EP2601068A1

EP2601068A1 - Connection device comprising a control unit, battery case comprising such a connection device and method of controlling such a battery case

Info

Publication number: EP2601068A1
Application number: EP11740909.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thierry Auguet; Pierre-Alain Magne; Olivier Joye
Original assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland; Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA; Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Current assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Priority date: 2010-08-02
Filing date: 2011-08-01
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Also published as: CN103052525A; CN103052525B; FR2963500A1; FR2963500B1; US9132734B2; WO2012016950A1; US20130229742A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device 3 for connecting a battery 2 to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising at least one input 3a capable of being connected to a first terminal 2a of the battery and at least one output 3b capable of being linked to a first terminal of an electric circuit of the vehicle. The device 3 also comprises: a device for measuring the voltage 7 between the first terminal 2a of the battery and a reference potential 15, and a control unit 14 capable of receiving the voltage values measured by the device for measuring the voltage 7, capable of determining an isolation resistance between the first terminal 2a of the battery and the reference potential 15, and capable of linking or of keeping linked the first terminal 2a of the battery and the first terminal of the electric circuit when the said isolation resistance is greater than a determined threshold. The invention also relates to a battery case 1 comprising such a connection device, and a method of controlling such a battery case 1.

Description

Connecting device comprising a control unit, battery box comprising such a connection device and method for controlling such a battery box The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles of the electric or hybrid type, requiring the use of batteries electric. In particular, the present invention relates to battery chests.

"Electric vehicle" means a vehicle as defined in the United Nations Regulation No. 100 on the Approval of Battery Electric Vehicles.

The present invention relates more particularly to a battery box comprising a battery formed of one or more accumulator assemblies. Each accumulator assembly comprises a plurality of superimposed electrical energy storage elements and at least one connecting means for electrically connecting the accumulator elements. The battery is the source of electrical energy used for the motorization of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

To give the vehicle increased autonomy, one needs a substantial reserve of electrical energy. This leads to the use of a relatively bulky battery, relatively heavy and may present risks from an electrical point of view.

It is known to use a fuse, said "passive" to isolate an electrical element when it delivers an electric current greater than a value determined by the characteristics of the fuse. The fuse then operates as a circuit breaker. However, the fuse reacts only to an electric current, and does not isolate the electrical element in case of other malfunctions on the electrical circuit.

It is also possible to provide controlled switches for isolating an electrical element. The controlled switch makes it possible to disconnect, but also to reconnect the electrical element in a circuit. However, the switch controlled requires a control unit to control the switch, the control unit to be able to detect a malfunction of the electric element.

The documents FR2927200, WO2008032945, WO2006085730 and WO2008032945 relate to devices comprising battery management means, notably making it possible to improve the charging / discharging cycles, and to monitor operating parameters of the battery. However, such means are not always sufficient to detect a malfunction and its origin in the battery.

The present invention aims to improve, in general, the safety of vehicles with electric or hybrid propulsion and the safety of people using the vehicles or having to intervene on batteries or vehicles.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a connection device, a battery box and a method of controlling such a battery box, making it possible to monitor the operation of the battery, in particular to detect malfunctions or anomalies. electric.

For this purpose, according to one embodiment, there is provided a connection device for a battery to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising at least one input capable of being connected to a first terminal of the battery and to the least one output capable of being connected to a first terminal of an electric circuit of the vehicle. The device also includes:

a device for measuring the voltage between the first terminal of the battery and a reference potential, and

a control unit capable of receiving the voltage values measured by the voltage measuring device, capable of determining a solitting voltage between the first terminal of the battery and the reference potential, and capable of connect or maintain connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit when said solation resistance is greater than a determined threshold. The determined threshold may be greater than or equal to 500 ohm per volt, or possibly greater than or equal to 100 ohm per volt.

Thus, the connection device makes it possible to check the potential difference between a terminal of the battery and a reference potential. The reference potential may be for example the potential of the battery box or the potential of the chassis of the vehicle (electrical mass of the vehicle). It is then possible to detect a bad electric iolation of a battery cell with respect to the chassis of the vehicle or with respect to the battery box. In addition, during the operation of the vehicle, that is to say when the battery is connected to the electric circuit of the vehicle, it is possible to detect a contact between a point of the electric circuit supplied by the battery and the chassis of the vehicle.

Preferably, the device for measuring the voltage comprises:

- a measurement input,

a resistor and a switch connected in series between the measurement input and the reference potential, the switch being controlled by the control unit, and

- a voltmeter connected in parallel with the resistor and the switch between the measurement input and the reference potential.

The connection device may also comprise a circuit breaker, preferably a switch, connected in series between the input and the output of the connection device, the circuit breaker being controlled by the control unit and allowing connect the first terminal of the battery to the first circuit of the electrical circuit. The circuit breaker simply makes it possible to connect or disconnect the first terminal of the battery to the first terminal of the electrical circuit, either during the stopping of the vehicle, or when an electrical anomaly is detected, for example an overcurrent, an under voltage or an overvoltage.

More generally, the control unit may be capable of receiving voltage, current and / or temperature values of the battery, and be able to connect or maintain connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the circuit. electrically when a value of current flowing in the first terminal of the battery is below a determined threshold (absence of overcurrent), and / or when a voltage value is greater than a determined threshold (absence of overvoltage), and / or when a voltage value is below a determined threshold (no overvoltage), and / or when a temperature value of the battery is below a determined threshold.

The connection device may also include a fuse connected in series between the input and the output of the connection device.

The connection device may comprise an electric circuit breaking device connected in series between the input and the output of the connection device, the electric circuit breaking device being controlled by the control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the cut-off device comprises a pyrotechnic igniter connected to control terminals, the electrical opening of the cut-off device being controlled by an electrical control signal applied to said control terminals.

Thus, one directly obtains the opening of the electric circuit by ignition of the pyrotechnic charge. For this purpose, it is sufficient to apply a suitable control signal to the terminals of the pyrotechnic charge, for example a control voltage. Preferably, to provide ultra fast tripping control, the control signal is developed by electrical means. The cut-off device makes it possible in particular to quickly and reliably interrupt the electrical contact between the battery and the electrical circuits of the vehicle when an anomaly liable to damage the equipment is detected.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cut-off device for an electric circuit may comprise a contact member in the form of a movable element sliding inside the poles between which the electrical connection must be established or cut. In the closed position of the electrical contact, the contact member provides a bridging and a good electrical contact between poles, and in position opening of the circuit, the place initially occupied by the contact member is taken by an insulating pusher. The cut-off device may thus comprise a first and a second electric pole connected between the output of the battery and the output of the battery box, the cut-off device being intended to interrupt the electrical continuity between said first and second electric poles.

It is known that, due to the existing inductances on the electrical circuit to be protected and because of the particularly high current intensities, an electric arc will appear between the pole and the contact member at the instant when the contact member will no longer be in contact with the first pole. This electric arc causes the ionization of the atmosphere inside the cut-off device and ensures the maintenance of electrical continuity. But, with the cutoff device described above, the pusher that pushes the contact member is itself made of a non-conductive material of electricity and resistant to arcing.

The control unit is capable, in particular by voltage measurements, current measurements and / or temperature measurements, of detecting an electrical contact between the battery and the reference potential and / or an anomaly, and is capable of isolate the battery by controlling switches. In particular, in the event of an electrical anomaly, the control unit is able to warn the driver of the detection of such an anomaly, by an audible and / or visual message, and is able to prevent the vehicle from restarting. when it has been stopped after the warning message. However, when electrical anomalies such as overvoltages can cause damage to the equipment (for example on the battery elements or on the electrical components), the control unit can open the switches or, when they are damaged and remain closed, can apply the electrical control signal to the cutoff device, to quickly and reliably interrupt the current supplied by the battery.

The connection device may also comprise a manually operated disconnector connected in series between the input of the connecting device and the input of the measuring device. In a preferred embodiment, the manually operated disconnector comprises a base provided with spaced electrical contact means, and adapted to be coupled to a removable member provided with a cut-off bar such that after coupling, the bar cutting of the removable member connects the electrical contact means of the base.

Thus, as the battery can contain a significant electrical charge, it is possible to isolate the battery simply by separating the removable member of the base, so that an intervention on the battery box, especially during its installation or removal, or intervention on electrical parts of the vehicle can be secured.

According to one embodiment, the connection device comprises a second input capable of being connected to a second terminal of the battery, a second output capable of being connected to a second terminal of the electrical circuit, and a second device of measurement of the voltage between the second terminal of the battery and a reference potential. The control unit is capable of receiving the voltage values measured by the second voltage measuring device, capable of determining an insulation resistance between the second terminal of the battery and the reference potential, and capable of connecting or to maintain connected the second terminal of the battery and the second terminal of the electrical circuit when said insulation resistance is greater than the determined threshold. It is thus possible to measure at the same time the insulation of the two terminals of the battery with respect to the reference potential.

The connection device may also comprise a circuit breaker and / or an electrical circuit breaking device connected in series between the second input and the second output of the connection device.

The invention also relates to a battery box for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a connection device as described above. The invention finally relates to a control method of a battery box for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising a battery comprising a first terminal capable of being connected to a first terminal of an electric circuit. According to the method, the voltage is measured between a reference potential and the first terminal of the battery, a solitting voltage is determined between the first terminal of the battery and the reference potential, and connected or maintained connected. the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electric circuit when said resonance of i solation is greater than a determined threshold. It is also possible to connect or maintain connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit when the voltage is greater than a determined threshold and / or lower than a determined threshold. It is also possible to maintain connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electric circuit when the current flowing in the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit is below a determined threshold. It is also possible to connect or maintain connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electric circuit when the temperature of the battery is below a determined threshold.

Preferably, the voltage is measured between the first terminal of the battery and the reference potential, and / or the current flowing in the first terminal of the battery, and / or the battery temperature, when the vehicle is started and / or at regular intervals during the operation of the vehicle, for example between 1 second and 1 minute.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a battery with a connection device,

FIG. 2 is a general axial section of a cut-off device shown in the position in which the electric circuit is closed, FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit for controlling a switching device,

FIG. 4 represents an external perspective view of a battery box, partially open, and

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a manually operated disconnector.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the main elements of a trunk 1 comprising a battery 2 and a connection device 3. The battery 2 comprises a first bulb 2a and a second terminal 2b, as well as several accumulator blocks (not shown). The accumulator blocks are exemplified in the form of solenoids enclosing accumulator assemblies of electrical energy, and are connected in series between the first terminal 2a and the second terminal 2b of the battery. The first terminal 2a may for example be the positive terminal of the battery and the second terminal 2b may be the negative terminal of the battery 2.

The battery 2 is connected, via the connection device 3, to one or more electrical circuits of the automobile vehicle, for example the electric propulsion circuit, the electric circuit of the dampers, the electric air conditioning circuit. etc. In particular, the negative terminal 2b of the battery can be connected to a negative terminal 4 common to the electrical circuits, and the positive battery 2a of the battery can be connected individually to each electric circuit, to supply the electrical energy. Positive beam 2a and negative terminal 2b are distinct from the vehicle frame, the potential of which is the reference potential. The battery and the electrical circuits are therefore electrically solved from the chassis of the vehicle.

The positive terminal 2a of the battery is connected to a first input 3a of the connection device 3. The connection device 3 also includes outputs 3b each of which can supply one of the electrical circuits of the motor vehicle. The connection device 3 also comprises a manually operated disconnector 6, a first measuring device 7, a cut-off device 8 and a device of FIG. relays 9 successively connected in series by connections 5, between the input 3a and the outputs 3b.

The negative terminal 2b of the battery is connected to a second input 3c of the connection device 3. The connection device 3 also comprises a second output 3d connected to the negative terminal 4 common to all the electric circuits powered by the battery 2. A second measuring device 10, a circuit breaker 11, for example a controllable switch, and possibly a second cut-off device 12 are successively connected in series by connections 13, between the input 3c and the output 3d.

The connection device 2 also comprises a control unit 14, connected by connections 14a to the measuring devices 7 and 10, to the cut-off device 8, to the relay device 9 and to the circuit breaker 11. The connections 14a can be made by electrical wires, and allows the exchange of signals with the control unit 14. In particular, the control unit 14 receives information from the measuring device or devices 7 and 10, and sends control signals to the devices 7 and 10, the breaking device 8, the relay device 9 and the circuit breaker 11.

The relay device 9 comprises an input 9a connected, via a connection 5, to the output of the switching device for the electric circuit 8, and outputs 9b connected by connections 5 to the outputs 3b of the connection device 3. At each output 9b are associated a circuit breaker, made for example in the form of controlled switches 9c, and a fuse 9d, connected in series between the input 9a and said output 9b. Each switch 9c is controlled by the control unit 14 and controls the power supply of the electrical circuit connected to the corresponding output 3b. The fuse 9d makes it possible to open the electrical supply contact of said electric circuit when the intensity of the current flowing in the electric circuit is greater than a threshold determined by the physical properties of the fuse 9d. Thus, the control of the cutouts 9c by the control unit makes it possible to select the various components of the vehicle which are powered by the battery 2, for example the electric air-conditioning circuit, the electric propulsion circuit, etc.

The control of the cut-off device 8, and possibly of the cut-off device 12, by the control unit 14 interrupts the electrical contact between the battery 2 and the outputs 3b of the connection device 3. This command may follow the detection by the control unit 14 of a major malfunction requiring the rapid interruption of the electrical contact and the intervention of a professional. The battery can then be reconnected to the outputs 3b only by replacing, at least in part, the cut-off device 8, which can only be done by said professional.

The manually operated disconnector 6 makes it possible to manually disconnect the battery from the vehicle, in particular during an intervention on the vehicle or during a step of assembly / disassembly of the battery.

The first and second measuring devices 7 and 10 may be identical. They may each comprise a measurement input 7a, 10a, measuring means, for example a voltmeter 7b, 10b, mounted between a reference potential 15 and the measurement input 7a, 10a. The measuring devices 7 and 10 may each further comprise a resistor 7c, 10c and a controllable switch 7d, 10d, connected in series between the measurement input 7a, 10a and the reference potential 15. The resistor 7c, 10c and l On the other hand, the switch 7d, 10d on the one hand and the voltmeter 7b, 10b on the other hand are connected in parallel between the measurement input 7a, 10a and the reference potential 15 of each measuring device 7, 10. The potential reference is for example that of the vehicle, that is to say that of the chassis of the vehicle, or that of the battery box. The switches 7d, 10d are controlled by the control unit 14, via the connection 14a, and make it possible to introduce the known resistance 7c, 10c between each terminal of the battery and the reference potential 15.

Finally, the measuring devices 7, 10 each comprise an output 7e, 10e connected to the measurement input 7a, 10a. The measurement of the insulation resistance is controlled by the control unit 14 and is carried out according to the following steps.

In a first and a second step, the voltmeters 7b, 10b measure, with the switches 7d, lOd open, the voltage V ₇ , Vio between each terminal of the battery and the reference potential 15. Then, in a third step, the The control unit 14 compares the voltages V ₇ and V ₁₀ , and considers the highest voltage.

Thus, if the voltage V ₇ is higher than the voltage V ₁₀ , then the control unit 14 controls the closing of the switch 7d, and the voltmeter again measures the voltage V ' ₇ between the terminal 2a of the battery and the reference potential 15, in a fourth step. The voltage measurements V ₇ , V ' ₇ made by the voltmeter 7b are used by the control unit 14 to calculate, in a final step, the insulation resistance Ri ₇ between the battery terminal 2a and the voltage potential of the battery. reference. In particular, the insulation resistance Ri ₇ (in ohms per volt) can be calculated from the following formula:

where: R ₇ is the value of the resistor 7c.

On the other hand, if the voltage V ₁₀ is higher than the voltage V ₇ , then the control unit 14 controls the closing of the switch 10d, and the voltmeter again measures the voltage V _'10 between the terminal 2b of the battery and the reference potential 15, in a fourth step. The voltage measurements V ₁₀ , V _'10 made by the voltmeter 10b are used by the control unit 14 to calculate, in a final step, the insulation resistance Rn ₀ between the battery terminal 2b and the voltage potential of the battery. reference. In particular, the insulation resistance Rn ₀ (in ohms per volt) can be calculated from the following formula:

where: Rio is the value of the resistance 10c.

When the vehicle is started, the switches 9c and 11 are open (that is to say that the battery 2 is disconnected from the circuits the vehicle) as when the vehicle is stationary. The control unit 14 then measures the insulation resistance of the battery as previously described.

If the value Ri ₇ or Rno is below a determined threshold, then the isolation between a terminal of the battery and the reference potential is not sufficient: there is a risk of malfunction and the switches 9c and 11 are then kept open.

If the values Ri ₇ and Rno are greater than the determined threshold, then the control unit 14 closes the switch 11, so as to connect the negative terminal 2b of the battery to the common negative terminal 4, and then measures the resistance again. battery isolation as described previously. If the value Rno is below a determined threshold, then the insulation between the common negative terminal 4 of the vehicle and the reference potential is not sufficient: the switch 11 is then open and the battery is not connected to the electrical circuits of the vehicle.

If the values Ri ₇ and Rno are greater than the determined threshold, then the control unit 14 opens the switch 11, closes the switches 9c so as to connect the positive terminal 2a of the battery to the electrical circuits of the vehicle, then measures at again the insulation resistance of the battery as previously described. If the value Ri ₇ is below a determined threshold, then the insulation between the positive terminal of the vehicle electrical circuits and the reference potential is not sufficient: the switches 9c are then open and the battery is not connected to the electrical circuits of the vehicle.

If the values Ri ₇ and Rno are greater than the determined threshold, then the control unit 14 closes the switch 11 in addition to the switches 9c. The electrical circuits of the vehicle are then powered by the battery, and the vehicle can start. When the vehicle is started, the control unit 14 again measures the insulation resistance of the battery as described above, with the switches 9c and 11 closed, at regular intervals, for example between 1 second and 1 minute. Such measures do not change the operation of the vehicle since the battery is still connected to the vehicle.

If the value Ri ₇ or Rno becomes less than a threshold determined during the operation of the vehicle, then the control unit 14 may trigger a warning signal for the driver of the vehicle, or may prevent the restart of the vehicle when it stopped.

The connection device 3 makes it possible to control the isolation of each terminal of the battery with respect to the reference potential. It is in particular possible to detect a slow and regular decrease in the insulation of one of the terminals of the battery (for example by progressive wear of an electrical insulator) and to warn the user or possibly to prevent the operation of the battery. vehicle. It is also possible to detect a sudden drop in insulation that can damage the equipment, and to quickly and reliably interrupt the electrical connection between the battery and the electrical circuits of the vehicle through the cut-off device 8.

Thus, a battery box comprising a connection device 3 as described in Figure 1, allows a regular control of the insulation of each terminal of the battery relative to the vehicle frame or the battery box. It is then possible to detect on the one hand any malfunctions appearing slowly, and on the other hand sudden anomalies that may damage the equipment.

The cut-off device 8 may advantageously be a pyrotechnic device such as, for example, that described in the patent application FR2869450 to which reference may be made for further details. Such a cut-off device 8, shown in section in FIG. 2, is generally cylindrical in shape.

A first sleeve constitutes a first electrical pole 121, and a second sleeve constitutes a second electrical pole 122. These poles are preferably made of copper and have a generally tubular shape. They are connected by a sleeve 101 made of non-electrically conductive material. The sheath 101 is for example constituted by several layers of fiberglass fabrics resin impregnated crosses surrounding the respective outer surfaces of the first and second poles 121, 122 overlapping them at least partially. The edges of each of the poles 121 and 122 facing each other end with a shoulder 121a, respectively 122a. The poles 121 and 122 are also positioned and held in place by a ring 110, mounted between the two poles and made of electrically non-conductive material and resistant to arcing. In this way, the poles 121 and 122 are centered by the ring 110 and aligned with respect to each other. The sleeve 101 and the ring 110 mechanically connect to each other the poles 121 and 122 while keeping them electrically insulated from each other. It may be noted that, in a variant, the sleeve 101 and the ring 110 can be made in one piece.

The pole 121 has a cylindrical bore 1210 over substantially its entire length. The pole 121 has at one of its ends, opposite the ring 110, a shoulder 121b having on the inner side a frustoconical surface. The pole 121 has a portion 121c having an external thread to receive for example an electrical connection.

A pyrotechnic igniter 103 is inserted inside the pole

121 and is immobilized at the end thereof against the frustoconical surface of the shoulder 121b by means of a tightly fitting ring 133. The igniter 103 comprises terminals 131 accessible from the outside of the cut-off device and allowing the connection of the pyrotechnic igniter. On the opposite side to these terminals 131, the pyrotechnic igniter 103 comprises a housing 132 receiving the explosive charge. As pyrotechnic igniter 103, it is possible to use, for example, those which are designed to trigger the operation of airbags (commonly known as "airbags") or seatbelt pre-tensioners for motor vehicles.

On about half of its axial length, the pole 122 has a bore 1220. It has two cylindrical bearing surfaces of the same diameter as the bore 1210. Between these two cylindrical surfaces is provided a cylindrical bearing of greater diameter. The pole 122 then forms a receptacle whose internal wall, cylindrical, is machined to a diameter slightly greater than that of the two cylindrical bearing surfaces described above. The pole 122 has at an opposite end to the ring 110, a tapped area 122b. A plug 109, screwed to the end of the pole 122 closes said receptacle. The plug 109 has a threaded hole 190 which can receive an electrical connection screw. Each of the poles 121 and 122 also has an outer surface 1211, respectively 1221, for connecting an electrical conductor to each of the poles 121 and 122.

In the example illustrated, the cut-off device comprises a propulsion piston 104 made in one piece of heat-resistant material released by the explosion of the pyrotechnic charge. The piston 104 has a skirt arranged to be oriented towards the pyrotechnic igniter. In this way, there remains a small internal chamber 143 between the piston 104 and the pyrotechnic igniter 103. During the explosion, the pressure generated pushes the lips of the skirt against the bore 1210, which improves the seal and prevents the propagation of gases and burnt particles to the left side of Figure 2. Preferably, the skirt of the piston 104 may undergo some plastic deformation to complete the seal. Some plastics are quite suitable for the realization of the piston 104, such as an infusible polyimide available from DuPont de Nemours under the name "Vespel SPI".

A pusher 105 is mounted adjacent the piston 104. The pusher 105 can be either solid or hollow. The pusher 105 is preferably made of ceramic or electrically nonconductive material and resistant to flames and an electric arc.

A contact member 106, made of electrically conductive material, is mounted adjacent the pusher 105, opposite the piston 104. The contact member 106 is preferably made of copper. The contact member 106 constitutes a part which is here independent of the electrical poles 121 and 122. In the example illustrated, the contact 106 has the shape of a substantially tubular piece having two peripheral ribs to come into contact with one of the poles 121 and 122 when the contact member 106 is in the position shown in Figure 2 where it closes the electrical contact .

The outer surfaces of the protuberances are pressed against the inner surfaces of the poles as shown in Figure 2, and this by a resilient effect. The contact member 106 has slots for deformation of the outer surface of the contact member 106. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the contact member 106 has an internal radial groove (a groove on each side). , Inside which is mounted a circlip 160 which exerts a radial force on the contact member. An excellent electrical contact is thus achieved, with a contact resistance as low as possible between the poles and the contact member 106.

The contact member 106 is slidable within the bores 1210 and 1220, its shape and external dimensions fitting by elastic deformation to the inner diameters of said bores.

Finally, damping washers 107 and 108, preferably made of elastomeric material having high damping properties, are inserted at the end of the cut-off device. The washers 107 and 108 are inserted in front of the stopper 109 on which they can bear.

Thus, in this advantageous embodiment, the first sleeve 1210 contains a propulsion piston 104 interposed between the pusher 105 and the pyrotechnic igniter 103; the propulsion piston 104 is slidably mounted inside said first sleeve 210, the propulsion piston being able to be set in motion by ignition of the pyrotechnic charge to push back the pusher 105.

Each of the sleeves 1210 and 1220 forms an internal bore inside which can slide both the contact member 106, the pusher 105 and the propulsion piston 104. The adjustment of the contact member 106 with respect to poles 121 and 122 is slightly tightening, so that the propulsion piston 104, the pusher 105 and the contact member 106 naturally retain the longitudinal position that was imposed during assembly. The contact member 106, the pusher 105 and the piston 104 are, in the assembly, installed against each other, in intimate contact against each other.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electrical line 5 connected to the electric poles, formed for example by the two sleeves 121 and 122 illustrated in FIG. 2, of a cutoff device 8. A control circuit 150 is connected to the terminals 131 providing the connection The circuit 150 receives a low voltage supply 152, and comprises a DC / DC element of galvanic isolation 153 between the low voltage supply 152 and the control elements of the pyrotechnic charge. The circuit 150 may be part of the control unit 14 of FIG.

The circuit 150 comprises a first control channel 154 reacting at an intensity too high in the line 5. This first channel 154 comprises a current sensor 155 continuously measuring the current on the line 5. The sensor 155 is connected to a comparator 156 it is itself connected to a logic gate "or" 157. The output of the logic gate 157 is connected to a power transistor 158, for example of MOSFET type which, when it receives the appropriate signal from the logic gate 157, injects a control current at the terminals 131 of the pyrotechnic igniter 103. Preferably, the pyrotechnic element is deliberately supercharged to accelerate the ignition of the charge, by 3 to 5 times the rated current for which it is dimensioned. Preferably, the power transistor 158 is connected to a capacitor storing the energy required to establish the control current.

The circuit 150 further comprises a second control channel 161 reacting to other types of faults such as a fault in a stack of accumulator elements. This second channel 161 comprises an opto-coupler 162, connected to the other input of the logic gate 157. It is important to note that, during the operation of the cut-off device 8, no galvanic isolation can be ensured between the terminals 131 and the pole 121, hence placing the control circuit 150 at the same electrical potential as the pole 121. Similarly, after cutting, it is possible that by simple electrical influence the poles 121 and 122 take or keep the same electrical potential that can be high. Thanks to the galvanic isolation provided by the DC / DC element 152 and / or the opto-sensor 162, it is able to effectively ensure the control of the cut-off device 8 while maintaining the galvanic isolation of the electronic components upstream supplying low voltage power required for said command.

Thus, the cut-off device 8 is capable of very quickly interrupting an electric current. The time elapsing between the beginning of the establishment of the control signal and the end of the power circuit break is of the order of 300 to 400 micro-seconds.

Figure 4 shows a battery box 201, intended to be installed under the chassis of a vehicle removably. The trunk 201 comprises an outer casing 202 of generally parallelepipedal shape, for example metallic, which comprises a support 203 in the form of a rectangular bowl in which is installed a battery 2, a cover 204 mounted on a peripheral rim of the support.

In the support 203 is provided a partition 205 which determines adjacent compartments 206 in which can be arranged accumulator blocks 207 which include insulating housings 208 enclosing accumulator assemblies of electrical energy constituting the battery 2.

In the example shown, the partition 205 determines two rows of five compartments 206, receiving a total of ten accumulator blocks 207, leaving internal spaces for the passage of connecting son.

In this embodiment, the support 203 has a central extension 209 of smaller width than that of the support 203, determining a secondary compartment 210 in which is arranged, at least in part, a connection device 3. Thus, are disposed in the compartment 210, the cut-off device 8, the electrical or electronic device 9 and the control unit 14 of the battery 2. In this embodiment, the battery box 201 thus integrates the connection device 3.

An electrical connector 217 may be connected to the outputs of the connection device 3, through the wall of the secondary compartment 210, for the electrical connections of the battery 2.

In a side wall of the support 203, adjacent to the extension 209, there is arranged a hollow recess 218 (see FIG. 5) open laterally and downwards, below the support 203. In this hollow recess 218 is installed a manually operated disconnector 6 which comprises a base 220 fixed in the upper part of the hollow recess 218 and a removable member 221. The member 221 is thus accessible from the outside of the casing 202, laterally and below the vehicle.

The base comprises two spaced electrical contact pads, which are connected to an electric cable 215. For this purpose, the electric cable 215 comprises two portions 215a and 215b, the portion 215a being connected to the input of the connection device 3 , that is to say at the terminal 2a of the battery 2, and the first electrical contact pad. The portion 215b is connected to the second electrical contact pad and to the cut-off device 8.

The removable member 221 carries a cutoff bar 224 capable, when the member 221 is coupled to the base 220, from bottom to top, electrically connect between them the electrical contact pads of the base 220, so that the output of the battery 2 is connected to the cut-off device 8, then to the relay device 9.

When the removable member 221 is uncoupled from the base

220, from top to bottom, the electrical contact pads of the base 220 are isolated, so that the output of the battery 2 is no longer connected to the cut-off device 8 and the relay device 9, and is therefore isolated. The outer casing 202 is provided with means for its installation below a vehicle, which may comprise fastening tabs 225 mounted against the side wall of the support 203 and judiciously distributed at its periphery.

With the manual disconnector 6, it is possible to i soler the battery when it is necessary to intervene on the battery box 201, especially when it is placed on the vehicle or when it is removed, or when it is necessary to intervene in a general way on the electric circuits of the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment, one could also provide a manual disconnector switch on the electrical cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery 2 to the common negative terminal.

As has been described, the manual disconnector switch 6 is accessible from below the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the manual disconnector could be accessible from within the vehicle, for example through an opening formed by a hatch.

Thus, thanks to such a battery box, it is possible not only to detect a malfunction of the battery, but also to quickly disconnect the battery from the vehicle when this malfunction can damage the equipment.

Finally, the battery box also makes it possible to take into account the safety of the people working on the vehicle, thanks in particular to a manually operated disconnector allowing the electrical circuit of the building to be opened before any maintenance or assembly / disassembly operations. .

Claims

1. Device for connecting (3) a battery (2) to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising at least one input (3a) capable of being connected to a first terminal (2a) of the battery and at least one output (3b) capable of being connected to a first terminal of an electric circuit of the vehicle, characterized in that the device (3) also comprises:

a device for measuring the voltage (7) between the first terminal of the battery (2a) and a reference potential (15), and

a control unit (14) capable of receiving the voltage values measured by the voltage measuring device (7), able to determine an insulation resistance between the first terminal (2a) of the battery and the potential of reference (15), and capable of connecting or maintaining connected the first terminal of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit when said insulation resistance is greater than a determined threshold.

2. Connection device according to claim 1 wherein the voltage measuring device (7) comprises:

a measurement input (7a),

a resistor (7c) and a switch (7d) connected in series between the measuring input (7a) and the reference potential (15), the switch (7d) being controlled by the control unit (14) , and

a voltmeter (7b) connected in parallel with the resistor (7c) and the switch (7d) between the measurement input and the reference potential.

3. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims also comprising a circuit breaker (9c), preferably a switch, connected in series between the input (3a) and the output (3b) of the connection device (3). , the circuit breaker (9c) being controlled by the control unit (14) and making it possible to connect the first terminal (2a) of the battery to the first terminal of the electric circuit.

4. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims also comprising a fuse (9d) connected in series between the input (3a) and the output (3b) of the connection device.

5. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims also comprising an electrical circuit breaking device (8) connected in series between the input and the output of the connection device, the electric circuit breaking device being controlled by the control unit (14).

6. Connection device according to the preceding claim wherein the cut-off device (8) comprises a pyrotechnic igniter connected to control terminals, the electrical opening of the cut-off device being controlled by an electrical control signal applied to said control terminals. .

7. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims also comprising a manually controlled disconnector (6) connected in series between the input of the connection device (3) and the input of the measuring device (7a).

8. Connection device according to the preceding claim wherein the manually operated disconnector comprises a base provided with spaced electrical contact means, and adapted to be coupled to a removable member provided with a cutoff bar so that after coupling , the cut-off bar of the removable member connects the electrical contact means of the base.

9. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a second input (3c) capable of being connected to a second terminal (2b) of the battery, a second output (3d) capable of being connected to a second terminal of the electrical circuit, and a second device (10) for measuring the voltage between the second terminal (2b) of the battery and a reference potential (15), the control unit (14) being able to receive the values of voltage measured by the second voltage measuring device (10), capable of determining an insulation resistance between the second terminal of the battery and the reference potential, and capable of connecting or maintaining connected the second terminal of the battery and the second terminal of the electrical circuit when said insulation resistance is greater than the first determined threshold.

10. Connection device according to the preceding claim also comprising a circuit breaker (11) and / or an electrical circuit breaking device connected in series between the second input (3c) and the second output (3d) of the connection device.

Battery box (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a connection device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method of controlling a battery box for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising a battery (2) having a first terminal (2a) capable of being connected to a first terminal of an electrical circuit, in which a measurement is made. the voltage between a reference potential (15) and the first terminal of the battery (2a), an insulation resistance is determined between the first terminal (2a) of the battery and the reference potential (15), and maintained connected to the first terminal (2a) of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit when said insulation resistance is greater than a determined threshold.

13. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the voltage is measured between the first terminal of the battery and the reference potential at regular intervals.