High Voltage Access Prevention

摘要

Methods and apparatus for assembling a high voltage battery without exposing an operator to contacts having a voltage greater than a predetermined maximum are presented. A bus bar module has standard compartments equipped with integrated bus bars separated by break compartments without bus bars. The bus bar module can be coupled to a plurality of electrochemical cells to connect the cells in groups having a voltage less than a predetermined maximum Vmax. Compartment lids can be closed to prevent contact with connected posts. A separate non-integrated bus bar can be provided to a break compartment to connect a first group of cells with a second group of cells to form a series of connected cells that can provide a voltage greater than Vmax, to achieve a desired battery voltage. The bus bar module and methods of the invention can protect an operator during battery assembly or service.