Battery device, in particular for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (1, 2) comprising a tray (1) provided with a bottom (10) and cylindrical side walls (11, 12); the invention relates to a battery pack (1) comprising a plurality of battery cells (30), each battery cell being delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible housing (300) of substantially rectangular or prismatic shape, the or each row (3) having two ends, i.e. A first end (31) and a second end (32), the or each row extending axially between the two ends. The device is characterized in that it further comprises at least one compression interface (4, 5) dedicated to the row or each row (3) of cells (30), configured and arranged in the tray (1) in order to press the first or second end (31, 32) of the row (3) in order to perform the axial compression thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of batteries, in particular batteries for battery-electric vehicles, and the subject matter of the present invention is a battery device, in particular a battery device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At least two types of electric vehicles are known that use rechargeable batteries to supply electric current to electric motors: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which use only electric motors for propulsion, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which differ from the aforementioned vehicles in that they have a combustion engine coupled to at least one electric motor, which is powered by a battery that is charged by the combustion engine.

[0003] Batteries, at least those used in this type of vehicle, typically comprise one or more electrochemical cell modules, each of which forms a single energy accumulator. The energy accumulator includes a housing that surrounds and protects its functional components, as well as a positive terminal (or electrode) and a negative terminal (or electrode). Within the module, the cells are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. Furthermore, when the battery comprises multiple modules, these modules are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0004] The battery comprises a case that is attached to or integrated into the vehicle and in which the modules are arranged, typically in rows of cells on the bottom of the case.

[0005] Battery cells come in various forms, typically prismatic, cylindrical, or in pouch form (in which case they are called "pouch cells"). Prismatic cells typically have a rigid or semi-rigid casing. Pouch cells have a rectangular overall shape and a soft, flexible casing.

[0006] The invention relates to batteries using prismatic or pouch-type cells, ie cells having two opposite faces connected to each other by a short side and a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible casing, in particular having a rectangular overall shape.

[0007] It is also known that during battery charge and discharge cycles, these cells, particularly lithium-ion cells, undergo significant, quasi-reversible volume changes, similar to breathing. Consequently, over the battery's lifetime, these cell deformations can induce significant mechanical stresses within the battery, potentially deforming or damaging the casing housing the cells. Specifically, due to cell deformation, the row or rows of cells whose ends contact two opposing points on the casing's inner wall will deform axially (or longitudinally), causing the casing wall to deform and potentially rupture. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate these drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, according to the battery device of the present invention, in particular a battery device for a vehicle, the device comprises: a casing comprising a tray having a bottom and a cylindrical side wall perpendicular to the bottom; a plurality of battery cells, each having two opposite large faces and arranged on the bottom in one or more rows, juxtaposed or stacked, with their opposite faces perpendicular to the axis of the row or each row and oriented perpendicular to the bottom, the row or each row having two ends, namely a first end and a second end, the row or each row extending axially between the two ends, each battery cell being defined by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible shell having a rectangular or prismatic overall shape, characterized in that the battery device further comprises at least one compression interface dedicated to the row or each row of battery cells, and the compression interface or each compression interface is configured and arranged in the tray in such a way that the first end or the second end of the row is pressed so as to perform its axial compression.

[0010] This axial compression has the effect of absorbing any forces caused by potential axial deformation of the row during a charge or discharge cycle of the cell (or battery). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which:

[0012] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a battery device according to the present invention in a preferred embodiment without a cover closing the housing,

[0013] [ Figure 2 ] shows [ Figure 1 ] wherein the movable side wall is in the open position,

[0014] [ Figure 3 ] shows [ Figure 2 ] depicts a battery device without cells,

[0015] [ Figure 4 ] shows [ Figure 2 ], wherein the pressure end plate is shown in an exploded view,

[0016] [ Figure 5 ]yes[ Figure 1 ] is a top plan view of the battery device depicted in FIG.

[0017] [ Figure 6 ] shows [ Figure 5 ] wherein the movable side wall is in the open position,

[0018] [ Figure 7 ] shows [ Figure 1] depicted in the battery device without a cover,

[0019] [ Figure 8 ] is according to the present invention and in [ Figure 7 ] is a three-dimensional view of a battery device depicted in FIG, wherein the battery device has an upper cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Some of the accompanying drawings at least partially illustrate a battery device according to the invention, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a housing 1, 2 comprising a tray 1 having a bottom 10 and cylindrical side walls 11, 12 perpendicular to said bottom 10; a plurality of battery cells 30, each having two opposite large faces, arranged on the bottom 1, juxtaposed or stacked in one or more rows 3, with their opposite faces oriented perpendicular to the axis X of the row or each row 3 and perpendicular to the bottom 10. The row or each row 3 has two ends, a first end 31 and a second end 32, between which it extends axially, and each cell 30 is delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible casing 300 of rectangular or prismatic overall shape.

[0021] It must be understood that the battery cells 30 having two opposite large faces are connected to each other via short sides (or small faces).

[0022] It should be noted that the battery device according to the present invention is shown in the drawings and described below in a position / orientation in which the bottom 10 is considered parallel to a horizontal surface. In this orientation, the axis X of the cells 30 of the row or rows 3 extends horizontally. Of course, the device is not limited to use in this orientation and can be used in any other orientation or at any other inclination.

[0023] According to the invention, this device further comprises at least one compression interface 4, 5 dedicated to the or each row of 3 cells 30. Furthermore, the or each compression interface 4, 5 is configured and arranged in the tray 1 in such a way as to press against the first end 31 or the second end 32 of the row 3 so as to perform an axial compression on the row.

[0024] Axial compression has the effect of absorbing any forces generated by potential axial deformation of the rows 3 during charging or discharging of the cells 30. Specifically, the cells 30, especially those using lithium-ion technology, undergo significant changes in volume during the battery's charge and discharge cycles, which results in deformation of the cells 30 and, consequently, of the or each row 3, which will then deform axially (or longitudinally). According to the present invention, axially compressing each row between the two compression interfaces 4, 5 thus has the effect of absorbing any forces generated by this potential axial (or longitudinal) deformation of the rows during the cell (or battery) charge or discharge cycles, making it possible to avoid or prevent any axial deformation of the side walls 11, 12 of the casings 1, 2, and in particular any axial deformation that could easily lead to cracks in the side walls 11, 12 of the casings 1, 2.

[0025] Furthermore, the compressive forces thus absorbed act on the cylindrical side walls 11 , 12 , thereby enabling the load to be better distributed on these walls.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in the figures, the tray 1 of the box 1 , 2 is capable of receiving, for example, three rows 3 of cells 30 arranged parallel to one another and adjacent to one another on the base 10 , namely a central row 3 passing through the axis of the cylinder or through the center of the circle / disc formed by the base 10 , and two lateral rows 3 situated on either side of the central row 3 . The central row 3 can contain a greater number of cells 3 since it extends along the diameter of the tray 1 .

[0027] More specifically, with respect to the electrical architecture of the battery depicted in the accompanying drawings (see in particular Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), which may include busbar-type connecting elements which allow, on the one hand, the cells 30 of each row 3 and, on the other hand, the individual rows 3 to be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. These connecting elements are not depicted in the figures. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 One possible architecture is shown with forty-two cells, twelve in each lateral row 3 and eighteen in the central row, which can be connected in a series / parallel arrangement, for example "14S3P".

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, as can be especially in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG, the side walls 11, 12 of the box 1 are divided into at least two sections that are hinged or separable relative to each other, namely at least one section fixed relative to the bottom 10 and called the fixed side wall 11, and at least one section movable relative to the bottom 1a and called the mobile side wall 12, the mobile side wall being able to move between an open position, which allows one or more rows of 3 cells to be inserted into or removed from the tray 1 of the box 1, 2, and in which no axial compression of the row or rows 3 is performed, and a closed and compressed position in which said axial compression is performed. The battery device may further include locking means 7, 8 that enable the mobile side wall 12 to be locked in the closed and compressed positions.

[0029] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings (see in particular Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 ), in the case where the side walls 11, 12 of the box body 1 are divided into two sections that are hinged or separable relative to each other, each section may have a semicircular shape (when viewed in plan or transverse section). Thus, each fixed side wall 11 or movable side wall 12 forms a fixed semicircle or a movable semicircle.

[0030] Preferably, in this preferred embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 As can be seen in FIG, the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12 can each include a first connection end 110, 120 and a second connection end 111, 121. Furthermore, the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12 can be hinged to each other via their first connection ends 110, 120 by means of a hinge 9. When the movable side wall 12 is in the closed and compressed position, the second connection ends 111, 120 can then come into contact with each other and be locked in said position by means of locking means 7, 8.

[0031] The locking means 7, 8 can be made of screws 7 ([ Figure 1 ]) (eg two screws 7) and a receiving cavity 8 ([ Figure 2]) (preferably an internally threaded cavity, for example two cavities 8 made in one of the second connection ends 111, 121). A screw 7 can be inserted and screwed into the corresponding receiving cavity 8 in order to join the second connection ends 111, 121 of the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12 together. The screw 7 can be screwed in while being oriented in a plane tangential to the cylinder formed by the side walls 11, 12 and preferably parallel to the bottom 10. The second connection end 111 of the fixed side wall 11, for example, including the receiving cavity 8, can have an additional thickness 112 on the inside, in which the receiving cavity 8 is made. The second connection end 121 of the movable side wall 12 can also have an additional thickness 122 on its inside, which includes two tangential insertion cavities 123 to receive the screw 7.

[0032] Each second connection end 111, 121 may include a radially extending mating surface 113, 124. The receiving cavity 8 is formed through the mating surface 113 of the fixed side wall 11, and the tangential insertion cavity 123 is formed through the mating surface 124 of the movable side wall 12. When the movable side wall 12 is in the closed position, the screw 7 inserted into the tangential insertion cavity 123 is then screwed into the receiving cavity 8, thereby clamping the mating surfaces 113, 124 against each other. This has the effect of assembling and locking the second connection ends 111, 121 to each other. The locking means 7, 8 (e.g., the screw 7) are reversible and can be unlocked by simply loosening the screw 7 to allow the side wall 12 to open.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the hinge 9, the hinge may comprise a pivot pin 9 extending perpendicularly to the bottom 10 of the housing 1 (or parallel to the axis of the cylindrical housing 1). The first connection end 120 of the movable side wall 12 can then be hinged to the first connection end 110 of the fixed side wall 12 by being mounted so as to be pivotable about the pivot pin 90. In the case where the two side walls (i.e. the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12) have a semicircular shape, the intersection of the hinge 9, more specifically the pivot pin 90, and its second connection ends 111, 121 is diametrically opposed ( Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0034] In the case where the side walls 11, 12 of the housing 1 are divided into two sections, the two sections are separable relative to each other, that is, not hinged to each other, or are mounted so as to be pivotable relative to or on each other, or are permanently attached to each other, in an embodiment not depicted in the drawings, the two side wall sections can be completely separated from each other in the open position and contact each other in the closed position. In this case, the two side wall sections can each include two connecting ends, which can each contact one of the connecting ends of the other side wall and be locked, or can be separated by unlocking, for example by screwing in or loosening the screw 7 (as previously seen with respect to the second connecting ends 111, 121).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, two compression interfaces 4, 5 are dedicated to the row or each row of 3 cells 30, namely a first compression interface 4, 5 pressed against the first end 31 of the dedicated row 3 and a second compression interface 4, 5 pressed against the second end 32 of the dedicated row 3. The row or each row of 3 cells 30 is thus compressed axially between the first compression interface 4, 5 and the second compression interface 4, 5.

[0036] The or each compression interface 4, 5 may comprise at least a compression element 4 and a support 5 having a pressure face 50 facing the first end 31 or the second end 32 of the dedicated row 3. Furthermore, the or each compression element 4, 5 is pressed against the pressure face 50 and against the first end 31 or the second end 32 of the dedicated row 3. Thus, the or each compression element 4, 5 is compression loaded, i.e. by the first end 31 or the second end 32 of the dedicated row 3.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the or each compression element 4, the compression element 4 may be a compression spring, preferably a compression spring having metal coils, or may be a compression foam.

[0038] Thus, in the case where the tray 1 of the box 1 , 2 comprises side walls 11 , 12 divided into at least two sections hinged or separable relative to one another, closing the side walls 11 , 12 from their open position (moving side walls 12 in the closed position) compresses the compression element 4 (compression spring 4 , where applicable) and therefore compresses one or more rows 3 of cells 30. During disassembly, opening the mobile wall 12 advantageously causes a gradual release of the energy stored in the compression spring 4.

[0039] The or each support 5 may be added to the pallet 1 , arranged between the side walls 11 , 12 and the first end 31 or second end 32 of the dedicated row 3 , potentially at least partially attached to the side walls 11 , 12 , for example by screw fastening or gluing ( Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). In a variant (not depicted in the figures), the or each support 5 may be integrated into the side walls 11, 12 so as to be situated or capable of being situated (or capable of being situated progressively) on the axis of the dedicated row 3. In the latter case, it will be understood that the or each support 5 may be moulded in one piece with the box 1, 2, more particularly with the side walls 11, 12 of the tray 1, either the fixed side wall 11 or the mobile side wall 12, where applicable.

[0040] Preferably, the or each support attachment support 5 may comprise a face opposite to the pressure face 50 which can mirror the circular shape of the side walls 11, 12. Thus, the opposite face may have the shape of a circular cross section ( Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0041] In the case where the side walls 11, 12 of the housing 1 are divided into at least two sections that are hinged or separable relative to each other, the support or at least one support 5 (where applicable, the support 5 of the second interface or each second interface 50) can be fixed to the mobile side wall 12 by being attached to the mobile side wall or being integrated into the mobile side wall. Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 and 6 ).

[0042] Preferably, reference Figures 1 to 6 As can be seen, the or each compression interface 4, 5 may further comprise a pressure end plate 6 having a pressure face 60 and being mounted, fixed and / or applied to the first end 31 or the second end 32 of a dedicated row 3 so that the pressure end plate faces the pressure face 50 of the corresponding support 5, the or each compression element 4 then being pressed against the pressure face 50 of the support 5 and the pressure face 60 of the pressure end plate 6. It will be appreciated that the or each pressure end plate 6 is mounted, fixed and / or applied to and / or against the corresponding large face of the first cell 30 located at the first end 31 or the second end 32 of the row 3.

[0043] Preferably, the pressure surface 50 of the support 5 and / or the pressure surface 60 of the pressure end plate 6 have a housing 51, 61 for receiving and holding the compression element 4 (see in particular Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4Each pressure surface 50, 60 can have two receptacles 51, 61. Each receptacle is therefore sized to receive the end of a compression element 4, such as a compression spring. Thus, each compression interface 4, 5 can include two compression elements 4, such as two compression springs. Preferably, the compression elements 4 are arranged in the same plane, parallel to the base 10.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 , and more specifically with reference to [ Figure 3 ], it can be seen that the tray 1 can comprise, within its internal space, one or more rectilinear housings 13 arranged parallel to one another on the bottom 10. The or each housing 13 can then axially receive the row or one of the rows 3, preferably so that the row slides along the axis of each housing 13 along the bottom 10. The or each housing 13 is laterally delimited along its longitudinal axis X by two partition walls 130 extending perpendicularly to the bottom 10, one on each side of the cells 30 of the row 3 in question. In the case where the tray 1 comprises, for example, three housings 13 capable of receiving three rows 3 of cells 30 (e.g. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown), the present invention may provide four partition walls 130, two of which are potentially each common to two adjacent rows.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen, the housing 1, 2 may include a lid or cover 2 that encloses the tray 1. Furthermore, the battery assembly may include a system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells 30 mounted on or in the lid or cover 2. Thus, the lid or cover 2 may form an upper portion or additional housing housing the system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells 30. More specifically, the lid or cover 2 may include a lower lid (or cover member) 20 that encloses the open face of the tray 1, which is the face opposite the bottom 10. The lower lid (or cover member) defines a space on its upper face for receiving the system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells 30, and an upper lid (or cover member) 20 that encloses the space. The lower lid 20 may include two openings through which the two main terminals of the battery may pass or be accessible. These terminals are connected to the battery cells 30 and the system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells 30.

[0046] Such a system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells 30 is known and therefore not described in further detail, since it and the various possible series and / or parallel arrangements of the battery cells 30 form part of the general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0047] This device according to the invention, in addition to offering the advantage of absorbing the forces by axial compression, also allows the use of less material and, in the case where the side walls 11, 12 of the box 1 are divided into at least two sections hinged or separable relative to one another, makes it possible to avoid axial compression of the rows before they are inserted into or mounted in the boxes 1, 2. In this last scenario, applying pressure when the mobile side wall 12 is closed simplifies the assembly process.

[0048] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the accompanying drawings. Modifications may still be made, notably as to the composition of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery device, in particular a battery device for a vehicle, comprising: A box (1, 2) comprising a tray (1) having a bottom (10) and cylindrical side walls (11, 12) perpendicular to the bottom (10); a plurality of battery cells (30), each having two opposite large faces and arranged on the bottom (1) in one or more rows (3) juxtaposed or stacked, with their opposite faces being perpendicular to an axis (X) of the row or each row (3) and oriented perpendicular to the bottom (10), the row or each row (3) having two ends, namely a first end (31) and a second end (32). ), the row or each row extending axially between the two ends, each cell (30) being defined by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible housing (300) of rectangular or prismatic overall shape, characterised in that the battery device further comprises at least one compression interface (4, 5) dedicated to the row or each row (3) of cells (30), and the compression interface or each compression interface (4, 5) is configured and arranged in the tray (1) in such a way as to press the first end or the second end (31, 32) of the row (3) in order to perform its axial compression.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein: The side walls (11, 12) of the housing (1) are divided into at least two sections that are hinged or separable relative to each other, namely at least one section fixed relative to the bottom (10) and called the fixed side wall (11) and at least one section movable relative to the bottom (1a) and called the movable side wall (12), the movable side wall being movable between an open position, the open position allowing the row or rows (3) of cells to be inserted into or removed from the tray (1) of the housing (1, 2), and in the open position no axial compression of the row or rows (3) is performed, and in the closed and compressed position said axial compression is performed, and the battery device comprises locking means (7, 8) enabling the movable side wall (12) to be locked in the closed and compressed position.

3. The battery device according to claim 2, wherein: The fixed side wall (11) and the movable side wall (12) each include a first connection end (110, 120) and a second connection end (111, 121), and are hinged to each other via their first connection ends (110, 120) by means of a hinge (9); when the movable side wall (12) is in the closed position, the second connection ends (111, 120) contact each other and are locked in the position by means of the locking device (7, 8).

4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein: The hinge (9) includes a pivot pin (90) extending perpendicularly to the bottom (10) of the box body (1), and the first connection end (120) of the movable side wall (12) is hingedly connected to the first connection end (110) of the fixed side wall (12) by being mounted so as to be pivotable about the pivot pin (90).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Two compression interfaces (4, 5) are dedicated to the row or each row (3) of battery cells (30), namely a first compression interface (4, 5) pressed against the first end (31) of the dedicated row (3) and a second compression interface (4, 5) pressed against the second end (32) of the dedicated row (3), so that the row or each row (3) of battery cells (30) are axially compressed between the first compression interface (4, 5) and the second compression interface (4, 5).

6. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The compression interface or each compression interface (4, 5) comprises at least a compression element (4) and a support (5), the support having a pressure surface (50) facing the first end or second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3), the compression element or each compression element (4, 5) pressing against the pressure surface (50) and the first end or second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3) and thereby being loaded in compression.

7. The battery device according to claim 6, wherein: The compression element (4) is a compression spring, preferably a compression spring with metal coils, or a compression foam.

8. The battery device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that The or each support (5) is added to the tray (1), arranged between the side wall (11, 12) and the first or second (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3), potentially at least partially attached to the side wall (11, 12) or integrated into the side wall (11, 12) so as to be located or capable of being located on the axis of the dedicated row (3).

9. The battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The compression interface or each compression interface (4, 5) further comprises a pressure end plate (6) having a pressure face (60) and being mounted, fixed and / or applied to the first end or the second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3) so that the pressure end plate faces the pressure face (50) of the corresponding support (5), and the compression element or each compression element (4) is then pressed against the pressure face (50) of the support (5) and the pressure face (60) of the pressure end plate (6).

10. The battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that The pressure surfaces (50) of the supports (5) and / or the pressure surfaces (60) of the pressure end plates (6) have receptacles (51, 61) for receiving and retaining the compression elements (4).

11. A battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 considered in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that The support or at least one of the supports (5), where applicable the support (5) of the second interface or each second interface (50), is fixed to the mobile side wall by being attached to or integrated into the mobile side wall.

12. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The tray (1) comprises, within its interior space, one or more rectilinear housings (13) arranged parallel to one another on the bottom (10), the housing or each housing (13) axially receiving the row or one of the rows (3) and laterally delimited along its longitudinal axis (X) by two partition walls (130) extending perpendicularly to the bottom (10), the two partition walls being located on either side of the row (3) of cells (30).

13. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The case (1, 2) comprises a lid or cover (2) enclosing the tray (1), and the battery device comprises a system for monitoring and controlling the battery cells (30) mounted on or in the lid or cover (2).

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