Energy storage device

Abstract

Energy storage device. Energy storage device (6) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, the energy storage device comprising an electrochemical battery (4) and at least one connecting means (10) for connecting two components (8, 9) of the vehicle separate from the energy storage device, the at least one connecting means passing through the energy storage device. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Energy storage device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an energy storage device comprising an electrochemical battery. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such an energy storage device. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a vehicle. Prior art

[0002] Certain vehicles, particularly electric or hybrid motor vehicles, include an electrochemical battery designed to supply electrical energy to an electric motor driving the vehicle's drive wheels. The battery generally extends along the vehicle floor, substantially between a front axle and a rear axle.

[0003] In order to provide maximum range to the motor vehicle, the battery contains a large number of electrochemical modules. The battery is therefore relatively bulky. It thus occupies a large part of the available space between the front and rear axles of the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, a motor vehicle incorporates various systems, each comprising several interconnected components. For example, a motor vehicle includes a braking system comprising friction elements for each of the vehicle's wheels and at least one control element connected to a brake pedal. Hydraulic lines filled with brake fluid connect the friction elements to the control element. The various systems of a motor vehicle thus require means of connecting the components that comprise them. Due to the significant volume occupied by the battery, the volume available for the various connecting means is severely limited. Some connecting means extend above the battery, between the upper surface of the battery and the passenger compartment floor.

[0005] Such an arrangement is not optimal however because it reduces the volume available for the vehicle's passengers and exposes the connecting means to risks of shock or damage related to the use of the passenger compartment, for example when heavy or blunt objects are loaded into the vehicle. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement comprising an energy storage device that remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon the arrangements of energy storage devices known in the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an arrangement of an energy storage device that is simple to manufacture, lightweight, compact, and provides additional protection to the connecting means of a motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to an energy storage device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the energy storage device comprising an electrochemical battery and at least one connecting means for linking two vehicle components separate from the energy storage device, the at least one connecting means passing through the energy storage device from one end to the other.

[0009] According to one embodiment, at least one connecting means comprises: - at least one hydraulic connecting means, in particular at least one hydraulic line of a vehicle braking system, and / or - at least one means of electrical connection, including at least one electrical cable, and / or - at least one mechanical linkage means, in particular at least one mechanical transmission shaft, for example a rod.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the energy storage device comprises at least one stretcher supporting the battery, the stretcher being a profiled and hollow element, and at least one connecting means extending inside said stretcher.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the battery comprises a housing enclosing at least one electrochemical module, the housing comprising at least one side wall and / or a bottom plate, the side wall and / or the bottom plate being a profiled and hollow element, at least one connecting means extending inside said profiled and hollow element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the energy storage device comprises at least one element formed by extrusion, in particular by extrusion of aluminium, and at least one connecting means extending into an inner chamber of said element formed by extrusion.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least one connecting means comprises a hydraulic line, the walls of the hydraulic line forming a monolithic assembly with a support supporting the battery or with a wall of a battery case.

[0014] According to one embodiment, at least one connecting means extends into a free space of the energy storage device, said free space being included between at least one electrochemical module of the battery and a battery case enclosing at least one electrochemical module, the free space being in particular included between at least one electrochemical module of the battery and a cover of the case.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the energy storage device includes at least one connection means arranged at an edge of the energy storage device, the at least one connection means being fixed at one end of the at least one linking means to connect the at least one linking means to at least one auxiliary linking means extending outside the energy storage device.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an energy storage device as defined above.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - the supply of an energy storage device as defined above, and - the supply of a first and a second separate component of the energy storage device, then - the connection of the first organ to the second organ via at least one means of connection passing through the energy storage device from one end to the other. Presentation of the figures

[0018] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an energy storage device on the vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of part of the energy storage device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view and cross-section of part of an energy storage device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view and cross-section of part of an energy storage device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of an energy storage device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a linking means integrated into an energy storage device, the linking means being equipped with a connection means according to a first type. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a linking means integrated into an energy storage device, the linking means being equipped with a connection means of a second type. Detailed description

[0019] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 may be, for example, a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, or a truck. The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, that is to say, it includes an electric motor 2 for driving the vehicle's drive wheels 3. To supply the electric motor 2 with electrical energy, the vehicle 1 includes an electrochemical battery 4 comprising a set of electrochemical modules 5, for example, of the lithium-ion type. The battery 4 is electrically connected to the electric motor 2.

[0020] Alternatively, the invention can also be adapted to any other type of vehicle comprising an electrochemical battery.

[0021] The battery 4 is integrated into an energy storage device 6. As will be detailed later, the energy storage device 6 includes not only the battery 4 but also at least one support 7 for holding the battery 4 within the vehicle 1.

[0022] In addition, the vehicle 1 comprises various on-board systems, each system comprising at least a first component 8 and a second component 9. The two components 8 and 9 are distinct from each other and connected to each other by a linking means 10.

[0023] In particular, according to the embodiment presented, the vehicle 1 comprises a braking system. The first component 8 is a friction element and the second component 9 is a control element. The friction element may be, for example, a brake caliper intended to cooperate with a brake disc attached to a wheel or a drum brake. The control element may be, for example, a braking force amplification device or a braking force modulation device such as an anti-lock braking system or a vehicle stability control device.

[0024] The first organ 8 can be located at the rear of the energy storage device 6 and the second organ 9 can be located at the front of the energy storage device 6. The energy storage device 6 is therefore arranged between the two organs 8 and 9.

[0025] According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting means 10 is a hydraulic connecting means linking the friction element to the control element, in particular a hydraulic line containing brake fluid. The force applied by a driver to the vehicle's brake pedal can thus be transmitted from the control element to the friction element via the hydraulic connecting means 10.

[0026] According to the invention, and as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], the connecting means 10 passes completely through the energy storage device 6. That is- that is to say that the connecting means 10 is arranged inside the energy storage device 6, and not above, below or on one side of the energy storage device. An available volume within the energy storage device 6 is thus used to house the connecting means 10.

[0027] The integration of the connecting means 10 does not require any modification to the outline of the energy storage device, i.e., to the enclosure of the energy storage device. The overall dimensions of the energy storage device 6 remain unchanged by the integration of the connecting means 10. This frees up space outside the energy storage device for other vehicle connecting means and / or to increase the volume of the vehicle's passenger compartment. Furthermore, the connecting means 10 thus benefits from the protection means necessary to safeguard the battery 4. The connecting means 10 is therefore better protected than if it were located outside the energy storage device and is therefore less likely to be damaged.

[0028] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the connecting means can be extended on either side of the energy storage device by means of auxiliary connecting means 11, 12 extending outside the energy storage device. Connection means can be provided to connect the connecting means 10 to the auxiliary connecting means 11, 12.

[0029] Alternatively, the connecting means 10 could be used to connect any other components of the braking system or even to connect components belonging to a vehicle system other than the braking system. The storage device may include any number of connecting means passing through it.

[0030] By way of non-limiting example, the invention can thus be used to connect two separate components belonging to one of the following systems: - An air conditioning and / or cooling system including hydraulic lines for transporting a heat transfer fluid and / or air. - A powertrain system including an internal combustion engine (in addition to electric motor 2) and a fuel tank connected to the internal combustion engine by hydraulic lines transporting the fuel. This fuel can be, for example, gasoline, diesel, or liquefied petroleum gas. - An electricity generation system including a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank connected to the fuel cell. - An exhaust system designed to evacuate combustion gases if the vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine, and / or water if the vehicle is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell. The exhaust system may include a hydraulic line designed to transport the combustion gases or water from an engine or respectively a fuel cell at the front of the vehicle towards an exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle. - A system for cleaning exterior surfaces such as windows. This cleaning system may include, on the one hand, a cleaning fluid reservoir and a pump, and on the other hand, nozzles positioned near the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0031] In all cases, the two components 8 and 9 connected by the connecting means 10 belong to a system different from the system to which the battery 4 belongs. In particular, the connecting means 10 passing through the energy storage device is quite distinct from a cooling line intended to cool the electrochemical battery 4. Indeed, such a line is part of the system to which the battery 4 belongs since it serves to maintain the battery 4 at an appropriate operating temperature. Advantageously, the connecting means 10 does not interact at all with the operation of the battery 4.

[0032] According to other embodiments, a connecting means passing through the energy storage device 6 could be an electrical connecting means. The electrical connecting means could thus comprise at least one electrical cable. The connecting means could thus electrically connect two electrical or electronic devices positioned on either side of the energy storage device 6. By way of non-limiting example, these two electrical devices could be chosen from among a computer, a sensor, an electrical actuator such as, for example, a small electric motor, a lighting device, a power outlet, or a control element.

[0033] According to yet other embodiments, a connecting means passing through the energy storage device could be a mechanical connecting means. A mechanical connecting means could, for example, include a rod. This rod could be movable inside the energy storage device 6. The mechanical connecting means could also include a small-diameter transmission shaft. The transmission shaft could, for example, be guided by bearings supported by the energy storage device 6.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates the energy storage device 6 in more detail. The battery 4 has a generally parallelepiped shape. The battery 4 extends horizontally along the floor of the vehicle. The battery can extend lengthwise between a front axle and a rear axle of the vehicle. The battery can extend across the entire width of the vehicle, or at least over 50% of the vehicle's width. In one embodiment, the battery 4 may include a completely flat upper surface, designed to extend horizontally when the vehicle is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0035] As can be clearly seen in [Fig. 2], a battery cover may also include a local raised section 13. This raised section 13 can accommodate additional electrochemical modules 5. The battery 4 can thus include electrochemical modules 5 distributed over two stages.

[0036] The battery 4 further comprises a housing 14 containing the electrochemical modules 5. The housing 14 forms a watertight and splashproof enclosure that protects the electrochemical modules 5. The housing 14 may be equipped with valves 15 for venting gases contained within the battery to prevent overpressure. According to the illustrated embodiment, the battery is equipped with two valves 15 extending along a rear face of the battery.

[0037] As mentioned previously, the battery 4 is held by at least one bracket 7. The bracket 7 is a structural element forming an interface between the battery 4 and a vehicle body. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the bracket 7 comprises two lateral supports 17. Each support 17 extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, along one lateral side of the battery 4. Each support 17 can be intended to be fixed to a vehicle side member by means of fastening means such as fixing screws.

[0038] Each stretcher 17 is a profiled element. Each stretcher 17 extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, that is, the axis along which the vehicle 1 moves in a straight line. Consequently, each stretcher 17 comprises a cross-section perpendicular to the axis along which it extends, which is substantially constant. Preferably, each stretcher 17 is manufactured by a material extrusion process. Preferably, each stretcher 17 is made of aluminum. The support 7 thus offers an ideal compromise between rigidity and lightness. Each stretcher 17 can be a monolithic element, that is, formed from a single piece.

[0039] Furthermore, each stretcher 17 is hollow. Each stretcher 17 thus comprises at least one internal chamber enclosed by side partitions and opening at the front and rear. The presence of internal chambers significantly reduces the weight of each stretcher 17 and also provides a free volume for the passage of at least one connecting means 10.

[0040] The cross-section of each stretcher 17 has a generally triangular shape with a vertical side extending along the housing 14, a horizontal side extending to the height of a battery cover 4, and an oblique side. Each stretcher 17 comprises a plurality of internal chambers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and 18F extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and separated from each other by internal partitions 19. The cross-section of each internal chamber can have various dimensions and shapes. The internal partitions 19 form ribs that stiffen the stretchers 17.

[0041] Each of the internal chambers 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and 18F, or a portion thereof, may accommodate at least one connecting means, in particular a hydraulic connecting means such as a pipe, an electrical connecting means such as a cable, or a mechanical connecting means such as a rod or shaft. If the connecting means is a pipe, it may be an added element inserted into an internal chamber via one of its two ends. As an example, a connecting means 10 passing through the internal chamber 18E is shown in [Fig. 3].

[0042] Alternatively, such a conduit can also be formed directly by side partitions delimiting an inner chamber. In this case, the fluid transported by such a hydraulic conduit would come into direct contact with the partitions delimiting the inner chamber. Advantageously, aluminum is compatible with most fluids used in a motor vehicle, and in particular with brake fluid. Therefore, the circulation of brake fluid in contact with a stretcher 17 presents no problem.

[0043] The housing 14 includes a lower plate 16, side walls 21 and a cover 22 screwed onto an upper face of the side walls 21.

[0044] The lower plate 16 extends substantially horizontally beneath the electrochemical modules 5. It has sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the electrochemical elements, in particular without excessive deformation. The lower plate 16 is also a profiled element along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is hollow. It can also be manufactured by a material extrusion process. Preferably, the lower plate 16 is a monolithic element made of aluminum. It also includes a plurality of internal chambers 20A, 20B, 20C within which connecting means can be arranged.

[0045] Each side wall 21 extends longitudinally along one lateral side of the battery 4. Each side wall 21 is also a profiled element following the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is hollow. Each side wall 21 can also be manufactured by a material extrusion process. Preferably, each side wall 21 is a monolithic element made of aluminum. Each side wall 21 also comprises a plurality of internal chambers 23A, 23B, 23C, in particular of rectangular cross-section and arranged vertically one above the other. Connecting means can also be arranged through the internal chambers 23A, 23B, 23C.

[0046] Alternatively, the side walls 21 and / or the bottom plate 16 of the housing 14 and / or the stretchers 17 could have different shapes and / or include a different number of internal chambers.

[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention in which hydraulic pipes form a monolithic unit with the stretcher 17. According to this embodiment, two hydraulic pipes 10A, 10B are arranged inside the inner chamber 18E and are in contact with a lateral partition delimiting this chamber.

[0048] Similarly, two other hydraulic pipes 10C, 10D form a monolithic assembly with the lower plate 16. The hydraulic pipes 10C, 10D are arranged inside the inner chamber 20A.

[0049] Fig. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention in which hydraulic lines form a monolithic unit with the side wall 21 of the housing 14. According to this embodiment, two hydraulic lines 10E, 10F are arranged inside the inner chamber 23B.

[0050] Hydraulic lines 10A, 10B are formed by extrusion during the manufacture of the stretcher 17. Hydraulic lines 10C, 10D are formed by extrusion during the manufacture of the lower plate 16. Hydraulic lines 10E, 10F are formed by extrusion during the manufacture of the side wall 21. Each of the hydraulic lines 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F can have a generally cylindrical shape. As can be seen in [Fig. 5], hydraulic lines can be positioned at a corner of an inner chamber so as to limit the amount of material required to form said hydraulic line.

[0051] As a note, the first and second variants can be combined to provide an energy storage device with six hydraulic lines. By symmetry, a left side of the energy storage device (not shown) can also be equipped with such hydraulic lines. Alternatively, any number of hydraulic lines could be considered. These hydraulic lines could also be integrated into internal chambers other than those shown in Figures 4 and 5. Advantageously, these hydraulic lines are generally straight, which prevents any pressure loss in the fluid they carry.

[0052] The embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly well-suited for conveying a fluid under high pressure, as is the case, for example, in a braking system. Indeed, the partitions delimiting each hydraulic line are relatively thick, which prevents deformation of the line when the fluid it carries is under pressure. The thickness of these partitions is also used to increase the rigidity of the side walls 21, and / or the bottom plate 16, and / or the shafts 17.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a 10G linking means passes through the battery casing 14. The 10G linking means extends into a free space between at least one electrochemical module 5 of the battery and the battery casing 14. This free space may, in particular, be located under the cover 22 of the casing. The 10G linking means may then comprise a series of bends, for example, right-angle bends, so as to make its way through the battery 4 without coming into contact with electrochemical modules 5 or with electrical conductors. Electrical insulation means may optionally be added to prevent any risk of short-circuiting between the 10G linking means and electrical conductors. As illustrated in Figure 6, the 10G linking means may pass only through the raised section 13.Alternatively, the connecting means could traverse the entire battery 4 from its front edge to its rear edge.

[0054] Each connecting means 10 can further be equipped with connecting means for connecting the connecting means 10 to an auxiliary connecting means 11 or 12. In particular, two connecting means can be arranged at each of the two ends of the connecting means 10.

[0055] Figure 7 illustrates a connection means 25A according to a first embodiment. The connection means 25A is particularly suitable for connecting one of the hydraulic lines 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F to an auxiliary connecting means. The connection means 25A comprises a first portion 26 provided with a threaded shaft for screwing onto one end of the hydraulic line 10A. For this purpose, the hydraulic line 10A has a tapped end. The connection means 25A comprises a second portion 27, extending outside the energy storage device 6, for screwing onto one end of an auxiliary hydraulic line 11A. For this purpose, the second portion 27 has a tapped hole for cooperating with a threaded shaft at one end of the auxiliary hydraulic line 11A.Between the first portion 26 and the second portion 27, the connection means 25A includes a clamping element 28 such as a nut for screwing the connection means 25A into the end of the hydraulic line 10A. In addition, the connection means 25A also includes a sealing means 29 intended to be compressed between a face of the energy storage device 6 and the clamping element 28, to complete the sealing of the hydraulic connection.

[0056] Such a connection means is particularly suitable for connecting hydraulic lines in a braking system. Indeed, such a connection means is capable of withstanding the high pressures used in such a system. Alternatively, assuming that the hydraulic lines are intended to To accommodate a fluid under lower pressure, simpler connection methods could be considered. Generally, the connection method can be adapted according to the type of fluid intended to flow through the corresponding hydraulic line.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a connection means 25B according to a second embodiment. The connection means 25B is particularly suitable for connecting a hydraulic line separate from the housing 14, the lower plate 16, or a stretcher 17. The connection means 25B is particularly suitable for connecting a hydraulic line 10G passing through the battery 4 as shown in Figure 6. The connection means 25B comprises a base 30 by means of which it is fixed rigidly to the battery housing 14, for example by welding. The base 30 is provided with a first tapped hole 31 and a second tapped hole 32. The two tapped holes 31 and 32 are arranged in line with each other and are hydraulically connected. The first tapped hole 31 is intended to cooperate with a threaded end of the hydraulic line 10G, which extends inside the energy storage device 6.The second tapped hole 32 is intended to cooperate with a threaded end of an auxiliary hydraulic line 11A extending outside the energy storage device 6.

[0058] The vehicle can be assembled as follows: First, the energy storage device 6, the first component 8, and the second component 9 are provided. Then, the first component is connected to the second component via at least one connecting means 10 passing through the energy storage device. For this purpose, auxiliary connecting elements are connected on one side to the first component 8 and the second component 9 respectively, and on the other side to one end of the connecting means 10 using the connecting means 25A or 25B.

[0059] Finally, thanks to the invention, at least some of the connecting means linking two vehicle components are integrated into the energy storage device 6, thus freeing up space for other needs while providing additional protection to these connecting means. The invention therefore makes it possible to offer motor vehicles that are easier to assemble and / or more spacious.

Claims

Demands

1. Energy storage device (6) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, the energy storage device comprising an electrochemical battery (4) and at least one connecting means (10) for connecting two components (8, 9) of the vehicle separate from the energy storage device, the at least one connecting means passing through the energy storage device, the at least one connecting means (10) comprising: - at least one hydraulic connecting means, in particular at least one hydraulic line of a braking system of the vehicle, and / or - at least one mechanical connecting means, in particular at least one mechanical transmission shaft, for example a rod.

2. Energy storage device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one connecting means (10) comprises at least one electrical connecting means, in particular at least one electrical cable.

3. Energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one stretcher (17) supporting the battery (4), stretcher being a profiled and hollow element, at least one connecting means (10) extending inside said stretcher.

4. Energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery (4) comprises a housing (14) enclosing at least one electrochemical module (5), the housing comprising at least one side wall (21) and / or a bottom plate (16), the side wall and / or the bottom plate being a profiled hollow element, at least one connecting means (10) extending inside said profiled hollow element.

5. Energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one element (7, 21) formed by extrusion, in particular by extrusion of aluminium, the at least one connecting means (10) extending into an inner chamber (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 20A, 20B, 23A, 23B, 23C) of said element formed by extrusion.

6. An energy storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means (10) comprises a hydraulic conduit, the conduit walls hydraulic forming a monolithic assembly with a support (7) supporting the battery (4) or with a wall (21) of a housing (14) of the battery (4).

7. Energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting means (10) extends into a free space of the energy storage device, said free space being comprised between at least one electrochemical module (5) of the battery and a battery case (14) enclosing at least one electrochemical module, the free space being in particular comprised between at least one electrochemical module (5) of the battery and a cover (22) of the case.

8. Energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one connection means (25A, 25B) arranged at an edge of the energy storage device, the at least one connection means being fixed to one end of the at least one linking means (10) for connecting the at least one linking means to at least one auxiliary linking means (11, 12) extending outside the energy storage device.

9. Vehicle (1), in particular motor vehicle, comprising an energy storage device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Method of assembling a vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - supplying an energy storage device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and - supplying a first component (8) and a second component (9) separate from the energy storage device, then - connecting the first component to the second component by means of at least one connecting means (10) passing through the energy storage device.

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