System forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device of a motor vehicle, arrangement and vehicle comprising such a system

Abstract

System forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device of a motor vehicle, arrangement and vehicle comprising such a system. System forming an enclosure (4) for an electric traction battery device (3) of a vehicle (1) comprising a body structure (5), a floor (6) fixed to said structure, support elements (8) fixed to the floor (6) configured to carry the electric battery device (3) and a closing plate (9) fixed to the body structure (5) so as to delimit, with the body structure (5) and the floor (6), an internal volume (Vx) suitable for receiving the battery device (3). Figure from the abstract: Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: System forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device of a motor vehicle, arrangement and vehicle comprising such a system

[0001] The present invention relates to a system forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device. The invention relates to an arrangement comprising such a system and an electric traction battery device. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a system forming an enclosure and / or an arrangement according to the invention. The invention finally relates to a method of mounting the arrangement.

[0002] In the automotive industry, in particular for vehicles with electric or hybrid engines, it is known to install the electric traction battery device, intended to power the electric motor, in the underbody of the vehicle, under the passenger compartment. Conventionally, the body structure, or chassis, of the vehicle is adapted to support the functional elements of the vehicle, in particular, due to the mass of the traction battery device, the storage area of ​​the traction battery device is arranged in the bottom of the vehicle. A plurality of battery modules forming the traction battery device are arranged and held in a casing, or "casing" in English, forming an enclosure or compartment which is then fixed under the passenger compartment. Such an architecture has many drawbacks. In particular, it is accompanied by significant increases in the mass and cost of the vehicle.Also, the presence of the box generates significant bulk affecting the passenger compartment and limiting the number of modules, and by extension the quantity of energy, which can be carried.

[0003] A known alternative, disclosed in US patent US 11251494, relates to a system forming an enclosure for a traction battery device comprising a modified body structure comprising, in addition to the conventional body frame formed by side members and cross members, transverse and longitudinal elongated members connected to each other and connected to the body structure in order to form locations capable of receiving electrical modules. The battery modules are fixed to the body structure and the elongated members. Such an alternative nevertheless has the disadvantage of having a significant impact on the body structure of the vehicle, involves numerous bulky members in order to define the different locations and requires adaptation for different vehicle models and sizes.

[0004] The present invention falls within this context and aims to propose an alternative to known architectures and systems which is lighter, less expensive, limits the impact on the body structure of the vehicle and is suitable for a wide range of vehicles.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a system forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a plurality of battery modules. The system comprises a body structure defining a frame, a floor fixed to the body structure and a plurality of support elements attached and fixed to the floor, in particular under the floor, and being configured to carry at least one of the battery modules of the battery device. The system further comprises a closing plate fixed to the body structure, in particular under the body structure at a level lower than the floor, and configured to delimit, with the body structure and the floor, an internal volume housing the plurality of support elements and capable of receiving the plurality of battery modules.

[0006] Optionally, the system forming an enclosure may comprise at least one cross-member element attached and fixed to a first surface, in particular an upper surface, of the floor and arranged along a first direction, in particular a transverse direction, the plurality of support elements being fixed to a second surface, in particular a lower surface, of the floor opposite the first surface, said support elements extending along a second direction, transverse to the first direction.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the body structure may comprise: - a pair of elongated side members extending along the second direction and delimiting the frame along the first direction, such as side members and / or side skirts; - a pair of elongated end members connecting the lateral members together, extending along the first direction and delimiting the frame along the second direction, such as crosspieces; - an opening capable of allowing the passage of at least one electrical power supply cable and / or at least one fluid supply conduit.

[0008] Optionally, all or part of the plurality of support elements: - is made of a metallic material, such as steel; and / or - comprises a fixing portion of at least one part of the battery device, capable of carrying at least one battery module of said device, and at least one fixing lug to the floor, the at least one fixing lug having an offset position relative to the fixing portion along two distinct directions, transverse and / or orthogonal to each other.

[0009] In particular, the system forming an enclosure may further comprise at least one sealing means arranged on all or part of a contact interface between the closing plate and the body structure.

[0010] In particular: - the closing plate is fixed in a reversible and watertight manner to the body structure by means of at least one fixing member comprising a screw; and / or - the support elements are fixed to the floor by welding.

[0011] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a system forming an enclosure as set out above and an electric traction battery device comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged in the internal volume and carried by at least one pair of the support elements of the plurality of support elements.

[0012] In particular, at least one of the battery modules of the plurality of modules may comprise a plurality of tabs capable of being arranged and fixed at at least one of the support elements, the at least one battery module being fixed to at least one pair of adjacent support elements of the plurality of support elements by means of at least one fixing means.

[0013] Optionally, the arrangement may further comprise: - a power electronics assembly disposed in the internal volume and attached to at least one pair of support elements of the plurality of support elements; and / or - at least one heat treatment system of the battery device capable of implementing heat treatment of all or part of the battery device, the heat treatment system being arranged in the internal volume.

[0014] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an electric or hybrid motor comprising a system forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device and / or an arrangement according to the invention.

[0015] The invention finally relates to a method of mounting an arrangement according to the invention, comprising: - positioning and fixing the floor to the body structure; then - the positioning of the support elements and their fixing to the floor, in particular under the floor; then - positioning and securing at least one battery module of the electric traction battery device at a pair of support members of the plurality of support members; then - the positioning and fixing of the closing plate to the body structure, in particular under the body structure at a level lower than the floor.

[0016] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

[0017] [Fig.l] is a schematic top view representation of an embodiment of a system forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device of a vehicle.

[0018] [Fig.2] is an exploded schematic representation of the system forming an enclosure equipped with the battery device.

[0019] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of the enclosure system in which the floor has been removed to illustrate the relative positioning of cross-members and support members.

[0020] [Fig.4] is a schematic top view representation of the system forming an enclosure illustrating an internal volume in which the battery device is arranged.

[0021] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation seen from below of the system forming an enclosure illustrating the internal volume.

[0022] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the system forming an enclosure equipped with the battery device.

[0023] [Fig.7] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an extreme portion of the enclosure system with the floor and cross member removed.

[0024] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation seen from below of the attachment of the battery device.

[0025] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation viewed from below of the positioning of the battery device in the system forming an enclosure.

[0026] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation seen from below of the positioning of a heat treatment system in the internal volume

[0027] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation seen from below of a closing plate of the system forming an enclosure.

[0028] Figures 1 to 11 schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 1, particularly a vehicle 1 with an electric or hybrid motor comprising at least one electric motor, not shown. The vehicle 1 considered may be of any type, for example a private vehicle 1 or a utility vehicle 1.

[0029] According to the conventions relating to the automotive field, throughout the description below, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X and points from front to rear. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to a ground on which the vehicle 1 rests is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference XYZ is defined. The terms “above” and “below” or “upper” and “lower” are understood in their general sense, the terms “below” and “lower” designating a greater proximity to the ground. Also, the terms “first” and “second” are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements.

[0030] The vehicle 1 comprises an arrangement 2 comprising, as illustrated in [Fig.2] or 6, an electric traction battery device 3 and a system forming an enclosure 4 of said electric traction battery device 3. Here, the term "enclosure" means a space, in particular a closed space, or compartment suitable for storing the electric traction battery device 3. The electric traction battery device 3, also referred to as a battery device 3, battery or electrical energy storage device, comprises at least one battery module 41. It is understood that the battery device 3 may comprise a plurality of battery modules 41, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 9, the number of battery modules 41 illustrated being in no way limiting. The battery device 3 is an electric traction battery, or motor battery, suitable for supplying electrical energy to various components of the vehicle 1, including the electric motor of the vehicle 1.

[0031] Generally speaking, the system forming an enclosure 4 according to the invention comprises a body structure 5, a floor 6, a plurality of support elements 8, configured to carry at least one battery module 41 of the battery device 3, and a closing plate 9 of the enclosure.

[0032] Optionally, the system forming an enclosure 4 further comprises at least one cross-member element 7 attached and fixed to the floor 6. The following description is given with reference to a preferred embodiment comprising, on the one hand, the at least one cross-member element 7 and, on the other hand, the plurality of support elements 8. It is nevertheless understood that it applies mutatis mutandis to a system 4 according to the invention without the at least one cross-member element 7.

[0033] The body structure 5, or chassis, is a structure capable of supporting different components of the vehicle 1. It has a frame shape, that is to say it forms a closed frame. In particular, such a frame is formed by a plurality of elongated members, for example hollow, such as side members, cross members and / or sills. Conventionally, the body structure 5 considered within the vehicle 1 when its four wheels rest on the ground comprises an upper part, referred to as the “top” of the body structure 5, corresponding to an upper half of said structure along the vertical direction Z. The body structure 5 also comprises, when its four wheels rest, a lower part, referred to as the “bottom”, which corresponds to a lower half of the body structure 5 along this same vertical direction Z.

[0034] The figures illustrate a particular example of the body structure 5 comprising a pair of lateral members 51 and a pair of end members 52. The lateral members 51 have an elongated shape, for example hollow. Here, the term “elongated” means that said members have a length, defined along the longitudinal direction, strictly greater than their width, defined along the transverse direction Y. They delimit the frame along a first direction 100, here parallel to the transverse direction Y, and extend along a second direction 200, here parallel to the longitudinal direction X. For example, the lateral members 51 are side members and / or skirts. The end members 52 have an elongated shape, in particular hollow, extending along the first direction 100 and delimiting the frame along the second direction 200 so as to connect the lateral members 51 together. For example, the end members 52 are cross members of the vehicle 1.

[0035] The floor 6 is fixed to the body structure 5, for example by welding. In particular, the floor 6 is fixed on top of the body structure 5 or in the frame defined by the latter. The floor 6 is at least partly flat. Optionally, a contour of the floor 6 comprises a rim configured to be arranged at least partly in contact with the body structure 5 and / or at which the fixing to the body structure 5 is carried out. When the system forming an enclosure 4 is arranged in the vehicle 1, the floor 6 delimits and separates on the one hand a passenger compartment area of ​​the vehicle 1, capable of accommodating passengers, and on the other hand a storage area of ​​the battery device 3. The floor 6 and the body structure 5 delimit an internal volume Vx in which the battery device 3 can be arranged and housing the plurality of support elements 8.

[0036] For example, the floor 6 is made of sheet metal, in particular steel. In particular, the floor 6 is sized and shaped so as to extend into the space delimited by the frame of the body structure 5. In other words, the floor 6 extends in whole or in part into the frame formed by the body structure 5, as visible in [Fig.2] or 6.

[0037] The at least one cross-member 7 is an optionally attached part fixed to the floor 6. In particular, the at least one cross-member 7 is fixed to a first surface 601 of the floor 6. The first surface 601 of the floor 6 is configured to face the passenger compartment so as to form an upper surface of the floor 6 when the system forming an enclosure 4 is arranged in the vehicle 1. In particular, the at least one cross-member 7 has an elongated shape. For example, the term “elongated” here means that the at least one cross-member 7 has a first dimension, defined along the first direction 100, strictly greater than a second dimension of said element, defined along the second direction 200.For example, the first dimension of the at least one cross-member element is at least three times a value of the second dimension of said element, or even greater than or equal to ten times the value of the second dimension, for example of the order of twenty times the value of the second dimension. For example, the at least one cross-member element 7 is a hollow part and / or a profiled part. Preferably, the system forming an enclosure 4 comprises a plurality of elements of . crosspiece 7. It is understood that the number of crosspiece elements 7 shown is in no way limiting. The following description is made with reference to a crosspiece element 7, it is understood that it extends to all or part of the plurality of crosspiece elements 7.

[0038] The at least one cross-member 7 is arranged on the floor 6 so as to extend along the first direction 100, here the transverse direction Y. The at least one cross-member 7 extends at least partly in the space delimited by the frame of the body structure 5, between two opposite sides of the frame. In this case, the at least one cross-member 7 extends between the lateral members 51. It forms for example a spacer between said sides or members.

[0039] The at least one cross-member 7 allows the attachment of structural elements of the vehicle 1, in particular the passenger compartment. In particular, it is capable of carrying seats, for example by means of the rails, not shown. The at least one cross-member 7 advantageously ensures the reinforcement of the overall frame of the vehicle 1, particularly in order to protect the electric traction battery device 3 in the event of a side impact. Indeed, in the event of a side collision, the at least one cross-member 7 increases the stiffness of the body structure 5 and protects the electric traction battery device 3 without affecting the ergonomics of the passenger compartment. The greater the number of cross-members 7, the greater the stiffness. A plurality of cross-members 7 can thus be distributed, as illustrated in [Fig.l] or 3, along a length of the frame defined along the second direction 200.

[0040] The support elements 8 are added parts fixed to the floor 6, in particular under the floor 6, that is to say on a surface of the floor 6 closest to the ground within the vehicle 1 whose four wheels rest on the ground. In particular, the support elements 8 are fixed to a second surface 602 of the floor 6, opposite the first surface 601, that is to say to a lower surface of the floor 6 when the latter is arranged in the vehicle 1. In other words, the floor 6 is interposed between the at least one cross-member element 7 and the support elements 8 along a third direction 300, here parallel to the vertical direction Z, the support elements 8 having a position lower than that of the at least one cross-member element 7 along this same direction within the system forming an enclosure 4 and within the vehicle 1.

[0041] The support elements 8 are arranged projecting from the second surface 602. In particular, the support elements 8 have an elongated shape. Here, for example, the term “elongated” means that the support elements 8 have a first dimension, defined along the second direction 200 within the vehicle, strictly greater than a second dimension of said element, defined along the first direction 100. For example, the first dimension of the support elements 8 is at least three times a value of the second dimension of said element, or even greater than or equal to ten times the value of the second dimension, for example of the order of thirty times the value of the second dimension of said support element 8. The support elements 8 are in particular hollow and / or comprise an open or hollowed-out profile so as to form a cavity 81 relative to the floor 6 capable of receiving a fixing means 42 of the battery device 3, as further explained below. For example, the support elements 8 are longitudinal members, i.e. small longitudinal members. The support elements 8 extend along the second direction 200, transverse to the first direction 100, or even orthogonal thereto. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the different support elements 8 extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other.They are distributed over a width, defined along the first direction 100, of the frame of the body structure 5.

[0042] The support elements 8 are configured to carry at least one battery module 41 of the battery device 3. They thus extend into the storage area of ​​the battery device 3 without affecting the passenger compartment area. In particular, as explained below, at least one battery module 41 is fixed at the level of two adjacent support elements 8. The fixing of the battery device 3 to the support elements 8 according to the invention advantageously allows a fixing without drilling at the floor level 6 and thus limits the risks of smoke transmission into the passenger compartment in the event of an incident at the level of the storage area of ​​the battery device 3.

[0043] The support elements 8 are arranged at regular or irregular intervals depending on the type of battery module 41 carried. In other words, the position of the support elements 8 in the internal volume Vx and the spacings separating adjacent support elements 8, measured along the first direction 100, are adapted according to the dimensions of the battery module 41 considered. The support elements 8 may also extend over all or part of the length of the internal volume Vx, defined along the second direction 200.

[0044] Preferably, the support elements 8 are fixed to the floor 6 by welding. For example, “three-thickness” welding points are implemented at areas of the floor 6 on which the at least one cross-member element 7 and one of the support elements 8 are fixed to the floor 6. In other words, the fixing of a support element 8 considered and of the at least one cross-member element 7 is carried out on the floor 6 at at least one area crossed by a common vertical axis. Such a principle makes it possible to form a reinforced structure similar to a lattice or mesh between the at least one cross-member element 7 and the indirectly linked support elements 8, which extend transversely, or even here orthogonally, to each other. others.

[0045] Optionally, all or part of the support elements 8 can participate in the organization of the storage area of ​​the electric traction battery device 3, for example by allowing the arrangement and / or passage of cables.

[0046] Optionally but preferably, all or part of the plurality of support elements 8 is made of a metallic material, such as sheet metal and / or steel.

[0047] According to particular embodiments, illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, each support element 8 comprises a fixing portion 82 of at least one part of the battery device 3, capable of cooperating with at least one battery module 41 of said device, and at least one fixing lug 83 of the support element 8 on the floor 6. The present description is made with reference to a support element 8 considered, it is nevertheless understood that it extends to the different support elements 8. Preferably, the fixing portion 82 comprises at least one flat surface making it possible to optimize the fixing of the battery device 3, in particular of a battery module 41, and the contact therewith. Likewise, preferably, the at least one fixing lug 83 comprises a flat surface making it possible to optimize the contact with the second surface 602 of the floor 6.

[0048] Particularly according to the invention, the fixing lug 83 has a position offset relative to the fixing portion 82 along two distinct directions, in particular along the first direction 100 and along the third direction 300, that is to say here along the transverse Y and vertical Z directions respectively. In other words, the support element 8 comprises an offset stepped structure. Particularly, the fixing portion 82 has a lower position than the fixing lug 83 along the vertical direction Z and the fixing lug 83 is at least partly interposed between the fixing portion 82 and the floor 6 along this same direction. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible to maintain the battery device 3, in particular a battery module 41 considered, at a non-zero distance from the floor 6.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiments, the system forming an enclosure 4 comprises two distinct types of support elements 8. A first type of support element 8, visible in [Fig. 6] or 7, comprises a fixing portion 82 and a fixing lug 83 on the floor 6 as explained above. The support element 8 also comprises an additional fixing lug 84 configured to be fixed to the body structure 5, in this case to one of the lateral members 51 of the body structure 5. The fixing lug 83 and the additional fixing lug 84 comprise in particular flat surfaces, respectively placed in contact with the floor 6 and the body structure 5, extending transversely, or even orthogonally, to each other. Such an example of a support element 8 is in particular arranged at the transverse ends of the internal volume Vx.

[0050] A second example of support element 8, shown in [Fig.6] or 8, comprises a fixing portion 82 and two fixing lugs 83 on the floor 6 as explained above, arranged on either side of the fixing portion 82. The support element 8 then comprises a substantially “U” shaped profile, the fixing portion 82 of the battery device 3 forming a base of the “U” while the two fixing lugs 83 form the branches thereof. More particularly, the support element 8 comprises an “omega” shaped profile. The fixing lugs 83 each comprise a flat surface configured to be arranged in contact with the second surface 602 of the floor 6, for example, so that they lie in the same plane.

[0051] The closing plate 9 is configured to be fixed to the body structure 5 and to delimit and close the internal volume Vx. In particular, the closing plate 9 is configured to be fixed at the level of the underside of the body structure 5. The internal volume Vx is thus delimited by the body structure 5 forming a frame, the floor 6, limiting an upper part of the internal volume Vx and the closing plate 9, limiting a lower part.

[0052] The closing plate 9 is reversibly fixed to the body structure 5 by means of at least one fixing member 91. In particular, the closing plate 9 is fixed under the body structure at a lower level, along the vertical direction Z, than the floor 6. In particular, the closing plate 9 is fixed at the level of the underside of the body structure 5. Such a fixing allows simplified access to the electric traction battery device 3 when the latter is installed in the system forming an enclosure 4, for example during maintenance work or in the context of a replacement of a battery module 41. Unlike known prior art, it is thus not necessary to remove a housing and the battery device as a whole. According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6] or 7, the fixing member 91 comprises a screw, the closing plate 9 then comprises at least one orifice capable of receiving said screw and the same applies to the body structure 5.

[0053] In this case, the closing plate 9 is fixed by means of a plurality of fixing members 91. Preferably, these are arranged at least on one contour of the closing plate 9 so as to allow the latter to be fixed at the level of the frame formed by the body structure 5, in particular on the lower part of said frame. Optionally, a portion of the fixing members 91 is arranged in a central zone of the closing plate 9, for example so as to allow the latter to be fixed to the support elements 8 arranged in the internal volume Vx.

[0054] The closing plate 9 thus makes it possible to close the internal volume Vx of the storage area of ​​the battery device 3. It also makes it possible to increase the stiffness of the body structure 5 and protects the battery device 3 from possible projections, debris or even street furniture. It is at least partly flat or substantially flat. For example, the closing plate 9 comprises flat edges configured to be arranged in contact with the body structure 5 and fixed thereto. Similarly, as visible in [Fig.6] or 7, the frame formed by the body structure 5 comprises, at a lower face, at least partly flat surfaces adapted for fixing the closing plate 9.

[0055] Optionally, all or part of the lateral members 51 and / or the end members 52 of the body structure 5 comprises an edge 53 extending vertically, or substantially vertically, delimiting the location of the closing plate 9. Such an edge 53 extends around the fixing interface between the closing plate 9 and the body structure 5 so as to protect the closing plate 9 from impacts against obstacles, for example street furniture.

[0056] Furthermore, optionally but preferably, the system forming an enclosure 4 comprises at least one sealing means 92, such as a seal, arranged on all or part of the contact interface between the closure plate 9 and the body structure 5. For example, such a sealing means 92 may be arranged at least at the level of the orifices included in the closure plate 9 and the body structure 5. Such a sealing means 92 helps to keep the storage area of ​​the battery device 3 sealed and thus to protect the internal volume Vx and the battery device 3 from the external environment.

[0057] As explained above, within the arrangement 2, the battery device 3 comprises at least one battery module 41 mounted on a pair of support elements 8. In particular, the battery device 3 comprises a plurality of battery modules 41. As explained previously, the figures illustrate an example of a battery device 3 comprising a non-limiting number of battery modules 41. Each pair of support elements 8 defines a location capable of receiving at least one battery module 41. For example, the battery module 41 in question is arranged between two adjacent support elements 8. In other words, the battery module 41 is interposed between two adjacent support elements 8 along the first direction 100, here the transverse direction Y, and the support elements 8 and battery modules 41 are arranged alternately in the internal volume Vx.Such a principle advantageously makes it possible to limit the number of support elements 8 and to optimize the passage of tools between the battery modules 41 during technical interventions. The same support element 8 can thus carry a battery module 41 or several battery modules 41. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.6], 7 or 8, the elements of . support 8 having a more extreme position along the first direction 100 carry a battery module 41 while the support elements 8 having a more central position each carry two battery modules 41.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the system forming an enclosure 4 and the battery device 3 are arranged in order to optimize the energy capacity of said device. Also, the battery modules 41 extend along the second direction 200, corresponding here to the longitudinal direction X, and extend parallel to each other. Each location delimited between adjacent support elements 8 here comprises a battery module 41.

[0059] According to an alternative not shown, a plurality of battery modules 41 can be arranged one after the other along the second direction 200 so that the same location delimited by two adjacent support elements 8 can receive several battery modules 41.

[0060] In order to allow the attachment of a battery module 41 considered on the support elements 8, said module 41 comprises a plurality of tabs 43 capable of being attached at least one of the support elements 8 by means of at least one attachment means 42. The tabs 43 have a flat or substantially flat end portion capable of being arranged in contact with the attachment portion 82 of at least one of the support elements 8. Within the arrangement 2, they have in particular a lower position relative to the attachment portion 82 of one of the support elements 8 considered. The tabs 43 come from at least one wall of the battery module 41 considered and extend projecting therefrom. In this case, the tabs 43 come from side walls and extend along the first direction 100, i.e. transversely, towards one of the adjacent support elements 8.The tabs 43 are thus sized and shaped so as to extend opposite the adjacent support element 8, in particular its fixing portion 82, when the battery module 41 in question is mounted in the system forming an enclosure 4.

[0061] The tabs 43 also comprise a hole capable of receiving the fixing means 42, for example a screw or a clip. Similarly, the fixing portion 82 of the support element comprises at least one opening capable of receiving the fixing means 42. The shape of the support elements 8, hollow and / or profiled as described above, forms a cavity 81 relative to the floor 6 capable of receiving the fixing means 42, in particular such that it extends at a non-zero distance from the floor 6.

[0062] The system forming an enclosure 4 according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the at least one battery module 41 of the electric traction battery device 3 suspended in the internal volume Vx. Indeed, the latter is arranged at a non-zero distance from the floor 6 and from the closing plate 9 when the latter is mounted on the structure of body 5. Also, the modules 41 are dimensioned so as to have a height, measured along the third direction 300, strictly less than a height of the internal volume Vx measured along this same direction between the second surface 602 of the floor 6 and an upper surface of the closing plate 9. Also, the positioning and the shape of the support elements 8 is such that the at least one electric traction battery module 41 extends at a non-zero distance from the body structure 5. In this way, in the event of a lateral collision, the body structure 5, particularly the lateral elements, are first deformed in the internal volume Vx without damaging the battery device 3. The positioning of the at least one cross-member element 7 above the battery device 3, and not at the same vertical level, further contributes to optimizing the resistance of the system forming an enclosure 4 to impacts and the protection of said device.

[0063] Optionally but preferably, the arrangement 2 may further comprise a power electronics assembly 10 and / or a heat treatment system 11 arranged in the internal volume Vx.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig.2], 9 or 10, the power electronics assembly 10 is arranged in the internal volume Vx and fixed at at least one pair of support elements 8 of the plurality of support elements 8. The power electronics assembly 10 may be arranged upstream or downstream of the battery device 3, i.e. of the at least one battery module 41, within the internal volume Vx and the vehicle 1. In particular, preferably, it is arranged so as to be interposed between the battery device 3 and the electric motor equipping the vehicle 1. In this case, for an electric motor arranged at the front of the vehicle 1, the power electronics assembly 10 is preferably arranged upstream of the battery device 3 in order to reduce the number and length of the power cables connecting the battery device 3 to the electric motor.For example, when the battery device 3 comprises a plurality of battery modules 41, these are electrically connected to each other and connected to the power electronic assembly 10 then to the electric motor.

[0065] According to an illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support elements 8 are particularly arranged in order to define a location capable of receiving the power electronics assembly 10. In particular, the support elements 8 may extend over all or part of the length of the internal volume Vx. Also, in the illustrated example, the power electronics assembly 10 is fixed to the support elements 8 having the most extreme, opposite positions, along the first direction 100, while the support elements 8 having a more central position are arranged and / or dimensioned in order to delimit the location capable of receiving the power electronics assembly 10.

[0066] Similar to what has been explained previously with reference to the battery modules 41, the power electronics assembly 10 optionally comprises a plurality of tabs 43 configured to allow the attachment of said assembly to the support elements 8 by means of one or more attachment means 42. Also, the preceding description applies mutatis mutandis to the power electronics assembly 10. For example, the power electronics assembly 10 comprises a case equipped with the plurality of tabs 43.

[0067] The heat treatment system 11 of the electric traction battery device 3 is configured to implement a heat treatment of all or part of the battery device 3. It is at least partly arranged in the internal volume Vx and is included in a circuit for circulating a fluid, not shown, such as glycolated water. The heat treatment system 11 may be of any known type, for example it may comprise at least one fluid circulation plate integrated into the battery device 3, particularly into the battery modules 41, or arranged in contact with the battery device 3. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat treatment system 11 may be configured to implement a parallel supply of a plurality of heat treatment plates each associated with one of the battery modules 41 of the battery device 3.In addition, the heat treatment system 11 is optionally configured to transfer thermal energy to other elements of the vehicle 1, such as a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning installation of the vehicle 1, otherwise called HVAC installation, for the English acronym “Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning”.

[0068] Optionally, the body structure 5 and / or the floor 6 comprises at least one opening 12 capable of allowing the passage of at least one electrical power supply cable, for example connecting the battery device 3 and / or the power electronics assembly 10 to the electric motor. Also, such an opening 12 may, additionally or alternatively, allow the passage of fluid supply and / or discharge pipes, capable of implementing a fluid connection to the heat treatment system 11 and to the circuit. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.3] or 6, the body structure 5 comprises a separating side 54 configured to delimit at least in part an engine compartment of the vehicle 1 and in which the opening 12 is arranged. Also, the opening 12 is optionally equipped with a sealing panel closing the opening 12 and holding the at least one cable and / or the at least one pipe.A similar principle applies, mutatis mutandis, to floor 6 in order to allow the passage of at least one electrical power cable and / or fluid circulation pipes.

[0069] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the arrangement 2 according to the invention. It is understood that the preceding description applies mutatis mutandis to the present method. The assembly method firstly comprises positioning and fixing the floor 6 to the body structure 5. As indicated above, such fixing can be carried out at the top, i.e. the upper part, of the body structure 5. For example, such fixing is carried out by welding. Optionally, when the system forming an enclosure 4 comprises the at least one cross-member element 7, the latter is then positioned and fixed to the floor 6, for example here at the first surface 601. For example, the at least one cross-member element 7 is arranged along the first direction 100, in particular bearing on opposite sides of the body structure 5 in order to form a spacer. Also, the support elements 8 are positioned and fixed to the floor 6, in particular at the second surface 602 thereof. For example, the support elements 8 are arranged along the second direction 200.In particular, the support elements 8 and / or the cross-member elements 7 are fixed by welding.

[0070] The electric traction battery device 3 is then positioned and fixed in the internal volume Vx at the level of the support elements 8. In particular, a battery module 41 or several battery modules 41 can be mounted in the internal volume Vx, in particular so that each battery module 41 is carried by a pair of support elements 8. Preferably, each module 41 is reversibly mounted on the support elements 8 by means of at least one fixing means 42. Also, each battery module 41 is arranged suspended in the internal volume Vx so that it extends at a non-zero distance from the floor 6 and the body structure 5.

[0071] Finally, the closing plate 9 is positioned and fixed to the body structure 5 so as to close the internal volume Vx. In particular, the closing plate 9 is fixed under the body structure 5 at a level lower than the floor 6. In particular, the body structure 5 is fixed at the level of the underside of the body structure 5. Thus, along the vertical direction Z, the closing plate 9 is interposed between the floor 6 and the support elements 8 on the one hand, and the ground on which the vehicle 1 is placed on the other hand, said plate having the greatest proximity to the ground. In particular, the closing plate 9 is fixed reversibly to the body structure 5 by means of the fixing members 91. Preferably, the closing plate 9 is fixed in a sealed manner to the body structure 5. In particular, the closing plate 9 is arranged so as to extend at a non-zero distance from the battery device 3.

[0072] It is understood that, when the arrangement 2 comprises a sealing means 92, a heat treatment system 11 and / or a power electronics assembly 10, these are arranged in the internal volume Vx as explained above prior to the positioning of the closing plate 9.

[0073] The present invention thus proposes a system forming an enclosure for an electric traction battery device as well as an arrangement comprising such a system proposing an alternative to the known battery device storage boxes, fixed under the vehicle body. The present invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce the costs relating to the integration of the battery device in the vehicle as well as the space requirement generated and the mass carried in the vehicle. It makes it possible to optimize the dimensions of the storage area of ​​the battery device and, consequently, the maximum quantity of energy likely to be carried by removing the need for a storage box for the various battery modules. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to favor the height of the passenger compartment by reducing the vertical space requirement compared to conventional boxes.The body structure is otherwise little affected by the present invention and the system forming an enclosure allows great modularity in the arrangement of the battery device.

[0074] The present invention finally allows simplified mounting and dismounting of the battery device in the vehicle and simplified access to it in the event of intervention on at least one of the battery modules without it being necessary to resort to extracting the entire battery device and a housing.

[0075] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

Claims

1. System forming an enclosure (4) for an electric traction battery device (3) of a motor vehicle (1), the device comprising a plurality of battery modules (41), the system comprising: - a body structure (5) defining a frame; - a floor (6) fixed to the body structure (5); - a plurality of elongated support elements (8) attached and fixed to the floor (6), in particular under the floor (6), and being configured to carry at least one of the battery modules (41) of the battery device (3); - a closing plate (9) fixed to the body structure (5), in particular under the body structure at a level lower than the floor (6), and configured to delimit, with the body structure (5) and the floor (6), an internal volume (Vx) housing the plurality of support elements (8) and capable of receiving the plurality of battery modules (41).

2. System forming an enclosure (4) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one cross-member element (7) attached and fixed to a first surface (601), in particular upper, of the floor (6) and arranged along a first direction (100), in particular transverse, the plurality of support elements (8) being fixed to a second surface (602), in particular lower, of the floor (6) opposite the first surface (601), said support elements (8) extending along a second direction (200), transverse to the first direction (100).

3. System forming an enclosure (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the body structure (5) comprises: - a pair of elongated lateral members (51) extending along the second direction (200) and delimiting the frame along the first direction (100), such as side members and / or sills; - a pair of elongated end members (52) connecting the lateral members (51) together, extending along the first direction (100) and delimiting the frame along the second direction (200), such as cross members; - an opening (12) capable of allowing the passage of at least one electrical power supply cable and / or at least one fluid supply conduit.

4. System forming an enclosure (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which all or part of the plurality of support elements (8): - is made of a metallic material, such as steel; and / or - comprises a fixing portion (82) of at least a part of the battery device (3), capable of carrying at least one battery module (41) of said device, and at least one fixing lug (83) to the floor (6), the at least one fixing lug (83) having a position offset relative to the fixing portion (82) along two distinct directions, transverse and / or orthogonal to each other.

5. System forming an enclosure (4) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sealing means (92) arranged on all or part of a contact interface between the closing plate (9) and the body structure (5).

6. System forming an enclosure (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the closing plate (9) is fixed in a reversible and sealed manner to the body structure (5) by means of at least one fixing member (91) comprising a screw; and / or - the support elements (8) are fixed to the floor (6) by welding.

7. Arrangement (2) comprising a system forming an enclosure (4) according to one of the preceding claims and an electric traction battery device (3) comprising a plurality of battery modules (41) arranged in the internal volume (Vx) and carried by at least one pair of support elements (8) of the plurality of support elements (8).

8. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the battery modules (41) of the plurality of modules (41) comprises a plurality of tabs (43) adapted to be arranged and fixed at at least one of the support elements (8), the at least one battery module (41) being fixed to at least one pair of adjacent support elements (8) of the plurality of support elements (8) by means of at least one fixing means (42).

9. Arrangement (2) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: - a power electronics assembly (10) arranged in the internal volume (Vx) and fixed to at least one pair of support elements (8) of the plurality of support elements (8); and / or - at least one heat treatment system (11) of the device battery (3) capable of implementing heat treatment of all or part of the battery device (3), the heat treatment system (11) being arranged in the internal volume (Vx).

10. Motor vehicle (1) with electric or hybrid motorization comprising a system forming an enclosure (4) of an electric traction battery device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A method of mounting an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, comprising: - positioning and fixing the floor (6) to the body structure (5); then - positioning the support elements (8) and fixing them to the floor (6), in particular under the floor (6); then - positioning and fixing at least one battery module (41) of the electric traction battery device (3) at a pair of support elements (8) of the plurality of support elements (8); then - positioning and fixing the closing plate (9) to the body structure (5), in particular under the body structure at a level lower than the floor (6).

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