Device for holding an energy storage element on a housing of an energy storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1; 1 ') for clamping an energy storage element (3) to a base (2). 30); 60), the device comprising an elongated portion (11; 31; 61), a clamping device (13; 33; 63), and an elastic return means (17; 37; 67), a clamping device (13; 33; 63) configured to apply pressure to the upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3), elastic return means (17; 37; 67) intended to be arranged between the base (2) and the lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) is intended to extend between the lower surface (5) and the upper surface (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for holding an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system. The invention also relates to an energy storage system comprising such a device. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a device and / or such an energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] An electric or hybrid vehicle is provided with an energy storage system or "battery pack" comprising electrochemical cells for supplying electrical energy to the electric motor.

[0003] In such energy storage systems, multiple electrochemical cells are usually assembled in modules. These modules are supported and connected together by a structure.

[0004] Battery cell assemblies comprising clip fastening elements for retaining battery cells are known, for example from document US Pat. No. 10,468,644.

[0005] However, existing solutions have disadvantages. In particular, due to variations in battery cell manufacturing, the heights of different battery cells vary and these battery cells are not properly clamped in the vertical direction by the clip fastening elements. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method to overcome the above disadvantages and improve the devices and methods known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to produce a more reliable device that takes up less space and has a lower cost, as well as a method that is quickly implemented.

[0007] The present invention relates to a device for fixing an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system, the device comprising an elongated portion, a clamping device, and an elastic return device, wherein the clamping device is configured to apply pressure to the upper surface of the energy storage element, the elastic return device is intended to be arranged between the base and the lower surface of the energy storage element, and the elongated portion is intended to extend at least partially between the lower surface and the upper surface of the energy storage element.

[0008] The device may further comprise a base intended to be arranged between the seat and the lower surface of the energy storage element, the elongated portion extending at least partially between the base and the clamping device.

[0009] The elongated portion, the clamping means, and the elastic return means may be in the form of one mechanical part.

[0010] The elongated portion, the clamping means, and the elastic return means may be formed from a sheet of material, for example made of a metallic material.

[0011] The elastic return means may be mounted in a housing in the base.

[0012] The elongate portion and the clamping means may be in the form of one mechanical part.

[0013] The device may further comprise a support portion extending between the elongate portion and the base, the elongate portion being mounted on the support portion by a pivotal connection.

[0014] The elastic return means may be a leaf spring, for example made of steel.

[0015] The invention also relates to an energy storage system comprising at least one device as defined above for retaining an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system, the elongated portion of the at least one device being intended to extend along a lateral face of the energy storage element.

[0016] The energy storage system may in particular include a first device as defined above and a second device as defined above for holding the energy storage element on the base of the energy storage system, wherein the elongated portion of the first device is intended to extend along a first lateral surface of the energy storage element and the elongated portion of the second device is intended to extend along a second lateral surface of the energy storage element opposite to the first lateral surface.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a device as defined above and / or an energy storage system as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings show, by way of example, exemplary embodiments of an apparatus according to the invention and the manner in which the method according to the invention is carried out.

[0019] Figure 1 An energy storage system is shown that includes a first embodiment of a device for holding an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the energy storage element before installation Figure 1 An elastic return device of the device in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 Shows the energy storage element after installation Figure 1 An elastic return device of the device in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 An energy storage system is shown that includes a second embodiment of a device for retaining an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system.

[0023] Figure 5shows the energy storage element before installation Figure 4 Device in.

[0024] Figure 6 shows the energy storage element before installation Figure 4 The elastic return device of the device in the embodiment of the present invention is in a stationary state.

[0025] Figure 7 Shows Figure 4 The elastic return device of the device is in a compressed state.

[0026] Figure 8 Shows the energy storage element after installation Figure 4 The elastic return device of the device is in a compressed state.

[0027] Fig. 9 An energy storage system is shown that includes a third embodiment of a device for retaining an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system.

[0028] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 Device in.

[0029] Fig.11 shows the energy storage element before installation Fig. 9 Device in.

[0030] Fig.12 Shows Fig. 9 A device in which the elongated portion of the device is located at a certain distance from the energy storage element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In conventional energy storage systems, a plurality of electrochemical cells are assembled in modules. A module or an assembly of cells is formed from a plurality of cells. These cells are compressed together and surrounded by structural elements surrounding the entire module. The module is then installed, in particular screwed, into the energy storage system.

[0032] The present invention provides a device for holding energy storage elements, particularly battery cells, directly in an energy storage system or "battery" without involving the intermediate stages of manufacturing modules or components of battery cells.

[0033] Reference will be made to a direct orthogonal reference frame XYZ, wherein the X-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the energy storage system, the Y-axis represents the lateral direction of the energy storage system, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction and is oriented upward.

[0034] Reference below Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of a device 1 for holding an electrical energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of a "battery pack" 100 is described, which "battery pack" may also be referred to as an "energy storage system". By way of non-limiting example, such an energy storage system 100 may be intended for use in a vehicle 500, in particular a hybrid vehicle or an electric motor vehicle. The XY plane is in particular a horizontal plane when the vehicle is parked on a horizontal ground.

[0035] The energy storage element 3 can be an electrochemical cell, in particular a prismatic electrochemical cell, for storing electrical energy.

[0036] The energy storage element 3 is capable of storing energy in chemical form and recovering energy in the form of an electric current. The energy storage element 3 may be, for example, of the "lithium ion" or "Li-ion" type, or any other type of battery cell capable of storing energy in electrochemical form.

[0037] The term “prismatic” means that the electrochemical cell can have a parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular a rectangular or square, or even a cubic parallelepiped shape.

[0038] The dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z-axis will be denoted as H.

[0039] The energy storage element 3 may comprise an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 5 .

[0040] The connection terminals 8, 9 may be arranged on the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The connection terminals 8, 9 are in particular connected to electrodes of the energy storage element 3.

[0041] The device 1 comprises an elongated portion 11 , clamping means 13 , and elastic return means 17 .

[0042] The elongated portion 11 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0043] The elongated portion 11 has, for example, a length L along the Z axis and a width W along the Y axis. 11 .

[0044] The length L of the elongated portion 11 is for example substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the length L of the elongated portion 11 is slightly smaller than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. As a result, the energy storage element 3 is compressed by the device 1, in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0045] The device 1 may further comprise a base 16 intended to be fastened to the base 2. The elongated portion 11 may extend between the base 16 and the clamping device 13.

[0046] The base 16 is in particular intended to be arranged between the seat 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0047] The base 16 may be fastened to the chassis 2 by welding or riveting or screw fastening or clip fastening or bonding (eg using an adhesive). Any fastening means may be used to fasten the base 16 of the device 1 to the chassis 2.

[0048] The base 16 has a width W along the Y axis, for example. 16 .

[0049] The elastic return means 17 may be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0050] The elongated portion 11 may be intended to extend between the lower surface 5 and the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0051] The elongated portion 11 is in particular intended to be arranged against a lateral face of the energy storage element 3. A lateral face of the energy storage element 3 is understood to be a face which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0052] Advantageously, the elongated portion 11 , the clamping means 13 , the base 16 , and the elastic return means 17 of the device 1 may be in the form of one mechanical part.

[0053] The elongated portion 11 , the clamping means 13 , the base 16 , and the elastic return means 17 may be formed from sheets of, for example, a metallic material such as steel or aluminium.

[0054] The elongated portion 11 , the clamping means 13 , the base 16 , and the elastic return means 17 are formed, for example, from a metal strip, in particular cut open.

[0055] The elongated portion 11 may be made of at least one elastically deformable material, for example at least one metallic material, in particular steel.

[0056] The material of the device 1 , in particular the elongated portion 11 , may be selected depending on the desired flexibility of the elongated portion 11 .

[0057] The elastic return means 17 may be produced by an offset of the plane of the sheet forming the device 1 relative to the plane of the base 16 .

[0058] Once the base 16 is fastened to the base 2, the base 16 extends in particular in the XY plane. The elastic return device 17 comprises, for example, a first portion 17a and a second portion 17b. When the elastic return device 17 is in a rest state, in particular before the energy storage element 3 is assembled, the first portion 17a extends in particular from the base 16 in a plane P1 which forms an angle α1 with respect to the XY plane of the base 16. The second portion 17b may be more inclined towards the base 2 than the first portion 17a. The optional second portion 17b is particularly intended to bear against the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 once the energy storage element 3 has been mounted.

[0059] The free end of the elastic return means 17 is indicated as 17e.

[0060] Advantageously, the distance between the end 17 e of the elastic return means 17 and the contact surface 14 of the clamping means 13 along the Z axis is smaller than the length L of the elongated portion 11 and / or smaller than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3 .

[0061] The elastic return means 17 are intended to be compressed when the energy storage element 3 is mounted.

[0062] The clamping device 13 may be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0063] The clamping device 13 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3 , in particular a translational movement of the energy storage element 3 .

[0064] The clamping device 13 may comprise a contact surface 14, which is in particular planar or substantially planar. The contact surface 14 extends in particular in an XY plane.

[0065] The contact surface 14 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 14 is intended to prevent a translational movement of the energy storage element 3.

[0066] The contact surface 14 has a width W, for example, along the Y axis. 14 .

[0067] The respective widths W of the elongated portion 11, the base 16 and the contact surface 14 are 11 , W 16 and W 14 In a variant, the respective widths W of the elongated portion 11, the base 16 and the contact surface 14 are 11 , W 16 and W 14 For example, the width W of the elongated portion 11 may be different. 11 It may be smaller than the width W of the base 16 16 and / or smaller than the width W of the contact surface 14 14 This results in a reduction in the mass of such a device 1 and, therefore, in a reduction in the mass of an energy storage system 100 comprising at least one such device 1 .

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the energy storage system 100 comprises seven energy storage elements 3. In variants, any number of energy storage elements 3 may be present.

[0069] The operation of the device 1 of the above type is described below with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3Give a description.

[0070] Before installing the energy storage element 3 ( Figure 2 ), the elastic return means 17 is in a rest state. The elastic return means 17 extends mainly in a plane P1 which forms an angle α1 with respect to the XY plane in which the base 16 extends.

[0071] After installing the energy storage element 3 ( Figure 3 ), the elastic return means 17 is compressed. The first portion 17a of the elastic return means 17 extends, for example, in a plane P2 which forms an angle α2 with respect to the XY plane in which the base 16 extends. The angle α2 is in particular smaller than the angle α1 in the rest state. The second portion 17b of the elastic return means 17 bears against the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0072] The difference between the distance along the Z axis between the end 17e of the elastic return device 17 and the contact surface 14 of the clamping device 13 on the one hand and the length L of the elongated portion 11 and / or the dimension H of the energy storage element 3 on the other hand causes a pressure exerted by the contact surface 14 of the clamping device 13 on the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 14 is pressed against the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0073] The elastic return means 17 make it possible to apply a vertical upward push. This causes the energy storage element 3 to be clamped in the Z direction.

[0074] Advantageously, the elastic return means 17 of the device 1 allow the energy storage element 3 to be easily assembled in the energy storage system 100 and the position of the energy storage element 3 to be locked.

[0075] The energy storage system 100 may include a plurality of energy storage elements 3, such as a plurality of electrochemical cells, in particular a plurality of prismatic electrochemical cells, for storing electrical energy. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the XY plane, with the main face of one energy storage element 3 facing the main face of another energy storage element 3.

[0076] A main surface of the energy storage element 3 is understood to be a surface which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0077] For each energy storage element 3 , a device 1 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3 . The elongated portion 11 of at least one device 1 extends in particular along a lateral face of the energy storage element 3 .

[0078] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 1 may be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. As a result, the position of the at least one energy storage element 3 is optimally maintained and locked.

[0079] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 100 may include a first device 1 and a second device 1 of the above-mentioned type for fixing the energy storage element 3 on the base 2 of the energy storage system 100, wherein the elongated portion 11 of the first device 1 is intended to extend along a first lateral surface of the energy storage element 3, and the elongated portion 11 of the second device 1 is intended to extend along a second lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral surface.

[0080] Reference below Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of a device 30 for holding an energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of an energy storage system 200 is described. By way of non-limiting example, such an energy storage system 200 may be intended for use in a vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle or an electric motor vehicle.

[0081] The device 30 comprises an elongated portion 31 , a clamping device 33 , and elastic return means 37 .

[0082] The elongated portion 31 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0083] The elongated portion 31 has, for example, a length L along the Z axis and a width W along the Y axis. 31 .

[0084] The dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z axis is denoted as H.

[0085] The length L of the elongated portion 31 is for example substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the length L of the elongated portion 31 is slightly smaller than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. As a result, the energy storage element 3 is compressed by the device 30, in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0086] The elongated portion 31 may be intended to extend between the lower surface 5 and the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0087] The clamping device 33 may be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0088] The elastic return means 37 may be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0089] The device 30 may also comprise a base 36 intended to be arranged between the seat 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0090] Advantageously, the elongated portion 31 and the clamping means 33 and optionally the base 36 of the device 30 may be in the form of one mechanical part.

[0091] In particular, the base 36 is intended to be fastened to the chassis 2 . The elongated portion 31 may extend between the base 36 and the clamping device 33 .

[0092] The base 36 may be fastened to the chassis 2 by welding or riveting or screw fastening or clip fastening or bonding (eg using an adhesive). Any fastening means may be used to fasten the base 36 of the device 30 to the chassis 2.

[0093] The base 36 has a width W along the Y axis, for example. 36 .

[0094] The elongated portion 31 may be made of at least one elastically deformable material, for example at least one plastic material.

[0095] The material of the device 30 , in particular the elongated portion 31 , may be selected depending on the desired flexibility of the elongated portion 31 .

[0096] The elongated portion 31 may in particular be a deformable tongue.

[0097] The elastic return means 37 may be assembled in a housing 38 in the base 36. The housing 38 in the base 36 is delimited in particular by a first lip 39 and a second lip 40 opposite the first lip 39.

[0098] The first lip 39 and the second lip 40 of the seat 36 extend in particular along the direction X. Advantageously, the first lip 39 and the second lip 40 each comprise a cavity configured to receive a respective end of the elastic return means 37 .

[0099] The elastic return means 37 is, for example, a leaf spring which is, for example, metallic, for example made of steel.

[0100] The clamping device 33 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3 , in particular a translational movement of the energy storage element 3 .

[0101] The clamping device 33 may comprise a contact surface 34, which is in particular planar or substantially planar. The contact surface 34 extends in particular in an XY plane.

[0102] The contact surface 34 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 34 is intended to prevent a translational movement of the energy storage element 3.

[0103] The contact surface 34 has a width W along the Y axis, for example. 34 .

[0104] The respective widths W of the elongated portion 31, the base 36 and the contact surface 34 are 31 , W 36 and W 34In a variant, the respective widths W of the elongated portion 31, the base 36 and the contact surface 34 are 31 , W 36 and W 34 For example, the width W of the elongated portion 31 may be different. 31 It may be smaller than the width W of the base 36 36 and / or smaller than the width W of the contact surface 34 34 This results in a reduction in the mass of such a device 30 and, therefore, in a reduction in the mass of an energy storage system 200 comprising at least one such device 30 .

[0105] The clamping device 33 may have a solid shape, for example, with a triangular cross section. In a variant, the clamping device 33 may include a void, for example, of triangular shape. The void may extend through the entire thickness e of the clamping device 33, or may extend partially on both sides of the clamping device 33 along the Y axis, with thin walls that do not include a void in the middle.

[0106] The thickness e of the clamping device 33 is to be understood as its dimension along the Y axis.

[0107] The operation of an apparatus 30 of the type described above is described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8 Give a description.

[0108] Before installing the energy storage element 3 ( Figure 6 ), the elastic return device 37 is in a static state. The elastic return device 37 is arranged in a housing 38 in the base 36. The housing 38 has a suitable width along the Y axis for the respective ends of the elastic return device 37 to be inserted into the first lip 39 and the second lip 40 of the base 36.

[0109] The elastic return means 37 has a concave shape, wherein the concave surface faces the base 2 when the elastic return means 37 is in the housing 38. The distance between the portion of the elastic return means 37 farthest from the base 2, in particular the middle portion thereof, and the base 2 in the static state is denoted as h1.

[0110] After installing the energy storage element 3 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), the elastic return device 37 is compressed.

[0111] To pass from the rest state to the compressed state, the elastic return means 37 are guided into cavities in the first lip 39 and the second lip 40 of the seat 36 .

[0112] In the compressed state, the radius of curvature of the elastic return means 37 is greater than the radius of curvature of the elastic return means 37 in the static state.

[0113] The distance between the portion of the elastic return means 37 which is farthest from the base 2 , in particular the middle portion thereof, and the base 2 in the compressed state is denoted as h2 .

[0114] The difference between the dimensions h2 and h1 causes a pressure which is exerted by the contact surface 34 of the clamping device 33 on the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 34 is pressed against the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0115] The length of the elastic return means 37 is in particular selected to achieve the desired pressure.

[0116] The elastic return means 37 make it possible to apply a vertical upward push. This causes the energy storage element 3 to be clamped in the Z direction.

[0117] Advantageously, the elastic return means 37 of the device 30 allow the energy storage element 3 to be easily assembled in the energy storage system 200 and the position of the energy storage element 3 to be locked.

[0118] The energy storage system 200 may include a plurality of energy storage elements 3, such as a plurality of electrochemical cells, in particular a plurality of prismatic electrochemical cells, for storing electrical energy. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the XY plane, with the main surface of one energy storage element 3 facing the main surface of another energy storage element 3.

[0119] For each energy storage element 3 , a device 30 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3 . The elongated portion 31 of at least one device 30 extends in particular along a lateral face of the energy storage element 3 .

[0120] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 30 may be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. As a result, the position of the at least one energy storage element 3 is optimally maintained and locked.

[0121] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 200 may include a first device 30 and a second device 30 of the above-mentioned type for fixing the energy storage element 3 on the base 2 of the energy storage system 200, wherein the elongated portion 31 of the first device 30 is intended to extend along a first lateral surface of the energy storage element 3, and the elongated portion 31 of the second device 30 is intended to extend along a second lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral surface.

[0122] Reference below Figures 9 to 12 An embodiment of a device 60 for holding an energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of an energy storage system 300 is described. By way of non-limiting example, such an energy storage system 300 may be intended for use in a vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle or an electric motor vehicle.

[0123] The device 60 comprises an elongated portion 61 , a clamping device 63 , and elastic return means 67 .

[0124] The elongated portion 61 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0125] The elongated portion 61 has, for example, a length L along the Z axis and a width W along the Y axis. 61 .

[0126] The device 60 may also comprise a base 66 intended to be arranged between the seat 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0127] In particular, the base 66 is intended to be fastened to the base 2. The base 66 may be fastened to the base 2 by welding or riveting or screw fastening or clip fastening or bonding (eg using an adhesive). Any fastening means may be used to fasten the base 66 of the device 60 to the base 2.

[0128] The base 66 has a width W along the Y axis, for example. 66 .

[0129] The elongated portion 61 and the clamping device 63 may be in the form of one mechanical part.

[0130] The elongated portion 61 and the clamping device 63 may be made of at least one plastic or metallic material, such as steel or aluminum.

[0131] The device 60 may also include a support portion 71 .

[0132] The support portion 71 may extend between the elongated portion 61 and the base 66 .

[0133] The elongated portion 61 extends, for example, between the support portion 71 and the clamping device 63 .

[0134] The elongated portion 61 may have an inner major surface 61i and an outer major surface 61e or wall that are planar or substantially planar.

[0135] The inner main surface 61i of the elongated portion 61 is understood to be the surface of the elongated portion 61 intended to face the lateral side of the energy storage element 3. The outer main surface 61e of the elongated portion 61 is understood to be the surface of the elongated portion 61 opposite to the inner main surface 61i, in particular parallel to the inner main surface 61i.

[0136] In a variant, the elongated portion 61 may comprise at least one rib, for example a middle rib, which is particularly aligned along the main extension direction of the elongated portion 61. Such a rib makes it possible to impart rigidity on the elongated portion 61. This results in a strength effect of the elongated portion 61. Such a rib is intended to form a reinforcing element of the elongated portion 61. The elongated portion 61 may comprise a plurality of parallel ribs, which are particularly oriented along the main extension direction of the elongated portion 61.

[0137] The elongated portion 61 is mounted on the support portion 71 by means of a pivot connection.

[0138] The elongated portion 61 is movable between a first position aligned with the support portion 71 along the Z axis and a second position in which the main extension direction of the elongated portion 61 forms an angle θ with the Z axis.

[0139] The support portion 71 and the elongated portion 61 are connected, for example, by a pin 73. The pin 73 is in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the Y direction.

[0140] The support portion 71 may include interlocking portions 72a, 72b, 72c, for example three interlocking portions. The elongated portion 61 may include interlocking portions 61a, 61b, for example two interlocking portions. The pin 73 is intended to be inserted into the interlocking portions 72a, 72b, 72c of the support portion 71 and into the interlocking portions 61a, 61b of the elongated portion 61, the interlocking portion of the elongated portion 61 being interposed between the two interlocking portions of the support portion 71.

[0141] The number of interlocking portions 72a, 72b, 72c of the support portion 71 and the number of interlocking portions 61a, 61b of the elongated portion 61 may vary.

[0142] The position of the pivot connection along the Z-axis may vary.

[0143] The dimension of the support portion 71 along the Z axis is represented by L 71 .

[0144] The dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z axis is denoted as H.

[0145] The length L of the elongated portion 11 and the dimension L of the support portion 71 71 The sum of the length L of the elongated portion 11 and the dimension L of the support portion 71 is, for example, substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the length L of the elongated portion 11 and the dimension L of the support portion 71 are 71 The sum of is slightly smaller than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3 . As a result, the energy storage element 3 is compressed by the device 60 , in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0146] The dimension L of the support portion 71 71The ratio to the length L of the elongate portion 11 may vary.The pivot connection between the elongate portion 61 and the support portion 71 may be located at different positions along the Z axis.

[0147] The position of the pivot along the Z axis may in particular be selected based on space requirement considerations, in particular depending on the intended application.

[0148] When the elongated portion 61 is in the first position, the elongated portion 61 may be intended to extend between the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 and the support portion 71 .

[0149] The support portion 71 may be made of at least one plastic or metal material (eg, steel or aluminum).

[0150] The clamping device 63 may be configured to exert pressure on the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0151] The elastic return means 67 may be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 .

[0152] The elastic return means 67 may be assembled in a housing 68 in the base 66. The housing 68 in the base 66 is notably delimited by a first lip 69 and a second lip 70 opposite the first lip 69.

[0153] The first lip 69 and the second lip 70 of the base 66 extend in particular along the X direction. Advantageously, the first lip 69 and the second lip 70 each comprise a cavity configured to receive a respective end of the elastic return means 67. The housing 68 has a suitable width along the Y axis for the respective end of the elastic return means 67 to be inserted into the first lip 69 and the second lip 70 of the base 66.

[0154] The elastic return means 67 is, for example, a leaf spring which is, for example, metallic, for example made of steel.

[0155] The clamping device 63 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3 , in particular a translational movement of the energy storage element 3 .

[0156] The clamping device 63 may comprise a contact surface 64, which is in particular planar or substantially planar. The contact surface 64 extends in particular in an XY plane.

[0157] The contact surface 64 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 64 is intended to prevent a translational movement of the energy storage element 3.

[0158] The contact surface 64 has a width W, for example, along the Y axis. 64 .

[0159] The respective widths W of the elongated portion 61, the base 66 and the contact surface 64 are 61 , W 66 and W 64 In a variant, the respective widths W of the elongated portion 61, the base 66 and the contact surface 64 are 61 , W 66 and W 64 For example, the width W of the elongated portion 61 may be different. 61 It may be smaller than the width W of the base 66 66 and / or smaller than the width W of the contact surface 64 64 This results in a reduction in the mass of such a device 60 and, therefore, in a reduction in the mass of an energy storage system 300 comprising at least one such device 60 .

[0160] The clamping device 63 may have a solid shape, for example, with a triangular cross section. In a variant, the clamping device 63 may include a void, for example, of triangular shape. The void may extend through the entire thickness e of the clamping device 63, or may extend partially on both sides of the clamping device 63 along the Y axis, with a thin wall excluding the void in the middle.

[0161] The thickness e of the clamping device 63 is to be understood as its dimension along the Y axis.

[0162] A way of carrying out a method for installing at least one energy storage element 3 in an energy storage system 300 which comprises at least one device 60 of the type described above is described below.

[0163] In one step ( Fig.12 ), so that the elongated portion 61 pivots about the pin 73 so as to transition the elongated portion 61 from the first position to the second position.

[0164] In one step, at least one energy storage element 3 is mounted on the base 2 with the elastic return device 67 placed in the middle. The elastic return device 67 is in a resting state. The elastic return device 67 is located in a housing 68 in the base 66.

[0165] In one step ( Fig. 9), the elongated portion 61 is pivoted about the pin 73 so as to transform the elongated portion 61 from the second position to the first position. The elongated portion 61 of the device 60 (which is spaced apart from the lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 in the second position) extends along the lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 in the first position, in particular in contact with the lateral surface of the energy storage element 3. The contact surface 64 of the clamping device 63 bears against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The effect of the clamp fastening device 60 is achieved. The elastic return device 67 is compressed. When the elongated portion 61 is transformed from the second position to the first position, the elastic return device 67 is guided into the cavity in the first lip 69 and the second lip 70 of the base 66.

[0166] The elastic return means 67 make it possible to exert a vertical upward push. This causes the energy storage element 3 to be clamped in the Z direction.

[0167] Advantageously, the elastic return means 67 of the device 60 allow the energy storage element 3 to be easily assembled in the energy storage system 300 and the position of the energy storage element 3 to be locked.

[0168] The energy storage system 300 may include a plurality of energy storage elements 3, such as a plurality of electrochemical cells, in particular a plurality of prismatic electrochemical cells, for storing electrical energy. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the XY plane, with the main surface of one energy storage element 3 facing the main surface of another energy storage element 3.

[0169] For each energy storage element 3, a device 60 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3. In a first position of the elongated portion 61 of at least one device 60, the elongated portion 61 extends in particular along a lateral face of the energy storage element 3.

[0170] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 60 may be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. As a result, the position of at least one energy storage element 3 on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3 is optimally maintained and locked.

[0171] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 300 may include a first device 60 and a second device 60 of the above-mentioned type for fixing the energy storage element 3 on the base 2 of the energy storage system 300, wherein the elongated portion 61 of the first device 30 is intended to extend along a first lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 at a first position of the elongated portion 61, and the elongated portion 61 of the second device 60 is intended to extend along a second lateral surface of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral surface at the first position of the elongated portion 61.

[0172] In the above embodiments, the dimension H of at least one energy storage element 3 may vary due to manufacturing variations. Devices 1, 30, 60 of the above type allow the position of at least one energy storage element 3 to be optimally maintained and locked even in the case of variations in the dimension H of at least one energy storage element 3.

[0173] In the above-described embodiments, the upper surface 4 of the at least one energy storage element 3 may comprise a lip, in particular in the form of a protrusion or having an inclination relative to the XY plane. Complementary shapes may be provided in the contact surfaces 14, 34, 64 of the clamping means 13, 33, 63. This results in an increased pressure effect and an even more optimal locking of the position of the at least one energy storage element 3.

[0174] One advantage of a device of the type described above is associated with the fact that the energy storage element can be positioned directly in the energy storage system without the intermediate step of forming a module assembled with the energy storage element. This results in a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the energy storage system, a reduction in the assembly time of the energy storage system, and a reduction in the space required for the energy storage system.

[0175] One advantage of a device of the type described above is associated with the fact that the number of mechanical parts of the energy storage system is reduced. This results in a reduction in the space required for the energy storage system and a reduction in mass.

[0176] Although the invention has been described for when the device is intended to hold an energy storage element (e.g., a prismatic battery cell) on a base of an energy storage system, the invention can also be applied to energy storage elements other than prismatic battery cells, for example to micromodules comprising, for example, cylindrical battery cells.

[0177] It will be appreciated that the number and size of energy storage elements are in no way limiting.

[0178] Although the invention has been described in the context of a battery for motor vehicles, it is applicable to all areas where it is necessary to mount an energy storage element directly in an energy storage system, for example for stationary domestic battery packs intended for large amounts of energy storage.

Claims

1. A device (1; 30; 60) for holding an energy storage element (3) on a base (2) of an energy storage system (100; 200; 300), the device comprising an elongated portion (11; 31; 61), a clamping device (13; 33; 63), and an elastic return device (17; 37; 67), the clamping device (13; 33; 63) being configured to apply pressure to the upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3), the elastic return device (17; 37; 67) being intended to be arranged between the base (2) and the lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) is intended to extend at least partially between the lower surface (5) and the upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3).

2. The device as described in claim 1 also includes a base (16; 36; 66), which is intended to be arranged between the base (2) and the lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), and the elongated part (11; 31; 61) extends at least partially between the base (16; 36; 66) and the clamping device (13; 33; 63).

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, the elongated portion (11), the clamping device (13), and the elastic return device (17) being in the form of a mechanical part.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the elongated portion (11), the clamping means (13), and the elastic return means (17) being formed from a sheet of material, for example made of a metallic material.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, the elastic return means (37; 67) being assembled in a housing in the base (36; 66).

6. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or 5, the elongated portion (31; 61) and the clamping device (33; 63) being in the form of a mechanical part.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a support portion (71) extending between the elongated portion (61) and the base (66), the elongated portion (61) being mounted on the support portion (71) by means of a pivot connection.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, the elastic return means (37; 67) being a leaf spring, for example made of steel.

9. An energy storage system comprising at least one device (1; 30; 60) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for holding an energy storage element (3) on a base (2) of the energy storage system, the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) is intended to extend along the lateral surface of the energy storage element (3), and the energy storage system particularly includes a first device as described in any of the preceding claims and a second device as described in any of the preceding claims for fixing the energy storage element on the base of the energy storage system, the elongated portion of the first device is intended to extend along the first lateral surface of the energy storage element, and the elongated portion of the second device is intended to extend along the second lateral surface of the energy storage element opposite to the first lateral surface.

10. A vehicle (500), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a device (1; 30; 60) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or an energy storage system (100; 200; 300) as claimed in claim 9.

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