EP2593990B1 - Electrical connection device having improved conductance - Google Patents

Electrical connection device having improved conductance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2593990B1
EP2593990B1 EP11752584.0A EP11752584A EP2593990B1 EP 2593990 B1 EP2593990 B1 EP 2593990B1 EP 11752584 A EP11752584 A EP 11752584A EP 2593990 B1 EP2593990 B1 EP 2593990B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conductive element
conductors
foam
coating
metal
Prior art date
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Application number
EP11752584.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2593990A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Pillet
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AMC SARL
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AMC SARL
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Publication of EP2593990A1 publication Critical patent/EP2593990A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5219—Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/62—Connections between conductors of different materials; Connections between or with aluminium or steel-core aluminium conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/025—Contact members formed by the conductors of a cable end
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H01R13/035—Plated dielectric material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/304—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member having means for improving contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/62—Connections between conductors of different materials; Connections between or with aluminium or steel-core aluminium conductors
    • H01R4/625—Soldered or welded connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
    • H01R11/12—End pieces terminating in an eye, hook, or fork
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49194—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc.
    • Y10T29/49195—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc. with end-to-end orienting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improving the conductance of electrical connections. It relates, in particular, a device for electrical connection between two metal conductors.
  • the maintenance of the connections requires disassembly to practice a re-surfacing of the areas in contact.
  • the tools used for these re-surfacing are generally rotary grinding machines. They degrade the total flatness of the surfaces in contact, which has the effect of limiting, on the surface, the zones and the points of contact. The contact areas being reduced, the connections then undergo electrical stresses concentrated on these areas and their degradation is even faster.
  • the French patent published under the number 2847391 discloses a contact device comprising a silver foam conductive element adapted to be interposed between the two contact surfaces of two conductors of an electrical connection.
  • the silver foam besides being very expensive, does not sufficiently improve the electrical conductance connection and slow down the degradation of the connection device, especially when the device comprises at least one aluminum conductor.
  • One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical connection device which makes it possible to improve the electrical conductance of the connection and to slow the degradation of the surfaces in contact.
  • the subject of a first aspect of the invention is therefore an electrical connection device comprising two conductors each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of the conductors.
  • the intermediate conductive member is an open cell foam skeleton of metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • the coating is a copper coating itself coated with a coating of tin, indium or an alloy thereof.
  • the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element being constituted by a skeleton of foam of open cell metal, in which the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive element (10) is impregnated with grease.
  • the present invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element consisting of a skeleton of foam open-celled metal, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive element forms a seal at the periphery of the contact surfaces.
  • the present invention is directed to a clamping system which comprises a clamping means adapted to bring two conductors around an interposed conductive element consisting of an open-cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal of the metal foam being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or an alloy thereof.
  • the present invention is an electricity meter, which comprises an electrical connection device according to one of the first to third aspect of the present invention or a clamping system object of the fourth aspect of the invention.
  • the present invention is directed to a crimping lug lining, which comprises a conductive element consisting of an open cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal of the metal foam being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or an alloy thereof.
  • the present invention aims a method of electrical connection of two conductors each having a contact surface, comprising a positioning step, facing one of the other of said contact surfaces, characterized in that it comprises a step of positioning, between said contact surfaces, an intermediate conductive element consisting of an open cell foam skeleton of metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly covered with less a coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • An electrical connection device may be the device illustrated on the figure 1 .
  • Two conductors 12 and 14 are separated by an intermediate conductive element 10 of metal foam so that their respective surfaces come into contact with the foam.
  • the electrical connection between the conductors 12 and 14 is achieved by close contact by means of a clamping means such as a clamping bolt 16 passing through the two conductors as well as the intermediate conductive element 10.
  • At least one of the conductors is aluminum.
  • the present invention is not limited to this case and applies to all conductors, for example copper.
  • the metal foam of the spacer element 10 is an open cell foam composed of a metal foam skeleton selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one metal coating such as a coating of tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • the skeleton of foam can be obtained by electrolysis.
  • a plastic foam plate such as a polyurethane foam is made electrically conductive and is used as a cathode in an electrolytic bath, which allows to cover all the surfaces of the cells or open cells of the foam by a layer of metal.
  • a second method of obtaining the metal foam plate is to deposit the metal by the vacuum deposition technique.
  • a third method consists in a first step of activating the plastic foam by chemical deposition of a thin metal layer, followed by a second electrolysis step during which a layer of the same metal of adequate thickness is deposited by electrolysis.
  • the polyurethane is removed by a suitable method, for example by burning in an oven.
  • a suitable method for example by burning in an oven.
  • Polyurethane burns and disappears, leaving only a skeleton made exclusively of metal.
  • the structure of the foam 10 thus obtained is alveolar and its physical properties are mainly a high porosity and deformability, which has the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, and a low density of the order of 400 g / m.
  • the porosity represents the void ratio on the total volume. Preferably, this ratio is greater than 50% and, even more preferentially, 70%.
  • Deformability is the ratio of the minimum thickness of the foam under pressure to the thickness of the foam before pressurizing. This ratio is preferably less than 50% and, even more preferentially, 10%.
  • the foam 10 is thus constituted mainly by vacuum because of its cellular structure.
  • the surface of the foam 10 has a multitude of contact points of the order of one micron, the number of which reaches 30 points per mm 2 .
  • the thickness of the foam 10 is of the order of 2 mm. With these tips, the spacer element 10 has many contacts, high conductivity and therefore low resistance.
  • the choice of iron, cobalt, nickel or one of their alloys, which are metals with a high degree of hardness makes it possible to obtain hard points capable of penetrating the surface of the conductors under the effect of the clamping of these conductors. .
  • a feature of the invention is that the metal foam skeleton is directly covered with a coating of another metal, by electrolysis or any other method (spraying, immersion in a bath ...) so that the entire surface alveolar is coated with this other metal.
  • the coating metal is preferably ductile in order to increase the contact area of each point of the metal constituting the backbone, to penetrate the ridges of the conductor surface and to improve the electrochemical compatibility between the skeleton of foam and the metal of the conductor, for example aluminum or copper, for the purpose of generating micro-weldings.
  • the metal of outer skin of the skeleton is preferably tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • the first coating may also be covered with another coating of a metal different from that of the first coating, and so on.
  • the second coating may be indium or, if the first coating is copper, the second may be tin.
  • the intermediate conductive element 10 is composed of a nickel foam skeleton coated with a tin coating.
  • the spacer element 10 preferably comprises a peripheral seal 20.
  • This peripheral seal 20 can be made in different ways. It can be impregnated into the foam or made by removing an elastomeric sealant on the periphery. It is also possible to make the seal 20 by folding the edges of the foam plate 10 at least once on itself or rolling the edges of the foam plate 10. Under the effect of the pressure, the thickness the foam plate becomes uniform, which implies that the density is at least doubled in the areas of folding of the foam, with the effect of producing the seal considered at the periphery of the intermediate conductive element 10.
  • the peripheral seal 20 makes it possible to reduce the penetration of degrading external agents by creating a tight barrier at the periphery of the contact.
  • the degrading agents are generally liquids such as sodium hydroxide or washing water or any other pollutant product transported by water.
  • the device according to the invention can be used for a new electrical connection. In this case, it improves the homogeneity of the flow of current through the surfaces in touch. Indeed, in an electrical connection, the contact is even more important that it is located near the clamping means or bolt 16. Therefore, the resistance, and therefore the electrical losses of the electrical connection consists of conductors 12 and 14 in contact, is minimal near the clamping means 16 and increases further away. This inhomogeneous distribution of the current favors a zone of higher current concentration and therefore an area more stressed and therefore degraded more quickly.
  • the contribution of the intermediate conductive element 10 made of foam increases the points of contact between the two conductors 12 and 14 and thus allows a homogeneous distribution of the current over the entire contact surface. Thanks to this homogeneous distribution, there are no areas of concentration of current and therefore no zone more solicited and conducive to a more rapid degradation.
  • the device according to the invention can also be advantageously used for a contact of a degraded or deformed electrical connection.
  • oxygen in the air causes the formation of an aluminum oxide layer, alumina, which increases the resistance of the connection.
  • alumina aluminum oxide layer
  • the use of the foam interlayer 10, after or without removal of the alumina, is fast and inexpensive.
  • the conductors and the electrical connections are subjected to currents of high intensity and high temperatures.
  • the wear of the connections is concretized mainly by a deformation of the contact surfaces of the electrical connections. This results in significant electrical losses of up to several KW per connection and variations of the current flow through these contacting surfaces.
  • the re-machining of the deformed contact surfaces is therefore no longer necessary using an intermediate conductive element 10 according to the invention.
  • the deformability of the foam 10 allows it to conform to the degraded contours of the surfaces of the conductors 12 and 14 in contact and thus to increase the contact surface and to distribute the pressure exerted by the clamping means 16.
  • the tips located on the surface of the foam 10 also pierce the oxide layers such as alumina which form permanently on the surface of the conductors 12 and 14, which improves the electrical conductance of a used connection, even without cleaning it beforehand.
  • the foam constituting the intermediate conductive element 10 is impregnated (charged) with grease which completely fills the cells of the foam, which prevents the penetration of pollutants or agents capable of oxidizing or degrade the surfaces.
  • the grease can be conductive, so as to increase the electrical conductance of the foam.
  • Such a grease is, in particular, known under the trademark "Penetrox”.
  • this fat can incorporate anti-oxidation products and metal particles of a few microns increasing its life. Particles can be particles of silver, gold or any other metal that is a good conductor of electricity.
  • the foam component of the intermediate conductive element 10 is impregnated or charged with a component, for example basic, adapted to reduce the formation of a high resistivity layer on the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14, for example alumina on an aluminum conductor, and / or etching the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14.
  • a component for example basic, adapted to reduce the formation of a high resistivity layer on the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14, for example alumina on an aluminum conductor, and / or etching the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14.
  • the device according to the invention is all the more advantageous as its efficiency increases with temperature. Indeed, the potential of a connection drop of 1 dm 2 using the apparatus according to the invention with a nickel foam 10 of tin covered is of the order of several mV at a current of an intensity of 5000 A and at a temperature of 80 ° C. This feature is due to the fact that the tips of the foam 10 are welded under the effect of temperature to the conductors 12 and 14 with which they are in contact.
  • the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous for improving the conductance of electrical connections in which the two conductors are aluminum, but also when one of the two conductors is copper and the other aluminum or when both conductors are copper.
  • the device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for currents of high intensity greater than 1000 A.
  • resiliently deformable foam also has the advantage of reducing the impact of loosening clamping means since, in this case, the foam relaxes and continues to marry the contact surfaces, the lower pressure on these contact surfaces.
  • the intermediate conductive member 10 is made of an open-celled metal foam skeleton of high porosity and deformability, selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys coated directly with metal. at least one copper coating or one of its alloys.
  • the copper coating is itself coated with a coating of tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • the inventor has determined that a copper-coated nickel foam, itself coated with tin, has very advantageous electrical connection characteristics.
  • the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, 12 and 14, each having a contact surface and a conductive element 10 interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element 10 being constituted an open cell metal foam skeleton, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive member 10 is impregnated with grease.
  • the fat is a conductive fat.
  • the foam of the intermediate element has a high porosity and deformability, which has the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the connection thanks to the quality of the contacts formed by the points of contact of the foam on each of the conductor and possibly, thanks to the crossing of the alumina that they allow.
  • the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, 12 and 14, each having a contact surface and a conductive element 10 interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element 10 being constituted an open cell metal foam skeleton, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive member 10 forms a seal at the periphery of the contact surfaces.
  • the present invention aims at a clamping system comprising a clamping means, such as a clamping bolt 16, intended to bring the two conductors and the intermediate conductive element 10 closer together. positioning the conductors 12 and 14 around the intermediate conductive member and then clamping the clamping means to achieve the favorable effects of the present invention.
  • a clamping means such as a clamping bolt 16
  • the present invention is an electricity meter, which comprises an electrical connection device according to one of the first to third aspect of the present invention or a clamping system object of the fourth aspect of the invention.
  • the inventor has determined that one out of two domestic fire starts from domestic meters.
  • the implementation of the present invention in an electrical connection device associated with an electric meter is therefore particularly advantageous. Indeed, in spite of the thermal cycles, the elastic deformation of the foam 10 ensures the maintenance of an electrical contact avoiding, or at least delaying, the heating due to the Joule effect.
  • the present invention thus applies as well in strong currents as in weak currents.
  • the present invention is directed to a crimp lug liner and a crimp lug provided with such liner, which includes a conductive member 10 consisting of an open cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal foam metal being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with less a coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.
  • the conductor 42 is a battery terminal of a vehicle.
  • the shape of the foam plate 10 corresponds to the shape of a metal plate 34 to which the foam plate is bonded.
  • the foam plate 10 thus provides a crimping lug lining which, when associated with the metal plate 34 forms a crimp lug.
  • the lug ensures an electrical contact between the cable 40 and the conductor 42.
  • This electrical contact has a very low resistance compared to the prior art known in the field of crimping.
  • the other features and advantages of the invention set forth with reference to Figures 1 and 2 are also features and advantages of the crimp lug object of the sixth aspect of the invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
  • Conductive Materials (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Contacts (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne l'amélioration de la conductance des connexions électriques. Elle concerne, en particulier, un dispositif de connexion électrique entre deux conducteurs métalliques.The present invention relates to improving the conductance of electrical connections. It relates, in particular, a device for electrical connection between two metal conductors.

Dans tous les domaines où des connexions électriques métalliques sont utilisées, et en particulier dans le domaine de l'électrotechnique de puissance, les connexions électriques dans lesquelles deux métaux sont mis en contact se dégradent au cours du temps. Il en résulte des pertes électriques importantes. La perte de rendement qui en découle est un problème majeur. La dégradation de ces connexions est irréversible. En effet, la dégradation des surfaces se trouvant en contact induit des variations de la densité du courant à travers cette surface. Il s'ensuit des pertes électriques par effet Joule et, par la même, une augmentation des températures, ce qui accélère la dégradation des connexions mais également des conducteurs et peut même entraîner leur fusion.In all fields where metallic electrical connections are used, and in particular in the field of power electrical engineering, electrical connections in which two metals are brought into contact degrade over time. This results in significant electrical losses. The resulting loss of yield is a major problem. The degradation of these connections is irreversible. Indeed, the degradation of the surfaces in contact induces variations in the density of the current through this surface. This results in electric losses by the Joule effect and, consequently, an increase in temperatures, which accelerates the degradation of the connections but also of the conductors and can even lead to their fusion.

La maintenance des connexions nécessite de les démonter afin de pratiquer un re-surfaçage des zones en contact. Les outils employés pour ces re-surfaçages sont en général des disqueuses rotatives. Elles dégradent la planéité totale des surfaces en contact, ce qui a pour conséquence de limiter, en surface, les zones et les points de contact. Les zones de contact étant réduites, les connexions subissent alors des contraintes électriques concentrées sur ces zones et leur dégradation est encore plus rapide.The maintenance of the connections requires disassembly to practice a re-surfacing of the areas in contact. The tools used for these re-surfacing are generally rotary grinding machines. They degrade the total flatness of the surfaces in contact, which has the effect of limiting, on the surface, the zones and the points of contact. The contact areas being reduced, the connections then undergo electrical stresses concentrated on these areas and their degradation is even faster.

En outre, pour des raisons de coût principalement, les conducteurs en cuivre sont remplacés aujourd'hui dans toutes les connexions par des conducteurs en aluminium, métal qui possède une conductivité électrique très proche de celle du cuivre tout en étant beaucoup moins cher. Le principal inconvénient de l'aluminium étant la formation d'une couche d'alumine qui rend la connectivité délicate dans les connexions.In addition, for reasons of cost mainly, copper conductors are replaced today in all connections by aluminum conductors, metal which has electrical conductivity very close to that of copper while being much cheaper. The main disadvantage of aluminum being the formation of a layer of alumina that makes connectivity tricky in connections.

Le brevet français publié sous le numéro 2.847.391 décrit un dispositif de contact comprenant un élément conducteur en mousse d'argent adapté pour être intercalé entre les deux surfaces de contact de deux conducteurs d'une connexion électrique. Malheureusement, la mousse d'argent, outre qu'elle est très onéreuse, ne permet pas d'améliorer suffisamment la conductance électrique la connexion et de ralentir la dégradation du dispositif de connexion, notamment lorsque le dispositif comprend au moins un conducteur en aluminium. The French patent published under the number 2847391 discloses a contact device comprising a silver foam conductive element adapted to be interposed between the two contact surfaces of two conductors of an electrical connection. Unfortunately, the silver foam, besides being very expensive, does not sufficiently improve the electrical conductance connection and slow down the degradation of the connection device, especially when the device comprises at least one aluminum conductor.

Un des buts de la présente invention est donc de fournir un dispositif de connexion électrique qui permet d'améliorer la conductance électrique de la connexion et de ralentir la dégradation des surfaces en contact.One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical connection device which makes it possible to improve the electrical conductance of the connection and to slow the degradation of the surfaces in contact.

L'objet d'un premier aspect de l'invention est donc un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant deux conducteurs ayant chacun une surface de contact et un élément conducteur intercalé entre les surfaces de contact des conducteurs. L'élément conducteur intercalaire est constitué d'un squelette de mousse à cellules ouvertes de métal choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre, d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.The subject of a first aspect of the invention is therefore an electrical connection device comprising two conductors each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of the conductors. The intermediate conductive member is an open cell foam skeleton of metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.

Dans des modes de réalisation, le revêtement est un revêtement de cuivre lui-même revêtu d'un revêtement d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.In embodiments, the coating is a copper coating itself coated with a coating of tin, indium or an alloy thereof.

Selon un deuxième aspect, la présente invention vise un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant deux conducteurs ayant chacun une surface de contact et un élément conducteur intercalé entre les surfaces de contact desdits conducteurs, l'élément conducteur intercalaire étant constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes, dans lequel la mousse de métal constituant le squelette de l'élément conducteur intercalaire (10) est imprégnée de graisse.According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element being constituted by a skeleton of foam of open cell metal, in which the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive element (10) is impregnated with grease.

Selon un troisième aspect, la présente invention vise un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant deux conducteurs, ayant chacun une surface de contact et un élément conducteur intercalé entre les surfaces de contact desdits conducteurs, l'élément conducteur intercalaire étant constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes, dans lequel la mousse de métal constituant le squelette de l'élément conducteur intercalaire forme un joint d'étanchéité en périphérie des surfaces de contact.According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, each having a contact surface and a conductive element interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element consisting of a skeleton of foam open-celled metal, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive element forms a seal at the periphery of the contact surfaces.

Selon un quatrième aspect, la présente invention vise un système de serrage qui comporte un moyen de serrage adapté à rapprocher deux conducteurs autour d'un élément conducteur intercalaire constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes destiné à réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion, le métal de la mousse de métal étant choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre, d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.According to a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a clamping system which comprises a clamping means adapted to bring two conductors around an interposed conductive element consisting of an open-cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal of the metal foam being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or an alloy thereof.

Selon un cinquième aspect, la présente invention vise un compteur d'électricité, qui comporte un dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'un des premiers à troisième aspect de la présente invention ou un système de serrage objet du quatrième aspect de l'invention.According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is an electricity meter, which comprises an electrical connection device according to one of the first to third aspect of the present invention or a clamping system object of the fourth aspect of the invention.

Selon un sixième aspect, la présente invention vise une garniture de cosse à sertir, qui comporte un élément conducteur constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes destiné à réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion, le métal de la mousse de métal étant choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre, d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to a crimping lug lining, which comprises a conductive element consisting of an open cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal of the metal foam being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or an alloy thereof.

En effet, le sertissage présente les mêmes problèmes que les autres connexions, problèmes exposés ci-dessus.Indeed, crimping presents the same problems as the other connections, problems discussed above.

Selon un septième aspect, la présente invention vise un procédé de connexion électrique de deux conducteurs ayant chacun une surface de contact, comportant une étape de positionnement, en regard l'une de l'autre des dites surfaces de contact, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape de positionnement, entre lesdites surfaces de contact, d'un élément conducteur intercalaire constitué d'un squelette de mousse à cellules ouvertes de métal choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre, d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.According to a seventh aspect, the present invention aims a method of electrical connection of two conductors each having a contact surface, comprising a positioning step, facing one of the other of said contact surfaces, characterized in that it comprises a step of positioning, between said contact surfaces, an intermediate conductive element consisting of an open cell foam skeleton of metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly covered with less a coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.

D'autres buts, objets et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit faite en référence aux dessins dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une coupe d'un mode de réalisation particulier du dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente l'élément conducteur intercalaire du dispositif selon l'invention illustré en figure 1 et comportant un joint d'étanchéité périphérique,
  • les figures 3A et 3B représentent, respectivement en vue de dessus et en vue de côté, un mode de réalisation particulier d'une cosse à sertir objet du sixième aspect de la présente invention, avant sertissage et
  • la figure 4 représente, en vue de côté, la cosse à sertir illustrée en figures 3A et 3B, après sertissage et fixation sur un conducteur.
Other objects, objects and features of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given with reference to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a section of a particular embodiment of the electrical connection device according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents the interposed conductive element of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. figure 1 and having a peripheral seal,
  • the Figures 3A and 3B are respectively a top view and a side view, a particular embodiment of a crimp terminal object of the sixth aspect of the present invention, before crimping and
  • the figure 4 represents, in side view, the crimp terminal illustrated in FIG. Figures 3A and 3B , after crimping and fixing on a conductor.

On décrit, d'abord, en regard des figures 1 et 2, un premier aspect de la présente invention. Un dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'invention peut être le dispositif illustré sur la figure 1. Deux conducteurs 12 et 14 sont séparés par un élément conducteur intercalaire 10 en mousse métallique de façon à ce que leurs surfaces respectives entrent en contact avec la mousse. La connexion électrique entre les conducteurs 12 et 14 est réalisée par contact serré grâce à un moyen de serrage tel qu'un boulon de serrage 16 traversant les deux conducteurs ainsi que l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10.First, we describe Figures 1 and 2 , a first aspect of the present invention. An electrical connection device according to the invention may be the device illustrated on the figure 1 . Two conductors 12 and 14 are separated by an intermediate conductive element 10 of metal foam so that their respective surfaces come into contact with the foam. The electrical connection between the conductors 12 and 14 is achieved by close contact by means of a clamping means such as a clamping bolt 16 passing through the two conductors as well as the intermediate conductive element 10.

Dans des modes de réalisation tel que celui qui est illustré en figures 1 et 2, un au moins des conducteurs est en aluminium. Cependant, la présente invention ne se limite pas à ce cas et s'applique à tous les conducteurs, par exemple en cuivre.In embodiments such as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 at least one of the conductors is aluminum. However, the present invention is not limited to this case and applies to all conductors, for example copper.

La mousse métallique de l'élément intercalaire 10 est une mousse à cellules ouvertes composée d'un squelette de mousse de métal choisi parmi le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement métallique tel qu'un revêtement en étain, indium ou un de leurs alliages.The metal foam of the spacer element 10 is an open cell foam composed of a metal foam skeleton selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with at least one metal coating such as a coating of tin, indium or one of their alloys.

L'obtention du squelette de mousse peut se faire par électrolyse. Dans ce cas, une plaque de mousse de matière plastique telle qu'une mousse de polyuréthane est rendue électriquement conductrice et est utilisée comme cathode dans un bain électrolytique, ce qui permet de recouvrir toutes les surfaces des alvéoles ou cellules ouvertes de la mousse par une couche de métal.The skeleton of foam can be obtained by electrolysis. In this case, a plastic foam plate such as a polyurethane foam is made electrically conductive and is used as a cathode in an electrolytic bath, which allows to cover all the surfaces of the cells or open cells of the foam by a layer of metal.

Une deuxième méthode d'obtention de la plaque de mousse métallique consiste à déposer le métal par la technique du dépôt sous vide.A second method of obtaining the metal foam plate is to deposit the metal by the vacuum deposition technique.

Une troisième méthode consiste en une première étape d'activation de la mousse de matière plastique par dépôt chimique d'une couche de métal de faible épaisseur, suivie d'une seconde étape d'électrolyse pendant laquelle une couche du même métal d'épaisseur adéquate est déposée par électrolyse.A third method consists in a first step of activating the plastic foam by chemical deposition of a thin metal layer, followed by a second electrolysis step during which a layer of the same metal of adequate thickness is deposited by electrolysis.

Après le dépôt de la couche de métal, on se débarrasse du polyuréthane par un procédé adéquat, par exemple par brûlage dans un four. Le polyuréthane brûle et disparaît, ne laissant qu'un squelette constitué exclusivement de métal.After the deposition of the metal layer, the polyurethane is removed by a suitable method, for example by burning in an oven. Polyurethane burns and disappears, leaving only a skeleton made exclusively of metal.

La structure de la mousse 10 ainsi obtenue est alvéolaire et ses propriétés physiques sont principalement une porosité et une déformabilité élevées, ce qui a pour effet de réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion, ainsi qu'une faible densité de l'ordre de 400 g/m. On note que la porosité représente le ratio de vide sur le volume total. Préférentiellement, ce ratio est supérieur à 50 % et, encore plus préférentiellement, à 70 %. La déformabilité représente le ratio de l'épaisseur minimale de la mousse sous pression par rapport à l'épaisseur de la mousse avant mise sous pression. Ce ratio est préférentiellement inférieur à 50 % et, encore plus préférentiellement, à 10 %.The structure of the foam 10 thus obtained is alveolar and its physical properties are mainly a high porosity and deformability, which has the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, and a low density of the order of 400 g / m. It is noted that the porosity represents the void ratio on the total volume. Preferably, this ratio is greater than 50% and, even more preferentially, 70%. Deformability is the ratio of the minimum thickness of the foam under pressure to the thickness of the foam before pressurizing. This ratio is preferably less than 50% and, even more preferentially, 10%.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la mousse 10 est ainsi constituée en majeure partie de vide du fait de sa structure alvéolaire. De ce fait, la surface de la mousse 10 comporte une multitude de pointes de contact de l'ordre du micron dont le nombre atteint 30 pointes par mm2. L'épaisseur de la mousse 10 est de l'ordre de 2 mm. Grâce à ces pointes, l'élément intercalaire 10 possède de nombreux contacts, une grande conductivité et donc une résistance faible. Le choix du fer, du cobalt, du nickel ou d'un de leurs alliages qui sont des métaux présentant une grande dureté, permet d'obtenir des pointes dures capables de pénétrer dans la surface des conducteurs sous l'effet du serrage de ces conducteurs.In the embodiment shown, the foam 10 is thus constituted mainly by vacuum because of its cellular structure. As a result, the surface of the foam 10 has a multitude of contact points of the order of one micron, the number of which reaches 30 points per mm 2 . The thickness of the foam 10 is of the order of 2 mm. With these tips, the spacer element 10 has many contacts, high conductivity and therefore low resistance. The choice of iron, cobalt, nickel or one of their alloys, which are metals with a high degree of hardness, makes it possible to obtain hard points capable of penetrating the surface of the conductors under the effect of the clamping of these conductors. .

Une caractéristique de l'invention est que le squelette de mousse métallique est recouvert directement d'un revêtement d'un autre métal, par électrolyse ou tout autre procédé (projection, immersion dans un bain...) de telle sorte que toute la surface alvéolaire soit revêtue de cet autre métal. Contrairement au métal constituant le squelette, le métal de revêtement est préférentiellement ductile afin d'augmenter la surface de contact de chaque pointe du métal constituant le squelette, de pénétrer dans les stries de la surface du conducteur et d'améliorer la compatibilité électrochimique entre le squelette de mousse et le métal du conducteur, par exemple l'aluminium ou le cuivre, dans le but d'engendrer des microsoudages. Ainsi, le métal de revêtement extérieur du squelette est préférentiellement l'étain, l'indium ou un de leurs alliages.A feature of the invention is that the metal foam skeleton is directly covered with a coating of another metal, by electrolysis or any other method (spraying, immersion in a bath ...) so that the entire surface alveolar is coated with this other metal. Unlike the metal constituting the backbone, the coating metal is preferably ductile in order to increase the contact area of each point of the metal constituting the backbone, to penetrate the ridges of the conductor surface and to improve the electrochemical compatibility between the skeleton of foam and the metal of the conductor, for example aluminum or copper, for the purpose of generating micro-weldings. Thus, the metal of outer skin of the skeleton is preferably tin, indium or one of their alloys.

On note que le premier revêtement peut être également recouvert d'un autre revêtement d'un métal différent de celui du premier revêtement, et ainsi de suite. Par exemple, si le premier revêtement est en étain, le deuxième revêtement peut être en indium ou, si le premier revêtement est en cuivre, le second peut être en étain.It will be noted that the first coating may also be covered with another coating of a metal different from that of the first coating, and so on. For example, if the first coating is tin, the second coating may be indium or, if the first coating is copper, the second may be tin.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 est composé d'un squelette en mousse de nickel recouvert d'un revêtement d'étain.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate conductive element 10 is composed of a nickel foam skeleton coated with a tin coating.

Comme illustré sur la figure 2, l'élément intercalaire 10 comporte de préférence un joint d'étanchéité périphérique 20. Ce joint d'étanchéité périphérique 20 peut être réalisé de différentes façons. Il peut être imprégné dans la mousse ou réalisé par la dépose d'un produit d'étanchéité de type élastomère sur la périphérie. Il est également possible de réaliser le joint 20 en repliant les bords de la plaque de mousse 10 au moins une fois sur elle-même ou en roulant les bords de la plaque de mousse 10. Sous l'effet de la pression, l'épaisseur de la plaque de mousse s'uniformise, ce qui implique que la densité est au moins doublée dans les zones de repliement de la mousse, avec l'effet de réaliser le joint considéré en périphérie de l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10.As illustrated on the figure 2 the spacer element 10 preferably comprises a peripheral seal 20. This peripheral seal 20 can be made in different ways. It can be impregnated into the foam or made by removing an elastomeric sealant on the periphery. It is also possible to make the seal 20 by folding the edges of the foam plate 10 at least once on itself or rolling the edges of the foam plate 10. Under the effect of the pressure, the thickness the foam plate becomes uniform, which implies that the density is at least doubled in the areas of folding of the foam, with the effect of producing the seal considered at the periphery of the intermediate conductive element 10.

Le joint d'étanchéité périphérique 20 permet de réduire la pénétration d'agents extérieurs dégradants en créant une barrière étanche à la périphérie du contact. En effet, et en particulier dans le cas des cuves d'électrolyse, les agents dégradants sont généralement des liquides tels que de la soude ou de l'eau de lavage ou tout autre produit polluant transporté par l'eau.The peripheral seal 20 makes it possible to reduce the penetration of degrading external agents by creating a tight barrier at the periphery of the contact. Indeed, and in particular in the case of electrolytic cells, the degrading agents are generally liquids such as sodium hydroxide or washing water or any other pollutant product transported by water.

Le dispositif selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour une connexion électrique neuve. Dans ce cas, il améliore l'homogénéité du passage du courant à travers les surfaces en contact. En effet, dans une connexion électrique, le contact est d'autant plus important qu'il se situe à proximité du moyen de serrage ou boulon de serrage 16. Par conséquent, la résistance, et donc les pertes électriques de la connexion électrique constituée des conducteurs 12 et 14 en contact, est minimale près du moyen de serrage 16 et augmente plus on s'en éloigne. Cette répartition inhomogène du courant favorise une zone de concentration de courant plus élevé et donc une zone davantage sollicitée et donc dégradée plus rapidement. L'apport de l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 constitué de mousse augmente les points de contacts entre les deux conducteurs 12 et 14 et permet donc une répartition homogène du courant sur toute la surface de contact. Grâce à cette répartition homogène, il n'existe pas de zones de concentration de courant donc pas de zone davantage sollicitée et propice à une dégradation plus rapide.The device according to the invention can be used for a new electrical connection. In this case, it improves the homogeneity of the flow of current through the surfaces in touch. Indeed, in an electrical connection, the contact is even more important that it is located near the clamping means or bolt 16. Therefore, the resistance, and therefore the electrical losses of the electrical connection consists of conductors 12 and 14 in contact, is minimal near the clamping means 16 and increases further away. This inhomogeneous distribution of the current favors a zone of higher current concentration and therefore an area more stressed and therefore degraded more quickly. The contribution of the intermediate conductive element 10 made of foam increases the points of contact between the two conductors 12 and 14 and thus allows a homogeneous distribution of the current over the entire contact surface. Thanks to this homogeneous distribution, there are no areas of concentration of current and therefore no zone more solicited and conducive to a more rapid degradation.

Le dispositif selon l'invention peut également être avantageusement utilisé pour un contact d'une connexion électrique dégradée ou déformée. Ainsi, dans le cas des conducteurs en aluminium, l'oxygène de l'air provoque la formation d'une couche d'oxyde d'aluminium, l'alumine, qui augmente la résistance de la connexion. De façon à éviter la formation de la couche d'alumine, dans l'art antérieur, on a pensé à souder ensemble les deux conducteurs en utilisant un procédé de soudage par explosion. Mais cette technique est très coûteuse et difficile à mettre en oeuvre. L'utilisation de l'élément intercalaire en mousse 10, après ou sans retrait de l'alumine, est rapide et peu coûteux.The device according to the invention can also be advantageously used for a contact of a degraded or deformed electrical connection. Thus, in the case of aluminum conductors, oxygen in the air causes the formation of an aluminum oxide layer, alumina, which increases the resistance of the connection. In order to avoid the formation of the alumina layer, in the prior art, it was thought to weld together the two conductors using an explosion welding method. But this technique is very expensive and difficult to implement. The use of the foam interlayer 10, after or without removal of the alumina, is fast and inexpensive.

Dans le domaine des cuves d'électrolyse et des fours d'aciérie, les conducteurs et les connexions électriques sont soumis à des courants de haute intensité et à des températures élevées. L'usure des connexions se concrétise principalement par une déformation des surfaces de contact des connexions électriques. Il en résulte des pertes électriques importantes pouvant atteindre plusieurs KW par connexion et des variations du passage de courant à travers ces surfaces en contact. Le ré-usinage des surfaces de contact déformées n'est donc plus nécessaire en utilisant un élément conducteur intercalaire 10 selon l'invention.In the field of electrolysis cells and steelmaking furnaces, the conductors and the electrical connections are subjected to currents of high intensity and high temperatures. The wear of the connections is concretized mainly by a deformation of the contact surfaces of the electrical connections. This results in significant electrical losses of up to several KW per connection and variations of the current flow through these contacting surfaces. The re-machining of the deformed contact surfaces is therefore no longer necessary using an intermediate conductive element 10 according to the invention.

On obtient ainsi une amélioration importante des connexions électriques présentant des surfaces de contact dégradées et déformées, même lorsqu'il s'agit de déformations de l'ordre du millimètre. En effet, la déformabilité de la mousse 10 lui permet d'épouser les contours dégradés des surfaces des conducteurs 12 et 14 en contact et ainsi d'augmenter la surface de contact et de répartir la pression exercée grâce au moyen de serrage 16.This provides a significant improvement in electrical connections with deformed and deformed contact surfaces, even in the case of deformations of the order of a millimeter. Indeed, the deformability of the foam 10 allows it to conform to the degraded contours of the surfaces of the conductors 12 and 14 in contact and thus to increase the contact surface and to distribute the pressure exerted by the clamping means 16.

En outre, les pointes situées à la surface de la mousse 10 percent également les couches d'oxyde tel que l'alumine qui se forment en permanence à la surface des conducteurs 12 et 14, ce qui permet d'améliorer la conductance électrique d'une connexion usagée, et cela même sans la nettoyer au préalable.In addition, the tips located on the surface of the foam 10 also pierce the oxide layers such as alumina which form permanently on the surface of the conductors 12 and 14, which improves the electrical conductance of a used connection, even without cleaning it beforehand.

Selon une variante de réalisation, la mousse composant l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 est imprégnée (chargée) par de la graisse qui remplit complètement les alvéoles de la mousse, ce qui empêche la pénétration de polluants ou d'agents susceptibles d'oxyder ou de dégrader les surfaces. On note que la graisse peut être conductrice, de façon à augmenter la conductance électrique de la mousse. Une telle graisse est, notamment, connue sous la marque déposée « Penetrox ». En outre, cette graisse peut incorporer des produits d'anti-oxydation et des particules métalliques de quelques microns augmentant sa durée de vie. Les particules peuvent être des particules d'argent, d'or ou tout autre métal bon conducteur de l'électricité. En variante, la mousse composant l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 est imprégnée, ou chargée, d'un composant, par exemple basique, adapté à réduire la formation d'une couche à résistivité élevée à la surface d'au moins un des conducteurs 12 et 14, par exemple l'alumine sur un conducteur d'aluminium, et/ou à décaper la surface d'au moins un des conducteurs 12 et 14.According to an alternative embodiment, the foam constituting the intermediate conductive element 10 is impregnated (charged) with grease which completely fills the cells of the foam, which prevents the penetration of pollutants or agents capable of oxidizing or degrade the surfaces. It is noted that the grease can be conductive, so as to increase the electrical conductance of the foam. Such a grease is, in particular, known under the trademark "Penetrox". In addition, this fat can incorporate anti-oxidation products and metal particles of a few microns increasing its life. Particles can be particles of silver, gold or any other metal that is a good conductor of electricity. Alternatively, the foam component of the intermediate conductive element 10 is impregnated or charged with a component, for example basic, adapted to reduce the formation of a high resistivity layer on the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14, for example alumina on an aluminum conductor, and / or etching the surface of at least one of the conductors 12 and 14.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est d'autant plus avantageux que son efficacité augmente avec la température. En effet, la chute de potentiel d'une connexion de 1 dm2 utilisant le dispositif selon l'invention avec une mousse 10 de nickel recouverte d'étain est de l'ordre de quelques mV pour un courant d'une intensité de 5000 A et à la température de 80°C. Cette particularité est due au fait que les pointes de la mousse 10 se soudent sous l'effet de la température aux conducteurs 12 et 14 avec lesquels elles sont en contact.The device according to the invention is all the more advantageous as its efficiency increases with temperature. Indeed, the potential of a connection drop of 1 dm 2 using the apparatus according to the invention with a nickel foam 10 of tin covered is of the order of several mV at a current of an intensity of 5000 A and at a temperature of 80 ° C. This feature is due to the fact that the tips of the foam 10 are welded under the effect of temperature to the conductors 12 and 14 with which they are in contact.

Comme déjà mentionné, le dispositif selon l'invention est particulièrement avantageux pour améliorer la conductance des connexions électriques dans lesquelles les deux conducteurs sont en aluminium, mais également lorsqu'un des deux conducteurs est en cuivre et l'autre en aluminium ou lorsque les deux conducteurs sont en cuivre.As already mentioned, the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous for improving the conductance of electrical connections in which the two conductors are aluminum, but also when one of the two conductors is copper and the other aluminum or when both conductors are copper.

Enfin, grâce à la diminution des pertes électriques qu'il induit, le dispositif selon la présente invention, est particulièrement adapté pour des courants de haute intensité supérieure à 1000 A.Finally, by reducing the electrical losses that it induces, the device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for currents of high intensity greater than 1000 A.

On note que l'utilisation de mousse déformable de manière élastique présente aussi l'avantage de réduire l'impact d'un déserrage des moyens de serrage puisque, dans ce cas, la mousse de détend et continue à épouser les surfaces de contact, au prix d'une pression plus faible sur ces surfaces de contact.Note that the use of resiliently deformable foam also has the advantage of reducing the impact of loosening clamping means since, in this case, the foam relaxes and continues to marry the contact surfaces, the lower pressure on these contact surfaces.

Dans des modes de réalisation, l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 est constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes de porosité et de déformabilité élevées, métal choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre ou un de ses alliages.In embodiments, the intermediate conductive member 10 is made of an open-celled metal foam skeleton of high porosity and deformability, selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys coated directly with metal. at least one copper coating or one of its alloys.

Préférentiellement, le revêtement de cuivre est, lui-même revêtu d'un revêtement d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages. En particulier, l'inventeur a déterminé qu'une mousse de nickel revêtue de cuivre, lui-même revêtu d'étain, présente des caractéristiques de connexion électrique très avantageuses.Preferably, the copper coating is itself coated with a coating of tin, indium or one of their alloys. In particular, the inventor has determined that a copper-coated nickel foam, itself coated with tin, has very advantageous electrical connection characteristics.

Selon un deuxième aspect, la présente invention vise un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant deux conducteurs, 12 et 14, ayant chacun une surface de contact et un élément conducteur 10 intercalé entre les surfaces de contact desdits conducteurs, l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 étant constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes, dans lequel la mousse de métal constituant le squelette de l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 est imprégnée de graisse.According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, 12 and 14, each having a contact surface and a conductive element 10 interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element 10 being constituted an open cell metal foam skeleton, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive member 10 is impregnated with grease.

Comme on l'a vu, ces caractéristiques permettent une amélioration de la connexion électrique.As we have seen, these features allow an improvement of the electrical connection.

Préférentiellement, la graisse est une graisse conductrice.Preferably, the fat is a conductive fat.

Préférentiellement, la mousse de l'élément intercalaire présente une porosité et une déformabilité élevées, ce qui a pour effet de réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion grâce à la qualité des contacts formés par les points de contact de la mousse sur chacun des conducteur et, éventuellement, grâce à la traversée de l'alumine qu'ils permettent.Preferably, the foam of the intermediate element has a high porosity and deformability, which has the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the connection thanks to the quality of the contacts formed by the points of contact of the foam on each of the conductor and possibly, thanks to the crossing of the alumina that they allow.

Selon un troisième aspect, la présente invention vise un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant deux conducteurs, 12 et 14, ayant chacun une surface de contact et un élément conducteur 10 intercalé entre les surfaces de contact desdits conducteurs, l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 étant constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes, dans lequel la mousse de métal constituant le squelette de l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10 forme un joint d'étanchéité en périphérie des surfaces de contact.According to a third aspect, the present invention provides an electrical connection device comprising two conductors, 12 and 14, each having a contact surface and a conductive element 10 interposed between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the intermediate conductive element 10 being constituted an open cell metal foam skeleton, wherein the metal foam constituting the skeleton of the intermediate conductive member 10 forms a seal at the periphery of the contact surfaces.

Comme on l'a vu, ces caractéristiques permettent une amélioration de la connexion électrique.As we have seen, these features allow an improvement of the electrical connection.

Selon un quatrième aspect, la présente invention vise un système de serrage comportant un moyen de serrage, tel qu'un boulon de serrage 16, destiné à rapprocher les deux conducteurs et l'élément conducteur intercalaire 10. L'électricien n'a alors qu'à positionner les conducteurs 12 et 14 autour de l'élément conducteur intercalaire puis à serrer le moyen de serrage pour obtenir les effets favorables de la présente invention.According to a fourth aspect, the present invention aims at a clamping system comprising a clamping means, such as a clamping bolt 16, intended to bring the two conductors and the intermediate conductive element 10 closer together. positioning the conductors 12 and 14 around the intermediate conductive member and then clamping the clamping means to achieve the favorable effects of the present invention.

D'autres caractéristiques de ce deuxième, troisième ou quatrième aspect de l'invention sont des caractéristiques essentielles, préférentielles ou avantageuses du premier aspect de l'invention, tel que décrit en regard des figures 1 et 2.Other features of this second, third or fourth aspect of the invention are essential, preferred or advantageous features of the first aspect of the invention, as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 .

Selon un cinquième aspect, la présente invention vise un compteur d'électricité, qui comporte un dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'un des premiers à troisième aspect de la présente invention ou un système de serrage objet du quatrième aspect de l'invention. L'inventeur a déterminé qu'un départ de feu domestique sur deux provient des compteurs domestiques. La mise en oeuvre de la présente invention dans un dispositif de connexion électrique associé à un compteur électrique est donc particulièrement avantageuse. En effet, malgré les cycles thermiques, la déformation élastique de la mousse 10 assure le maintien d'un contact électrique évitant, ou au moins retardant, les échauffements dus à l'effet Joule. La présente invention s'applique ainsi aussi bien en courants forts qu'en courants faibles.According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is an electricity meter, which comprises an electrical connection device according to one of the first to third aspect of the present invention or a clamping system object of the fourth aspect of the invention. The inventor has determined that one out of two domestic fire starts from domestic meters. The implementation of the present invention in an electrical connection device associated with an electric meter is therefore particularly advantageous. Indeed, in spite of the thermal cycles, the elastic deformation of the foam 10 ensures the maintenance of an electrical contact avoiding, or at least delaying, the heating due to the Joule effect. The present invention thus applies as well in strong currents as in weak currents.

Selon un sixième aspect, illustré en figures 3A, 3B et 4, la présente invention vise une garniture de cosse à sertir et une cosse à sertir munie de cette garnitures, qui comportent un élément conducteur 10 constitué d'un squelette de mousse de métal à cellules ouvertes destiné à réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion, le métal de la mousse de métal étant choisi dans le groupe consistant en fer, cobalt, nickel et leurs alliages recouvert directement d'au moins un revêtement de cuivre, d'étain, d'indium ou un de leurs alliages.According to a sixth aspect, illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B and 4 the present invention is directed to a crimp lug liner and a crimp lug provided with such liner, which includes a conductive member 10 consisting of an open cell metal foam skeleton for reducing the electrical resistance of the connection, the metal foam metal being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys directly coated with less a coating of copper, tin, indium or one of their alloys.

Comme illustré en figures 3A et 3B, dans un mode de réalisation, la cosse à sertir 28 objet de l'invention est, avant sertissage, constituée d'une plaque de mousse plane 10 comportant

  • une zone 30 à replier pour écraser un câble conducteur 40 et
  • une zone de contact 32 destinée à être pressée sur un conducteur 42 par un moyen de serrage 44.
As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B , in one embodiment, the crimping lug 28 which is the subject of the invention is, before crimping, constituted by a flat foam plate 10 comprising
  • a zone 30 to fold to crush a conductive cable 40 and
  • a contact zone 32 intended to be pressed on a conductor 42 by a clamping means 44.

Par exemple, le conducteur 42 est une borne de batterie d'un véhicule.For example, the conductor 42 is a battery terminal of a vehicle.

Préférentiellement, la forme de la plaque de mousse 10 correspond à la forme d'une plaque métallique 34 à laquelle la plaque de mousse est liée. La plaque de mousse 10 réalise ainsi une garniture de cosse à sertir qui, une fois associée à la plaque métallique 34 forme une cosse à sertir.Preferably, the shape of the foam plate 10 corresponds to the shape of a metal plate 34 to which the foam plate is bonded. The foam plate 10 thus provides a crimping lug lining which, when associated with the metal plate 34 forms a crimp lug.

Comme illustré en figure 4, après écrasement de la zone 30 sur le câble 40 et positionnement du moyen de serrage, la cosse assure un contact électrique entre le câble 40 et le conducteur 42. Ce contact électrique présente une résistance très faible par rapport à l'art antérieur connu dans le domaine du sertissage. Les autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention exposé en regard des figures 1 et 2 constituent aussi des caractéristiques et avantages de la cosse à sertir objet du sixième aspect de l'invention.As illustrated in figure 4 after crushing of the zone 30 on the cable 40 and positioning of the clamping means, the lug ensures an electrical contact between the cable 40 and the conductor 42. This electrical contact has a very low resistance compared to the prior art known in the field of crimping. The other features and advantages of the invention set forth with reference to Figures 1 and 2 are also features and advantages of the crimp lug object of the sixth aspect of the invention.

Claims (12)

  1. An electrical connection device comprising two conductors (12 and 14) each having a contact surface, a conductive element (10) inserted between the contact surfaces of said conductors, the inserted conductive element consisting of a metal foam skeleton with open cells intended to reduce the electrical resistance of the connection;
    said device being characterized in that the inserted conductive element consists of a foam skeleton of a metal chosen from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and the alloys thereof directly covered with at least one coating of copper, tin, indium or one of the alloys thereof.
  2. The device as claimed in claim 1, in which the coating is a coating of copper or one of the alloys thereof, itself covered with a coating of tin, indium or one of the alloys thereof.
  3. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, in which at least one of the two conductors (12 and 14) is made of aluminum.
  4. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, in which the inserted conductive element (10) comprises a nickel foam skeleton.
  5. The device as claimed in claim 4, in which the nickel foam skeleton is covered with a coating of tin.
  6. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, in which a current of intensity greater than 1000 amperes circulates.
  7. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, in which the inserted conductive element (10) comprises at least one seal (20) at its periphery creating a barrier that is tight to degrading external agents.
  8. The device as claimed in claim 7, in which the seal (20) is produced by the deposition of a sealing product of elastomer type on the periphery of the inserted conductive element (10).
  9. The device as claimed in claim 7, in which the seal (20) is produced by at least one folding-in of the edge of the inserted conductive element (10).
  10. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, in which the metal foam forming the skeleton of the inserted conductive element (10) is impregnated with grease.
  11. The device as claimed in claim 10, in which the grease is a conductive grease.
  12. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, in which the metal foam forming the skeleton of the inserted conductive element (10) is impregnated with a component suitable for reducing the formation of a layer of high resistivity on the surface of at least one of the conductors (12, 14) and/or for cleaning the surface of at least one of the conductors.
EP11752584.0A 2010-07-16 2011-07-18 Electrical connection device having improved conductance Active EP2593990B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1002988A FR2962856B1 (en) 2010-07-16 2010-07-16 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEVICE WITH IMPROVED CONDUCTANCE
PCT/FR2011/051704 WO2012007701A1 (en) 2010-07-16 2011-07-18 Electrical connection device having improved conductance

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2593990A1 EP2593990A1 (en) 2013-05-22
EP2593990B1 true EP2593990B1 (en) 2017-07-12

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US (1) US9093778B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2593990B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6082346B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101826054B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103119788B (en)
AU (1) AU2011278169A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2805613C (en)
ES (1) ES2641914T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2962856B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2589745C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012007701A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2962856B1 (en) 2012-08-17
CA2805613C (en) 2020-03-10
WO2012007701A1 (en) 2012-01-19
RU2589745C2 (en) 2016-07-10
KR101826054B1 (en) 2018-02-07
EP2593990A1 (en) 2013-05-22
ES2641914T3 (en) 2017-11-14
RU2013106894A (en) 2014-08-27
US20130122730A1 (en) 2013-05-16
CA2805613A1 (en) 2012-01-19
CN103119788B (en) 2016-09-14
FR2962856A1 (en) 2012-01-20
AU2011278169A1 (en) 2013-03-07
KR20130139850A (en) 2013-12-23
JP6082346B2 (en) 2017-02-15
US9093778B2 (en) 2015-07-28
JP2013534709A (en) 2013-09-05
CN103119788A (en) 2013-05-22

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