Battery cover for mobility device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover (1) for a mobility device battery (500) arranged to be installed between the battery and a passenger compartment of the mobility device, said cover comprising at least one first air circulation duct (2') equipped with a shutter (3), movable between an open and a closed position. The invention also relates to a battery case (100) comprising such a cover as well as an assembly (900) for a mobility device. FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cover for a mobility device battery

[0001] The present application relates to the field of mobility device batteries, in particular mobility devices comprising an electric motor and at least one wheel. The present invention relates to batteries used in an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle or a rechargeable hybrid electric vehicle.

[0002] Following the generalization of electric or hybrid mobility, notably combining electric and thermal propulsion, it is necessary to control the capacity, efficiency, lifespan as well as the safety of the batteries used.

[0003] In the event of a thermal problem with the battery, for example an internal or external short circuit, it is known that a ventilation phenomenon occurs. This poses a problem in particular for an air-cooled battery, because the gases emitted can then mix with the cooling circuit, or even risk reaching the passenger compartment.

[0004] In the event of overheating or fire of the battery, it is necessary to prevent toxic gases or even flames from entering the passenger compartment and at least to delay their spread and thus give any occupants time to leave the passenger compartment and get to safety.

[0005] In currently known solutions, the air flow to the passenger compartment is generally blocked by a valve in passive operation. Under the effect of a depression caused by the ventilation system, the valve is opened. It closes by the action of gas coming from the battery. These solutions have the disadvantage of causing energy losses. In addition, the closing force of the valve is not very high. These solutions require a compromise between air flow losses and the sealing of the valve. There is a need to improve the safety of the batteries.

[0006] To meet all or part of these needs, the invention according to a first aspect relates to a cover for a mobility device battery arranged to be installed between the battery and a passenger compartment of the mobility device, said cover comprising at least a first air circulation duct provided with a closing flap, movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0007] The first air circulation duct allows in particular the air coming from the passenger compartment, in particular the recycled air, to be brought towards the battery.

[0008] In the remainder of the description, the terms shutter and shutter are used interchangeably.

[0009] The shutter pivots for example around an axis of rotation.

[0010] In a particular embodiment, when the shutter is in the open position, The first duct allows air to circulate from the passenger compartment to the battery and conversely, from the battery to the passenger compartment. In this case, the cover can advantageously include a filtration system to eliminate any harmful gases released by the battery.

[0011] In a variant, when the flap is in the open position, air can only circulate from the passenger compartment to the battery.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises an actuator for moving the flap between the open position and the closed position.

[0013] The actuator, by thus moving the flap from the open position to the closed position, activates the air isolation of the battery from the passenger compartment.

[0014] The shutter is in particular connected to an output shaft of the actuator.

[0015] The actuator is for example arranged to receive a signal from a battery management system and / or at least one autonomous sensor and control the closing and / or opening of the shutter following receipt of a trigger event signal.

[0016] The autonomous sensor(s) arranged to send signals to the actuator are notably chosen from a battery temperature sensor, a passenger compartment temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a power supply detector for a fan linked to the battery, a pressure sensor for at least one cell of the battery, a cell voltage sensor, a current sensor.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery management system, also called BMS, i.e. Battery Management System in English, sends a signal to the actuator, the result of the analysis of the parameters measured by the sensors, in particular temperature, voltage and current of the battery.

[0018] In the context of the invention, a triggering event means a change in the value of at least one parameter linked to the battery which causes the shutter to move.

[0019] When the battery is stopped or in charging mode, the shutter is for example in the closed position.

[0020] During operation of the battery, the shutter can be in the open or closed position depending on determined external conditions, signaled in particular by the battery management system and / or at least one autonomous sensor.

[0021] The position of the shutter may depend on the temperature inside the passenger compartment and / or the temperature of the battery. It may depend on whether or not a fan linked to the battery is operating.

[0022] In a particular example, when the battery is started, the latter, due to its thermal inertia, is still hot from previous use and has a temperature higher than the set temperature of the passenger compartment, the flap can be opened and the air can circulate from the battery to the passenger compartment for a given period or, in a variant, until the passenger compartment temperature has reached a set temperature.

[0023] The battery management system, also called BMS, i.e. Battery Management System in English, may comprise a low threshold and / or a high temperature threshold corresponding to a preferred operating range of the battery. The values ​​of these parameters of the battery management system, the low threshold, respectively the high threshold, of temperature are fixed from criteria of efficiency of the battery and comfort inside the passenger compartment. The low threshold is for example equal to or close to 15°C and the high threshold between 30°C and 35°C.

[0024] The battery management system may also include a battery temperature alert threshold beyond which the shutter moves and remains in the closed position.

[0025] According to other embodiments, in addition or alternatively: - when the temperature of the battery is strictly higher than the upper threshold, the flap is in the open position and the air circulates from the passenger compartment to the battery, unless the temperature of the passenger compartment is higher than or equal to the temperature of the battery. In the latter case the flap is closed. - when the battery temperature and the passenger compartment temperature are between the low and high temperature thresholds, the shutter is in the closed position - when the battery temperature is strictly below the low threshold and strictly below the passenger compartment temperature, the flap is in the open position. The air flow from the passenger compartment to the battery helps warm the battery and improve its performance. - when the battery temperature is between the low and high temperature thresholds, i.e. the battery is in its preferred temperature range, and the passenger compartment temperature is strictly lower than the low threshold or strictly higher than the high temperature threshold, the shutter is in the open position and air flows from the battery to the passenger compartment. Thus, the air intake from the battery improves passenger compartment comfort.

[0026] A trigger event for sending a signal and causing the shutter to move is, for example, linked to a variation in the battery temperature level and / or the passenger compartment temperature relative to the temperature thresholds. Another trigger event may be linked to the comparison of the passenger compartment battery temperatures.

[0027] The actuator is notably chosen from a geared motor, a stepper motor, a rack or pinion system, a return member system.

[0028] The actuator is for example connected to an external wall of the first air circulation duct.

[0029] Preferably, the movement between the open position and the closed position is reversible. In other words, the shutter is in particular arranged to pivot in the first duct in two directions of rotation between the open and closed positions.

[0030] In one variant, the movement is irreversible, except possibly with external intervention. In other words, in the case of irreversible movement, once the shutter is in the closed position, returning to the open position is only possible by replacing all or part of the cover or at least by manually moving the shutter to the open position.

[0031] Depending on the embodiments, the cover according to the invention may alternatively or additionally have one of the following characteristics: - the cover comprises at least one second air circulation duct, in particular an external air inlet duct, and / or at least one third air circulation duct, in particular an air outlet duct, - the shutter is of the drum type, it can therefore include a portion of cylinder limited by side cheeks, - the shutter is a butterfly shutter or a sliding shutter. - the first conduit is not limited to a particular shape. The first conduit can thus have a cross-section that is at least partially polygonal, - the cover may include a perforated or meshed part to separate the first conduit from the living area, - the shutter may have an edge made at least partly of soft material in order to ensure better sealing in the closed position.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a battery box comprising a cover as described above.

[0033] Said housing comprises in particular at least one second air circulation duct, in particular an external air inlet duct, and / or at least one third air circulation duct, in particular an air outlet duct.

[0034] According to the different variants of the invention, the second air circulation duct and / or the third air circulation duct of the housing may or may not belong to the cover.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for a mobility device comprising a battery and a cover or a housing as described above.

[0036] In a particular example, the assembly further comprises a fan. The operation of the fan can in particular control the movement of the shutter to the open position.

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below for information purposes in relation to drawings in which:

[0038] - [Fig.l] illustrates an assembly for a mobility device according to the invention;

[0039] - [Fig.2a] is a schematic partial view of a cover according to a first embodiment of carrying out the invention in the open position of the shutter;

[0040] - [Fig.2b] is a schematic partial view of the cover of [Fig.2a], the flap being in the closed position;

[0041] - [Fig.3] is a sectional view along III-III axial of the conduit of figures 2a-2b, and

[0042] - Figures 4a and 4b are schematic views of a cover according to a second embodiment of the invention in the open position of the shutter, respectively closed position.

[0043] In these figures, similar elements bear the same references. The arrow Gv shows in the figures the direction of circulation of the air passing through the first duct 2', in particular coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0044] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0045] In the description, certain objects may be indexed, such as first object, second or third object. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical objects. This indexing does not imply a priority of one object over another and such names can easily be reversed without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0046] [Fig.l] illustrates an assembly 900 of a battery 500 and a housing 100 housing said battery. - In the example illustrated, the housing 100 comprises a cover 1. Said cover 1 comprises a first air circulation duct 2' provided with a closing flap 3. The cover 1 here comprises an actuator 8, not visible in the figure, arranged to pivot the closing flap 3 around an axis XX' between an open position O and a closed position S. The flap 3 is shown here in the closed position.

[0047] The housing 100 further comprises a second external air inlet duct 2” and a third duct 2'”. The arrows Gv, OUT and EXT respectively show the direction of circulation of the air coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle in the first duct 2', coming from the outside in the second duct 2” and leaving the housing via the third duct 2'”.

[0048] In the example illustrated, the housing 100 also houses a fan 40. The fan is here located in the third duct 2'”.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the second and third ducts 2” and 2'” are not elements of the cover 1. Alternatively or in addition, in variants, not illustrated, the cover of the housing comprises at least a second external air inlet duct, and / or at least a third air outlet duct.

[0050] In particular examples not illustrated, the second external air inlet duct 2” and / or third duct 2”' also comprises a flap 3 movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0051] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a first conduit 2' of a cover 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0052] The cover 1 has a tubular part 2, here of polygonal cross-section, defining a first duct 2' in which a closure flap 3 is mounted articulated around an axis X-X' to move over a predetermined angular travel in two directions of rotation. The angular travel of the flap 3 extends for example between stops 4, 5 to respectively define an open position O in which the flap 3 releases the passage of air in the first duct 2' and a closed position S in which the flap 3 obstructs the passage of air in the first duct 2'.

[0053] [Fig. 3] corresponds to a sectional view along III - III of the first conduit 2' of figures 2a and 2b, the shutter being in an intermediate position between the open position O and the closed position S.

[0054] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the flap 3 is connected to an output shaft 7 of an actuator 8. The actuator 8 is for example a small stepper or direct current electric motor. The actuator 8 is fixed externally on an outer side wall 12 of the first duct 2'.

[0055] The actuator 8 is furthermore arranged here to receive a signal 10 from a battery management system - not shown - and / or from an autonomous sensor - not shown. The actuator controls the closed position S of the shutter 3 following the reception of a triggering event detection signal 10.

[0056] The flap 3 illustrated comprises a central part 13 articulated along the axis XX' and two lateral parts to block the passage of air. The movement between the open position O and the closed position fS / is here reversible. Thus, depending on the signal 10 received, the actuator 8 can control the movement of the shutter 3 from the closed position S to the open position O.

[0057] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate another example of a first duct 2' of a cover 1 according to the invention. The cover 1 comprises an actuator 8, here a return member system, for moving the shutter 3 inside the first air circulation duct 2', between an open position O and a closed position S. In [Fig.4a] the closure shutter 3 is held in the open position O. The actuator 8 comprises a return member - here a spring - and a locking latch holding the spring in the stretched position. As shown by the double arrow Gv, the air circulates freely in the first duct 2', in both directions, that is to say from the passenger compartment of the mobility device to the battery and vice versa.

[0058] When a triggering event occurs, the lock is unlocked, releasing the return member 18 which then closes the shutter 3 and keeps it in the closed position. Figure 4b illustrates this closed position in which air can no longer circulate between the passenger compartment of the mobility device and the battery. In particular, the shutter 3 prevents any harmful fumes or burning air, or even flames, from reaching the passenger compartment.

[0059] The movement between the open position O and the closed position S is irreversible here. External intervention is necessary to return the return member 18 to the locked position, or even replace the lock.

[0060] In the examples illustrated schematically, the cover and the housing of the illustrated examples are made of thermoplastic material having a thickness of a few millimeters. The cover and the housing according to the invention are not limited to a particular material. Any material known to those skilled in the art in the field of covers or housings for mobility device batteries can be used within the scope of the invention. In particular, the cover and / or the housing can comprise elements made of different materials.

Claims

Claims

1. Cover (1) for a battery (500) of a mobility device arranged to be installed between the battery and a passenger compartment of the mobility device, said cover comprising at least a first air circulation duct (2') provided with a shutter (3), movable between an open position (0) and a closed position (S) and an actuator (8) for moving the shutter (3) between the open position (0) and the closed position (S), the actuator being arranged to receive a signal from a battery management system and / or an autonomous sensor and to control the closing and / or opening of the shutter (3) following the reception of a triggering event signal, the battery management system comprising a temperature alert threshold of the battery (500) beyond which the shutter (3) moves and remains in the closed position (S).

2. Cover according to claim 1, the movement between the open position (O) and the closed position (S) being reversible.

3. Cover according to any one of the preceding claims, the cover comprising at least one second air circulation duct (2”), in particular an external air inlet duct, and / or at least one third air circulation duct (2”'), in particular an air outlet duct.

4. Cover according to any one of the preceding claims, the flap (3) being of the drum type or a butterfly flap or a sliding flap.

5. Cover according to any one of the preceding claims, the actuator being chosen from a geared motor, a stepper motor, a rack or pinion system, a return member system.

6. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (8) is connected to an outer wall (11) of the first air circulation duct (2').

7. Battery case (100) comprising a cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said case comprising in particular at least one second air circulation duct (2”), in particular an external air inlet duct, and / or at least one

8. third air circulation duct (2”), including an air outlet duct. Assembly (900) for mobility device comprising a battery (500) and a cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a housing (100) according to claim 7.

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