Battery device, in particular for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery device, in particular for a vehicle, the device comprising a casing (1, 2) comprising a tray (1) provided with a bottom (10) and a cylindrical side wall (11, 12), a plurality of battery cells (30) each delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible shell (300) of substantially rectangular or prismatic shape, the or each row (3) having two ends, namely a first end (31) and a second end (32), between which it extends axially. The device is characterised in that it further comprises at least one compression interface (4, 5) dedicated to the or each row (3) of cells (30) and being configured and arranged in the tray (1) so as to press the first or second end (31, 32) of the row (3) in order to perform an axial compression thereof.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Battery device, in particular for a vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of batteries, in particular for electric vehicles with batteries, and relates to a battery device, in particular for a vehicle.

[0002] There are at least two known categories of electric vehicles that use rechargeable batteries to supply current to an electric motor, namely battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which use exclusively electric motors for their propulsion, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which differ from the previous ones in that they have a combustion engine coupled to at least one electric motor powered by a battery kept charged by the combustion engine.

[0003] The batteries used at least in this type of vehicle generally comprise one or more electrochemical battery cell modules, each cell of which constitutes a single energy accumulator comprising an envelope surrounding and protecting its functional part, as well as a positive terminal (or electrode) and a negative terminal (or electrode). The cells are electrically connected to each other in the module in series and / or in parallel. Furthermore, when the battery comprises a plurality of modules, the latter are electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel.

[0004] The battery includes a casing, attached or integrated into the vehicle, in which the modules are arranged, generally in several rows of cells arranged on the bottom of the casing.

[0005] Cells come in a variety of shapes, usually prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-shaped. Prismatic cells usually have a rigid or semi-rigid envelope. Pouch-shaped cells are generally rectangular in shape and have a flexible envelope.

[0006] The present invention relates to batteries using prismatic or sachet-shaped cells, i.e. cells having two opposite faces connected to each other by short sides and a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible envelope, in particular of generally rectangular shape.

[0007] On the other hand, we know that these cells, especially lithium-ion cells, during the battery charge and discharge cycles, undergo strong, almost reversible volume variations, similar to breathing. These deformations of the cells, throughout throughout the life of the battery, will then cause strong mechanical stresses within the battery which can deform or damage the casing receiving the cells. Indeed, due to the deformation of the cells, the or each row, the ends of which are in contact with two opposite points of the internal wall of the casing, will deform axially (or longitudinally), which will cause deformation of the casing wall which may crack.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0009] For this purpose, the battery device, according to the present invention, in particular for a vehicle, said device comprising a casing comprising a tray provided with a bottom and a side wall of cylindrical shape perpendicular to said bottom, a plurality of battery cell(s) each having two large opposite faces and being arranged on the bottom while being juxtaposed or stacked in one or more row(s) with their opposite faces oriented perpendicular to the axis of the or each row and to the bottom, the or each row having two ends, namely a first end and a second end, between which it extends axially, each cell being delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible envelope of generally rectangular or prismatic shape,is characterized in that it further comprises at least one compression interface dedicated to the or each row of cells and in that the or each compression interface is configured and arranged in the tank so as to press the first or second end of the row to achieve axial compression of the latter.,

[0010] Such axial compression has the effect of absorbing any force resulting from any possible axial deformation of the row during the charging or discharging cycle of the cells (or the battery).

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

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

[0013] [Fig.2] shows the battery device shown in [Fig.l], in an open position of the movable side wall,

[0014] [Fig.3] shows the battery arrangement shown in [Fig.2], without the cells,

[0015] [Fig.4] shows the rows of cells of the battery device shown in the [Fig.2], with, exploded, the support plates,

[0016] [Fig.5] is a top plan view of the battery device shown in [Fig.l]

[0017] [Fig.6] shows the battery arrangement shown in [Fig.5] in a position opening of the movable side wall,

[0018] [Fig.7] shows the battery arrangement shown in [Fig.l] without the top cover,

[0019] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the battery device according to the present invention shown in [Fig.7] with the top cover.

[0020] The appended figures show, at least partially for some of them, a battery device, according to the present invention, in particular for a vehicle, said device comprising a casing 1, 2 comprising a tray 1 provided with a bottom 10 and a side wall 11, 12 of cylindrical shape perpendicular to said bottom 10, a plurality of battery cells 30 each having two large opposite faces and being arranged on the bottom 1 while being juxtaposed or stacked in one or more rows 3 with their opposite faces oriented perpendicular to the axis X of the or each row 3 and to the bottom 10. The or each row 3 has two ends, namely a first end 31 and a second end 32, between which it extends axially, each cell 30 being delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible envelope 300 of generally rectangular or prismatic shape.

[0021] It is understood that the cells 30 having two large opposite faces are connected to each other by small sides (or small faces).

[0022] It will be noted that the battery device according to the present invention is illustrated in the appended figures and described subsequently in a position / orientation where the bottom 10 is considered to be parallel to a horizontal surface. In this orientation, the X axis of the or each row 3 of cells 30 extends horizontally. Of course, the device is not limited to use in such an orientation and could be used in any other orientation or inclination.

[0023] In accordance with the present invention, such a device further comprises at least one compression interface 4, 5 dedicated to the or each row 3 of cells 30. Furthermore, the or each compression interface 4, 5 is configured and arranged in the tray 1 so as to press the first or second end 31, 32 of the row 3 to achieve axial compression of the latter.

[0024] The axial compression has the effect of absorbing any force resulting from a possible axial deformation of the row 3 during the loading or discharging of the cells 30. Indeed, the cells 30, in particular in the case of cells 30 using lithium-ion technology, undergo strong variations in volume during the charging and discharging cycles of the battery, causing the deformation of the cells 30 and consequently that of the or each row 3 which will then deform axially (or longitudinally). The axial compression of each row between two compression interfaces 4, 5 according to the present invention, which therefore has the effect of absorbing any force resulting from such a possible axial (or longitudinal) deformation of the row during of the charging or discharging cycle of the cells (or of the battery), makes it possible to avoid or prevent any axial deformation of the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1, 2, and in particular any axial deformation likely to cause the appearance of cracks in the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1, 2.

[0025] Furthermore, the compression force recovery thus obtained acts on a cylindrical side wall 11, 12, which makes it possible to obtain a better distribution of the forces on the latter.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiments, it can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 that the tray 1 of the casing 1, 2 can receive, for example, three rows 3 of cells 30 arranged parallel to each other on the bottom 10, namely a central row 3 passing through the axis of the cylinder or the center of the circle / disc formed by the bottom 10 and two lateral rows 3 located on either side of the central row 3. The central row 3 can comprise a greater number of cells 3 since it extends diametrically in the tray 1.

[0027] More particularly, with regard to the electrical architecture of the battery shown in the attached figures (see in particular figures 1, 2, 5, 6), this may comprise connection elements of the bus bar type (or bus bars) making it possible to electrically connect in series and / or in parallel, on the one hand, the cells 30 of each row 3 and, on the other hand, the rows 3 together. These connection elements are not shown in the attached figures. A possible architecture, with forty-two cells, as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 5, 6, including twelve cells for each lateral row 3 and eighteen cells for the central row, perhaps following a series / parallel assembly, for example “14S3P”.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1 is divided into at least two sections articulated or separable with respect to each other, namely at least one section fixed with respect to the bottom 10, called fixed side wall 11 and at least one section movable with respect to said bottom 1a, called movable side wall 12, capable of being moved between an open position allowing the insertion or removal of the row(s) 3 of cells in the tray 1 of the casing 1, 2 and in which position the axial compression of the or each row 3 is not carried out and a closed and compression position in which said axial compression is carried out. The battery device may further comprise locking means 7, 8 making it possible to block the movable side wall 12 in the closed and compression position.

[0029] Preferably, as illustrated in the attached figures (see in particular figures 1, 2, 3, 5 to 8), in the case where the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1 is divided into two sections which are articulated or separable from each other, each section may have a semi-circular shape (in plan view or in a transverse view). Each fixed or movable side wall 11, 12 thus forms a fixed or movable semicircle.

[0030] Preferably, in this preferred embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 to 8, the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12 may each comprise a first connecting end 110, 120 and a second connecting end 111, 121. Furthermore, the fixed side wall 11 and the movable side wall 12 may be hinged to each other, by means of a hinge 9, by their first connecting end 110, 120. The second connecting ends 111, 120 may then be joined to each other in the closed and compressed position of the movable side wall 12 and locked in said position by means of the locking means 7, 8.

[0031] The locking means 7, 8 may consist of screws 7 ([Eig.l]), for example two screws 7, and receiving cavities 8 ([Eig.2]), preferably threaded, for example two cavities 8, made in one of the second connecting ends 111, 121. The screws 7 may be inserted and screwed into the respective receiving cavities 8 to assemble together the second connecting ends 111, 121 of the fixed and movable side walls 11, 12. The screws 7 may be screwed while being oriented in a plane tangential to the cylinder formed by the side wall 11, 12 and, preferably parallel to the bottom 10. The second connecting end 111 of the fixed side wall 11 comprising for example the receiving cavities 8, may comprise, on the internal side, an excess thickness 112 on the internal side in which said cavities 8 are made. reception.The second connecting end 121 of the movable side wall 12 may also comprise, on the internal side, an excess thickness 122 comprising two tangential insertion cavities 123 receiving the screws 7.

[0032] Each second connecting end 111, 121 may comprise a radially extending joining face 113, 124. The receiving cavities 8 are formed through the joining face 113 of the fixed side wall 11 and the tangential insertion cavities 123 are formed through the joining face 124 of the movable side wall 12. In the closed position of the movable side wall 12, the screws 7 inserted into the tangential insertion cavities 123 are then screwed into the receiving cavities 8 by performing a pressure tightening of the joining faces 113, 124 against each other, with the effect of assembling and locking the second connecting ends 111, 121 to each other. The locking means 7, 8 such as screws 7 are reversible and unlocking can be achieved by simply unscrewing the screws 7 to allow the side wall 12 to be opened.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the articulation 9, the latter may comprise a pivot axis 9 extending perpendicularly to the bottom 10 of the casing 1 (or parallel to the axis of the cylindrical casing 1). The first connecting end 120 of the movable side wall 12 may then be articulated on the first connecting end 110 of the fixed side wall 12 being pivotally mounted around the pivot axis 90. In the case where the two fixed and mobile side walls 11, 12 have a semi-circular shape, the articulation 9, more particularly the pivot axis 90, and the junction of their second connecting ends 111, 121 are diametrically opposed (figures 1, 5, 7).

[0034] In the case where the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1 is divided into two sections which are separable from each other, i.e. which are not hinged to each other, or pivotally mounted relative to or on each other or permanently attached to each other, the two side wall sections, in a form not shown in the accompanying drawings, can be completely separated from each other in the open position and joined to each other in the closed position. In this case the two side wall sections can each have two connecting ends which can each be joined to one of the connecting ends of the other side wall with locking or be separated by unlocking, for example by screwing or unscrewing screws 7 (as seen previously with the second connecting ends 111, 121).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, two compression interfaces 4, 5 are dedicated to the or each row 3 of cells 30, namely a first compression interface 4, 5 pressing against the first end 31 of the dedicated row 3 and a second compression interface 4, 5 pressing against the second end 32 of the dedicated row 3. The or each row 3 of cells 30 is thus axially compressed 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 one compression element 4 and a support support 5 having a support face 50 facing the first or second end 31, 32 of the dedicated row 3. In addition, the or each compression element 4, 5 bears on the support face 50 and on the first or second end 31, 32 of the dedicated row 3. The or each compression element 4, 5 is thus stressed in compression by the latter, that is to say by the first or second end 31, 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 with metal coils, or may be a compression foam.

[0038] Thus, in the case where the tray 1 of the casing 1, 2 comprises a side wall 11, 12 divided into at least two sections articulated or separable from one another, the closing of the side wall 11, 12 (closing position of the movable side wall 12) from its open position compresses the compression elements 4 (where appropriate the compression springs 4) and therefore the row(s) 3 of cells 30. During disassembly, the opening of the movable wall 12 advantageously results in a progressive release of the energy of the compression springs 4.

[0039] The or each support support 5 can be added to the tank 1 by being arranged between the side wall 11, 12 and the first or second 31, 32 of the dedicated row 3, possibly by being at least partly fixed, for example by screwing or gluing, on the side wall 11, 12 (figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6). In a variant (not shown in the appended figures), the or each support support 5 can be integrated into the side wall 11, 12 so as to be or to be able to be (or to be able to be) in the axis of the dedicated row 3. In the latter case, it is understood that the or each support support 5 can be made by molding with the casing 1, 2, more particularly with the side wall 11, 12 of the tank 1, where appropriate with the fixed side wall 11 or the movable side wall 12.

[0040] Preferably, the or each support support 5 may comprise a face opposite the support face 50 capable of matching the circular shape of the side wall 11, 12. The opposite face may thus have a circular section shape (figures 1 to 3, 5, 6).

[0041] In the case where the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1 is divided into at least two sections articulated or separable with respect to each other, the or at least one of the support support(s) 5, where appropriate the support support 5 of the or each second interface 50, can be integral with the movable side wall 12 by being fixed on or integrated into the latter (figures 1 to 3, 5 to 6).

[0042] Preferably, if we refer to Figures 1 to 6 we can see that the or each compression interface 4, 5 can further comprise a support flange 6 having a support face 60 and being mounted, fixed and / or applied on the first or second end 31, 32 of the dedicated row 3 facing the support face 50 of the corresponding support support 5, the or each compression element 4 then bearing on the support face 50 of the support support 5 and the support face 60 of the support flange 6. It is understood that the or each support flange 6 is mounted, fixed and / or applied on and / or against the corresponding large face of the first cell 30 located at the first or second end 31, 32 of the row 3.

[0043] Preferably, the bearing faces 50 of the supports 5, and / or the bearing faces 60 of the bearing flanges 6, comprise housings 51, 61 for receiving and holding the compression elements 4 (see in particular figures 2, 3, 4). Each bearing face 50, 60 may comprise two housings 51, 61. Each housing is thus adapted in dimensions to receive a compression element 4 such as the end of a compression spring for example. Thus each compression interface 4, 5 may comprise two compression elements 4, for example two compression springs. Preferably, the compression elements 4 may be arranged in a same plane parallel to the bottom 10.

[0044] If we now refer to figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and more particularly to [Fig.3], we can see that the tray 1 can comprise in its interior space one or more rectilinear housing(s) 13 arranged parallel to each other on the bottom 10. The or each housing 13 can then receive axially, preferably by sliding on the bottom 10 in the axis of each housing 13, the or one of the row(s) 3. The or each housing 13 is delimited laterally along its longitudinal axis X by two separation walls 130 extending perpendicularly to the bottom 10 on either side of the row 3 of cells 30 concerned. In the case of a tray 1 comprising for example three housings 13 making it possible to receive three rows 3 of cells 30 (as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6), the present invention can provide four separation walls 130 of which two separation walls 130 can each be common to two adjacent rows.

[0045] If we now refer to Figures 7, 8, we can see that the housing 1, 2 can comprise a cover or hood 2 closing the container 1. In addition, the battery device can comprise a cell monitoring and control system 30 mounted on or in the cover or hood 2. The cover or hood 2 can thus form an upper or additional housing housing the cell monitoring and control system 30. More particularly, the cover or hood 2 can comprise a lower cover (or hood) 20 closing the open face of the container 1 opposite the bottom 10 and defining on its upper face a space receiving the cell monitoring and control system 30 and an upper cover (or hood) 20 closing said space. The lower cover 20 can comprise two openings allowing passage or allowing access to two main terminals of the battery connected to the cells 30 and to the cell monitoring and control system 30.

[0046] Such a system for monitoring and controlling the cells 30 is known and is therefore not described in more detail, being part of the general knowledge of those skilled in the art, as are the various possible series and / or parallel connections of the cells 30.

[0047] Such a device according to the present invention, in addition to the advantage of taking up forces by axial compression, it also makes it possible to use less material and, in the case where the side wall 11, 12 of the casing 1 is divided into at least two sections articulated or separable from one another, to avoid carrying out axial compression of the rows before their insertion or assembly in the casing 1, 2. Pressurizing in the latter case at the time of closing the movable side wall 12 makes it possible to simplify the assembly process.

[0048] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Battery device, in particular for a vehicle, said device comprising a casing (1, 2) comprising a tray (1) provided with a bottom (10) and a side wall (11, 12) of cylindrical shape perpendicular to said bottom (10), a plurality of battery cells (30) each having two large opposite faces and being arranged on the bottom (1) by being juxtaposed or stacked in one or more rows (3) with their opposite faces oriented perpendicular to the axis (X) of the or each row (3) and to the bottom (10), the or each row (3) having two ends, namely a first end (31) and a second end (32), between which it extends axially, each cell (30) being delimited by a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible envelope (300) of generally rectangular or prismatic shape, characterized in that it further comprises at least one compression interface (4,5) dedicated to the or each row (3) of cells (30) and in that the or each compression interface (4, 5) is configured and arranged in the tank (1) so as to press the first or second end (31, 32) of the row (3) to achieve axial compression of the latter.,

2. Battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall (11, 12) of the casing (1) is divided into at least two sections articulated or separable from each other, namely at least one section fixed relative to the bottom (10), called the fixed side wall (11) and at least one section movable relative to said bottom (1a), called the movable side wall (12), capable of being moved between an open position allowing the insertion or removal of the row(s) (3) of cells in the tray (1) of the casing (1, 2) and in which position the axial compression of the or each row (3) is not carried out and a closed and compression position in which said axial compression is carried out and in that it comprises locking means (7, 8) making it possible to block the movable side wall (12) in the closed and compression position.

3. Battery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixed side wall (11) and the movable side wall (12) each comprise a first connecting end (110, 120) and a second connecting end (111, 121) and are articulated to each other, by means of an articulation (9), by their first connecting end (110, 120), the second connecting ends (111, 120) being joined to each other in the closed position of the movable side wall (12) and locked in said position by means of the locking means (7, 8).

4. Battery device according to claim 3, characterized in that the articulation (9) comprises a pivot axis (90) extending perpendicularly to the bottom (10) of the casing (1) and in that the first connecting end (120) of the movable side wall (12) is articulated on the first connecting end (110) of the fixed side wall (12), being pivotally mounted around the pivot axis (90).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two compression interfaces (4, 5) are dedicated to the or each row (3) of cells (30), namely a first compression interface (4, 5) pressing against the first end (31) of the dedicated row (3) and a second compression interface (4, 5) pressing against the second end (32) of the dedicated row (3), the or each row (3) of cells (30) being thus axially compressed between the first compression interface (4, 5) and the second compression interface (4, 5).

6. Battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the or each compression interface (4, 5) comprises at least one compression element (4) and a support support (5) having a support face (50) facing the first or second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3), the or each compression element (4, 5) bearing on the support face (50) and the first or second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3) and being stressed in compression by the latter.

7. Battery device according to claim 6, characterized in that the compression element (4) is a compression spring, preferably a compression spring with metal coils, or a compression foam.

8. Battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the or each support support ((5) is attached to the tray (1) by being arranged between the side wall (11, 12) and the first or second (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3), possibly by being at least partly fixed on the side wall (11, 12) or is integrated in the side wall (11, 12) so as to be or to be able to be in the axis of the dedicated row (3).

9. A battery device, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the or each compression interface (4, 5) further comprises a support flange (6) having a support face (60) and being mounted, fixed and / or applied to the first or second end (31, 32) of the dedicated row (3) facing the support face (50) of the corresponding support support (5), the or each compression element (4) then bearing on the support face (50) of the support support (5) and the support face (60) of the support flange (6).

10. Battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the bearing faces (50) of the supports (5), and / or the bearing faces (60) of the bearing flanges (6), comprise housings (51, 61) for receiving and holding the compression elements (4).

11. Battery device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 each taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the or at least one of the support support(s) (5), where appropriate the support support (5) of the or each second interface (50), is integral with the movable side wall (12) by being fixed on or integrated into the latter.

12. Battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container (1) comprises in its interior space one or more rectilinear housing(s) (13) arranged parallel to each other on the bottom (10), the or each housing (13) axially receiving the or one of the row(s) (3) and being delimited laterally along its longitudinal axis (X) by two separating walls (130) extending perpendicularly to the bottom (10) on either side of the row (3) of cells (30).

13. Battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the housing (1, 2) comprises a cover or hood (2) closing the container (1) and in that it comprises a cell monitoring and control system (30) mounted on or in the cover or hood (2).

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