Electrical connection device

Abstract

Title: Electrical connection device The invention relates to an electrical connection device (1) intended to electrically connect a first contact terminal (20a) of a first electrical appliance (10a) to a second contact terminal (20b) of a second electrical appliance (10b). The device comprises at least a first connection zone (200a) and a second connection zone (200b) electrically connected by an electrical connection portion. It also comprises a main body (100) defining, at the first connection zone, a closed contour defining a through opening (250a). The device comprises at least one support tab (110a) extending from the main body into the opening and at least one counter-support zone (125a), the support tab being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening and of pressing the first contact terminal against the counter-support zone.Figure for abstract: Fig.2B.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connection device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of batteries, and more particularly in the field of electrochemical accumulator batteries. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Battery cells typically have two massive terminals protruding from the rest of the cell. In order to form a storage battery, many cells are electrically connected by their respective terminals. The electrical connection of these cells is a crucial point. It is important that it is correctly carried out in order to allow a strong passage of power between the cells.

[0003] Several types of devices for electrically connecting battery cell terminals are used.

[0004] First of all, there are removable connection devices screwed onto the cell terminals. An example of this type of device is presented in document KR200467875U. Although these removable devices allow a satisfactory electrical connection, they are not optimal: they are bulky, their installation on cell terminals requires controlling a tightening torque and finally the tightening can cause their marking as well as a marking of the terminals, thus preventing their reuse.

[0005] A second solution consists of the twinning by crimping or welding of tabs forming the terminals of the cells (see in particular document KR200465409U). This solution is however most often destructive during disassembly.

[0006] A third option concerns clip-on devices. An example of this type of device is presented in document EP3985769 AL. These devices are interesting because they can be dismantled. However, the integration structure of the cells makes the device rigid and requires a significant increase in the mass and volume of the battery.

[0007] Finally, there are connection devices commonly referred to as “clamp devices”, comprising electrically conductive contact fingers elastically connected together so as to clamp each of the terminals to be connected. Document FR2793963A1 discloses a device of this type. The electrical contact between the contact fingers and the terminals is made by abrasive marking, which allows good quality electrical contact but makes the integration of these devices on electrical terminals destructive.

[0008] An objective of the present invention is thus to propose an alternative to the devices presented above and resolving at least some of their drawbacks. SUMMARY

[0009] To achieve this objective, a first aspect of the invention relates to an electrical connection device intended to electrically connect a first contact terminal of a first electrical appliance to a second contact terminal of a second electrical appliance. The device comprises at least a first connection zone and a second connection zone electrically connected by an electrical connection portion. It also comprises a main body having an upper face extending mainly along a transverse plane, the main body defining, at the first connection zone, a closed contour defining an opening passing entirely through the main body in a third direction perpendicular to the transverse plane.The device comprises at least one support tab extending from the main body and at least partially into the opening and at least one counter-support zone, the at least one support tab being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening and of pressing the first contact terminal against the at least one counter-support zone.

[0010] Thanks to the elastic nature of the support tab, the device according to the invention makes it possible to make an electrical connection that does not require welding of the device to the terminals of the electrical devices, which simplifies the mounting of the device on the terminals and avoids the numerous problems linked to laser welding, such as for example the compatibility of materials, oxidation, modification of the crystalline structure or even the creation of a zone of fragility.

[0011] In most embodiments of the device according to the invention, the elastic nature of the support tab makes the device both removable and reusable. This reduces the amount of waste. In the case of a connection involving soldering, a defect in the connection causes the entire battery module to be discarded. The present invention thus makes it possible to greatly reduce the carbon footprint and the waste of raw materials induced by the manufacture of batteries.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic nature of the support tab makes it possible to compensate for possible variations in positioning between the contact terminals and / or the electrical devices themselves. Such variations may be due to manufacturing or assembly hazards. Depending on the dimensions of the support tab, variations typically up to a few millimeters can be compensated.

[0013] The bearing tab is advantageously formed from beryllium copper, which is ductile in the annealed state and can be easily shaped. This facilitates manufacturing of the device. Its properties are also ideal for giving the support leg its elastic behavior.

[0014] The shape of the device according to the invention and its integration on an electrical device allows, compared to the connection devices of the prior art, to gain in compactness, in particular in the third direction. For example, the device according to the invention only very little obstructing access to the terminals of the electrical devices, it is possible to integrate directly above the device according to the invention a printed circuit and systems for managing the electrical devices (commonly referred to as BMS, from the English "Battery Management Systems").

[0015] A second aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising the device according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one first electrical device comprising a first contact terminal.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the device according to the first aspect of the invention on a terminal of an electrical appliance, the method comprising the following steps: a. Providing an electrical connection device according to the first aspect of the invention, a first electrical apparatus comprising a first contact terminal, b. Insert the first contact terminal into the opening of the first connection area of ​​the electrical connection device so as to cause the first support tab to elastically deform.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the insertion of the first contact terminal into the opening causes elastic deformation of the support tab and does not cause plastic deformation of the support tab. This embodiment allows reuse of the electrical connection device.

[0018] According to another variant, the insertion of the first contact terminal into the opening causes elastic deformation of the support tab and then plastic deformation of the support tab. This variant prevents the reuse of the electrical connection device but may be desired in certain contexts, for example when strong mechanical retention of the device can be obtained if the support tab is plastically deformed.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method of dismantling the device according to the first aspect of the invention from a terminal of an electrical appliance, the method comprising the following steps: a. Providing an electrical connection device according to the first aspect of the invention, a first electrical apparatus comprising a first contact terminal, the first contact terminal being inserted into the opening of the first connection area of ​​the electrical connection device and deforming the support tab, b. Disengage the first contact terminal from the opening of the first connection area of ​​the electrical connection device.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the disengagement of the first terminal is done in such a way as to cause the first support tab to elastically relax. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] represents a first connection zone of the connection device according to the invention comprising a support tab and a support tab facing each other.

[0023] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] represents a first connection zone of the connection device according to the invention comprising a support tab and a support tab facing each other as well as electrical contact tabs two by two facing each other.

[0024] [Fig.2A] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the integration of the connection device according to the invention on two battery cells.

[0025] [Fig.2B]

[0026] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a front view of the device illustrating the integration of an electrically insulating portion under the main body of the device.

[0027] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a front view of the device illustrating the integration of an electrically insulating portion under the main body of the device and a heat sink element above the contact terminals connected by the device.

[0028] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] represents an embodiment of the device in which the electrical contact tabs are connected two by two by an electrically conductive secondary body.

[0029] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] illustrates the integration of the device of [Fig.4A] on two battery cells.

[0030] [Fig.5A] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the integration of devices according to the invention on a set of battery cells and the integration of a printed circuit (typically designated PCB, from the English “Printed Circuit Board”) on such an assembly ([Fig.5B]).

[0031] [Fig.5B]

[0032] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a top view of a connection area of ​​the device according to the invention.

[0033] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter-support zone comprises at least one counter-support tab extending from the main body and extending at least partially into the opening of the first connection zone, the counter-support tab being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening.

[0036] According to an advantageous example, the opening is delimited by an internal flank of the main body, and in which the support tab extends from said internal flank.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one electrical contact tab extending from the main body and at least partially into the opening of the first connection area, the electrical contact tab being based on an electrically conductive material and being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening of the first connection area. According to certain embodiments, the electrical contact tab is configured to also plastically deform when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening of the first connection area.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one secondary electrical contact tab extending from the main body and at least partially into the opening of the first connection zone, the secondary electrical contact tab being based on an electrically conductive material and being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening of the first connection zone, the at least one electrical contact tab and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab being opposite each other.

[0039] According to an advantageous example, the main body defines, at the second connection zone, a closed contour defining an opening passing entirely through the main body in the third direction, and the opening of the first connection zone and the opening of the second connection zone are aligned in a first direction of the transverse plane, and in which the support tab is configured to apply a plating force having a non-zero component in the first direction.

[0040] According to an advantageous example, the at least one electrical contact tab and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab overlap at least partially in projection in a plane perpendicular to a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and to the third direction.

[0041] According to an advantageous example, the at least one electrical contact tab and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab are in material continuity by means of a secondary body having a lower face intended to be opposite, and preferably in contact with, the first contact terminal when it is inserted into the opening of the first connection zone.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably both, of the at least one support tab and the at least one counter-support zone is based on an electrically conductive material and is in electrical continuity with the electrical connection portion.

[0043] According to an advantageous example, the at least one support tab is formed from a material having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 120 GPa.

[0044] According to an advantageous example, the at least one support tab has an inner face intended to be in contact with said terminal when the latter is inserted into the opening, the support tab having a thickness en0 measured perpendicular to the inner face of the support tab, with en0 greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and / or less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an electrically insulating portion located under the main body in the third direction, the electrically insulating portion being based on an electrically insulating material.

[0046] According to an advantageous example, the at least one support tab is based on an electrically conductive material, for example taken from one of the following materials: beryllium copper, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, aluminum, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, and steel, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated.

[0047] According to an advantageous example, the main body and the at least one support tab of the first connection zone are in one piece.

[0048] According to an advantageous example, the opening is delimited by an internal flank of the main body, and in which the main body has two notches extending from the internal flank, the two notches being located on either side of the support tab.

[0049] According to an advantageous example, the device comprises a metal plate in which the main body and the support tab are formed.

[0050] According to a preferred example, the at least one support leg projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height Hn0 and, when inserted into the opening, the first contact terminal projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body by a height H20, with H20>Hn0, preferably H20>Hn0. In other words, according to this preferred example, in the third direction, the at least one support tab extends as much as the first contact terminal, and is preferably set back relative to the first contact terminal. The at least one support tab thus preferably does not extend beyond the first contact terminal in the third direction. This makes it possible to limit the size of the assembly in the third direction.

[0051] Preferably, the same applies to the at least one counter-support lug, the at least one electrical contact lug and the at least one secondary electrical contact lug. Thus, according to a preferred example, the at least one electrical contact lug projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height Hi30 and, when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening, the first contact terminal projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height H20, with H20>Hi30, preferably H20>Hi30. Here again, thanks to this, the size of the assembly in the third direction is limited.

[0052] According to a preferred example, the at least one secondary electrical contact tab projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height Hno and, when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening, the first contact terminal projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height H20, with H20>Hi30, preferably H20>Hi30. Here again, thanks to this, the size of the assembly in the third direction is limited.

[0053] Generally, it is preferred that when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening, the entire device is recessed relative to the upper face of the first contact terminal.

[0054] According to one example, when the first contact terminal is inserted into the opening, the first contact terminal projects in the third direction relative to the upper face of the main body over a height H20 and the contact between the at least one support tab and the first contact terminal is made at a height Hno- measured from the upper face of the main body in the third direction, with H20 -Hno'= AH and AH > 1 mm. This makes it possible to ensure a safety margin on the maintenance of the device at the first contact terminal, in particular in the event of external stresses, both thermal and mechanical.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the assembly further comprises a second electrical device comprising a second contact terminal. Preferably, the first electrical appliance and the second electrical appliance are different.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the electrical devices are battery cells.

[0057] Two elements are said to be “electrically connected” when they are each in contact with the same continuous electrical connection element having an electrical conduction preferably greater than 1.107 S / m.

[0058] It is specified that, in the context of the present invention, the terms "on", "overcomes", "covers", "underlying", "facing" and their equivalents do not necessarily mean "in contact with". Thus, for example, the deposition, transfer, bonding, assembly or application of a first element on a second element does not necessarily mean that the two elements are directly in contact with each other, but means that the first element at least partially covers the second element by being either directly in contact with it or by being separated from it by at least one other element.

[0059] A reference frame, preferably orthonormal, comprising the axes X, Y, Z is shown in the figures. This reference frame is applicable by extension to the other figures. In the present patent application, we will preferably speak of thickness for a layer or a plate and of height for a structure or a device. The height is taken perpendicular to the transverse plane XY. The thickness is taken in a direction normal to the main extension plane of the layer or plate. Thus, a layer / plate typically has a thickness in the third direction Z, when it extends mainly along the transverse plane XY, and a projecting element, for example a trench or a tab, has a height in the third direction Z. The relative terms “on”, “under”, “underlying”, “above”, “below” refer, unless otherwise stated, to positions taken in the third direction Z.

[0060] The terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “of the order of” mean “to within 10%, preferably to within 5%”.

[0061] The device 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 6.

[0062] The device 1 is typically intended to electrically connect a first contact terminal 20a of a first electrical device 10a and a second contact terminal 20b of a second electrical device 10b.

[0063] The device 1 comprises at least a first connection zone 200a and a second connection zone 200b, each being intended to be electrically connected to a contact terminal 20a, 20b of an electrical device 10a, 10b. The first connection zone 200a and the second connection zone 200b are electrically connected between them by a connecting portion, which allows the electrical connection of the first contact terminal 20a and the second contact terminal 20b.

[0064] The device 1 comprises a main body 100 having an upper face 101 extending mainly in a transverse plane XY. The transverse plane XY is defined by a first direction and a second direction Y.

[0065] The main body 100 partly defines the connection areas 200a, 200b. The connection portion electrically connecting the first connection area 200a and the second connection area 200b is typically formed in the main body 100. According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection portion is formed by the main body 100. Thus, for example, the main body 100 is formed from an electrically conductive material. It is preferably formed from a copper-based material such as beryllium copper, an aluminum-based material, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, or even from a steel-based material, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated.

[0066] The shape and dimensions of the main body 100 are adapted according to those of the terminals 20a and the electrical devices 10a, 10b to be electrically connected. The main body 100 typically has, in projection in the transverse plane XY, a rectangular shape, possibly with rounded edges. In the classic case of a rectangular main body 100, it has a length LiOo in the first direction X and a width hoo in the second direction Y. According to one example, Lioo is between 80 and 100 mm. According to one example, l^o is between 30 and 45 mm.

[0067] Furthermore, the main body 100 has a thickness e»» along the third direction Z. eiOo is preferably between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0068] The following paragraphs are intended to describe the advantageous characteristics of a connection zone 200a, 200b. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these paragraphs and some of the related figures only refer to and represent the first connection zone 200a. It is understood that these characteristics can be applied to one or both connection zones 200a, 200b. In particular, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two connection zones 200a, 200b have the same characteristics. Furthermore, the main body 100 can have symmetry around an axis directed along Y.

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig.1A], the main body 100 forms at the first connection zone 200a a through opening 250a. The opening 250a passes entirely through the main body 100 in a third direction Z perpendicular to the transverse plane XY. The opening 250a is defined by an internal flank 103 of the main body 100. The opening 250a is entirely surrounded in the transverse plane XY by the main body 100. Thus, the main body 100 defines at the first connection zone 200a a closed contour itself defining the opening 250a. When a contact terminal 20a is introduced into the opening 250a, it is completely surrounded in the transverse plane XY by the main body 10. This shape of the main body 100 allows the terminal 20a to be clamped in the transverse plane XY.

[0070] The opening 250a typically has a rectangular shape when projected in the transverse plane XY, possibly with rounded edges. This is particularly the case when the terminal 20a intended to be placed in electrical contact with the first connection zone 200a has the shape of a right prism. In this case, the internal flank 103 of the main body 100 has four portions 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034 facing each other in pairs: two first portions 1031, 1033 facing each other in the first direction X and two second portions 1032, 1034 facing each other in the second direction Y.

[0071] Other shapes of opening 250a may be envisaged. For example, if terminal 20a has a shape of a cylinder with a circular base, opening 250a may be circular or triangular.

[0072] The dimensions in the transverse plane XY of the opening 250a are adapted according to the dimensions of the contact terminal 20a intended to be placed in electrical contact with the first connection zone 200a.

[0073] In the typical case of a rectangular opening 250a, it has a length L250 along the first direction X and a width I250 along the second direction Y. According to one example, L2so is between 25 and 30 mm. According to one example, l250 is between 20 and 25 mm.

[0074] The second connection zone 200b comprises an opening 250b which may have the same characteristics as the opening 250a of the first connection zone 200a. The openings 250a, 250b are advantageously aligned along the first direction X, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. This means that the opening 250b of the second connection zone 200b advantageously corresponds to the opening 250a of the first connection zone 200a having undergone a translation, without rotation, along the first direction.

[0075] The first connection zone 200a comprises at least one support tab 110a and at least one counter-support zone 125a. The support tab 110a typically extends from the internal flank 103 of the main body 100. It may in particular extend into the opening 250a and above it, that is to say project in the third direction Z relative to the upper face 101 of the main body 10.

[0076] The support tab 110a is configured to press the terminal 20a against the counter-support zone 125a when the latter is inserted into the opening 250a. This ensures that the device 1 is held at the terminal 20a. The support tab 110a is also configured to deform elastically when the terminal 20a is inserted. in the opening 250a and comes into contact with the support tab 110a. This not only allows the support tab 110a to press the terminal 20a, but also allows the compensation of positioning tolerances of the first terminal 20a relative to the second terminal 20b, which is inserted into the opening 250b of the second connection zone 200b.

[0077] Advantageously, the support tab 110a is configured to apply a pressing force to the first terminal 20a having a non-zero component along the first direction X. Preferably, the component along the first direction X of this force is the majority. Thus, preferably, the support tab 110a and the counter-support zone 125a overlap at least partially in projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0078] According to an advantageous example, as illustrated in [Fig.6], the main body 100 has two notches 115a extending from its main flank 103. These notches 115a are located on either side of the support tab 110a. These notches make it possible to weaken the zone 116a of the test body 100 from which the support tab 110a extends, which allows easy disassembly of the device 1 when it is desired to remove it from the electrical appliance 10a. These notches 155 extend over a length 1115 measured from the main flank 103, perpendicular to this main flank 103. ln5 is typically between 2 and 5 mm.

[0079] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the counter-support zone 125a comprises a counter-support tab 120a. Like the support tab 110a, the counter-support tab 120a is further configured to deform elastically when the terminal 20a is inserted into the opening 250a and comes into contact with the counter-support tab 120a. The counter-support tab 120a may have the same structural characteristics as the support tab 110a. The counter-support tab 120a is preferably located opposite the support tab 110a. The counter-support tab 120a thus pushes the terminal 20a against the support tab 110a, and vice versa, which allows good mechanical retention of the device 1 to the terminal 20a and more generally to the first electrical device 10a.

[0080] The support lugs 110a and counter-support lugs 120a each have an inner face 113a, 123a located opposite the first terminal 20a when the latter is inserted into the opening 250a. This inner face 113a, 123a advantageously has a rectilinear profile. This allows the contact between the lug 110a, 120a and the terminal 20a to be made on a restricted portion of the inner face 113a, 123a. As a result, the lugs 113a, 123a grip the terminal 20a better. The retention of the device 1 on the terminal 20a is improved.

[0081] Preferably, the first connection zone 200a comprises at least one electrical contact tab 130a based on an electrically conductive material. This tab electrical contact 130a extends partially into the opening 250a and preferably projects relative to the upper face 101 of the main body 100. The electrical contact tab 130a is preferably configured to elastically deform when the terminal 20a is inserted into the opening 250a.

[0082] The electrical contact tab 130a is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion. It may in particular have been formed from the same electrically conductive material as the main body 100.

[0083] The electrical contact tab 130a has an inner face 133a facing the first terminal 20a when the latter is inserted into the opening 250a. Preferably, this inner face 133a has an at least partially curved profile. In this way, the contact between the tab 130a and the terminal 20a is made on a larger portion of the inner face 133a. The tab 130a thus partially matches the shape of the terminal 20a. Significant power can thus be transmitted between the electrical devices 10a, 10b.

[0084] Advantageously, the first connection zone 200a also comprises at least one secondary electrical contact tab 130a' which may have the same characteristics as the electrical contact tab 130a, in particular with regard to its inner face 133a'.

[0085] Advantageously, at least one electrical contact tab 130a extends from a second portion 1032 of the internal flank 133 and a secondary electrical contact tab 130a' from the second portion 1034 of the internal flank 133 located opposite. The secondary electrical contact tab 130a' is preferably located opposite the electrical contact tab 130a. In other words, these two electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a' overlap at least partially in projection in a plane perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0086] The first connection zone 200a may comprise several pairs consisting of an electrical contact tab 130a and a secondary electrical contact tab 130a'. The tabs 130a, 130a' of each of these pairs are preferably located opposite one another, whether in the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0087] The electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a' can thus ensure the electrical connection between the terminal 20a and the connection portion of the device 1 (i.e., typically the main body 100 in its entirety). It is however understood that the electrical connection function between the terminal 20a and the connection portion can be ensured by the support tab 110a and / or the counter-support tab 120a. It is thus perfectly conceivable that the first connection zone 200a does not comprise an electrical contact tab 130a, 130a' but that the support tab 110a and / or the counter-support tab 120a is made of an electrically conductive material. In this case, the support tab 110a and / or the counter-support tab 120a play(s) both a role of mechanically holding the device 1 on the terminal 20a and of electrically connecting said terminal 20a. Furthermore, it is also perfectly conceivable that the support tab 110a and / or the counter-support tab 120a electrically connect the terminal 20a to the electrical connection portion and that the first connection zone 200a further comprises one or more electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a'. The electrical connection between the terminal 20a and the electrical connection portion is thus ensured both by the support / counter-support tabs 110a, 120a and by the electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a'. This maximizes the contact surface between the device 1 and the first terminal 20a, which is very favorable for the transfer of power from one terminal 20a to the other 20b.

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment, the tabs 110a, 120a, 130a, 130a' of the first connection zone 200a and the main body 100 are monobloc. In other words, all these elements are preferably made from a single material, typically electrically conductive. The tabs can be obtained by mechanical operations (which may include cutting and / or stamping and / or bending steps) applied to a part from which the main body 100 is made. These elements are preferably formed from a copper-based material such as beryllium copper, from an aluminum-based material, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, or from a steel-based material, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated. In the case of beryllium copper, it has preferably undergone a surface silvering treatment. This ensures good quality electrical contact while protecting the elements from oxidation.

[0089] According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, an electrical contact tab 130a and a secondary electrical contact tab 130a' are connected by a secondary body 100'a putting them in continuity of material. This secondary body 100'a has a lower face 102' located opposite the terminal 20a when the latter is inserted into the opening 250a. The lower face 102' of the secondary body preferably extends mainly parallel to the transverse plane XY. The secondary body 100'a and the electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a' are typically dimensioned so that the lower face 102' of the secondary body 100'a is in contact with the terminal 20a when the latter is inserted into the opening 250a ([Fig.4B]).

[0090] The secondary body 100'a thus allows mechanical clamping of the terminal 20a relative to the device 1 in the third direction Z.

[0091] Preferably, the secondary body 100'a is formed from an electrically conductive material. Thus, when its lower face 102' is in contact with the terminal 20a, the the presence of the secondary body 100'a makes it possible to increase the electrical connection surface of the device 1 with the terminal 20a.

[0092] The secondary body 100'a typically connects two electrical contact tabs 130a, 130a' located opposite each other in the second direction Y.

[0093] As mentioned above, all the characteristics just described with reference to the first connection zone 200a can be applied to the second connection zone 200b. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 3A, the second connection zone 200b can have an opening 250b entirely surrounded in the transverse plane XY by the main body 100 and the second connection zone 200b can comprise support tabs 110b, 120b and electrical contact tabs 130b, 130b' as described previously. Advantageously, these tabs 110b, 120b, 130b, 130b' of the second connection zone 200b and the main body 100 are in one piece. The assembly formed by the main body and the various legs 110a, 120a, 130a, 130a', 110b, 120b, 130b, 130b', or even the entire device 1, can thus come from a single material.

[0094] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 comprises an electrically insulating portion 400 located under the main body 100. This electrically insulating portion 400 can take various forms. It can be continuous or discontinuous. It can be a plurality of electrically insulating elements distributed under the main body 100. It can also be a continuous electrically insulating layer having, for example, a shape substantially similar to the main body 100 in projection in the transverse plane XY. The electrically insulating portion 400 does not entirely cover, and preferably not at all, in projection in the transverse plane XY, the openings 250a, 250b in the main body 100 so as not to prevent the insertion of the terminal 20a into the opening 250a.

[0095] The electrically insulating portion 400 makes it possible to raise the main body 100 in the third direction Z relative to the electrical device 10a to which the contact terminal 20a intended to be inserted into the opening 250a is connected.

[0096] The electrically insulating portion 400 may for example be formed from an electrically insulating material among the following: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyimide (PI), or even a coating obtained by a rilsanization process. It thus makes it possible to complete the electrical insulation between the device 1 and the electrical appliance 10a.

[0097] The electrically insulating portion 400 may be clipped, indexed or glued to the main body 100 or may have been laminated with the main body 100.

[0098] As illustrated in [Fig.3B], the upper faces 22a, 22b of the terminals 20a, 20b may be subject to thermal drainage. It is for example advantageous to have on at least one of the upper faces 22a, 22b of the terminals 20a, 20b a heat sink element 500 which can take various forms such as a cold plate, a PCM, a heat sink, a radiator or even a heat pipe.

[0099] As illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, it is possible to use several devices 1 according to the invention to electrically connect two by two numerous electrical devices, typically battery cells in order to form a battery of accumulators. [Fig.5A] illustrates for example a set of battery cells electrically connected two by two by devices according to the invention. The shape of the device 1 and its integration with the battery cells makes it possible to place a PCB plate above the cells without the devices interfering with this stacking ([Fig.5B]).

[0100] The device 1 comprises as many connection zones as there are terminals to be electrically connected to each other. It is conceivable that the same device 1 electrically connects more than two contact terminals. This can in particular be very advantageous for electrically connecting more than two battery cells in parallel. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with the variant in which notches 115a weaken the support tabs 110a. Indeed, dismantling the device 1 can be more complex when the number of electrical devices that it electrically connects is increased. Weakening the support tabs of the different connection zones makes it easier to remove the device 1.

[0101] Method of manufacturing the device according to the invention

[0102] The device 1 according to the invention can be manufactured by implementing the following steps: a. Provide a plate made of an electrically conductive material, b. Form the opening 250a in the plate while retaining the material of the plate intended to form the support tab 110a and possibly the counter-support tab 120a, the electrical contact tab 130a and / or the secondary electrical contact tab 130a', c. Carry out a stamping and / or cutting and / or folding step so as to form the support tab 110a and possibly the counter-support tab 120a, the electrical contact tab 130a and / or the secondary electrical contact tab 130a'.

[0103] It is understood that an opening 250b and tabs 110b, 120b, 130b, 130b' intended to form the second connection zone 200b can be formed simultaneously with the opening 250a of the first connection 200a on the one hand and with the tabs 110a, 120a, 130a, 130a' on the other hand.

[0104] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical connection device (1) for electrically connecting a first contact terminal (20a) of a first electrical appliance (10a) to a second contact terminal (20b) of a second electrical appliance (10b), the device (1) comprising at least a first connection area (200a) and a second connection area (200b) electrically connected by an electrical connection portion, the device (1) comprising a main body (100) having an upper face (101) extending mainly along a transverse plane (XY), the main body (100) defining, at the first connection area (200a), a closed contour defining an opening (250a) passing entirely through the main body (100) along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the transverse plane (XY),the device comprising at least one support tab (110a) extending from the main body (100) and at least partially into the opening (250a) and at least one counter-support zone (125a), the at least one support tab (110a) being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a) and of pressing the first contact terminal (20a) against the at least one counter-support zone (125a).,

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the counter-support zone (125a) comprises at least one counter-support tab (120a) extending from the main body (100) and extending at least partially into the opening (250a) of the first connection zone (200a), the counter-support tab (120a) being capable of deforming elastically when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the opening (250a) is delimited by an internal flank (103a) of the main body (100), and in which the support tab (110a) extends from said internal flank (103a).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one electrical contact tab (130a) extending from the main body (100) and at least partially into the opening (250a) of the first connection area (200a), the electrical contact tab (130a) being based on an electrically conductive material and being capable of deforming elastically when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a) of the first connection area (200a).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim further comprising at least one secondary electrical contact tab (130a') extending from the main body (100) and at least partially into the opening (250a) of the first connection area (200a), the secondary electrical contact tab (130a') being based on an electrically conductive material and being capable of elastically deforming when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a) of the first connection area (200a), the at least one electrical contact tab (130a) and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab (130a') being opposite each other.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main body (100) defines, at the second connection zone (200b), a closed contour defining an opening (250b) passing entirely through the main body (100) in the third direction (Z), in which the opening (250a) of the first connection zone (200a) and the opening (250b) of the second connection zone (200b) are aligned in a first direction (X) of the transverse plane (XY), and in which the support tab (110a) is configured to apply a pressing force having a non-zero component in the first direction (X).

7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5 wherein the at least one electrical contact tab (130a) and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab (130a') overlap at least partially in projection in a plane perpendicular to a second direction (Y), the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X) and to the third direction (Z).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one support tab (110a) projects in the third direction (Z) relative to the upper face (101) of the main body (100) by a height Hn0 and, when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a), the first contact terminal (20a) projects in the third direction (Z) relative to the upper face (101) of the main body (100) by a height H2o, with H2O>Hno, preferably H^Hno.

9. Device (1) according to claim 4 alone or in combination with any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one electrical contact tab (130a) projects in the third direction (Z) relative to the upper face (101) of the main body (100) by a height Hno and, when the first contact terminal (20a) is inserted into the opening (250a), the first contact terminal (20a) projects in the third direction (Z) relative to the upper face (101) of the main body (100) by a height H2o, with H20>Hi30, preferably H2o>Hi3O.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 5 in which the at least one electrical contact tab (130a) and the at least one secondary electrical contact tab (130a') are in continuity of material by means of a secondary body (100'a) having a lower face (102') intended to be opposite, and preferably in contact with, the first contact terminal (20a) when it is inserted into the opening (250a) of the first connection zone (200a).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one, preferably both, of the at least one support tab (110a) and the at least one counter-support zone (125a) is based on an electrically conductive material and is in electrical continuity with the electrical connection portion.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one support tab (110a) is formed from a material having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 120 GPa.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one support tab (110a) has an inner face (113a) intended to be in contact with said terminal (20a, 20b) when the latter is inserted into the opening (250a), the support tab (110a) having a thickness en0 measured perpendicular to the inner face (113a) of the support tab (110a), with ei i 0 greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and / or less than or equal to 2 mm.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an electrically insulating portion (400) located under the main body (100) in the third direction (Z), the electrically insulating portion (400) being based on an electrically insulating material.

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one support tab (110a) is based on an electrically conductive material, for example taken from one of the following materials: beryllium copper, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, aluminum, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, and steel, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated.

16. Device (1) according to claim 4 alone or in combination with any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one electrical contact tab is based on an electrically conductive material, for example taken from one of the following materials: beryllium copper, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, aluminum, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated, and steel, for example nickel-plated or silver-plated.

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main body (100) and the at least one support tab (110a) of the first connection zone (200a) are in one piece.

18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the opening (250a) is delimited by an internal flank (103a) of the main body (100), and in which the main body (100) has two notches (115a) extending from the internal flank (103a), the two notches (115a) being located on either side of the support tab (110a).

19. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a metal plate in which the main body (100) and the support tab (110a) are formed.

20. An assembly comprising the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one first electrical apparatus (10a) comprising a first contact terminal (20a).

21. An assembly according to the preceding claim further comprising a second electrical apparatus (10b) comprising a second contact terminal (20b).

22. Assembly according to the preceding claim in which the first electrical device and / or the second electrical device (10a, 10b) are battery cells.

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