Battery module for control unit of electrical circuit breaker, control unit and electrical circuit breaker

Abstract

To provide a battery module which can be installed from a front part of a control unit while granting the protection of people.SOLUTION: A battery module (200) is inserted into a battery housing (201) which is opened to a front face (22) of a control unit (20) of an electrical circuit breaker. The battery module comprises an outer sheath (210) including a proximal wall (214), which is substantially orthogonal to a main axis (A214), and a peripheral wall (216) extending from the proximal wall and presenting a continuous contour around the main axis. Both the proximal wall and the peripheral wall define a cavity (211) for receiving a battery (212). The battery module comprises a conductive element (220B), and the conductive element (220B) is partially received in the cavity and connected to poles of the battery. Both the proximal wall and the peripheral wall form a continuous portion of the outer sheath extending from the proximal wall in a minimum distance (L240) of 14 mm or more along the main axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module for a control unit of an electric circuit breaker, to a control unit including such a battery module, and to an electric circuit breaker including such a control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric circuit breaker including a breaker unit and an electronic control unit is known, in particular from EP-0843332-A1. Such a control unit is typically configured to measure the operating state of the circuit breaker in real time and to command the opening of the breaker unit in the event of a malfunction of the circuit breaker. The control unit is reversibly received in a housing provided in the breaker unit and is located on the front side of the circuit breaker, thereby allowing a user to read and / or adjust certain operating parameters of the electric circuit breaker. The control unit is detachable, thereby allowing a user to replace the control unit in the event of a malfunction without having to disconnect the breaker unit from the rest of the electrical installation.

[0003] According to the present application, electric circuit breakers operate under voltages of hundreds or even thousands of volts and currents of up to thousands of amperes. Electrical circuit breakers in general, and their control units in particular, must provide sufficient electrical isolation to ensure the safety of people. For example, Tables 13 and 15 of the IEC 947-1:2019 standard define isolation classes, which correspond to the minimum distances that must be observed between a charged point or a point likely to be charged and the user. The isolation distance depends, inter alia, on the required isolation class and the voltage at which the electric circuit breaker operates. In the context of this specification, two main voltage ranges are considered: the first range corresponds to voltages up to 690 V and the second range corresponds strictly to voltages above 690 V. For voltages above 690 V, Class 1 isolation requires a clearance of more than 7 mm and a creepage distance of more than 10 mm. Class 2 isolation doubles these distances. For voltages below 690 V, Class 2 isolation requires a clearance of more than 10 mm.

[0004] EP3290935-A1 describes a control unit comprising a casing made of insulating material in which several components are accommodated, such as a printed circuit board, voltage dividing components, etc. A power supply module is typically provided to supply the control unit when the circuit breaker is powered on. A battery is typically provided and accommodated in an enclosure provided in the casing, in particular to enable backup of various data during activation of the circuit breaker or when the circuit breaker is not powered on.

[0005] However, this battery must be replaced periodically. Conventional electrical circuit breakers require the removal of the control unit from the breaker unit, which requires the user to have specific authorization and interrupt the operation of the electrical installation, making the seemingly simple task of battery replacement tedious and complicated. Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows battery replacement from the front without interrupting operation, while ensuring the safety of people. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] EP-0843332-A1 [Patent Document 2] EP3290935-A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims in particular to address these needs by proposing a battery module that can be installed from the front of the control unit while guaranteeing the protection of people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a battery module for a control unit of an electric circuit breaker, the battery module being adapted to be inserted into an associated battery housing of the control unit, the housing being open to a front face of the control unit and having an elongated shape according to a depth axis perpendicular to the front face, the control unit comprising two electrical contact pads arranged on the bottom of the housing; - Battery module an envelope comprising a proximal wall generally perpendicular to a major axis and a peripheral wall extending upright from the proximal wall and presenting a continuous contour around the major axis, the proximal and peripheral walls together defining a cavity in the envelope, the cavity configured to receive a battery presenting two electrodes, the cavity opening from the envelope through a distal opening, the distal opening being located on the opposite side of the major axis from the proximal wall; a cover movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover at least partially encloses the cavity, the cover in the closed position being configured to retain batteries within the cavity, the battery module then being in the closed configuration; two conductive elements, each comprising an input tab configured to be connected to a respective pole of a battery cell and an output tab configured to be connected to a respective electrical contact pad of the control unit when the battery module is in a closed configuration and received in a corresponding housing in an assembled configuration of the battery module to the control unit; - the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together form a continuous portion of the outer jacket, which continuous portion extends from the proximal wall to a minimum distance, which minimum distance, measured along the major axis, is not less than 14 mm.

[0009] The invention ensures that the Class 2 separation distance according to the IEC 947-1:2019 standard is always respected, regardless of the position of the battery module during assembly with the control unit, in other words, both when the control unit is in the assembled configuration and during insertion of the battery module into the control unit housing. Thus, even if the housing opens to the front of the battery module, it is possible to replace the battery module from the front, in other words, without having to displace the battery module relative to the rest of the electrical circuit breaker.

[0010] According to advantageous but non-essential aspects of the invention, such a battery module may incorporate one or more of the following features, either in isolation or in any technically permissible combination:

[0011] The cover is articulated to rotate about a hinge axis relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.

[0012] - the battery module is configured to receive a battery exhibiting two poles, which are located on opposite sides of the battery; Meanwhile, the two conductive elements include a first element carried by the cover and a second element carried by the outer jacket; each output tab having a terminal portion generally in the shape of a straight wing; On the other hand, when the battery module is in a closed configuration, the two terminal portions open from the cavity through a passage provided in the cover, and the two terminal portions extend parallel to the main axis and are offset relative to each other along a transverse axis, which is perpendicular to the main axis.

[0013] - when the battery module is in a closed configuration, the terminal parts are geometrically supported by the same connection plane, which is parallel to the main axis and parallel to the transverse axis; Meanwhile, the cover has two extensions, each extension being associated with a respective passage; On the other hand, each extension portion provides a conduit, the conduit extending from an associated passage parallel to the major axis when the battery module is in a closed configuration, and a terminal portion opening through the considered passage is at least partially received in the associated conduit; On the other hand, the two conduits open according to the same connection direction, which connection direction is perpendicular to the connection plane so as to allow an electrical connection at each of the terminal parts according to the connection direction.

[0014] - each terminal portion has an end portion, the ends of the terminal portions being aligned relative to one another along a transverse axis; On the other hand, each extension presents a lug, which extends in the corresponding conduit and rises from the remainder of the extension, and each lug is interposed between the extension and the corresponding terminal part according to the connection direction, and each lug provides support for the corresponding terminal part; On the other hand, the lugs are aligned according to the transverse axis.

[0015] - each terminal portion has an end portion presenting a terminal bulge, the terminal bulge being raised relative to the remainder of the corresponding terminal portion and extending in the connection direction, each terminal bulge being configured to provide support for an associated contact pad; On the other hand, each extension portion presents a terminal protrusion that is provided raised relative to the rest of the corresponding extension portion according to the connection direction, and each terminal protrusion is aligned with the terminal bulge of the corresponding terminal portion according to the main axis.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a control unit for an electric circuit breaker, the control unit comprising: - an example of a battery module as defined above; and - a casing made of insulating material and provided with an enclosure for receiving a battery module, the enclosure being recessed from a front plane and opening to a front surface according to a depth axis; - the control unit has two contact pads, the two contact pads are located at the bottom of the housing, The two output tabs are configured to be electrically connected to respective contact pads when the control unit is in an assembled configuration.

[0017] Advantageously, - Battery module is as defined above, On the other hand, the housing has a bottom wall, the bottom wall has an opening, and the contact pads are located on an opposite side of the housing from the bottom wall; On the other hand, when the control unit is in the assembled configuration, each extension and associated terminal portion passes through a corresponding opening, with the terminal portion bearing against a corresponding contact pad.

[0018] - The opening exhibits an IP2x protection index as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard.

[0019] - Battery module is as defined above, On the other hand, each terminal protrusion is configured to provide support against the contour of the corresponding opening during insertion of the battery module into the battery housing, so as to guide each extension and associated terminal portion as it passes through the opening and to prevent the terminal bulge of the terminal portion under consideration from hitting the contour of the opening.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an electric circuit breaker, the electric circuit breaker comprising: a breaker unit comprising at least one actuator and a breaker device that is actuatable by the actuator; - an example of a control unit as defined above, - the breaker unit provides a receptacle, the receptacle opening to the front of the breaker unit; - In an assembled configuration of the electric circuit breaker, the control unit is received in the receptacle of the breaker unit, and the control unit is configured to control the actuator to activate the breaker device.

[0021] The invention will be better understood and other advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of one embodiment of a battery module, control unit, and circuit breaker according to the principles of the invention, given by way of example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective and partially exploded perspective views of an electric circuit breaker according to the invention, respectively represented in two inserts a) and b), and further comprising a control unit according to the invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 1, the control unit being equipped with a battery module according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] A larger scale view of the control unit according to arrow IV of Figure 3, represented in three inserts a), b), and c), respectively, as well as a perspective view of the battery module of Figure 3, represented in insert b), and an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 3, represented in insert c). [Figure 5] 4A and 4B are exploded and perspective views of certain elements of the battery module of FIG. 3, represented in two inserts a) and b). [Figure 6]4A and 4B are exploded and perspective views of certain elements of the battery module of FIG. 3, represented in two inserts a) and b). [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 3 in an open configuration, shown in two inserts a) and b), and a perspective view of the cover of the battery module. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of the control unit in two intermediate configurations over time, during the assembly of the battery module to the remainder of the control unit, shown in two inserts a) and b). [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the control unit in a third intermediate configuration and an assembled configuration during assembly of the battery module to the remainder of the control unit, shown in two inserts a) and b), respectively. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of details of the control unit in an assembled configuration with some pieces hidden. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An electric circuit breaker 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The electric circuit breaker 10, also referred to simply as circuit breaker 10, is a multi-pole circuit breaker, specifically a three-pole circuit breaker. The number of poles of the circuit breaker 10 is not limited. In a known manner, a multi-pole electric circuit breaker includes, for each pole, input and output power terminals that are connected to or electrically isolated from each other by a breaker device of the circuit breaker. The breaker device includes, for example, a separable movable contact, which is received in a breaker chamber of the electric circuit breaker 10, and whose movement is controlled by an actuator. Thus, the breaker device can be activated by the actuator. The breaker chamber is realized here by three grids 12 visible on the top surface of the circuit breaker 10; other elements of the breaker device are not depicted.

[0024] The electrical circuit breaker 10 is intended for use in electrical installations, for example to control the power supply of machine tools. In its normal use configuration, the electrical circuit breaker 10 is typically located in an electrical cabinet, with the electrical circuit breaker 10 presenting a front face 14 that is oriented towards a user standing in front of the electrical cabinet. The electrical cabinet is not depicted.

[0025] The electrical circuit breaker 10 comprises a breaker unit 16 which includes, among other things, each of the breaker chambers as well as the breaker devices and associated actuators.

[0026] The electrical circuit breaker 10 advantageously comprises a cover 18, which is removable from the breaker unit 16. The cover 18 is made of an electrically insulating material and extends generally according to a front plane P14, which defines part of the front face 14 of the electrical circuit breaker 10 and, more particularly, of the breaker unit 16. The cover 18 therefore serves to protect the user from the circuit breaker 10. In FIG. 1a), the cover 18 is shown assembled to the breaker unit 16, which corresponds to the normal use configuration of the circuit breaker 10. In FIG. 1b), the cover 18 is spaced apart from the breaker unit 16, which may be seen, for example, during maintenance of the breaker unit 16.

[0027] The electrical circuit breaker 10 also includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to analyze the condition of the breaker unit 16 and, based on the results of these analyses, is configured to activate the actuator, thereby separating the separable contacts.

[0028] The control unit has a front surface 22, which has a generally flat shape and is geometrically supported by a front plane P22, which is perpendicular to a depth axis A22 of the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 is in its normal use configuration, the front surface 22 is oriented toward the user. The front surface 22 therefore defines a forward direction D22, which is parallel to the depth axis A22. The forward direction D22 is represented by an arrow. The concepts of directions such as "forward," "backward," "up," and "down" are defined with respect to the elements as represented in the drawings, with the understanding that in practice they may differ.

[0029] The cover 18 includes a window 19 through which the front face 22 of the control unit 20 is visible. The window 19 is preferably closed by a transparent flap, which is not depicted.

[0030] The control unit 20 is reversibly assembled to the breaker unit 16. In the example of Figures 1a) and 1b), the control unit 20 is shown in an assembled configuration to the breaker unit 16. The control unit 20 is shown in isolation in Figure 2. The breaker unit 16 provides a receptacle, which opens onto the front face 14 of the breaker unit 16 and in which the control unit 20 is received, so that, as shown particularly in Figure 1a), the front face 22 of the control unit 20 in the assembled configuration is substantially aligned with the front face 14 of the breaker unit 16. The receptacle is not depicted.

[0031] The control unit 20 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0032] The control unit 20 comprises a casing 30, which is made of an insulating material and forms a receiving volume for the various components of the control unit 20. The casing 30 specifically houses a printed circuit board 32, which is partially visible in Figure 3. The printed circuit board 32 comprises a printed circuit and several electronic components, such as a microprocessor.

[0033] In the illustrated example, printed circuit board 32 comprises several portions connected to each other by a communication bus, not depicted herein. Optionally, one or more portions of printed circuit board 32 are flexible. Alternatively, printed circuit board 32 includes several portions that are not connected to each other by a communication bus. Alternatively, the printed circuit board is monolithic.

[0034] The casing 30 includes a front subassembly 100. More specifically, the subassembly 100 belongs to the control unit 20. The front subassembly 100 comprises a central portion 102, which is generally flat and presents a front side 102A and a rear side 102B opposite the front side 102A. The central portion 102 is configured to receive at least one human-machine interface element 104, as used herein. The front side 102A of the central portion 102 is preferably oriented according to a forward direction D22. The human-machine interface is also referred to by its acronym HMI. The human-machine interface element 104 is also simply referred to as an "HMI element" 104. In the illustrated example, the central portion 102 comprises several HMI elements 104. The HMI elements 104 herein include three indicator lights 104A, a transparent portion 104B through which the screen can be viewed, and four buttons 104C. These examples are not limiting, and the type, number, and placement of the HMI elements 104 may be varied during the design of the front subassembly 100.

[0035] The front subassembly 100 is reversibly assembled to the rest of the control unit 20, in particular to the casing 30, so that it is possible to replace the front subassembly 100 in the event of a malfunction. The central portion 102 therefore forms part of the front face 22 of the control unit 20.

[0036] The casing 30 comprises at least one housing 98, here three housings, each recessed from the front plane P22 and opening to the front face 22.

[0037] The control unit 20 also includes at least one functional module 99, here three functional modules 99, with each housing associated with a respective functional module, such that each functional module 99 is configured to be reversibly received in an associated housing, with the functional module 99 under consideration being in an assembled configuration.

[0038] Preferably, the control unit 20 comprises several functional modules 99. In the illustrated example, the control unit 20 comprises three functional modules 99, which are distinct from one another and include a first module designed to receive a battery, herein referred to as a battery module 200; a second module, herein referred to as a wired connection module 300; and a third module, herein referred to as a wireless communication module 400. Each functional module 99 is associated with a respective housing 98. Each functional module 99 is configured to be reversibly received in the associated housing 98, where the functional modules 99 are in an assembled configuration. In the illustrated example, each functional module 99 is configured to be inserted into the corresponding housing 98 according to an insertion motion, which is a translational motion parallel to the depth axis A22 and oriented according to a rearward direction, i.e., a direction opposite to the forward direction D22.

[0039] 3, the control unit 20 is shown in a partially exploded perspective view, with the battery module 200, the connection module 300, and the communication module 400 shown separated from the casing. Thus, the battery module 200 is associated with the battery housing 201, while the connection module 300 is associated with the connection housing 301, and the communication module 400 is associated with a housing located on an edge of the front surface 22 and labeled front housing 401. In the example shown, the control unit 20 includes a cover 308, which is articulated to the casing and closes the connection housing 301. The cover 308 is shown in a closed position in FIG. 2 and in an open position in FIG. 3.

[0040] The battery module 200 and the battery housing 201 are described below.

[0041] 4a), the battery housing 201 has a substantially cylindrical shape following an axis parallel to the depth axis A22. In this specification, the battery housing 201 is delimited by a peripheral wall 202 and a bottom wall 204. The bottom wall 204 delimits the battery housing 201 at the rear side and is part of the casing 30. The bottom wall 204 is therefore recessed with respect to a front plane P22 following a front direction D22 and opens into the front plane P22.

[0042] The battery housing 201 has an opening 206 in the bottom wall 204 that opens into the battery housing 201. A portion of the printed circuit board 32 is located on the rear side of the bottom wall and has a connection area 34 that includes at least one contact pad 36. Each contact pad 36 comprises a generally flat conductive element located on the surface of the printed circuit board 32, and each contact pad 36 can be electrically connected to a respective complementary connector 220 belonging to the battery module 200, and each complementary connector 220 contacts a corresponding contact pad 36. Advantageously, the contact pads 36 are part of the printed circuit of the printed circuit board 32, in other words, the contact pads 36 are manufactured simultaneously with the printed circuit board 32.

[0043] In the example shown, the connection area 34 comprises two contact pads 36, which are located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and are accessible from the battery housing 201 through the opening 206. The two contact pads 36, and moreover the connection area 34, are therefore associated with the battery housing 201.

[0044] Each opening 206 presents a contour with an inscribed circle diameter strictly less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.9 mm, in order to comply with the IP2x protection index defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard, thus reducing the risk of accidental introduction of objects through the opening and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

[0045] Each contact pad 36 of the associated connection area 34 is recessed from the front plane P22 and spaced apart from the front plane P22 by a distance measured along the depth axis A22 that is greater than a predetermined first threshold value S1. The first threshold value S1 is selected so that the clearance distance between each contact pad 36 and the front plane P22 is greater than a Class 2 separation distance for voltages above 690 V, where the clearance distance and Class 2 separation distance comply with the IEC 947-1:2019 standard. Generally, the clearance distance between two points is the shortest path between these two points, bypassing any obstacles.

[0046] Preferably, the first threshold value S1 is equal to or greater than 14 mm. Preferably, the spatial distance between the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front plane P22 is greater than the first threshold value S1. This ensures a minimum distance between all charging elements located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front surface 22 of the control unit 20, thereby improving safety in use.

[0047] The battery module 200 comprises a housing 210 made of an electrically insulating material and defining a cavity 211. The cavity 211 is configured to receive a battery 212 exhibiting two electrodes. In this specification, the battery 212 is a cylindrical battery with its two electrodes located on both sides. The battery 212 is represented diagrammatically by a dashed line in FIG. 4c). Naturally, the principles of the present invention may be transferred to other types of batteries.

[0048] The outer casing 210 includes a proximal wall 214 generally perpendicular to the major axis A214 and a peripheral wall 216 extending upright from the proximal wall and presenting a continuous contour about the major axis A214, the proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together defining a cavity 211. When the battery module 200 is received in the battery housing 201 in an assembled configuration, the major axis A214 is substantially parallel to the depth axis A22. The cavity 211 opens from the outer casing 210 through a distal opening 218, which is located on the opposite side of the proximal wall 214 along the major axis A214.

[0049] When the battery module 200 is received in the battery housing 201, the outer casing 210 at least partially encloses the battery housing 201, so that the creepage distance from each contact pad 36 to the front plane P22 is greater than the Class 2 isolation distance under voltages above 690V, and the creepage distance complies with the IEC947-1:2019 standard.

[0050] When the battery module 200 is in the assembled configuration, the distal openings 218 are advantageously oriented toward the corresponding connection areas 34, and the cavities 211 shield the contact pads 36 toward the front, so that the creepage distance from each contact pad 36 to the front plane P22 is greater than a predetermined second threshold value S2, which is greater than the first threshold value S1. Simply put, the creepage distance between two points is the minimum distance between these two points along the surface of the material, although an air gap of less than 1.5 mm may be traversed through air. Advantageously, the second threshold value S2 is greater than the Class 2 separation distance defined in the IEC 947-1:2019 standard. Preferably, the second threshold value S2 is equal to 20 mm.

[0051] In addition to the insulating casing 210, the battery module 200 comprises at least one complementary contact 220, which is made of metal and is partially received in the cavity 211 and protrudes outside the casing 210 through a distal opening 218. When the first module 200 is in an assembled configuration, each complementary contact 220 is configured to be reversibly connected to a respective contact pad 36 of the corresponding housing. Thus, the presence of the electrical contacts, and more generally the presence of any other electrical or electronic device received in the cavity, does not affect the level of protection in terms of clearance or creepage distances.

[0052] In the example shown, the battery module 200 comprises two complementary contacts 220 that connect poles of the battery cells 212 to contact pads 36 associated with the first battery housing 201. Advantageously, the battery module 200 also comprises a cover 222 that is movable relative to the housing 210 between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover 222 at least partially closes the cavity 211, and wherein the cover 222 in the closed position is configured to retain the battery cells 212 within the cavity 211, with the battery module 200 in the closed configuration.

[0053] Herein, complementary contact 220 includes first conductive element 220A and second conductive element 220B, which are formed by cutting and bending a metal sheet. First conductive element 220A and second conductive element 220B are visible in FIG. 4b).

[0054] Here, the first conductive element 220A is carried by the cover 222 while the second conductive element 220B is carried by the outer jacket 210.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5b, each of the two conductive elements 220A and 220B includes an input tab 224 configured to be connected to a respective pole of the battery cell 212 and an output tab 226 configured to be connected to a respective electrical contact pad 36 of the battery housing when the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration and received in a corresponding housing in the assembled configuration of the battery module with the control unit. Here, the output tab 226 includes a terminal portion 227, which here has a straight wing shape. When the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, the terminal portion 227 is geometrically supported by the same connection plane P227, which is parallel to the main axis A214 and the transverse axis T214.

[0056] When the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, the two terminal portions 227 open from the cavity 211 through passages 228, which are provided in the cover 222. In the example shown, the two terminal portions 227 extend parallel to the main axis A214, and the two terminal portions 227 are offset relative to each other according to a transverse axis T214, which is perpendicular to the main axis A214. Thus, the ends of the terminal portions 227 are aligned relative to each other according to the transverse axis T214.

[0057] Each terminal portion 227 advantageously terminates in a terminal bulge 229. Each terminal bulge 229 is provided raised relative to the remainder of the corresponding terminal portion 227 and extends according to a connection direction D232. Each terminal bulge 229 is configured to press against an associated contact pad 36. The terminal bulges 229 are therefore aligned relative to one another according to the transverse axis T214. The terminal portion 227 of each output tab 226 is advantageously elastically deformable to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the terminal bulge 229 and the corresponding contact pad 36.

[0058] The cover 222 includes two extensions 230, each associated with a respective passage 228 and extending upright from the remainder of the cover 222. Each extension 230 provides a conduit 232 that extends from an associated passage 228 parallel to the major axis A214 when the battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, and each terminal portion 227 that opens through the considered passage 228 is at least partially received in the associated conduit 232.

[0059] The two conduits 232 open according to the same connection direction D232, which is perpendicular to the connection plane P227, and the two conduits 232 open on the same side of the connection plane P227 to enable electrical connection at each of the terminal portions 227 according to the connection direction D232. Thus, when the battery module 200 is removed from the control unit 20, each extension 230 protects the terminal portion 227, for example to avoid unintentionally bending the terminal portion 227.

[0060] Each extension 230 has a lug 234 that extends from the remainder of the extension 230 within the corresponding conduit 232. Thus, each lug 234 is interposed between the extension 230 and the corresponding terminal portion 227 according to the connection direction D232. The lugs 234 are aligned with one another according to the transverse axis T214. Thus, each lug 234 presses against the corresponding terminal portion 227. Therefore, for each terminal portion 227, the length between the free end of this terminal portion 227 and the support area of ​​the corresponding lug 234 on the terminal portion 227 is substantially the same. While the terminal portions 227 of the two output wings 226 have different lengths, the lug 234 ensures that the pressure of each terminal portion 227 against the corresponding contact pad 36 is substantially the same, thereby providing a repeatable and good electrical contact after each assembly of the battery module 200 with the rest of the control unit 20.

[0061] Advantageously, each extension 230 presents a terminal protrusion 239 that is provided raised relative to the remainder of the corresponding extension 230 according to the connection direction D232 and that is aligned with the corresponding terminal bulge 229 according to the major axis A214. Each terminal protrusion 239 therefore protects the corresponding terminal bulge 229 from unintentional contact.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7 a), the cover 222 is advantageously articulated to rotate relative to the housing 210 about a hinge axis A222 between an open position and a closed position. In this specification, the hinge axis A222 is an axis parallel to the transverse axis T214. The cover 222 is therefore considered non-removable. During installation of the battery module 200, an operator inserts the cells 212 into the cavities 211 of the housing 210, if necessary, respecting the polarity orientation, and then displaces the cover 222 to the closed position, ensuring contact between each input tab and the corresponding polarity of the cells 212.

[0063] The proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together form a continuous portion of the outer shell 210, which continuous portion extends from the proximal wall 214 to a minimum distance, measured along the major axis A, equal to 14 mm. In other words, the proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 do not present any openings connecting the cavity 211 to the exterior of the outer shell, located less than 14 mm along the major axis A 214.

[0064] In the example shown, as represented in FIG. 4b), the outer casing 210 exhibits a notch 240, which is provided in the peripheral wall 216 and defines a portion of the distal opening 218. Herein, the notch 240 is used during assembly of the second conductive element 220B within the outer casing 210. Herein, the bottom of the notch forms the point closest to the proximal wall 214 through which the cavity 211 opens from the outer casing 210. A distance L240, measured parallel to the major axis A214, is defined between the bottom of the notch 240 and the proximal wall 214. The distance L240 is greater than 14 mm. Herein, the distance L240 is equal to 20.8 mm.

[0065] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the sequential assembly of the battery module 200 to the rest of the control unit 20 will now be described.

[0066] 8a), the battery module 200 is inserted into the battery housing 201 with the major axis A214 substantially aligned with the depth axis A22. The insertion movement is substantially a translational movement of the battery module 200 towards the rear of the control unit 20.

[0067] As the insertion movement of the battery module 200 continues, the terminal protrusion 239 comes into contact with part of the outline of the opening 206. More precisely, the casing 30 advantageously comprises a ramp 208, which provides an inclined surface connecting the peripheral wall 202 and the opening 206 and, moreover, forms part of the outline of the opening 206. The control unit 20 then assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 8b). It will be appreciated that the terminal protrusion 239 prevents contact between the terminal bulge 229 and the casing 30. This therefore reduces the risk of the terminal portion 227 getting stuck in the casing 30.

[0068] As the insertion movement of the battery module 200 continues, each terminal protrusion 239 presses against the contour of the corresponding opening 206, in particular the ramp 208, to guide each extension 230 and associated terminal portion 227 while passing through the opening 206, thereby preventing the terminal bulge 229 and / or extension 230 of the considered terminal portion 227 from hitting the contour of the opening 206. The control unit 20 then assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 9a).

[0069] As the insertion of the battery module 200 continues, as shown in FIGS. 9b and 10, each terminal protrusion 239 is now located at the rear side of the bottom wall 204 of the battery housing 201. The printed circuit board 32 has a recess 33 that receives the terminal protrusion 239. Each terminal bulge 229 is pressed against a corresponding contact pad 36. Each terminal portion 227 is sandwiched between a corresponding lug 234 and the contour of a corresponding opening 206, and the terminal portion is elastically deformed to ensure sufficient contact force between the terminal bulge 229 and the corresponding contact pad 36.

[0070] The above-described embodiments and alternatives may be combined with each other to produce new embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10 Electrical Circuit Breaker 14 Front 16 Breaker Unit 20 Control Unit 22 Front 30 Casing 36 Electrical contact pads, contact pads 200 Battery Modules 201 Battery housing 204 Bottom Wall 206 Opening 208 External shape 210 Outer cover 211 Cavity 212 Batteries 214 Proximal wall 216 Peripheral wall 218 Distal Opening 220A Conductive Element, First Element 220B Conductive element, second element 222 Cover 224 Input Tab 226 Output Tab 227 Terminal part 228 Passage 229 Terminal Bulge 230 Extension 232 Conduit 234 Rug 239 Terminal protrusion A22 Depth axis A214 main shaft A222 Hinge shaft D232 Connection Direction L240 minimum distance P22 Front plane P227 Connection plane T214 Transverse Axis

Claims

1. A battery module (200) for a control unit (20) of an electric circuit breaker, the battery module (200) being configured to be inserted into an associated battery housing (201) of the control unit (20), the housing (201) being open to a front face (22) of the control unit (20) and having an elongated shape along a depth axis (A22) perpendicular to the front face (22), the control unit (20) having two electrical contact pads (36) arranged on the bottom of the housing (201); said battery module (200) an outer casing (210) comprising a proximal wall (214) generally perpendicular to a major axis (A214) and a peripheral wall (216) extending upright from the proximal wall (214) and presenting a continuous contour around the major axis (A214), the proximal wall (214) and the peripheral wall (216) together delimiting a cavity (211) in the outer casing (210), the cavity (211) being configured to receive a battery (212) presenting two electrodes, the cavity (211) opening from the outer casing (210) through a distal opening (218), the distal opening (218) being located on the opposite side of the proximal wall (214) along the major axis (A214); a cover (222) movable relative to the housing (210) between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover (222) at least partially closes the cavity (211), and wherein the cover (222) in the closed position is configured to retain the battery cells (212) within the cavity (211), the battery module (200) then being in a closed configuration; two conductive elements (220A, 220B), each of the conductive elements (220A, 220B) comprising an input tab (224) configured to be connected to a respective pole of the battery (212) and an output tab (226) configured to be connected to a respective electrical contact pad (36) of the control unit (20) when the battery module (200) is in a closed configuration and received in the corresponding housing (201) in an assembled configuration of the battery module (200) to the control unit (20); - a battery module (200) in which the proximal wall (214) and the peripheral wall (216) together form a continuous part of the outer casing (210), the continuous part extending from the proximal wall (214) to a minimum distance (L240), the minimum distance being greater than or equal to 14 mm, measured along the main axis (A214).

2. The battery module (200) of claim 1, wherein the cover (222) is articulated to rotate about a hinge axis (A222) relative to the outer casing (210) between the open position and the closed position.

3. - said battery module is adapted to receive said batteries (212) presenting two poles located on opposite sides of said batteries (212); - said two conductive elements (220A, 220B) comprise a first element (220A) carried by said cover (222) and a second element (220B) carried by said outer jacket (210); - each of said output tabs (226) comprises a terminal portion (227) having a generally straight wing shape; The battery module (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the battery module (200) is in a closed configuration, the two terminal portions (227) open from the cavity (211) through a passage (228), the passage (228) being provided in the cover (222), and the two terminal portions (227) extend parallel to the main axis (A214) and are offset relative to each other according to a transverse axis (T214), the transverse axis (T214) being perpendicular to the main axis (A214).

4. - when said battery module (200) is in a closed configuration, said terminal portions (227) are geometrically carried by the same connecting plane (P227), said connecting plane (P227) being parallel to said main axis (A214) and parallel to said transverse axis; - said cover (222) comprises two extensions (230), each extension (230) associated with a respective passage (228); each extension (230) presents a conduit (232) which, when the battery module (200) is in a closed configuration, extends from the associated passage (228) parallel to the main axis (A214), and the terminal portion (227) opening through the considered passage (228) is at least partially received in the associated conduit (232); The battery module (200) according to claim 3, wherein the two conduits (232) open according to the same connection direction (D232), the connection direction (D232) being perpendicular to the connection plane (P227) so as to allow an electrical connection at each of the terminal portions (227) according to the connection direction.

5. each terminal portion (227) has an end portion, said ends of said terminal portions being aligned with respect to one another according to said transverse axis (T214); each extension (230) presents a lug (234) which extends in the corresponding conduit (232) in a raised manner from the remainder of the extension, each lug (234) being interposed between the extension (230) and the corresponding terminal part (227) according to the connection direction (D232), and each lug (234) presses against the corresponding terminal part (227); A battery module (200) according to claim 4, wherein said lugs (234) are aligned according to said transverse axis (T214).

6. each terminal portion (227) has an end portion presenting a terminal bulge (229), said terminal bulge (229) being provided raised relative to the remainder of said corresponding terminal portion (227) and extending in said connection direction (D232), each terminal bulge (229) being configured to press against said associated contact pad (36); 5. The battery module (200) according to claim 4, wherein each extension (230) presents a terminal protrusion (239) that is provided raised relative to the remainder of the corresponding extension (230) in accordance with the connection direction (D232), and each terminal protrusion (239) is aligned with the terminal bulge (229) of the corresponding terminal portion (227) in accordance with the main axis (A214).

7. A control unit (20) for an electric circuit breaker, said control unit (20) comprising: - an example of a battery module (200) according to claim 1 or 2; a casing (30), said casing (30) being made of insulating material and provided with a housing (201) for receiving said battery module (200), said housing (201) being recessed from a front plane (P22) and opening to said front surface (22) according to said depth axis (A22); - said control unit (20) comprises two contact pads (36), said two contact pads (36) being located at the bottom of said housing (201); a control unit (20) wherein said two output tabs (216) are configured to be electrically connected to respective contact pads (36) when said control unit (20) is in said assembled configuration.

8. - said battery module (200) is as claimed in claim 4, - the housing (201) comprises a bottom wall (204), the bottom wall (204) is provided with an opening (206), and the contact pads (36) are located on the opposite side of the housing (201) from the bottom wall (204); A control unit (20) according to claim 7, wherein when the control unit (20) is in the assembled configuration, each extension (230) and the associated terminal portion (227) passes through the corresponding opening (206) and the terminal portion (227) is pressed against the corresponding contact pad (36).

9. A control unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein the opening (206) exhibits an IP2x protection index as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard.

10. - said battery module (200) is as claimed in claim 6, A control unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein each terminal protrusion (239) is configured to press against the contour (208) of the corresponding opening during the insertion movement of the battery module (200) into the battery housing (201) so as to guide each extension (230) and the associated terminal portion (227) while passing through the opening (206) and to prevent the terminal bulge (229) of the terminal portion (227) under consideration from hitting the contour of the opening (206).

11. An electric circuit breaker (10), comprising: a breaker unit (16) comprising at least one actuator and a breaker device that can be activated by said actuator; - an example of a control unit (20) according to claim 7; Equipped with - said breaker unit (16) provides a container, said container opening onto the front face (14) of said breaker unit; - an electric circuit breaker (10), wherein the control unit (20) is received in the enclosure of the breaker unit (16) in an assembled configuration of the electric circuit breaker (10), and the control unit (20) is configured to control the actuator to activate the breaker device.

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