Device for holding an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system.

Abstract

Device for holding an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system. Device (1; 30; 60) for holding an energy storage element (3) on a base (2), the device comprising an elongated portion (11; 31; 61), a locking means (13; 33; 63) and an elastic return means (17; 37; 67), the locking means (13; 33; 63) being configured to apply pressure to an upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3), the elastic return means (17; 37; 67) being intended to be arranged between the base (2) and a lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) being intended to extend between the lower surface (5) and the upper surface (4). Figure for the abridged version: 9

Description

Title of the invention: Device for holding an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system.

[0001] The invention relates to a device for securing an energy storage element to a base of an energy storage system. The invention also relates to an energy storage system comprising such a device. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a device and / or such an energy storage system.

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are equipped with an energy storage system or "battery pack" comprising electrochemical cells to supply electrical energy to an electric motor.

[0003] In such an energy storage system, several electrochemical cells are usually assembled into a module. The modules are supported by a structure and connected to each other.

[0004] Cell assemblies including clipping elements for retaining the cells are known, as in US patent 10468644.

[0005] However, existing solutions have drawbacks. In particular, due to variations during cell manufacturing, the height of the individual cells varies, and the cells are not properly secured in the vertical direction by the clipping elements.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and improve upon devices and methods known in the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to create a device that is more reliable and compact, and that offers reduced cost and a rapid implementation process.

[0007] The invention relates to a device for holding an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system, the device comprising an elongated portion, a locking means and an elastic return means, the locking means being configured to apply pressure to an upper surface of the energy storage element, the elastic return means being intended to be arranged between the base and a lower surface of the energy storage element, the elongated portion being intended to extend at least partially between the lower surface and the upper surface of the energy storage element.

[0008] The device may further include a base intended to be arranged between the base and the lower surface of the energy storage element, the elongated portion extending at least partially between the base and the blocking means.

[0009] The elongated portion, the locking means and the elastic return means can to be in the form of a single mechanical part.

[0010] The elongated portion, the locking means and the elastic return means can be formed in a sheet, for example of metallic material.

[0011] The elastic return means can be inserted into a housing in the base.

[0012] The elongated portion and the locking means may be in the form of a single mechanical part.

[0013] The device may further include a support portion, extending between the elongated portion and the base, the elongated portion being mounted in pivot connection on the support portion.

[0014] The elastic return means can be a spring blade, for example made of steel.

[0015] The invention also relates to an energy storage system comprising at least one device as defined above for holding an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system, the elongated portion of at least one device being intended to extend along a lateral face of the energy storage element.

[0016] The energy storage system may in particular include a first device and a second device as defined above for holding an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system, the elongated portion of the first device being intended to extend along a first lateral face of the energy storage element, and the elongated portion of the second device being intended to extend along a second lateral face of the energy storage element opposite to the first lateral face.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising a device as defined above and / or an energy storage system as defined above.

[0018] The accompanying drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a device according to the invention and an execution of a process according to the invention.

[0019] Fig. 1 represents an energy storage system comprising a first embodiment of a device for maintaining an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system.

[0020] Fig.2 represents an elastic return means for the device of Fig.1, before the installation of an energy storage element.

[0021] Fig. 3 represents an elastic return means for the device of Fig. 1, after the installation of an energy storage element.

[0022] Fig. 4 represents an energy storage system comprising a second embodiment of a device for maintaining an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system.

[0023] Figure 5 represents the arrangement of Figure 4 before the installation of elements of energy storage.

[0024] Figure 6 represents an elastic return means for the device of Figure 4, before the implementation of an energy storage element, the elastic restoring means being in a state of rest.

[0025] Figure 7 represents an elastic return means for the device of Figure 4, in a compressed state.

[0026] Figure 8 represents an elastic return means for the device of Figure 4, after the implementation of an energy storage element, the elastic restoring means being in a compressed state.

[0027] Figure 9 represents an energy storage system comprising a third method of embodiment of a device for maintaining an energy storage element on a base of an energy storage system.

[0028] Fig. 10 represents the device of Fig. 9.

[0029] Figure 11 represents the arrangement of Figure 9, before the installation of elements of energy storage.

[0030] Figure 12 represents the device of Figure 9, the elongated portion of the device being at a distance from the energy storage element.

[0031] In commonly used energy storage systems, several electrochemical cells are assembled into a module. A module, or cell assembly, is formed from several cells. The cells are compressed together and surrounded by structural elements that enclose the entire module. The module is then mounted, notably screwed in, within the energy storage system.

[0032] The invention proposes a device for individually maintaining an energy storage element, in particular a battery cell, directly in an energy storage system, or "battery pack", without going through the intermediary of manufacturing modules or cell assemblies.

[0033] Reference will be made to a direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system, in which the X axis designates the longitudinal direction of the energy storage system, the Y axis designates the transverse direction of the energy storage system, the Z axis designates a vertical direction, and is oriented upwards.

[0034] An embodiment of a device 1 for holding an electrical energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of a battery pack 100, which may also be called an "energy storage system," is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Such an energy storage system 100 may be intended, by way of non-limiting example, for a vehicle 500, in particular a hybrid or electric motor vehicle. The X,Y plane is, in particular, a horizontal plane when the vehicle is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0035] The energy storage element 3 can be an electrochemical storage cell of electrical energy, specifically a prismatic electrochemical cell.

[0036] The energy storage element 3 is capable of storing energy in chemical form and releasing it in the form of an electric current. The energy storage element 3 may, for example, be of the "lithium-ion" type, also called "Li-ion", or any other type of cell capable of storing energy in electrochemical form.

[0037] By "prismatic" we mean that the electrochemical cell can have a parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular rectangular or square parallelepiped, or even cubic.

[0038] H is called the dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z axis.

[0039] The energy storage element 3 may comprise an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 5.

[0040] Connection terminals 8, 9 can be arranged on the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The connection terminals 8, 9 are in particular connected to the electrodes of the energy storage element 3.

[0041] The device 1 comprises an elongated portion 11, a locking means 13 and an elastic recoil means 17.

[0042] The elongated portion 11 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0043] The elongated portion 11, for example, has a length L along the Z-axis and a width Wn along the Y axis.

[0044] The length L of the elongated portion 11 is, for example, substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the length L of the elongated portion 11 is slightly less than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. This results in the energy storage element 3 being compressed by the device 1, in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0045] The device 1 may further include a base 16 intended to be fixed to the base 2. The elongated portion 11 may extend between the base 16 and the locking means 13.

[0046] The base 16 is in particular intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0047] The base 16 can be attached to the base 2 by welding, riveting, screwing, clipping, or gluing, for example, using adhesive. Any means of attachment can be used to fix the base 16 of the device 1 to the base 2.

[0048] Base 16, for example, has a width Wi6 along the Y axis.

[0049] The elastic return means 17 can be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0050] The elongated portion 11 can be intended to extend between the lower surface 5 and the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0051] The elongated portion 11 is in particular intended to be arranged against a lateral face of the energy storage element 3. By lateral face of the energy storage element 3, we mean a face perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis X.

[0052] Advantageously, the elongated portion 11, the locking means 13, the base 16 and the elastic return means 17 of the device 1 can be in the form of a single mechanical part.

[0053] The elongated portion 11, the locking means 13, the base 16 and the elastic return means 17 can be formed in a sheet, for example of metallic material, for example of steel or aluminium.

[0054] The elongated portion 11, the locking means 13, the base 16 and the elastic return means 17 are for example formed in a metal strip, in particular cut.

[0055] The elongated portion 11 can be made of at least one elastically deformable material, for example of at least one metallic material, in particular of steel.

[0056] The material of the device 1, in particular of the elongated portion 11, may be chosen according to the desired flexibility for the elongated portion 11.

[0057] The elastic return means 17 can be achieved by offsetting the plane of the sheet from which the device 1 is formed, relative to the plane of the base 16.

[0058] The base 16 extends, in particular, in the X, Y plane once it is fixed to the base 2. The elastic return means 17 comprises, for example, a first portion 17a and a second portion 17b. The first portion 17a extends, in particular, from the base 16 in a plane PI forming an angle ai with respect to the X, Y plane of the base 16, when the elastic return means 17 is in a rest state, in particular before the installation of the energy storage element 3. The second portion 17b may be slightly more inclined towards the base 2 than the first portion 17a. The second portion 17b, which is optional, is intended, in particular, to bear against the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3 once the energy storage element 3 is in place.

[0059] The free end of the elastic return means 17 is called 17e.

[0060] Advantageously, the distance along the Z axis between the end 17e of the elastic return means 17 and the bearing surface 14 of the locking means 13 is less than the length L of the elongated portion 11 and / or the dimension H of the energy storage element 3.

[0061] The elastic return means 17 is intended to be compressed when an energy storage element 3 is put in place.

[0062] The blocking means 13 can be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0063] The blocking means 13 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3, in particular to prevent a translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0064] The locking means 13 may include a bearing surface 14, in particular flat or substantially flat. The bearing surface 14 extends in particular in the X, Y plane.

[0065] The bearing surface 14 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 14 is intended to prevent translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0066] The support surface 14 has, for example, a width WM along the Y axis.

[0067] The respective widths Wn, Wi6 and WM of the elongated portion 11, of the base 16 and of The bearing surfaces 14 may be equal or substantially equal. According to one variant, the respective widths Wn, Wi6, and WM of the elongated portion 11, the base 16, and the bearing surface 14 may be different. For example, the width Wn of the elongated portion 11 may be less than the width Wi6 of the base 16 and / or the width WM of the bearing surface 14. This results in a reduced mass of such a device 1, and therefore a reduced mass of an energy storage system 100 comprising at least one such device 1.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the energy storage system 100 comprises seven energy storage elements 3. Alternatively, the number of energy storage elements 3 could be arbitrary.

[0069] The operation of a device 1 of the type described above is described below with reference to figures 2 and 3.

[0070] Before the installation of an energy storage element 3 ([Fig.2]), the elastic return means 17 is in a rest state. The elastic return means 17 extends mainly in a plane PI forming an angle ai with respect to the plane X, Y in which the base 16 extends.

[0071] After the installation of an energy storage element 3 ([Fig. 3]), the elastic restoring means 17 is compressed. The first portion 17a of the elastic restoring means 17 extends, for example, in a plane P2 forming an angle α2 with respect to the plane X, Y in which the base 16 extends. The angle α2 is notably less than the angle α in the rest state. The second portion 17b of the elastic restoring means 17 is supported against the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0072] The difference between the distance along the Z-axis between the end 17e of the elastic return means 17 and the bearing surface 14 of the locking means 13, on the one hand, and the length L of the elongated portion 11 and / or the dimension H of the energy storage element 3, on the other hand, results in a pressure exerted by the bearing surface 14 of the locking means 13 on the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 14 is pressed against the upper face 4 of the storage element. energy 3.

[0073] The elastic return means 17 allows a vertical upward thrust to be exerted. This results in the energy storage element 3 being locked in the Z direction.

[0074] Advantageously, the elastic return means 17 of the device 1 allows easy mounting of an energy storage element 3 in an energy storage system 100 and locking of the positioning of the energy storage element 3.

[0075] The energy storage system 100 may comprise several energy storage elements 3, for example, several electrochemical electrical energy storage cells, in particular several prismatic electrochemical cells. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned side by side along the X, Y plane, with one principal face of one energy storage element 3 facing a principal face of another energy storage element 3.

[0076] By main face of an energy storage element 3, we mean a face perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0077] For each energy storage element 3, a device 1 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3. The elongated portion 11 of the at least one device 1 extends in particular along one lateral face of the energy storage element 3.

[0078] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 1 can be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. This results in optimal retention and locking of the positioning of at least one energy storage element 3.

[0079] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 100 can include a first device 1 and a second device 1 of the type described above for holding the energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of the energy storage system 100, the elongated portion 11 of the first device 1 being intended to extend along a first lateral face of the energy storage element 3, and the elongated portion 11 of the second device 1 being intended to extend along a second lateral face of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral face.

[0080] An embodiment of a device 30 for maintaining an energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of an energy storage system 200 is described below with reference to figures 4 and 5. Such an energy storage system 200 may be intended, by way of non-limiting example, for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle with hybrid or electric motorization.

[0081] The device 30 comprises an elongated portion 31, a locking means 33 and an elastic recoil means 37.

[0082] The elongated portion 31 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0083] The elongated portion 31, for example, has a length L along the Z-axis and a width W3i along the Y axis.

[0084] H is called the dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z axis.

[0085] The length L of the elongated portion 31 is, for example, substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the length L of the elongated portion 31 is slightly less than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. This results in the energy storage element 3 being compressed by the device 30, in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0086] The elongated portion 31 can be intended to extend between the lower surface 5 and the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0087] The blocking means 33 can be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0088] The elastic return means 37 can be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0089] The device 30 may further include a base 36 intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0090] Advantageously, the elongated portion 31 and the locking means 33 and optionally the base 36 of the device 30 can be in the form of a single mechanical part.

[0091] The base 36 is in particular intended to be fixed to the base 2. The elongated portion 31 can extend between the base 36 and the locking means 33.

[0092] The base 36 can be attached to the base 2 by welding, riveting, screwing, clipping, or gluing, for example, using adhesive. Any means of attachment can be used to fix the base 36 of the device 30 to the base 2.

[0093] Base 36, for example, has a width W36 along the Y axis.

[0094] The elongated portion 31 can be made of at least one elastically deformable material, for example at least one plastic material.

[0095] The material of the device 30, in particular of the elongated portion 31, may be chosen according to the desired flexibility for the elongated portion 31.

[0096] The elongated portion 31 can in particular be a deformable tongue.

[0097] The elastic return means 37 can be inserted into a housing 38 of the base 36. The housing 38 of the base 36 is in particular delimited by a first rim 39 and a second rim 40 opposite the first rim 39.

[0098] The first rim 39 and the second rim 40 of the base 36 extend in particular along the X direction. Advantageously, the first rim 39 and the second rim 40 each comprise a cavity configured to receive a respective end of the elastic return means 37.

[0099] The elastic return means 37 is for example a spring blade, for example metallic, for example made of steel.

[0100] The blocking means 33 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3, in particular to prevent a translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0101] The locking means 33 may include a bearing surface 34, in particular flat or substantially flat. The bearing surface 34 extends in particular in the X, Y plane.

[0102] The bearing surface 34 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 34 is intended to prevent translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0103] The support surface 34 has, for example, a width W34 along the Y axis.

[0104] The respective widths W3, W36 and W34 of the elongated portion 31, of the base 36 and of The bearing surfaces 34 may be equal or substantially equal. According to one variant, the respective widths W3i, W36, and W34 of the elongated portion 31, the base 36, and the bearing surface 34 may be different. For example, the width W3i of the elongated portion 31 may be less than the width W36 of the base 36 and / or the width W34 of the bearing surface 34. This results in a reduced mass of such a device 30, and therefore a reduced mass of an energy storage system 200 comprising at least one such device 30.

[0105] The locking means 33 may have a solid shape, for example, a triangular cross-section. According to one embodiment, the locking means 33 could include a recess, for example, a triangular one. The recess could extend over the entire thickness e of the locking means 33 or could extend partially on both sides of the locking means 33 along the Y-axis, with an interposed thin wall not comprising a recess.

[0106] By thickness e of the locking means 33, we mean its dimension along the Y axis.

[0107] The operation of a device 30 of the type described above is described below. after referring to figures 6 to 8.

[0108] Before the installation of an energy storage element 3 ([Fig. 6]), the elastic return means 37 is in a rest state. The elastic return means 37 is disposed in a recess 38 of the base 36. The recess 38 has a width adapted along the Y-axis so that the respective ends of the elastic return means 37 are inserted into the first rim 39 and the second rim 40 of the base 36.

[0109] The elastic return means 37 has a concave shape with the concavity facing the base 2 when the elastic return means 37 is in the housing 38. The distance between the portion of the elastic return means 37 furthest from the base 2, in particular its middle portion, and the base 2, in the rest state, is called hl.

[0110] After the installation of an energy storage element 3 (figures 7 and 8), the elastic restoring means 37 is compressed.

[0111] To move from the rest state to the compressed state, the elastic return means 37 is guided in the cavities of the first rim 39 and the second rim 40 of the base 36.

[0112] In the compressed state, the radius of curvature of the elastic restoring means 37 is greater than the radius of curvature of the elastic restoring means 37 in the rest state.

[0113] The distance between the portion of the elastic restoring means 37 furthest from the base 2, in particular its median portion, and the base 2, in the compressed state, is called h2.

[0114] The difference between dimensions h2 and hl results in pressure exerted by the bearing surface 34 of the locking means 33 on the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 34 is pressed against the upper face 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0115] The length of the elastic return means 37 is specifically chosen to obtain the desired pressure.

[0116] The elastic return means 37 allows a vertical upward thrust to be exerted. This results in the energy storage element 3 being locked in the Z direction.

[0117] Advantageously, the elastic return means 37 of the device 30 allows easy mounting of an energy storage element 3 in an energy storage system 200 and locking of the positioning of the energy storage element 3.

[0118] The energy storage system 200 may comprise several energy storage elements 3, for example, several electrochemical electrical energy storage cells, in particular several prismatic electrochemical cells. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned next to each other along the X, Y plane, with one principal face of one energy storage element 3 facing a principal face of another energy storage element 3.

[0119] For each energy storage element 3, a device 30 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3. The elongated portion 31 of the at least one device 30 extends in particular along one lateral face of the energy storage element 3.

[0120] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 30 can be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. This results in optimal retention and locking of the positioning of at least one energy storage element 3.

[0121] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 200 may include a first device 30 and a second device 30 of the type described above for holding the energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of the energy storage system 200, the elongated portion 31 of the first device 30 being intended to extend along a first lateral face of the energy storage element 3, and the elongated portion 31 of the second device 30 being intended to extend along a second lateral face of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral face.

[0122] An embodiment of a device 60 for maintaining an energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of an energy storage system 300 is described below with reference to figures 9 to 12. Such an energy storage system 300 may be intended, by way of non-limiting example, for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle with hybrid or electric motorization.

[0123] The device 60 comprises an elongated portion 61, a locking means 63 and an elastic recoil means 67.

[0124] The elongated portion 61 extends in particular along the Z direction.

[0125] The elongated portion 61, for example, has a length L along the Z-axis and a width W6i along the Y axis.

[0126] The device 60 may further include a base 66 intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0127] The base 66 is specifically intended to be attached to the base 2. The base 66 can be attached to the base 2 by welding, riveting, screwing, clipping, or bonding, for example, using adhesive. Any means of attachment can be used to fix the base 66 of the device 60 to the base 2.

[0128] Base 66, for example, has a width W66 along the Y axis.

[0129] The elongated portion 61 and the locking means 63 can be in the form of a single mechanical part.

[0130] The elongated portion 61 and the locking means 63 can be made of at least one plastic or metallic material, for example steel or aluminium.

[0131] The device 60 may further include a support portion 71.

[0132] The support portion 71 can extend between the elongated portion 61 and the base 66.

[0133] The elongated portion 61 extends for example between the support portion 71 and the locking means 63.

[0134] The elongated portion 61 may have main internal surfaces 61i and external surfaces 61e, or walls, that are flat or substantially flat.

[0135] By internal principal surface 6li of the elongated portion 61, we mean the surface of the elongated portion 61 intended to face a lateral face of the energy storage element 3. By external principal surface 61e of the elongated portion 61, we mean the surface of the elongated portion 61 opposite the internal principal surface 6li, in particular parallel to the internal principal surface 61i.

[0136] According to one variant, the elongated portion 61 may include at least one rib, for example a midrib, in particular aligned along the principal direction of elongation of the elongated portion 61. Such a rib provides stiffness to the elongated portion 61. This results in a resistance effect on the elongated portion 61. Such a rib is intended to form a stiffening element of the elongated portion 61. The elongated portion 61 may comprise several parallel ribs, in particular oriented along the principal direction of elongation of the elongated portion 61.

[0137] The elongated portion 61 is mounted in a pivot joint on the support portion 71.

[0138] The elongated portion 61 is mobile between a first position aligned along the Z axis with the support portion 71 and a second position in which the principal direction of elongation of the elongated portion 61 forms an angle 0 with the Z axis.

[0139] The support portion 71 and the elongated portion 61 are, for example, connected by an axis 73. Axis 73 is notably parallel or substantially parallel to the Y direction.

[0140] The support portion 71 may include entanglements 72a, 72b, 72c, for example three entanglements. The elongated portion 61 may include entanglements 61a, 61b, for example two entanglements. The axis 73 is intended to be inserted into the entanglements 72a, 72b, 72c of the support portion 71 and into the entanglements 61a, 61b of the elongated portion 61, with one entanglement of the elongated portion 61 being interposed between two entanglements of the support portion 71.

[0141] The number of entanglements 72a, 72b, 72c of the support portion 71 and the number of entanglements 61a, 61b of the elongated portion 61 may vary.

[0142] The position of the pivot joint along the Z axis may vary.

[0143] L7i is called the dimension of the support portion 71 along the Z axis.

[0144] H is called the dimension of the energy storage element 3 along the Z axis.

[0145] The sum of the length L of the elongated portion 11 and the dimension L7i of the The support portion 71 is, for example, substantially equal to the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. Advantageously, the sum of the length L of the elongated portion 11 and the dimension L7i of the support portion 71 is slightly less than the dimension H of the energy storage element 3. This results in the energy storage element 3 being compressed by the device 60, in particular by the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0146] The ratio between the dimension L7i of the support portion 71 and the length L of the elongated portion 11 may vary. The pivot joint between the elongated portion 61 and the support portion 71 may be located at a different position along the Z-axis.

[0147] The position of the pivot along the Z axis may be chosen in particular according to space considerations, depending in particular on the applications intended.

[0148] The elongated portion 61 can be intended to extend between the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3 and the support portion 71, when the elongated portion 61 is in the first position.

[0149] The support portion 71 can be made of at least one plastic or metallic material, for example steel or aluminium.

[0150] The blocking means 63 can be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3.

[0151] The elastic return means 67 can be intended to be arranged between the base 2 and the lower surface 5 of the energy storage element 3.

[0152] The elastic return means 67 can be inserted into a housing 68 of the base 66. The housing 68 of the base 66 is in particular delimited by a first rim 69 and a second rim 70 opposite the first rim 69.

[0153] The first rim 69 and the second rim 70 of the base 66 extend in particular along the X direction. Advantageously, the first rim 69 and the second rim 70 each comprise a cavity configured to receive a respective end of the elastic return means 67. The housing 68 has a width adapted along the Y axis so that the respective ends of the elastic return means 67 are inserted into the first rim 69 and the second rim 70 of the base 66.

[0154] The elastic return means 67 is for example a spring blade, for example metallic, for example made of steel.

[0155] The blocking means 63 is intended to prevent any movement of the energy storage element 3, in particular to prevent a translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0156] The locking means 63 may include a bearing surface 64, in particular flat or substantially flat. The bearing surface 64 extends in particular in the X, Y plane.

[0157] The bearing surface 64 is intended to bear against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 64 is intended to prevent translation of the energy storage element 3.

[0158] The bearing surface 64 has, for example, a width WM along the Y axis.

[0159] The respective widths W6i, W66 and WM of the elongated portion 61, of the base 66 and of The bearing surfaces 64 may be equal or substantially equal. According to one variant, the respective widths W6i, W66, and WM of the elongated portion 61, the base 66, and the bearing surface 64 may be different. For example, the width W6i of the elongated portion 61 may be less than the width W66 of the base 66 and / or the width W64 of the bearing surface 64. This results in a reduced mass of such a device 60, and therefore a reduced mass of an energy storage system 300 comprising at least one such device 60.

[0160] The locking means 63 may have a solid shape, for example, a triangular cross-section. According to one embodiment, the locking means 63 could include a recess, for example, a triangular one. The recess could extend over the entire thickness e of the locking means 63 or could extend partially from both sides of the blocking means 63 along the Y axis, with interposition of a thin wall not including a recess.

[0161] By thickness e of the locking means 63, we mean its dimension along the Y axis.

[0162] An embodiment of a method for mounting at least one energy storage element 3 in an energy storage system 300 comprising at least one device 60 of the type described above is described below.

[0163] In one step ([Fig. 12]), the elongated portion 61 is rotated around the axis 73, so as to move the elongated portion 61 from the first position to the second position.

[0164] In one step, at least one energy storage element 3 is placed on the base 2, with the elastic return means 67 interposed. The elastic return means 67 is in a rest state. The elastic return means 67 is located in the housing 68 of the base 66.

[0165] In one step ([Fig. 9]), the elongated portion 61 is rotated about the axis 73, so as to move the elongated portion 61 from the second position to the first position. The elongated portion 61 of the device 60, which was offset from the lateral face of the energy storage element 3 in the second position, extends in the first position along the lateral face of the energy storage element 3, in particular in contact with the lateral face of the energy storage element 3. The bearing surface 64 of the locking means 63 bears against the upper surface 4 of the energy storage element 3. A clipping effect of the device 60 is obtained. The elastic return means 67 is compressed. The elastic recoil means 67 is guided in the cavities of the first rim 69 and the second rim 70 of the base 66 during the passage of the elongated portion 61 from the second position to the first position.

[0166] The elastic return means 67 allows a vertical upward thrust to be exerted. This results in the energy storage element 3 being locked in the Z direction.

[0167] Advantageously, the elastic return means 67 of the device 60 allows easy mounting of an energy storage element 3 in an energy storage system 300 and locking of the positioning of the energy storage element 3.

[0168] The energy storage system 300 may comprise several energy storage elements 3, for example, several electrochemical electrical energy storage cells, in particular several prismatic electrochemical cells. The energy storage elements 3 may be positioned side by side along the X, Y plane, with one principal face of one energy storage element 3 facing a principal face of another energy storage element 3.

[0169] For each energy storage element 3, a device 60 may be provided at least on one lateral side of the energy storage element 3. The elongated portion 61 of at least one device 60 extends in particular along a lateral face of the energy storage element 3 in the first position of the elongated portion 61.

[0170] Advantageously, for each energy storage element 3, a device 60 can be provided on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3. This results in optimal retention and locking of the positioning of at least one energy storage element 3 on each lateral side of the energy storage element 3.

[0171] For each energy storage element 3, the energy storage system 300 may include a first device 60 and a second device 60 of the type described above for holding the energy storage element 3 on a base 2 of the energy storage system 300, the elongated portion 61 of the first device 30 being intended to extend along a first lateral face of the energy storage element 3 in the first position of the elongated portion 61, and the elongated portion 61 of the second device 60 being intended to extend along a second lateral face of the energy storage element 3 opposite to the first lateral face in the first position of the elongated portion 61.

[0172] In the embodiments described above, the dimension H of at least one energy storage element 3 may vary due to manufacturing variability. A device 1, 30, 60 of the type described above allows for optimal maintenance and locking of the positioning of at least one energy storage element 3, even in the event of variations in the dimension H of at least one energy storage element 3.

[0173] In the embodiments described above, the upper surface 4 of at least one energy storage element 3 may include a rim, in particular in the form of a protrusion or having a slope with respect to the X, Y plane. A complementary shape may be provided in the bearing surface 14, 34, 64 of the locking means 13, 33, 63. This results in an increased pressure effect and further optimized locking of the positioning of at least one energy storage element 3.

[0174] One advantage of a device of the type described above is that the energy storage elements can be positioned directly in an energy storage system without going through an intermediate step of creating a module assembling the energy storage elements. This results in a reduced manufacturing cost for an energy storage system, a reduced assembly time for an energy storage system, and a reduced footprint for an energy storage system.

[0175] One advantage of a device of the type described above is related to the fact that the number of mechanical parts in an energy storage system is reduced. This results in a smaller size and mass for an energy storage system.

[0176] Although the invention has been described in the case where the device is intended to hold an energy storage element, for example a prismatic cell, on a base of an energy storage system, the invention could also be applied to other energy storage elements than prismatic cells, for example to micromodules comprising, for example, cylindrical cells.

[0177] It is understood that the number and dimensions of the energy storage elements are in no way limiting.

[0178] Although the invention has been described in the case of a battery for a motor vehicle, the invention applies to all fields in which it is required to be able to put energy storage elements directly into energy storage systems, for example for stationary battery packs for homes intended for large energy storage.

Claims

Demands

1. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) comprising a plurality of energy storage elements (3) and a plurality of devices (1; 30; 60) for individually holding the energy storage elements (3) on a base (2) of the energy storage system (100; 200; 300), each device comprising an elongated portion (11; 31; 61), a locking means (13; 33; 63) and an elastic return means (17; 37; 67), the locking means (13; 33; 63) being configured to apply pressure to an upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3), the elastic return means (17; 37; 67) being intended to be arranged between the base (2) and a lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) being intended to extend at least partially between the lower surface (5) and the upper surface (4) of the energy storage element (3).

2. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to claim 1, each device further comprising a base (16; 36; 66) intended to be arranged between the base (2) and the lower surface (5) of the energy storage element (3), the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) extending at least partially between the base (16; 36; 66) and the locking means (13; 33; 63).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, the elongated portion (11), the locking means (13) and the elastic return means (17) being in the form of a single mechanical part.

4. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, the elongated portion (11), the locking means (13) and the elastic return means (17) being formed in a sheet, for example of metallic material.

5. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to claim 1 or 2, the elastic return means (37; 67) being inserted into a housing in the base (36; 66).

6. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to claim 1 or 2 or 5, the elongated portion (31; 61) and the locking means (33; 63) being in the form of a single mechanical part.

7. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, each device further comprising a support portion (71) extending between the elongated portion (61) and the base (66), the elongated portion (61) being mounted in pivot joint on the support portion (71).

8. Energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the elastic return means (37; 67) being a leaf spring, for example made of steel.

9. Energy storage system, the elongated portion (11; 31; 61) of each device being intended to extend along a lateral face of the energy storage element (3), the energy storage system comprising in particular a first device and a second device for holding an energy storage element on a base of the energy storage system, the elongated portion of the first device being intended to extend along a first lateral face of the energy storage element, and the elongated portion of the second device being intended to extend along a second lateral face of the energy storage element opposite the first lateral face.

10. Vehicle (500), in particular automobile, comprising an energy storage system (100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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