VEHICLE STRUCTURE WITH BATTERY MODULE AND COOLING PLATE

Description

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2102724 filed on 18.03.2021.

[0002] The invention relates to electrically powered vehicles comprising a body structure housing a passenger compartment and comprising a floor delimiting a lower part of this passenger compartment, this vehicle comprising an electric drive machine and a battery under the floor powering this drive machine.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to an arrangement of this battery with this floor.

[0004] Throughout this document, the term "battery" will be understood to mean an assembly comprising at least one battery module containing at least one electrochemical cell.

[0005] This battery may include electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of at least one module. When there are several modules, they are generally grouped in a container or housing, forming a battery pack. This battery pack typically contains a mounting interface and connection terminals, and forms a sealed enclosure around the modules between a base and a cover. The battery also includes a means for cooling the module, for example, a plate-shaped cooler inserted between the module base and the housing base, or some other suitable method. This battery is generally bolted to the vehicle body structure, for example, under the vehicle floor.

[0006] Furthermore, the term electrochemical cell throughout this document will be understood to mean cells that generate current by chemical reaction, for example lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd or lead type or fuel cells.

[0007] This battery is heavy, bulky, difficult to handle and mount on a vehicle's structure, and requires extensive internal reinforcement of the casing to stiffen the floor and the vehicle's structure beneath it. Its attachment to the body structure must also be able to withstand significant forces in the event of a vehicle accident.

[0008] This battery is also exposed to shocks from underneath the vehicle because it is relatively close to the ground.

[0009] This last point implies that the battery's shock-sensitive components, such as the modules and the cooling system, must be sufficiently far from the ground and protected against this type of impact by the battery casing. However, this distance inevitably affects the vehicle's passenger compartment dimensions, either reducing its size or increasing the overall height of the vehicle.

[0010] In this field, patent document US-A1-5501289 describes a floor structure for an electric vehicle. This floor comprises an upper section and a lower section housing the battery modules. This lower section is bolted directly to the upper section of the floor. The passenger compartment is located above the upper section of the floor.

[0011] This floor structure allows for the direct attachment, i.e. without going through intermediate fixings of the battery casing to the structure, of cross members or beams for stiffening the vehicle structure to the lower part of the floor, and thus to have a very rigid floor completely replacing the previously introduced battery casing.

[0012] DE 10 2017 117696 A1 discloses an alternative floor structure that integrates means of electrical energy storage and cooling means.

[0013] Unfortunately, this floor structure has one major drawback: the battery's height remains significant. The modules rest on their base and require considerable space above them for cooling airflow and electrical connections. This necessitates a relatively high passenger compartment, which is detrimental to handling and energy efficiency, as it increases the vehicle's drag.

[0014] A secondary disadvantage is that the bottom of the modules is directly exposed to shocks from under the vehicle, remaining close to the ground, which requires a very robust and therefore heavy lower part of the floor and we find again the problem of the difficulty in handling and assembling this sub-assembly (modules + lower part) on or, more precisely, under the structure of the vehicle.

[0015] The aim of the invention is to remedy at least this main drawback by proposing a device...

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a motor vehicle structure comprising: a floor comprising a sheet metal plate having a lower face and an opposite upper face intended to be oriented towards a vehicle passenger compartment, a battery module for electrical energy storage comprising a support face, a means for cooling the module, with this module positioned between the lower face and this cooling means, this structure comprising a fixing means fixing the battery module to the floor, the support face being pressed against the lower face of the sheet metal and in contact with this lower face.

[0017] Thus, the module is positioned away from the vehicle's running surface by being in direct contact with the floor. This floor does not need to be raised; the passenger compartment remains at its original height, and it is the module that is simply raised against the floor. The battery pack cover, as previously described, is therefore entirely replaced by the floor, freeing up vertical space for mounting both the module and the cooling system. Furthermore, this separation of the module and the cooling system is beneficial for absorbing shocks from the running surface, such as those caused by obstacles or projectiles dislodged from the road surface by the vehicle's wheels.

[0018] The heat emitted by the module during operation is dissipated through the floor by thermal conduction, and / or by the cooling system also by thermal conduction. It should be noted that, in order to improve this thermal conduction, a thermally conductive paste or a deformable thermally conductive element can be inserted between the underside and the support surface, and / or between the cooling system and the module, so that no air gaps are present between the module and the floor or between the module and the cooling system, thus promoting thermal conduction over the entire support surface and / or the cooling system.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, this floor comprises a beam fixed, at least along part of its length, directly to the underside.

[0020] This beam replaces the cross members or reinforcements of the battery pack housing as previously described. The floor replaces the cover of this housing, and the beam(s) fixed directly to the floor provide significantly improved structural rigidity since there is no longer any stress or impact that has to be transmitted through additional fixings, such as bolts, as was done previously.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle structure comprises a longitudinal member fixed directly to the underside and forming with the beam and the sheet metal a cavity housing the battery module.

[0022] Thus, this module is perfectly protected by the beam and the side member against external lateral impacts to the vehicle, along a transverse Y-axis. Furthermore, this honeycomb structure provides maximum rigidity to the entire vehicle, eliminating the need for any additional reinforcement of the module. Therefore, if there are multiple modules, each can be inserted into a cell independently of the others.

[0023] It should be noted that this cavity can also house the cooling system, which is then protected in the same way as the module.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beam is a transverse cross member to the longeron and fixed at one of its ends directly to the longeron.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle structure comprises a fairing plate distant from and covering the cooling means and a face of the module opposite the first face, this fairing plate being fixed directly or indirectly to the floor in a sealed manner.

[0026] Throughout this document, the term "fairing plate" will be understood to mean a plate arranged in such a way as to: to facilitate the flow of air caused by the speed of the moving vehicle, avoiding aerodynamic pressure losses due to passing obstacles to its flow, these obstacles being elements of the vehicle, in particular battery components, engine, body structure, transmission, running gear, and to protect these elements of the vehicle against projectiles from the road, for example water spray.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fairing plate comprises: a recess on an underside of the fairing plate, and a cable guide channel for wiring harnesses and / or pipes housed in this recess.

[0028] The underside of the fairing plate faces the vehicle's running surface, and the height between this underside of the fairing plate and the running surface constitutes the vehicle's ground clearance under the battery. This ground clearance is advantageously preserved by the recess, which prevents the cable channel from interfering with it. The wiring harnesses and / or lines guided by the channel may have a function related to the battery modules, but not necessarily; for example, fuel lines for a combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle. Advantageously, however, these lines could be for a heat transfer fluid circulating in the cooling system, or wiring harnesses related to controlling the charging or discharging of the battery modules.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, this fairing plate is fixed directly onto an underside of the beam.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, this fairing plate is fixed directly onto an underside of the longeron.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, this structure comprises two parallel stringers, the beam, the sheet metal and the fairing plate, this assembly delimiting a sealed internal space housing the module and the cooling means.

[0032] Thus, this structure fully integrates the function of the battery pack housing as previously described. This housing is removed.

[0033] Since the longitudinal members and the beam(s) together with the floor provide the vehicle's rigidity, the fairing plate can be thin and lightweight, its mechanical strength being solely determined by its ability to absorb impacts from the road surface, for example, from obstacles or projectiles dislodged from the road surface by the vehicle's wheels. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, thanks to the invention, the module and the cooling system are positioned further from the road surface, allowing the fairing plate greater flexibility to deform without impacting the module or the cooling system.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beam includes a first sealed passage for an electrical bundle or conduit.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fairing plate includes a second sealed passage for an electrical harness or conduit.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the module includes an electrical connection terminal recessed relative to the opposite face of the module. Thus, contrary to what is customary for those skilled in the art, this module is mounted "upside down": the connection terminal faces the running surface. This arrangement indirectly provides a large bearing surface for the module against the floor, thereby promoting heat exchange between the module and the floor if desired, and also facilitating the module's attachment to the floor, particularly if the module is glued to this large surface. This adhesive is one possible embodiment of the fastening means for securing the battery module to the floor.Removing the terminal from the opposite face of the module allows this opposite face of the module to be covered by the cooling means without mechanical interference with the connection terminal, for example a flat cooling plate, while allowing heat exchange by conduction between this opposite face of the module and this cooling means.

[0037] According to one variant of the invention, the module includes an electrical connection terminal recessed from the support face.

[0038] This arrangement prioritizes heat exchange between the cooling system and the module, at the expense of heat exchange between the floor and the module and / or the module's bonding surface on the underside, to return to the example of the mounting method described above. This arrangement also allows for potential access to the charging station from inside the vehicle, for example, by installing an access hatch through the floor.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, this structure comprises two modules and a busbar, this busbar having an arch shape electrically connecting a connection terminal of the first module to a connection terminal of the second module while straddling the beam.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beam is hollow and includes an opening leading into this hollow, the module including a degassing safety system in case of thermal runaway of a cell of the module, this system being arranged so as to direct the hot gas into the hollow of the beam, through the opening.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling means is the cooling plate, attached to the module.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sheet metal comprises a thermally insulating coating covering the underside.

[0043] This arrangement allows, if no heat exchange between the floor and the module is desired, the floor to be transformed into a fire-resistant partition.

[0044] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the figures in which: [ Fig 1 ] : represents a schematic section of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the invention, in an orthonormal XYZ coordinate system of the vehicle, where Z is the vertical axis, Y is the transverse axis, and X is the longitudinal axis of the vehicle oriented in the direction of forward movement. Note that this definition of the orthonormal WYZ coordinate system applies to the entire text of this document. Fig 2 ] : represents a fairing plate according to the invention, viewed from "below" along the Z axis of the XYZ coordinate system. Fig 3 ] : represents a schematic section of the fairing plate, along a YZ plane, and revealing the section of the channel. Fig 4 [ ] represents a schematic section of the fairing plate, along a YZ plane, and its screwing and / or gluing onto the frame rail. Fig 5 [ ] represents a schematic section of a vehicle structure according to the embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 , in the same orthonormal XYZ coordinate system as the vehicle but along a different plane.

[0045] It should be borne in mind that the figures are given by way of example and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. Furthermore, in what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the identification of the designated numerals. The numerals of unchanged elements or elements having the same function are common to all figures and variant embodiments.

[0046] These figures reveal a motor vehicle structure comprising: a floor 1 comprising a sheet metal 2 having a lower face 2i, and an opposite upper face 2s intended to be oriented towards a passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle, a battery module 4 for the storage of electrical energy comprising a support face 5, a cooling means 13 of the module 4. This module 4 is positioned between the lower face 2i and this cooling means 13, and this structure includes a fixing means 6, 7 fixing the battery module 4 to the floor 1, the bearing face 5 being pressed against the lower face 2i of the sheet 2 and in contact with this lower face 2i.

[0047] This vehicle structure typically forms a passenger compartment (3), between the floor (1) and a roof connected by struts, but not necessarily. It could be the structure of an autonomous vehicle without passengers or a driver. In this case, the passenger compartment (3) would be understood as the part of the structure located above the floor (1).

[0048] The battery module 4 is therefore now fixed directly to the floor 1 of the vehicle structure, which allows the module to be moved along the Z-axis away from a risk zone and an energy limit 18. This energy limit 18 is only represented on the figure 3 The expression "directly fixed to the floor 1" should be understood to mean that the bearing face 5 is pressed against the lower face 2i of the sheet 2 and in contact with this lower face 2i. The X, Y, Z axes are shown in each figure and their definition has already been given for the figure 1 .

[0049] The energy limit 18 is a virtual horizontal plane that the battery cells 4, 13, and 10 must not exceed, otherwise they will be too close to the road surface and therefore too susceptible to impacts from that surface. For example, this energy limit 18 corresponds to the vehicle's ground clearance if the battery is the lowest component of the vehicle, but can of course be separated in other cases.

[0050] As will be seen later, module 4 is, for example, turned upside down, with the top considered to carry electrical connection terminals, so that the module's electrochemical cells are in contact with the floor 1; that is, the support face 5 does not include any electrical connection elements. The terms "bottom" or "top" should be understood in relation to the terms "lower" and "upper" which orient the faces of the floor 1.

[0051] But as an alternative, this module 4 can also be "upside down", as we will see later.

[0052] This module 4 comprises, for example, prismatic cells connected to each other by inter-cell connection plates. It is advantageous to place the cells in contact with the cooling means 13 via the module 4. However, this invention is equally applicable to all other module 4 architectures, and in particular cylindrical cells, or cells in the form of pouches.

[0053] Ideally, module 4 is itself prismatic, but this is not mandatory. The bearing surface 5 will ideally be flat, but this is also not mandatory; it can be of any shape. However, if additional heat exchange is desired with the cooling element 13 by diffusing the heat emitted by module 4 through the floor 1, it will be advantageous for this bearing surface to conform to the lower surface 2i of the sheet metal 2. Indeed, as explained previously, it is advantageous to insert the thermal paste between the bearing surface 5 and the lower surface 2i, and to minimize the amount of this paste used, it is advantageous for the lower surface 2i to have a shape that matches the bearing surface 5.

[0054] The fastening means 6, 7 for securing the battery module 4 to the floor 1 comprises, for example, a screw (represented by a center line 6) passing through a hole in the module 4, and whose threaded end cooperates with a nut 7 welded directly or indirectly under the floor 1 as illustrated in the figures 1 et 2 . This nut 7 is for example welded to the lower surface 2i or to a beam 8.

[0055] However, other fastening methods 6, 7 are possible as alternatives or in addition. For example, a thermally conductive paste or a thermally conductive deformable element can be inserted between the lower face 2i and the support face 5. This paste or deformable element comprises and / or is made of an adhesive, for example, polyurethane, but other types of adhesive are also possible. The screw then serves, for example, to temporarily hold the module 4 while the adhesive polymerizes or cross-links, or the screw may not even be necessary if, during module installation, the module is held in place by a mounting device while the adhesive polymerizes.

[0056] This floor 1 includes a beam 8 fixed, at least over part of its length, directly to the lower face 2i.

[0057] This beam 8 is for example a profile in stamped steel sheet having a "V" or "U" cross-section, this cross-section being closed by the lower face 2i of the sheet 2. In particular this beam 8 is welded by single or double electric spot welds on the lower face 2i, but other means of fixing are conceivable such as filler metal welds, riveting, screwing, gluing.

[0058] It is worth noting that it is advantageous for beam 8 to be made of the same metal as floor 1, particularly steel, as is the case with most vehicle structures. This avoids the use of expensive materials like aluminum while providing significantly greater structural rigidity than aluminum, and in particular, much greater rigidity than the battery pack housing as described earlier.

[0059] This structure includes, for example, a longitudinal member 9, along the X axis, fixed directly to the lower face 2i and forming with the beam 8 and the sheet metal 2 a cavity housing the battery module 4.

[0060] This longitudinal member 9, like beam 8, will be attached, for example, by electric spot welding. As with beam 8, this longitudinal member 9 is, for example, a stamped steel plate. This longitudinal member is, as is known, located near the bottom of the body, along the X-axis and on one side of the body, and provides the longitudinal rigidity of the structure.

[0061] This beam 8 is for example a transverse cross member to the spar 9 and fixed at one of its ends directly to the spar 9, for example by welding.

[0062] This beam 8 is equally transverse and longitudinal. The figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal beam 8, while the figure 5 illustrates a transverse beam 8.

[0063] The transverse beams 8 are advantageously positioned to resist lateral impacts to the vehicle, while the longitudinal beam(s) 8 are advantageously positioned to resist frontal or rear impacts. This advantageous design allows these reinforcing beams 8 to be welded directly to the structure and / or floor 1, which, with the same moment of inertia, provides significantly better impact resistance than the battery pack housing described earlier (where the pack is separate from the structure). These beams 8 directly contribute to the structural reinforcement since they are directly connected to the longitudinal members 9 and the floor 1. The effectiveness of the beams 8 is improved because they are attached to already structural elements. This added stiffness improves the overall impact resistance of the structure and reduces the mass of the structural components.

[0064] This structure includes a fairing plate 10 distant from the cooling means 13 and covering this cooling means 13 and a face of the module opposite 11 to the support face 5, this fairing plate 10 being fixed directly or indirectly to the floor 1 in a sealed manner.

[0065] This sealing is understood, throughout the text of this document, as a sealing of an internal space between the floor 1 and the fairing plate 10 against external aggressions to module 4, for example projections of water or mud, but also against toxic gases that may be emitted by module 4, as long as this gas does not exceed a predetermined threshold pressure and / or a predetermined threshold temperature.

[0066] The distance between the fairing plate 10 and the cooling element 13 allows the fairing plate 10 to deform in the event of an impact, without affecting the cooling element 13 and / or the module 4. Thus, impacts are absorbed. The greater this distance, the less constrained the design of this fairing plate 10 is. The fact that the floor 1 replaces the cover of the usual battery pack housings makes it possible to increase this distance while remaining below the energy limit 18.

[0067] In addition, since module 4 is fixed directly to the floor 1 which itself forms a rigid structure, this allows the fairing plate 10 to be lightened since, unlike the prior art, this plate no longer has to support the weight of the modules 4, each module being able to exceed 13 Kg, or even 60 Kg, the current trend being a clear increase in the weight of module 4.

[0068] For example, this fairing plate 10 includes: a recess on an underside of the fairing plate 10, and a cable channel 17 for guiding bundles and / or pipes housed in this recess.

[0069] This chute 17, shown on the figures 2 And 3For example, a U-shaped duct 17 is attached to the fairing plate, for instance, by screwing, riveting, or clipping. This attachment is arranged to maintain the watertightness of the fairing plate 10 and thus of the internal space. This section may also include one or more longitudinal partitions to separate different types of cables or conduits, in particular a control or communication cable from a power cable. This duct 17 is oriented, for example, longitudinally along the X-axis and / or transversely along the Y-axis. This duct 17, and consequently its recess, are, for example, aligned with the beam 8 so as not to reduce the distance between the fairing plate 10 and the cooling unit 13 and / or the module 4.This cable tray 17 is for example made of plastic, or of conductive material, for example steel, if we separate the different types of bundles or conduits, in particular the control or communication bundle from the power current bundle, for reasons of electromagnetic interference.

[0070] For example, this fairing plate 10 is fixed directly to an underside of the beam 8, which allows for fixing points in the central part of the fairing plate 10. This fixing is, for example, a screwed, watertight assembly, so that the fairing plate can be removed for maintenance of the modules 4. Thus the structure provides rigidity to the fairing plate 10, which can therefore be thinned.

[0071] Alternatively or in combination, this fairing plate 10 is fixed directly to an underside 9i of the longeron 9. This fixing is for example a screwed, sealed assembly, so that the fairing plate can be removed for maintenance of the modules 4.

[0072] There figure 4 This illustrates in particular this screwed assembly, the screw (without symbol) pressing the fairing plate 10 against the spar 9 while compressing an adhesive or sealant, thus creating ridges 19 of adhesive or sealant on each side of this screwed assembly. The seal is thus ensured and visually verifiable by the regularity of the ridge 19.

[0073] In an alternative not shown, the fastening means 6, 7 which secures the battery module 4 to the floor 1 can be common to the fastening of the fairing plate 10 and / or the cooling means 13. For example, the same screw passes through the module 4 and / or the cooling means and / or the fairing plate 10 and is screwed into the floor 1. For example, the module 4 includes a perforated tab inserted between the fairing plate 10 and the underside of the beam 8 or the underside 9i of the side member 9, the screw passing through the tab via its hole, and the fairing plate 10, and / or the same for the cooling means 13. This arrangement has the advantage of saving a significant number of screws, and can be supplemented or combined with glue between these three elements (module 4, cooling means 13, fairing plate 10).

[0074] This structure includes, for example, two parallel stringers 9, the beam 8, the sheet metal 2 and the fairing plate 10, this assembly delimiting the sealed internal space housing the module 4 and the cooling means 13.

[0075] Beam 8 includes, for example, a first sealed passage for an electrical bundle or conduit.

[0076] This electrical harness includes, for example, busbars connected to a terminal of module 4, and / or a communication network harness for controlling the charging or discharging of module 4, and / or a sensor harness for module 4. The conduit is, for example, a heat transfer fluid conduit to cool module 4 by supplying the cooling unit 13. Sealing always refers to that of the internal space.

[0077] Alternatively or in combination, the fairing plate 1 includes a second watertight passage 14, 15 of the electrical harness or conduit.

[0078] In particular the figure 2 This illustrates the fairing plate 10, which includes a raised edge whose end is fixed to the floor 1. This raised edge includes a second watertight passage 14, 15. The second watertight passage 14 is, for example, dedicated to electrical wiring, while the second watertight passage 15 is dedicated to fluid lines. These second watertight passages 14, 15 can be supported by a plate which is itself fixed to the raised edge of the fairing plate 10.

[0079] Thus in all cases, this electrical bundle and / or the conduit does not exceed the energy limit 18.

[0080] For example, module 4 includes an electrical connection terminal recessed from the face of the opposite module 11, so that the connection terminal does not protrude from the face of the opposite module 11 and remains away from the fairing plate 10.

[0081] This arrangement corresponds to the "upside down" mounting of module 4 described earlier, illustrated by the figure 5 , even if the boundaries are not shown.

[0082] According to a variant of the invention, not illustrated, the electrical connection terminal is recessed from the support face 5. Thus the module 4 is mounted "upwards", and the opposite face of the module 11 is thus freed from any obstacle to heat exchange by conduction with the cooling means 13. The withdrawal of the electrical terminal ensures that it is not in contact with the floor 1 and in particular the lower face 2i, the bus bar 12 or the harness connecting to this terminal being oriented for example parallel to the lower face 2i near the electrical terminal.

[0083] This structure includes, for example, two modules 4 and a busbar 12, this busbar 12 having an arch shape electrically connecting a connection terminal of the first module 4 to a connection terminal of the second module 4 while overlapping the beam 8.

[0084] This provision, illustrated by the figure 5 This allows us to avoid altering the moment of inertia of the beams 8, also called the quadratic moment, which therefore retain their original rigidity.

[0085] Of course the ends of these arches will have a shape adapted to the type of mounting "upside down" or "upside down", possibly by bypassing the cooling means 13 or by adapting the cooling means 13, for example by adapting their length and / or width.

[0086] For example, beam 8 is hollow and includes an opening leading into this hollow, module 4 includes a degassing safety system in case of thermal runaway of a cell of module 4, this system being arranged so as to direct the hot gas into the hollow of beam 8, through the opening.

[0087] Such safety systems are well-known. Several technologies exist, for example, a membrane that melts above a certain temperature threshold and is bonded around an opening cut through the module, thus blocking it. Another example is a spring-loaded valve that also blocks the same opening. Such safety systems are sometimes combined with module ventilation systems, this ventilation serving only to compensate for normal gas expansion and contraction. In all cases of thermal runaway in a cell, the generated hot gas will be vented from module 4, and it is then advantageous to direct this hot gas into the hollow of beam 8, through the beam's opening. Thus, beam 8 acts as a gas guide channel to vent the gases from the internal space.It should be noted that, in nominal conditions and to maintain the sealing of the internal space, the beam 8 must itself be sealed and therefore, the opening of the beam 8 will ideally be sealed by a fusible membrane, for example of the same nature as the fusible membrane of the safety system, or by any other means configured so as to release the opening of the beam 8 if the safety means directs the hot gases towards this opening of the beam 8.

[0088] This cooling method 13 is, for example, a cooling plate attached to module 4.

[0089] For example, this cooling plate comprises two walls defining between them a circulation volume of a heat transfer fluid, one of these walls being pressed against module 4.

[0090] This volume, for example, forms part of a cooling circuit for module 4. This circuit also includes a circulation pump, a heat exchanger, possibly a heater, and an expansion tank when the fluid is in liquid form, as well as a fluid circulation line connecting all the aforementioned components in a closed loop. This fluid circulation, for example of glycol water, is achieved by activating the circulation pump.

[0091] The two walls are, for example, two sheets of metal welded or glued together. The first sheet is, for example, flat and attached to module 4, and the second is stamped into a shape to form a channel through which the fluid flows, describing a serpentine path.

[0092] Advantageously, this coil will be uniformly distributed over the entire face of the opposite module 11.

[0093] The first plate, for example, includes a hole through which a screw passes, securing the cooling plate to module 4. However, other fastening methods are possible as alternatives or in addition. For example, a thermally conductive paste or a thermally conductive deformable element can be inserted between the cooling plate and the opposite face 11 of module 4. This paste or deformable element comprises and / or is made of an adhesive, for example, polyurethane, but other types of adhesive are also possible. The screw then serves, for example, to temporarily hold the cooling plate onto module 4 while the adhesive polymerizes or cross-links. The screw may even be unnecessary if, during installation, the plate is held in place by a mounting method while the adhesive polymerizes, as with fastening methods 6 and 7 that secure battery module 4 to the floor 1.

[0094] For example, sheet metal 2 includes a thermally insulating coating covering the lower face 2i.

[0095] This coating is, for example, an intumescent paint, a fiberglass or carbon fiber-based coating, fiberglass having the advantage of being electrically insulating. Thus, even in the event of thermal runaway in one of the cells of module 4, the vehicle's passenger compartment 3 remains protected against the risk of fire.

Claims

1. Vehicle structure comprising: - a floor (1) comprising a sheet metal (2) having a lower face (2 i), and an upper opposite face (2 s) intended to be orientated towards a passenger compartment (3) of the vehicle, - a battery module (4) for the electrical energy storage comprising a bearing face (5), - a cooling means (13) of the module (4), this module (4) is positioned between the lower face (2 i) and this cooling means (13), this structure comprises a fixing means (6, 7) fixing the battery module (4) to the floor (1), wherein the bearing face (5) is pressed against the lower face (2 i) of the sheet metal (2) and in contact with this lower face (2 i).

2. Vehicle structure according to claim 1, said floor (1) comprising a beam (8) fixed, at least over part of its length, directly to the lower face (2 i).

3. Vehicle structure according to claim 2, comprising a spar (9) fixed directly to the lower face (2i) and forming with the beam (8) and the sheet metal (2) an alveolus housing the battery module (4).

4. Vehicle structure according to claim 3, the beam (8) being a cross-member transverse to the spar (9) and fixed at one of its ends directly to the spar (9).

5. Vehicle structure according to one of the previous claims, comprising a fairing plate (10) remote from the cooling means (13) and covering said cooling means (13) and a face of the module opposite (11) to the bearing face (5), said fairing plate (10) being fixed directly or indirectly to the floor (1) in a sealed manner.

6. Vehicle structure according to claim 5, the fairing plate (10) comprising: - a depression on a lower face of the fairing plate (10), and - a chute (17) for guiding bundles and / or pipes housed in this depression.

7. Vehicle structure according to claim 2, comprising two previous modules (4) and a bus bar (12), said bus bar (12) having an arch shape electrically connecting a connection terminal of the first combination module (4) to a connection terminal of the second bus bar (4) while overlapping the beam (8).

8. Vehicle structure according to one of the previous claims in combination with claim 2, the beam (8) being hollow and comprising an opening opening opening into this hollow, the module (4) comprising a degassing safety system in the event of thermal runaway of a cell of the module (4), this system being arranged so as to direct the hot gas into the hollow of the beam (8), through the opening.

9. Vehicle structure according to one of the previous claims, the cooling means (13) being a cooling plate pressed against the module (4).

10. Vehicle structure according to one of the previous claims, the metal sheet (2) comprising a thermally insulating covering covering the lower face (2i).