Electrochemical accumulator module housing with fluidic conduit network

Abstract

An electrochemical accumulator module housing comprising at least one compartment (5) for an electrochemical accumulator, and including: – a support wall (3) and a connecting wall (4) facing each other, said compartment (5) extending between these two walls (3, 4); – at least one electrical contactor (7), mounted on the connecting wall (4) and comprising a variable volume chamber and a movable electrical contact adapted to be moved by the variable volume chamber towards the support wall (3); – a network of fluid conduits disposed at the level of the connecting wall (4) and connecting the variable volume chamber with a fluid fitting (8) mounted on the electrochemical accumulator module housing (1). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electrochemical accumulator module housing with fluidic conduit network technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electrical energy storage and more specifically to the conditioning and physical implementation, in a secure manner, of electrochemical storage modules for all types of applications, and in particular embedded and harsh environment applications, as well as stationary storage applications.

[0002] In these embedded or stationary applications, particularly in difficult environments, for example batteries embedded in electric vehicles or arranged in industrial equipment, the safety of the arrangement and grouping of batteries is essential to guarantee performance, operational reliability and the safety of people, in a field where the electrical connection between batteries is a major issue. PREVIOUS ART

[0003] Patent application DE102011005633 describes an electrochemical accumulator that includes a device for mechanically cutting off electrical connections. The device is equipped with an actuator adapted to move one of the terminals of the accumulator to interrupt a charging operation based on indications given by sensors. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to improve the safety and electrical control of the housings of prior art electrochemical accumulator modules, and their implementation.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to an electrochemical accumulator module housing comprising at least one housing for an electrochemical accumulator, and comprising: - a supporting wall and a connecting wall facing each other, the said dwelling extending between these two walls; - at least one electrical contactor, mounted on the connection wall and comprising a variable volume enclosure and a movable electrical contact adapted to be moved by the variable volume enclosure towards the supporting wall; - a network of fluidic conduits arranged at the level of the connection wall and connecting the variable volume enclosure with a fluidic fitting mounted on the electrochemical accumulator module housing.

[0006] According to another object, the invention relates to an electrochemical accumulator module comprising an electrochemical accumulator housing as described above, and at least one electrochemical accumulator disposed in the housing.

[0007] According to another object, the invention relates to a method of connecting an electrochemical accumulator module as described above, comprising a step of pressurizing a fluid in the network of fluidic conduits.

[0008] According to another object, the invention relates to a method of disconnecting an electrochemical accumulator module as described above, comprising a step of reducing the pressure of the fluidic conduit network.

[0009] The electrochemical accumulator module housing according to the invention offers a compact structure with integrated electrical connection and disconnection means, which can also be remotely controlled, to form electrochemical accumulator modules that can be assembled to form batteries such as, for example, lithium-ion batteries.

[0010] The invention offers greater freedom and safety in battery assembly processes, and in the mounting and dismounting of accumulators within the modules constituting these batteries, particularly in the context of battery dismantling for recycling or maintenance operations. Furthermore, in the case of remote control, optimal safety is ensured during the dismantling phases, as the accumulators are disconnected from each other before the modules and the battery are opened, which can limit the risks of electric shock and short circuits.

[0011] The electrochemical accumulator module housing according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the electrical connection and disconnection of a multitude of accumulators, without soldering and at a lower cost compared to existing disconnectable solutions.

[0012] The invention enables electrical connections with improved homogeneity of contact resistances, resulting in higher-quality electrical connections with greater durability. The use of a shared fluidic network for connecting multiple accumulators maintains a homogeneous pressure at the electrical contacts. Even though mechanical and dimensional tolerances inevitably lead to disparities in the dimensions of the accumulator housings, all accumulators will benefit from an electrical connection of the same resistance (due to identical contact pressure). This provides more uniform longevity among the accumulators during charge / discharge cycles, unlike prior art designs which suffer from potentially localized and uneven aging of certain components.

[0013] These connections also offer improved resistance to shocks and vibrations, which is essential, particularly for embedded applications. Shock damping can be achieved by reducing the associated stresses.

[0014] It is also possible to separate different sections of the fluidic conduit network, which makes it possible to make the connection and disconnection of predetermined groups of accumulators within the case independent, allowing for example maintenance operations such as the fine identification of charge balancing problems, or the implementation of rebalancing measures by charging or discharging only a portion of the accumulators in the same case.

[0015] The invention also allows for a simplification of design by rationalizing the number of parts, by pooling the function of containing the batteries and electrical connection, with a potential gain in mass, volume and cost.

[0016] Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the electrochemical accumulator module housing in such a way that if an accumulator degrades (in the event of overheating or even an explosion), this accumulator will leak to the outside by perforating the variable volume enclosure, which will cause a pressure drop throughout the fluid network, or in the affected section. All variable volume enclosures in the network, or the affected section, will experience a decrease in volume, resulting in the disconnection of the affected accumulators, without the use of any energy source or active element for this disconnection. Moreover, the fluid used to pressurize the variable volume enclosure will flow into the fault zone(s), which can improve the overall safety level (by using a fluid with cooling or inerting properties). A high level of safety is thus achieved through these passive safety features.In this context, the system can be designed so that the electrical contactors are normally open electrically in the absence of a setpoint.

[0017] Furthermore, if the flow rate of the fluid (in addition to the pressure) supplying the device is monitored, a sudden increase in flow rate (and / or decrease in pressure) may be an indicator of failure of one or more accumulators, allowing the device to be disconnected and / or human intervention to be requested.

[0018] In this context, the electrical architecture can be designed so that passive safety, resulting in a localized disconnection, can ensure continuity of service, even if degraded, in addition to the safety aspect. This continuity of service function in the event of the failure of one or more batteries can also be controlled preventively by a sensor.

[0019] The electrochemical accumulator module housing according to the invention may include the following additional features, alone or in combination:

[0020] - the variable volume enclosure is formed by an elastically deformable;

[0021] - the elastically deformable envelope is formed by an extension of material of the connecting wall;

[0022] - the elastically deformable envelope has a cylindrical shape with at minus a reduced cross-section area;

[0023] - the movable electrical contact is formed by a conductive surface coating applied to the variable volume enclosure;

[0024] - the electrical contactor includes a cylinder, the variable volume enclosure being formed by a chamber of the cylinder;

[0025] - the cylinder comprises a piston, the variable volume chamber being delimited by this piston and by said cylinder chamber, the moving electrical contact being coupled to this piston;

[0026] - the variable volume enclosure comprises a flexible membrane disposed in the wall connection;

[0027] - the flexible membrane is clamped between an actuator support and a body which includes an internal chamber connected to the fluid conduit network;

[0028] - the actuator support comprises at least one movable spacer disposed against the flexible membrane, the mobile electrical contact being coupled to the mobile spacer;

[0029] - the electrical contactor includes an elastic means for stressing the enclosure at variable volume towards a rest position in which the moving electrical contact is kept away from the supporting wall by a distance greater than a predetermined distance;

[0030] - the network of fluidic conduits is made in the thickness of the supporting wall;

[0031] - the variable volume enclosure is made of a material whose temperature of melting point is less than 120°C;

[0032] - the connecting wall, the fluidic conduit network, and the volume enclosure variable are made from a single piece;

[0033] - the housing comprises a plurality of said electrical contactors, the enclosures of which variable volume are fluidically connected to each other by the network of fluidic conduits;

[0034] - the fluidic conduit network comprises a plurality of independent sections, each of these sections comprising: a fluidic connection; at least one fluidic conduit; and a plurality of variable volume enclosures of electrical contactors; fluidically connected to each other;

[0035] - the housing comprises a plurality of said electrical contactors, and comprises in in addition to at least one junction conductor electrically connecting several movable electrical contacts;

[0036] - the junction conductor is formed by a flexible metal plate;

[0037] - the housing includes a means for pressurizing a fluid, connected to the fluidic connection;

[0038] - the housing further comprises: at least one electrical contactor, mounted on the wall supporting and comprising a variable volume enclosure and a movable electrical contact adapted to be moved by the variable volume enclosure towards the connection wall; a network of fluidic conduits disposed at the level of the support wall and connecting said variable volume enclosure with a fluidic fitting mounted on the electrochemical accumulator module housing. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] - [Fig.1] illustrates an electrochemical accumulator module according to the invention;

[0041] - [Fig.2] illustrates the housing of the electrochemical accumulator module of [Fig.1]

[0042] - [Fig. 3] illustrates the housing of [Fig. 2], with its network of fluidic conduits visible;

[0043] - [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] are schematic views of a battery module electrochemical according to the invention, with its electrical contactor in the activated position, for two different embodiments;

[0044] - [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B] are views similar to figures 4A and 4B respectively 4B, with the electrical contactor in the off position;

[0045] - the [Fig.5C] is a variant of the [Fig.5A];

[0046] - [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4A], for a battery module electrochemical according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0047] - Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an electrochemical accumulator module according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0048] - [Fig. 8] is a partial exploded view of an electrochemical accumulator module the [Fig.7];

[0049] - [Fig. 9] is a bottom view of the module housing connection wall electrochemical accumulator of the [Fig.8];

[0050] - [Fig. 10] is a detailed view of the cooperation of the electrical contactors with the accumulators of the electrochemical accumulator module of [Fig.7];

[0051] - [Fig. 11] is an exploded view of an electrochemical accumulator module according to a another embodiment of the invention;

[0052] - [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of the connection wall of the housing of the electrochemical accumulator module of the [Fig.l 1];

[0053] - [Fig. 13] is a top view of the actuator support of the connecting wall of the [Fig. 12];

[0054] - [Fig. 14] is a bottom view of the actuator support of [Fig. 13], the electrical contacts being in the off position;

[0055] - [Fig. 15] is a bottom view of the actuator support of [Fig. 13], the electrical contacts being in the activated position;

[0056] - Figures [Fig. 16], [Fig. 17], [Fig. 18], and [Fig. 19] illustrate the connection process or disconnection according to the invention.

[0057] Similar and common elements in the various embodiments bear the same reference numbers to the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Fig. 1 illustrates an electrochemical accumulator module, comprising an electrochemical accumulator module housing 1, according to the invention.

[0059] The housing 1 is intended to hold and connect accumulators to form an electrochemical accumulator module. These modules are generally combined to form a battery pack, for example for an electric vehicle or any other application with demanding operating conditions and safety requirements.

[0060] The housing 1 comprises side walls 2, an upper wall hereinafter referred to as the "support wall 3", and a lower wall hereinafter referred to as the "connection wall 4". In the perspective view of [Fig. 1], the support wall 3 and the side walls 2 in the foreground are shown in transparency to make the interior of the housing 1 visible.

[0061] The housing 1 has compartments 5 extending between the support wall 3 and the connection wall 4, and batteries 6 are placed in these compartments 5. These compartments 5 provide mechanical support for the batteries 6. The compartments 5 (not shown) can be made of any element providing lateral and longitudinal support for the batteries 6. As many batteries 6 as necessary can thus be aggregated within the housing 1, according to a series and / or parallel architecture to achieve the desired voltage and capacity.

[0062] On the side of the connection wall 4, the housing 1 includes electrical contactors 7 which allow, for each housing 5, the connection and disconnection of the corresponding accumulator 6. Throughout this text, by convention: - the connection wall 4 is so named because it generates the electrical connection, and carries the electrical contactor(s) 7; - the support wall 3 is the wall located opposite the electrical contactor 7. This wall can also have an electrical connection function (when the accumulator has a terminal on the side of this wall) with a fixed electrical contact 9.

[0063] In addition, the support wall 3 can optionally be an additional connection wall, also carrying electrical contactors 7 (see embodiment of figures 4B, 5B).

[0064] In the illustrated example, the accumulators 6 are cylindrical electrochemical accumulators, it being understood that the accumulators 6 can be of any other known type, in particular prismatic, as long as these accumulators have at least one external connection terminal adapted to cooperate with the electrical contactors 7 arranged at the level of the connection wall 4.

[0065] The cylindrical accumulators 6 of this example have an electrode at each of their ends, one of these electrodes being electrically connected on the side of the support wall 3, and the other electrode being able to be connected by means of the invention on the side of the connection wall 4.

[0066] Fig.2 is similar to Fig.1, without the accumulators 6 and shows the arrangement of the electrical contactors 7 on the connection wall 4.

[0067] The housing 1 also includes fluid connections 8, of which there are two in this example. These fluid connections 8 are connected to the electrical contactors 7 by a network of fluid conduits 14.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a view identical to Fig. 2 but showing the connecting wall 4 in transparency to make visible the path of the fluidic conduit network 14.

[0069] In this example, the network therefore comprises several fluid conduits 14, corresponding to the different electrical contactors 7, extending in the thickness of the connecting wall 4 along two independent sections, each corresponding to one of the two fluid connections 8. Each section of the network of fluid conduits 14 forms an unpartitioned volume, grouping several fluid conduits 14 and acting on a group of electrical contactors 7.

[0070] In each of these sections, all the electrical contactors 7 are fluidically connected to each other and are connected to the corresponding fluid connection 8. These two sections can be operated independently, i.e., the electrical contactors 7 of one section can be switched on and off independently of the electrical contactors 7 of the other section.

[0071] The fluidic conduits 14 are sealed conduits whose diameter is, in this example, on the order of 1 to 5 mm.

[0072] The activation or deactivation of all the electrical contactors 7 is done simultaneously for a given section, via the fluidic connection 8.

[0073] The fluid conduit network 14 can include as many sections as necessary depending on the desired architecture and the desired decoupling capabilities for the accumulators 6, particularly for maintenance, testing, load balancing, safety disconnection or continuity of service, etc. This is particularly advantageous for lithium chemistry accumulators, and for advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), which are able to take advantage of such independent groupings of the accumulators 6 within the same casing 1.

[0074] Figures 4A, 4B and 5A, 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of an electrochemical accumulator module comprising a housing 1 with, in this simplified example, a single accumulator 6.

[0075] Figures 4A and 5A correspond to an embodiment where only the connecting wall 4 is provided with electrical contactors 7, as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the supporting wall 3 having only fixed electrical contacts 9. Alternatively, where the accumulators 6 do not have electrodes on the side of the supporting wall 3, these walls have no electrical contacts. Figures 4B and 5B correspond to an embodiment where the supporting wall 3 also serves as a connecting wall, also carrying electrical contactors 7, each accumulator thus being connected by two electrical contactors 7.

[0076] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 5A, the support wall 3 has a fixed electrical contact 9 against which the accumulator 6 is pressed, so as to electrically connect this electrode of the accumulator 6 with the rest of the circuit, i.e., with the other accumulators 6 (when the housing contains several accumulators), and with an external terminal block of the housing 1 for connecting the accumulator to the load to be electrically powered, and to the charging circuit. This connection of the fixed electrical contact 9 to the rest of the circuit is schematically represented by a dashed line 10 in Figures 4A to 6.

[0077] The electrical contactor 7 which is disposed on the connection wall 4 comprises a variable volume enclosure 11 which is integral with a movable electrical contact 12.

[0078] In this example, the movable electrical contact 12 is fixed on the upper part of the variable volume enclosure 11 (the term upper is used here taking into account the orientation of Figures 3 and 4, which can of course vary), i.e. on the side of the location 5 of the accumulator 6. [Fig.4A] illustrates the variable volume enclosure 11 in a maximum volume configuration and [Fig.5A] illustrates the variable volume enclosure 11 in a minimum volume configuration.

[0079] The variation in the volume of the enclosure 11 allows the movable electrical contact 12 to move towards the support wall 3. The accumulator 6, which is disposed in the housing 5, can be pressed between the fixed electrical contact 9 and the contact The movable electrical contact 12 is driven by the variable-volume enclosure 11. The movable electrical contact 12 is thus adapted to be moved by the variable-volume enclosure 11 towards the support wall 3, and therefore towards the accumulator 6 when it is in place in its housing 5.

[0080] As with the fixed electrical contact 9, the moving electrical contact 12 is electrically connected to the rest of the electrical circuit by a connecting conductor 13 which is schematically represented in figures 4A to 6 by a dotted line.

[0081] In the simplified example of figures 4A, 5A, and 5C, the fluidic conduit network 14 comprises only one fluidic conduit 14 corresponding to the single electrical contactor 7.

[0082] The fluidic conduit network 14 connects the variable volume enclosure 11 of the electrical contactor 7 with a fluidic fitting 8 protruding from the housing 1.

[0083] The electrical contactor 7 is said to be activated when the inside of the variable volume enclosure 11 is brought to a pressure greater than the pressure outside this enclosure; and the electrical contactor 7 is said to be deactivated when the inside of the variable volume enclosure 11 is brought to a pressure less than the pressure outside this enclosure.

[0084] In this example, the fluidic conduit network 14 is directly made in the thickness of the connecting wall 4. A fluidic conduit 14 thus opens at one of its ends into the interior of the variable volume enclosure 11 and is connected at the other of its ends to the fluidic fitting 8 which is also mounted here on the connecting wall 4.

[0085] The housing 1 further includes a pressurization means 16 having two functions: - control the electrical connection and disconnection of the accumulator 6 within the housing 1 by activating and deactivating the electrical contactor 7 by controlling the volume of the enclosure 11; - maintain a contact pressure between the moving electrical contact 12 and the corresponding terminal of the accumulator 6, this contact pressure being transmitted between the fixed electrical contact 9 and the accumulator 6, this contact pressure being predetermined and permanent, as long as the electrical contactor 7 is activated.

[0086] Alternatively, the contact pressure can be dynamically modulated to best respond to external stresses such as shocks and vibrations.

[0087] In [Fig. 4A], the electrical contactor 7 is shown in the activated position, i.e., the pressurizing means 16 maintains a pressure that translates into contact pressure in the two electrical connections of the accumulator 6, which is inserted in the housing 5, between the fixed electrical contact 9 and the moving electrical contact 12. In [Fig. 5A], the electrical contactor 7 is shown in the position deactivated, that is, in a configuration where the pressurization means 16 maintains a pressure in the variable-volume chamber 11 that is less than or equal to the pressure outside this chamber, so that the latter adopts a rest position that keeps the movable electrical contact 12 at a distance from the support wall 3 sufficient for the accumulator 6 to no longer have its two electrodes connected. In [Fig. 5A], the accumulator 6 is held fixed in its housing 5, and only one of the electrodes of the accumulator 6 touches one of the electrical contacts, and the accumulator 6 is thus electrically disconnected from the rest of the circuit.

[0088] Fig. 5C illustrates a variant of Fig. 5A, where the accumulator 6 is free to slide in the housing 5, and its disconnection then takes place by a vertical movement of the accumulator 6 linked to gravity.

[0089] In this example, the displacement of the movable electrical contact 12, between its two positions, is on the order of 2 to 10 mm.

[0090] The pressurization means 16 is implemented by any means that allows pressurization and maintenance of pressure in the variable-volume enclosure 11. The pressurization means 16 may be, for example, a pneumatic compressor compressing air or an inert gas in the fluid conduit network 14. The transition of the electrical contactor 7 from the deactivated position shown in Figures 5A, 5B to the activated position shown in Figures 4A, 4B is then achieved by compressing a gas and maintaining its pressure in the fluid conduit network 14.

[0091] The pressurization means 16 can also, alternatively, be a device adapted to pressurize an incompressible fluid. The fluidic conduit network 14 would then be filled with a hydraulic fluid such as oil or water, which would also fill the variable-volume enclosure 11. Pressurization and pressure maintenance in the variable-volume enclosure 11 would then be ensured by the pressurization means 16, possibly by means of a pneumatic buffer or any other elastic device.

[0092] The variable-volume enclosure 11 can be formed by an elastically deformable shell. In the present example, the variable-volume enclosure 11 is made of the same material as the connecting wall 4, with material continuity to this wall. The material constituting the connecting wall 4 is then chosen, for example from polymers, as a material whose rigidity is sufficient for the housing 1 to have the mechanical characteristics required for containing the elements it holds (by providing a sufficient thickness of this material for its walls 2, 3, 4), and by providing a shell thickness 11 that is sufficiently small so that the shell forming this enclosure 11 is flexible and, through this elastic deformation, allows the movement of the movable electrical contact 12 (movement of translation). The connecting wall 4 can have a thickness of around one to three centimeters, and the envelope constituting the variable volume enclosure 11 can have a thickness of around 0.5 mm.

[0093] In the present example, the variable-volume enclosure 11 is formed by an elastically deformable cylindrical shell and includes at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section, so that the enclosure 11 acts like a bellows. Alternatively, any combination of shape and / or material enabling the construction of a variable-volume enclosure 11 may be considered.

[0094] Figures 4B and 5B illustrate an embodiment comprising an electrical contactor 7 on the connecting wall 4, in the same way as the embodiment of Figures 4A and 5B, and further comprising a second electrical contactor 7 on the support wall 3. The support wall 3 therefore plays the same role here as the connecting wall 4. The accumulator 6 is connected and disconnected by two similar electrical contactors 7, at its two opposite ends.

[0095] In this embodiment, the accumulator 6 is preferably held fixed in its housing 5.

[0096] In [Fig. 4B], the two electrical contactors 7 are shown in the activated position, i.e., the pressurization means 16 maintains a pressure in the two variable-volume chambers 11, which translates into contact pressure in the two electrical connections of the accumulator 6, between the two movable electrical contacts 12. In [Fig. 5B], the electrical contactors 7 are shown in the deactivated position, i.e., in a configuration where the pressurization means 16 maintains a pressure in the two variable-volume chambers 11 that is less than or equal to the pressure outside these chambers, so that the latter adopt a rest position that keeps the movable electrical contacts 12 at a distance from the opposite wall sufficient for the accumulator 6 to no longer have its electrodes connected. In [Fig.5B], the accumulator 6 is held fixed in its housing 5, while the two movable contacts 12 are moved away from the accumulator 6, which is thus electrically disconnected from the rest of the circuit.

[0097] Each network of fluidic conduits 14, each relating to one of the electrical connectors 7, are here illustrated as being independent, each with its own pressurization means 16. Alternatively, these networks can be fluidically connected, with a single pressurization means 16 which then simultaneously controls the connection and disconnection of the two terminals of the accumulator 6.

[0098] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the variable-volume enclosure 11 is formed by a cylinder 17. The cylinder 17 is mounted on the connecting wall 4, and one of the chambers of the cylinder 17 forms the enclosure 11. The movable electrical contact 12 is coupled to the piston 18 of the cylinder 17 (in this example, the moving electrical contact is integral with the rod of the piston 18).

[0099] The electrical contactor 7 further comprises an elastic means for moving the variable-volume enclosure towards a rest position in which the movable electrical contact 12 is held away from the support wall 3 by a distance greater than a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance is chosen, during the dimensioning of the housing 1 for a particular application, so that when the movable electrical contact 12 is in this rest position, it is away from the support wall 3 by a distance greater than the corresponding dimension of the accumulator 6 (its height, in the illustrated example), so as to guarantee the disconnection of this accumulator 6, and to eliminate the risk of electric arcing.

[0100] In the example of figures 4A to 5B, the elastic means is achieved by the envelope forming the enclosure 11 itself, which has elastic properties by the choice of its material and its thickness.

[0101] In the example of [Fig.6], the elastic means consists of springs 32.

[0102] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of an electrochemical accumulator module with seven cylindrical accumulators 6 and seven electrical contactors 7, which are of the same type as those in Figures 4A and 5A. In Figures 7 to 10, the upper wall of the housing 1 is the connection wall 4, and the lower wall is the support wall 3.

[0103] The support wall 3 carries the housings 5 ​​which are, in this example, cylindrical recesses in which the accumulators 6 are housed.

[0104] The connecting wall 4 has three fluid connections 8 projecting laterally from its edge, corresponding in this example to three sections of the fluid conduit network 14, relating to three groups of electrical contactors 7. The accumulators 6 are thus grouped into three groups that can be connected and disconnected independently. Figure 7 illustrates one of the pneumatic tubes 33 intended to connect each fluid connection 8 to its pressurization means.

[0105] In this example, the side faces of the case 1 are open and only have columns 19.

[0106] Fig. 8 is a partial exploded view of the electrochemical accumulator module of Fig. 7, representing only the connection wall 4 opposite a part of the accumulators 6. Each electrical contactor 7 has a variable volume enclosure 11 carrying its movable electrical contact 12 adapted to come against the upper terminal of the accumulator 6 for its connection, or to come away from this terminal, for its disconnection.

[0107] Figure 9 represents the connection wall 4 of the housing shown in Figures 7 and 8. The mobile electrical contacts 12 are connected to each other by the junction conductors 13 according to the electrical architecture chosen.

[0108] In this example, each variable volume enclosure 11 has a flat face which carries the movable electrical contact 12, made by a disc of conductive material, for example a metallic disc of good electrical conductivity.

[0109] The movable electrical contacts 12 can also be made in the form of a conductive surface coating directly applied to the variable volume enclosure 11, for example by electroplating processes allowing a metallization-type deposition directly on the envelope forming the variable volume enclosure 11.

[0110] The junction conductors 13 can be flexible conductive links attached to the movable electrical contacts 12, using "bonding" type techniques, with conductors of cylindrical or parallelepiped cross-section, with sufficient length and flexibility to allow relative movement of the movable electrical contacts 12.

[0111] The movable electrical contacts 12 and the connecting conductors 13 linking them can also be made jointly by metal strips attached to several adjacent variable-volume enclosures 11, with a metal strip having sufficient flexibility. Figure 10 is a detailed view of the connecting wall 4 with activated electrical contactors 7, and illustrates this variant with metal strips.

[0112] The detailed view of [Fig. 10] also illustrates the bellows-like shape, with at least one area of ​​smaller cross-section, of the variable-volume enclosure 11. This shape allows the variable-volume enclosure 11 to: - to present a rest position, in the absence of any demand, which corresponds to a deactivated electrical contactor 7; - to be able to deform longitudinally under the effect of an increase in pressure inside, allowing the mobile electrical contact 12 to move towards the support wall 3 (and therefore towards the accumulator 6 when it is put in place), along a sufficient stroke to ensure the electrical connection.

[0113] In the present example, the connecting wall 4, the fluidic conduit network 14, and the variable volume enclosure 11 are advantageously made in one piece, for example by additive manufacturing, which makes it possible to obtain a rigid connecting wall 4 (by providing a sufficient thickness of material), a fluidic conduit network 14 made in the form of recesses within the material in the thickness of the connecting wall 4, and the variable volume enclosure 11 (by providing an envelope of sufficiently small thickness and by choosing a material that is sufficiently flexible at this thickness).

[0114] Figures 11 to 15 illustrate another embodiment of the variable volume enclosure 11.

[0115] Figure 11 is an exploded view of an electrochemical accumulator module according to this embodiment. This module is identical in every respect to the module of Figure 8, except for the construction of the connecting wall 4, which is here formed from the following stacked elements: - a body 20 closed by a lid 21; - an actuator support 22; - a flexible membrane 23 clamped between the body 20 and the actuator support 22; - a 24-inch flash (of which only half is shown for clarity of the figure).

[0116] The body 20 is a rigid, parallelepiped-shaped piece of solid material, which carries the fluid fittings 8 and the network of fluid conduits 14 within its thickness. In this example, three fluid conduits 14 are formed within the thickness of the body 20, connecting the fluid fittings 8 to grooves forming internal chambers 25 that open on either side of the thickness of the body 20. The body 20 is here adapted for easy and inexpensive machining.

[0117] The cover 21 seals the upper face of the body 20 tightly.

[0118] The flexible membrane 23 closes the lower face of the body 20 so that, when the pressure in the fluidic conduits 14 increases, the flexible membrane 23 deforms towards the accumulators 6.

[0119] The variable volume enclosure 11 is therefore here constituted by the internal chambers 25 and their partitioning ensured by the lid 21 and by the flexible membrane 23.

[0120] The actuator support 22 is made of a rigid piece of material having movable spacers 26. The movable spacers 26 are adapted to move transversely in bores of the actuator support 22. The movable spacers 26 can, for example, be made of solid material cylinders, of the same material as the actuator support 22, with spiral springs connecting them to the actuator support 22.

[0121] The foil 24 is a sheet of electrically conductive material, for example a metallic foil, and in this example has spiral recesses defining the movable electrical contacts 12 as well as the junction conductors 13.

[0122] In this example, the flashing 24 ensures electrical continuity between all the moving electrical contacts 12.

[0123] The [Fig. 12] is a side perspective view illustrating the assembly forming the connecting wall 4, with the flexible diaphragm 23 clamped by screws between the body 20 and the actuator support 22, and the fluidic fittings 8 protruding laterally.

[0124] Fig. 13 is a top view of the actuator support 22 showing the arrangement movable spacers 26 and partitions 27 allowing the flexible membrane 23 to be pinched.

[0125] Figures 14 and 15 are bottom views of the actuator support 22, showing the elastic connection between the movable spacers 26 and the actuator support by means of spiral springs. In [Fig. 14], the electrical contacts 7 are deactivated, the movable spacers 26 not applying pressure to the clapper 24. In [Fig. 15], the electrical contacts 7 are activated, the pressurization of the variable volume chambers 11 causing a deformation of the flexible membrane 23, which pushes the movable spacers 26 towards the clapper 24, so that the movable electrical contacts 12 are applied pressure towards the accumulators 6.

[0126] In this example, the actuator support 22, the movable spacers 26 and the spring blades connecting these two parts are made in one piece by additive manufacturing.

[0127] In this embodiment, the elastic means for moving the variable-volume enclosure 11 towards a rest position consists jointly of the clapper 24, with its spiral springs, and the movable spacers 26, with their spiral springs. Alternatively, only one of these elements could perform the function of said elastic means.

[0128] Figures 16 to 19 illustrate a method for mounting and connecting an electrochemical accumulator module, using a housing 1 according to the invention, intended for the production of a new battery, or for maintenance or reconditioning of an existing battery. The connection method includes a step of pressurizing a fluid in the fluidic conduit network 14.

[0129] Figures 16 to 19 relate to a housing 1 according to an embodiment in which the compartments 5 are formed by a set of cylindrical recesses 28 intended to hold cylindrical accumulators 6. The remaining operation of the electrical connectors 7 corresponds to the other embodiments described above.

[0130] Figure 16 illustrates the placement of the accumulators 6 in the cells cylindrical 28s constituting the housings 5.

[0131] Figure 17 illustrates the next step, in which all 5 dwellings are inserted into a container 29 comprising the side walls 2, the support wall 3 and the connecting wall 4, facing each other, and more precisely substantially parallel to each other. The housings 5 ​​hold the accumulators 6 fixed relative to the walls 3, 4.

[0132] Figure 18 illustrates the next step, in which a connecting cover 30 closes the container 29. This connection cover 30 is equipped with the connector 31 necessary for the electrical connection with the accumulators 6, according to the planned architecture for box 1, as well as with any sensors located in box 1.

[0133] Fig. 19 illustrates the face of the housing 1 which is opposite the connection cover 30, with three protruding fluidic fittings 8, thus constituting the electrochemical accumulator module.

[0134] The electrochemical accumulator module can then be stored, transported, delivered, etc., without being connected and therefore without presenting any danger. The possibility of connecting the accumulators once the casing is closed limits the risk of electric shock / electrocution and short circuits for the operator during the assembly stages. During the transport phase, the accumulators can remain disconnected to minimize the risk of thermal runaway. This is particularly suitable for battery packs that present a risk of electric shock, a risk of fire, and a chemical risk in the event of thermal runaway, for example, electric vehicle battery packs whose voltage is regularly around 400 volts.

[0135] Once the module is put into service, ready to be connected, the fluidic conduit network 14 is then pressurized, for example by a gas compressed to a pressure, in this example, which ranges from 1 to 20 bar.

[0136] Preferably, this pressurization is carried out in two stages: firstly, a low pressure is applied to the network of fluidic conduits 14, so that the variable volume enclosure 11 deforms slowly and causes each movable electrical contact 12 to come close to and then into contact with the electrode on the corresponding accumulator 6.

[0137] In a second step, the pressure is greatly increased to press the mobile electrical contact 12, secure it, and maintain it over time despite the shocks and vibrations inherent in applications in harsh environments.

[0138] The method of disconnecting the module is carried out by the same operations, in reverse order, with a step of reducing the pressure of the fluidic conduit network 14, for example a bringing to atmospheric pressure of the fluidic conduit network 14, which causes a disconnection of the accumulators 6.

[0139] Furthermore, the variable volume enclosure 11 is preferably made of a material whose melting temperature is less than 120°C, and preferably in the range 80-120°C.

[0140] Thus, each electrical contactor 7 is positioned opposite its corresponding accumulator 6 so that if the accumulator 6 were to suffer a malfunction such as overheating, fire, degassing through the opening of the safety vent, or even an explosion, the variable volume enclosure 11 would consequently be damaged and a leak would be created by perforation of the casing forming the variable volume enclosure 11. Such a leak would cause the pressure to drop throughout the conduits. fluidic conduits 14, or in the relevant section of the fluidic conduit network 14, would consequently disconnect both the faulty accumulator 6 and the neighboring accumulators in the same section. This disconnection occurs as a direct reaction to the incident and requires no sensors, information processing, or energy input. This disconnection provides a passive safety function to the unit 1, with a high level of reliability to address a critical issue particularly affecting lithium-chemistry batteries.

[0141] Furthermore, the leak causes fluid to flow from the fluidic conduits 14 to the accumulator at the origin of the incident, so that direct and localized action on the accumulator makes it possible to minimize, or even stop, the incident as soon as possible. For this passive safety function combined with localized corrective action, the pressurization means 16 preferably supplies the network of fluidic conduits 14 with an inert gas, thus suitable for minimizing the damage caused by the incident, or with a fluid having extinguishing or cooling properties (for example, gaseous compounds based on argon and nitrogen).

[0142] Alternative embodiments can be envisaged. In particular, the support walls 3 and connecting walls 4 may only include minimal structural elements (beams, tubular structure, perforated walls) to support the accumulators 6, the electrical contactors 7, and the passage of the fluid conduits 14. Similarly, the network of fluid conduits 14 may run differently than within the thickness of the material of the connecting wall 4, for example, on the surface of this connecting wall 4, or even through external conduits attached to the wall.

[0143] Furthermore, the fluid connections 8 may not protrude directly from the connection wall 4, but may pass through other walls of the housing 1, thanks to sealed junctions.

[0144] The fluid pressurized in the fluidic conduit network 14 can be a gas (example: air, CO2), an inert gas (example: argon), a liquid (example: water, oil, dielectric fluid), or any other substance suitable for the function described, for example a dielectric foam.

[0145] Furthermore, the accumulators 6 may have electrodes located only on the side of the connection wall 4, the support wall 3 only providing mechanical support for the accumulators 6, without electrical contact.

[0146] Furthermore, the fluidic conduit network 14 can be disconnected from the pressurization means 16 once the variable volume chamber 11 has been pressurized, a closure / obstruction system ensuring the maintenance of pressure in the fluidic conduits.

Claims

Demands

1. Electrochemical accumulator module housing comprising at least one housing (5) for an electrochemical accumulator, characterized in that it comprises: - a support wall (3) and a connection wall (4) opposite each other, said housing (5) extending between these two walls (3,4); - at least one electrical contactor (7), mounted on the connection wall (4) and comprising a variable volume enclosure (11) and a movable electrical contact (12) adapted to be moved by the variable volume enclosure (11) towards the support wall (3);- a network of fluidic conduits (14) arranged at the level of the connection wall (4) and connecting the variable volume enclosure (11) with a fluidic fitting (8) mounted on the connection wall (4) and protruding from the housing (1) of the electrochemical accumulator module, the fluidic fitting (8) being adapted to be connected to a pressurization means located outside the housing of the electrochemical accumulator module.;

2. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the variable volume enclosure (11) is formed by an elastically deformable envelope.

3. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastically deformable envelope is formed by a material extension of the connecting wall (4).

4. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the elastically deformable envelope has a cylindrical shape with at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section.

5. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable electrical contact (12) is formed by a conductive surface coating applied to the variable volume enclosure (11).

6. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contactor (7) includes a cylinder (17), the variable volume enclosure (11) being formed by a chamber of the cylinder.

7. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 6, characterized in that the cylinder (17) comprises a piston (18), the variable volume enclosure (11) being delimited by this piston (18) and by said chamber of the cylinder (17), the movable electrical contact (12) being coupled to this piston (18).

8. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the variable volume enclosure (11) comprises a flexible membrane (23) disposed in the connection wall (4).

9. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 8, characterized in that the flexible membrane (23) is clamped between an actuator support (22) and a body (20) which includes an internal chamber (25) connected to the fluidic conduit network (14).

10. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuator support (22) comprises at least one movable spacer (26) disposed against the flexible membrane (23), the movable electrical contact (12) being coupled to the movable spacer (26).

11. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contactor (7) comprises an elastic means for stressing the variable volume enclosure (11) towards a rest position in which the movable electrical contact (12) is kept away from the support wall (3) by a distance greater than a predetermined distance.

12. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluidic conduit network (14) is made in the thickness of the connecting wall (4).

13. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable volume enclosure (11) is made of a material whose melting temperature is less than 120°C.

14. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall of connection (4), the fluidic conduit network (14), and the variable volume enclosure (11) are made of a single piece.

15. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said electrical contactors (7) whose variable volume enclosures (11) are fluidically connected to each other by the network of fluidic conduits (14).

16. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 15 characterized in that the fluidic conduit network (14) comprises a plurality of independent sections, each of these sections comprising: a fluidic fitting (8); at least one fluidic conduit (14); and a plurality of variable volume enclosures (11) of electrical contactors (7); fluidically connected to each other.

17. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said electrical contactors (7), and in that it further comprises at least one connecting conductor (13) electrically connecting several movable electrical contacts (12).

18. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to claim 17, characterized in that the junction conductor (13) is formed by a flexible metal plate.

19. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a means for pressurizing (16) a fluid, connected to the fluidic fitting (8).

20. Electrochemical accumulator module housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one electrical contactor (7), mounted on the support wall (3) and comprising a variable volume enclosure (11) and a movable electrical contact (12) adapted to be moved by the variable volume enclosure (11) towards the connection wall (4); - a network of fluidic conduits (14) disposed at the level of the support wall (3) and connecting said variable volume enclosure (11) with a fluidic fitting (8) mounted on the electrochemical accumulator module housing (1).

21. Electrochemical accumulator module characterized in that it comprises an electrochemical accumulator housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and at least one electrochemical accumulator (6) disposed in the housing (5).

22. Method of connecting an electrochemical accumulator module according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises a step of pressurizing a fluid in the network of fluidic conduits (14).

23. Method for disconnecting an electrochemical accumulator module according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises a step of reducing the pressure of the fluidic conduit network (14).