System for removably attaching and electrically connecting an energy storage element

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element, the system (1) comprising an electrically insulating support member (3) having at least one cavity intended to receive a portion of an energy storage element, a first main face of the support member (3) being covered with a first electrically conductive plate (7) having at least one opening that is aligned or substantially aligned with the at least one cavity, a first pole, in particular a negative pole, of the at least one energy storage element being intended to be electrically connected to the first plate (7).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: System for removably attaching and electrically connecting an energy storage element.

[0003] The invention relates to a system for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element. The invention also relates to an energy storage device comprising at least one such system and at least one energy storage element. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one such system and / or such an energy storage device.

[0004] A motor vehicle with an electric or hybrid engine includes a traction and / or propulsion battery. Such a battery comprises modules, each module comprising several electrochemical cells for storing electrical energy. It appears important to be able to maintain such cells in such a battery.

[0005] Batteries are known in which the assemblies of cylindrical cells are made with polymer glues.

[0006] However, this solution has drawbacks. In particular, since the cells are assembled by gluing, they cannot be disassembled. Recycling the battery is difficult because the polymer must be dissolved.

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide a system and method for removably fixing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element, overcoming the above drawbacks and improving the systems and methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce a system that is reliable and allows for optimized electrical contact. The invention also proposes a method for fixing at least one electrochemical element that is simple and quick to implement.

[0008] The invention relates to a system for removably fixing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element, the system comprising an electrically insulating support comprising at least one cavity intended to receive a portion of an energy storage element, a first main face of the support being covered with a first electrically conductive plate comprising at least one opening aligned or substantially aligned with said at least one cavity, a first pole, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element being intended to be electrically connected to the first plate.

[0009] The system may comprise at least one locking means capable of cooperating with a hollow of the at least one energy storage element, the locking means being further intended to electrically connect the first pole to the first plate, the locking means comprising at least one first elastic return means made of at least one electrically conductive material, comprising in particular at least one spring, for example in the form of a wire, the system being capable of passing from a compressed configuration in which the first elastic return means is compressed to a locked configuration in which the first elastic return means is engaged with said hollow.

[0010] The system may comprise at least one holding means, in particular in the form of a ring, at least partially electrically conductive, configured to at least partially surround the at least one energy storage element and to be arranged at least partially in said at least one cavity. The holding means may comprise a rim made of at least one electrically conductive material in contact with the first plate.

[0011] The holding means may comprise at least one groove configured to house the at least one first elastic return means, in particular partially when the system is in the locked configuration and entirely when the system is in the compressed configuration.

[0012] The main direction of elongation of said at least one groove may extend parallel or substantially parallel to an axis of revolution of the holding means.

[0013] The system may comprise a second electrically conductive plate covering a second main face of the support opposite the first main face, the second plate comprising a sheet and at least one second elastic return means intended to electrically connect a second pole of an energy storage element, in particular positive, to the second plate.

[0014] The sheet and the at least one second elastic return means may be mechanically connected in the form of a single piece, the second elastic return means comprising in particular a spring comprising at least one electrically conductive material, for example in the form of a tongue comprising a curved end, in particular arranged in an opening of the second plate aligned or substantially aligned with a respective cavity of the support.

[0015] The invention also relates to an energy storage device, in particular a battery, comprising at least one system defined above and at least one energy storage element. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one system defined above and / or one device defined above.

[0016] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a system according to the invention and an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a system for removably securing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0018] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrically insulating support and first and second electrically conductive plates of a system for removably securing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a locking means and a holding means of a system for removably securing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a locking means and a holding means of a system for releasably securing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0021] Figure 5 represents an energy storage element.

[0022] Figure 6 shows an energy storage element.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a step of an embodiment of a method for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a step of an embodiment of a method for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element. Figure 9 shows a step of an embodiment of a method for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element.

[0025] Figure 10 represents a step of an embodiment of a method for mounting an energy storage device.

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a step of an embodiment of a method of mounting an energy storage device.

[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a step of an embodiment of a method of mounting an energy storage device.

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a step of an embodiment of a method of mounting an energy storage device.

[0029] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a step of an embodiment of a method of mounting an energy storage device.

[0030] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a step of an embodiment of a method of mounting an energy storage device.

[0031] In a battery, electrochemical cells are usually electrically connected by welding a metal strip between each cell and a bus bar. However, mastering the welding process is tricky. Assembling electrochemical cells is time-consuming and expensive.

[0032] The invention proposes a system for removably fixing at least one energy storage element and for electrically connecting at least one energy storage element. The invention proposes using a hollow of an energy storage element, in particular a cylindrical cell, to perform a mechanical locking function and an electrical contact function.

[0033] An embodiment of a system 1 for removably attaching and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0034] System 1 comprises an electrically insulating support 3.

[0035] The support 3 may comprise at least one plastic, for example a thermoplastic polymer, in particular TABS (acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0036] The support 3 may comprise a first main face 4 and a second main face 6. By main face is meant a face of larger dimension of the support 3. The first main face 4 and the second main face 6 extend in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to a plane (x, y). The first main face 4 and the second main face 6 are opposite to each other and separated by a thickness e. By thickness e is meant a dimension of the support 3 along an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane (x, y), called the z axis. The terms "top" and "bottom" are defined with reference to the z axis oriented from bottom to top. The terms "bottom" and "bottom" are defined with reference to the z axis.

[0037] The support 3 may comprise a first lateral face 3a, a second lateral face 3b, a third lateral face 3c, a fourth lateral face 3d.

[0038] By "lateral face" of the support 3 is meant a face extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the first main face 4 and / or to the second main face 6. The first lateral face 3a is for example opposite the second lateral face 3b. The third lateral face 3c is for example opposite the fourth lateral face 3d.

[0039] The support 3 comprises at least one cavity 5 intended to receive a portion of an energy storage element 70.

[0040] The cavity 5 may extend from the first main face 4 to the second main face 6. The opening delimited by the cavity 5 at the location of the second main face 6 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cavity 5. The support 3 may comprise a border 2, in particular in the form of a ring, at the bottom of the at least one cavity 5.

[0041] The support 3 may comprise at least one first recess 2a, in particular two first recesses 2a. The at least one first recess 2a may be located at a location on the first lateral face 3a. The support 3 may comprise at least one second recess 2b. The at least one second recess 2b may be located at a location on the second lateral face 3b. The support 3 may comprise at least one third recess 2c. The at least one third recess 2c may be located at a location on the third lateral face 3c. The support 3 may comprise at least one fourth recess 2d. The at least one fourth recess 2d may be located at a location on the fourth lateral face 3d.

[0042] The system 1 comprises a first electrically conductive plate 7. The first plate 7 comprises at least one opening 9.

[0043] The first plate 7 is intended to cover the first main face 4 of the support 3. The at least one opening 9 of the first plate 7 is aligned or substantially aligned with said at least one cavity 5 of the support 3.

[0044] A first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70 is intended to be electrically connected to the first plate 7.

[0045] At least one electrical connection element 8, in particular at least one electrical connection tab 8, can be mechanically connected to the first plate 7. The electrical connection element 8 is made of at least one electrically conductive material. The at least one electrical connection tab 8 is for example arranged perpendicular to the first plate 7, in particular downwards. The first plate 7 and the at least one electrical connection element 8 are intended to form a first current collector 700, in particular negative, of an energy storage device. The first plate 7 and the at least one electrical connection element 8 can form a single mechanical part 700.

[0046] The first plate 7 is for example made of aluminum.

[0047] The system 1 may comprise a second electrically conductive plate 10.

[0048] The second plate 10 is intended to cover the second main face 6 of the support 3 opposite the first main face 4.

[0049] At least one electrical connection element 17, in particular at least one electrical connection tab 17, can be mechanically connected to the second plate 10. The electrical connection element 17 is made of at least one electrically conductive material. The at least one electrical connection tab 17 is for example arranged perpendicular to the second plate 10, in particular upwards. The second plate 10 and the at least one electrical connection element 17 are intended to form a second current collector 170, in particular positive, of an energy storage device. The second plate 10 and the at least one electrical connection element 17 can form a single mechanical part 170.

[0050] The second plate 10 is for example made of copper.

[0051] The at least one first recess 2a of the support 3 may be intended to cooperate with the at least one electrical connection element 17. The at least one second recess 2b of the support 3 may be intended to cooperate with the at least one electrical connection element 8.

[0052] The system 1 may comprise at least one locking means 29 capable of cooperating with a hollow 75 of at least one energy storage element 70. The locking means 29 is further intended to electrically connect the first pole 71 to the first plate 7.

[0053] The locking means 29 may comprise at least one first elastic return means 30, in particular made of at least one electrically conductive material.

[0054] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise at least one spring.

[0055] Advantageously, the first elastic return means 30 may be in the form of a wire. This makes it possible to avoid damaging the at least one energy storage element 70 during its assembly with the system 1 and / or during its disassembly with respect to the system 1, in particular due to the absence of an angle on the surface of such a first elastic return means 30. Alternatively, the first elastic return means 30 may be flat in shape. The first elastic return means 30 may be a wire having a diameter of between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0056] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise at least one metallic material. The first elastic return means 30 is for example made of steel, in particular a steel of the type usually used to form springs.

[0057] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise at least one linear or substantially linear portion 36.

[0058] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise a portion 35 intended to engage with said hollow 75 of the at least one energy storage element 70. The portion 35 may be curved, for example in the form of a ring portion.

[0059] The first elastic return means 30 may be intended to be arranged so that the main direction of elongation of the portion 36 of the first elastic return means 30 is parallel or substantially parallel to the z axis.

[0060] The first elastic return means 30 is configured so that said portion 35 is capable of engaging in a hollow 75 of the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0061] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise a first end portion 37. The first end portion 37 is for example inclined relative to the portion 36. The first end portion 37 is in particular intended to be in electrical contact with the first plate 7, for example by means of a holding means 40. The first elastic return means 30 may comprise a second end portion 38. The second end portion 38 is for example inclined relative to the portion 36. The support 3 is in particular intended to electrically insulate the second end portion 38 relative to the second plate 10.

[0062] Advantageously, the first elastic return means 30 may comprise at least two springs. The first elastic return means 30 comprises, for example, four springs. Alternatively, the first elastic return means 30 may comprise another number of springs, for example three or five springs.

[0063] The number of springs may in particular be chosen so as to minimize the electrical resistance, in particular associated with the negative contact, and so as to maximize the intensity of the electrical current supplied by an energy storage device 100.

[0064] A high number of springs makes it possible in particular to maximize the reliability of the maintenance of the energy storage element 70.

[0065] According to a variant, the first elastic return means 30 may be intended to be arranged so that the main direction of elongation of the first elastic return means 30 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the z axis, in particular in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane (x, y).

[0066] The first elastic return means 30 may comprise a first spring 31, a second spring 32, a third spring 33, a fourth spring 34.

[0067] The system 1 may be capable of transitioning from a compressed configuration in which the first elastic return means 30 is compressed to a locked configuration in which the first elastic return means 30 is engaged with said hollow 75.

[0068] The system 1 may comprise at least one holding means 40 configured to at least partially surround the at least one energy storage element 70 and to be arranged at least partially in said at least one cavity 5.

[0069] The at least one holding means 40 is in particular intended to prevent the at least one energy storage element 70 from tilting, in particular a misalignment of its main direction of elongation D relative to the z axis.

[0070] The locking means 29, comprising in particular at least one first elastic return means 30, possibly associated with a holding means 40, is intended to prevent rotation of the energy storage element 70.

[0071] The holding means 40 may be ring-shaped. Advantageously, the holding means 40 may be at least partially electrically conductive.

[0072] The holding means 40 may comprise at least one metallic material. The holding means 40 is for example made of steel or aluminum or copper. One or more electrically conductive materials may be chosen for the holding means 40, making it possible in particular to minimize the mass of the holding means 40. This results in a reduced cost of the system 1.

[0073] We call A an axis of revolution of the holding means 40. We call H a dimension of the holding means 40 along the axis A, called height.

[0074] The height H of the holding means 40 may be chosen so as to optimize the holding of the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0075] Advantageously, the height H can be greater than the diameter d. This results in high mechanical retention of the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0076] The height H of the holding means 40 is for example between 15 mm and 20 mm.

[0077] The holding means 40 may be configured to engage in a cavity 5 of the support 3, in particular so that the axis A of revolution of the holding means 40 is aligned with the axis z.

[0078] The holding means 40 may comprise a rim 43. The rim 43 may comprise at least one electrically conductive material. The rim 43 is intended to be in contact with the first plate 7.

[0079] The holding means 40 may comprise at least one groove 50.

[0080] The at least one groove 50 may be configured to house the at least one first elastic return means 30, in particular entirely when the system 1 is in the compressed configuration and partially when the system 1 is in the locked configuration.

[0081] The at least one first elastic return means 30 can be fixed to the holding means 40. The at least one elastic return means 30 is for example glued to the holding means 40, in particular on an internal wall of the holding means 40 intended to face an energy storage element 70.

[0082] The holding means 40 may comprise several grooves 50, for example at least two grooves 50.

[0083] The holding means 40 comprises for example a first groove 51, a second groove 52, a third groove 53, a fourth groove 54. The first groove 51 may be intended to house the first spring 31. The second groove 52 may be intended to house the second spring 32. The third groove 53 may be intended to house the third spring 33. The fourth groove 54 may be intended to house the fourth spring 34.

[0084] The first groove 51, the second groove 52, the third groove 53 and the fourth groove 54 can be distributed angularly equidistantly around the axis A of revolution of the holding means 40. This results in optimized holding of the at least one energy storage element 70 and optimized locking of the positioning of the at least one energy storage element 70 via the first spring 31, second spring 32, third spring 33, fourth spring 34.

[0085] The main direction of elongation of said at least one groove 50 may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of revolution A of the holding means 40, in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the axis z.

[0086] According to a variant, at least one groove 50 may extend in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of revolution A of the holding means 40, in particular in the plane (x,y). The second plate 10 may comprise an electrically conductive sheet.

[0087] Advantageously, the second plate 10 may comprise at least one second elastic return means 12 intended to electrically connect a second pole 72 of an energy storage element 71, in particular positive, to the second plate 10.

[0088] The at least one second elastic return means 12 is intended to form a positive electrical contact for an energy storage element 70.

[0089] Advantageously, the sheet 11 and the at least one second elastic return means 12 can be mechanically connected in the form of a single piece 10. The at least one second elastic return means 12 can be formed by pre-cutting from a continuous, non-perforated metal sheet.

[0090] The second elastic return means 12 may comprise in particular a spring comprising at least one electrically conductive material, for example in the form of a tongue comprising a domed or curved end 13. The second elastic return means 12 comprises for example a spring blade. The second elastic return means 12 may comprise a tongue 14 and a domed end 13. The tongue 14 and the domed end 13 may be mechanically connected in the form of a single piece. The domed end 13 is intended to ensure electrical contact with a second pole 72 of an energy storage element 70, advantageously by pressing the energy storage element 70 on the domed end 13 and compressing the second elastic return means 12. An advantage of a system 1 comprising such a second elastic return means 12 is linked to the fact that the removal of an energy storage element 70 inserted into such a system 1 is facilitated.The disassembly of an energy storage element 70 from such a system 1 is simple. An energy storage element 70 can easily be replaced by another energy storage element 70 if necessary. Alternatively, the tab 14 could be electrically connected with a second pole 72 of an energy storage element 70 via soldering.

[0091] The second elastic return means 12 can be arranged in an opening 15 of the second plate 10 aligned or substantially aligned with a respective cavity 5 of the support 3.

[0092] The second plate 10 is intended to form a lower bus bar of an energy storage device 100, in particular a battery.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 1 may be intended to removably fix and electrically connect nine energy storage elements 70 (figure 11). The support 3 may comprise nine cavities 5, each cavity 5 being intended to receive a portion of a respective energy storage element 70. The cavities 5 may be arranged in three rows and three columns. By row, we mean an arrangement along the x axis. By column, we mean an arrangement along the y axis.

[0094] An energy storage element 70 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0095] The energy storage element 70 is for example a cylindrical cell, in particular an electrochemical cell, for example of the Li-ion type. The energy storage element 70 is in particular intended to store electrical energy. The energy storage element 70 comprises in particular a longitudinal surface 73, and a first lateral surface 74 and a second lateral surface 76 opposite one another. The main direction of elongation of the energy storage element 70 is called D. The longitudinal surface 73 extends in particular around the axis D, between the first lateral surface 74 and the second lateral surface 76. The dimension of the energy storage element 70 along the axis D, called the height of the energy storage element, is called L. The first lateral surface 74 and the second lateral surface 76 are for example disc-shaped. The diameter of the first lateral surface 74 is called d.

[0096] For example, the height L of the energy storage element 70 may be of the order of 70 mm and the diameter d may be of the order of 21 mm. Alternatively, the height L of the energy storage element 70 may be of the order of 65 mm and the diameter d may be of the order of 18 mm. The energy storage element 70 may of course have other values ​​or orders of magnitude of dimensions.

[0097] The dimensions of the at least one holding means 40 may in particular be chosen as a function of the dimensions of the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0098] The energy storage element 70 is in particular intended to be inserted into a cavity 5 of a support 3 of a system 1 of the type described above so that the main direction of elongation D of the energy storage element 70 is aligned or substantially aligned with the z axis.

[0099] The energy storage element 70 may comprise a first pole 71 and a second pole 72.

[0100] The first pole 71 comprises in particular the longitudinal surface 73 and the first lateral surface 74. The first pole 71 is for example negative. The first pole 71 has in particular a negative electrical potential. The second pole 72 may comprise the second lateral surface 76. The second pole 72 is for example positive. The second pole 72 has in particular a positive electrical potential.

[0101] The longitudinal surface 73 is in particular of cylindrical shape. The longitudinal surface 73 comprises a first portion 73a, a second portion 73b and a third portion 73c. ​​The first portion 73a extends from the first lateral surface 74 to the second portion 73b. The third portion 73c extends from the second portion 73b to the second lateral surface 76.

[0102] The first portion 73a and the third portion 73c have for example a cross-section of diameter d. The second portion 73b has a cross-section of diameter smaller than the diameter d, for example of the order of 15% smaller than the diameter d. The second portion 73b is in particular called the curved part of the energy storage element 70. The second portion 73b forms in particular said hollow 75 of the energy storage element 70. The second portion 73b is in particular located at a location of the longitudinal surface 73 close to the second lateral surface 76.

[0103] By way of non-limiting example, the diameter d may be approximately 21 mm and the second portion 73b may have a diameter section of the order of 17.85 mm.

[0104] As a non-limiting example, the height L of the energy storage element 70 may be approximately 70 mm and the second portion 73b may be located at a distance of the order of 2.5 mm from the second lateral surface 76. The dimension of the second portion 73b along the axis D is for example approximately 2.5 mm. An embodiment of a method for removably fixing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element 70 is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0105] In one step (figure 7), we start from a system 1 of the type described above. The system 1 comprises an electrically insulating support 3, a first main face 4 of the support 3 being covered with a first electrically conductive plate 7 comprising at least one opening 9 aligned or substantially aligned with said at least one cavity 5 of the support 3. A second electrically conductive plate 10 may cover a second main face 6 of the support 3 opposite the first main face 4. The second plate 10 may comprise a sheet 11 and at least one second elastic return means 12.

[0106] A holding means 40, at least partially electrically conductive, may be arranged at least partially in said at least one cavity 5. The holding means 40 may comprise a rim 43, or collar, made of at least one electrically conductive material in contact with the first plate 7. The rim 43 may be configured so as to receive a first end portion 37 of at least one first elastic return means 30. The rim 43 of the holding means 40 is intended to ensure electrical contact with the first plate 7, advantageously radially around the z axis.

[0107] At least one first elastic return means 30 can be housed in at least one groove 50 of the holding means 40. The system 1 is in a first configuration in which the at least one first elastic return means 30 is partially housed in at least one groove 50 of the holding means 40. The at least one first elastic return means 30 is in a rest position. A first spring 31 can be partially housed in a first groove 51 of the holding means 40. A second spring 32 can be partially housed in a second groove 52 of the holding means 40. A third spring 33 can be partially housed in a third groove 53 of the holding means 40. A fourth spring 34 can be partially housed in a fourth groove 54 of the holding means 40.

[0108] An energy storage element 70 of the type described in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided. The energy storage element 70 comprises a first pole 71, in particular negative. The energy storage element 70 may comprise a second pole 72, in particular positive. The energy storage element 70 may comprise a hollow 75.

[0109] In one step (figures 8 and 9), the energy storage element 70 begins to be inserted into the cavity 5 of the support 3, advantageously with the interposition of the holding means 40.

[0110] Figure 8 illustrates a stage in which the energy storage element 70, in particular the third portion 73c, is located just above the portion 35 of the at least one first elastic return means 30 intended to engage with said hollow 75 of the at least one energy storage element 70. The at least one first elastic return means 30 is in the rest position.

[0111] Figure 9 illustrates a stage in which the third portion 73c of the energy storage element 70 is at the same level or substantially at the same level along the z axis as the portion 35 of the at least one first elastic return means 30 intended to engage with said hollow 75 of the at least one energy storage element 70. The system 1 passes to a compressed configuration in which the first elastic return means 30 is compressed. The at least one first elastic return means 30 is entirely housed in the at least one groove 50 of the holding means 40. The at least one second elastic return means 12 is in the rest position.

[0112] In one step (figure 10), said portion of the energy storage element 70 is completely inserted into the cavity 5, advantageously with the interposition of the holding means 40. The system 1 is in a locked configuration in which the first elastic return means 30 is in a rest position and is engaged with said hollow 75. The first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70 is electrically connected to the first plate 7, via the at least one first elastic return means 30 and possibly via the holding means 40, in particular via the rim 43 of the holding means 40. The holding means 40 advantageously makes it possible to make a radial negative electrical contact all around the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0113] The second lateral surface 76 of the energy storage element 70 is in contact with the domed end 13 of the second elastic return means 12. The second elastic return means 12 is compressed. The contact between the second lateral surface 76 of the energy storage element 70 and the second elastic return means 12 is maintained by means of the mechanical locking means 29, in particular by means of the portion 35 of the at least one first elastic return means 30 engaged with a hollow 75 of the energy storage element 70. The second pole 72 of the energy storage element 70, in particular the positive pole, is electrically connected to the second plate 10.

[0114] The at least one locking means 29, in particular the at least one first elastic return means 30, makes it possible to electrically connect a first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70, and possibly a second pole 72, in particular positive, of the at least one energy storage element 70.

[0115] The electrically insulating support 3 makes it possible to avoid electrical contact between the second lateral surface 76, in particular the second pole 72, of an energy storage element 70, and the first plate 7.

[0116] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it makes it possible to connect the at least one energy storage element 70 efficiently, in particular to make an optimal electrical contact between a first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70 and a first current collector 700, even in the event of variation in the diameter or the dimension of the lateral section of the at least one energy storage element 70, in particular due to the manufacturing method of the at least one energy storage element 70, thanks in particular to the at least one first elastic return means 30.

[0117] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it makes it possible to connect the at least one energy storage element 70 efficiently, in particular to make an optimal electrical contact between a first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70 and a first current collector 700, even in the case where an energy storage element 70 is replaced by another energy storage element 70.

[0118] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it allows a quick and easy installation of a portion of at least one energy storage element 70 in a respective cavity 5 of such a system 1. This results in a quick and easy method of mounting at least one energy storage element 70 with such a system 1. An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above results in a method for reliably mounting at least one energy storage element 70 with such a system 1, the at least one energy storage element 70 being able to be arranged in a respective cavity 5 of the support 3 only in one direction along the main direction of elongation D of the at least one energy storage element 70, on the side of the at least one energy storage element 70 comprising said hollow 75. This ensures that the second pole 72 of the at least one energy storage element 70 is electrically connected.This results in a simplified electrical connection of at least one energy storage element 70.

[0119] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it makes it possible to obtain a locking of at least one energy storage element 70.

[0120] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it allows at least one energy storage element 70 inserted into a respective cavity 5 of such a system 1 to be quickly and easily removed. This results in a method of quickly and easily dismantling at least one energy storage element 70 with respect to such a system 1. At least one energy storage element 70 can thus be easily and quickly removed from an energy storage device 100. A malfunctioning energy storage element 70 can thus be replaced by another energy storage element 70. One or more energy storage elements 70 can be easily and quickly dismantled, in particular for the purpose of recycling. A single energy storage element 70 can be changed in the event of a malfunction thereof, independently of other functional energy storage elements 70.

[0121] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is that it allows for easy mounting and / or dismounting of a single energy storage element 70, independently of the other energy storage elements 70.

[0122] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it allows a plurality of energy storage elements 70 to be removably fixed and electrically connected in the same direction. This results in a reduced size of an assembly comprising such a system 1 and a plurality of energy storage elements 70. This makes it possible to conserve space in an energy storage device 100 and / or in a vehicle 200 for arranging a cooling system.

[0123] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it uses the at least one locking means 29 to electrically connect a first pole 71, in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element 70, and possibly a second pole 72, in particular positive, of the at least one energy storage element 70. The mounting of at least one energy storage element 70 with such a system 1 and the dismounting of at least one energy storage element 70 with respect to such a system 1 is simple and quick to implement, in particular due to the fact that the negative electrical contact and possibly the positive electrical contact can be made without welding.

[0124] An embodiment of a method for mounting an energy storage device 100 is described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0125] This embodiment is described in the case of an electrical architecture called 4S9P, acronym for 4 Series 9 Parallel. This embodiment is described in the case of an assembly or block 89 of four modules 80 electrically connected in series, each module 80 comprising 9 energy storage elements 70 electrically connected in parallel. The energy storage device 100 is for example a battery, for example intended to be arranged in a vehicle 200, in particular an automobile, for example a vehicle with an electric or hybrid motor. The energy storage device 100 may comprise a balancing system not shown. Such a balancing system is intended to measure, in particular in real time, the voltage of each module 80 so that each module 80 has the same voltage during the charging and discharging phases of the battery. This results in a long battery life.

[0126] In a step (figure 11), a portion of an energy storage element 70 is inserted into a cavity 5 of a support 3 of a system 1 of the type described above, in particular by implementing a method of that described in relation to figures 7 to 10. An assembly 80 of the system 1 and at least one energy storage element 70 is obtained, for example nine energy storage elements 70, a portion of each energy storage element 70 being arranged in a respective cavity 5 of the support 3, advantageously with the interposition of the holding means 40. A module 80 is obtained. The module 80 is for example intended to operate with a voltage of the order of 4.2 V. The module 80 comprises in particular nine energy storage elements 70 electrically connected in parallel.

[0127] In one step (figure 12), at least two modules 80 are assembled. For example, four modules 80 are assembled, in particular electrically connected in series. An assembly 89 of modules 80 or a block 89 of modules 80 is obtained.

[0128] At least one module 80 can be fixed to a lower wall 91 of a housing 90, or casing. For example, four modules 80 are fixed to a lower wall 91 of a housing 90, in particular a first module 81, a second module 82, a third module 83 and a fourth module 84.

[0129] At least one insulating pad 93 may be arranged on the lower wall 91, in particular on the same side of the lower wall 91 as the at least one module 80. The at least one insulating pad 93 is intended to receive a terminal of the energy storage device 100.

[0130] A first and a second insulating pads 93 may be arranged on the lower wall 91. The first and second insulating pads 93 are for example intended to receive respectively a positive terminal 94 and a negative terminal 95 of the energy storage device 100.

[0131] In one step (figure 13), the assembly 89 of modules 80 is electrically connected to a first terminal 94, in particular positive, and / or to a second terminal 95, in particular negative.

[0132] The positive terminal 94 is for example arranged on the first insulating pad 93. The negative terminal 95 is for example arranged on the second insulating pad 93.

[0133] The positive terminal 94 is for example in contact or electrically connected with the second plate 10 of a first module 81.

[0134] The positive terminal 94 may comprise an electrical connection tab 96. The electrical connection tab 96 is in contact with the at least one electrical connection element 17 mechanically linked to the second plate 10 of a first module 81.

[0135] The negative terminal 95 is for example in contact or electrically connected with the first plate 7 of a second module 82. The negative terminal 95 may comprise an electrical connection tab 97. The electrical connection tab 97 is in contact with the at least one electrical connection element 8 mechanically connected with the first plate 7 of a second module 82.

[0136] In one step (figure 14), the assembly 89 of modules 80 and the positive and negative terminals 94, 95 are surrounded by a first side wall 101, a second side wall 102, a third side wall 103, a fourth side wall 104 of a housing 90. The first side wall 101, second side wall 102, third side wall 103, fourth side wall 104 are in particular arranged on the lower wall 91 perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the lower wall 91. A seal 106 made of an electrically insulating material may be arranged around the upper end of the first terminal 94 opposite the end of the first terminal 94 arranged on the lower wall 91. A seal 106 made of an electrically insulating material may be arranged around the upper end of the second terminal 95 opposite the end of the first terminal 94 arranged on the lower wall 91 .

[0137] In one step (Figure 15), an upper wall 108 or cover of a housing 90 is arranged above the assembly 89 of modules 80, in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the lower wall 91. The first lateral surface 74 of the at least one energy storage element 70 faces the upper wall 108 of the housing 90. The upper wall 108 may comprise a first orifice 109 and a second orifice 110 intended for the passage of the respective upper ends of the first terminal 94 and the second terminal 95, possibly surrounded by a seal 106. The upper wall 108 of the housing 90 makes it possible in particular to maintain the at least one energy storage element 70 inside the housing 90. The at least one energy storage element 70 may possibly be fixed to the upper wall 108 of the housing 90.

[0138] An advantage of a system 1 of the type described above is linked to the fact that it makes it possible to modulate the electrical architecture of an energy storage device 100. An assembly 89 of modules 80 different from that of FIG. 12 could be produced, in particular by rotating the support 3 and / or the first current collector 700 and / or the second current collector 170 around the z axis. A modification of the positioning, in particular around the z axis, of the at least one electrical connection tab 8 mechanically linked to the first plate 7 and of the at least one electrical connection tab 17 mechanically linked to the second plate 10, makes it possible to modify the electrical connection of different modules 80 between them in an assembly 89 of several modules 80 on the same lower wall 91 of a housing 90.Such modulation of the electrical architecture of an energy storage device 100 can be obtained by rotating the assembly formed by the support 3, and the first collector 700 and / or the second collector 170. Such modulation of the electrical architecture of an energy storage device 100 can be obtained by rotating the first collector 700 and / or the second collector 170 around the z axis, the support 3 remaining fixed. Such modulation of the electrical architecture of an energy storage device 100 can be obtained by choosing which of the at least one first recess 2a, the at least one second recess 2b, the at least one third recess 2c, the at least one fourth recess 2d of the support 3 is intended to cooperate with the at least one electrical connection element 8 of the first collector 700.Such modulation of the electrical architecture of an energy storage device 100 can be obtained by choosing which of the at least one first recess 2a, the at least one second recess 2b, the at least one third recess 2c, the at least one fourth recess 2d of the support 3 is intended to cooperate with the at least one electrical connection element 17 of the second collector 170.

[0139] Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above in the case of a locking means comprising at least one spring, other locking means may of course be provided, for example at least one clip capable of cooperating with a hollow of at least one energy storage element.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. System for removably fixing and electrically connecting at least one energy storage element (70), the system (1) comprising an electrically insulating support (3) comprising at least one cavity (5) intended to receive a portion of an energy storage element (70), a first main face (4) of the support (3) being covered with a first electrically conductive plate (7) comprising at least one opening (9) aligned or substantially aligned with said at least one cavity (5), a first pole (71), in particular negative, of the at least one energy storage element (70) being intended to be electrically connected to the first plate (7).

2. System according to claim 1, comprising at least one locking means (29) capable of cooperating with a hollow (75) of the at least one energy storage element (70), the locking means (29) being further intended to electrically connect the first pole (71) to the first plate (7), the locking means (29) comprising at least one first elastic return means (30) made of at least one electrically conductive material, comprising in particular at least one spring (31; 32; 33; 34), for example in the form of a wire, the system (1) being capable of passing from a compressed configuration in which the first elastic return means (30) is compressed to a locked configuration in which the first (30) elastic return means is engaged with said hollow (75).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one holding means (40), in particular in the form of a ring, at least partially electrically conductive, configured to at least partially surround the at least one energy storage element (70) and to be arranged at least partially in said at least one cavity (5).

4. System according to the preceding claim, in which the holding means (40) comprises a rim (43) made of at least one electrically conductive material in contact with the first plate (7).

5. System according to claim 2 and according to claim 3 or 4, in which the holding means (40) comprises at least one groove (50) configured to house the at least one first elastic return means (30), in particular partially when the system (1) is in the locked configuration and entirely when the system (1) is in the compressed configuration.

6. System according to the preceding claim, in which the main direction of elongation of said at least one groove (50) extends parallel or substantially parallel to an axis of revolution (A) of the holding means (40).

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second electrically conductive plate (10) covering a second main face (6) of the support (3) opposite the first main face (4), the second plate (10) comprising a sheet (11) and at least one second elastic return means (12) intended to electrically connect a second pole (72) of an energy storage element (70), in particular positive, to the second plate (10).

8. System according to the preceding claim, in which the sheet (11) and the at least one second elastic return means (12) are mechanically linked in the form of a single piece, the second elastic return means (12) comprising in particular a spring comprising at least one electrically conductive material, for example in the form of a tongue comprising a curved end. (13), in particular arranged in an opening (15) of the second plate (10) aligned or substantially aligned with a respective cavity (5) of the support (3).

9. Energy storage device (100), in particular battery, comprising at least one system (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one energy storage element (70).

10. Vehicle (200), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a device (100) according to the preceding claim.

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