Structural basket designed to house battery modules comprising stacked electrochemical cells, battery and associated mounting method

Abstract

A structural basket for housing battery modules comprising stacked electrochemical cells, a battery, and an associated mounting method. The basket (12) has a base (30), two opposing end walls (32), and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners (36) connecting the end walls (32). The stiffeners (36) extend parallel to a longitudinal direction (B-B') for receiving modules in the basket (12). Each pair of adjacent longitudinal stiffeners (36) delimits a module receiving compartment. At least one stiffener (36) is movable transversely on the base (30) over a transverse position adjustment range for the stiffener (36).The structural basket (12) includes a transverse locking system (40) for the stiffener(s) (36) movable in at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke, in particular in any transverse position along the adjustment stroke. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Structural basket intended to accommodate battery modules comprising stacked electrochemical elements, associated battery and mounting method

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural basket intended to receive at least one battery module comprising several stacked electrochemical elements, the structural basket comprising:

[0002] - a background;

[0003] - two facing end walls, projecting from the bottom to delimit with the bottom an intermediate space, the end walls being intended to extend transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of module reception in the intermediate space;

[0004] - a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners, connecting the end walls between them, the stiffeners extending parallel to the longitudinal module receiving direction, each pair of adjacent longitudinal stiffeners delimiting between them a module receiving compartment.

[0005] Such a structural basket, when it receives battery modules (designated by the English term "cell block"), is intended in particular to form a mechanically robust battery, while having a high density of electrochemical elements, in particular for applications in the field of transport, in particular in automobiles, rail transport, or even air transport.

[0006] When a battery is used in the field of transport, the battery modules must be arranged in structural baskets to ensure their integrity during transport, and to provide mechanical resistance in the event of significant deceleration.

[0007] Such baskets generally comprise a structure with end walls, and stiffeners providing mechanical longitudinal resistance between the walls.

[0008] Examples of structural baskets are described in US2021 / 0175572 or in EP 3334617. Other examples of non-structural battery receiving baskets are described in DE 102017005323 or in US 2016 / 0204401.

[0009] The structural baskets offer high mechanical strength, but do not ensure adequate support for the electrochemical element modules given the manufacturing tolerances between, on the one hand, the rigid, non-deformable structure formed by the stiffeners and the walls and, on the other hand, the stack of electrochemical elements which is more or less compressed.

[0010] To overcome this problem, it is known to equip the battery modules with a chassis for holding the electrochemical elements. This frame ensures that the front surfaces of the electrochemical elements remain in contact with each other. It also holds the electrochemical elements of each module laterally.

[0011] Such a chassis present in each module is therefore effective in guaranteeing mechanical integrity to the module, but has the disadvantage of being bulky.

[0012] The density of electrochemical elements received in the structural basket and therefore the total power of the battery is thus limited by the space occupied by the frames.

[0013] An aim of the invention is to provide a structural basket which guarantees great mechanical robustness, in particular for applications in the field of rail transport, while offering a maximized density of elements to have maximum electrical power.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a structural basket of the aforementioned type, characterized in that at least one stiffener is movable transversely on the bottom over a transverse position adjustment stroke of the stiffener, the structural basket comprising a transverse locking system of the or each movable stiffener, in at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke, in particular in any transverse position along the adjustment stroke.

[0015] The structural basket according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0016] - the transverse locking system comprises at least one oblong hole provided in the bottom, the oblong hole extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of module reception, and at least one transverse fixing member of the movable stiffener passing through the oblong hole;

[0017] - the bottom comprises an inner face delimiting the intermediate space and a face exterior opposite the interior face, the transverse fixing member comprising a head applied to the interior face;

[0018] - the bottom delimits a housing for receiving the head into which the hole opens oblong, the head being completely received in the housing;

[0019] - the transverse fixing member comprises at least one locking flat angular of the transverse fixing member, the stiffener defining a passage orifice of the transverse fixing member delimited by at least one blocking face of the flat in rotation, the cooperation between the flat and the blocking face preventing the rotation of the transverse fixing member around its axis and in which advantageously, the passage orifice of the transverse fixing member is defined between two opposite blocking faces, the transverse fixing member comprising two opposite flats cooperating respectively with the opposite blocking faces;

[0020] - the stiffener defines along its upper edge at least one notch, the member of transverse attachment comprising a projecting upper region, received in the slot, the transverse locking system comprising a locking nut engaged on the upper region in the slot;

[0021] - it includes a system for axially locking the stiffeners on the walls end, the axial locking system comprising, for each transversely movable stiffener, at least one axial fixing member and, for each axial fixing member, a through cavity formed in one of the end walls, the cavity being transversely elongated, the axial fixing member passing through the cavity to be received in the stiffener;

[0022] - the stiffener is formed from a profile comprising in cross section a sleeve for receiving an axial fixing member, and an openwork crosspiece connected to the socket, the openwork crosspiece defining at least one longitudinal recess in a lateral face of the stiffener, the longitudinal recess opening laterally;

[0023] - the profile has above the openwork crosspiece, a solid region full of ending with a receiving hole for an additional axial fixing member;

[0024] - the stiffener comprises two lateral faces, at least one lateral face being provided with of a longitudinal deformable strip;

[0025] - the deformable strip extends along one edge of the longitudinal recess

[0026] - the bottom is a heat exchange plate delimiting at least one cir channel culation of a cooling fluid.

[0027] The invention also relates to a battery, comprising: - a structural basket as defined above; - at least one battery module comprising several stacked electrochemical elements, each electrochemical element comprising two opposite front surfaces, and two opposite side surfaces, the electrochemical elements being stacked on top of each other by their front surfaces, - the battery module optionally comprising a connecting strip connecting the electrochemical elements, the connecting strip preferably comprising a substrate and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being applied to the side surfaces of the electrochemical elements, and to a front surface which is an end front surface of two of the electrochemical elements.

[0028] The battery according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0029] - the stiffeners are positioned opposite the lateral surfaces of the electrical elements trophic.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a battery, including the following steps:

[0031] - pre-assembly of a structural basket, comprising the provision of a base and the placement of two end walls facing each other, projecting from the bottom to delimit with the bottom an intermediate space, the end walls extending transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of reception of the module in the intermediate space;

[0032] the pre-assembly comprising the provision of a plurality of stiffeners and the connection of the end walls to each other by at least one stiffener extending parallel to the longitudinal module-receiving direction, at least one other longitudinal stiffener being arranged adjacent to delimit between them a module-receiving compartment,

[0033] - arrangement of at least one battery module comprising several electrical elements trochemicals stacked in the module receiving compartment;

[0034] characterized in that at least one stiffener is movable transversely on the bottom over a stroke for adjusting the transverse position of the stiffener, the assembly method comprising the following steps:

[0035] - transverse displacement of the movable stiffener along the adjustment stroke in a transverse mounting position;

[0036] - installation of a transverse locking system for the mobile stiffener in the transverse mounting position, the transverse mounting position being selected from at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke in which the transverse locking system of the stiffener is configured to be set up.

[0037] 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: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective view from above of a battery comprising a structural basket according to the invention, receiving a high density of battery modules; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the basket of [Fig.l], in which some battery modules have been removed; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of the battery of [Fig.l], illustrating in particular the cross-section of a stiffener at the level of the transverse locking system; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an end view of the stiffener of [Fig.3], the wall end having been omitted; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view of a detail of [Fig.3], illustrating the blocking angular of a fixing member in the transverse locking system of the stiffener; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a bottom view of the battery; - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view of a detail of [Fig.6] illustrating a hole oblong in which the stiffener fixing member is arranged.

[0038] A first battery 10 according to the invention is illustrated by figures 1 to 7. The battery 10 is intended to be mounted in particular in a vehicle, alone or in the form of a stack of batteries 10.

[0039] The vehicles that can receive batteries 10 according to the invention are, for example, land transport vehicles such as motor or railway vehicles or even naval or air transport vehicles.

[0040] The battery 10 is intended to provide electrical power to equipment of the vehicle, and also to be connected to a source of electrical power to be recharged.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the battery 10 comprises a structural basket 12 and a plurality of battery modules 14 formed from stacks of electrochemical elements 16, the battery modules 14 being received and mechanically held in the structural basket 12.

[0042] By "electrochemical element" is meant in particular an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals and generally separators, which is a source of electrical energy obtained by direct transformation of chemical energy.

[0043] In the example shown in the figures, the electrochemical elements 16 are prismatic elements which each comprise a container 18, with in particular a general shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0044] As a variant (not shown), the electrochemical elements 16 are pockets.

[0045] The container 18 or the pocket contains electrodes of opposite polarities stacked alternately with the interposition of at least one separator.

[0046] The electrochemical elements are for example rechargeable of the Lithium-Ion, Ni / Cd, Ni / MH type.

[0047] With reference to [Fig.2], each electrochemical element 16 has two opposite front surfaces 20 and two opposite side surfaces 22 connecting the front surfaces 20 together.

[0048] The battery module 14 comprises a plurality of electrochemical elements 16 stacked on top of each other successively by their front surfaces 20. The two front surfaces 20 of each electrochemical element 16 are each in contact respectively with the front surface 20 of another electrochemical element 16, with the exception of the electrochemical elements 16 at the ends of the battery module 14 which have a free front surface 20.

[0049] The lateral surfaces 22 of the electrochemical elements 16 are generally aligned with each other. They are located substantially in two planes extending parallel to a longitudinal axis AA' of the battery module (see [Fig.l]).

[0050] In the example shown in the figures, each battery module 14 does not have a holding frame. In this respect, each battery module advantageously comprises a connecting strip 24 connecting the electrochemical elements 16 together, the connecting strip 24 being fixed to the lateral surfaces 22 and to the front end surfaces 20 of two of the electrochemical elements 16.

[0051] The connecting strip is for example formed from a plastic ribbon, provided with an adhesive on one face in contact with the lateral surfaces 22 and with the front surface 20.

[0052] An example of a connecting strip 24 is described in French patent application No. 21 14005 of the Applicant.

[0053] In the example shown in [Fig. 1] and in [Fig. 2], the structural basket 12 receives one or more battery modules 14 arranged in the form of a row extending in a longitudinal module-receiving direction BB'. In the example of [Fig. 2], each row of battery modules 14 contains three successive battery modules 14 arranged end to end in a receiving compartment of the structural basket 12.

[0054] The number of battery modules in each row is for example between 1 and 10, in particular between 2 and 5.

[0055] In this example, each electrochemical element 16 defines electrical connection terminals 26 which can be connected to each other and to connectors external to the battery 10 via a connection (not shown).

[0056] With reference to [Fig.2], the basket 12 comprises a bottom 30, and end walls 32, mounted transversely on the bottom and delimiting between them an intermediate space 34 for receiving the battery modules 14.

[0057] The basket 12 further comprises a plurality of stiffeners 36 connecting the end walls 32 together. According to the invention, at least one stiffener 36 is movable on the bottom 30 transversely relative to the longitudinal module-receiving direction BB' over a transverse position adjustment stroke of the stiffener 36.

[0058] The basket 12 further comprises a system 38 for axially locking the stiffeners 36 on the end walls 32, and a system 40 for transversely locking the stiffeners 36 in at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke, in particular in any transverse position along the adjustment stroke.

[0059] The structural basket 12 further advantageously comprises a system 42 for wedging the modules 14.

[0060] In the example shown in the figures, the bottom 30 is an exchange plate thermal, for example made of metal, particularly aluminum.

[0061] Preferably, the heat exchange plate internally defines at least one channel 50 (visible in [Fig.6]), defining a circulation path for a cooling fluid within the plate. The or each channel 50 is connected to an inlet fluid connector 52 and an outlet fluid connector 54 respectively for supplying and discharging the cooling fluid into the channel 50.

[0062] The bottom 30 defines an inner face 56 which partly delimits the intermediate space 34 and an opposite outer face 58, visible in [Fig.6], which can constitute a closing face of another battery 10 when several batteries 10 are stacked on top of each other.

[0063] The end walls 32 project vertically relative to the bottom 30. They extend substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal module-receiving direction BB', along the transverse edges of the bottom 30.

[0064] Each wall 32 is here formed by an openwork profile. Each wall 32 thus has a vertical outer face 60, and a vertical inner face 62, opposite and parallel to the outer face 60. The inner face 62 partially delimits the intermediate space 34.

[0065] The stiffeners 36 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction BB' of module reception by connecting the end walls 32.

[0066] Each pair of adjacent stiffeners 36 delimits a compartment for receiving a row of battery modules 14, between the lateral faces 68, 70 of the two stiffeners 36. The receiving compartment preferably comprises a single row of battery modules 14 comprising one or more battery modules 14 aligned parallel to the longitudinal module receiving direction BB'.

[0067] Each stiffener 36 comprises a first longitudinal end 64 fixed to the inner face 62 of a first end wall 32, and a second longitudinal end 66 fixed to the inner face 62 of a second end wall 32 located opposite the first end wall 32.

[0068] Each stiffener 36 has a profiled shape defining a height greater than its thickness.

[0069] Each stiffener 36 thus has opposite lateral faces 68, 70, a lower edge 72 applied to the inner face 56 of the bottom 30 and an upper edge 74.

[0070] The upper edge 74 is here advantageously located at a height lower than the height of the upper edge of each end wall 32.

[0071] In the example of [Fig.2], for each transversely movable stiffener 36, the upper edge 74 advantageously defines at least one slot 76 for housing the transverse locking system 40, preferably a plurality of slots 76 spaced longitudinally.

[0072] As indicated previously, at least one stiffener 36, preferably all the stiffeners 36 except a reference stiffener 36, are mounted to move transversely on the bottom 30 of the basket 12 relative to the longitudinal direction B-B' for receiving the module, over a stroke for adjusting the transverse position of the stiffener 36.

[0073] With reference to [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], each mobile stiffener 36 is formed from a profile having an upper stiffening region 80 and a lower openwork region 82.

[0074] The upper region 80 is solid, with the exception of the notches 76 which it delimits along the stiffener 36. As visible in [Fig.4], it internally defines an orifice 83 for receiving a fixing member of the axial locking system 38, extending parallel to the longitudinal direction B-B'.

[0075] The lower region 82 is integral with the upper region 80. It defines two upper right lateral partitions 84A, 84B, two lower right lateral partitions 86A, 86B and a bottom partition 88 connecting the two lower right lateral partitions 86A, 86B to each other.

[0076] The lower region 82 also defines a central sleeve 90 for receiving a fixing member of the axial locking system 38 and an openwork crosspiece 92 connecting the central sleeve 90 to the upper lateral partitions 84A, 84B and to the lower lateral partitions 86A, 86B.

[0077] The partitions 86A, 86B and 84A, 84B define a portion of the lateral faces 68, 70 of the stiffener 36. The partitions 84A, 86A are preferably located in the same plane, parallel to the plane in which the partitions 84B, 86B are preferably located. They extend vertically, parallel to the longitudinal direction BB' for receiving the module.

[0078] The partitions 84A, 84B; 86A, 86B respectively delimit between them intermediate spaces 94, 96 devoid of material.

[0079] The central sleeve 90 defines a central orifice 98 for receiving the fixing member of the axial locking system 38 with an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction B-B'. The central sleeve 90 is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter smaller than the distance separating the lateral faces 68, 70 from each other.

[0080] The openwork crosspiece 92 comprises inclined walls 100. The inclined walls 100 extend from each of the partitions 84A, 84B, 86A, 86B to connect to the central socket 90.

[0081] The inclined walls 100 and the outer surface of the sleeve 90 define in each lateral face 68, 70 of the stiffener 36, a longitudinal recess 102 which opens laterally outwards. The recess 102 here extends over the entire length of the stiffener 36, parallel to the longitudinal direction B-B' for receiving the module.

[0082] Thus, the lower region 82 has a structurally strong structure while being very light.

[0083] The axial locking system 38 comprises for each stiffener 36, at each end 64, 66, at least one axial fixing member 110 which is here formed by a screw.

[0084] In the example shown in [Fig. 4], the axial locking system 38 comprises at each end 64, 66 of a stiffener 36, two axial fixing members 110, received respectively in the orifice 83 formed in the upper region 80 and in the orifice 98 delimited in the central sleeve 90.

[0085] With reference to [Fig.2], to allow the insertion and fixing of the axial fixing members 110, the axial locking system 38 further comprises for each stiffener 36, a through cavity 112 formed through the end wall 32.

[0086] In this example, for the transversely movable stiffeners 36, the cavity 112 is of horizontally elongated shape (see [Fig.2]), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction B-B' for receiving the module.

[0087] The length of the cavity 112 is greater than or equal to the adjustment stroke of the transverse position of the stiffener 36.

[0088] The axial fixing member 110 preferably comprises a rod 114 extending through the through cavity 112 and through the stiffener 36, and a head 116 applied to the outer face 60 of the end wall 32, overlapping the through cavity 112.

[0089] The transverse locking system 40 is configured to transversely lock each movable stiffener 36 in at least two given positions along its transverse travel, preferably in each given position along its transverse travel.

[0090] For each stiffener 36, the transverse locking system 40 comprises at least one transverse fixing member 120 (visible in particular in [Fig. 3]), preferably several transverse fixing members 120 distributed along the stiffener 36, each advantageously being received in a slot 76.

[0091] The transverse locking system 40 comprises, for each transverse fixing member 120, a locking nut 122.

[0092] The transverse locking system 40 further defines, for each transverse fixing member 120, a through orifice 124 for locking the fixing member 120 in rotation relative to the stiffener 36, formed in the bottom partition 88 of the stiffener 36, an oblong hole 126 for inserting the transverse fixing member 120 through the bottom 30, allowing the transverse movement of the stiffener 36 over the given stroke, and a peripheral housing 128, into which the oblong hole 126 opens, to contain the lower end of the transverse fixing member 120.

[0093] As illustrated by [Fig.5], the transverse fixing member 120 comprises a lower head 130, an intermediate part 132 for locking in rotation, intended to cooperate with the through orifice 124 formed in the stiffener 36, and a rod 134 intended to receive at its upper end the nut 122.

[0094] The head 130 has a transverse extent greater than the width of the oblong hole 126 to overlap the oblong hole 126. It has a transverse extent less than the width of the peripheral housing 128.

[0095] It is thus completely received in the peripheral housing 128 when the transverse fixing member 120 is inserted through the oblong hole 126.

[0096] The intermediate portion 132 defines at least one flat 136, preferably two opposing flats 136.

[0097] Similarly, the through-orifice 124 is defined laterally by two lateral faces 138 on the bottom partition 88, extending opposite and in contact with each flat 136 when the intermediate part 132 is inserted through the oblong hole 126 and the through-orifice 124. The through-orifice 124 formed in each stiffener 36 is elongated along the longitudinal direction BB' for receiving the module. It therefore extends perpendicular to the oblong hole 126

[0098] In this position, each flat 136 cooperates with the lateral faces 138 defined on the bottom partition 88. Thus, the faces 138 define angular locking faces of the flats 136 in rotation, which lock in rotation the transverse fixing member 120 around its axis.

[0099] The rod 134 extends vertically across the entire height of the stiffener 36. It has an upper region 140 projecting into the slot 76, on which the nut 122 is engaged.

[0100] The oblong hole 126 extends transversely relative to the longitudinal module receiving direction B-B'. It has a length greater than or equal to the stroke of the stiffener 36 transversely relative to the direction B-B'.

[0101] With reference to [Fig.7], the peripheral housing 128 extends to the periphery of the oblong hole 126. Here it has a shape homothetic to that of the oblong hole 126. It is delimited towards the inside by a peripheral shoulder 142 on which the head 130 rests.

[0102] As visible in [Fig.2], the wedging system 42 comprises for example axial shims 150 intended to be interposed between an inner face 62 of a wall 32 and the end front surface 20 of an adjacent module 14. Depending on their thickness, the shims 150 are suitable for maintaining the electrochemical elements 16 contained in each module 14 in axial compression.

[0103] With reference to figures 2 and 4, the wedging system 42 further comprises at least one deformable lateral strip 152, in particular two deformable lateral strips 152 parallels on each lateral face 68, 70 of a movable stiffener 36.

[0104] In this example, the lateral strips 152 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction B-B', on either side of each longitudinal recess 102. They are formed for example from compressible foam. They are positioned simply and precisely during assembly along each edge of the longitudinal recess 102.

[0105] The assembly of a first battery 10 according to the invention will now be described.

[0106] Initially, a bottom 30 and end walls 32 are provided. A first fixed stiffener 36 for forming a side face of the structural basket 10 is mounted between the end walls 32 at a lateral end thereof. The edge of the bottom 30 is assembled under the fixed stiffener 36 by inserting fasteners through notches in the edge of the bottom 30 and through the fixed stiffener 36.

[0107] The axial locking system 38 of this stiffener 36 is activated by putting in place the axial fixing members 110 for example by screwing into the through cavities of the stiffener 36.

[0108] Then, at least one module 14, preferably a plurality of modules 14 forming a row are arranged parallel to the longitudinal module receiving direction B-B' by applying them against a lateral face 68 of the fixed stiffener 36.

[0109] Then, at least one mobile stiffener 36 is put in place on the other side of the or each module 14.

[0110] Prior to installation, the axial fixing members 110 are inserted into the through cavities 112 and are mounted without being tightened in the corresponding orifices in the movable stiffener 36 at the longitudinal ends 64, 66 thereof.

[0111] Similarly, the transverse fixing members 120 are inserted through the peripheral housing 128, the oblong hole 126, then the through orifice 124, before passing through the entire stiffener 36 so that the upper region 140 of the rod 134 projects into a notch 76.

[0112] The movable stiffener 36 is then moved transversely to be pressed against the lateral surfaces 22 of the module 14.

[0113] Thanks to the presence of the oblong holes 126, the transverse fixing members 120 move transversely together with the movable stiffener 36 to adjust to a chosen transverse position. Thanks to the cavities 112 of horizontally elongated shape, the axial fixing members 110 also move.

[0114] The transverse position is for example chosen to ensure lateral support of the or each module 14 and possibly slight compression, with damping provided by the longitudinal strips 152.

[0115] When the positioning is correct, the nuts 122 are engaged on the upper regions 140 and are activated to transversely fix the stiffener 36 in position.

[0116] This fixing can be activated from above the structural basket, without having to access below the bottom 30, since the intermediate parts 132 of the transverse fixing members 120 are blocked in rotation by the blocking faces 138 on the stiffener 36 cooperating with the flats 136 on the transverse fixing member 120.

[0117] This being done, if necessary, at least one other row of modules 14 is put in place and at least one other mobile stiffener 36 is adjusted in transverse position then fixed in position, until the basket 12 is completely filled.

[0118] As illustrated by [Fig. 1], a very high density of electrochemical elements 16 can then be stored in the battery 10, while ensuring effective and structural support of the modules 14, both axially and transversely.

[0119] The battery 10 thus obtained is very mechanically rigid, thanks to the presence of the stiffeners 36 which provide longitudinal mechanical resistance.

[0120] The modules 14 can thus be devoid of a holding frame, since the end walls 32, on the one hand, and the stiffeners 36, on the other hand, provide the necessary mechanical support.

[0121] Thus, significant space is gained in the intermediate space 34 of the structural basket 12, which allows the installation of several modules 14 end to end.

[0122] In this regard, the structural basket 12 is devoid of a crosspiece perpendicular to the longitudinal direction B-B' extending between the walls 32.

[0123] The power supplied by the battery 10 is thus significantly increased. This power can further increase when the batteries 10 are superimposed on each other.

[0124] It is further possible to adjust the compression of the pressure applied to the electrochemical elements 16 by modifying the transverse position of the movable stiffeners 36, and / or by placing axial shims 150 between the end walls 32.

[0125] The tolerance intervals on the manufacture of the electrochemical elements 16 are further absorbed by the possible adjustment of the transverse position of the stiffeners 36.

[0126] The stiffeners 36 also advantageously have a lightweight profiled structure, their installation is simple and can be adapted to different types of electrochemical elements 16, for example in the form of prismatic elements or pockets.

Claims

Claims

1. Structural basket (12) intended to receive at least one battery module (14) comprising several stacked electrochemical elements (16), the structural basket (12) comprising: - a bottom (30); - two facing end walls (32), projecting relative to the bottom (30) to delimit with the bottom (30) an intermediate space (34), the end walls (32) being intended to extend transversely relative to a longitudinal direction (B-B') for receiving the module in the intermediate space (34); - a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners (36), connecting the end walls (32) together, the stiffeners (36) extending parallel to the longitudinal module-receiving direction (B-B'), each pair of adjacent longitudinal stiffeners (36) delimiting between them a module-receiving compartment, characterized in that at least one stiffener (36) is movable transversely on the bottom (30) over a transverse position adjustment stroke of the stiffener (36), the structural basket (12) comprising a transverse locking system (40) for the or each stiffener (36) movable in at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke, in particular in any transverse position along the adjustment stroke, in that the transverse locking system (40) comprises at least one oblong hole (126) formed in the bottom (30),the oblong hole (126) extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction (B-B') for receiving the module, and at least one transverse fixing member (120) of the movable stiffener (36) passing through the oblong hole (126)., in that the bottom (30) comprises an inner face (56) delimiting the intermediate space (34) and an outer face (58) opposite the inner face (56), the transverse fixing member (120) comprising a head (130) applied to the inner face (56). and in that the bottom (30) delimits a housing (128) for receiving the head (130) into which the oblong hole (126) opens, the head (130) being completely received in the housing (128).

2. A structural basket (12) according to claim 1, wherein the transverse fixing member (120) comprises at least one flat (136) of angular locking of the transverse fixing member (120), the stiffener (36) defining an orifice (124) for the passage of the transverse fixing member (120) delimited by at least one locking face (138) of the flat (136) in rotation, the cooperation between the flat (136) and the locking face (138) preventing the rotation of the transverse fixing member (120) around its axis and in which advantageously, the orifice for the passage of the transverse fixing member (120) is defined between two opposite locking faces (138), the transverse fixing member (120) comprising two opposite flats (136) cooperating respectively with the opposite locking faces (138).

3. Structural basket (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stiffener (36) defines along its upper edge at least one slot (76), the transverse fixing member (120) comprising a projecting upper region (140), received in the slot (76), the transverse locking system (40) comprising a locking nut (122) engaged on the upper region (140) in the slot (76).

4. Structural basket (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an axial locking system (38) for the stiffeners (36) on the end walls (32), the axial locking system (38) comprising, for each transversely movable stiffener (36), at least one axial fixing member (110) and, for each axial fixing member (110), a through cavity (112) formed in one of the end walls (32), the cavity (112) being transversely elongated, the axial fixing member (110) passing through the cavity (112) to be received in the stiffener (36).

5. Structural basket (12) according to claim 4, in which the stiffener (36) is formed of a profile comprising in cross section a sleeve (90) for receiving an axial fixing member (110), and an openwork crosspiece (92) connected to the sleeve (90), the openwork crosspiece (92) defining at least one longitudinal recess (102) in a lateral face (68, 70) of the stiffener (36), the longitudinal recess (102) opening out laterally.

6. Structural basket (12) according to claim 5, in which the profile comprises above the openwork crosspiece (92), a solid solid region (90) defining an orifice for receiving an additional axial fixing member (110).

7. A structural basket (12) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding, in which the stiffener (36) comprises two lateral faces (68, 70), at least one lateral face (68, 70) being provided with a longitudinal deformable strip (152).

8. A structural basket (12) according to claim 7, taken in combination with claim 5, wherein the deformable strip (152) extends along an edge of the longitudinal recess (102).

9. Structural basket (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bottom (30) is a heat exchange plate delimiting at least one channel (50) for circulation of a cooling fluid.

10. Battery (10), comprising: - a structural basket (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; - at least one battery module (14) comprising several stacked electrochemical elements (16), each electrochemical element (16) comprising two opposite front surfaces (20), and two opposite side surfaces (22), the electrochemical elements (16) being stacked on top of each other by their front surfaces (20), the battery module (14) optionally comprising a connecting strip (24) connecting the electrochemical elements (16), the connecting strip (24) preferably comprising a substrate and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being applied to the side surfaces (22) of the electrochemical elements (16), and to a front surface (20) which is an end front surface (20) of two of the electrochemical elements (16).

11. Battery (10) according to claim 10, wherein the stiffeners (36) are positioned opposite the lateral surfaces (22) of the electrochemical elements (16).

12. A method of mounting a battery (10), comprising the following steps - pre-mounting a structural basket (12), comprising providing a bottom (30) and placing two facing end walls (32), projecting from the bottom (30) to delimit with the bottom (30) an intermediate space (34), the end walls (32) extending transversely to a longitudinal direction (B-B') for receiving a module in the intermediate space (34); the pre-mounting comprising providing a plurality of stiffeners (36) and connecting the end walls (32) together by at least one stiffener (36) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction longitudinal (B-B') for receiving the module, at least one other longitudinal stiffener (36) being arranged adjacent to delimit between them a module receiving compartment, - arrangement of at least one battery module (14) comprising several electrochemical elements (16) stacked in the module receiving compartment; characterized in that at least one stiffener (36) is movable transversely on the bottom (30) over a transverse position adjustment stroke of the stiffener (36), the assembly method comprising the following steps: - transverse displacement of the movable stiffener (36) along the adjustment stroke in a transverse mounting position; - placing a transverse locking system (40) of the movable stiffener (36) in the transverse mounting position, the transverse mounting position being chosen from at least two distinct transverse positions along the adjustment stroke in which the transverse locking system (40) of the stiffener (36) is configured to be placed, in that the transverse locking system (40) comprises at least one oblong hole (126) formed in the bottom (30), the oblong hole (126) extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction (B-B') for receiving the module, and at least one transverse fixing member (120) of the movable stiffener (36) passing through the oblong hole (126). in that the bottom (30) comprises an inner face (56) delimiting the intermediate space (34) and an outer face (58) opposite the inner face (56), the transverse fixing member (120) comprising a head (130) applied to the inner face (56). and in that the bottom (30) delimits a housing (128) for receiving the head (130) into which the oblong hole (126) opens, the head (130) being completely received in the housing (128).

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