Electrical module for a battery

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of battery cells (4), said electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of connection devices (5), each connection device (5) being able to electrically connect two adjacent battery cells (4) along a first longitudinal axis (X) of said battery cells (4) so as to form a pair (6) of battery cells (4), each battery cell (4) comprising two connectors (7, 8), the invention relates to a module (2) for connecting battery cells (4), comprising a positive connector (7) and a negative connector (8) arranged opposite the positive connector (7) along a first longitudinal axis (X), in which module (2) the connecting devices (5) can be nested with each other, in which module (2) the connecting devices (5) are arranged strictly along the first longitudinal axis (X) between two adjacent battery cells (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of batteries for electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to battery modules. More specifically, the present invention relates to modules including "pouch" type lithium-ion electrochemical battery cells (i.e., pouch battery cells). Background Art

[0002] A battery intended to equip an electric vehicle includes a plurality of electric modules, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0003] Modules are assembled by connecting battery cells together. The connections can be in series or parallel, depending on the car manufacturer's needs.

[0004] In current modules, battery cells are arranged in cartridges, which define a housing for them. The cartridges allow the cells to be connected together. Thus, a module consists of multiple stages, each consisting of two cartridges, each containing a single battery cell.

[0005] These modules have numerous drawbacks. Experience has shown that their assembly is particularly tedious for operators. Due to the numerous, time-consuming handling operations, manufacturing these modules has proven incompatible with industrialized, rapid production, a sector expected to grow significantly in the future. Finally, due to the presence of the cassettes, these modules are large and cumbersome, resulting in excessive weight and wasted space, which compromises the vehicle's overall performance and user comfort.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the architecture of electrical modules.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To this end, firstly, an electrical module comprising a plurality of battery cells is proposed, wherein the electrical module comprises a plurality of connecting devices, each connecting device being capable of electrically connecting two adjacent battery cells along a first longitudinal axis of the battery cell to form a pair of battery cells, each battery cell comprising two connectors, namely a positive connector and a negative connector arranged opposite to the positive connector along the first longitudinal axis, and in the module, the connecting devices being capable of being nested in each other.

[0009] The connection device is therefore compact, minimizing its size. The modules are therefore smaller and lighter. Furthermore, these connection devices facilitate assembly by simplifying the module assembly operations. This increases the production speed of these modules.

[0010] Various additional features may be provided individually or in combination:

[0011] − the connection device is arranged strictly along the first longitudinal axis between two adjacent battery cells;

[0012] the module comprises a plurality of pairs of battery cells arranged one above the other along a second stacking axis substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, such that a connection device for connecting a given pair of battery cells nests within a connection device for connecting a pair of battery cells immediately adjacent along the second stacking axis;

[0013] − the connection device comprises a base made of an electrically insulating material and a plate made of an electrically conductive material and fixed to the base, wherein, in said module, in each pair of battery cells, the positive connector of one battery cell is in contact with the plate, while the negative connector of the other battery cell of said pair is in contact with the plate, thereby connecting the battery cells of the same pair in series;

[0014] the connecting device comprises an upper surface on which the plate is fixed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the connecting device comprising at least one wall protruding from the upper surface and defining a receiving hole, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one pin protruding from the lower surface and capable of being inserted into the receiving hole of an adjacent connecting device to fasten the connecting devices to each other;

[0015] the base of the connection device comprises a side wall forming a seat and intended to come into contact with the upper surface of an adjacent connection device, the base also comprising two openings formed in the wall, each of said openings being intended to allow the passage of a connector of a pair of adjacent battery cells;

[0016] − The modules include:

[0017] a first end connection device comprising a first metal terminal, the first metal terminal being positively polarized and projecting along a third transverse axis, the third transverse axis being substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second stacking axis;

[0018] − a second end connection device, comprising a second metal terminal, the second metal terminal being negatively polarized and protruding along the third transverse axis;

[0019] In the module, the battery cell pairs are connected together in series, and the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the module; in the module, the first end connection device and the second end connection device are assembled to other connection devices and are located at the lateral ends of the module;

[0020] − the plate comprises a metal portion protruding from the base, said metal portion being capable of and intended to come into contact with a cooling system in order to cool the plate and the connectors of the battery cells;

[0021] − The metal part protrudes on the side opposite to the terminal;

[0022] At each longitudinal end of the module, adjacent pairs of battery cells are electrically connected two by two, so that the positive connector is connected to the negative connector to form a series connection of all battery cells of the module;

[0023] − in each pair of battery cells, the battery cells are arranged substantially consecutively to one another;

[0024] − the module comprises a foam arranged between two adjacent battery cells along the second stacking axis;

[0025] − the connection device has dimensions strictly smaller than the width of the battery cell, so that the module comprises a housing area intended to house the electronic management system of the module, wherein the dimensions and the width are measured along a third transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second stacking axis;

[0026] − The module includes an electronic management system arranged in a receiving area;

[0027] − The electronic management system can communicate with the electronic management systems of adjacent modules;

[0028] − The modules can communicate with adjacent modules with the help of wireless systems;

[0029] − The communication component is of beam type;

[0030] − The battery cells are of secondary electrochemical type;

[0031] − The battery cell is of primary electrochemical type;

[0032] The battery cell includes electrodes stacked on each other and separated from each other by a separator, the battery cell includes a non-aqueous electrolyte, and the battery cell is pouch-packed.

[0033] The connecting device does not extend beyond the space between the battery cells along the first longitudinal axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle comprising an electric module according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of an electrical module according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a two-dimensional schematic side view representation of an electrical module according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 is a two-dimensional schematic representation of an electrical module according to the invention, seen from above;

[0039] Figure 5 is another schematic perspective representation of an electrical module according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of a connection device for an electrical module according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another schematic perspective representation of a connection device;

[0042] Figure 8 is based on Figure 3 a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of plane VIII-VIII;

[0043] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective representation of an alternative embodiment of a connection device of an electrical module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 An electric vehicle 1 is shown comprising a plurality of electric modules 2. The modules 2 are arranged on a chassis 3 of the motor vehicle 1. As can be seen, the modules 2 extend transversely from one side of the motor vehicle 1 to the other.

[0045] The electric modules 2 together form the battery of the motor vehicle.

[0046] The module 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 4. The number of battery cells 4 depends on the requirements of the car manufacturer.

[0047] The battery cells 4 may be of a secondary electrochemical type or of a primary electrochemical type.

[0048] In the following description, the selection of longitudinal, transverse and vertical orientations depicted in the figures by trihedrons X, Y, Z is non-limiting and does not refer to the Earth's gravity, wherein:

[0049] −X axis corresponds to the first vertical axis;

[0050] − The Z axis, which is perpendicular to the X axis, corresponds to the second stacking axis;

[0051] − The Y axis, which is perpendicular to the X and Z axes, corresponds to the third horizontal axis. The trihedron XYZ defines the planes XY, XZ, and YZ.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the automotive vehicle 1 comprises three modules 2 aligned with each other along the Z axis. This arrangement and the number of modules are not limited.

[0053] The electrical module 2 includes a plurality of connection devices 5. The connection devices 5 are suitable and intended to electrically connect two adjacent battery cells 4 along the X-axis. Thus, the connection devices 5 make it possible to form pairs 6 of battery cells 4, it being understood that a pair of 6 battery cells 4 corresponds to two battery cells 4 connected by the connection devices 5. The battery cells 4 of a pair 6 extend aligned with one another along the X-axis.

[0054] Each battery cell 4 has two connectors 7, 8, namely a positive connector 7 and a negative connector 8. The negative connector 8 is arranged opposite the positive connector 7 along the X axis. Therefore, the connectors 7, 8 are not located on the same side of the battery cell.

[0055] The connection devices 5 can be nested within each other.

[0056] The connection device is therefore compact, minimizing its size. The modules are therefore smaller and lighter. Furthermore, these connection devices facilitate assembly by simplifying the module assembly operations. This increases the production speed of these modules.

[0057] Advantageously, the connection device 5 is arranged strictly along the X axis between two adjacent battery cells 4. "Strictly arranged" is understood to mean that the connection device 5 is arranged along the X axis between two adjacent battery cells 4. In other words, the connection device 5 does not extend outside the space 9 between the battery cells along the X axis.

[0058] Therefore, the connection device is compact, so that the volume is reduced to a minimum.

[0059] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises a plurality of pairs of 6 battery cells. As mentioned above, each pair of 6 battery cells 4 comprises two battery cells 4 connected to each other by a connection device 5.

[0060] Advantageously, the pairs 6 are arranged one above the other along the Z axis. The connection device 5 for connecting a given pair 6 of battery cells 4 is nested in the connection device 5 for connecting a pair 6 of battery cells 4 immediately adjacent along the Z axis.

[0061] The term "nested" means that the connection devices 5 are inserted into each other and fastened to each other.

[0062] This arrangement allows the pre-assembly of the pairs 6 of cells 4. In fact, the operator can then perform other operations on the module 2 without having to worry about the central area of ​​the module 2 where the connection device 5 is located.

[0063] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises a base 10. The base 10 is made of an electrically insulating material. The connection device 5 comprises a plate 11 made of an electrically conductive material. The plate 11 is fixed to the base 10. As a non-limiting example, the plate 11 can be fixed to the base 10 by overmolding.

[0064] In each pair of 6 cells 4, the positive connector 7 of one cell 4 is in contact with the plate 11 and the negative connector 8 of the other cell 4 of the same pair 6 is also in contact with the plate 11. Thus, the cells 4 of the same pair 6 are connected in series. It should be noted that the positive and negative terminals 7, 8 are fixed to the plate, for example by welding.

[0065] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises an upper surface 12 on which the plate 11 is fixed. The connection device 5 comprises a lower surface 13 opposite the upper surface 12.

[0066] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises two walls 14 projecting from the upper surface 12 along the Z axis. The walls 14 define a housing orifice 15.

[0067] By way of non-limiting example, the wall 14 is generally circular in shape, but could just as easily be square or rectangular.

[0068] The connection device 5 comprises two pins 16 projecting from the lower surface 13 along the Z axis. Each pin 16 is arranged in the extension of the wall 14 along the Z axis.

[0069] Each pin 16 of a given connecting device 5 can be inserted into a receiving hole 14 of an adjacent connecting device 5 .

[0070] The pin 16 and the wall 14 together form a guide and fixing system for the connecting device 5 .

[0071] Each pin 16 has two straight walls 17 that together form a cross. The length L1 of at least one of the straight walls 17 is substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the receiving hole 15. In this way, the pin 16 is forcibly inserted into the receiving hole 15 to fix the two connection devices 5 together.

[0072] Advantageously, the base 10 of the connection device 5 comprises a side wall 18. The side wall 18 forms a seat for the connection device 5. The side wall 18 has a seat surface 19 intended to come into contact with the upper surface 12 of an adjacent connection device 5.

[0073] Advantageously, the base 10 comprises two openings 20 formed in the wall 14. The openings 20 are suitable and intended to allow the passage of the positive or negative connectors 7, 8 of the battery cells 4 of adjacent pairs 6.

[0074] As can be seen in the figure, the housing holes 15 and the pins 16 are arranged along the Y axis on either side of the plate 11. This arrangement makes it possible to properly fix the connection device 5 together.

[0075] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises a first end connection device 21 and a second end connection device 22 .

[0076] The first and second end connection devices 21 , 22 are assembled to the other connection devices 5 , but are located at the lateral ends 23 of the module 2 .

[0077] The end connection devices 21, 22 differ from the connection device 5 in that they comprise metal terminals 24, 25 protruding from a base along the Y-axis. The metal terminals 24, 25 have a substantially L-shape.

[0078] Thus, the first end connection device 21 comprises a positively polarized first metal terminal 24. The second end connection device 22 comprises a negatively polarized second metal terminal 25.

[0079] The first and second metal terminals 24 , 25 are respectively the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the module 2 .

[0080] exist Figure 9 In an alternative embodiment of the connection device 5 shown in FIG, the plate 11 includes a metal portion 26 protruding from the base 10. The protruding metal portion 26 extends along the Z-axis. This metal portion 26 is capable of and is intended to come into contact with a cooling system (not shown). Thus, both the plate 11 and the connectors 7 and 8 of the battery cell 4 can be cooled by heat conduction. The metal portion 26 protrudes on the opposite side of the terminals 24 and 25. In other words, the metal portion 26 protrudes along the Y-axis, but in a direction opposite to the direction in which the terminals 24 and 25 protrude.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, pairs 6 of battery cells 4 are connected in series. Thus, at each longitudinal end 29 of the module, i.e., along the X-axis, adjacent pairs 6 of battery cells 4 are electrically connected, with the positive connector connected to the negative connector. Thus, all battery cells 4 of module 2 are connected in series.

[0082] Alternatively, pairs 6 of battery cells 4 may be connected together in parallel.

[0083] Advantageously, in each pair of 6 battery cells 4 , the battery cells 4 are arranged substantially consecutively to one another along the X axis.

[0084] This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the surface area and volume dimensions of the module 2 in the motor vehicle 1 , e.g. Figure 1 As seen in FIG, the battery unit 4 extends from one side of the motor vehicle 1 to the other.

[0085] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises a foam 27 arranged along the Z axis between two adjacent cells 4. This foam 27 is deformable and allows it to absorb volume changes of the cells 4 during use.

[0086] Advantageously, the connection device 5 has a dimension H1 measured along the Y axis. The battery cell 4 has a width J1 measured along the Y axis. The dimension H1 of the connection device 5 is smaller than the width J1 of the battery cell.

[0087] Module 2 thus comprises a housing area 28 capable of housing the electronic management system of said module.

[0088] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises an electronic management system (not shown in the figures) which is located in the housing area 28 .

[0089] Advantageously, the electronic management system of a given module 2 is able and intended to communicate with the electronic management system of an adjacent module 2. This communication is preferably of optical type, therefore wireless. In particular, it is a communication carried out by light beams.

[0090] It should be noted that other types of communication may be considered, for example Wi-Fi type communication.

[0091] Communication by light beams has several advantages, including simplifying the architecture of the module 2 by eliminating cables, limiting the risk of technical problems, reducing handling operations, limiting the risk of short circuits and thus improving the safety of the module 2 .

[0092] This type of communication is made possible by the location of the receiving area 28, which is located in the center of the module 2, or in other words, between the battery cells 4 along the X axis. This positioning of the receiving area 28 allows the electronic management systems of all the modules to be aligned along the X axis so as to allow straight-line beam communication.

[0093] Advantageously, the battery cell comprises electrodes stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by a separator, said battery cell comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte.The battery cell is of the "pouch" type, ie housed in a pouch.

[0094] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the connection device advantageously includes a groove. Thus, the groove is located in the middle of the module. This groove facilitates connecting adjacent modules. In particular, this groove allows the height of a battery (including several modules) to be reduced.

Claims

1. An electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of battery cells (4), the electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of connection devices (5), each connection device (5) being capable of electrically connecting two adjacent battery cells (4) along a first longitudinal axis (X) of the battery cells (4) so ​​as to form a pair (6) of battery cells (4), each battery cell (4) comprising two connectors (7, 8), namely a positive connector (7) and a negative connector (8) arranged opposite to the positive connector (7) along the first longitudinal axis (X), wherein in the module (2), the connection devices (5) are capable of being nested within each other.

2. The module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (5) is arranged strictly along the first longitudinal axis (X) between two adjacent battery cells (4).

3. A module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the module (2) comprises a plurality of pairs (6) of battery cells (4), which are arranged one on top of the other along a second stacking axis (Z) substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X), so that the connection device (5) for connecting a given pair (6) of battery cells (4) is nested in the connection device (5) for connecting a pair (5) of battery cells (4) immediately adjacent along the second stacking axis (Z).

4. A module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device (5) comprises a base (10) made of an electrically insulating material and a plate (11) made of an electrically conductive material and fixed to the base (10), wherein in the module (2), in each pair (6) of battery cells (4), the positive connector (7) of one battery cell (4) is in contact with the plate (11) and the negative connector (8) of the other battery cell (4) of the pair (6) is in contact with the plate (11), thereby connecting the battery cells (4) of the same pair (6) in series.

5. The module (2) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting device (5) comprises an upper surface (12) on which the plate (11) is fixed and a lower surface (13) opposite the upper surface (12), the connecting device (5) comprising at least one wall (14) protruding from the upper surface (12) and defining a receiving hole (15), wherein the connecting device (5) comprises at least one pin (16) protruding from the lower surface (13) and capable of being inserted into the receiving hole (15) of an adjacent connecting device (5) to fasten the connecting devices (5) to each other.

6. Module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the base (10) of the connection device (5) comprises a side wall (18) forming a seat and intended to come into contact with the upper surface (12) of an adjacent connection device (5), the base (10) further comprising two openings (20) formed in the wall (14), each of said openings (20) being intended to allow the passage of the connectors (7, 8) of a pair (6) of adjacent battery cells (4).

7. The module (2) according to claim 6, wherein the module (2) comprises: - a first end connection device (21) comprising a first metal terminal (24), the first metal terminal being positively polarized and projecting along a third transverse axis (Y), the third transverse axis being substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X) and the second stacking axis (Z); - a second end connection device (22) comprising a second metal terminal (25) which is negatively polarized and projects along a third transverse axis (Y); In a module (2), pairs (6) of battery cells (4) are connected in series, and a first terminal (24) and a second terminal (25) are respectively the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the module (2); in the module, a first end connection device (21) and a second end connection device (22) are assembled to other connection devices (5) and are located at a lateral end (23) of the module (2).

8. Module (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the plate (11) comprises a metal portion (26) protruding from the base (10), said metal portion (26) being able and intended to come into contact with a cooling system in order to cool the plate (11) and the connectors (7, 8) of the battery cells (4).

9. The module (2) according to claim 8, further depending on claim 7, wherein the metal portion (26) protrudes on the side opposite to the terminals (24, 25).

10. The module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at each longitudinal end (29) of the module (2), the battery cells (4) of adjacent pairs (6) are electrically connected two by two, so that the positive connector (7) is connected to the negative connector (8) to form a series connection of all the battery cells (4) of the module (2).

11. Module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein In each pair (6) of battery cells (4), the battery cells (4) are arranged substantially continuously with respect to one another.

12. The module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module (2) comprises a foam (27) arranged between two battery cells (4) adjacent along the second stacking axis (Z).

13. Module (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device (5) has a dimension (H1) strictly smaller than the width (J1) of the battery cell (4), so that the module (2) includes a housing area (28) intended to accommodate the electronic management system of the module (2), in which the dimension (H1) and the width (J1) are measured along a third transverse axis (Y) substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X) and the second stacking axis (Z).

14. Module (2) according to claim 13, wherein the module (2) comprises an electronic management system arranged in the receiving area (28).

15. Module (2) according to claim 14, wherein the electronic management system is able to communicate with the electronic management system of an adjacent module (2).

16. The module (2) according to claim 15, wherein the module (2) is able to communicate with adjacent modules (2) by means of a wireless system.

17. Module (2) according to claim 16, wherein the communication means is of the beam type.

18. Module (2) according to claim 16, wherein the communication means are of Wi-Fi type.

19. The module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (4) are of the secondary electrochemical type.

20. The module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the battery cells (4) are of the primary electrochemical type.

21. The module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells comprise electrodes stacked on each other and separated from each other by separators, the battery cells comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte, the battery cells being pouched.

22. The module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device (5) does not extend beyond the spaces (9) between the battery cells (4) along the first longitudinal axis (X).

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