature of the electrical connection tab. For this purpose, the fusible zone has dimensions and / or a density and / or a material which make it more easily and more quickly fusible than the first or second electrical connection platform.

[0016] Thus, the electrical connection tab makes it possible to decouple the first electrical connection platform from the second electrical connection platform in the event of heating of said electrical connection tab, for example following a short circuit on the electrical modular assembly that said electrical connection tab is intended to equip.

[0017] The electrical connection tab according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0018] - the fusible zone is delimited by a thinning of the connection tab electrical. The thinning is obtained in at least one direction of the electrical connection tab according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular, and in a non-limiting manner, the thinning is formed according to a width and / or a thickness of the electrical connection tab. This technical characteristic advantageously makes it possible to localize mechanical and / or thermal stresses in a reduced area of ​​the fusible zone - the thinning - so that the accumulation of these stresses in said thinning leads to its rupture and to the mechanical decoupling of the first electrical connection platform from the second electrical connection platform;

[0019] - the thinning comprises (i) a first clearance formed on a first edge lateral edge of the electrical connection tab, and (ii) a second clearance formed on a second lateral edge of the electrical connection tab, opposite the first lateral edge. Each clearance extends from a lateral edge towards the opposite lateral edge of the electrical connection tab. Thus, the fusible zone of the electrical connection tab is thus laterally delimited by the first clearance and the second clearance. A width of the fusible zone taken between the two clearances is less than a width of the connection tab electrical outlet outside the fuse zone. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to locate mechanical and / or thermal stresses between the first clearance and the second clearance, so that the accumulation of these stresses in the fuse zone thus delimited leads to its rupture and to the mechanical decoupling of the first electrical connection platform from the second electrical connection platform;

[0020] - the first clearance and the second clearance have a triangular shape or circular or trapezoidal. Advantageously, the first clearance and the second clearance are identical. In particular, a shape and / or a dimension of the first clearance is identical to respectively a shape and / or a dimension of the second clearance. More generally, the first clearance and the second clearance are symmetrical to each other with respect to the proper elongation axis of the electrical connection tab;

[0021] - a width of the electrical connection tab, taken at the area fuse, is less than half the width of the electrical connection tab taken outside the fuse zone. Preferably, the width of the electrical connection tab, taken at the fuse zone, is between 30% and 30% of the width of the electrical connection tab taken outside the fuse zone. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate the concentration of mechanical and / or thermal stresses between the first clearance and the second clearance, so that the accumulation of these stresses in the fuse zone leads to its rupture and to the mechanical decoupling of the first electrical connection platform from the second electrical connection platform;

[0022] - the first electrical connection platform and / or the second platform electrical connection platform comprises a groove separating respectively the first electrical connection platform and the second electrical connection platform in two. In other words, the first electrical connection platform and / or the second electrical connection platform comprise (i) a first connection zone, and (ii) a second connection zone separated from the first connection zone by a groove. The groove is through, so that there is a non-zero clearance, taken according to the width of the electrical connection tab, separating the first connection zone from the second connection zone. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to subsequently fix each electrical connection platform to the corresponding electrical pole of the electric battery located opposite.More particularly, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to arrange two fixing zones - the connection zones - of the electrical connection tab on a given electrical pole of an electric battery. Each fixing zone is formed. via one of the two connection areas provided on each electrical connection platform;

[0023] - relative to the width of the electrical connection tab, the groove has a width between 5% and 15% of the width of the electrical connection tab. By way of non-limiting example, the width of the groove is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably equal to 1 mm;

[0024] - the groove extends from an end edge of the first connection platform electrical and / or the second electrical connection platform towards the fuse zone. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate deformation of the electrical connection tab, in particular at the level of each of its electrical connection platforms and / or each of these connection zones;

[0025] - the furrow preferably extends in a straight line;

[0026] - the furrow extends over a distance between 40% and 60% of the length of the first electrical connection platform and / or the second electrical connection platform, taken between the free edge and the fusible zone. As a non-limiting example, according to the specific elongation axis of the electrical connection tab, a length of the groove is between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably equal to 8 mm;

[0027] - the electrical connection tab according to the first aspect of the invention is formed from a metallic material, such as for example comprising steel and / or aluminum and / or copper. Generally, the material forming the electrical connection tab is electrically conductive. In addition, the material forming the electrical connection tab is chosen from those having a good coefficient of thermal conductivity, for example greater than 20 W / m / K, and preferably greater than 150 W / m / K.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is proposed a modular electrical assembly comprising:

[0029] - a plurality of electric batteries arranged adjacent to each other others and all extending along a specific axis of elongation;

[0030] - a first bezel and a second bezel placed opposite the first bezel, the electric batteries all being held at each of their ends - along the proper elongation axis - by the first bezel and the second bezel;

[0031] - a plurality of electrical connection tabs according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, each electrical connection tab connecting two adjacent electric batteries at their ends.

[0032] In other words, each electrical connection tab connects two adjacent electrical batteries at their adjacent electrical poles. More in particular, the electrical pole of two adjacent electrical batteries are connected to each other by respectively the first electrical connection platform of one of the electrical connection tabs, and by the second electrical connection platform of said electrical connection tab.

[0033] Advantageously, each electrical pole is fixed integrally and simultaneously to the first connection zone and to the second connection zone of each electrical connection platform.

[0034] The fixing of each connection zone on the electrical pole located opposite is done by any means, preferably by welding.

[0035] Advantageously, the electrical modular assembly comprises an electronic card interfacing all the electric batteries, the electronic card being fixed securely to the first bezel or to the second bezel. The electronic card makes it possible to shape the electrical voltage and / or the electrical current generated by all the electric batteries.

[0036] More generally, the electronic card is of the type of a battery management system module of the electrical modular assembly with which it is intended to collaborate. The electronic card is used to obtain data on the operation and / or the state of health of the electrical batteries of the electrical modular assembly, and / or to manage the electrical batteries.

[0037] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0039] [Fig-1] illustrates an example of the embodiment of an electrical connection tab in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.2] illustrates a detail and front view of electric batteries held in a bezel and connected together by the electrical connection tabs illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0041] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a electrical modular assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0042] Of course, the characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the others. described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0043] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0044] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0045] With reference to [Fig.l], the invention relates to an electrical connection tab 3. Such an electrical connection tab 3 is used on an electrical modular assembly to electrically connect two adjacent electrical batteries 2, and more particularly their electrical poles 21. Furthermore, in the event of a fire or a short circuit, such an electrical connection tab 3 forms a safety member in order to prevent the outbreak of fire, or otherwise its spread. For this purpose, the electrical connection tab 3 is configured to be fusible or breakable under predetermined circumstances which depend on its dimensioning and composition.

[0046] For this purpose, the electrical connection tab 3 is formed from a metallic material, such as for example comprising steel and / or aluminum and / or copper. Generally, the material forming the electrical connection tab 3 is electrically conductive. Furthermore, the material forming the electrical connection tab 3 is chosen from those having a good coefficient of thermal conductivity, for example greater than 20 W / m / K, and preferably greater than 150 W / m / K.

[0047] Generally speaking, such an electrical connection tab 3 according to the invention comprises:

[0048] - a first electrical connection platform 31;

[0049] - a second electrical connection platform 32;

[0050] - a fusible zone 34 located between the first electrical connection platform 31 and the second electrical connection platform 32.

[0051] The fusible zone 34 of the electrical connection tab 3 is a part of said electrical connection tab 3 which is intended to melt or break in the event of heating of the electrical connection tab 3 beyond a melting temperature of said electrical connection tab 3. The fusible zone 34 is made in one piece with the first electrical connection platform 31 and the second electrical connection platform 32. The fusible zone 34 forms a rupture zone of the electrical connection tab 3 if it undergoes a temperature rise greater than a certain threshold. For this purpose, the fusible zone 34 has dimensions and / or a density and / or a material which makes it more easily and more quickly fusible than the first or second electrical connection platform 32.

[0052] As visible in [Fig.l], the fusible zone 34 is delimited by a thinning 341 of the electrical connection tab 3. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the thinning 341 is formed along a width of the electrical connection tab 3. This technical characteristic makes it possible to locate mechanical and / or thermal stresses in a reduced zone of the fusible zone 34 - the thinning 341 - so that the accumulation of these stresses in said thinning 341 leads to its rupture and to the mechanical decoupling of the first electrical connection platform 31 from the second electrical connection platform 32.

[0053] Thus, a width of the electrical connection tab 3, taken at the level of the fusible zone 34, is less than half the width of the electrical connection tab 3 taken outside the fusible zone 34. Preferably, the width of the electrical connection tab 3, taken at the level of the fusible zone 34, is between 30% and 30% of the width of the electrical connection tab 3 taken outside the fusible zone 34.

[0054] The electrical connection tab 3 illustrated in [Fig.l] has a generally rectangular shape. At the fusible zone 34, the thinning 341 takes the form of a notch located on either side of a median longitudinal axis of the electrical connection tab 3. In particular, the thinning 341 comprises:

[0055] - a first clearance formed on a first lateral edge 324 of the tab of 3 electrical connection, and

[0056] - a second clearance formed on a second lateral edge 324 of the tab of electrical connection 3, opposite the first side edge 324.

[0057] Each clearance extends from a lateral edge 324 towards the opposite lateral edge 324 of the electrical connection tab 3. Thus, the fusible zone 34 of the electrical connection tab 3 is delimited laterally by the first clearance and the second clearance. A width of the fusible zone 34 taken between the two clearances is less than a width of the electrical connection tab 3 taken outside the fusible zone 34.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the first clearance and the second clearance have a trapezoidal shape. The first clearance and the second clearance are identical, so that the first clearance and the second clearance are symmetrical to each other with respect to the proper elongation axis 01 of the electrical connection tab 3.

[0059] Generally speaking, the electrical connection tab 3 is symmetrical with respect to the proper elongation axis 01.

[0060] The first electrical connection platform 31 comprises a groove 33 separating the first electrical connection platform 31 in two. In other words, the first electrical connection platform 31 comprises (i) a first connection zone 321, and (ii) a second connection zone 322 separated from the first connection zone 321 by a groove 33.

[0061] The second electrical connection platform 32 comprises a groove 33 separating the second electrical connection platform 32 in two. In other words, the second electrical connection platform 32 comprises (i) a first connection zone 321, and (ii) a second connection zone 322 separated from the first connection zone 321 by a groove 33.

[0062] The groove 33 is through, so that there is a non-zero clearance, taken according to the width of the electrical connection tab 3, separating the first connection zone 321 from the second connection zone 322. The groove 33 makes it possible to facilitate the subsequent fixing of each electrical connection platform on the corresponding electrical pole 21 of the electric battery 2 located opposite, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. More particularly, the presence of the groove 33 makes it possible to arrange two fixing zones - the connection zones 321, 322 - of the electrical connection tab 3 on a given electrical pole 21 of an electric battery 2. Each fixing zone is formed by one of the two connection zones 321, 322 arranged on each electrical connection platform.

[0063] Relative to the width of the electrical connection tab 3, the groove 33 has a width comprised between 5% and 15% of the width of the electrical connection tab 3. By way of non-limiting example, the width of the groove 33 is comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably equal to 1 mm.

[0064] The groove 33 extends from an end edge of the first electrical connection platform 31 and / or the second electrical connection platform 32 towards the fusible zone 34. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate deformation of the electrical connection tab 3, in particular at the level of each of its electrical connection platforms and / or each of these connection zones 321, 322.

[0065] The groove 33 preferably extends in a rectilinear manner;

[0066] The groove 33 extends over a distance of between 40% and 60% of the length of the first electrical connection platform and / or of the second electrical connection platform 32, taken between the free edge 16 and the fusible zone 34. As a non-limiting example, along the specific elongation axis 01 of the electrical connection tab 3, a length of the groove 33 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably equal to 8 mm.

[0067] With reference to [Fig. 2], a partial top view of a bezel 1 is illustrated on which electric batteries 2 are inserted. Each electric battery 2 is engaged in one of the locations, so that a support wall 131 bears against the corresponding peripheral battery 2. [Fig. 2] also illustrates the use of electrical connection tabs 3 which make it possible to connect two by two the electric poles 21 of two adjacent electric batteries 2 on the bezel 1.

[0068] The first electrical connection platform 31 is fixedly attached, for example by welding, to the electrical pole 21 of a first electrical battery 2, and the second electrical connection platform 32 is fixedly attached, for example by welding, to the electrical pole 21 of a second electrical battery 2 located on a location of the bezel 1 adjacent to that on which the first electrical battery 2 is located. The electrical connection tabs 3 thus make it possible to produce an electrical interconnection between all the electrical batteries 2 of a given electrical modular assembly, in order to form a parallel or series electrical assembly.

[0069] With reference to [Fig.3], the invention also relates to a modular electrical assembly comprising:

[0070] - a plurality of electric batteries arranged adjacent to each other others and all extending along a specific elongation axis 01;

[0071] - a first bezel 1 and a second bezel 1, the second bezel 1 being placed opposite the first bezel 1, the electric batteries 2 all being housed at each of their ends in one of the respective locations of the first bezel 1 and the second bezel 1;

[0072] - a plurality of electrical connection tabs 3 as described previously, each electrical connection tab 3 connecting two adjacent electrical batteries 2 at their ends.

[0073] The electrical modular assembly also comprises an electronic interface 5 in order to shape an output current and / or an output voltage, resulting from the series and / or parallel connection of the electric batteries 2.

[0074] By way of non-limiting example, the electrical modular assembly is of the 8S6P battery pack type.

[0075] Such an electrical modular assembly further comprises an electronic card 4 enabling electrical measurements to be taken on all or part of the electric batteries 2. The electronic card 4 and the electronic interface 5 together form a system for managing the electric batteries 2 of the electrical modular assembly. The electronic card 4 makes it possible in particular to check an output voltage at each 10A line of electric batteries 2 defined by the bezels 1. In the event of detection of an overvoltage, an undervoltage or a short circuit for example, the measurements taken by the electronic card 4 make it possible to trigger protocols to secure the electrical modular assembly and / or to alert the user of an imminent breakdown or malfunction.

[0076] In order to ensure good electrical contact of the electronic card 4 with the electronic interface 5 and / or the electric batteries 2, the electronic card 4 comprises a plurality of elastic deformation members 42s, electrically conductive. The elastic deformation members 42 are in electrical contact with a printed circuit of the electronic card 4 and with all or part of the electric batteries 2. This electrical contact is established by mechanical and electrical coupling of the elastic deformation member 42, an axial movement of which, made possible by its elastic properties and its capacity to be compressed or relaxed, makes it possible to guarantee such mechanical and electrical coupling despite vibratory use of the electrical modular assembly.

[0077] The elastic deformation members 42 are preferably of the type of a conical spring housed in a recess 41 of the electronic card 4, facilitating its installation and the manufacture of said electronic card 4.

[0078] In summary, the invention relates to an electrical connection tab 3 for electrically coupling two electrical poles 21 of two adjacent electrical batteries 2, the electrical connection tab 3 comprising a first electrical connection platform 31, a second electrical connection platform 32 and a fusible zone 34 located between the first electrical connection platform 31 and the second electrical connection platform 32. The fusible zone 34 forms a central zone of the electrical connection tab 3 and has reduced dimensions compared to the electrical connection platforms 31, 32, in order to be able to break or melt early in the event of overheating.

[0079] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical connection tab (3) for electrically coupling two electrical poles (21) of two adjacent electrical batteries (2), the electrical connection tab (3) comprising: - a first electrical connection platform (31); - a second electrical connection platform (32); - a fusible zone (34) located between the first electrical connection platform (31) and the second electrical connection platform (32), the first electrical connection platform (31) and / or the second electrical connection platform (32) comprising: - a first connection zone (321); and - a second connection zone (322) separated from the first connection zone (321) by a groove (33);characterized in that the groove (33) extends over a distance of between 40% and 60% of the length of the first electrical connection platform and / or of the second electrical connection platform (32), taken between the free edge (16) and the fusible zone (34).;

2. Electrical connection tab (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the fusible zone (34) is delimited by a thinning (341) of the electrical connection tab (3).

3. Electrical connection tab (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the thinning (341) comprises: - a first clearance formed on a first lateral edge (324) of the electrical connection tab (3); and - a second clearance formed on a second lateral edge (324) of the electrical connection tab (3), opposite the first lateral edge (324).

4. Electrical connection tab (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the first clearance and the second clearance have a triangular or circular or trapezoidal shape.

5. An electrical connection tab (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein a width of the electrical connection tab (3), taken at the fusible zone (34), is less than half the width of the electrical connection tab (3) taken outside the fusible zone (34).

6.

7.

8. Electrical connection tab (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the groove (33) extends from an end edge of the first electrical connection platform (31) and / or the second electrical connection platform (32) towards the fusible zone (34). Electrical connection tab (3) according to claim 6, in which the groove (33) extends in a rectilinear manner. Modular electrical assembly comprising: - a plurality of electric batteries arranged adjacent to each other and all extending along a specific elongation axis (01); - a first bezel (1) and a second bezel (1) placed opposite the first bezel (1), the electric batteries (2) all being held at each of their ends - along the proper elongation axis (01) - by the first bezel (1) and the second bezel (1); - a plurality of electrical connection tabs (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, each electrical connection tab (3) connecting two adjacent electrical batteries (2) at their ends.

Images