Battery assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery assembly for a motor vehicle comprising: - heat exchange panels (13) arranged one on top of the other along an axis E, each heat exchange panel (13) being in the form of a sawtooth (14) undulation, the sawtooth (14) comprising alternately a top (15) and a recess (17) along an axis C orthogonal to said axis E, a fluid passage (19) being formed at at least one of the recess (17) of each sawtooth and the top (15) of each sawtooth (14); - battery modules (11) arranged in parallel and staggered, each battery module (11) comprising at least one battery cell (20) in the form of a pouch, each battery module (11) being housed in at least one sawtooth (14) to exchange heat with the fluid. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a battery assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery assembly for motor vehicles, and a method for manufacturing such a battery assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, battery packs for motor vehicles with multiple battery modules are known, for example, from documents such as US2021 / 0143495 A1, DE 10 2017 210343A1, WO 2020 / 179355 A1, and US2020 / 0365956 A1. To optimize operation, the battery modules must be temperature-regulated. For this purpose, the battery pack includes a heat exchanger that allows the temperature of the battery modules to be regulated by a fluid flowing within the heat exchanger.

[0003] However, the manufacturing and assembly of this battery module is relatively complex and costly. Moreover, such battery modules are relatively large in size.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to manufacture a battery assembly that allows for a large number of battery modules while optimizing cooling and safety, such as thermal runaway protection, and whose design is particularly simple and can be easily adapted to the power requirements of the motor vehicle to be equipped with it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is particularly to simplify the assembly of battery components including temperature-regulating battery modules.

[0006] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a battery assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0007] - A heat exchange panel is arranged on one along axis E, each heat exchange panel is serrated (formede créneaux, or crenellated), the serrations alternately include tops and recesses along axis C orthogonal to axis E, and a fluid passage is formed at at least one of the recesses and tops of each serration.

[0008] - Battery modules, which are arranged in parallel and staggered arrangement to form multiple rows of battery modules along axis C, these rows of battery modules are formed one row on top of another along axis E, each row being offset in the direction of axis C relative to an adjacent single row or relative to two adjacent rows aligned with each other in the direction of axis C, to form multiple columns of battery modules along axis E, each battery module including at least one battery cell preferably in the form of a pouch, each battery module being housed in at least one serration to exchange heat with a fluid.

[0009] As a result, this battery assembly allows for a large number of battery modules while optimizing cooling and safety, such as thermal runaway protection. Its design is particularly simple and can be easily adapted to the power requirements of the motor vehicle to be equipped with it.

[0010] The term "pouch cell battery" should be understood, in its conventional sense in the battery field, to refer to a battery cell that houses an electrolyte and electrodes within an internal space, surrounded by a pouch-shaped casing. This casing may include, for example, an insulating outer layer, a metal layer, and possibly an adhesive inner layer. The insulating outer layer prevents the penetration of external moisture and / or gases and is, for example, made of a polymer material. The metal layer allows for improved mechanical strength of the casing. The metal layer may be formed, for example, of an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and magnesium, or of steel, or of nickel, or of a nickel alloy, or of aluminum. Electrodes, in the form of conductive sheets, extend from the casing, which is sealed around these conductive sheets, thereby forming the electrodes of the pouch cell when it is assembled. Preferably, the pouch cell is rectangular in shape.

[0011] Depending on other optional features of the battery assembly, which may be used individually or in combination:

[0012] - The battery module is rechargeable. In other words, the battery module is of a secondary type.

[0013] - Each battery module is compressed between two heat exchange panels.

[0014] - Each battery module includes at least one prismatique-type battery cell. The term "prismatique-type battery cell" should be understood, in particular, to mean, according to its conventional meaning in the battery field, that the prismatique-type battery cell receives the electrolyte and electrodes within its internal space, which is surrounded by a rigid, box-like casing. This casing may be based on, for example, a metal such as aluminum, or formed of a plastic or polymer material.

[0015] - Each battery module includes at least one pouch-type battery cell.

[0016] - The heat exchange panels are based on aluminum. As a result, the manufacture of these panels is economical.

[0017] - The heat exchange panels are extruded profiles. As a result, the manufacture of these panels is particularly simple and economical.

[0018] The heat exchange panels are formed by welding together multiple stamped plates that define fluid passageways between them. This makes the manufacture of these panels particularly simple and economical.

[0019] - Heat exchange panels are stacked one on top of the other.

[0020] The heat exchange panels are identical. This simplifies the design and reduces costs.

[0021] - The fluid is a thermally regulating fluid, preferably a liquid. Thus, for example, a coolant already used in other applications in motor vehicles can be used, thereby ensuring the thermal regulation of the battery assembly.

[0022] - Each battery module is arranged in the recess or top of the serrated edge.

[0023] - In each heat exchange panel, the recess and / or top of each serration has a shape complementary to the shape of the battery module. This makes it particularly convenient to place and maintain the battery modules along axis C during battery assembly. Furthermore, thermal regulation of the battery modules is optimized due to thermal regulation also being implemented on the sidewalls of each battery module.

[0024] The battery module is the same. As a result, the design is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0025] Each battery module includes a first battery cell, preferably in a pouch form, and a second battery cell, preferably in a pouch form, stacked along axis E. A compressible material layer is sandwiched between the first and second battery cells. Each battery cell includes two battery electrodes positioned laterally opposite each other relative to axis E and axis C. Each pair of adjacent battery electrodes is welded together to form the electrodes of the battery module. In practice, battery cells, such as pouch cells, deform by bulging and then collapsing during successive charge-discharge cycles. Therefore, the presence of the compressible layer allows for the offsetting of large forces generated by the charge-discharge cycles that would otherwise be applied to the heat exchange panel due to the bulging and collapsing of the battery cells. The term "compressible material layer" should be understood in particular as meaning that the compressible material layer is more easily compressed along axis E compared to the other components of the battery module (i.e., the first and second battery cells).

[0026] - In each heat exchange panel, a fluid passage is formed at the recess of each serration and at the top of each serration. Thus, thermal regulation of the battery module is optimized because thermal regulation is achieved simultaneously at the recess and the top of each serration. Each battery module is therefore necessarily surrounded by at least two fluid passages.

[0027] A serrated heat exchange plate is sandwiched between the first and second heat exchange panels. The serrations alternately include tops and recesses along axis E, such that the recesses of the serrations on the heat exchange plate contact and align with the tops of the serrations on the first heat exchange panel, and the tops of the serrations on the heat exchange plate contact and align with the recesses on the second heat exchange panel. Thus, since the battery modules are simultaneously isolated from each other by the heat exchange panels and the heat exchange plate, thermal protection against thermal runaway is improved.

[0028] The heat exchange plates have trapezoidal serrations. This allows multiple heat exchange plates to be easily stacked during storage before battery assembly manufacturing. Furthermore, the trapezoidal shape simplifies the insertion of battery modules into the serrations.

[0029] The serrations of the heat exchange panels are trapezoidal. This allows multiple heat exchange panels to be easily stacked during storage before battery assembly manufacturing. Furthermore, the trapezoidal shape simplifies the insertion of battery modules into the serrations.

[0030] The serrations of the heat exchange plate and the heat exchange panel have the same width along axis C. This simplifies the relative positioning of the heat exchange plate with respect to the heat exchange panel.

[0031] - The recesses and / or tops of each serration of the heat exchange plate have a shape complementary to the shape of the battery module. This makes it particularly convenient to place and maintain the battery modules along axis C during battery assembly. Furthermore, thermal regulation of the battery modules is optimized because thermal regulation is also achieved on the sidewalls where the battery modules contact the heat exchange plate.

[0032] The top and recess of the heat exchange plate, as well as the top and recess of the heat exchange panel, all have the same width along axis C. This simplifies the design and reduces costs.

[0033] In each heat exchange panel, each channel is continuous, and every set of n adjacent channels, preferably each pair of adjacent channels, is fluidly connected by connectors to form at least one tortuous fluid channel. This simplifies the manufacturing of the heat exchange panel because the channels are continuous. It also simplifies the inspection of the seals because the connectors are located at the ends of the channels. In practice, this arrangement allows the seals of the heat exchange panels to be tested before they are installed to form the battery assembly.

[0034] - The connector is preferably made of a thermoplastic polymer material. Thus, the connector is lightweight and obtained in a simple and economical manner.

[0035] - The connector is made of electrically insulating material.

[0036] - In each heat exchange panel, each channel is in the form of a straight pipe with openings on both sides of the heat exchange panel.

[0037] - The connector is fixed to the heat exchange panel by at least one fixing element, preferably at least one screw.

[0038] The connector includes a sheet configured to form a support surface for two adjacent electrodes of a battery module, which are preferably laser-welded together. This simplifies the manufacturing of the battery assembly.

[0039] A sheet is formed at the end of the connector away from the heat exchange panel, and the connector includes support feet, by which the sheet is supported only. Thus, even if the sheet is damaged during the welding of the two electrodes during battery assembly manufacturing, for example due to heat released during welding, the risk of damage to the rest of the connector (including its fluid-conducting portion) is significantly reduced.

[0040] - On each heat exchange panel, a fluid inlet connector is arranged at the end of a channel formed at one end of the heat exchange panel, and a fluid outlet connector is arranged at the end of a channel formed at the other end of the heat exchange panel. Thus, each heat exchange panel includes a single fluid inlet and a single fluid outlet, as well as multiple heat exchange channels formed by the channels.

[0041] Each fluid inlet connector connects to a splitter with a single fluid inlet, preferably in the form of a quick-connect coupling, and each fluid outlet connector connects to a collector with a single fluid outlet, preferably in the form of a quick-connect coupling. This simplifies the fluid connection between the battery assembly and the vehicle's fluid circulation system.

[0042] The battery assembly includes axial clamping elements that compress the heat exchange panel and battery module along axis E. This maintains the integrity of the battery assembly in a simple manner.

[0043] - An axial clamping element surrounds the battery assembly and is a clamping band or bar. This assembly allows for easy disassembly of the battery assembly to reuse or recycle the components that make up the battery assembly.

[0044] The subject of this invention also relates to a motor vehicle that includes the battery assembly described above.

[0045] The subject of this invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a battery assembly as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0046] - The heat exchange panels are preferably manufactured by extrusion molding, each heat exchange panel having a serrated undulation, the serrations alternately including tops and recesses along an axis C orthogonal to axis E, and a fluid passage is formed at least at the recess of each serration and at the top of each serration, each passage being through;

[0047] - On each heat exchange panel, for every set of n adjacent channels, preferably for every pair of adjacent channels, a connector for fluidly connecting the set of n adjacent channels, preferably a pair of adjacent channels, is fixed to form at least one tortuous fluid channel, the connector including a sheet configured to form a support surface.

[0048] - On each heat exchange panel, a fluid inlet connector is arranged at the end of a channel formed at one end of the heat exchange panel, and a fluid outlet connector is arranged at the end of a channel formed at the other end of the heat exchange panel. Preferably, the fluid tightness is tested by allowing fluid to flow from the fluid inlet connector to the fluid outlet connector.

[0049] - Heat exchange panels are arranged one on top of the other along axis E, and battery modules are arranged in parallel and staggered arrangement, each battery module including at least one battery cell preferably in the form of a pouch, such that each battery module is accommodated in at least one tooth to exchange heat with the fluid;

[0050] - Arrange axial clamping elements that compress the heat exchange panel and battery module along axis E;

[0051] - On at least one sheet, two adjacent electrodes of a battery module, arranged along axis E on one side and then welded together, are folded onto the other.

[0052] This provides a particularly simple and economical method for manufacturing battery modules, which allows for the production of compact battery modules while ensuring excellent thermal regulation of the battery modules. Attached Figure Description

[0053] A better understanding of the invention will be achieved by reading the following description, provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] [ Figure 1 [Illustration of a motor vehicle including a battery assembly comprising multiple battery modules]

[0055] [ Figure 2 [This is a top view of the battery assembly;]

[0056] [ Figure 3 [This is a set of side view diagrams of the battery module;]

[0057] [ Figure 4 [This is a top view of the battery module;]

[0058] [ Figure 5 [This is a cross-sectional side view schematic diagram based on the details of the battery assembly of the first variant;]

[0059] [ Figure 6 This is a detailed cross-sectional front view of the battery assembly based on the first variant.

[0060] [ Figure 7 [This is a cross-sectional side view of the thermal panel of the battery assembly according to the first variant;]

[0061] [ Figure 8 [This is a cross-sectional side view of the plate of the battery assembly according to the first variant;]

[0062] [ Figure 9 [This is a cross-sectional side view of the thermal panel of the second and third variations of the battery assembly;]

[0063] [ Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional side view schematic diagram of the details of the battery assembly based on the second variant;

[0064] [ Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional side view schematic diagram based on the details of the battery assembly of the third variant;

[0065] [ Figure 12 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of a battery assembly including a battery module according to one implementation variant;

[0066] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the battery assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0067] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0068] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are merely examples. Although one or more embodiments are mentioned in this specification, this does not mean that the features are applicable only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0069] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is schematically shown, comprising a battery assembly 3 and a cooling circuit 5 for a thermally regulating fluid (preferably a liquid). The cooling circuit 5 is equipped with a heat exchanger 7, which exchanges heat, for example, with ambient air. In this example, the motor vehicle 1 is a battery-powered electric vehicle, thereby including a motor 9 configured to drive the motor vehicle 1.

[0070] like Figure 2The battery assembly 3 shown includes a plurality of rechargeable battery modules 11 and a plurality of heat exchange panels 13 according to a first variant, wherein the battery modules 11 are particularly in Figures 3 to 6 As can be seen in the text.

[0071] according to Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The three variants shown have heat exchange panels 13, 13' arranged one on top of the other along axis E. Each heat exchange panel 13, 13' has serrated undulations 14, 14', which alternately include tops 15, 15' and recesses 17, 17' along axis C orthogonal to axis E. Fluid passages 19, 19' are formed at at least one of the recesses 17, 17' and the tops 15, 15' of each serration 14, 14'. The fluid is a thermoregulating fluid, preferably a liquid. The heat exchange panels 13, 13' are stacked one on top of the other. In the example shown, the heat exchange panels 13, 13' are identical. Furthermore, in each heat exchange panel 13, 13', the recesses 17, 17' and / or the tops 15, 15' of each serration 14, 14' have a shape complementary to the shape of the battery module 11. The serrations 14 and 14' of the heat exchange panels 13 and 13' have the same width along axis C.

[0072] According to these variations, the heat exchange panels 13, 13' are based on aluminum. According to one embodiment, the heat exchange panels 13, 13' are extruded profiles. According to another embodiment, the heat exchange panels 13, 13' are formed from a plurality of stamped sheets welded together, the stamped sheets defining fluid passage channels 19, 19' between them. The serrations 14, 14' of the heat exchange panels 13, 13' are, for example, trapezoidal.

[0073] The battery modules 11 are arranged in parallel and staggered configurations. For example, each battery module 11 outputs approximately 4 volts. The battery modules 11 form multiple rows along axis C, with one row formed on top of another along axis E. Each row is offset relative to an adjacent single row—in other words, when that row is at the end—or relative to two adjacent rows (which are aligned with each other in the direction of axis C) in the direction of axis C, to form multiple columns of battery modules 11 along axis E. More specifically, in this example, the battery assembly 3 includes multiple rows and multiple columns of battery modules 11, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The two rows of four battery modules 11 are shown.

[0074] Each battery module 11 includes at least one battery cell 20, preferably in a pouch form, and each battery module 11 is housed in at least one serration 14, 14' for exchanging heat with a fluid. Thus, each battery module 11 is compressed between two heat exchange panels 13, 13'. In this example, the battery modules 11 are identical. To achieve compression, the battery assembly 3 includes an axial clamping element 21 that compresses the heat exchange panels 13, 13' and the battery modules 11 along axis E. In this example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the axial clamping element 21 surrounds the battery assembly 3 and is a clamping band or clamping bar. The at least one battery cell 20, preferably in the form of a pouch, is, for example, of the lithium-ion type.

[0075] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A first embodiment of the battery module 11 shown includes a first battery cell 20, preferably in a pouch form, and a second battery cell 20, preferably in a pouch form, stacked along axis E, with a compressible material layer 22 sandwiched between the first battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 20. Figure 3 In the diagram, the left-hand view, labeled 3A, shows the uncompressed battery module 11, while the right-hand view, labeled 3B, shows the compressed battery module 11, as if it were arranged within the battery assembly 3 in its installed state. Each battery cell 20 includes two battery electrodes positioned laterally opposite each other relative to axis E and axis C. In this example, each pair of adjacent battery electrodes is welded to each other to form the + and - electrodes of the battery module 11.

[0076] According to a second embodiment variant of the battery module 11 (not shown), each battery module 11 includes a single battery cell, which is preferably in the form of a pouch.

[0077] according to Figure 12 and Figure 13 A third embodiment of the battery module 11 shown includes a first battery cell 20' and a second battery cell 20' of square type stacked along axis E, with a compressible material layer 22 sandwiched between the first battery cell 20' and the second battery cell 20' of square type.

[0078] According to a fourth embodiment variant of the battery module 11 (not shown), each battery module 11 includes a single battery cell of a square type.

[0079] according to Figure 5 A first embodiment of the heat exchange panel 13 shown has a fluid passage 19 formed at the recess 17 of each serration 14, and also at the top 15 of each serration 14. This is particularly evident in... Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, this figure shows the heat exchange panel 13 according to the first variant.

[0080] Furthermore, a heat exchange plate 23 with undulating serrations 24 is sandwiched between the first heat exchange panel 13 and the second heat exchange panel 13. The serrations 24 alternately include tops 25 and recesses 27 along the axis E, such that the recesses 27 of the serrations 24 of the heat exchange plate 23 contact and align with the tops 15 of the serrations 14 of the first heat exchange panel 13, and the tops 25 of the serrations 24 of the heat exchange plate 23 contact and align with the recesses 17 of the second heat exchange panel 13. Figure 8 Such a heat exchange plate 23 is schematically shown.

[0081] In this variant, the serrations 24 of the heat exchange plate 23 and the serrations 14 of the heat exchange panel 13 have the same width along axis C. The recess 27 and / or top 25 of each serration 24 of the heat exchange plate 23 have a shape complementary to the shape of the battery module 11.

[0082] The pattern generated by the stacking of the first heat exchange panel 13, the heat exchange plate 23, and the second heat exchange panel 13 can be repeated. The serrations 24 of the heat exchange plate 23 are, for example, trapezoidal.

[0083] In each heat exchange panel 13, each channel 19 is through. More specifically, each channel 19 is in the form of a straight pipe with openings on both sides of the heat exchange panel 13.

[0084] The set of every n adjacent channels 19, preferably each pair of adjacent channels 19, such as Figure 2 As shown, a fluid connection is formed via connector 29 to create at least one tortuous fluid channel. Connector 29 is made of a preferably thermoplastic polymer material. Connector 29 is also formed of an electrically insulating material. Connector 19 is secured to the heat exchange panel 13 by at least one fixing element, preferably at least one screw. To allow this fixation, the heat exchange panel 13 includes, for example, through holes formed in the connection region between the top 15 and the recess 17 of each serration 14 (not shown).

[0085] The connector 29 includes a piece 31 configured to form a support surface for two adjacent positive and negative electrodes of a battery module 11, which are welded together, preferably by laser welding. Figure 2 As shown, the sheet 31 is formed at the end of the connector 29 away from the heat exchange panel 13. The connector 29 includes a support foot 33, and the sheet is supported only by the support foot 33.

[0086] Furthermore, on each heat exchange panel 13, a fluid inlet connector 35 is arranged at the end of a channel 19 formed at one end of the heat exchange panel 13, and a fluid outlet connector 37 is arranged at the end of a channel 19 formed at the other end of the heat exchange panel 13. In this example, each of the fluid inlet connector 35 and the fluid outlet connector 37 includes a piece 41 configured to form a support surface for two adjacent positive and negative electrodes of a row of battery modules 11. The two positive and negative electrodes are welded together, preferably by laser welding. Figure 2 As shown, plates 41 are formed at the ends of fluid inlet connectors 35 and 37, respectively, away from the heat exchange panel 13. Fluid inlet connectors 35 and 37 each include support feet 43, and plates 41 are supported only by the support feet 43. Each fluid inlet connector 35 connects to a distributor 45 having a single fluid inlet 46, preferably in the form of a quick-connect coupling. Each fluid outlet connector 37 connects to a collector 47 having a single fluid outlet 49, preferably in the form of a quick-connect coupling. The fluid inlets 46 and outlets 49 are thus configured to provide fluid connection to the cooling circuit 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0087] according to Figure 9 In one embodiment of the heat exchange panel 13' shown, a fluid passage 19' is formed at the recess 17' of each serration 14', or at the top 15' of each serration 14'. Thus, the battery assembly 3 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of... Figure 9 The heat exchange panels 13' shown are arranged to alternately rotate half a turn around axis E and / or half a turn around axis C, as shown. Figure 10 As shown, they are stacked sequentially in the following pattern: the first one is stacked in order to... Figure 9 The positions shown are: the second rotation is half a circle around axis E; the third rotation is half a circle around an axis orthogonal to the plane formed by axes E and C; and the fourth rotation is half a circle around axis C. This pattern can be repeated multiple times, either wholly or partially, for example, at the end along axis E.

[0088] According to a third embodiment of battery module 3, battery module 3 includes multiple Figure 9 The heat exchange panel 13' of the type shown is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, they are stacked sequentially in the following pattern: the first one is stacked in order to... Figure 9 At the position shown, the second rotation is half a circle around axis E. This pattern can be repeated multiple times, either entirely or partially, for example, at the end along axis E.

[0089] The following describes an example of a method for manufacturing the battery assembly 3 as described above. This manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0090] - The heat exchange panel 13 is preferably manufactured by extrusion molding. Each heat exchange panel 13 has a serrated undulation 14. The serration 14 alternately includes a top 15 and a recess 17 along an axis C orthogonal to the axis E. A fluid passage 19 is formed at least at one of the recess 17 and the top 15 of each serration 14. Each passage 19 is through.

[0091] - On each heat exchange panel 13, for every set of n adjacent channels 19, preferably for every pair of adjacent channels 19, a connector 29 for fluidly connecting the set of n adjacent channels 19, preferably a pair of adjacent channels 19, is fixed to form at least one tortuous fluid channel. The connector 29 includes a piece 31 configured to form a support surface.

[0092] - On each heat exchange panel 13, a fluid inlet connector 35 is arranged at the end of a channel 19 formed at one end of the heat exchange panel 13, and a fluid outlet connector 37 is arranged at the end of a channel 19 formed at the other end of the heat exchange panel 13. Preferably, the fluid tightness is tested by allowing fluid to flow from the fluid inlet connector 35 to the fluid outlet connector 37.

[0093] - The heat exchange panels 13 are arranged one on the other along axis E, and the battery modules 11 are arranged in parallel and staggered such that each battery module 11 is accommodated in at least one serration 14 to exchange heat with the fluid.

[0094] - An axial clamping element 21 is arranged, which compresses the heat exchange panel 13 and the battery module 11 along the axis E;

[0095] - On at least one piece 31, two adjacent + and - electrodes of a battery module 11 arranged along axis E on the other are folded onto the other and then welded together.

[0096] This invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Particularly feasible is a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery components 3 arranged in parallel to each other and electrically interconnected via busbars.

[0097] List of reference numerals

[0098] 1: Motor vehicles

[0099] 3: Battery Components

[0100] 5: Cooling circuit

[0101] 7: Heat exchanger

[0102] 9: Motor

[0103] 11: Battery Module

[0104] 13, 13': Heat exchange panel

[0105] 14, 14': serrated (créneau)

[0106] 15, 15': Top (sommet)

[0107] 17, 17': concave part (creux)

[0108] 19, 19': Passage

[0109] 20: Battery Unit

[0110] 20': Square-type battery cell

[0111] 21: Axial clamping element

[0112] 22: Compressible material layer

[0113] 23: Heat exchange plate

[0114] 24: Serrated

[0115] 25: Top

[0116] 27: Recess; 29: Connector; 31: Plaquette; 33: Support leg

[0117] 35: Fluid inlet connector; 37: Fluid outlet connector; 41: Plate.

[0118] 43: Support foot

[0119] 45: Diverter

[0120] 46: Fluid inlet

[0121] 47: Collector 49: Fluid Outlet

[0122] E: Axis

[0123] C: Axis -: Electrode

[0124] +: Electrode

Claims

1. A battery assembly (3) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that The battery assembly comprises: - heat exchange panels (13, 13') one on top of the other along an axis E, each heat exchange panel (13, 13') being corrugated in a zigzag (14, 14') shape, the zigzag comprising alternately a top (15, 15') and a recess (17, 17') along an axis C orthogonal to the axis E, a fluid passage (19, 19') being formed at at least one of the recess (17, 17') of each zigzag and the top (15, 15') of each zigzag (14, 14'); - battery modules (11) arranged in parallel and staggered to form a plurality of rows of battery modules (11) along the axis C, the rows of battery modules (11) being formed one on top of the other along the axis E, each row being staggered in the direction of the axis C with respect to an adjacent single row or with respect to two adjacent rows aligned with each other along the axis C to form a plurality of columns of battery modules (11) along the axis E, each battery module (11) comprising at least one battery cell (20) in the form of a pouch, each battery module (11) being housed in at least one zigzag (14, 14') to exchange heat with the fluid, wherein, in each heat exchange panel (13, 13'): - each passage (19, 19') is through; - each set of n adjacent passages (19, 19') is fluidically connected by a connector (29) to form at least one meandering fluid passage; - the connector (29) comprises a tab (31) configured to form a support surface for two adjacent electrodes (+, -) of a column of battery modules (11), the two electrodes (+, -) being welded to each other.

2. The battery assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein In each heat exchange panel (13), a fluid passage (19) is formed at the recess (17) of each zigzag (14) and at the top (15) of each zigzag (14).

3. The battery assembly (3) according to claim 2, wherein A heat exchange plate (23) corrugated in a zigzag (24) shape is interposed between a first heat exchange panel (13) and a second heat exchange panel (13), the zigzag of the heat exchange plate (23) comprising alternately a top (25) and a recess (27) along the axis E so that the recess (27) of the zigzag (24) of the heat exchange plate (23) is in contact and aligned with the top (15) of the zigzag (14) of the first heat exchange panel (13) and the top (25) of the zigzag (24) of the heat exchange plate (23) is in contact and aligned with the recess (17) of the second heat exchange panel (13).

4. The battery assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein In each heat exchange panel (13, 13'): - each pair of adjacent passages (19, 19') is fluidically connected by the connector (29) to form at least one meandering fluid passage.

5. The battery assembly (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The connector (29) is made of a polymeric material.

6. The battery assembly (3) of claim 5, wherein The connector (29) is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.

7. The battery assembly (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The two electrodes (+, -) are welded to each other by means of a laser. The two electrodes (+, -) are welded to each other by means of a laser.

8. The battery assembly (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Said tab (31) is formed at an end of said connector (29) distal from said heat exchange panel (13, 13'), said connector (29) comprising a support foot (33), said tab (31) being supported only by said support foot (33).

9. The battery assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, On each of said heat exchange panels (13, 13'), a fluid inlet fitting (35) is arranged at an end of a channel (19, 19') formed at an end of said heat exchange panel (13, 13'), and a fluid outlet fitting (37) is arranged at an end of a channel (19, 19') formed at the other end of said heat exchange panel (13, 13').

10. The battery assembly (3) according to claim 9, wherein Each fluid inlet fitting (35) is connected to a flow divider (45) provided with a single fluid inlet (46), and each fluid outlet fitting (37) is connected to a flow collector (47) provided with a single fluid outlet (49).

11. The battery assembly (3) according to claim 10, wherein Said fluid inlet (46) and / or said fluid outlet (49) is in the form of a quick fitting.

12. A method of manufacturing a battery assembly (3) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: - manufacturing heat exchange panels (13, 13'), each heat exchange panel (13, 13') being corrugated in the shape of a sawtooth (14, 14') alternatingly comprising a top (15, 15') and a recess (17, 17') along an axis C orthogonal to said axis E, a fluid passage (19, 19') being formed at at least one of the recess (17, 17') of each sawtooth (14, 14') and the top (15, 15') of each sawtooth (14, 14'), each of said passages (19, 19') being through; - on each heat exchange panel (13, 13'), for each set of n adjacent passages (19, 19'), fixing a connector (29) fluidically connecting said set of n adjacent passages (19, 19') to form at least one meandering fluid passage, said connector (29) comprising a tab (31) configured to form a bearing surface; - on each heat exchange panel (13, 13'), arranging a fluid inlet fitting (35) at an end of a passage (19, 19') formed at an end of said heat exchange panel (13, 13'), and a fluid outlet fitting (37) at an end of a passage (19, 19') formed at the other end of said heat exchange panel (13, 13'); - arranging said heat exchange panels (13, 13') one on top of the other along said axis E and parallel and staggered battery modules (11), each battery module (11) comprising at least one battery cell (20) in the form of a pouch, so that each battery module (11) is housed in at least one sawtooth (14, 14') to exchange heat with said fluid; - arranging an axial clamping element (21) compressing said heat exchange panels (13, 13') and said battery modules (11) along said axis E; - arranging an axial clamping element (21) compressing said heat exchange panels (13, 13') and said battery modules (11) along said axis E; - on at least one sheet (31), folding one on the other and then welding together two adjacent electrodes (+, -) of a battery module (11) one on the other along said axis E.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, - manufacturing said heat exchange panel (13, 13') by extrusion.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, - on each heat exchange panel (13, 13'), for each pair of adjacent channels (19, 19'), fixing a connector (29) connecting a pair of channels (19, 19') adjacent to each other to form at least one meandering fluid channel.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, - testing the sealing to said fluid by circulating said fluid from said fluid inlet joint (35) to said fluid outlet joint (37).

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