Battery assembly, system and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Battery assembly, system and associated manufacturing method. The battery assembly comprises: - at least one assembly of electrochemical modules (16), - a receiving box having a lower support (30), and side partitions delimiting between them a receiving space (21) for the assembly (14). Each side partition comprises an internal surface (62) oriented towards the receiving space (21) and an external surface (63) opposite said internal surface (62). The internal surface (62) and the external surface (63) are substantially parallel to each other and substantially flat, each side partition comprising an internal wall (67) and an external wall (68) separated by a hollow internal space (65). The internal wall (67) defines the internal surface (62) of the side partition, the external wall (68) defining the external surface (63) of the side partition. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Battery assembly, associated system and manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery assembly comprising at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules, each electrochemical battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical battery elements, and a box for receiving the at least one assembly.

[0002] Such a battery assembly is intended for the storage of electrical energy and is typically intended to be installed in an electrical storage bay on the ground or on board a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0003] An example of a battery assembly is given in CN207217634U.

[0004] Usually, it is necessary to associate numerous external accessories on such battery assemblies, for example elements for fixing the assembly, power supply boxes, external sealing joints, etc. These external accessories must in particular be arranged on the battery assembly while reducing the bulk as much as possible, in particular when the battery assembly is mounted in a vehicle.

[0005] However, the complex geometry of battery assemblies, particularly their external interfaces, makes it difficult to arrange external accessories on the assembly. This then requires designing specific external accessories, generating additional space around the assembly and / or adapting the battery assembly to the external accessories. This is complex, time-consuming and costly.

[0006] In addition to the size, the integration of such assemblies into railway vehicles also requires qualifications, particularly in terms of mechanical constraints, fire resistance, cooling and, more generally, safety. If the structure of the assembly is significantly modified from one type of railway vehicle to another, the qualifications must be re-obtained for each new vehicle.

[0007] An aim of the invention is to provide a battery assembly having a simple geometry and allowing the easy arrangement of external accessories in reception spaces of varied geometries, while limiting the time and cost of requalification.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a battery assembly comprising:

[0009] - at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules, each module electrochemical battery comprising a plurality of electrochemical battery cells; and

[0010] - a receiving chest for the at least one assembly, comprising:

[0011] + a lower support extending substantially along a support plane parallel to a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction;

[0012] + an upper cover extending substantially along a cover plane parallel to the plane of support; and

[0013] + side partitions extending from the lower support to the hood superior in a vertical direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions;

[0014] the lower support, the upper cover and the side partitions delimiting between them a space for receiving at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules,

[0015] the lower support comprising an internal surface oriented towards the receiving space and an external surface opposite said internal surface,

[0016] each side partition comprising an internal surface oriented towards the reception space and an external surface opposite said internal surface,

[0017] the inner surface and the outer surface of each side partition being substantially parallel to each other and substantially planar, each side partition comprising an inner wall and an outer wall separated by a hollow inner space, the inner wall defining the inner surface of the side partition, the outer wall defining the outer surface of the side partition.

[0018] The battery assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0019] - each side partition comprises at least one crosspiece extending from the wall internal to the external wall in the hollow space, the crosspiece preferably being made of the same material as the internal and external walls of the side partition;

[0020] - according to a cross section of a side partition, the ratio of the area occupied by the material on the total area of ​​the cross-section is between 45% and 50%;

[0021] - each side partition is fixed to the lower support by screwing;

[0022] - the side partitions are fixed to each other by screwing;

[0023] - the trunk comprises a cooling circuit of the at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules, the cooling circuit comprising a network of cavities for circulating a cooling fluid, the network of cavities extending into the lower support, the cavities preferably having a rectangular cross-section;

[0024] - the lower support comprises a plurality of plates extending side by side each according to the support plane, the plates being welded to each other, each plate comprising a portion of the network of cavities;

[0025] - the receiving chest further comprises at least one cleat fixed to the surface internal of the lower support, the at least one cleat extending in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction, the electrochemical battery modules of an assembly being fixed to at least one cleat, preferably by screwing;

[0026] - each electrochemical battery module is separated from the lower support by a space filled with a layer of thermal paste;

[0027] - the trunk further comprises at least one sealing gasket arranged between the support lower and side partitions;

[0028] - at least one of the lower support, the side partitions and the upper cover is made of metal, preferably aluminum;

[0029] - the internal surface and the external surface of each side partition is separated by a thickness taken substantially orthogonally to said internal surface and to said external surface, between 20 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 27 mm and 29 mm;

[0030] - the trunk comprises a protective plate extending over the external surface of the lower support.

[0031] The invention also relates to a system comprising at least two battery assemblies as defined above, the at least two battery assemblies being superimposed in the vertical direction, the lower support of one of the two battery assemblies being the upper cover of the other of the two battery assemblies.

[0032] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing at least one battery assembly as defined above, comprising the following steps:

[0033] - supply of electrochemical battery modules;

[0034] - supply of components of the reception chest, including the lower support and the side partitions;

[0035] - manufacturing the battery assembly by assembly, in particular by screwing, of the lower support, side partitions and the upper cover and by forming and arranging the at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules in the receiving space.

[0036] The manufacturing method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0037] - the side partitions are formed by extrusion of a profile;

[0038] - the method comprises manufacturing at least one first battery assembly and of at least one second battery assembly by assembling, in particular by screwing, the lower support, the side partitions and the upper cover and by forming and arranging the at least one assembly of electrochemical battery modules in the receiving space,

[0039] the first battery assembly having at least one dimension, in particular a length, a width and / or a height, different by at least 5% from the corresponding dimension of the second battery assembly, the side partitions of the first battery assembly being obtained by extruding a profile of section identical to the section of the extruded profile to form the side partitions of the second battery assembly.

[0040] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0041] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is an exploded and perspective schematic view of a system according to the invention, comprising two battery assemblies superimposed on each other;

[0042] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a battery assembly according to the invention;

[0043] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a section III along a plane median transverse of a battery assembly of the system of [Fig.l], according to the invention;

[0044] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an enlarged view of a portion IV of [Fig.3];

[0045] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of a battery assembly of the system of [Fig.l], according to the invention, in which certain electrochemical battery modules have been omitted.

[0046] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process for a battery set of [Fig.l].

[0047] A system 10 of battery assemblies 12 according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0048] The system 10 comprises at least one battery assembly 12, in particular at least two sets of 12 drums.

[0049] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the system 10 comprises a first battery set 12A and a second battery set 12B.

[0050] The first 12A and second 12B battery assemblies are superimposed in a vertical direction Z.

[0051] According to the example of [Fig.l], a lower support 30 (defined in more detail below) of the second assembly 12B is an upper cover 50 (defined in more detail below) of the first assembly 12A.

[0052] In the following, except where otherwise stated, only one battery assembly 12 is described. It is of course understood that the description applies to each battery assembly 12.

[0053] The battery assembly 12 comprises at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16 and a box 20 for receiving the or each assembly 14. According to the example illustrated in [Fig.l], each assembly 12A, 12B comprises a plurality of assemblies 14, in particular three assemblies 14A, 14B, 14C each forming a row of electrochemical battery modules.

[0054] The battery assembly 12 is intended for the storage and supply of electrical energy.

[0055] The battery assembly 12 is for example intended to be installed in a ground-based electrical storage bay. Alternatively, the battery assembly is intended to be mounted in a vehicle, in particular a rail, naval or / and air vehicle. The battery assembly 12 is intended to adapt to the space available within the vehicle, while allowing its mechanical, electrical and thermal connection within the vehicle.

[0056] In the following, except where otherwise stated, a single assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16 is described. It is of course understood that the description applies to each assembly 14.

[0057] The assembly 14 comprises a plurality of electrochemical battery modules 16, in particular lithium batteries. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, each assembly 14A, 14B, 14C comprises three electrochemical modules 16A, 16B, 16C.

[0058] With reference to [Fig.2], the trunk 20 extends:

[0059] - in a longitudinal direction X between a first longitudinal end 22 and a second longitudinal end 23;

[0060] - in a transverse direction Y between a first transverse end 24 and a second transverse end 25;

[0061] - along the vertical direction Z between a first vertical end 26 and a second vertical end 27.

[0062] The trunk 20 presents:

[0063] - a length L, measured along the longitudinal direction X between its long ends gitudinals 22, 23, generally between 800 mm and 1,600 mm;

[0064] - a width W, measured along the transverse direction Y between its trans ends versales 24, 25, generally between 600 mm and 1,800 mm; and

[0065] - a depth H, measured along the vertical direction Z between its ends verticals 26, 27, generally between 100 mm and 200 mm.

[0066] The trunk 20 comprises a lower support 30, an upper cover 50 and side partitions 60 defining between them a space 21 for receiving the or each assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16.

[0067] At least one of the lower support 30, the upper cover 50 and the side partitions 60 is made of metal, preferably aluminum. This characteristic makes it possible to take advantage of the lightness of the aluminum in order to reduce the mass of the trunk, of its thermal conduction in order to evacuate the heat generated by the assemblies 14 of electrochemical modules 16 of the battery and of its electrical conduction in order to constitute an electrical ground path.

[0068] As illustrated in the example of [Fig. 1], the trunk 20 comprises four partitions lateral 60. In this example, the lower support 30, the upper cover 50 and the four lateral partitions 60 form a hollow block.

[0069] Advantageously, the box 20 further comprises a circuit 85 (visible in FIGS. 3 and 4) for cooling the at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16.

[0070] Still advantageously, the box 20 further comprises at least one cleat 90 (visible in [Fig.5]), in particular configured to support the at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16. The box 20 in particular comprises a plurality of cleats 90.

[0071] Still advantageously, the box 20 further comprises at least one layer of thermal paste 100 (visible in [Fig.5]), arranged in particular between the lower support 30 and an electrochemical battery module 16.

[0072] Still advantageously, the box 20 further comprises at least one upper seal 110 (visible in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) arranged between the upper cover 50 and the side partitions 60. In particular, the box 20 comprises a single upper seal 110 arranged between the upper cover 50 and each of the side partitions 60.

[0073] Still advantageously, the box 20 further comprises at least one lower seal 120 (visible in FIGS. 3 and 4) arranged between the lower support 30 and the side partitions 60. In particular, the box 20 comprises a single lower seal 120 arranged between the lower support 30 and each of the side partitions 60.

[0074] Still advantageously, the trunk 20 comprises a protective plate 130 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2) extending over the lower support 30.

[0075] Each electrochemical battery module 16 contained in the box comprises a plurality of electrochemical battery elements 18 (or cells, designated by the English term "cell"). An electrochemical element is an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals and generally separators, which is a source of electrical energy obtained by direct transformation of chemical energy. An electrochemical battery element is shown schematically in [Fig.3].

[0076] The electrochemical battery elements 18 are, for example, prismatic electrochemical elements, with in particular a general parallelepiped shape, in particular a rectangular parallelepiped, or pockets.

[0077] As indicated above, the assembly 10 is particularly suitable for receiving lithium battery electrochemical elements, in particular rechargeable lithium ion battery electrochemical elements.

[0078] As will be described in more detail above, each electrochemical battery module 16 is fixed on a lower support 30 of the trunk 20. In particular, each electrochemical battery module 16 is fixed on at least one cleat 90 itself fixed on the lower support 30 of the box 20. In particular, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.5], the electrochemical battery modules 16 of the same assembly 14 are all fixed to the same cleat 90, or to two same neighboring cleats 90, preferably by screwing.

[0079] Advantageously, each electrochemical battery module 16 comprises fixing means 17 (visible in [Fig.5]) intended to cooperate with complementary fixing means 92 of at least one cleat 90. In particular, the fixing means 17 comprise an electrochemical fixing module 19 comprising at least one through-hole and at least one screw (not illustrated) extending into said through-holes.

[0080] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, each electrochemical battery module 16, in particular when it is mounted on the at least one cleat 90, is separated from the lower support 30 by an intermediate space 99 which, as will be detailed below, is filled with a layer of thermal paste 100 intended to increase the thermal conductivity between the electrochemical module 16 and the support 30.

[0081] The electrochemical battery modules 16 are for example organized according to one of the following electrical configurations: 1P12S, 2P6S, 3P4S, 4P3S.

[0082] The lower support 30 extends substantially along a support plane S parallel to the longitudinal direction X and to the transverse direction Y.

[0083] The lower support 30 comprises an internal surface 32 oriented towards the space 21 for receiving the at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical modules 16 of the battery and an external surface 33 opposite the internal surface 32.

[0084] For example, in particular when the trunk 20 is without a protective plate 130, the external surface 33 of the lower support 30 defines the first vertical end 26.

[0085] Advantageously, the internal surface 32 of the lower support 30 is substantially flat.

[0086] Also advantageously, the external surface 33 of the lower support 30 is substantially flat.

[0087] The lower support 30 advantageously has a thickness E1 (illustrated in [Fig.2]), measured in the vertical direction Z, between the internal surface 32 and the external surface 33 of the lower support 30, of between 6 mm and 7 mm. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain satisfactory protection against fire, in particular in accordance with criterion E15 according to standard EN45545 (fire resistance for 15 min without flame exit).

[0088] As described in more detail below, the lower support 30 advantageously delimits a network 86 of cavities 87 for circulating a cooling fluid, advantageously of horizontally elongated section, which belongs to the cooling circuit. cooling 85. The cooling fluid is preferably a coolant.

[0089] For example, the lower support 30 comprises at least one plate 36 extending along the support plane S.

[0090] In particular, as visible in Figures 3 to 5, the lower support 30 comprises a plurality of plates 36 each extending side by side along the support plane S. Thanks to this characteristic, it is possible to modulate the number of plates 36 according to the desired size for the trunk 20.

[0091] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the plates 36 extend in the longitudinal direction X.

[0092] Advantageously, the plates 36 are welded to each other.

[0093] Still advantageously, each plate 36 comprises a portion 88 of the network 86 of cavities 87. The cavities 87 have a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section, in particular rectangular. The portion 88 of the network 86 of cavities 87 is in particular hollowed out in the plate 36.

[0094] Advantageously, the plates 36 are welded together by their ends by means of terminal plates ensuring the fluid connection between the cavities according to the desired circulation network 86.

[0095] Preferably, the plates 36 are produced by extrusion of profiles.

[0096] Thanks to the structure described in the paragraphs above, the lower support 30 fulfills several functions. It ensures the cooling of the electrochemical modules 16 and the electrochemical battery elements 18 within the electrochemical modules 16. The lower support 30 further seals the internal space 21 downwards. It also provides a mechanical support function for the electrochemical modules 16, and also guarantees fire resistance, while offering reduced height and mass.

[0097] The side partitions 60 are advantageously fixed to the lower support 30, in particular by screwing.

[0098] For example, at least one plate 36, in particular each plate 36, comprises fixing means 40 intended to cooperate with complementary fixing means 72 of the lateral partitions 60 to ensure fixing between the lower support 30 and the lateral partitions 60.

[0099] For example, the fixing means 40 comprise a plurality of through holes 41 hollowed out in the plate 36 and a plurality of screws 42 extending into the through holes 4L

[0100] The lower support 30 is also fixed to the protective plate 130, in particular by screwing.

[0101] The upper cover 50 extends substantially along a cover plane C parallel to the plane of support S.

[0102] The upper cover 50 comprises an inner surface 52 oriented towards the receiving space 21 and an outer surface 53 opposite the inner surface 52.

[0103] Advantageously, the internal surface 52 and the external surface 53 of the upper cover 50 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially flat.

[0104] The upper cover 50 advantageously has a thickness E2 (illustrated in [Fig.2]), measured in the vertical direction Z between the internal surface 52 and the external surface 53 of the upper cover 50, of between 1.5 mm and 5.0 mm. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain satisfactory protection against fires, in particular in accordance with criterion E15 according to standard EN45545 (fire resistance for 15 min without flame exit).

[0105] For example, the upper cover 50 comprises at least one plate 56 extending along the cover plane C.

[0106] Also advantageously, the upper cover 50 is fixed to the side partitions 60, in particular by screwing.

[0107] For example, the at least one plate 56 of the upper cover 50 comprises fixing means 57 intended to cooperate with complementary fixing means 75 of the side partitions 60 to ensure fixing between the upper cover 50 and the side partitions 60.

[0108] For example, the fastening means 57 comprise a plurality of through holes 58 drilled in the plate 56 and a plurality of screws 59 extending into the through holes 58.

[0109] The side partitions 60 extend from the lower support 30 to the upper cover 50 in the vertical direction Z.

[0110] Each lateral partition 60 comprises an internal surface 62 oriented towards the reception space 21 and an external surface 63 opposite the internal surface 62.

[0111] The internal surface 62 and the external surface 63 of each lateral partition 60 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially planar. This characteristic, in particular the very simple geometry of the lateral partition 60, in particular of its external surface 63, facilitates the installation on the assembly of external accessories such as, for example, fixing elements of the assembly, power supply boxes, external sealing joints (the external sealing joints ensuring sealing in accordance with the IP65 and / or IP66 standards).

[0112] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the external surfaces 63 of the lateral partitions 60 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X define the first 22 and second 23 longitudinal ends of the trunk 20 and the external surfaces 63 of the lateral partitions 60 substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction Y define the first 24 and second 25 transverse ends of the trunk 20.

[0113] With reference to [Fig.4], each side partition 60 extends:

[0114] - in a longitudinal local direction A between a first longi end longitudinal end Al and a second longitudinal end A2;

[0115] - according to a local transverse direction B between a first transverse end B1 and a second transverse end B2; and

[0116] - along a vertical local direction C between a first vertical end Cl and second vertical end C2.

[0117] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the vertical local direction C is parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0118] For each lateral partition 60, the longitudinal local direction A corresponds to the longitudinal direction X or transverse direction Y in which the lateral partition 60 has the largest dimension (relative to the dimension in the transverse local direction B) and the transverse local direction B corresponds to the longitudinal direction X or transverse direction Y in which the lateral partition has the smallest dimension (relative to the dimension in the longitudinal local direction A).

[0119] The longitudinal local direction A of the lateral partition 60 visible in section in [Fig.4] corresponds to the longitudinal direction X.

[0120] The local transverse direction B of the lateral partition 60 visible in section in [Fig.4] corresponds to the transverse direction Y.

[0121] The internal surface 62 and the external surface 63 of each lateral partition 60 advantageously extend substantially parallel to the local longitudinal A and vertical C directions.

[0122] The internal surface 62 and the external surface 63 of each lateral partition 60 is separated by a thickness E3 (illustrated in [Fig.4]) taken substantially orthogonally to said internal surface 62 and to said external surface 63, for example in other words in the local transverse direction B, advantageously between 20 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 27 mm and 29 mm. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain satisfactory protection against fires, in particular in accordance with criterion E15 according to standard EN45545 (fire resistance 15 min without flame exit).

[0123] Each lateral partition 60 comprises in particular a body 64 and defines at least one hollow internal space 65.

[0124] Each lateral partition 60, in particular the body 64 of said lateral partition 60, comprises an internal wall 67 and an external wall 68 separated, in particular in the local transverse direction B, by the hollow internal space 65.

[0125] The hollow internal space 65 is notably defined by the empty space of material situated between the internal wall 67 and the external wall 68 in the local transverse direction B. The hollow internal space 65 makes it possible to lighten the lateral partition 60 and also improves the resistance of the lateral partition 60 to fire, by complying with criterion El5 according to the standard EN45545 (fire resistant for 15 minutes without flames).

[0126] The inner wall 67 defines the inner surface 62 of the side partition 60 and the outer wall 68 defines the outer surface 63 of the side partition 60.

[0127] Advantageously, each lateral partition 60, in particular the body 64 of said lateral partition 60, comprises at least one crosspiece 70 extending from the internal wall 67 to the external wall 68 in the hollow internal space 65, in particular in the local transverse direction B. The crosspiece 70 mechanically reinforces the lateral partition 60 by constituting a point of attachment between the internal wall 67 and the external wall 68.

[0128] Preferably, the crosspiece 70 is made in one piece with the internal 67 and external 68 walls of the side partition 60.

[0129] Advantageously, each lateral partition 60 is fixed to two adjacent lateral partitions 60 by screwing. In particular, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the lateral partitions 60 comprise fixing means 140 to ensure the fixing of the lateral partitions 60 to each other.

[0130] For example, the fixing means 140 comprise a plurality of threaded cylindrical cavities 141 and a plurality of screws 142 cooperating with the threaded cylindrical cavities 141.

[0131] Advantageously, each lateral partition 60 is fixed to the lower support 30 by screwing.

[0132] In particular, each lateral partition 60 comprises complementary fixing means 72 intended to cooperate with fixing means 40 of the lower support 30 to ensure fixing between said lateral partition 60 and the lower support 30.

[0133] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the complementary fixing means 72 comprise a plurality of threaded cylindrical cavities 73 cooperating with the screws 42.

[0134] Also advantageously, each side partition 60 is fixed to the upper cover 50 by screwing.

[0135] In particular, each side partition 60 comprises complementary fixing means 75 (visible in [Fig.5]) intended to cooperate with fixing means 57 of the upper cover 50 to ensure fixing between said side partition 60 and the upper cover 50.

[0136] For example, the complementary fixing means 75 comprise a plurality of threaded cylindrical cavities 76 cooperating with the screws 59.

[0137] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig.4], each lateral partition 60, in particular the body 64 of said lateral partition 60, comprises an upper fixing portion 77 at the first vertical end C1 and a lower fixing portion 78 at the second vertical end C2.

[0138] The upper 77 and lower 78 fixing portions extend between the inner wall 67 and the outer wall 68. Advantageously, the upper fixing portion 77 extends above the crosspiece 70 away from the latter, and the lower fixing portion extends below the crosspiece away from the latter. The hollow internal space 65 is present on either side of the crosspiece 70 between the crosspiece and respectively the upper fixing portion 77 and the lower fixing portion 78.

[0139] The upper fixing portion 77 comprises the complementary fixing means 75 and the lower fixing portion 78 comprises the complementary fixing means 72.

[0140] As illustrated in the example of [Fig.4], according to a cross-section of a side partition 60, the ratio of Faire occupied by material to the total area of ​​the cross-section is between 45% and 50%. The cross-section of the side partition 60 is a section of the side partition 60 taken along a plane parallel to the local transverse directions B and vertical Z (the section plane of [Fig.3] in the example of [Fig.3]). The area occupied by material corresponds to the area of ​​the section of the body 64 of the side partition 60. The total surface area of ​​the cross-section corresponds to the entire surface area of ​​the cross-section corresponding to the body 64 and the hollow internal space 65.

[0141] Advantageously, each lateral partition 60 comprises at least one gutter for receiving a sealing joint 110, 120.

[0142] According to the example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each side partition 60 comprises an upper gutter 80 for receiving the upper seal 110 and a lower gutter 81 for receiving the lower seal 120.

[0143] The upper gutter 80 is arranged at the first vertical end C1 of the lateral partition 60 between the internal wall 67 and the external wall 68 and the lower gutter 81 is arranged at the second vertical end C2 of the lateral partition 60 between the internal wall 67 and the external wall 68.

[0144] The upper gutter 80 is delimited by the inner wall 67, the outer wall 68 and the upper fixing portion 77.

[0145] The lower gutter 81 is delimited by the inner wall 67, the outer wall 68 and the lower fixing portion 78.

[0146] Advantageously, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.4], the threaded cylindrical cavities of the complementary fixing means 72, 75 open respectively into the upper 80 or lower 81 gutters.

[0147] With reference to [Fig.4], each lateral partition 60 for example also comprises at least one ground continuity piece 82 arranged in the lower gutter 81 so as to form an electrical contact of defined minimum area between said lateral partition 60, in particular the lower fixing portion 78, and the lower support 30.

[0148] For example, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.3], the part 82 is a ring arranged around a screw 42 of a fixing means 40 of the lower support 30.

[0149] Each lateral partition 60 for example also comprises at least one ground continuity piece (not illustrated) arranged in the upper gutter 80 so as to form an electrical contact between said lateral partition 60, in particular the upper fixing portion 77, and the upper cover 50.

[0150] According to the example illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4, each lateral partition 60 comprises fixing means 44 intended to cooperate with complementary fixing means 75 of another lateral partition 60 located below in the vertical direction Z to ensure fixing between them.

[0151] For example, the fixing means 44 comprise a plurality of pins 46 cooperating with the tapped cylindrical cavities 76.

[0152] According to a non-illustrated example, at least one lateral partition 60 comprises a through orifice (not illustrated) extending from the internal surface 62 to the external surface 63. Such an orifice is for example an orifice for passing a cable and / or connector.

[0153] The very simple structure and geometry of the side partitions 60 facilitates their placement in the space available to receive the battery assembly(s) 12, in particular within a vehicle, in particular within a railway vehicle. It also allows very simple connection of external accessories to the assembly, in particular mechanically, electrically and hydraulically (in particular for cooling).

[0154] Despite the simplicity of structure and geometry, the lateral partitions 60 are very robust, and therefore allow several assemblies 12 to be superimposed on each other with reduced bulk.

[0155] This structure and this geometry can be used for very variable dimensions of assemblies 12, which makes it possible to avoid having to requalify each assembly 12 of different dimensions.

[0156] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the cooling circuit 85 comprises a cooling fluid and the network 86 of cavities 87 for circulating the cooling fluid. It is connected to a cooling fluid circulation assembly.

[0157] The cooling fluid is for example a cooling liquid comprising water and glycol.

[0158] As explained above, the network 86 of cavities 87 extends in the lower support 30, in particular in the at least one plate 36 of the lower support 30.

[0159] When the lower support 30 comprises a plurality of plates 36, the network 86 of cylindrical cavities 87 comprises all of the portions 88 of the network 86 of cavities 87 of each plate 36.

[0160] With reference to [Fig.5], each cleat 90 is fixed on the internal surface 32 of the lower support 30.

[0161] Each cleat 90 extends in the longitudinal direction X or in the transverse direction Y. According to the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the cleats 90 extend in the longitudinal direction Y in a plane substantially parallel to the support plane S and each cleat 90 is separated from the neighboring cleats 90 by a distance D.

[0162] Each cleat 90 is a support for at least one electrochemical battery module 16 of an assembly 14. In particular, each cleat 90 is a support for all of the electrochemical battery modules 16 of the same assembly 14.

[0163] Each cleat 90 comprises complementary fastening means 92, 96 intended to cooperate with the fastening means 17 of the electrochemical battery modules 16 to ensure a fastening between said cleat 90 and the electrochemical battery modules 16. For example, the complementary fastening means 92, 96 comprise at least one threaded cylindrical cavity 94 hollowed out in the cleat 90 and at least one screw (not shown) cooperating with the at least one threaded cylindrical cavity 94. The at least one screw extends into a through hole of the fastening means 17 of an electrochemical module 16 and into a threaded cylindrical cavity 94.

[0164] With reference to [Fig.5], a layer of thermal paste 100 is arranged between the lower support 30 and each electrochemical battery module 16. The layer of thermal paste 100 fills the space 99 between the lower support 30 and each electrochemical battery module 16. Typically, the space 99 has a thickness, measured in the vertical direction Z, of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, in particular substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0165] The thermal paste layer 100 allows good conduction of heat from the electrochemical battery module 16 to the lower support 30, in particular to the cooling circuit 85. The thermal paste layer 100 therefore improves the evacuation of heat from the electrochemical battery modules 16. It preferably has a thermal conductivity greater than 1 W / mK.

[0166] With reference to figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the upper seal 110 ensures the seal between the upper cover 50 and the side partitions 60.

[0167] As illustrated in the example of [Fig. 1], the upper seal 110 has a rectangular shape.

[0168] In particular, the upper sealing gasket 110 is arranged in the upper gutter 80 of each side partition 60.

[0169] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the lower seal 120 ensures sealing between the lower support 30 and the side partitions 60.

[0170] The lower seal 120 has in particular a rectangular shape.

[0171] In particular, the lower seal 120 is arranged in the lower gutter 81 of each side partition 60.

[0172] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the protective plate 130 extends over the external surface 33 of the lower support 30.

[0173] The protective plate 130 is for example made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0174] The protective plate 130 makes it possible to protect the lower support 30 of the trunk 20 from elements external to the battery assembly 12. For example, in the specific example where the battery assembly 12 is installed under a railway vehicle, the protective plate 130 makes it possible to protect the lower support 30 of the trunk 20 from possible projections of ballast.

[0175] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the protective plate 130 defines the first vertical end 26 of the trunk 20.

[0176] Advantageously, the protective plate 130 comprises fixing means 132 intended to cooperate with screws secured to the side partitions 60. In particular, the fixing means 132 of the protective plate 130 comprise a plurality of crimped columns 134 comprising a thread cooperating with the screws secured to the side partitions to fix the protective plate 130 to the side partitions.

[0177] With reference to [Fig.6], a method 200 for manufacturing the battery assembly 12 is also described. The dimensions and the number of battery assemblies 12 to be superimposed are chosen prior to manufacturing, depending on the space available at the location where the battery assembly will be installed.

[0178] The method 200 comprises a first step 210 of providing at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16.

[0179] The method 200 further comprises a second step 220 of providing the components of the trunk 20.

[0180] The second step 220 comprises the production 221 of the side partitions 60 by extrusion. Thanks to this characteristic, the side partitions 60 are produced easily, using simple and inexpensive tools. It advantageously comprises the production of passages passing through the side partitions 60 depending on the accessories to be connected to the assembly 12.

[0181] Advantageously, the second step 220 further comprises the production 222 of the lower support 30 by welding plates 36 to each other.

[0182] The method 200 further comprises a third step 230 of manufacturing the battery assembly 12 by assembling, preferably by screwing, the lower support 30, the side partitions 60 and the upper cover 50 and by arranging the at least one assembly 14 of electrochemical battery modules 16 in the receiving space 21.

[0183] It then includes the mechanical, electrical and fluidic connection of the assembly 12 to the external accessories.

[0184] According to a non-illustrated variant, the box 20 comprises, in replacement of the thermal paste layer 100, a thermal pad. This thermal pad preferably has a thermal conductivity greater than 1 W / mK.

[0185] Thanks to the simple structure of the assembly 12 and its side partitions 60, numerous external accessories can be arranged on the battery assembly while reducing the bulk as much as possible and simplifying the connection thanks to the flat external surfaces, in particular when the battery assembly is on board a vehicle. The superposition of several assemblies one on top of the other is also possible (for example between 2 to 4 assemblies 12 one on top of the other), making it possible to make the best use of the available space.

[0186] Furthermore, the geometric arrangement of the side partitions 60 allows them to be fixed to the lower support 30 and to each other by simple screwing, which simplifies the manufacturing process, while maintaining high robustness.

[0187] As indicated above, the structure and geometry of the side partitions 60, which are balanced in terms of weight and stiffness, makes it possible to very simply modulate the dimensions of the assembly 12 to adapt it to the space in which it is received, by limiting or even eliminating the necessary requalifications, in particular in terms of mechanical constraints, fire resistance, cooling and more generally safety. This limits the design costs, while meeting the standards of fire resistance (for example EN455545-3) or resistance to shocks and vibrations (EN 12663 and IEC 61373).

[0188] Advantageously, the same extruded profile can be used to form the side partitions 60 of a first battery assembly 12 and of a second battery assembly 12, the first battery assembly 12 having at least one dimension, in particular a length, a width and / or a height, different by at least 5% from the corresponding dimension of the second battery assembly 12.

Claims

Claims

1. A battery assembly (12) comprising: - at least one assembly (14) of electrochemical battery modules (16), each electrochemical battery module (16) comprising a plurality of electrochemical battery elements (18); and - a trunk (20) for receiving at least one assembly (14), comprising: + a lower support (30) extending substantially along a support plane (S) parallel to a longitudinal direction (X) and to a transverse direction (Y); + an upper cover (50) extending substantially along a cover plane (C) parallel to the support plane (S); and + side partitions (60) extending from the lower support (30) to the upper cover (50) in a vertical direction (Z) substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal (X) and transverse (Y) directions; the lower support (30), the upper cover (50) and the side partitions (60) delimiting between them a receiving space (21) for the at least one assembly (14) of electrochemical battery modules (16), the lower support (30) comprising an internal surface (32) oriented towards the receiving space (21) and an external surface (33) opposite said internal surface (32), each side partition (60) comprising an internal surface (62) oriented towards the receiving space (21) and an external surface (63) opposite said internal surface (62), the inner surface (62) and the outer surface (63) of each side partition (60) being substantially parallel to each other and substantially planar, each side partition (60) comprising an inner wall (67) and an outer wall (68) separated by a hollow inner space (65), the inner wall (67) defining the inner surface (62) of the side partition (60), the outer wall (68) defining the outer surface (63) of the side partition (60), each side partition (60) being fixed to the lower support (30) by screwing, the side partitions (60) being fixed to each other by screwing, the box (20) comprising a circuit (85) for cooling the at least one assembly (14) of electrochemical battery modules (16), the cooling circuit (85) comprising a network (86) of cavities (87) for circulating a cooling fluid, the network (86) of cavities (87) extending in the lower support (30), the cavities (87) preferably having a rectangular cross section, the lower support (30) comprising a plurality of plates (36) each extending side by side along the support plane (S), the plates (36) being welded to each other, each plate (36) comprising a portion (88) of the network (86) of cavities (87).

2. A battery assembly (12) according to claim 1, wherein each side partition (60) comprises at least one cross member (70) extending from the inner wall (67) to the outer wall (68) in the hollow space (65), the cross member (70) preferably being integral with the inner (67) and outer (68) walls of the side partition (60).

3. A battery assembly (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, along a cross-section of a side wall (60), the ratio of the area occupied by material to the total area of the cross-section is between 45% and 50%.

4. Battery assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving box (20) further comprises at least one cleat (90) fixed on the internal surface (32) of the lower support (30), the at least one cleat (90) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) or in the transverse direction (Y), the electrochemical battery modules (16) of an assembly (14) being fixed to at least one cleat (90), preferably by screwing.

5. A battery assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein each electrochemical battery module (16) is separated from the lower support (30) by a gap (99) filled with a layer of thermal paste (100).

6. A battery assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trunk (20) further comprises at least one seal (120) arranged between the lower support (30) and the side partitions (60).

7. A battery assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the lower support (30), the side partitions (60) and the upper cover (50) is made of metal, preferably aluminum.

8. A battery assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface (62) and the outer surface (63) of each lateral partition (60) is separated by a thickness (E3) taken substantially orthogonally to said internal surface (62) and to said external surface (63), between 20 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 27 mm and 29 mm.

9. A battery assembly (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trunk (20) comprises a protective plate (130) extending over the outer surface (33) of the lower support (30).

10. System (10) comprising at least two battery assemblies (12A, 12B) according to any one of the preceding claims, the at least two battery assemblies (12A, 12B) being superimposed in the vertical direction (Z), the lower support (30) of one of the two battery assemblies (12A, 12B) being the upper cover (50) of the other of the two battery assemblies (12A, 12B).

11. Method (200) for manufacturing at least one battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - providing (210) electrochemical battery modules (16); - providing (220) components of the receiving box (20), including the lower support (30) and the side partitions (60); - manufacturing (230) the battery assembly (12) by assembling, in particular by screwing, the lower support (30), the side partitions (60) and the upper cover (50) and by forming and arranging the at least one assembly (14) of electrochemical battery modules (16) in the receiving space (21).

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