Battery module terminal connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device comprising a protective assembly and a connector (200) for connecting a terminal of a battery module. In particular, the connector (200) and the protective assembly are configured to allow the connection of a busbar, via a contact element, to a battery terminal, while ensuring the protection of operators who may handle either the protective assembly or the connector (200). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Device for connecting a terminal of a battery module FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to the field of battery packs that can be used in vehicles, and more particularly in motor vehicles.

[0002] In this regard, the present invention relates to a device for connecting elementary battery cells. The connection device according to the present invention is particularly compact and adapted to allow handling without risk of electric shock. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A known prior art inter-battery connector is described in document EP3358647.

[0004] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 13] of document EP3358647, this device includes a U-shaped connecting clip defining a U-shaped channel into which a battery connection tab can be inserted and held by spring effect of the connecting clip.

[0005] The connector also includes a movable element capable of adopting either a disengaged position or an engaged position, and which is provided with at least one wedge engaged in the U-shaped channel.

[0006] The wedge is arranged in particular so that the connecting clip has a gap that depends on the position of the moving element. In this respect, the disengaged position and the engaged position are positions of the moving element for which the wedge imposes on the wings of the connecting clip, respectively, a first gap and a second gap that are smaller than the first gap.

[0007] Thus, when it comes to connecting the connector to a battery connection tab, the moving element is initially in its disengaged position in order to provide sufficient spacing (the first spacing) of the wings of the connection clip and thus allow the insertion of the connection tab into the U-shaped channel. This insertion is then followed by a movement of the moving element from its disengaged position to its engaged position so that the wings of the connection clip tighten against the tab and hold the latter by spring effect.

[0008] Although easy to use, this device is nevertheless not satisfactory.

[0009] Indeed, the connection clip proposed in document EP3358647 remains bulky and in some respects difficult to use when it comes to implementing it when the workspace is limited.

[0010] Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a less bulky connection device. Another object of the present invention is also to provide a connection device that limits the risk of electrocution during its use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is, at least in part, achieved by a connection device for a terminal of a battery module, the terminal comprising a hollow metal cylinder extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, called the connection face, of the battery module, the connection device being provided with a connector comprising:

[0012] - an omnibus bar which includes at least one end section;

[0013] - a contact element having the shape of a hollow cylinder and made of a material electrically conductive, the contact element extending, along an elongation direction, from a face, called the first omnibus face of the end section, the contact element further includes fingers which extend along the elongation direction of said contact element, the contact element being intended to be inserted into the metal cylinder when the connector is in a position, called the connected position, with the terminal;

[0014] - a housing having a hollow cylindrical section extending from one end of base towards one end of engagement, said cylindrical section housing coaxially the contact element which extends from the first omnibus face towards the end of engagement;

[0015] the connector further includes bending means arranged to impose, on the fingers, a divergent bending which forces a contact between said fingers and the contact element when said contact element is housed in the metal cylinder.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the connector further comprises a pin extending from an upper end to a lower end in a direction referred to as the push direction, from the base end to the engagement end. This pin, arranged coaxially with the cylindrical section, passes through the contact element. The pin carries the bending means. The pin is arranged to assume either a lower or an upper position by a movement along the elongation axis of the cylindrical section. The upper position is a position in which the bending means are at a distance from the fingers, while the lower position is a position in which the means of flexion impose a force on the fingers leading to divergent flexion of the latter.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bending means comprise a spring element, arranged coaxially with said pin, is configured to exert a finger-spreading force when the pin is in its lower position.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fingers are internally curved at their free end so that, when the pin is in its lower position, the bending means exert the force of spreading the fingers on the internally curved ends.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the connector also includes a cap fixed to the lower end of the pin, the cap being arranged so as to cover the contact element by the free end of said contact element when the pin is in the upper position and to uncover the contact element when the pin is in the lower position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said connection device is further provided with a protective assembly comprising:

[0021] - a protection module comprising from a lower face to a face upper, a base, called the protective base, and a hollow cylinder, called the protective cylinder, which extends from a face of the protective base opposite the lower face, from a first end to a second end, the protective module being configured to allow the insertion of the metal cylinder from the lower face into the protective cylinder, the protective module further comprising fastening means for fixing said protective module to the connection face from the lower face;

[0022] - a ring mounted, in a pivot joint and coaxial manner, to the cylinder of protection, the ring defining, from one of its edges, called the upper edge, to the other of its edges, called the lower edge, an access channel, by the second end, to the hollow metal cylinder when said metal cylinder is inserted into the protection cylinder, said ring comprising means for closing the access channel, the ring being configured to pivot between two angular positions called, respectively, first angular position and second angular position, the first angular position being a position for which the closing means close, at least partially, the access channel, while the second angular position is a position for which the closing means leave the access channel completely free.

[0023] the cylindrical section of the housing being configured to be coupled, in a coupling position, with the protective cylinder, the coupling position being a position in which, on the one hand, the protective cylinder is housed in the cylindrical section, and, on the other hand, the contact element is partly housed in the metal cylinder in order to be in contact with the latter.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the ring is mounted clipped to the protective cylinder.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the ring comprises, from its lower edge to its edge upper, a main cylinder and a main collar intended to be supported against an edge, called the second edge, of the protective cylinder, said second edge delimiting the second end.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the main cylinder includes a collar, called a snap collar, intended to cooperate with a groove, called a snap groove, formed on the internal surface of the protective cylinder in order to maintain, in pivot connection and by snapping, the ring to the protective cylinder.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sealing means comprise at least one deformable clip, referred to as a sealing clip, the at least one sealing clip being configured to project internally into the access channel when the ring is in its first angular position, and to be housed in a through-hole provided in the wall of the protective cylinder when the ring is in its second angular position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one shutter clip, from its origin to its end, follows the cylindrical shape of the protective cylinder when the ring is in the second angular position.

[0029] According to one embodiment, at least one sealing clip includes at its end a boss oriented towards the internal surface of the protective cylinder, said boss being intended to cooperate with a recess formed on the internal surface of the protective cylinder when the ring is in the second angular position, and to bear against the internal surface of the protective cylinder when the ring is in the first angular position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the ring comprises two bayonets extending radially from the main collar, said bayonets being configured for the manipulation of the ring when it comes to rotating said ring between one and the other of the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the housing includes pivoting means configured to allow the ring to pivot from the first angular position to the second angular position. The pivoting means are arranged so that the coupling of the cylindrical section with the protective cylinder comprises two phases, referred to respectively as the first phase and the second phase. The first phase comprises the engagement of the protective cylinder by the engagement end and the insertion of said protective cylinder to a first depth in the cylindrical section, said first depth being measured from the engagement end, while the second phase comprises the continued insertion of the protective cylinder beyond the first depth in the cylindrical section, the first phase being a phase during which the pivoting means force the ring to pivot from its first angular position to its second angular position while the second phase is a phase for which the pivoting means lock the ring in its second angular position.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the pivoting means comprise two grooves formed internally in the cylindrical section, each groove being configured to guide the bayonets.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each groove comprises, from the engagement end, a first section and a second section, the first section being oblique with respect to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section so that the guidance of the bayonets by said first section forces the ring to pivot from the first position to the second position during the first phase, the second section is parallel to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section so that the guidance of the bayonets by said second section locks the ring in the second position during the second phase.

[0034] According to one embodiment, said connection device includes stop means configured to lock the pin in the upper position during the entire unfolding of the first and second phases, the connection device also includes spreader means configured to allow the pin to move from the upper position to the lower position by a push in the direction of the push as soon as the cylindrical section is in a coupling position.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the connector comprises a push button mechanically attached to the upper end of the pin, said push button comprises a main section, flat and perpendicular to the pin, and two lateral sections, flat and perpendicular to the main section, said lateral sections extending laterally from the main section, each lateral section comprising on an inner face a rib, the housing comprising a base section attached to the base end and disposed between the two lateral sections, the base section and the ribs forming stop means.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the spacing means are configured to allow the two lateral sections to be separated in order to release the ribs of the base section.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the spacing means comprise two walls, referred to as side walls, extending from the protective base and on either side of the protective cylinder, the two walls, perpendicular to the side sections, each comprising at least one oblique section, forming in part means of spacing, at the level of one of their free sides and the oblique sections are notably configured to guide the lateral sections in their spacing.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the push button is configured to snap into the protection module as soon as the pin is in the lower position. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0040] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a top view representation of an arrangement of battery modules of a battery pack that may be considered within the scope of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation, according to a perspective view, of a terminal of a battery module of the [Fig.1];

[0042] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of a protective assembly of the connection device according to the present invention, the protective assembly being represented in an exploded and perspective view;

[0043] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of a connector of the device connection according to the present invention, the connector being represented in an exploded and perspective view;

[0044] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the protection assembly in line with the terminal of the battery module and for its assembly with the connection face;

[0045] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic representation of the protection module the protective assembly shown in [Fig.3], and according to a perspective view;

[0046] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic representation of the ring of the assembly protection represented in [Fig.3], and according to a perspective view;

[0047] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic representation of the ring in its first in angular position, the ring is notably represented by its upper edge;

[0048] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic representation of the ring in its first in angular position, the ring is notably represented by its upper edge;

[0049] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of the assembly of protection of the [Fig.3] in contact with the connection face, and according to a perspective view;

[0050] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of the protection module the protective assembly shown in [Fig.3], and according to another perspective view allowing observation of the internal groove and the minimum recess;

[0051] [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of the bus bar and the contact element according to a perspective view;

[0052] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of the housing, and in particular of the cylindrical section and showing the detail of a bayonet guide groove;

[0053] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is an illustration of the guidance of a bayonet by a groove;

[0054] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a representation of the connector along a cutting plane passing through the axis of elongation of the pin and perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the omnibus bar;

[0055] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is a representation of the connector with the pin locked in its upper position;

[0056] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is a representation of the connector at the end of the second phase and for which the lateral sections are separated by the separating means;

[0057] [Fig. 18] The [Fig. 18] is a representation of the connector with the pin in the lower position;

[0058] [Fig. 19] The [Fig. 19] is a schematic representation of the interaction between the spring element and the contact element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The present invention relates to a connection device for a terminal of a battery module. In particular, the present invention relates to a connection device that enhances safety during its implementation.

[0060] Thus, the present invention relates to a connection device for a terminal of a battery module, the terminal comprising a hollow metal cylinder which extends in a direction perpendicular to a face, called the connection face, of the battery module.

[0061] The connection device is notably provided with a connector. The latter includes a busbar which includes at least one end section.

[0062] A “bus bar” according to the terms of the present invention may also be called an “interconnection bar”.

[0063] The connector also includes a contact element having the form of a hollow cylinder and made of an electrically conductive material, the contact element extending, in an elongation direction, from a face, called the first omnibus face of the end section, the contact element further includes fingers which extend in the elongation direction of said contact element and which are internally curved at their free end, the contact element being intended to be inserted into the metal cylinder when the connector is in a position, called the connected position, with the terminal.

[0064] The connector further comprises a housing having a hollow cylindrical section extending from a base end to an engagement end, said section cylindrical housing coaxially the contact element which extends from the first omnibus face towards the engagement end.

[0065] Finally, the connector includes bending means arranged to impose a divergent bend on the fingers, forcing contact between said fingers and the contact element when said contact element is housed in the metal cylinder.

[0066] By "diverging bending", we mean a bending of the fingers which tends to move the free ends of each of the fingers away from the axis of revolution of the contact element.

[0067] According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the present invention, the connection device is further provided with a protective assembly which includes:

[0068] - a protection module comprising from a lower face to a face upper, a base, called the protective base, and a hollow cylinder, called the protective cylinder, which extends from a face of the base opposite the lower face, from a first end to a second end, the protective module being configured to allow the insertion of the metal cylinder from the lower face into the protective cylinder, the protective module further comprising snap-on means configured to snap said protective module onto the connection face from the lower face;

[0069] - a ring mounted, in a pivot joint and coaxial manner, to the cylinder of protection, the ring defining, from one of its edges, called the upper edge, to the other of its edges, called the lower edge, an access channel, by the second end, to the hollow metal cylinder when said metal cylinder is inserted into the protection cylinder, said ring comprising means for closing the access channel, the ring being configured to pivot between two angular positions called, respectively, first angular position and second angular position, the first angular position being a position for which the closing means close, at least partially, the access channel, while the second angular position is a position for which the closing means leave the access channel completely free.

[0070] the cylindrical section of the housing being configured to be coupled, in a coupling position, with the protective cylinder, the coupling position being a position in which, on the one hand, the protective cylinder is housed in the cylindrical section, and, on the other hand, the contact element is partly housed in the metal cylinder in order to be in contact with the latter.

[0071] In [Fig. 1], a battery block 1 can be seen from a top view. In particular, the battery block 1 comprises two rows 2a and 2b of elementary battery modules 3.

[0072] In the example shown in [Fig.1], the modules 3 are electrically connected to each other at a region 4 arranged between the two rows 2a and 2b.

[0073] In particular, in this region, each module comprises two terminals and more particularly a positive terminal and a negative terminal, allowing the adjacent modules to be connected to each other, and two by two.

[0074] In this regard, [Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a terminal 5 of a module 3. The terminal 5 comprises a hollow metal cylinder 5a extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, referred to as the connection face 6, of the module 3 towards a free end. It is understood that the metal cylinder 5a is open at its free end.

[0075] The present invention relates to a connection device 10 allowing in particular the connection of terminals as described in relation to [Fig.2].

[0076] In particular, a connection device 10 according to the present invention comprises a protective assembly 100 and a connector 200 intended to cooperate with said protective assembly. It is understood that the protective assembly 100 and the connector 200 can, according to the present invention, be considered independently of each other. In other words, the present invention can relate to the connector alone or to the protective assembly alone.

[0077] More particularly, the protection assembly 100, as shown in [Fig.3] according to an exploded view, comprises a protection module 110 and a ring 120.

[0078] Figure 4 also shows, in exploded view, the connector 200. In particular, the connector 200 as shown in Figure 4 comprises a busbar 210, a contact element 220, and a housing having a hollow cylindrical section 230. As illustrated in Figure 4, the housing may also include a base section 240a, 240b. In particular, this base section 240a, 240b may be formed by two parts, referred to respectively as the lower base section 240a and the upper base section 240b. The lower base section 240a and the upper base section 240b are integral with the cylindrical section 230. The connector 200 may also include a pin 250, a cap 260, and a spring element 270.

[0079] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the protective assembly 100 for assembly with the connection face 6. The protective module 110 (also shown in Fig. 6) comprises, from a lower face 110a to an upper face 110b, a base, called the protective base 111, and a hollow cylinder, called the protective cylinder 112.

[0080] The protection module 110 advantageously comprises an insulating material, for example a plastic material.

[0081] In particular, the protective cylinder 112 extends from a first end 112a to a second end 112b. More particularly, the protective cylinder 112 extends, from its first end 112a to its second end 112b, from a face of the protective base 111 opposite to the lower face.

[0082] The protective base 111 is arranged to allow access to the protective cylinder 112 through the lower face 110a. More specifically, the protective base 111 includes a through opening so that the protective cylinder 112 opens through the lower face 110a.

[0083] This arrangement thus allows the positioning of the protection module on the connection face 6 and the insertion of the metal cylinder 5a through the lower face 110a into the protection cylinder 112. This aspect is illustrated by the arrow “A” shown in [Fig.5].

[0084] The protective module 110 further includes fastening means configured to hold said module 110 in contact with the connection face 6. For example, the fastening means may include snap-on means for holding the protective module 110 snap-on to the connection face 6. The snap-on means may in this respect include, in particular, flexible levers 113 arranged on the lower face 110a. These flexible levers 113 are more particularly arranged to cooperate with openings 6a provided on or in the connection face 6 as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the protection module 110 can be fixed to the connection face with fastening means which include, for example, screws.

[0086] The invention is not limited to these aspects alone, and a person skilled in the art may use any means enabling the attachment of the protection module to the connection face without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] The protective assembly 100 also includes the ring 120 illustrated in [Fig. 7]. The ring 120 is mounted, in particular, by pivot joint and coaxially, to the protective cylinder 112. More specifically, the ring 120 defines, from one of its edges, referred to as the upper edge 120a, to the other of its edges, referred to as the lower edge 120b, an access channel 121, via the second end 112b, to the hollow metal cylinder 5a when said metal cylinder 5a is inserted into the protective cylinder 112. In other words, as soon as the metal cylinder 5a is inserted into the protective cylinder 112, the ring is arranged in continuity and coaxially with said metal cylinder 5a.

[0088] According to the present invention, the ring 120 includes means for closing the access channel 121. In this respect, the ring 120 is configured to pivot between two angular positions, referred to respectively as the first angular position and the second angular position. The first angular position is a position for which the the sealing means partially block the access channel 121, while the second angular position is a position for which the sealing means leave the access channel 121 completely free of access.

[0089] By "leave completely free of access" is meant means of closure which do not obstruct the access channel.

[0090] Advantageously, the ring 120 can be clipped onto the protective cylinder 110.

[0091] By way of example, and as illustrated in [Fig.7], the ring 120 may comprise, from its lower edge 120b to its upper edge 120a, a main cylinder 122 and a main collar 123. In particular, as shown in [Fig. 10], the main collar 123 may be in contact with an edge, called the second edge 112c, of the protective cylinder 112, said second edge 112c delimiting the second end 112b. In addition, the main cylinder 122 includes a collar, called the snap collar 124, intended to cooperate with a groove, called the snap groove 114, formed on the internal surface of the protective cylinder in order to maintain, in pivot connection and by snapping, the ring 120 to the protective cylinder 110. By way of example, and without limitation, the snap collar is disposed on the lower edge 120b and may be discontinuous.More specifically, the main cylinder may include one or more slots extending parallel to a generatrix of said main cylinder towards the lower edge 120b and creating discontinuities in the snap-on collar. These discontinuities (and slots) allow elastic deformation of the ring when it snaps into the protective cylinder.

[0092] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sealing means comprise at least one deformable clip, referred to as a sealing clip 125. For example, and as illustrated in [Fig.7], the sealing means comprise two sealing clips 125. In particular, at least one sealing clip 125 can be configured to project internally into the access channel 121 when the ring 120 is in its first angular position ([Fig.8]), and to be housed in a through-hole 126 ([Fig.7] and [Fig.9]) provided in the wall of the protective cylinder when the ring 120 is in its second angular position.

[0093] Advantageously, the at least one shutter clip 125, from its base to its end 125a, conforms to the cylindrical shape of the protective cylinder when the ring is in the second angular position. The at least one shutter clip 125 may include at its end 125a a boss 125b oriented towards the inner surface of the protective cylinder, said boss 125b being intended to cooperate with a recess 115 formed on the inner surface of the protective cylinder 110 when the ring 120 is in the second angular position, and be bearing against the internal surface of the protective cylinder 110 when the ring 120 is in the first angular position.

[0094] Advantageously, the ring 120 may include two bayonets 127 extending radially from the main collar, said bayonets being configured for manipulating the ring when rotating said ring between the first angular position and the second angular position. The bayonets 127 may, in particular, cooperate with indexing means formed on the protective cylinder.

[0095] In particular, the indexing means may comprise two sets of notches, respectively referred to as the first set 116 and the second set 117 ([Fig. 11]). The notches 116 and 117 may, in particular, cooperate with lugs 128 formed on the main collar 123

[0096] Thus, when the ring 120 is in the first position, the lugs 128 each rest in a notch 116. Equivalently, when the ring 120 is in the second position, the lugs 128 each rest in a notch 117.

[0097] In operation, as soon as the ring 120 is in the first position, the boss 125b of each sealing clip 125 is in contact with the internal surface of the protective cylinder 110. This contact induces a deformation of the sealing clip 125 so that said sealing clip 125 is projected (by deformation) internally into the access channel 121 and at least partially closes the latter.

[0098] It is understood that the internal surface of the protective cylinder is defined as a cylindrical surface while a recess is defined as an (open) cavity in which a boss would fit and thus allow the sealing clip to adopt a so-called rest position, the rest position being a position for which the sealing clip is undeformed and does not obstruct the access channel.

[0099] Thus, during operation, the rotation of the ring from its first angular position to its last angular position causes the bosses to slide against the inner surface of the protective cylinder. As long as the ring has not reached its second angular position, the boss of the ring in question remains in contact with the inner surface of the protective cylinder, such that at least one sealing clip is deformed and projected internally into the access channel. As soon as the ring reaches its second angular position, the boss of at least one sealing clip is aligned with a recess, so that at least one sealing clip can assume its rest position.

[0100] As illustrated in [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 12], the connector 200 may include a busbar 210. In particular, The busbar 210 may take the form of a narrow, elongated plate. More specifically, the busbar 210 may include, at each of its ends, an end section 210a and a contact element 220.

[0101] By "include at each of its extremities" is meant an end section, of the busbar, which extends from one end of said busbar.

[0102] The connector 200 also includes a contact element 220 having the shape of a hollow cylinder and projecting from one face, referred to as the first omnibus face 21a, of the end section. In particular, the hollow cylinder 220 extends from the first omnibus face towards one of its ends, referred to as the free end 220a.

[0103] The contact element may advantageously include fingers 221 which extend along the direction of elongation of said contact element and which are internally curved at their free end.

[0104] It is understood that the bus bar and the contact element each comprise an electrically conductive material, for example copper.

[0105] The connector 200 also includes a housing. In particular, the housing is provided with a hollow cylindrical section 230 and a basic section 240a, 240b. The housing comprises an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic material.

[0106] In particular, the base section comprises an upper base section 240b and a lower base section 240a. The upper base sections 240b and lower base sections 240a are configured to be assembled together to form a housing for an end section of the busbar. The base section is rectangular in shape.

[0107] The cylindrical section 230 extends from the lower base section 240a, from a base end 230a to an engagement end 230b. In particular, the cylindrical section 230 and the base section are interconnected, and specifically interconnected via the lower base section 240a. According to this configuration, the end section 210a is housed within the base section, while the contact element 220 extends from the first omnibus face 211a into the cylindrical section 220. More specifically, the contact element 220 extends from the first omnibus face 211a to the engagement end 230b and coaxially with the cylindrical section 220.

[0108] Furthermore, the cylindrical section 230 is configured to be coupled in a coupling position with the protective cylinder 110, the coupling position being a position in which, on the one hand, the protective cylinder is housed in the cylindrical section, and, on the other hand, the contact element is partially housed in the metal cylinder in order to be in contact with the latter. Furthermore, the cylindrical section may also include latching means 129 configured to allow the retention in contact, by snap-locking, of said cylindrical section with the protective cylinder ([Fig. 19])

[0109] The housing includes pivoting means configured to allow the ring 120 to pivot from the first angular position to the second angular position when coupling the cylindrical section 230 with the protective cylinder 110.

[0110] In particular, the pivoting means are arranged so that the coupling of the cylindrical section 230 with the protective cylinder 110 comprises two phases, referred to respectively as the first phase and the second phase. In this respect, the first phase comprises the engagement of the protective cylinder 112 by the engagement end 230b and the insertion of said protective cylinder 112 to a first depth PI in the cylindrical section 230, said first depth being measured from the engagement end 230b, while the second phase comprises the continued insertion of the protective cylinder 112 beyond the first depth in the cylindrical section 230.The first phase is a phase during which the pivoting means force the ring to pivot from its first angular position to its second angular position, while the second phase is a phase in which the pivoting means lock the ring in its second angular position.

[0111] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 13] and [Fig. 14], the pivoting means comprise two grooves 231 formed internally in the cylindrical section 230, each groove being configured to guide the bayonets 127. More particularly, each groove comprises, from the engagement end, a first section 231a and a second section 231b. The first section 231a is oblique with respect to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section 230 such that the guiding of the bayonets 127 by said first section 231a forces the ring 120 to pivot from the first position to the second position during the first phase. The second section 231b is parallel to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section 230 so that the guidance of the bayonets 127 by said second section 231b locks the ring 120 in the second position during the second phase.

[0112] Advantageously, the connector 200 may also include a pin 250 ([Fig. 4]). More particularly, the pin 250 has an elongated shape and optionally rotational symmetry about its axis of elongation. The pin 250 extends from a high end 250a to a base end 250b in a direction called the thrust direction, from the base end 230a to the engagement end 230b. Said pin, arranged coaxially with the cylindrical section 230, passes through the contact element 220.

[0113] It is understood that the housing, and in particular the base section 240a, 240b, includes a passage for the pin 250. In particular, this passage allows for the movement of the pin 250 in a direction from the base end to the engagement end.

[0114] It is understood that a section of the pin remains outside the housing so as to allow the latter to be operated outside said housing.

[0115] The connector 200 also includes a cap 260 fixed to the lower end 250b of the pin 250.

[0116] The pin 250 is more particularly arranged to assume either a low position or a high position by a movement along the elongation axis of the cylindrical section. In this respect, the high position is a position in which the cap covers the contact element by the free end of said contact element in order to isolate said contact element from the metal cylinder ([Fig. 15]). The low position is a position in which the cap 260 exposes the contact element 220.

[0117] The pin 250 is thus arranged so that, when coupling the connector with the protective cylinder, it remains in its upper position and so that the cap 260 remains capped on the contact element in order to avoid any electrical contact between the contact element and the terminal.

[0118] The pin is also arranged so that, after coupling of the connector with the protective cylinder, it can move from its upper position to its lower position so that the cap exposes the contact element 220.

[0119] In these respects, the connection device includes stop means and spacing means.

[0120] The stop means are configured in particular to lock the pin 250 in the upper position during the entire unfolding of the first and second phases, while the spread means are configured to allow the pin to move from the upper position to the lower position by a push in the direction of the push as soon as the cylindrical section is in a coupling position.

[0121] The connector 200 includes a push button 251 mechanically attached to the upper end 250a of the pin 250.

[0122] More particularly, the push button 251 comprises a main section 251a, which is flat and perpendicular to the pin 250, and two lateral sections 251b, 251c, which are flat and perpendicular to the main section 251a. The lateral sections 251b, 251c extend laterally from the main section 251a, each lateral section 251b, 251b comprising on an inner face 252b, 252c a rib 253b and 253c.

[0123] The base section 240a, 240b, integral with the base end, is disposed between the two lateral sections, the base section 240a, 240b and the ribs forming the abutment means. In particular, the ribs 253b and 253c are configured to be in abutted against a face, called the abutment face 241, of the base section 240a, 240b opposite the engagement end. In other words, once the ribs 253b, 253c are abutted against the base section 240a, 240b, no movement of the pin 250 in the direction of thrust is possible. In this respect, [Fig. 16] illustrates the connector 200, for which the pin 250 is held in its upper position by the abutment means.

[0124] The spacing means can be configured to allow the two lateral sections 251b, 251c to be separated so as to free the ribs 253b, 253c from the base section 240a, 240b.

[0125] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spacing means may comprise two walls, referred to as side walls 118, which extend from the protection base 111 and on either side of the protection cylinder 112.

[0126] The two side walls 118, perpendicular to the side sections 251b, 251c extend in particular from the base of protection 111, towards one of their edges called free edge 118a ([Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.10], [Fig.17]).

[0127] This free edge 118a includes in particular at each of its ends an oblique section 119 forming in part the means of spacing.

[0128] The oblique sections 119 are arranged to cause the lateral sections to separate once the second phase is complete. In other words, the oblique sections 119 are configured to guide the lateral sections in their separation, and thus allow, during the thrust force, the pin to move from its upper position to its lower position.

[0129] In addition, the spacing means may also include blocks, referred to as spacing blocks 254, formed on the internal faces 252b and 252c. In particular, said spacing blocks may have a triangular cross-section along a cutting plane parallel to the lateral walls 118.

[0130] In particular, the triangular-shaped section is oriented so as to be able to cooperate with an oblique section 119 in the spacing of the lateral sections (see [Fig.17]).

[0131] The positioning of the oblique sections 119 and the spacing blocks 254 is adjusted so that the spacing of the oblique sections only occurs at the end of the second phase.

[0132] As soon as the spreading means separate the lateral sections 251b, 251c, the ribs 253b, 253c disengage from the stop face 241. This disengagement of the ribs 253b, 253c thus allows, under the effect of a pushing force exerted on the push button, the pin to move from its upper position to its lower position.

[0133] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the push button is configured to snap into the protection module as soon as the pin is in the lower position.

[0134] In this regard, the side sections may include snap-fit ​​means intended to cooperate with the base section when the pin is in its lower position.

[0135] In particular, the base section 118 may include on its lateral sides shoulders 118b against which the spacer blocks 254 snap into place when the pin is in its lower position ([Fig. 18]).

[0136] The contact element 220 comprises fingers that extend along the direction of elongation of said contact element and are internally curved at their free end 221. The fingers are configured, in particular, to come into contact with the protective cylinder when the cap exposes said contact element. In this regard, the connector may include bending means arranged to impose a divergent deflection on the fingers, forcing contact between said fingers and the contact element when said contact element is housed in the metal cylinder. These bending means may, in particular, be configured to impose a deflection of the internally curved free ends of the fingers when the pin is in its lowered position.

[0137] Advantageously, the pin comprises a spring element 270, having rotational symmetry, arranged coaxially with said pin. The spring element 270 is configured in particular to exert a force separating the fingers of the contact element when the pin is in its lowered position. In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 19], the spring element 270 acts on the internally curved free ends of the fingers, and thus forces contact between the fingers and the metal cylinder. It is understood that the cross-section of the spring element imposing the divergent deflection of the fingers has a diameter greater than the indentation formed by the curved free ends.

[0138] The present invention has been described according to specific embodiments which should in no way limit its scope.

[0139] In particular, it is understood that all the characteristics presented in the statement can be considered individually.

[0140] In particular, it is understood that the present invention may relate to a connector for a terminal of a battery module, the terminal comprising a hollow metal cylinder extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, referred to as the connection face, of the battery module, the connection device being provided with a connector comprising:

[0141] - an omnibus bar which includes at least one end section;

[0142] - a contact element having the shape of a hollow cylinder and made of a material electrically conductive, the contact element extending, along an elongation direction, from a face, called the first omnibus face of the end section, the contact element further includes fingers which extend along the elongation direction of said contact element and which are internally curved at their free end, the contact element being intended to be inserted into the metal cylinder when the connector is in a position, called the connected position, with the terminal;

[0143] - a housing having a hollow cylindrical section extending from one end of base towards one end of engagement, said cylindrical section housing coaxially the contact element which extends from the first omnibus face towards the end of engagement;

[0144] the connector further includes bending means arranged to impose a divergent bend on the fingers, forcing contact between said fingers and the contact element when said contact element is housed in the metal cylinder.

[0145] Equivalently, the present invention may relate to a connector for a terminal of a battery module, the terminal comprising a hollow metal cylinder extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, referred to as the connection face, of the battery module, the connection device being provided with a connector comprising:

[0146] - an omnibus bar which includes at least one end section;

[0147] - a contact element having the shape of a hollow cylinder and made of a material electrically conductive, the contact element extending, along an elongation direction, from a face, called the first omnibus face of the end section, the contact element further includes fingers which extend along the elongation direction of said contact element and which are internally curved at their free end, the contact element being intended to be inserted into the metal cylinder when the connector is in a position, called the connected position, with the terminal;

[0148] - a housing having a hollow cylindrical section extending from one end of base towards one end of engagement, said cylindrical section housing coaxially the contact element which extends from the first omnibus face towards the end of engagement.

[0149] The connector further comprises a pin extending from an upper end to a lower end in a direction called the thrust direction, from the base end to the engagement end, said pin, arranged coaxially with the cylindrical section, passing through the contact element, the pin carrying the bending means, the The pin is arranged to assume either a low or a high position by movement along the elongation axis of the cylindrical section. The high position is one in which the bending means are at a distance from the internally curved ends of the fingers, while the low position is one in which the bending means exert a force on the internally curved ends of the fingers, leading to divergent bending of the fingers. The connector also includes a cap fixed to the lower end of the pin. The cap is arranged to cover the contact element with its free end when the pin is in the high position and to uncover the contact element when the pin is in the low position.

[0150] Finally, the present invention may relate to a protective assembly for a terminal of a battery module, the terminal comprising a hollow metal cylinder extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, called the connection face, of the battery module, the protective assembly comprising:

[0151] - a protection module comprising from a lower face to a face upper, a base, called the protective base, and a hollow cylinder, called the protective cylinder, which extends from a face of the base opposite the lower face, from a first end to a second end, the protective module being configured to allow the insertion of the metal cylinder from the lower face into the protective cylinder, the protective module further comprising snap-on means configured to snap said protective module onto the connection face from the lower face;

[0152] - a ring mounted, in a pivot joint and coaxial manner, to the cylinder of protection, the ring defining, from one of its edges, called the upper edge, to the other of its edges, called the lower edge, an access channel, by the second end, to the hollow metal cylinder when said metal cylinder is inserted into the protection cylinder, said ring comprising means for closing the access channel, the ring being configured to pivot between two angular positions called, respectively, first angular position and second angular position, the first angular position being a position for which the closing means close, at least partially, the access channel, while the second angular position is a position for which the closing means leave the access channel completely free.

[0153] the cylindrical section of the housing being configured to be coupled, in a coupling position, with the protective cylinder, the coupling position being a position in which, on the one hand, the protective cylinder is housed in the cylindrical section, and, on the other hand, the contact element is partly housed in the metal cylinder in order to be in contact with the latter.

[0154] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Demands Connection device (10) for a terminal (5) of a battery module, the terminal (5) comprising a hollow metallic cylinder (5a) extending in a direction perpendicular to a face, referred to as the connection face (6), of the battery module, the connection device (10) being provided with a connector (200) which includes: - an omnibus bar which includes at least one end section (210a); - a contact element (220) having the form of a hollow cylinder and made of an electrically conductive material, the contact element (220) extending, in an elongation direction, from a face, called the first omnibus face (211a) of the end section (210a), the contact element (220) further includes fingers (221) which extend in the elongation direction of said contact element (220), the contact element (220) being intended to be inserted into the metal cylinder (5a) when the connector (200) is in a position, called the connected position, with the terminal (5); - a housing having a hollow cylindrical section (230) extending from a base end (230a) to an engagement end (230b), said cylindrical section (230) housing coaxially the contact element (220) extending from the first omnibus face (211a) to the engagement end (230b); The connector (200) further comprises bending means arranged to impose a divergent deflection on the fingers (221), forcing contact between said fingers (221) and the metal cylinder (5a) when said contact element (220) is housed within the metal cylinder (5a). The connector (200) further comprises a pin (250) extending from an upper end to a lower end in a direction referred to as the thrust direction, from the base end (230a) to the engagement end (230b). Said pin (250), arranged coaxially with the cylindrical section (230), passes through the contact element (220). The pin (250) carries the bending means. The pin (250) is arranged to assume either a lower or an upper position by movement along the elongation axis of the cylindrical section. (230), the high position being a position in which the means of flexion are at a distance from the fingers (221), while the low position is a position for which the bending means impose a force on the fingers (221) leading to divergent bending of the latter, the bending means include a spring element (270), arranged coaxially with said pin (250), is configured to exert a force spreading the fingers (221) when the pin (250) is in its lower position.

2. A connecting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fingers (221) are internally curved at their free end (220a) so that, when the pin is in its lower position, the bending means exert the spreading force of the fingers on the internally curved ends.

3. Connection device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector (200) also includes a cap (260) fixed to the lower end of the pin (250), the cap (260) being arranged to cover the contact element (220) by the free end (220a) of said contact element (220) when the pin (250) is in the upper position and uncover the contact element (220) when the pin (250) is in the lower position.

4. A connection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said connection device (10) is further provided with a protective assembly (100) comprising: - a protective module (110) comprising, from a lower face (110a) to an upper face (110b), a base, referred to as the protective base (111), and a hollow cylinder, referred to as the protective cylinder (112), extending from a face of the protective base (111) opposite the lower face (110a) from a first end (112a) to a second end (112b), the protective module (110) being configured to allow the insertion of the metal cylinder (5a) through the lower face (110a) into the protective cylinder (112), the protective module (110) further comprising fastening means for fixing said protective module (110) onto the connection face (6) by the lower face (110a);- a ring (200) mounted, in pivot connection and coaxially, to the protective cylinder (112), the ring (200) defining, from one of its edges, called upper edge (120a), to the other of its edges, called lower edge (120b), an access channel (121), by the second end, to the hollow metal cylinder (5a) when said metal cylinder (5a) is inserted into the protective cylinder (112), said ring; (200) comprising means for closing the access channel (121), the ring (200) being configured to pivot between two angular positions called, respectively, first angular position and second angular position, the first angular position being a position for which the closing means close, at least partially, the access channel (121), while the second angular position is a position for which the closing means leave the access channel (121) completely free of access, the cylindrical section (230) of the housing being configured to be coupled, in a coupling position, with the protective cylinder (112), the coupling position being a position for which, on the one hand, the protective cylinder (112) is housed in the cylindrical section (230), and, on the other hand, the contact element (220) is partially housed in the metal cylinder (5a) in order to be in contact with the latter.

5. Connection device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the ring (200) is mounted clipped to the protective cylinder (112).

6. Connection device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the ring (200) comprises, from its lower edge (120b) to its upper edge (120a), a main cylinder (122) and a main collar (123) intended to bear against an edge, called the second edge, of the protective cylinder (112), said second edge delimiting the second end.

7. Connection device (10) according to claim 6, in which the main cylinder (122) includes a collar, called a snap collar (124), intended to cooperate with a groove, called a snap groove (114), formed on the internal surface (252b, 252c) of the protective cylinder (112) in order to maintain, in pivot connection and by snapping, the ring (200) to the protective cylinder (112).

8. Connection device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sealing means comprise at least one deformable clip, referred to as a sealing clip (125), the at least one sealing clip (125) being configured to project internally into the access channel (121) when the ring (200) is in its first angular position, and to be housed in a through-hole (126) provided in the wall of the protective cylinder (112) when the ring (200) is in its second angular position.

9. Connection device (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least one sealing clip (125), from its origin to its end, conforms to the cylindrical shape of the protective cylinder (112) when the ring (200) is in the second angular position.

10. Connection device (10) according to claim 9, wherein at least one sealing clip (125) comprises at its end a boss (125b) oriented towards the inner surface (252b, 252c) of the protective cylinder (112), said boss (125b) being intended to cooperate with a recess (115) formed on the inner surface (252b, 252c) of the protective cylinder (112) when the ring (200) is in the second angular position, and to bear against the inner surface (252b, 252c) of the protective cylinder (112) when the ring (200) is in the first angular position.

11. A connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 10 in combination with claim 8, wherein the ring (200) comprises two bayonets (127) extending radially from the main collar (123), said bayonets (127) being configured for manipulating the ring (200) when rotating said ring (200) between one and the other of the first angular position and the second angular position.

12. A connection device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the housing includes pivoting means configured to allow the ring (200) to pivot from the first angular position to the second angular position, the pivoting means are arranged so that the coupling of the cylindrical section (230) with the protective cylinder (112) comprises two phases, respectively called the first phase and the second phase, the first phase comprising the engagement of the protective cylinder (112) by the engagement end (230b) and the insertion of said protective cylinder (112) to a first depth in the cylindrical section (230), said first depth being measured from the engagement end (230b), while the second phase comprises the continued insertion of the protective cylinder (112) beyond the first depth in the cylindrical section (230),the first phase being a phase during which the pivoting means force the ring (200) to pivot from its first angular position to its second angular position, while the second phase is a phase for which, the pivoting means lock the ring (200) in its second angular position.

13. Connection device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the pivoting means comprise two grooves (231) formed internally in the cylindrical section (230), each groove being configured to guide the bayonets.

14. A connection device (10) according to claim 13, in which each groove comprises, from the engagement end (230b), a first section (231a) and a second section (231b), the first section (231a) being oblique with respect to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section (230) such that the guidance of the bayonets (127) by said first section (231a) forces the ring (200) to pivot from the first position to the second position during the first phase, the second section (231b) being parallel to the elongation axis of the cylindrical section (230) such that the guidance of the bayonets (127) by said second section (231b) locks the ring (200) in the second position during the second phase.

15. Connection device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein said connection device (10) comprises stop means (241) configured to lock the pin (250) in the upper position during the entire unfolding of the first and second phases, the connection device (10) also comprises spreader means configured to allow the pin (250) to move from the upper position to the lower position by a push in the direction of the push as soon as the cylindrical section (230) is in a coupling position.

16. A connection device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the connector (200) comprises a push button (251) mechanically fixed to the upper end of the pin (250), said push button (251) comprising a main section (251a), flat and perpendicular to the pin (250), and two lateral sections (251b, 251c), flat and perpendicular to the main section (251a), said lateral sections (251b, 251c) extending laterally from the main section (251a), each lateral section comprising, on an inner face (252b, 252c), a rib (253b, 253c), the housing comprising a base section (240a, 240b) fixed to the base end (230a) and disposed between the two

17.

18.

19. lateral sections (251b, 251c), the base section (240a, 240b) and the ribs (253b, 253c) forming stop means (241). Connection device (10) according to claim 16, wherein the spacing means are configured to allow the two lateral sections (251b, 251c) to be separated so as to release the ribs (253b, 253c) from the base section (240a, 240b). Connection device (10) according to claim 17, in which the spacing means comprise two walls, referred to as side walls (118), which extend from the protective base (111) and on either side of the protective cylinder, the two walls, perpendicular to the side sections (251b, 251c), each comprising at least one oblique section (119), forming part of the spacing means, at the level of one of their free sides and the oblique sections are in particular configured to guide the side sections in their spacing. Connection device (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the push button (251) is configured to snap into the protection module (110) when the pin (250) is in the lower position.

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