Battery cell block, in particular for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A battery cell block (10) comprises a plurality of flexible battery cells (1) juxtaposed to each other, each flexible battery cell comprising two tabs, each tab being placed in a plane of the battery cell and on opposite sides of the battery cell and forming an electrode thereof. The block (10) further comprises:-a plurality of pairs of stacked attachment elements (13), each pair comprising a first attachment element (14) supporting a first tab (15) of the battery and a second attachment element (16) supporting a second tab (17) of the battery, -a pair of attachment elements intended to keep said tabs in contact under pressure against an adjacent pair of attachment elements and to form an electrical connection with said tabs,-layers (11) comprising an electrically insulating material, placed between each pair of adjacent batteries, and-removable attachment means for attaching said tabs to said pair of attachment elements, the removable attachment device allows the attachment element (13) to be removably assembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrochemical batteries, particularly metal-ion batteries.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a stack of batteries having flexible packaging, commonly referred to as “soft-pack battery cells”, or simply “battery cells” in the remainder of this application. Background Technology

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, an electric energy storage battery 1 typically includes at least one electrochemical cell 2, which includes an electrolyte 3 inserted between a positive electrode or cathode 4 and a negative electrode or anode 5, a current collector 6 connected to the cathode 4, a current collector 7 connected to the anode 5, and finally a package 8 arranged to contain the electrochemical cell and seal it from the outside air and the electrolyte inside the cell, while allowing a portion of the current collectors to pass through the package.

[0004] Depending on the application type, the packaging can be flexible or rigid.

[0005] The main advantage of flexible packaging is its light weight. Therefore, batteries with the highest energy density are often packaged in flexible packaging.

[0006] Figure 2 A flexible package 8 of this type is shown, which is arranged to insulate and seal the electrochemical cell 2 while allowing portions of two conductive electrode tabs 6, 7 to pass through the flexible package. The conductive electrode tabs are each arranged on opposite sides of the battery 1 and extend in the plane of the electrochemical cell 2, forming electrodes of the electrochemical cell.

[0007] In most applications according to the prior art, it is necessary to combine several battery cells in series and / or in parallel to achieve the target current and / or voltage level.

[0008] A battery or battery pack refers to an electrical energy storage element in its final form, but several grouping levels can be identified as individual battery cells.

[0009] A module is a sub-component that combines identical battery cells, allowing systems requiring a large number of basic battery cells to have a higher level of granularity. Modules are complex and expensive components that integrate various structural, electrical, and thermal functions.

[0010] The battery is composed of modules, which in turn are composed of individual battery cells.

[0011] For example, document CN 109428024-B describes a battery module in which flexible batteries are assembled and connected to each other by attachment elements that clamp bent tabs that are electrically connected by welding flat T-shaped conductive elements.

[0012] These "modular" type architectures use welded electrical connections that cannot be removed in the event of a failure. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The proposed invention aims to facilitate the replacement of flexible batteries compatible with a "cell-to-pack" architecture, where the cells are directly integrated into the pack without the need for any intermediate grouping of "module" type as described in document CN 109428024-B. Therefore, in the remainder of this application, the terms "cell block" or "block of cells," or simply "block," refer to a plurality of adjacently arranged cells that should not be confused with "modules," as they do not possess all the functions of the latter.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention relates to a battery cell block, particularly a battery cell block for motor vehicles, the battery cell block comprising a plurality of flexible batteries arranged side by side, and each flexible battery comprising two tabs arranged on opposite sides of the battery and forming electrodes of the battery.

[0015] The block also includes multiple pairs of stacked attachment elements, each pair of attachment elements including a first attachment element supporting a first tab of the battery and a second attachment element supporting a second tab of the battery, the pair of attachment elements being designed to keep the tab in contact with an adjacent pair of attachment elements under pressure and to form an electrical connection with the tab.

[0016] The block also includes layers comprising electrically insulating materials designed to reduce battery vibration and arranged between each pair of adjacent batteries.

[0017] The block further includes a removable attachment device that allows the attachment elements to be removably assembled.

[0018] According to one feature, the electrical connection is achieved by means of metal lugs arranged on the attachment element and contacting the electrode under pressure by stacking two attachment elements.

[0019] According to another feature, the layer comprises foam or adhesive.

[0020] Advantageously, each attachment element is provided with at least one boss disposed on the upper surface of the attachment element and a cavity formed in alignment with the boss on the lower surface of the attachment element, the cavity having a shape complementary to the boss and designed to accommodate the boss of the adjacent attachment element when adjacent attachment elements are stacked.

[0021] For example, removable attachment devices include clamping devices and / or screwing devices.

[0022] Advantageously, the attachment element is provided with measuring devices for measuring voltage and / or temperature.

[0023] Preferably, the attachment element is provided with means for applying pressure to the metal lugs and electrode tabs.

[0024] According to another feature, the block is provided with electrical connection devices that pass through the attachment element within a sheath arranged in the attachment element.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a battery comprising a plurality of blocks as described above, the blocks being connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a battery as defined above. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, given only by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] [ Figure 1 [This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the components of a lithium-ion battery;]

[0029] [ Figure 2 [This is a perspective view of a square lithium-ion battery and its flexible packaging, based on existing technology.]

[0030] [ Figure 3 [This is a cross-sectional view of the end face of the battery block according to the present invention;]

[0031] [ Figure 4 ]as well as[ Figure 5 ] are respectively [ Figure 3 The left and right views of the battery block shown.

[0032] [ Figure 6 [Illustration] is an end view of the attachment element according to the present invention;

[0033] [ Figure 7 [Illustration 1] is an end view of an attachment element provided with a pressure-applying device according to the present invention; and

[0034] [ Figure 8The image depicts an electrical connection device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Although described with reference to lithium-ion batteries, the present invention is applicable to any metal-ion battery or more generally to any electrochemical battery.

[0036] The battery packs according to the invention can be vehicle-mounted or stationary. For example, the fields of electric and hybrid vehicles and grid-connected storage systems can be considered in the context of this invention.

[0037] As already discussed in the preface Figure 1 and Figure 2 Examples relating to lithium-ion batteries and flexible packaging based on existing technology.

[0038] For clarity, all figures in this application use the same reference numerals to denote the same elements according to the prior art and according to the invention.

[0039] In the example shown, the battery 1 is in the form of a square with a flexible package 8 (commonly referred to as a "soft pack").

[0040] The present invention will now be described in accordance with... Figures 3 to 5 An embodiment of the battery block is shown in the figure.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the end face of the battery block 10 according to the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 3 The left and right views of the battery block 10 are shown.

[0042] The battery block 10 includes a plurality of side-by-side power storage batteries 1, which are separated from each other by a layer 11 designed to reduce vibration of the power storage batteries 1. Each power storage battery 1 includes at least one electrochemical cell, which includes an electrolyte inserted between a cathode and an anode, a current collector connected to the cathode, a current collector connected to the anode, and a package.

[0043] The purpose of layer 11 is to provide support in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the individual battery cells to improve the mechanical retention of the batteries and promote a good distribution of compressive forces between the cells. Furthermore, layer 11 includes an electrically insulating material to reduce any leakage current caused by the potential difference between the batteries.

[0044] For example, layer 11 may include foam or adhesive.

[0045] Preferably, this layer 11 is also arranged between the battery 1 and the support surface 12 to which the block 10 is attached.

[0046] Block 10 includes multiple pairs of stacked attachment elements 13 arranged on both sides of the battery 1.

[0047] Although illustrated with reference to the vertically juxtaposed arrangement of battery 1, the invention also covers the case where the batteries are juxtaposed in a horizontal direction. In this case, the support surface 12 is vertical, and the attachment elements 13 are stacked horizontally.

[0048] Each pair of attachment elements includes a first attachment element 14 and a second attachment element 16, and each attachment element supports the first tab 15 and the second tab 17 of the battery, respectively.

[0049] These attachment elements are designed to push the tabs 15, 17 against an adjacent pair of attachment elements. Therefore, three pairs of attachment elements are needed to attach two battery cells, and an additional pair of attachment elements is added to attach each additional battery cell.

[0050] These attachment elements are also intended to form an electrical connection with the tabs.

[0051] The electrical connection is achieved by means of metal lugs 18, which are arranged on the attachment elements 13 and positioned to contact the tabs 15, 17 under pressure by stacking two attachment elements 13.

[0052] The storage battery can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel in block 10 according to the invention.

[0053] They are electrical assemblies in series and / or parallel depending on the orientation of the battery and the arrangement of the metal lugs 18.

[0054] It should be understood that, depending on the intended assembly, the arrangement of the metal lug 18 may differ. Figures 3 to 5 The layout shown.

[0055] The battery block 10 is provided with electrical connection devices 21 that pass through the attachment elements arranged within the sheath 22 of the attachment elements. The electrical connection devices 21 are used to connect one electrode from the end near the support surface 12 upwards through the stack to the opposite end. Figure 8 Electrical connection device 21 is different from metal lug 18.

[0056] The attachment element 13 is provided with a removable attachment device, thereby allowing the elements 13 to be removably assembled with each other.

[0057] Removable attachment devices include clamping devices and / or screwing devices 19, 20.

[0058] exist Figures 3 to 5In the illustrated embodiment, element 13 is assembled by tightening screws 19 and 20, which pass through the stack of attachment elements 13 and are anchored in the support surface 12. Preferably, each stack of attachment elements 13 corresponds to a pair of screws.

[0059] Boss 23 is connected to cavity 25 via threaded cylindrical channel 27 designed to interact with screws 19, 20. Figure 6 ).

[0060] Figure 6 This is an end view of attachment element 13. Attachment element 13 includes at least one boss 23 disposed on its upper surface 24. Attachment element 13 includes a cavity 25 formed on its lower surface 26, aligned with the boss 23. The cavity 25 has a shape complementary to the boss 23 and is designed to accommodate the bosses 23 of adjacent attachment elements 13 when stacked. The presence of the bosses 23 and the associated cavity 25 tends to facilitate the relative positioning of the attachment elements 13.

[0061] In another embodiment, not shown, the attachment element 13 is assembled by a clamping device arranged on the boss 23 and the cavity 25. For example, the boss 23 is provided with an outward-facing resilient snap hook that engages with a snap opening provided on the outer edge of the cavity 25 when the elements 13 are stacked. Upon disassembly, the snap hook is pushed inward from the snap opening.

[0062] Of course, the screw connection and clamping device can be combined to assemble the attachment element 13.

[0063] Figure 7 This is an end view of the attachment element 13, which has a first cavity 28 and a second cavity 29 respectively arranged on the upper surface 24 and the lower surface 26 of the attachment element.

[0064] Cavities 28 and 29 house a pressure-applying device 30 on the metal lugs 18 and electrodes 15 and 17. The pressure-applying device 30 includes springs that tend to push the ends of the metal lugs 18 outwards and are designed to increase the contact pressure with the electrodes 15 and 17. Depending on the desired configuration, the pressure-applying device 30 may be provided in only one of the cavities 28 and 29.

[0065] The attachment element 13 is further provided with a measuring device 31 for measuring voltage and / or temperature. The measuring device 31 includes an electrical connector 32 that connects a metal lug 18 and a measuring terminal 33 disposed on the lateral surface of the attachment element 13.

[0066] The pressure-applying device 30 can be used to increase the contact pressure between the electrical connection device 21 and the tabs 15, 17. Figure 8 ).

[0067] To reduce electrical hazards, block 10 may further include covers made of electrically insulating material arranged on the metal lugs of the attachment element to prevent any accidental contact between the metal lugs and the outside.

[0068] Depending on the desired configuration, several battery blocks 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel within the battery. This invention aims to improve the mass energy density of such batteries because the battery 1 is directly disposed inside the battery, and the battery blocks 10 do not require a "module" type of mechanical protection structure.

Claims

1. A battery cell block (10), particularly a battery cell block for motor vehicles, the battery cell block comprising: - A plurality of flexible batteries (1), the plurality of flexible batteries being arranged side by side with each other, and each flexible battery including two tabs (6, 7) arranged on opposite sides of the battery and forming electrodes of the battery. The block (10) is characterized in that it further comprises: - Multiple pairs of stacked attachment elements (13), each pair of attachment elements including a first attachment element (14) supporting a first tab (15) of the battery and a second attachment element (16) supporting a second tab (17) of the battery, the pair of attachment elements being designed to keep the tab in pressure contact with an adjacent pair of attachment elements and to form an electrical connection with the tab. - Layers (11), these layers include electrically insulating materials, designed to reduce vibration of these batteries and arranged between each pair of adjacent batteries, and - A removable attachment device that allows the attachment elements (13) to be removably assembled.

2. The block as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The electrical connection is achieved by means of metal lugs (18) arranged on the attachment elements (13) and contacting the tabs (15, 17) under pressure by stacking two attachment elements (13).

3. The block as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The layer (11) includes foam or adhesive.

4. The block as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, Each attachment element (13) is provided with at least one boss (23) disposed on the upper surface (24) of the attachment element and a cavity (25) formed on the lower surface (26) of the attachment element in alignment with the boss, the cavity having a shape complementary to the boss and designed to accommodate the boss (23) of the adjacent attachment element when adjacent attachment elements are stacked.

5. The block as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The removable attachment includes clamping devices and / or screwing devices (19, 20).

6. The block as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, These attachment elements (13) are equipped with measuring devices (31) for measuring voltage and / or temperature.

7. The block as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, These attachment elements are provided with means (30) for applying pressure to these metal lugs (18) and these tabs (15, 17).

8. The block as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the block is provided with electrical connection devices (21) that pass through the attachment elements (13) within a sheath (22) arranged in the attachment elements.

9. A battery comprising a plurality of blocks (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, the blocks being connected in series and / or in parallel.

10. A motor vehicle equipped with the battery as claimed in claim 9.

Images